<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 15, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U S WEST, INC. (to be renamed
"MediaOne Group, Inc.") DELAWARE 4841 84-0926774
MEDIAONE GROUP FUNDING, INC. DELAWARE 4841 APPLIED FOR
MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST I DELAWARE 4841 APPLIED FOR
MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST II DELAWARE 4841 APPLIED FOR
(Exact name of Registrant as (State or other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
Specified in its Charter) Incorporation or Organization) Industrial Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
7800 EAST ORCHARD ROAD
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80111
(303) 793-6500
(Address, including ZIP code, and telephone number, including
area code, of each registrants' principal executive offices)
STEPHEN E. BRILZ, ESQ.
U S WEST, INC.
7800 EAST ORCHARD ROAD
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80111
(303) 793-6500
(Name, address, including ZIP code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
--------------------------
COPIES TO:
DENNIS J. BLOCK, ESQ.
WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP
767 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10153
(212) 310-8000
--------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
Upon consummation of the Offers described herein.
--------------------------
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
TO BE REGISTERED PRICE(1)(2) REGISTRATION FEE(1)
<S> <C> <C>
Preferred Securities of MediaOne Finance Trust I.............. $611,280,000 $180,328
Preferred Securities of MediaOne Finance Trust II............. $498,048,000 $146,924
Debt Securities of MediaOne Group Funding, Inc................ --
Guarantees of Preferred Securities of MediaOne Finance Trust I
and MediaOne Finance Trust II(3)............................ --
Guarantees of Debt Securities by U S WEST, Inc.(3)............ --
Total....................................................... $1,109,328,000(4) $327,252
</TABLE>
(1) Being registered hereby are the maximum amount of Preferred Securities of
MediaOne Finance Trust I and MediaOne Finance Trust II which may be issued
in connection with the Offers described herein. Debt Securities of MediaOne
Group Funding, Inc. will be issued and sold to MediaOne Finance Trust I and
MediaOne Finance Trust II and such Debt Securities may later be distributed
to the holders of Preferred Securities upon a dissolution of MediaOne
Finance Trust I or MediaOne Finance Trust II and the distribution of the
assets thereof.
(2) Exclusive of accrued interest and distributions, if any.
(3) No separate consideration will be received for any Guarantees.
(4) Pursuant to Rule 457(f) (1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
calculation of the registration fee is based upon the market value of the
7.96% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $25 per
security) of U S WEST Financing I and the 8 1/4% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities (liquidation amount $25 per security) of U S WEST Financing II to
be received by the registrants or cancelled in the exchange as established
by the price of securities of the same class, as determined by the average
of the high and low prices reported in the consolidated reporting system as
of April 9, 1998.
--------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 15, 1998
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[LOGO] [LOGO]
</TABLE>
OFFER TO EXCHANGE AND CONSENT SOLICITATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
U S WEST FINANCING I U S WEST FINANCING II
7.96% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM- 8 1/4% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM-
("TOPRS-SM- ") ("TOPRS-SM- ")
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER SECURITY) (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER SECURITY)
FOR FOR
MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST I MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST II
% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM- % TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM-
("TOPRS-SM- ") ("TOPRS-SM- ")
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER SECURITY) (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER SECURITY)
OR $ . IN CASH OR $ . IN CASH
</TABLE>
EACH OF THE OFFERS AND RELATED WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT
5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , , 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
U S WEST Capital Funding, Inc. ("Capital Funding") hereby offers holders of
7.96% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Old Series I Preferred
Securities") of U S WEST Financing I (the "Old Series I Trust") the right to
exchange their securities for either (i) an equal amount of % Trust
Originated Preferred Securities (the "New Series I Preferred Securities") of
MediaOne Finance Trust I (the "New Series I Trust") or (ii) $ in cash.
Capital Funding also hereby offers holders of 8 1/4% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities (the "Old Series II Preferred Securities" and, together with the Old
Series I Preferred Securities, the "Old Preferred Securities") of U S WEST
Financing II (the "Old Series II Trust") the right to exchange their securities
for either (i) an equal amount of % Trust Originated Preferred Securities
(the "New Series II Preferred Securities" and, together with the New Series I
Preferred Securities, the "New Preferred Securities") of MediaOne Finance Trust
II (the "New Series II Trust") or (ii) $ in cash. Each of the offers is
referred to herein individually as an "Offer" and collectively as the "Offers."
The Offers are being made in connection with the separation of U S WEST,
Inc. ("U S WEST") into two independent companies (the "Separation"). In the
Separation, U S WEST will distribute to its stockholders all of the capital
stock of a subsidiary holding the businesses of the U S WEST Communications
Group and the domestic directories business of the U S WEST Media Group known as
"Dex" (such subsidiary will be renamed "U S WEST, Inc." and is referred to
herein as "New U S WEST"). Following such distribution, U S WEST will be renamed
"MediaOne Group, Inc." and will continue to conduct the businesses of the U S
WEST Media Group other than Dex (U S WEST after the Separation is sometimes
referred to herein as "MediaOne").
The Old Preferred Securities are currently guaranteed to the extent set
forth in this Prospectus by U S WEST. After the Separation, the New Preferred
Securities will be guaranteed to the extent set forth in this Prospectus solely
by MediaOne, and New U S WEST will have no liability or obligation with respect
to the New Preferred Securities. In addition, after the Separation, Old
Preferred Securities which are not tendered in the Offers will be guaranteed
solely by MediaOne to the extent set forth in this Prospectus and New U S WEST
will have no liability or obligation with respect to such Old Preferred
Securities. In connection with the Offers, U S WEST is asking the holders of
record of Old Preferred Securities as of , 1998 (the "Record Date") to
consent to certain amendments to the terms of the Old Preferred Securities (the
"Consents") to specifically permit the Separation without complying with certain
covenants that might otherwise apply to the Separation, although U S WEST does
not believe that such covenants would require such compliance as a result of the
Separation. The proper tender of Old Preferred Securities by such holders will
constitute the giving of a Consent by such holders with respect to such Old
Preferred Securities. No separate payments will be made for such Consents. The
Offers and the Separation are not conditioned upon the receipt by U S WEST of
the requisite Consents. U S WEST plans to proceed with the Offers and the
Separation whether or not the requisite Consents are received.
U S WEST will pay to a Soliciting Dealer a solicitation fee of $ per Old
Preferred Security tendered, accepted for payment and paid for pursuant to the
Offers, subject to certain conditions. See "Chapter 8: Certain Other
Matters--Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers."
This Prospectus provides you with detailed information about the Separation
and the terms of the Offers and the New Preferred Securities. We urge you to
read this Prospectus carefully.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 14 FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY YOU IN EVALUATING THE OFFERS AND THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES,
INCLUDING THE PERIOD AND CIRCUMSTANCES DURING AND UNDER WHICH PAYMENTS OF
DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES MAY BE DEFERRED AND THE RELATED
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED
PURSUANT TO THIS PROSPECTUS. THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT
PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE SEPARATION OR THE OFFERS OR UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DEALER MANAGERS FOR THE OFFERS ARE:
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. LEHMAN BROTHERS
, 1998
- -SM- "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS.................................................................................... 14
Risk Factors Related to MediaOne......................................................................... 14
Risk Factors Related to the Preferred Securities......................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND CONSENT SOLICITATION............................................................. 22
The Offers............................................................................................... 22
The Consent Solicitation................................................................................. 31
Listing and Trading of New Preferred Securities and Old Preferred Securities............................. 33
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION.................................................................................. 35
The Separation........................................................................................... 35
The Refinancing.......................................................................................... 38
Treatment of Preferred Stock............................................................................. 40
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE...................................................................... 41
Business of MediaOne..................................................................................... 41
Management of MediaOne................................................................................... 48
MediaOne Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements..................................... 51
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES.................................................................... 60
The New Trusts........................................................................................... 60
The New Preferred Securities............................................................................. 61
Description of the New Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantees....................................... 73
Description of the New Preferred Securities Guarantees................................................... 83
Effect of Obligations Under the New Debt Securities, the New Debt Guarantees and the New Preferred
Securities Guarantees.................................................................................. 86
Comparison of Rights of Securityholders.................................................................. 87
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES......................................................... 90
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offers and the MediaOne Debt Assumption........................... 90
Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing of New Preferred Securities...................... 92
Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing of Old Preferred Securities After the MediaOne
Debt Assumption........................................................................................ 94
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS........................................................................... 95
Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Offers...................................................... 95
Fees and Expenses; Transfer Taxes........................................................................ 95
Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers...................................................................... 95
Market Price Data........................................................................................ 97
Legal Matters............................................................................................ 98
Experts.................................................................................................. 98
Where You Can Find More Information...................................................................... 98
ANNEXES.................................................................................................... A-1
Annex A--Proposed Amendments............................................................................. A-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY
Set forth below is a list of certain defined terms used in this Prospectus
and the page on which such terms are defined.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C>
1940 Act........................................ 64
1992 Cable Act.................................. 47
1995 Recapitalization........................... 12
Additional Interest............................. 78
Agent's Message................................. 27
AirTouch........................................ 6
AirTouch Merger Agreement....................... 46
AirTouch Transaction............................ 6
AirTouch Transaction Adjustments................ 52
A/N............................................. 43
Annual Meeting.................................. 35
Assumed Public Indebtedness..................... 38
ATOP............................................ 27
Bellcore........................................ 11
Beneficial Owner................................ 71
Book-Entry Confirmation......................... 27
Broker non-vote................................. 32
Capital Funding................................. cover
Capital Funding Indebtedness.................... 8
Cash Tender Offers.............................. 8
Change in 1940 Act Law.......................... 64
Charter......................................... 42
Charter Amendments.............................. 36
Chofu........................................... 44
Commission...................................... 24
Common Securities............................... 5
Communications Group............................ 6
Communications Group Region..................... 6
Communications Indebtedness..................... 8
Communications Redemption....................... 35
Communications Stock............................ 6
Consents........................................ cover
Consent Solicitation............................ 31
Consent Supplemental Indenture.................. 29
Continental..................................... 8
Continental Acquisition......................... 11
Continental Indebtedness........................ 8
DBS............................................. 15
Dealer Managers................................. 10
Debt Securities................................. 4
Debt Trustee.................................... 73
Declaration..................................... 60
Declaration Event of Default.................... 67
Delivery Date................................... 1
Dex............................................. cover
Dex Alignment................................... 7
Dex Dividend.................................... 35
Dex Dividend Number............................. 36
Dex Equity Value................................ 36
Dex Indebtedness................................ 7
Dex Value....................................... 36
DGCL............................................ 24
Direct Action................................... 17
Direct Participants............................. 71
Discontinued Operations Adjustments............. 52
Distributions................................... 54
DTC............................................. 2
DTC Participants................................ 27
Eligible Institution............................ 28
<CAPTION>
TERM PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C>
Exchange Act.................................... 23
Exchange Agent.................................. 10
Expiration Date................................. 1
Expiration Dates................................ 1
Extension Period................................ 18
FCC............................................. 47
Financial Services.............................. 8
General Cable................................... 44
Global Notes.................................... 27
GSM............................................. 44
Guarantee Payments.............................. 85
HFC............................................. 41
Holder.......................................... 22
Home Box Office................................. 45
Indenture Event of Default...................... 67
Indirect Participants........................... 71
Information Agent............................... 10
Investment Company Act.......................... 64
Investment Company Event........................ 64
ISPs............................................ 15
IXCs............................................ 15
LECs............................................ 15
Liquidation Distribution........................ 66
LMDS............................................ 15
Media Group..................................... 6
Media Stock..................................... 6
MediaOne........................................ cover
MediaOne Common Stock........................... 35
MediaOne Debt Assumption........................ 4
MediaOne Delaware............................... 8
MediaOne Funding................................ 5
MediaOne Group, Inc............................. cover
MediaOne Payment................................ 74
MediaOne Separation Adjustments................. 52
Minimum Distribution Condition.................. 24
Minimum Holders Condition....................... 24
Minnesota Sale Agreement........................ 42
Minnesota System................................ 42
MMDS............................................ 15
NASD............................................ 96
New Capital Funding Indebtedness................ 38
New Common Securities........................... 5
New Common Securities Guarantees................ 84
New Debt Guarantees............................. 5
New Debt Securities............................. 5
New Delaware Trustee............................ 60
New Indenture................................... 73
New MediaOne Funding Indebtedness............... 38
New Preferred Guarantee Trustee................. 60
New Preferred Securities........................ cover
New Preferred Securities Guarantees............. 5
New Property Account............................ 60
New Property Trustee............................ 60
New Regular Trustees............................ 60
New Series I Common Securities.................. 4
New Series I Debt Guarantee..................... 5
New Series I Debt Securities.................... 4
New Series I Preferred Securities............... cover
New Series I Preferred Securities Guarantee..... 5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C>
New Series I Trust.............................. cover
New Series II Common Securities................. 5
New Series II Debt Guarantee.................... 5
New Series II Debt Securities................... 5
New Series II Preferred Securities.............. cover
New Series II Preferred Securities Guarantee.... 5
New Series II Trust............................. cover
New Trustees.................................... 60
New Trusts...................................... 7
New U S WEST.................................... cover
New U S WEST Common Stock....................... 7
NewVector....................................... 46
NYSE............................................ 2
Offer........................................... cover
Offers.......................................... cover
OID............................................. 18
Old Common Securities........................... 3
Old Common Stock................................ 12
Old Debt Guarantees............................. 4
Old Debt Securities............................. 4
Old Indenture................................... 3
Old Preferred Securities........................ cover
Old Preferred Securities Guarantees............. 4
Old Series I Common Securities.................. 3
Old Series I Debt Guarantee..................... 3
Old Series I Debt Securities.................... 3
Old Series I Offer.............................. 1
Old Series I Preferred Securities............... cover
Old Series I Preferred Securities Guarantee..... 3
Old Series I Trust.............................. cover
Old Series II Common Securities................. 3
Old Series II Debt Guarantees................... 4
Old Series II Debt Securities................... 4
Old Series II Offer............................. 1
Old Series II Preferred Securities.............. cover
Old Series II Preferred Securities Guarantee.... 4
Old Series II Trust............................. cover
Old Trusts...................................... 7
One 2 One....................................... 44
PCS Holdings.................................... 46
Preferred Securities............................ 5
PrimeStar....................................... 43
Proposed Amendments............................. 3
Proxy Statement................................. 35
PSE............................................. 37
Record Date..................................... cover
Refinancing..................................... 8
Registration Statement.......................... 98
<CAPTION>
TERM PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C>
Reissued Securities............................. 91
Reorganization.................................. 36
Requisite Consents.............................. 31
Schedule 13E-4.................................. 99
Securities Act.................................. 95
Senior Indebtedness............................. 75
Separation...................................... cover
Separation Agreement............................ 35
Separation Condition............................ 24
Separation Date................................. 35
Separation Time................................. 35
Series I Expiration Date........................ 1
Series I Scheduled Maturity..................... 77
Series II Expiration Date....................... 1
SFAS............................................ 12
SMATV........................................... 15
Special Event................................... 64
Sponsor......................................... 60
Successor Securities............................ 70
Super-Majority.................................. 68
Tax Event....................................... 64
Tax Opinion..................................... 92
TCI............................................. 42
TCI Exchange.................................... 42
Telecommunications Act.......................... 15
Telewest........................................ 12
Tiers........................................... 41
Time Warner Cable............................... 42
Titus........................................... 44
Trust Act....................................... 61
Trust Indenture Act............................. 60
TWE............................................. 41
TWE-A/N......................................... 43
TWE Japan....................................... 46
TWE Non-competition Restrictions................ 45
TWX............................................. 42
USW-C, Inc...................................... 35
U S WEST........................................ cover
U S WEST Board.................................. 9
U S WEST Communications......................... 8
U S WEST, Inc................................... 7
U S WEST Indebtedness........................... 8
U S WEST Preferred Stock........................ 40
U S WEST Restated Certificate................... 36
U S WEST Series C Preferred Stock............... 40
U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock............... 40
U S WEST Series E Preferred Stock............... 40
Washington Rate Order........................... 11
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
THIS INTRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THIS PROSPECTUS AND
MAY NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. TO UNDERSTAND
THE OFFERS FULLY AND FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMS OF THE OFFERS
AND THE SEPARATION, YOU SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THIS ENTIRE PROSPECTUS AND THE
DOCUMENTS WE HAVE REFERRED TO YOU. SEE "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" ON
PAGE 98.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
THE OFFERS
TERMS OF THE OFFERS............. Capital Funding hereby offers to exchange each
outstanding Old Series I Preferred Security for either
(i) a New Series I Preferred Security or (ii) $ in
cash (the "Old Series I Offer"). Capital Funding also
hereby offers to exchange each outstanding Old Series II
Preferred Security for either (i) a New Series II
Preferred Security or (ii) $ in cash (the "Old Series
II Offer"). There are currently 24 million Old Series I
Preferred Securities and 19.2 million Old Series II
Preferred Securities outstanding.
The Old Series I Offer will expire on 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on , , 1998, unless extended
by Capital Funding in its sole discretion (the "Series I
Expiration Date"). The Old Series II Offer will expire
on 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , ,
1998, unless extended by Capital Funding in its sole
discretion (the "Series II Expiration Date"). The Series
I Expiration Date and the Series II Expiration Date are
each an "Expiration Date" and together constitute the
"Expiration Dates."
Upon consummation of an Offer, delivery of New Preferred
Securities will occur and cash payments will be made as
promptly as practicable on a settlement date following
the applicable Expiration Date (with respect to each
Offer, the "Delivery Date").
Pursuant to each Offer, holders of Old Preferred
Securities accepted for exchange will also receive cash
equal to the accrued and unpaid distributions on such
Old Preferred Securities accumulated after , 1998
to but excluding the applicable Delivery Date, in lieu
of such distributions on Old Preferred Securities
accepted for exchange.
EACH OFFER IS INDEPENDENT FROM THE OTHER OFFER. IN
ADDITION, EACH OFFER IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AS
DESCRIBED HEREIN.
WITHDRAWALS..................... Tenders of Old Preferred Securities pursuant to an Offer
may be withdrawn at any time prior to the applicable
Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by
Capital Funding, may be withdrawn at any time after
, 1998.
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFERS........ Consummation of each Offer is subject to certain
conditions, including, among other things, the
following:
/ / The Separation Condition (as defined herein), which
requires the satisfaction of all conditions to the
Separation other than the consummation of the
Offers,
</TABLE>
1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
including the approval of the Separation by U S
WEST's stockholders and the consummation of the
other components of the Refinancing (as defined
herein).
/ / In order to satisfy New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") listing requirements with respect to each
series of New Preferred Securities, the Minimum
Distribution Condition (as defined herein), which
requires that there be at least 400 record or
beneficial holders of at least 1,000,000 of such
New Preferred Securities upon consummation of such
Offer.
/ / In order to protect certain rights of the holders
of Old Preferred Securities of each series, the Minimum
Holders Condition (as defined herein), which
requires that a sufficient number of Old Preferred
Securities of each series are not tendered in an
Offer such that, upon consummation of such Offer,
such series of Old Preferred Securities do not
cease to be listed on the NYSE.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING........ All of the Old Preferred Securities are held in
book-entry form through participants (I.E., a custodian
bank, depositary, broker, trust company or other
nominee) of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). A
beneficial owner who wishes to tender Old Preferred
Securities pursuant to an Offer should promptly instruct
the DTC participant through which such beneficial owner
holds its Old Preferred Securities to tender such Old
Preferred Securities on behalf of such beneficial owner
pursuant to the procedures described herein.
EXTENSIONS, AMENDMENTS,
TERMINATION................... Capital Funding expressly reserves the right, as to each
Offer, to (i) terminate such Offer, and not accept for
exchange any Old Preferred Securities tendered in such
Offer upon the failure of any of the conditions to such
Offer, (ii) waive any condition to such Offer (other
than the Separation Condition, the Minimum Distribution
Condition and the Minimum Holders Condition), (iii)
extend the Expiration Date of such Offer and retain all
Old Preferred Securities tendered pursuant to such Offer
until the applicable Expiration Date, subject, however,
to all withdrawal rights of holders, (iv) amend the
terms of such Offer, (v) modify the form of the
consideration to be paid pursuant to such Offer, or (vi)
not accept for exchange the Old Preferred Securities
tendered pursuant to such Offer at any time on or prior
to the Expiration Date for such Offer as a result of an
invalid tender, withdrawal prior to the applicable
Expiration Date or the occurrence of certain other
events as set forth herein. Any amendment applicable to
an Offer will apply to all Old Preferred Securities
tendered pursuant to such Offer.
THE CONSENT SOLICITATION.......... In connection with the Offers, U S WEST and Capital
Funding are soliciting Consents from the holders of
record of the Old Preferred Securities as of the Record
Date to certain
</TABLE>
2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the
Indenture (the "Old Indenture") under which the Old Debt
Securities (as defined herein) were issued, to
specifically permit the Separation without complying
with certain covenants that might otherwise apply to the
Separation, although U S WEST does not believe that such
covenants would require such compliance as a result of
the Separation. The proper tender of Old Preferred
Securities by holders as of the Record Date will
constitute the giving of a Consent by such holders with
respect to such Old Preferred Securities. Holders of Old
Preferred Securities who acquired such Old Preferred
Securities after the Record Date will have the right to
tender their Old Preferred Securities pursuant to the
Offer but will not have the right to provide Consents. A
holder of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date
will be permitted to provide such holder's Consent even
if such holder does not tender Old Preferred Securities
pursuant to an Offer. No separate payments will be made
for Consents.
The Offers and the Separation are not conditioned upon
the receipt of requisite Consents with respect to Old
Preferred Securities of any series. U S WEST plans to
proceed with the Separation whether or not the requisite
Consents are received.
THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
THE OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES.... The Old Series I Preferred Securities evidence preferred
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Old
Series I Trust. U S WEST owns all the common undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Old Series I
Trust (the "Old Series I Common Securities"). The sole
asset of the Old Series I Trust consists of an aggregate
principal amount of 7.96% Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes due 2025 (the "Old Series I Debt
Securities") of Capital Funding equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Old Series I Preferred
Securities and the Old Series I Common Securities. The
Old Series I Debt Securities are fully and
unconditionally guaranteed (the "Old Series I Debt
Guarantee") on a subordinated basis as to payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest by U S WEST.
The payment of distributions out of moneys held by the
Old Series I Trust, and payments on liquidation of the
Old Series I Trust or the redemption of the Old Series I
Preferred Securities are guaranteed by U S WEST to the
extent the Old Series I Trust has funds available
therefor as described herein (the "Old Series I
Preferred Securities Guarantee").
The Old Series II Preferred Securities evidence
preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the Old Series II Trust. U S WEST owns all the common
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Old
Series II Trust (the "Old Series II Common Securities"
and, together with the Old Series I Common Securities,
the "Old Common Securities").
</TABLE>
3
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The sole asset of the Old Series II Trust consists of an
aggregate principal amount of 8 1/4% Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Notes due 2036 (the "Old Series II
Debt Securities" and, together with the Old Series I
Debt Securities, the "Old Debt Securities") of Capital
Funding equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Old Series II Preferred Securities and the Old Series II
Common Securities. The Old Series II Debt Securities are
fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the "Old Series II
Debt Guarantee" and, together with the Old Series I Debt
Guarantee, the "Old Debt Guarantees") on a subordinated
basis as to payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest by U S WEST. The payment of distributions out
of moneys held by the Old Series II Trust, and payments
on liquidation of the Old Series II Trust or the
redemption of the Old Series II Preferred Securities are
guaranteed by U S WEST to the extent the Old Series II
Trust has funds available therefor as described herein
(the "Old Series II Preferred Securities Guarantee" and
together, with the Old Series I Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the "Old Preferred Securities Guarantees").
If any of the Old Preferred Securities are not tendered
by holders in the Offers, such Old Preferred Securities
will remain outstanding. In such event, the obligations
of Capital Funding under the Old Debt Securities related
to such Old Preferred Securities will be assumed by
MediaOne (I.E., U S WEST after the Separation) in
connection with the Separation (the "MediaOne Debt
Assumption") and, as a result, the Old Debt Guarantees
will no longer be required. In addition, the Old
Preferred Securities Guarantees will be provided by
MediaOne (I.E., U S WEST after the Separation). After
the Separation, New U S WEST and Capital Funding (which
will become a subsidiary of New U S WEST) will have no
liability or obligation with respect to the Old Debt
Securities, the Old Debt Guarantees and the Old
Preferred Securities Guarantees. The Offers are not
conditioned upon the tender of any minimum number of Old
Preferred Securities. U S WEST plans to proceed with the
Separation regardless of the number of Old Preferred
Securities tendered. U S WEST may also determine to
defease the Old Debt Securities in lieu of the
assumption described above.
THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES.... The New Series I Preferred Securities evidence preferred
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the New
Series I Trust. MediaOne will own all the common
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the New
Series I Trust (the "New Series I Common Securities").
The sole asset of the New Series I Trust will consist of
an aggregate principal amount of % Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Notes due 2025 (the "New Series I
Debt Securities") of MediaOne Group Funding, Inc.
("MediaOne Funding") equal to the aggregate liquidation
amount of the New Series I Preferred Securities and the
New Series I Common Securities. The New Series I
</TABLE>
4
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Debt Securities will be fully and unconditionally
guaranteed (the "New Series I Debt Guarantee") on a
subordinated basis as to payment of principal, premium,
if any, and interest by MediaOne. The payment of
distributions out of moneys held by the New Series I
Trust, and payments on liquidation of the New Series I
Trust or the redemption of the New Series I Preferred
Securities will be guaranteed by MediaOne to the extent
the New Series I Trust has funds available therefor as
described herein (the "New Series I Preferred Securities
Guarantee").
The New Series II Preferred Securities evidence
preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the New Series II Trust. MediaOne will own all the
common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of
the New Series II Trust (the "New Series II Common
Securities" and, together with the New Series I Common
Securities, the "New Common Securities"). The sole asset
of the New Series II Trust will consist of an aggregate
principal amount of % Subordinated Deferrable Interest
Notes due 2036 (the "New Series II Debt Securities" and,
together with the New Series I Debt Securities, the "New
Debt Securities") of MediaOne Funding equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the New Series II
Preferred Securities and the New Series II Common
Securities. The New Series II Debt Securities will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the "New Series II
Debt Guarantee" and, together with the New Series I Debt
Guarantee, the "New Debt Guarantees") on a subordinated
basis as to payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest by MediaOne. The payment of distributions out
of moneys held by the New Series II Trust, and payments
on liquidation of the New Series II Trust or the
redemption of the New Series II Preferred Securities
will be guaranteed by MediaOne to the extent the New
Series II Trust has funds available therefor as
described herein (the "New Series II Preferred
Securities Guarantee" and, together with the New Series
I Preferred Securities Guarantee, the "New Preferred
Securities Guarantees"). The Old Preferred Securities
and the New Preferred Securities are sometimes referred
to herein as "Preferred Securities" and the Old Common
Securities and the New Common Securities are sometimes
referred to herein as "Common Securities."
The terms of the New Preferred Securities, the New Debt
Securities, the New Debt Guarantees and the New
Preferred Securities Guarantees will be substantially
the same as the terms of the corresponding Old Preferred
Securities, Old Debt Securities, Old Debt Guarantee and
Old Preferred Securities Guarantee, except that (i) the
distribution rate on each series of New Preferred
Securities (and the interest rate on the related New
Debt Securities) will be higher than the distribution
rate on the corresponding series of Old Preferred
</TABLE>
5
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities (and the interest rate on the related Old
Debt Securities), (ii) the New Debt Securities will be
issued by MediaOne Funding, (iii) certain provisions of
the New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series
I Debt Securities relating to special distributions and
redemptions will be modified from the terms of the Old
Series I Preferred Securities and the Old Series I Debt
Securities to conform such terms to the terms of the New
Series II Preferred Securities and the New Series II
Debt Securities and (iv) certain enforcement rights of
the holders of New Preferred Securities will be
modified.
THE COMPANIES
U S WEST........................ U S WEST is a diversified global communications company
engaged in the telecommunications, broadband
communications, wireless communications and directories
businesses. U S WEST conducts its businesses through two
groups: the U S WEST Communications Group (the
"Communications Group") and the U S WEST Media Group
(the "Media Group").
The Communications Group provides telecommunications
services, including local telephone services and
exchange access services, in a 14-state mountain and
western region of the United States (the "Communications
Group Region"). The Communications Group also provides
other products and services, including high-speed data
and Internet services and wireless communications
services, to customers both inside and outside the
Communications Group Region.
The Media Group is comprised of domestic and
international broadband communications, wireless
communications and directories businesses. The Media
Group's domestic broadband communications business
provides cable, telephony and high-speed data services
to customers under the name "MediaOne" and is the third
largest cable television system operator in the United
States. On April 6, 1998, U S WEST sold the Media
Group's domestic wireless business to AirTouch
Communications, Inc. ("AirTouch") in a tax-efficient
transaction (the "AirTouch Transaction").
U S WEST has two classes of common stock: the U S WEST
Communications Group Common Stock (the "Communications
Stock"), which is intended to reflect separately the
performance of the Communications Group, and the U S
WEST Media Group Common Stock (the "Media Stock"), which
is intended to reflect separately the performance of the
Media Group.
CAPITAL FUNDING................. Capital Funding is a wholly owned subsidiary of U S WEST
and was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Colorado in June 1986. Capital Funding has no
independent operations. Capital Funding's sole purpose
is to provide financing to U S WEST and its affiliates
through the issuance of indebtedness
</TABLE>
6
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
guaranteed by U S WEST. In the Separation, Capital
Funding will become a subsidiary of New U S WEST and
thereafter will provide financing to New U S WEST and
its affiliates through the issuance of indebtedness
guaranteed by New U S WEST. MediaOne will have no
liability or obligation with respect to any such
indebtedness.
MEDIAONE FUNDING................ MediaOne Funding is a wholly owned subsidiary of U S
WEST and was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware in April 1998. In the Separation, MediaOne
Funding will remain as a subsidiary of MediaOne (I.E., U
S WEST after the Separation). MediaOne Funding has no
independent operations. MediaOne Funding's sole purpose
will be to provide financing to MediaOne and its
affiliates through the issuance of indebtedness
guaranteed by MediaOne. New U S WEST will have no
liability or obligation with respect to any such
indebtedness.
THE TRUSTS...................... Each of the Old Series I Trust and the Old Series II
Trust (the "Old Trusts") and the New Series I Trust and
the New Series II Trust (the "New Trusts") is a
statutory business trust formed under Delaware law. The
Old Trusts exist for the exclusive purposes of (i)
issuing Old Preferred Securities and Old Common
Securities, (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Old
Preferred Securities and the Old Common Securities in
the Old Debt Securities and the Old Debt Guarantee and
(iii) engaging in only those other activities necessary
or incidental thereto. The New Trusts exist for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities, (ii) owning the
New Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantee and (iii)
engaging in only those other activities necessary or
incidental thereto.
THE SEPARATION.................... In the Separation, U S WEST will be separated into two
independent companies. Upon consummation of the
Separation, the Communications Group will become a
separately traded public company known as "U S WEST,
Inc." and the Media Group will become a separately
traded public company known as "MediaOne Group, Inc." In
addition, the domestic directories business of the Media
Group will be aligned with the Communications Group as
part of the Separation (the "Dex Alignment"). In
connection with the Dex Alignment, holders of Media
Stock will be issued a total of $850 million in value of
shares of common stock of New U S WEST ("New U S WEST
Common Stock"). This amount represents the $4.75 billion
value of Dex net of $3.9 billion of U S WEST debt
currently allocated to the Media Group which will be
refinanced by New U S WEST in connection with the
Separation (the "Dex Indebtedness"). After the
Separation, New U S WEST will own all of the
Communications Group's businesses as well as Dex and
MediaOne will own all of the Media Group's businesses
other than Dex (which will consist primarily of domestic
and
</TABLE>
7
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
international broadband communications businesses and
international wireless communications businesses).
Immediately prior to the Separation, U S WEST will
contribute the businesses of the Communications Group
and Dex to New U S WEST (which is a newly formed
indirect subsidiary of U S WEST). Following such
contribution, (i) U S WEST will redeem each outstanding
share of Communications Stock for one share of New U S
WEST Common Stock and (ii) distribute as a dividend on
each outstanding share of Media Stock a fraction of a
share of New U S WEST Common Stock. Such fractions of a
share of New U S WEST Common Stock are being issued to
holders of Media Stock in connection with the Dex
Alignment. The value of the total number of shares of
New U S WEST Common Stock which will be issued to
holders of Media Stock will equal $850 million.
THE REFINANCING................... As of December 31, 1997, and after giving effect to the
AirTouch Transaction, U S WEST and its subsidiaries had
outstanding approximately $14.4 billion of indebtedness.
Such indebtedness consists of approximately $5.5 billion
of indebtedness (the "Communications Indebtedness") of U
S WEST Communications, Inc. ("U S WEST Communications"),
the Communications Group's local telephone company, $2.7
billion of indebtedness (the "Continental Indebtedness")
of MediaOne of Delaware, Inc., the Media Group's
broadband company formerly known as Continental
Cablevision, Inc. ("MediaOne Delaware" or "Continental")
and approximately $6.2 billion of indebtedness issued or
guaranteed by U S WEST (the "U S WEST Indebtedness").
The U S WEST Indebtedness includes approximately $4.7
billion of indebtedness of Capital Funding (the "Capital
Funding Indebtedness"), $1.08 billion in liquidation
amount of Old Preferred Securities and an aggregate of
approximately $400 million of indebtedness of U S WEST
Financial Services, Inc. ("Financial Services"), a
subsidiary of U S WEST, and other indebtedness issued or
guaranteed by U S WEST.
The Offers are part of a plan being implemented by U S
WEST to refinance substantially all of the U S WEST
Indebtedness in connection with the Separation (the
"Refinancing"). As part of the Refinancing, Capital
Funding and Financial Services are making offers under
separate cover to purchase for cash (the "Cash Tender
Offers") all of the public medium and long-term debt
securities of Capital Funding and Financial Services
and, in connection therewith, are soliciting consents to
certain amendments to the indentures under which such
securities were issued which are similar to the Consents
being solicited pursuant to this Prospectus. The Cash
Tender Offers are not being made pursuant to this
Prospectus. The Cash Tender Offers, when
</TABLE>
8
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
commenced, will only be made by means of a separate
Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation. The
obligations of Capital Funding or Financial Services, as
the case may be, under any securities not tendered
pursuant to the Cash Tender Offers will be assumed by
MediaOne (i.e., U S WEST after the Separation), although
U S WEST may determine to defease such securities in
lieu of such assumption. After the Separation, New U S
WEST will have no liability or obligation for any such
assumed indebtedness. In addition, U S WEST will prepay
certain other U S WEST Indebtedness pursuant to the
Refinancing.
After the Separation and the related Refinancing, New U
S WEST and its subsidiaries will have approximately $9.7
billion of debt, which will include approximately $5.5
billion of Communications Indebtedness and approximately
$4.0 billion of debt that will be incurred by Capital
Funding (and guaranteed by New U S WEST) to refinance a
portion of the U S WEST Indebtedness repurchased or
repaid as part of the Refinancing (which amount includes
the Dex Indebtedness).
After the Separation and the related Refinancing and
after giving effect to the AirTouch Transaction,
MediaOne and its subsidiaries will have approximately
$5.1 billion of debt and trust preferred securities,
which will include $2.7 billion of Continental
Indebtedness and approximately $2.2 billion of debt and
trust preferred securities issued or guaranteed by
MediaOne, including new debt incurred by MediaOne
Funding (and guaranteed by MediaOne) to refinance a
portion of the U S WEST Indebtedness repurchased or
repaid as part of the Refinancing, the New Preferred
Securities issued in the Offers, the Old Preferred
Securities not tendered in the Offers and the U S WEST
Indebtedness not tendered in the Cash Tender Offers.
Following the Separation, MediaOne intends to monetize
the AirTouch securities it received in the AirTouch
Transaction and use a portion of the proceeds of such
monetization to reduce its indebtedness.
TAX MATTERS....................... The exchange of Old Preferred Securities for cash or for
New Preferred Securities will constitute a taxable
transaction to holders who elect to exchange pursuant to
the Offers. In addition, the MediaOne Debt Assumption
constitute a taxable transaction to holders who do not
tender their Old Preferred Securities in the Offers. See
"Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences."
BOARD RECOMMENDATION.............. The Board of Directors of U S WEST (the "U S WEST
Board"), the Board of Directors of Capital Funding and
the trustees of the New Trusts and the Old Trusts are
not making any recommendation as to whether or not
holders should tender their Old Preferred Securities in
the Offers or provide Consents.
RISK FACTORS...................... Upon consummation of the Offers and the Separation, the
New Preferred Securities issued in the Offers and any
Old
</TABLE>
9
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Preferred Securities not tendered pursuant to the Offers
will become obligations of MediaOne. Certain risk
factors relating to MediaOne's business and the
Preferred Securities which should be considered by each
holder of Old Preferred Securities in determining
whether or not such holder should tender Old Preferred
Securities for New Preferred Securities or cash pursuant
to the Offers are addressed in "Chapter 2: Risk
Factors."
DEALER MANAGERS; EXCHANGE AGENT;
INFORMATION AGENT............... U S WEST has retained Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated and Lehman Brothers Inc. to act as
Dealer Managers for the Offers and the Consent
Solicitation (the "Dealer Managers"). will act
as Exchange Agent for the Offers and the Consent
Solicitation (the "Exchange Agent") and Beacon Hill
Partners, Inc. will act as Information Agent for the
Offers and the Consent Solicitation (the "Information
Agent"). Representatives of the Dealer Managers, the
Exchange Agent and the Information Agent can be reached
at the telephone numbers listed on the back cover of
this Prospectus.
SOLICITATION FEES................. U S WEST will pay to a Soliciting Dealer a solicitation
fee of $ per Old Preferred Security tendered,
accepted for payment and paid for pursuant to the
Offers, subject to certain conditions. See "Chapter 8:
Certain Other Matters-- Dealer Managers; Soliciting
Dealers."
</TABLE>
10
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
U S WEST SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected historical financial information for
U S WEST. This information should be read in conjunction with U S WEST's
Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, incorporated by
reference herein, See "Chapter 8: Certain Other Matters-- Where You Can Find
More Information."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OR AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION:
Sales and other revenues(1)......................................... $ 15,235 $ 12,911 $ 11,746 $ 10,953 $ 10,294
Income before extraordinary items and cumulative
effect of change in accounting principles(2)....................... 700 1,144 1,329 1,426 476
Net income (loss)(3)................................................ 697 1,178 1,317 1,426 (2,806)
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION:
Total assets........................................................ 39,740 40,855 25,071 23,204 20,680
Total debt(4)....................................................... 14,678 15,351 8,855 7,938 7,199
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and Old Preferred
Securities(5)...................................................... 1,180 1,131 651 51 --
Shareowners' equity................................................. 11,324 11,549 7,948 7,382 5,861
OTHER INFORMATION:
Percentage of debt to total capital(4).............................. 54.0% 54.8% 50.7% 51.6% 55.1%
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends(6)....................................................... 2.24 3.29 4.03 4.85 2.38
Capital expenditures(4)............................................. $ 4,174 $ 3,474 $ 3,140 $ 2,820 $ 2,441
Employees........................................................... 67,461 69,286 61,047 61,505 60,778
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INFORMATION:(2, 3, 7, 8)
Basic earnings per common share..................................... $ 2.43 $ 2.62 $ 2.50
Diluted earnings per common share................................... 2.41 2.58 2.46
Basic average common shares outstanding (thousands)................. 482,751 477,549 470,716
Diluted average common shares outstanding (thousands)............... 491,232 488,591 481,933
Dividends per common share.......................................... $ 2.14 $ 2.14 $ 2.14
Number of common shareowners of record ............................. 672,517 725,560 775,125
MEDIA GROUP INFORMATION:(2, 3, 7, 8)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share.................. $ (0.88) $ (0.16) $ 0.29
Basic average common shares outstanding (thousands)................. 606,749 491,924 470,549
Diluted average common shares outstanding (thousands)............... 606,749 491,924 471,612
Number of common shareowners of record.............................. 648,077 705,341 770,346
U S WEST INFORMATION:(2, 3, 7, 8)
Basic earnings per common share before extraordinary items and
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle................ $ 3.14 $ 1.13
Basic earnings (loss) per common share.............................. 3.14 (6.69)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share............................ 3.12 (6.68)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands)........ 453,316 419,365
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands)...... 463,801 419,776
Dividends per common share.......................................... $ 2.14 $ 2.14
Number of common shareowners of record.............................. 816,099 836,328
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) 1997 and 1996 sales and other revenues include $2,070 and $252,
respectively, related to the acquisition by U S WEST of Continental (the
"Continental Acquisition"), which was consummated on November 15, 1996.
(2) 1997 income is before an extraordinary item and includes a $152 regulatory
charge ($0.31 per share of Communications Stock) related primarily to the
1997 Washington State Supreme Court ruling that upheld a Washington State
Utilities and Transportation Commission 1996 rate order (the "Washington
Rate Order"), a gain of $32 ($0.07 per share of Communications Stock) on the
sale of U S WEST Communications' interest in Bell Communications Research,
Inc. ("Bellcore") and a gain of $48 ($0.10 per share of Communications
Stock) on the sales of certain rural telephone exchanges. Also included are
net gains of $249 ($0.41 per share of Media Stock) on the sales of domestic
and international investments, and net losses of $356 ($0.59 per share of
Media Stock) related to the Continental Acquisition. 1996 income is before
the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and includes a
gain of $36 ($0.08 per share of Communications Stock) on the sales of
certain rural telephone exchanges and the current effect of $15 ($0.03 per
share of Communications Stock)
11
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
from adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121.
Also included are net losses of $71 ($0.15 per share of Media Stock) related
to the Continental Acquisition and a charge of $19 ($0.04 per share of Media
Stock) from the sale of U S WEST's cable television interests in Norway,
Sweden and Hungary. 1995 income is before an extraordinary item and includes
a gain of $95 ($0.20 per share of Media Stock) from the merger of Telewest
Communications plc ("Telewest") with SBC CableComms (UK), a gain of $85
($0.18 per share of Communications Stock) on the sales of certain rural
telephone exchanges and costs of $17 ($0.01 per share of Communications
Stock and $0.02 per share of Media Stock) associated with the 1995
Recapitalization discussed in footnote 7 below. 1994 income includes a gain
of $105 ($0.23 per share) on the partial sale of U S WEST's joint venture
interest in Telewest, a gain of $41 ($0.09 per share) on the sale of U S
WEST's paging operations and a gain of $51 ($0.11 per share) on the sales of
certain rural telephone exchanges. 1993 income is before extraordinary items
and was reduced by a restructuring charge of $610 ($1.46 per share) and a
charge of $54 ($0.13 per share) for the cumulative effect on deferred taxes
of the 1993 federally mandated increase in income tax rates. 1993 income is
from continuing operations.
(3) 1997 net income was reduced by an extraordinary charge of $3 ($0.01 per
share of Communications Stock and no Media Stock impact) for the early
extinguishment of debt. 1996 net income includes a gain of $34 ($0.07 per
share of Communications Stock) for the cumulative effect of the adoption of
SFAS No. 121. 1995 net income was reduced by an extraordinary item of $12
($0.02 per share of Communications Stock and $0.01 per share of Media Stock)
for the early extinguishment of debt. 1993 net income was reduced by
extraordinary charges of $3,123 ($7.45 per share) for the discontinuance of
SFAS No. 71 and $77 ($0.18 per share) for the early extinguishment of debt.
1993 net income also includes a charge of $120 ($0.28 per share) for U S
WEST's decision to discontinue the operations of its capital assets segment.
Discontinued operations provided net income of $38 ($0.09 per share) in
1993.
(4) Debt at December 31, 1997 and 1996 includes debt related to the Continental
Acquisition. Capital expenditures, debt and the percentage of debt to total
capital excludes the capital assets segment, which has been discontinued and
is held for sale. Percentage of debt to total capital includes Old Preferred
Securities and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock as a component of
total capital.
(5) Includes Old Preferred Securities of $1,080 at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and $600 at December 31, 1995, and preferred stock subject to mandatory
redemption of $100 at December 31, 1997, and $51 at December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994.
(6) The 1993 ratio is based on earnings from continuing operations and includes
a restructuring charge of $1 billion. Excluding the restructuring charge,
the 1993 ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends would have been 4.22.
(7) The average common shares of Media Stock outstanding for the year ended
December 31, 1996 include 150,615,000 shares issued in connection with the
Continental Acquisition. Effective November 1, 1995, each share of common
stock of U S WEST ("Old Common Stock") was converted into one share each of
Communications Stock and Media Stock (the "1995 Recapitalization"). Earnings
per common share and dividends per common share for 1995 have been presented
on a pro forma basis to reflect the two classes of stock as if they had been
outstanding since January 1, 1995. For periods prior to the 1995
Recapitalization, the average shares of Communications Stock and Media Stock
outstanding are assumed to equal the average shares of Old Common Stock
outstanding for such periods.
(8) In 1997, U S WEST adopted SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" which specifies
new computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per
share to be applied retroactively. SFAS No. 128 requires, among other
things, presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
12
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE SELECTED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The following unaudited selected pro forma condensed combined financial
information of MediaOne gives effect to the discontinuance of the businesses of
New U S WEST, the refinancing of $3.9 billion of Dex Indebtedness by New U S
WEST, the distribution of all of the New U S WEST Common Stock to U S WEST's
stockholders, transfers of certain assets and liabilities of U S WEST to New U S
WEST and allocations of certain costs and expenses in connection with the
Separation, and the AirTouch Transaction. The selected unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial information has been derived from, or prepared on a
basis consistent with, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements of MediaOne, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. This information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the combined results of operations or financial
position that would have occurred if the transactions had occurred at the
beginning of each period presented or on the dates indicated, nor is it
necessarily indicative of the future operating results or financial position of
MediaOne. This information should also be read in conjunction with the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined financial statements of MediaOne, including the
notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Chapter 5:
Information About MediaOne--MediaOne Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
OR AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 1997
------------------
<S> <C>
DOLLARS IN
MILLIONS
(EXCEPT PER SHARE
AMOUNTS)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION:
Sales and other revenues...................................................................... $ 2,419
Loss from continuing operations(1)............................................................ (610)
Loss from continuing operations available for common stock(1)................................. (662)
Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations(1)................................ (1.09)
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION:
Total assets.................................................................................. 24,314
Total debt.................................................................................... 4,039
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and Old Preferred Securities........................... 1,180
Total equity.................................................................................. 12,770
Book value per share.......................................................................... 21.01
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The loss from continuing operations is before extraordinary item.
13
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFERS AND THE SEPARATION, THE NEW PREFERRED
SECURITIES ISSUED IN THE OFFERS AND ANY OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES NOT TENDERED
PURSUANT TO THE OFFERS WILL BECOME OBLIGATIONS OF MEDIAONE. THE FOLLOWING
FACTORS RELATING TO MEDIAONE'S BUSINESS AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY EACH HOLDER OF OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES IN DETERMINING WHETHER OR
NOT SUCH HOLDER SHOULD TENDER OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES FOR NEW PREFERRED
SECURITIES OR CASH PURSUANT TO THE OFFERS.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO MEDIAONE
LOSS OF AVAILABILITY OF NEW U S WEST CASH FLOWS AND ASSETS; LOWER CREDIT RATING
The Old Preferred Securities, through the Old Debt Guarantees and the Old
Preferred Securities Guarantees, are obligations of U S WEST and, as a result,
are supported by the cash flows generated by and the assets of the businesses of
both the Communications Group and the Media Group. The New Preferred Securities,
through the New Debt Guarantees and the New Preferred Securities Guarantees,
will be obligations of MediaOne. In addition, any Old Preferred Securities not
tendered in the Offers will become obligations of MediaOne through the
assumption by MediaOne of the Old Debt Securities. Upon consummation of the
Separation, MediaOne will not have an ownership interest in, or any other
affiliation with, New U S WEST. As a result, MediaOne's obligations, including
the New Preferred Securities and any Old Preferred Securities not tendered in
the Offers, will only be supported by the cash flows generated by and the assets
of the businesses of the Media Group other than Dex and will not be supported by
the cash flows generated by and the assets of the businesses of New U S WEST,
including the cash flows generated by and the assets of U S WEST Communications
and Dex. Following the Separation, New U S WEST will not have any liability or
obligation with respect to the New Preferred Securities, the New Debt
Securities, the New Debt Guarantees, the New Preferred Securities Guarantees,
the Old Preferred Securities, the Old Debt Securities or the Old Preferred
Securities Guarantees.
The rating agencies have not yet finalized what the credit rating of
MediaOne will be following consummation of the Separation. Based upon the
anticipated capitalization of MediaOne, it is expected that MediaOne's credit
rating will be lower than the current credit rating of U S WEST. The expected
lower credit rating of MediaOne could have important consequences to the
businesses and operations of MediaOne. Among other things, MediaOne may have
borrowing costs that are higher than the current borrowing costs of U S WEST.
MediaOne may also have reduced access to the commercial paper market and
therefore may be required to borrow from commercial banks to fund its short-term
capital requirements. Such bank indebtedness, as well as MediaOne's public
indebtedness, may contain covenants that could reduce MediaOne's operating
flexibility and its ability to plan for, or react to, changes affecting its
business and market conditions. U S WEST believes that the AirTouch Transaction
may improve the credit rating to be assigned to MediaOne in the Separation.
OPERATING LOSSES
For the year ended December 31, 1997, on a pro forma basis, after giving
effect to the discontinuance of the operations of the businesses of New U S WEST
and the AirTouch Transaction, MediaOne would have had operating losses from
continuing operations of $320 million. See "Chapter 5: Information About
MediaOne--MediaOne Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements."
These losses result from the significant amount of amortization of intangible
assets recognized in connection with the Continental Acquisition and from
depreciation associated with capital expenditures required to upgrade MediaOne's
networks. There can be no assurance that MediaOne will realize positive
operating income from continuing operations in the foreseeable future. See
"Chapter 5: Information About MediaOne."
14
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
REGULATION
The businesses of MediaOne are subject to a high degree of regulation at the
federal, state and local levels, as well as in various foreign countries in
connection with certain overseas business activities. These regulations can in
certain circumstances impose significant limitations on operations. In addition,
these regulations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over
time. There can be no assurance that future regulatory changes will not have a
material adverse effect on MediaOne. See "Chapter 5: Information About
MediaOne--Business of MediaOne--Regulation."
COMPETITION
MediaOne's businesses operate in an increasingly competitive environment.
MediaOne's cable television systems compete with other providers of video
programming, including direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") systems, multipoint
multichannel distributions services ("MMDS") systems, local multipoint
distribution services ("LMDS") systems, satellite master antenna television
("SMATV") systems and providers of other new technologies. The cable television
services offered by MediaOne face competition from other communications and
entertainment media, including broadcast television, video tape rentals and live
sporting events. In addition, with the passage of the Telecommunications Act of
1996 (the "Telecommunications Act"), additional competitors are entering into
MediaOne's markets, including local exchange carriers ("LECs") with greater
financial resources than MediaOne, who offer video programming services similar
to those offered by MediaOne. As MediaOne begins to offer additional services
over its networks, including local exchange and data services, MediaOne will
face additional competition from other providers of such services, including
from LECs, interexchange carriers ("IXCs") and internet service providers
("ISPs"). MediaOne's international businesses also typically face significant
competition in their markets. The broadband communications industry is
continually subject to rapid and significant changes in technology. There can be
no assurance that the introduction of any new technology will not result in the
entry of additional competitors into MediaOne's markets, which could reduce
MediaOne's market share. See "Chapter 5: Information About MediaOne--Business of
MediaOne--Competition."
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
The Media Group has made, and MediaOne intends to continue to consider
making, investments in companies located outside of the United States. Such
investments are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to international
investments which may include taxation, nationalization, inflation, currency
fluctuations, increased regulation and approval requirements and governmental
regulation limiting returns to foreign investors. In recent months, investments
in Asia have been subject to an unusually high level of risk, owing to
uncertainty from economic and political conditions.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION MAY PROVE INACCURATE
Some of the information presented in or in connection with this Prospectus
constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although U S WEST believes that its
expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its
knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual
results will not differ materially from its expectations. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ from expectations include: (i) greater than
anticipated competition from new entrants into the cable and wireless
communications markets; (ii) changes in demand for MediaOne's products and
services; (iii) regulatory changes affecting the cable and telecommunications
industries; (iv) changes in economic conditions in the various markets served by
MediaOne's operations, including international markets, that could adversely
affect the level of demand for cable, wireless or other services offered by
MediaOne; (v) greater than anticipated competitive activity requiring new
pricing for services; (vi) higher than anticipated start-up costs associated
with new business opportunities; (vii) higher than anticipated employee levels,
capital expenditures and operating expenses (such as costs associated with the
year 2000 remediation); (viii) consumer acceptance of broadband services,
including telephony and
15
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
data services, and wireless services; (ix) increases in fraudulent activity with
respect to broadband and wireless services; or (x) delays in the development of
anticipated technologies, or the failure of such technologies to perform
according to expectations.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
TAX TREATMENT OF ACTIONS IN THE OFFERS
The exchange of Old Preferred Securities for New Preferred Securities or
cash pursuant to the Offers will constitute a taxable transaction to the holder
of such Old Preferred Securities. In addition, the MediaOne Debt Assumption will
constitute a taxable transaction to holders of Old Preferred Securities who do
not tender their Old Preferred Securities pursuant to the Offers. The MediaOne
Debt Assumption may also have other consequences for holders of Old Preferred
Securities. See "Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences." All
holders of Old Preferred Securities are advised to consult their tax advisors
regarding the United States federal, state and foreign tax consequences of any
such event.
RANKING OF SUBORDINATED OBLIGATIONS
MediaOne's obligations under the New Preferred Securities Guarantees will be
subordinate and junior in right of payment to all liabilities of MediaOne,
including the New Debt Guarantees and the Old Debt Securities, and pari passu
with the most senior preferred stock issued by MediaOne and with the Old
Preferred Securities Guarantees. The obligations of MediaOne Funding under the
New Debt Securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness (as defined herein) of MediaOne Funding, all of which will be fully
and unconditionally guaranteed by MediaOne. The obligations of MediaOne under
the New Debt Guarantees will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all present and future Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne and will be effectively
subordinated and junior in right of payment to all present and future
indebtedness of MediaOne's subsidiaries. At December 31, 1997, on a pro forma
basis after giving effect to the discontinuance of the operations of the
businesses of New U S WEST and the AirTouch Transaction, the aggregate amount of
Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne and indebtedness of MediaOne's consolidated
subsidiaries that would have effectively ranked senior to the New Debt
Guarantees would have been approximately $4.0 billion. There are no terms in the
New Preferred Securities, the New Debt Securities, the New Preferred Securities
Guarantee or the New Debt Guarantee that limit the ability of MediaOne and its
subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks
senior to the New Preferred Securities Guarantee and the New Debt Guarantee. See
"Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--Description of the New Debt Securities
and the New Debt Guarantees--Subordination" and "--Description of the New
Preferred Securities Guarantees."
RIGHTS UNDER THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
The New Preferred Securities Guarantee of a New Trust guarantees to the
holders of the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust the payment of (i) any
accrued and unpaid distributions which are required to be paid on the New
Preferred Securities, to the extent such New Trust has funds available therefor,
(ii) the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions, with
respect to New Preferred Securities called for redemption by such New Trust, to
the extent such New Trust has funds available therefor and (iii) upon a
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of such New
Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of New Debt Securities to
the holders of such New Preferred Securities or a redemption of all of the New
Preferred Securities of such New Trust), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the
liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on such New
Preferred Securities to the date of payment, to the extent such New Trust has
funds available therefor and (b) the amount of assets of such New Trust
remaining available for distribution to holders of such New Preferred Securities
in liquidation of such New Trust. The holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust have the right to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the New
16
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
Preferred Guarantee Trustee (as defined herein) of the applicable New Preferred
Securities Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred
upon such New Preferred Guarantee Trustee under such Preferred Securities
Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holder of such New Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne to enforce
such New Preferred Guarantee Trustee's rights under such New Preferred
Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against such
New Trust, such New Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.
If MediaOne Funding were to default in its obligation to pay amounts payable on
the New Debt Securities held by a New Trust and MediaOne were to default on its
obligations under the related New Debt Guarantee, such New Trust would lack
available funds for the payment of distributions or amounts payable on
redemption of the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust or otherwise, and
in such event holders of such New Preferred Securities would not be able to rely
upon the New Preferred Securities Guarantee of such New Preferred Securities for
payment of such amounts. Instead, holders of such New Preferred Securities would
rely on the enforcement (i) by the applicable New Property Trustee (as defined
herein) of its rights as registered holder of such New Debt Securities against
MediaOne Funding pursuant to the terms of such New Debt Securities and against
MediaOne under such New Debt Guarantee or (ii) by such holder of its right
against MediaOne and MediaOne Funding to enforce payments on such New Debt
Securities. See "Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--Description of the New
Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantees" and "--Description of the New
Preferred Securities Guarantees--Status of the New Preferred Securities
Guarantees." The Declaration (as defined herein) of each New Trust provides that
each holder of New Preferred Securities by acceptance thereof agrees to the
provisions of the applicable New Preferred Securities Guarantee and the New
Indenture (as defined herein).
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
If a Declaration Event of Default (as defined herein) with respect to a
series of New Debt Securities occurs and is continuing, then the holders of the
related series of New Preferred Securities would rely on the enforcement by the
applicable New Property Trustee of its rights as a holder of such New Debt
Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee against MediaOne Funding and
MediaOne. In addition, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount
of the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust will have the right to direct the
time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the New Property Trustee of such New Trust or to direct the exercise of any
trust or power conferred upon such New Property Trustee under the applicable
Declaration, including the right to direct such New Property Trustee to exercise
the remedies available to it as a holder of such New Debt Securities and New
Debt Guarantee. If such New Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under
such New Debt Securities or New Debt Guarantee, a holder of the related New
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne
Funding or MediaOne to enforce such New Property Trustee's rights under such New
Debt Securities or New Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, without first
instituting any legal proceeding against such New Property Trustee or any other
person or entity, including, in the case of such New Debt Guarantee, against
MediaOne Funding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to a New Trust and such
event is attributable to the failure of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to pay
interest or principal on the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust on the
date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of
redemption, on the redemption date), then a holder of New Preferred Securities
of such New Trust may institute a proceeding for enforcement of payment to such
holder of the principal of, or interest on, such New Debt Securities having a
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the New Preferred
Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action") on or after the respective due
date specified in such New Debt Securities. The holders of New Preferred
Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to
the holders of the New Debt Securities. See "Chapter 6: The New Preferred
Securities--The New Preferred Securities--Declaration Events of Default."
17
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
MediaOne Funding has the right under the New Indenture to defer payments of
interest on either or both series of New Debt Securities by extending the
interest payment period at any time, and from time to time, on such New Debt
Securities. As a consequence of such an extension, quarterly distributions on
the related New Preferred Securities would be deferred (but despite such
deferral would continue to accrue with interest thereon) by the applicable New
Trust during any such extended interest payment period. Such right to extend the
interest payment period for such New Debt Securities is limited to a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarters (an "Extension Period"). In the event that
MediaOne Funding exercises this right to defer payments of interest, then (a)
MediaOne and MediaOne Funding shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of its capital stock and (b) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding
shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding which rank pari passu with or junior to such New
Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee, including the other series
of New Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee and any Old Series I
Debt Securities and Old Series II Debt Securities remaining outstanding;
provided, however, that restriction (a) above does not apply to any stock
dividends paid by MediaOne where the dividend stock is the same stock as that on
which the dividend is being paid. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, MediaOne Funding may further extend the interest payment period,
provided that such period, together with all such previous and further
extensions thereof, may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters. Upon the termination
of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due, MediaOne
Funding may select a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.
See "Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--The New Preferred
Securities--Distributions" and "--Description of the New Debt Securities and the
New Debt Guarantees--Options to Extend Interest Payment Period."
The New Series I Debt Securities, the New Series II Debt Securities, the Old
Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities are pari passu in
right of payment with each other and the New Series I Debt Guarantee and the New
Series II Debt Guarantee are pari passu in right of payment with each other. As
a result, during an extension period on either series of New Debt Securities,
MediaOne and MediaOne Funding will be prohibited from making payments on the
other series of New Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee, as well
as on the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities.
MediaOne Funding has no current intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on either series
of New Debt Securities. However, should MediaOne Funding determine to exercise
such right in the future, the market price of the applicable series of New
Preferred Securities is likely to be affected. Moreover, since both series of
New Debt Securities rank pari passu with each other, if MediaOne Funding elects
to extend the interest payment period on one series of New Debt Securities, it
will not be permitted to make payments on the other series. Accordingly, the
market price of the other series of New Preferred Securities is also likely to
be affected in the event that MediaOne Funding determines to exercise such right
in the future. A holder that disposes of its New Preferred Securities during an
Extension Period, therefore, might not receive the same return on its investment
as a holder that continues to hold its New Preferred Securities. In addition, as
a result of the existence of MediaOne Funding's right to defer interest
payments, the market price of the New Preferred Securities (which represent an
undivided beneficial interest in the underlying New Debt Securities) may be more
volatile than other securities that do not have such rights.
As a result of MediaOne Funding's right to defer payments of interest, the
New Preferred Securities will be issued with original issue discount ("OID").
See "Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Federal Income Tax
Consequences of Owning New Preferred Securities--Original Issue Discount."
Because the New Preferred Securities will be issued with OID, holders of New
18
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
Preferred Securities will recognize income for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of the receipt of cash and will not receive the cash from
the applicable New Trust related to such income if such holder disposes of its
New Preferred Securities prior to the record date for the date on which
distributions of such amounts are made. See "Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income
Tax Consequences-- Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning New Preferred
Securities--Original Issue Discount."
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION
Upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined herein), MediaOne Funding
will have the right to redeem each series of New Debt Securities, in whole or in
part, in which event the applicable New Trust will redeem the New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust on a pro rata basis to
the same extent as the New Debt Securities are redeemed by MediaOne Funding. See
"Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--The New Preferred Securities--Special
Event Redemption."
DISTRIBUTION OF THE NEW DEBT SECURITIES
At any time, MediaOne will have the right to dissolve each New Trust and,
after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of such New Trust as provided
by applicable law, cause the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust,
together with the related New Debt Guarantee, to be distributed to the holders
of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust in
liquidation of such New Trust. Under current United States federal income tax
law and interpretation, a distribution of the New Debt Securities should not be
a taxable event to the holders of the related New Preferred Securities. Should
there be a change in law or a change in legal interpretation, however, the
distribution could be a taxable event to the holders of such New Preferred
Securities. See "Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Federal
Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing of New Preferred
Securities--Receipt of New Debt Securities Upon Liquidation of a New Trust."
While MediaOne does not currently intend to cause the liquidation of either New
Trust and the
distribution of the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust, there is no
restriction on its ability to do so. MediaOne anticipates that it would consider
exercising this right in the event that the expenses associated with maintaining
the New Trusts were substantially greater than currently expected, such as if
there were a Special Event. MediaOne cannot predict the other circumstances
under which this right would be exercised.
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the New Preferred
Securities of either New Trust or the New Debt Securities that may be
distributed in exchange for such New Preferred Securities if a dissolution or
liquidation of a New Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the New Preferred
Securities or the New Debt Securities that a holder may receive on dissolution
and liquidation of the applicable New Trust, may trade at a discount to the
effective price that the investor paid to purchase the New Preferred Securities
offered hereby pursuant to the Offers. Because holders of New Preferred
Securities will receive New Debt Securities upon the election of MediaOne to
liquidate the applicable New Trust and cause such New Debt Securities to be
distributed to the holders of such New Preferred Securities, prospective
purchasers of New Preferred Securities are also making an investment decision
with regard to the related New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee and should
carefully review all the information regarding the New Debt Securities and New
Debt Guarantees contained herein. See "Chapter 6: The New Preferred
Securities--The New Preferred Securities--Distribution of the New Debt
Securities" and "--Description of the New Debt Securities and the New Debt
Guarantees-- General."
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of New Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights and will
not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or
decrease the number of, trustees of a New Trust, which voting rights are vested
exclusively in the holder of the Common Securities. See "Chapter 6: The New
Preferred Securities--The New Preferred Securities--Voting Rights."
19
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
TRADING PRICE OF NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
The New Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not fully
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
New Debt Securities. A holder who disposes of New Preferred Securities between
record dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to include
accrued but unpaid interest on the New Debt Securities through the date of
disposition in income as ordinary income (I.E., OID), and to add such amount to
his adjusted tax basis in his pro rata share of the underlying New Debt
Securities deemed disposed of. To the extent the selling price is less than the
holder's adjusted tax basis (which will include, in the form of OID, all accrued
but unpaid interest), a holder will recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain
limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income
for United States federal income tax purposes. See "Chapter 7: Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences--Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing
of New Preferred Securities--Original Issue Discount" and "--Sale or Redemption
of Certificates."
LACK OF ESTABLISHED TRADING MARKET FOR NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
Each of the New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series II
Preferred Securities constitutes a new issue of securities of the applicable New
Trust with no established trading market. While applications will be made to
list each series of the New Preferred Securities on the NYSE, there can be no
assurance that an active market for either series of the New Preferred
Securities will develop or be sustained in the future on such exchange. Although
the Dealer Managers have indicated to U S WEST and each New Trust that they
intend to make a market in the applicable series of the New Preferred Securities
following the applicable Expiration Date, as permitted by applicable laws and
regulations prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, they are not
obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making at any time
without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of,
or trading markets for, either series of the New Preferred Securities. In order
to satisfy the NYSE listing requirements with respect to each series of the New
Preferred Securities, acceptance of Old Preferred Securities validly tendered in
each Offer is subject to the Minimum Distribution Condition, which condition may
not be waived by Capital Funding or the applicable New Trust. See "Chapter 3:
The Offers and Consent Solicitation--Listing and Trading of New Preferred
Securities and Old Preferred Securities."
EFFECT OF NOT TENDERING OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES
To the extent Old Preferred Securities are not tendered and accepted
pursuant to the Offers, such Old Preferred Securities will remain outstanding.
In such event, the obligations of Capital Funding under the Old Debt Securities
related to such Old Preferred Securities will be assumed by MediaOne (I.E., U S
WEST after the Separation) in connection with the Separation and, as a result,
the Old Debt Guarantees will no longer be required. In addition, the Old
Preferred Securities Guarantees will be provided by MediaOne following the
Separation. After the Separation, New U S WEST and Capital Funding will have no
liability or obligation with respect to the Old Debt Securities, the Old Debt
Guarantees and the Old Preferred Securities Guarantees. Accordingly, holders of
Old Preferred Securities who elect not to tender pursuant to the Offers should
carefully consider the information included in this Prospectus relating to
MediaOne. See "--Risk Factors Relating to MediaOne" and "Chapter 5: Information
About MediaOne." Furthermore, because the MediaOne Debt Assumption will
constitute a taxable exchange for United States federal income tax purposes,
holders of Old Preferred Securities who elect not to tender will recognize
taxable income as a result of the Separation. The MediaOne Debt Assumption may
also have other consequences for holders of Old Preferred Securities. See
"Chapter 7: Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Federal Income Tax
Consequences of the Offers and the Separation." U S WEST may also determine to
defease the Old Debt Securities in lieu of the assumption described above.
20
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
The terms of the New Preferred Securities, the New Debt Securities, the New
Debt Guarantees and the New Preferred Securities Guarantees will be
substantially the same as the terms of the corresponding Old Preferred
Securities, Old Debt Securities, Old Debt Guarantee and Old Preferred Securities
Guarantee, except that (i) the distribution rate on each series of New Preferred
Securities (and the interest rate on the related New Debt Securities) will be
higher than the distribution rate on the corresponding series of Old Preferred
Securities (and the interest rate on the related Old Debt Securities), (ii) the
New Debt Securities will be issued by MediaOne Funding, (iii) certain provisions
of the New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series I Debt Securities
relating to special distributions and redemptions will be modified from the
terms of the Old Series I Preferred Securities and the Old Series I Debt
Securities to conform such terms to the terms of the New Series II Preferred
Securities and the New Series II Debt Securities and (iv) certain enforcement
rights of the holders of New Preferred Securities will be modified. Holders of
Old Preferred Securities should carefully consider these differences. See
"Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--Comparison of Rights of
Securityholders." Because the terms of the New Preferred Securities will be
substantially the same as the terms of the Old Preferred Securities, the risk
factors included herein relating to the New Preferred Securities similarly apply
with respect to any Old Preferred Securities not tendered.
REDUCED TRADING MARKET FOR OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES FOLLOWING OFFERS
To the extent Old Preferred Securities are tendered and accepted in an
Offer, the liquidity and trading market following consummation of such Offer for
the Old Preferred Securities of each series not tendered and accepted in such
Offer, and the terms upon which such Old Preferred Securities could be sold,
could be adversely affected. In addition, if any Offer is substantially
subscribed, there would be a significant risk that round lot holdings of Old
Preferred Securities outstanding following such Offer would be limited.
FUTURE ACQUISITIONS OF OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES
Following the applicable Expiration Date, and in accordance with and subject
to applicable law, MediaOne Funding may from time to time acquire Old Preferred
Securities of either or both series in the open market, by tender offer,
subsequent exchange offer or otherwise. To the extent that any such acquisition
of Old Preferred Securities causes the number of outstanding Old Preferred
Securities of a series to be less than 100,000, the NYSE may delist such Old
Preferred Securities from the NYSE and the trading market for such outstanding
Old Preferred Securities of such series could be adversely affected. MediaOne
does not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Offers will
cause any such delisting of either series of Old Preferred Securities.
Furthermore, the consummation of each of the Offers is subject to the Minimum
Holders Condition. MediaOne's decision to make any acquisitions of Old Preferred
Securities of either or both series in the future is dependent on many factors,
including market conditions in effect at the time of any contemplated
acquisition. Accordingly, MediaOne cannot predict whether and to what extent it
will acquire any additional Old Preferred Securities and the consideration to be
paid therefor (which consideration may be less than or greater than the cash or
the value of the New Preferred Securities offered in exchange for the Old
Preferred Securities pursuant to the Offers). MediaOne has no present intention
to make any such additional acquisitions of Old Preferred Securities. See
"Chapter 3: The Offers and Consent Solicitation--Listing and Trading of New
Preferred Securities and Old Preferred Securities."
21
CHAPTER 2: RISK FACTORS
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND CONSENT SOLICITATION
THE OFFERS
PURPOSE OF THE OFFERS
The Offers are being made in connection with the the Separation and the
Refinancing, and will permit U S WEST to allocate all of its indebtedness
between New U S WEST and MediaOne in connection with the Separation. See
"Chapter 4: The Separation--The Refinancing."
GENERAL
PARTICIPATION IN AN OFFER IS VOLUNTARY AND HOLDERS OF OLD PREFERRED
SECURITIES SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER WHETHER TO ACCEPT AN OFFER. NONE OF U S
WEST, CAPITAL FUNDING, MEDIAONE FUNDING, THE OLD SERIES I TRUST, THE OLD SERIES
II TRUST, THE NEW SERIES I TRUST, THE NEW SERIES II TRUST NOR ANY OF THEIR
RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OR TRUSTEES MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS
AS TO WHETHER TO EXCHANGE OR REFRAIN FROM EXCHANGING THEIR OLD PREFERRED
SECURITIES IN ANY OFFER. HOLDERS OF OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES ARE URGED TO
CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING THEIR DECISIONS ON WHAT
ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "Holder" means, with respect
to an Offer, Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC in whose name the Old Preferred
Securities subject to such Offer are registered, or any participant who holds
Old Preferred Securities subject to such Offer through DTC.
In connection with a tender of Old Preferred Securities for cash, Capital
Funding will repurchase the Old Preferred Securities tendered and use such Old
Preferred Securities to satisfy its obligations under a corresponding amount of
Old Debt Securities. In connection with a tender of Old Preferred Securities for
New Preferred Securities, (i) Capital Funding will repurchase the Old Preferred
Securities tendered and use such Old Preferred Securities to satisfy its
obligations under a corresponding amount of Old Debt Securities and (ii) the
Exchange Agent will use the funds which Capital Funding would otherwise pay to
such Holders to purchase, on behalf of such Holders, New Preferred Securities
from the New Trusts with an aggregate liquidation amount corresponding to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Old Preferred Securities tendered and will
deliver such New Preferred Securities to such Holders on the applicable Delivery
Date and (iii) each New Trust will use the funds received upon issuance of the
New Preferred Securities to purchase a corresponding principal amount of New
Debt Securities from MediaOne Funding. References herein to an Offer by Capital
Funding refer to the foregoing transactions.
TERMS OF THE OFFERS
SERIES I OFFER. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal relating to the Old Series I Preferred
Securities, Capital Funding hereby offers to exchange each outstanding Old
Series I Preferred Security for either (i) a New Series I Preferred Security or
(ii) $ in cash. In addition, as part of the Series I Offer, the Holders of
Old Series I Preferred Securities accepted for exchange for New Series I
Preferred Securities or cash will receive cash equal to the accrued and unpaid
distributions on such Old Series I Preferred Securities accumulated after
, 1998 to but excluding the applicable Delivery Date, in lieu of such
distributions on Old Series I Preferred Securities accepted for exchange. Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of
Transmittal relating to the Old Series I Preferred Securities, Capital Funding
will accept Old Series I Preferred Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn
prior to the Series I Expiration Date and, unless the Series I Offer has been
withdrawn or terminated, will deliver
22
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
New Series I Preferred Securities or cash, as applicable, in exchange therefor
to tendering Holders of Old Series I Preferred Securities on a Delivery Date as
promptly as practicable following the Series I Expiration Date. Capital Funding
expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to delay acceptance for
exchange of Old Series I Preferred Securities tendered under the Series I Offer
and the delivery of the New Series I Preferred Securities or cash with respect
to the Old Series I Preferred Securities accepted for exchange (subject to Rules
13e-4 and 14e-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), which require that Capital Funding consummate the Series I
Offer or return the Old Series I Preferred Securities deposited by or on behalf
of the Holders thereof promptly after the termination or withdrawal of the
Series I Offer), or to amend, withdraw or terminate the Series I Offer, at any
time prior to the Series I Expiration Date for any of the reasons set forth in
"--Conditions to the Offers--and "--Expiration Dates; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination." As of the date of this Prospectus, there are outstanding
24,000,000 Old Series I Preferred Securities.
SERIES II OFFER. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal relating to the Old Series II Preferred
Securities, Capital Funding hereby offers to exchange each outstanding Old
Series II Preferred Security for either (i) a New Series II Preferred Security
or (ii) $ in cash. In addition, as part of the Series II Offer, the Holders
of Old Series II Preferred Securities accepted for exchange for New Series II
Preferred Securities or cash will receive cash equal to the accrued and unpaid
distributions on such Old Series II Preferred Securities accumulated after
, 1998 to but excluding the applicable Delivery Date, in lieu of such
distributions on Old Series II Preferred Securities accepted for exchange. Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of
Transmittal relating to the Old Series II Preferred Securities, Capital Funding
will accept Old Series II Preferred Securities validly tendered and not
withdrawn prior to the Series II Expiration Date and, unless the Series II Offer
has been withdrawn or terminated, will deliver New Series II Preferred
Securities or cash, as applicable, in exchange therefor to tendering Holders of
Old Series II Preferred Securities on a Delivery Date as promptly as practicable
following the Series II Expiration Date. Capital Funding expressly reserves the
right, in its sole discretion, to delay acceptance for exchange of Old Series II
Preferred Securities tendered under the Series II Offer and the delivery of the
New Series II Preferred Securities or cash with respect to the Old Series II
Preferred Securities accepted for exchange (subject to Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1
under the Exchange Act, which require that Capital Funding consummate the Series
II Offer or return the Old Series II Preferred Securities deposited by or on
behalf of the Holders thereof promptly after the termination or withdrawal of
the Series II Offer), or to amend, withdraw or terminate the Series II Offer, at
any time prior to the Series II Expiration Date for any of the reasons set forth
in "--Conditions to the Offers--and "--Expiration Dates; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination." As of the date of this Prospectus, there are outstanding
19,200,000 Old Series II Preferred Securities.
In connection with the Offers, U S WEST and Capital Funding are also
soliciting the Consents from the Holders of Old Preferred Securities as of the
Record Date to certain proposed amendments to the Old Indenture. See "--The
Consent Solicitation." The proper tender of Old Preferred Securities by holders
as of the Record Date will constitute the giving of a Consent by such holders
with respect to such Old Preferred Securities. Holders of Old Preferred
Securities who acquire such Old Preferred Securities after the Record Date will
have the right to tender their Old Preferred Securities pursuant to the Offer
but will not have the right to provide Consents. A Holder of Old Preferred
Securities as of the Record Date will be permitted to provide such Holder's
Consent even if such Holder does not tender Old Preferred Securities pursuant to
an Offer. No separate payments will be made for Consents.
EACH OFFER IS INDEPENDENT FROM THE OTHER OFFER. FURTHERMORE, EACH OF THE
OFFERS IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Capital Funding shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old
Preferred Securities (or defectively tendered Old Preferred Securities with
respect to which Capital Funding has waived such
23
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
defect) when, as and if Capital Funding has given oral or written notice thereof
to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering
Holders for the purpose of receiving Old Preferred Securities from, and
remitting New Preferred Securities or cash to, tendering Holders who are
participating in an Offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of each
Offer, delivery of the New Preferred Securities or cash, as applicable, to
tendering Holders in each Offer will be made as promptly as practicable
following the applicable Expiration Date.
If any tendered Old Preferred Securities are not accepted for exchange
because of an invalid tender with respect to an Offer or the occurrence of
certain other events set forth herein, unless otherwise requested by the Holder
thereof under "--Special Delivery Instructions" in the applicable Letter of
Transmittal, such Old Preferred Securities will be returned, without expense, to
the tendering Holder thereof, as promptly as practicable after the applicable
Expiration Date or the withdrawal or termination of such Offer.
Holders of Old Preferred Securities will not have any appraisal or
dissenters' rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") in
connection with either Offer. Capital Funding intends to conduct each Offer in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
thereunder.
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFERS
Notwithstanding any other provisions of an Offer, or any extension of such
Offer, Capital Funding will not be required to deliver New Preferred Securities
or cash in respect of any properly tendered Old Preferred Securities in such
Offer and may terminate such Offer by oral or written notice to the Exchange
Agent and the Holders of the Old Preferred Securities tendered in such Offer,
or, at its option, may modify or otherwise amend such Offer (except that Capital
Funding cannot waive the Separation Condition, the Minimum Distribution
Condition or the Minimum Holders Condition with respect to its Offer) with
respect to such Old Preferred Securities if the conditions in clause (a) or (b)
below are not satisfied at or prior to the applicable Expiration Date or if any
of the events specified in clauses (c) through (f) occurs at or prior to the
applicable Expiration Date:
(a) the satisfaction of all conditions to the Separation described under
"Chapter 4: The Separation--The Separation--Conditions to the Separation"
other than the condition requiring the consummation of the Offers (the
"Separation Condition");
(b) tenders by a sufficient number of holders of such Old Preferred
Securities in exchange for New Preferred Securities such that there will be
at least 400 record or beneficial holders of at least 1,000,000 New
Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange for the Old Preferred
Securities tendered in its Offer (the "Minimum Distribution Condition");
(c) tenders by a number of holders of such Old Preferred Securities such
that U S WEST has determined that the consummation of such Offer would have
a reasonable likelihood of producing, either directly or indirectly, such
Old Preferred Securities to cease to be listed on the NYSE (the "Minimum
Holders Condition");
(d) any action has been taken or threatened, or any statute, rule,
regulation, judgment, order, stay, decree or injunction has been
promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to such Offer,
by or before any court or governmental regulatory or administrative agency
or authority or tribunal, domestic or foreign, which (i) challenges the
making of such Offer, or might directly or indirectly prohibit, prevent,
restrict or delay consummation of such Offer, or otherwise and adversely
affects in any material manner such Offer or (ii) could materially adversely
affect the business, condition (financial or otherwise), income, operations,
properties, assets, liabilities or prospects of U S WEST and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially impair the contemplated
benefits of such Offer to U S WEST, including any such action, statute,
rule,
24
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
regulation, judgment, order, stay, decree or injunction which would delay
the Separation or constitute a Special Event with respect to such New Trust
or the applicable Old Trust if it occurred after the applicable Expiration
Date;
(e) any event has occurred or is likely to occur affecting the business
or financial affairs of U S WEST or its subsidiaries that would or might
prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay consummation of such Offer or that
will, or is reasonably likely to, materially impair the contemplated
benefits of such Offer or might be material to holders of Old Preferred
Securities in deciding whether to accept such Offer; and
(f) any of the following events shall have occurred (i) any general
suspension of or limitation on trading in securities on the NYSE or in the
over-the-counter market (whether or not mandatory), (ii) any significant
adverse change in the price of the Old Preferred Securities subject to such
Offer or in the United States securities or financial markets, (iii) a
material impairment in the trading market for debt or equity securities on
the NYSE or in the over-the-counter market (whether or not mandatory), (iv)
a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in
respect of banks by federal or state authorities in the United States
(whether or not mandatory), (v) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities
or other national or international crisis directly or indirectly relating to
the United States, (vi) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any
governmental authority on, or other event having a reasonable likelihood of
affecting, the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in
the United States, or (vii) any significant adverse change in United States
securities or financial markets generally or in the case of any of the
foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of such Offer, a material
acceleration or worsening thereof.
The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Capital Funding in
connection with the applicable Offer and, except for the Separation Condition,
the Minimum Distribution Condition and the Minimum Holders Condition, may be
waived by Capital Funding, in whole or in part, in its sole discretion. Any
determination made by Capital Funding concerning an event, development or
circumstance described or referred to above will be final and binding on all
parties with respect to the applicable Offer.
EXPIRATION DATES; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS; TERMINATION
Each of the Offers will expire on the applicable Expiration Date, which will
be at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on 1998, unless and until
Capital Funding shall have extended the period of time during which the Offer
with respect to an Old Preferred Security is open, in which event the term
"Expiration Date" with respect to such Old Preferred Security shall refer to the
latest time and date to which the Offer with respect to such Old Preferred
Security is extended. Capital Funding expressly reserves the right, as to the
applicable Offer, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to (i)
terminate such Offer, and not accept for exchange any Old Preferred Securities
tendered in such Offer and promptly return such Old Preferred Securities upon
the failure of any of the conditions specified above in "--Conditions to the
Offers," (ii) waive any condition to such Offer (other than the Separation
Condition, the Minimum Distribution Condition and the Minimum Holders Condition)
and accept all Old Preferred Securities previously tendered pursuant to such
Offer, (iii) extend the Expiration Date of such Offer and retain all Old
Preferred Securities tendered pursuant to such Offer until the applicable
Expiration Date, subject, however, to all withdrawal rights of holders,
described under "--Withdrawal of Tenders," (iv) amend the terms of such Offer,
(v) modify the form of the consideration to be paid pursuant to such Offer, or
(vi) not accept for exchange the Old Preferred Securities tendered pursuant to
such Offer at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date for such Offer as a
result of an invalid tender, proration, withdrawal prior to the applicable
Expiration Date or the occurrence of certain other events as set forth herein.
Any amendment applicable to an Offer will
25
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
apply to all Old Preferred Securities tendered pursuant to such Offer. During
any extension of an Offer, all Old Preferred Securities previously tendered
pursuant to such Offer and not withdrawn will remain subject to such Offer.
If Capital Funding makes a material change in the terms of an Offer, Capital
Funding will extend such Offer. The minimum period for which an Offer must
remain open following material changes in the terms of such Offer or the
information concerning such Offer, other than a change in the amount of Old
Preferred Securities sought for exchange in such Offer or an increase or
decrease in the consideration offered to holders of Old Preferred Securities
pursuant to such Offer, will depend upon the facts and circumstances, including
the relative materiality of the change or information. With respect to a
decrease in the number of Old Preferred Securities sought in an Offer or an
increase or decrease in the consideration offered to holders of Old Preferred
Securities pursuant to such Offer, if required, such Offer will remain open for
a minimum of ten (10) business days following public announcement of such
change. In the case of any amendment, withdrawal or termination of an Offer, a
public announcement will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time,
on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date of such
Offer. If Capital Funding withdraws or terminates an Offer, it will give
immediate notice to the Exchange Agent, and the Old Preferred Securities
theretofore tendered pursuant to such Offer will be returned promptly to the
tendering Holders thereof. See "--Withdrawal of Tenders." In order to satisfy
the NYSE listing requirements, acceptance of Old Preferred Securities validly
tendered in each Offer is subject to the Minimum Distribution Condition, which
condition may not be waived. Acceptance is also subject to the Minimum Holders
Condition, which condition may not be waived.
EFFECT OF NOT TENDERING
To the extent Old Preferred Securities are not tendered and accepted
pursuant to the Offers, such Old Preferred Securities will remain outstanding.
In such event, the obligations of Capital Funding under the Old Debt Securities
relating to such Old Preferred Securities will be assumed by MediaOne in
connection with the Separation and, as a result, the Old Debt Guarantees will no
longer be required. Such assumption is permitted by the terms of the Old
Indenture. In addition, the Old Preferred Securities Guarantees will continue to
be provided by U S WEST as MediaOne following the Separation. After the
Separation, New U S WEST and Capital Funding (which will be a subsidiary of New
U S WEST) will have no liability or obligation with respect to the Old Debt
Securities, the Old Debt Guarantees and the Old Preferred Securities Guarantees.
Accordingly, holders of Old Preferred Securities who elect not to tender
pursuant to the Offers will retain a security supported solely by the cash flows
generated by and the assets of MediaOne. Because the MediaOne Debt Assumption
will constitute a taxable exchange for United States federal income tax
purposes, holders of Old Preferred Securities who elect not to tender may
recognize taxable income as a result thereof. The MediaOne Debt Assumption may
also have other consequences for holders of Old Preferred Securities. See
"Chapter 2: Risk Factors--Risk Factors Relating to MediaOne," "--Risk Factors
Relating to the Preferred Securities--Effect of Not Tendering Old Preferred
Securities," "Chapter 5: Information About MediaOne" and "Chapter 7: Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences--Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and
Disposing of Old Preferred Securities After the MediaOne Debt Assumption." U S
WEST may also determine to defease the Old Debt Securities in lieu of the
assumption described above.
Upon consummation of the Separation, the name of the Old Series I Trust will
be changed to "MediaOne Financing I" and the name of the Old Series II Trust
will be changed to "MediaOne Financing II."
26
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
With respect to an Offer, the tender of Old Preferred Securities by a Holder
thereof pursuant to one of the procedures set forth below will constitute an
agreement between such Holder and Capital Funding in accordance with the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the applicable Letter of
Transmittal and the right of Capital Funding to terminate its Offer as described
herein and such Holder's right to withdraw tendered Old Preferred Securities as
described herein.
All of the Old Preferred Securities are held in book-entry form through
participants of DTC (I.E., a custodian bank, depositary, broker, trust company
or other nominee) ("DTC Participants"). Any beneficial owner of Old Preferred
Securities who wishes to tender such Old Preferred Securities in an Offer should
contact the DTC Participant through which such owner holds its Old Preferred
Securities promptly and instruct such DTC Participant to tender on such
beneficial owner's behalf pursuant to the procedures described herein.
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER. Pursuant to an authorization given by DTC to the DTC
Participants, each DTC Participant that holds Old Preferred Securities through
DTC must (i) transmit its acceptance through the DTC Automated Tender Offer
Program ("ATOP") (for which the transaction will be eligible), and DTC will then
edit and verify the acceptance, execute a book-entry delivery to the Exchange
Agent's account at DTC and either (A) DTC will send an Agent's Message (as
defined herein) to the Exchange Agent for its acceptance or (B) the DTC
Participant will complete and sign the applicable Letter of Transmittal and mail
or deliver such Letter of Transmittal, and any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal, to the Exchange Agent, or (ii) comply with the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth in this Offer to Purchase. A proper tender of Old
Preferred Securities pursuant to the foregoing procedures by holders as of the
Record Date will also constitute the giving of a Consent by such holders with
respect to such Old Preferred Securities. See "--The Consent
Solicitation--Procedure for Consenting." The Exchange Agent will (promptly after
the date of this Prospectus) establish accounts at DTC for purposes of the
Offers, and any financial institution that is a DTC Participant may make
book-entry delivery of interests in Old Preferred Securities into the Exchange
Agent's account through ATOP. However, although delivery of interests in the Old
Preferred Securities may be effected through book-entry transfer into the
Exchange Agent's account through ATOP, an Agent's Message in connection with
such book-entry transfer or a Letter of Transmittal, and any other required
documents, must be, in any case, transmitted to and received by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth on the back cover of this Prospectus, or the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below must be complied with, in each
case, prior to the applicable Expiration Date. Delivery of documents to DTC does
not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent. The confirmation of a book-entry
transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC through ATOP as described
above is referred to herein as a "Book-Entry Confirmation." The Exchange Agent
and DTC have confirmed that the Offers and the solicitation of Consents from
holders as of the Record Date are eligible for ATOP. Holders desiring to tender
Old Preferred Securities prior to the applicable Expiration Date should note
that such Holders must allow sufficient time for completion of the ATOP
procedures during the normal business hours of DTC on that date.
The term "Agent's Message" means a message transmitted by DTC to, and
received by, the Exchange Agent and forming a part of the Book-Entry
Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from
each DTC Participant tendering through ATOP that such DTC Participants (a) have
received a Letter of Transmittal and agree to be bound by the terms of the
Letter of Transmittal and Capital Funding and the applicable New Trust may
enforce such agreement against such DTC Participants and (b) if tendering on
behalf of holders as of the Record Date, Consents to the Proposed Amendments as
described herein.
All of the Old Preferred Securities currently held through DTC have been
issued in the form of global notes registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's
nominee (the "Global Notes"). Upon
27
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
consummation of the Offers, the aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes
will be reduced to represent the aggregate principal amount of Old Preferred
Securities not tendered and accepted.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY. If a DTC Participant desires to participate in an
Offer and the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely
basis, a tender may be effected if the Exchange Agent has received at one of its
addresses on the back cover hereof prior to the applicable Expiration Date, a
letter, telegram or facsimile transmission from a firm or other entity
identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution"),
including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a bank; (ii) a broker,
dealer, municipal securities dealer, municipal securities broker, government
securities dealer or government securities broker; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a
national securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing
agency; or (v) a savings institution that is a participant in a Securities
Transfer Association recognized program, setting forth the name and address of
the DTC Participant, the name(s) in which the Old Preferred Securities are held
and stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within
three NYSE trading days after the date of execution of such letter, telegram or
facsimile transmission by the Eligible Institution, the procedure for book-entry
transfer with respect to such Old Preferred Securities will be completed. Unless
the Old Preferred Securities being tendered by the above-described method are
deposited with the Exchange Agent within the time period set forth above in
accordance with DTC's ATOP procedures and an applicable Letter of Transmittal or
an Agent's Message is received, Capital Funding may, at its option, reject the
tender. Copies of the applicable Notice of Guaranteed Delivery which may be used
by Eligible Institutions for the purposes described in this paragraph are
available from the Exchange Agent and the Information Agent.
MISCELLANEOUS. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Old
Preferred Securities in connection with an Offer will be determined by Capital
Funding, whose determination will be final and binding. Capital Funding reserves
the absolute right to reject any or all tenders not in proper form or the
acceptance for exchange of which may, in the opinion of counsel for Capital
Funding be unlawful. Capital Funding also reserves the absolute right to waive
any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Old Preferred Securities in an
Offer, and the interpretation by Capital Funding of the terms and conditions of
its Offer (including the instructions in the applicable Letter of Transmittal)
will be final and binding. None of Capital Funding, the New Trusts, the Old
Trusts, MediaOne Funding, U S WEST, the Exchange Agent, the Dealer Managers, the
Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give
notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability
for failure to give any such notification.
Tenders of Old Preferred Securities involving any irregularities will not be
deemed to have been made until such irregularities have been cured or waived.
Old Preferred Securities received by the Exchange Agent in connection with an
Offer that are not validly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not
been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the DTC
Participant who delivered such Old Preferred Securities by crediting an account
maintained at DTC designated by such DTC Participant as promptly as practicable
after the applicable Expiration Date or the withdrawal or termination of the
applicable Offer.
LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL
Subject to and effective upon the acceptance of Old Preferred Securities
tendered thereby, by executing and delivering a Letter of Transmittal (or
agreeing to the terms of a Letter of Transmittal pursuant to an Agent's Message)
a tendering Holder (i) irrevocably sells, assigns and transfers to Capital
Funding all right, title and interest in and to all the Old Preferred Securities
tendered thereby, (ii) waives any and all rights with respect to the Old
Preferred Securities (including without limitation any existing or past defaults
and their consequences in respect of the Old Preferred Securities),
28
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
(iii) releases and discharges Capital Funding and the applicable Old Trust from
any and all claims such Holder may have now, or may have in the future arising
out of, or related to, the Old Preferred Securities including without limitation
any claims that such Holder is entitled to receive additional principal or
interest payments with respect to the Old Preferred Securities or to participate
in any redemption or defeasance of the Old Preferred Securities, (iv) represents
and warrants as to whether or not the Old Preferred Securities tendered were
owned as of the Record Date and (v) irrevocably constitutes and appoints the
Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of such holder
with respect to any such tendered Old Preferred Securities, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an
irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to cause such Old Preferred
Securities to be assigned, transferred and exchanged in the applicable Offer.
THERE IS A SEPARATE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR EACH OFFER.
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
Tenders of Old Preferred Securities pursuant to an Offer may be withdrawn at
any time prior to the applicable Expiration Date and, unless accepted for
exchange by Capital Funding, may be withdrawn at any time after , 1998.
Beneficial owners desiring to withdraw Old Preferred Securities previously
tendered should contact the DTC Participant through which such owners hold their
Old Preferred Securities. In order to withdraw Old Preferred Securities
previously tendered, a DTC Participant may, prior to the Expiration Date,
withdraw its instruction previously transmitted through ATOP by (i) withdrawing
its acceptance through ATOP, or (ii) delivering to the Exchange Agent by mail,
hand delivery or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal of such
instruction. Such notice of withdrawal must contain the name and number of the
DTC Participant, the amount of Old Preferred Securities to which such withdrawal
relates and the signature of the DTC Participant. Withdrawal of a prior
instruction will be effective upon receipt of such notice of withdrawal by the
Exchange Agent. All signatures on a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by a
recognized participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the
NYSE Medallian Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program;
provided, however, that signatures on the notice of withdrawal need not be
guaranteed if the Old Preferred Securities being withdrawn are held for the
account of an Eligible Institution. A withdrawal of an instruction must be
executed by a DTC Participant in the same manner as such DTC Participant's name
appears on its transmission through ATOP to which such withdrawal relates. A DTC
Participant may withdraw a tender only if such withdrawal complies with the
provisions of this Offer to Purchase.
A Holder of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date who previously
tendered Old Preferred Securities may not validly revoke a Consent unless such
Holder validly withdraws such Holder's previously tendered Old Preferred
Securities in the manner described herein and, except as described below, the
valid withdrawal by such Holder of Old Preferred Securities will constitute the
concurrent valid revocation of such Holder's Consent. Holders of Old Preferred
Securities as of the Record Date who provide Consents but do not tender Old
Preferred Securities pursuant to an Offer will be permitted to revoke such
Consents in the manner described under "--The Consent Solicitation--Requisite
Consents."
If the requisite Consents are received with respect to any series of Old
Preferred Securities, U S WEST and Capital Funding will as soon as practicable
(but in no event sooner than 20 business days after the mailing of this
Prospectus) execute a supplemental indenture with the trustee under the Old
Indenture (the "Consent Supplemental Indenture" for each series of Old Preferred
Securities) which will enact the Proposed Amendments. Under the terms of the
Consent Supplemental Indenture, however, the Proposed Amendments will not take
effect unless and until Capital Funding shall have accepted for payment and paid
for all Old Preferred Securities of such series validly tendered pursuant
29
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
to the applicable Offer and not withdrawn prior to the applicable Expiration
Date. Once such Consent Supplemental Indenture has been executed, a Consent will
not be permitted to be revoked, and the Consent Supplemental Indenture will bind
all holders from time to time of the Old Preferred Securities of such series
regardless of whether such holders shall have granted or revoked Consents to the
Proposed Amendments.
Withdrawals of tenders of Old Preferred Securities may not be rescinded and
any Old Preferred Securities withdrawn will thereafter be deemed not validly
tendered for purposes of any Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Preferred Securities,
however, may be retendered by following the procedures therefor described
elsewhere herein at any time prior to the applicable Expiration Date. See
"--Procedures for Tendering."
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of its Offer, including the
Separation Condition, the Minimum Distribution Condition and the Minimum Holders
Condition, Capital Funding and the applicable New Trust will accept for exchange
any and all Old Preferred Securities that have been validly tendered in the
applicable Offer, and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date for such Offer.
Capital Funding expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to
delay acceptance for exchange of Old Preferred Securities tendered under the
applicable Offer and the delivery of New Preferred Securities or cash with
respect to Old Preferred Securities accepted for exchange in such Offer (subject
to Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, which require that Capital
Funding consummate such Offer or return the Old Preferred Securities deposited
by or on behalf of the holders thereof promptly after the termination or
withdrawal of such Offer), or to amend, withdraw or terminate such Offer, at any
time prior to the applicable Expiration Date for any of the reasons set forth in
"--Conditions to the Offers" and "--Expiration Dates; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination."
If Capital Funding decides, in its sole discretion, to decrease the number
of Old Preferred Securities sought in an Offer or to increase or decrease the
consideration offered to holders of Old Preferred Securities in an Offer, and if
such Offer is scheduled to expire less than ten (10) business days from and
including the date that notice of such increase or decrease is first published,
sent or given in the manner specified in "--Expiration Dates; Extensions;
Amendments; Termination," then such Offer will be extended for a minimum of ten
(10) business days from and including the date of such notice.
All Old Preferred Securities not accepted pursuant to an Offer will be
returned to the tendering holders at Capital Funding's expense as promptly as
practicable following the applicable Expiration Date.
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
has been appointed as Exchange Agent for each of the Offers.
Beacon Hill Partners, Inc. has been retained as the Information Agent to
assist in connection with each of the Offers. Questions and requests for
assistance regarding the Offers, requests for additional copies of this
Prospectus, the Letters of Transmittal and requests for Notices of Guaranteed
Delivery may be directed to the Information Agent.
In connection with each Offer, Capital Funding will pay the Exchange Agent
and Information Agent reasonable and customary fees for their services and will
reimburse them for all their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
therewith.
30
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
THE CONSENT SOLICITATION
THE SOLICITATION
In connection with the Offers, U S WEST and Capital Funding are also making
a solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") of Consents from the Holders of each
series of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date to the Proposed
Amendments to the Old Indenture. The Consent Solicitation is being made in order
to obtain the Requisite Consents (as defined herein) of the Holders of each
series of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date to the Proposed
Amendments. The Proposed Amendments would specifically permit U S WEST to
consummate the Separation without complying with a covenant contained in the Old
Indenture that might otherwise require New U S WEST to assume liability for the
Old Debt Guarantees, although U S WEST does not believe that such covenant would
require such an assumption as a result of the Separation. The proper tender of
Old Preferred Securities by holders as of the Record Date will constitute the
giving of a Consent by such holders with respect to such Old Preferred
Securities. Holders of Old Preferred Securities who acquired such Old Preferred
Securities after the Record Date will have the right to tender their Old
Preferred Securities pursuant to the Offer but will not have the right to
provide Consents. A Holder of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date
will be permitted to provide such Holder's Consent even if such Holder does not
tender Old Preferred Securities pursuant to an Offer. No separate payments will
be made for Consents.
The Offers are not conditioned upon the receipt of the Requisite Consents
relating to Old Preferred Securities of any series. U S WEST plans to proceed
with the Separation whether or not the Requisite Consents are received, although
the Separation is subject to a number of other conditions unrelated to the
Consent Solicitation. See "--The Proposed Amendments" and "Chapter 4: The
Separation--The Separation--Conditions to the Separation."
REQUISITE CONSENTS
The Old Indenture permits the Proposed Amendments to be adopted with respect
to each series of Old Debt Securities if the registered holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of such Old Debt Securities have given
Consents. All of the Old Series I Debt Securities are held by the Old Series I
Trust and the property trustee of the Old Series I Trust is the registered
holder of all of the Old Series I Debt Securities. All of the Old Series II Debt
Securities are held by the Old Series II Trust and the property trustee of the
Old Series II Trust is the registered holder of all of the Old Series II Debt
Securities. Under the Declaration of each Old Trust, in the event the consent of
the property trustee of such Old Trust, as the holder of the Old Debt Securities
and Old Debt Guarantee held by such Old Trust, is required under the Old
Indenture with respect to any amendment, modification or termination of the Old
Indenture, such property trustee is required to request the direction of the
holders of the Old Preferred Securities and Old Common Securities of such Old
Trust with respect to such amendment, modification or termination and is
required to vote with respect to such amendment, modification or termination as
directed by a majority in liquidation amount of such Old Preferred Securities
and Old Common Securities, voting together as a single class. Each Old Preferred
Securities and each Old Common Security will have one vote per security with
respect to any matter to be acted upon.
Based on the foregoing, the Proposed Amendments will be adopted if the
registered holders as of the Record Date of at least a majority of the Old
Preferred Securities and Old Common Securities of each Old Trust, treated
together as a single class, have given Consents. The requisite Consents
described above for each series of Old Preferred Securities are herein referred
to as the "Requisite Consents" for such series. As of the Record Date, there
were outstanding 24,000,000 Old Series I Preferred Securities, 742,269 Old
Series I Common Securities, 19,200,000 Old Series II Preferred Securities and
593,815 Old Series II Common Securities. Accordingly, the Requisite Consents for
the
31
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
Old Series I Preferred Securities will require Consents of the Holders of
12,321,135 Old Series I Preferred Securities and Old Series I Common Securities
and the Requisite Consents for the Old Series II Preferred Securities will
require Consents of the Holders of 9,896,908 Old Series II Preferred Securities
and Old Series II Common Securities. U S WEST was the Holder of all of the Old
Series I Common Securities and Old Series II Common Securities as of the Record
Date and intends to provide Consents with respect to all of such Old Common
Securities.
PROCEDURES FOR CONSENTING
All of the Old Preferred Securities are held in book-entry form through DTC
Participants (I.E., a custodian bank, depositary, broker, trust company or other
nominee). The proper tender of Old Preferred Securities by holders as of the
Record Date will constitute the giving of a Consent by such holders with respect
to such Old Preferred Securities. See "--The Offers--Procedures for Tendering."
Any beneficial owner of Old Preferred Securities as of the Record Date who
wishes to provide Consents with respect to such Old Preferred Securities without
tendering such owner's Old Preferred Securities should contact the DTC
Participant through which such beneficial owner holds its Old Preferred
Securities promptly and instruct such DTC Participant to provide Consents on
such beneficial owner's behalf pursuant to the procedures described herein.
As soon as practicable after the date of this Prospectus, DTC will deliver
an Omnibus Proxy with respect to each series of Old Preferred Securities to the
Exchange Agent. The Omnibus Proxy will assign the Consent rights of Cede & Co.,
DTC's nominee that holds the Old Preferred Securites, to the DTC Participants to
whose accounts the Old Preferred Securities are credited on the Record Date. In
order to provide Consents pursuant to an Omnibus Proxy on behalf of beneficial
owners of Old Preferred Securities not tendering, each DTC Participant should
complete and sign the applicable Letter of Transmittal and mail or deliver such
Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent. The failure of a DTC Participant to
deliver a Consent (including a "broker non-vote" resulting from the failure of
such DTC Participant to receive instructions from a beneficial owner of Old
Preferred Securities) will have the effect of a vote against the Proposed
Amendments.
If the Requisite Consents are received with respect to any series of Old
Preferred Securities, U S WEST and Capital Funding will as soon as practicable
(but in no event sooner than 20 business days after the mailing of this
Prospectus) execute a Consent Supplemental Indenture with the trustee under the
Old Indenture which will enact the Proposed Amendments. Under the terms of the
Consent Supplemental Indenture, however, the Proposed Amendments will not take
effect unless and until Capital Funding shall have accepted for payment and paid
for all Old Preferred Securities of such series validly tendered pursuant to the
applicable Offer and not withdrawn prior to the applicable Expiration Date. Once
such Consent Supplemental Indenture has been executed, a Consent will not be
permitted to be revoked, and the Consent Supplemental Indenture will bind all
holders from time to time of the Old Preferred Securities of such series
regardless of whether such holders shall have granted or revoked Consents to the
Proposed Amendments.
A Holder as of the Record Date who previously tendered Old Preferred
Securities may not validly revoke a Consent unless such Holder validly withdraws
such Holder's previously tendered Old Preferred Securities in the manner
described above under "--The Offers--Withdrawal of Tenders." If such withdrawal
is effected before the applicable Consent Supplemental Indenture is executed,
the valid withdrawal by such Holder of Old Preferred Securities will constitute
the concurrent valid revocation of such Holder's Consent. Consents provided by
Holders as of the Record Date who do not tender Old Preferred Securities
pursuant to an Offer may be revoked by the Holder providing such Consents at any
time before the applicable Consent Supplemental Indenture is executed. Consents
may be revoked by delivering to the Exchange Agent a written notice of
revocation or another form of Consent bearing a date later than the date of the
Consent.
32
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
The Proposed Amendments would amend the Old Indenture to specifically permit
U S WEST to consummate the Separation without complying with the covenant
relating to mergers, consolidations or sales of assets contained therein that
might otherwise require New U S WEST to assume liability for the Old Debt
Guarantees, although U S WEST does not believe that this covenant would require
such an assumption as a result of the Separation. The text of the Proposed
Amendments is attached as Annex A to this Prospectus. The following statements
are summaries of the substance or general effect of certain provisions of the
Old Indenture and the Proposed Amendments and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the Old Indenture and Annex A. Unless otherwise defined,
capitalized terms used in the following descriptions of the provisions of the
Old Indenture and the Proposed Amendments are used as defined in the Old
Indenture.
The covenant relating to mergers, consolidations or sales of assets
contained in the Old Indenture provides that in the event of any sale,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of U S WEST "as an
entirety, or substantially as an entirety" to any other corporation (whether or
not affiliated with U S WEST), the corporation which acquires such property is
required to assume the performance of all obligations of U S WEST under the Old
Debt Guarantees, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the
covenants and conditions of U S WEST with respect to the Old Debt Securities
under the Old Indenture. The Proposed Amendments would amend the Old Indenture
to specifically provide that the distribution by U S WEST of New U S WEST
pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement or any other transaction which
will have substantially the same result is excluded from the provisions of the
foregoing covenant.
Although the purpose of such Proposed Amendments is to allow U S WEST to
consummate the Separation without complying with such covenant that might
otherwise require New U S WEST to assume liability for the Old Debt Guarantees,
U S WEST does not believe that a court of competent jurisdiction would find that
the distribution of New U S WEST to its stockholders in connection with the
Separation would constitute a sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of
its property "substantially as an entirety" under New York law, the law
governing the Old Indenture. As a result, U S WEST does not believe that such an
assumption by New U S WEST would be required. Notwithstanding such belief, U S
WEST is soliciting the Consents to resolve any uncertainty by amending the Old
Indenture to explicitly exempt disposition transactions such as the Separation
from such covenant. U S WEST plans to proceed with the Separation regardless of
the number of Old Preferred Securities tendered and whether or not the Requisite
Consents are received, although the Separation is subject to a number of other
conditions unrelated to the Consent Solicitation. See "--The Proposed
Amendments" and "Chapter 4: The Separation--The Separation--Conditions to the
Separation." To the extent Old Preferred Securities are not tendered and
accepted pursuant to the Offers, such Old Preferred Securities will remain
outstanding. In such event, the obligations of Capital Funding under the Old
Debt Securities relating to such Old Preferred Securities will be assumed by
MediaOne. U S WEST may also determine to defease the Old Debt Securities in lieu
of such assumption. See "--The Offers--Effect of Not Tendering."
LISTING AND TRADING OF NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES AND OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES
Each of the New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series II
Preferred Securities constitutes a new issue of securities of the applicable New
Trust with no established trading market. While application will be made to list
each series of the New Preferred Securities on the NYSE, there can be no
assurance that an active market for either series of the New Preferred
Securities will develop or be sustained in the future on such exchange. Although
the Dealer Managers have indicated to each New Trust that they intend to make a
market in its New Preferred Securities following the applicable
33
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
Expiration Date as permitted by applicable laws and regulations prior to the
commencement of trading on the NYSE, they are not obligated to do so and may
discontinue any such market-making at any time without notice. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, either
series of the New Preferred Securities. In order to satisfy the NYSE listing
requirements, acceptance of Old Preferred Securities validly tendered in each
Offer is subject to the Minimum Distribution Condition, which condition may not
be waived.
Each of the Old Series I Preferred Securities and the Old Series II
Preferred Securities are listed on the NYSE. Following each applicable
Expiration Date, and in accordance with and subject to applicable law, MediaOne
may from time to time acquire Old Preferred Securities of the series tendered in
the applicable Offer in the open market, by tender offer, subsequent exchange
offer or otherwise. To the extent that any such acquisition of Old Preferred
Securities causes the number of outstanding Old Preferred Securities of either
series to be less than 100,000, the NYSE may delist such series of Old Preferred
Securities from the NYSE and the trading market for the outstanding Old
Preferred Securities of such series could be adversely affected. A decision by
MediaOne to make such acquisitions is dependent on many factors, including
market conditions in effect at the time of any contemplated acquisition.
Accordingly, MediaOne cannot predict whether and to what extent it may acquire
any additional Old Preferred Securities and the consideration to be paid
therefor. In addition, if an Offer is substantially subscribed, there would be a
significant risk that round lot holdings of Old Preferred Securities outstanding
following such Offer would be limited. See "Risk Factors--Risk Factors Relating
to the Preferred Securities--Lack of Established Trading Market for New
Preferred Securities" and "--Reduced Trading Market for Old Preferred Securities
Following Offers."
34
CHAPTER 3: THE OFFERS AND
CONSENT SOLICITATION
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
THE SEPARATION
Pursuant to the Separation, the Communications Group and the Media Group
will become independent public companies. As part of the Separation, Dex--the
domestic directories business of the Media Group--will be aligned with the
Communications Group. The Separation will be implemented pursuant to the terms
of a Separation Agreement (the "Separation Agreement") to be entered into
between U S WEST and New U S WEST. The Separation Agreement sets forth the terms
of the Separation and certain other post-Separation arrangements and agreements
between New U S WEST and MediaOne. Certain material provisions of the Separation
Agreement are summarized herein. A copy of the Separation Agreement is filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full and complete
text of the Separation Agreement. Further information about the Separation is
contained in the Proxy Statement of U S WEST (the "Proxy Statement") being
distributed to U S WEST's stockholders in connection with the 1998 Annual
Meeting of U S WEST's stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"). At the Annual
Meeting, U S WEST will ask its stockholders to consider and approve the
Separation. See "Chapter 8: Certain Other Matters--Where You Can Find More
Information."
THE COMMUNICATIONS REDEMPTION AND DEX DIVIDEND
In order to effect the Separation, pursuant to the Separation Agreement and
subject to the terms and conditions thereof, (i) U S WEST will redeem each
issued and outstanding share of Communications Stock (other than shares of
Communications Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST) for one share of New U
S WEST Common Stock (the "Communications Redemption") and (ii) distribute as a
dividend (the "Dex Dividend") on each outstanding share of Media Stock (other
than shares of Media Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST) a fraction of a
share of New U S WEST Common Stock equal to the Dex Dividend Number (which will
be determined in the manner described below under "--The Dex Alignment"). As
only whole shares of New U S WEST Common Stock will be issued, cash in lieu of
fractional shares of New U S WEST Common Stock will be issued to holders of
Media Stock pursuant to the Dex Dividend.
The Separation will become effective at such time after the satisfaction or
waiver of all of the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement as
determined by the U S WEST Board (the "Separation Time"). See "--Conditions to
the Separation." The date on which the Separation Time occurs (the "Separation
Date") will also be fixed by the U S WEST Board as (i) the date on which the
Communications Stock will be redeemed pursuant to the Communications Redemption,
(ii) the record date for determining the holders of Media Stock entitled to
receive the Dex Dividend and (iii) the date as of which the Dex Dividend will be
paid to holders of Media Stock. From and after the Separation Time, each
outstanding share of Media Stock will remain outstanding and will thereafter
represent one share of Common Stock of MediaOne ("MediaOne Common Stock"). Each
share of Communications Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST will be
cancelled. Each share of Media Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST will
remain outstanding as one share of MediaOne Common Stock held as treasury stock
by MediaOne. The Dex Dividend will not be issued with respect to shares of Media
Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST.
As a result of the Separation, New U S WEST (which is currently an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of U S WEST named "USW-C, Inc.") will become an
independent public company comprising the current businesses of the
Communications Group and Dex and will be renamed "U S WEST, Inc." Following the
Separation, U S WEST will continue as an independent public company comprised of
the current businesses of the Media Group other than Dex and will be renamed
"MediaOne Group, Inc."
35
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
THE DEX ALIGNMENT
As part of the Separation, the directories business of Dex will be aligned
with New U S WEST. The U S WEST Board, in consultation with U S WEST's
management and its financial advisors, has determined that the fair value of Dex
is $4.75 billion (the "Dex Value"). The business of Dex is currently attributed
to the Media Group and, as a result, the value of this business is intended to
be reflected in the Media Stock. In connection with the Dex Alignment, U S WEST
will issue to holders of Media Stock an aggregate of $850 million in value (the
"Dex Equity Value") of shares of New U S WEST Common Stock pursuant to the Dex
Dividend. The Dex Equity Value equals the Dex Value net of the $3.9 billion of
Dex Indebtedness currently allocated to the Media Group that will be refinanced
by New U S WEST in connection with the Separation. For a description of the
manner in which the Dex Indebtedness will be refinanced by New U S WEST, see
"--The Refinancing."
The fraction of a share of New U S WEST Common Stock which will be
distributed per share of Media Stock pursuant to the Dex Dividend (the "Dex
Dividend Number") will equal the quotient of (i) the Dex Equity Value (I.E.,
$850 million) divided by (ii) the product of (x) the number of shares of Media
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Separation Time (other than shares of
Media Stock held as treasury stock by U S WEST) multiplied by (y) the average
market value of the Communications Stock over the period of 20 trading days
ending on the fifth trading day prior to the Separation Date.
THE REORGANIZATION
Prior to the Separation, U S WEST will effect certain internal stock and
asset transfers, intercompany debt assumptions and other restructurings,
mergers, contributions and assumptions, the purpose and effect of which will be
to separate Dex from the other businesses of the Media Group and to contribute
to New U S WEST all of the assets and liabilities of U S WEST relating to the
businesses of the Communications Group and Dex, as well as certain other assets
and liabilities of U S WEST (the "Reorganization"). As part of the
Reorganization, Capital Funding will become a subsidiary of New U S WEST and
will continue as New U S WEST's financing subsidiary. In addition, substantially
all of the outstanding U S WEST Indebtedness will be refinanced pursuant to the
Refinancing. See "--Treatment of Indebtedness."
Prior to the Reorganization, U S WEST will cause New U S WEST to amend and
restate its Certificate of Incorporation to, among other things, authorize two
billion shares of New U S WEST Common Stock. Following such amendment and
restatement and as part of the Reorganization, New U S WEST will issue to U S
WEST a number of shares of New U S WEST Common Stock equal to the sum of (i) the
number of shares of Communications Stock that will be issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Separation Time plus (ii) the aggregate number of
shares of New U S WEST Common Stock to be issued to holders of Media Stock
pursuant to the Dex Dividend. Such shares of New U S WEST Common Stock will then
be distributed by U S WEST to holders of Communications Stock and Media Stock
pursuant to the Separation.
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
In order to consummate the Separation, the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of U S WEST (the "U S WEST Restated Certificate") will be amended
prior to the Separation Time to, among other things, (i) prior to the
consummation of the Separation, (a) permit the Communications Redemption and the
Dex Dividend and (b) change the name of U S WEST to "MediaOne Group, Inc." and
(ii) following consummation of the Separation, (a) delete all references in the
U S WEST Restated Certificate to the Communications Stock (which will no longer
be outstanding as a result of the Communications Redemption) and (b) amend
certain terms of the Media Stock set forth in the U S WEST Restated Certificate
(collectively, the "Charter Amendments").
36
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the DGCL and the U S WEST Restated Certificate, the Charter
Amendments are required to be approved and adopted by (i) the holders of a
majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Communications Stock
and Media Stock, voting as a single class, (ii) the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Communications Stock, voting as a separate class, and
(iii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Media Stock, voting
as a separate class. Consummation of the Separation is conditioned upon the
approval and adoption of the Charter Amendments by U S WEST's stockholders and
the effectiveness of the Charter Amendments. See "--Conditions to the
Separation." Approval of the Charter Amendments by U S WEST's stockholders will
be sought at the Annual Meeting.
CONDITIONS TO THE SEPARATION
Consummation of the Separation is subject to the fulfillment of each of the
following conditions: (i) the consummation of all of the transactions
contemplated by the Separation Agreement to be performed on or prior to the
consummation of the Separation, including the Reorganization and the Refinancing
(including the Offers and the Cash Tender Offers); (ii) a Registration Statement
of New U S WEST on Form S-4 under the Securities Act registering the shares of
New U S WEST Common Stock to be distributed in the Separation having been
declared effective by the Commission; (iii) a Registration Statement of New U S
WEST on Form 8-A under the Exchange Act registering the New U S WEST Common
Stock under the Exchange Act having become effective; (iv) an amendment to U S
WEST's Registration Statement on Form 8-B under the Exchange Act amending
certain terms of the Media Stock having become effective; (v) the Separation and
the Charter Amendments having been approved and adopted by the stockholders of U
S WEST and the Charter Amendments having been filed with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL; (vi) the New U S WEST
Common Stock having been approved for listing on the NYSE and the Pacific Stock
Exchange (the "PSE"), subject to official notice of issuance; (vii) there not
being issued any order, injunction or decree by any governmental authority that
remains in effect preventing the consummation of the Separation; (viii) all
consents of, approvals of, notices to and filings with any governmental
authority or any other person necessary to consummate the Reorganization or the
Separation having been obtained and being in full force and effect; (ix) U S
WEST having provided the NYSE and the PSE with prior written notice of the
Separation Date as required by the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of
the NYSE and the PSE; (x) the ruling received by U S WEST as to the tax-free
treatment of certain aspects of the Separation and the Reorganization being in
full force and effect at the Separation Time; and (xi) the execution by U S WEST
and New U S WEST (or their applicable subsidiaries) of certain agreements
contemplated by the Separation Agreement.
Subject to applicable laws, any of the conditions to the Separation may be
waived at any time prior to the Separation Time for any reason, in the sole
discretion of the U S WEST Board. In addition, even if all of the above
conditions are satisfied, the Separation Agreement may be amended or terminated,
and the Reorganization, the Refinancing (including the Offers and the Cash
Tender Offers) and the Separation may be abandoned, at any time prior to the
Separation Time for any reason, in the sole discretion of the U S WEST Board.
As of the date of this Prospectus, all material conditions to the
Separation, other than conditions requiring deliveries or actions by U S WEST
prior to the Separation Time (including the consummation of the Refinancing) and
the condition requiring approval of the Separation and the Charter Amendments by
U S WEST's stockholders have been satisfied. Approval of the Separation and the
Charter Amendments is being sought at the Annual Meeting. It is anticipated that
the Offers and the Cash Tender Offers will be consummated shortly after the
Annual Meeting and that the Separation will be consummated as soon as
practicable thereafter.
37
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
THE REFINANCING
As of December 31, 1997, after giving effect to a reduction of $1.35 billion
of indebtedness in connection with the AirTouch Transaction, U S WEST and its
subsidiaries had outstanding approximately $14.4 billion of indebtedness. Such
indebtedness consists of approximately $5.5 billion of Communications
Indebtedness, $2.7 billion of Continental Indebtedness and approximately $6.2
billion of U S WEST Indebtedness. The U S WEST Indebtedness includes
approximately $4.7 billion of Capital Funding Indebtedness, $1.08 billion of Old
Preferred Securities, and an aggregate of approximately $400 million of
indebtedness of Financial Services and other indebtedness issued or guaranteed
by U S WEST. Of the U S WEST Indebtedness, approximately $6.1 billion has
historically been allocated to and is reflected on the balance sheet of the
Media Group (including the Dex Indebtedness) and approximately $100 million has
historically been allocated to and is reflected on the balance sheet of the
Communications Group. All of the $100 million of U S WEST Indebtedness allocated
to the Communications Group is Capital Funding Indebtedness.
Following the Separation, all of the Communications Indebtedness will
continue to be obligations of U S WEST Communications, which will be a
subsidiary of New U S WEST, and all of the Continental Indebtedness will
continue to be obligations of Continental, which will be a subsidiary of
MediaOne, subject to the rights of holders of certain private notes included in
the Continental Indebtedness to require repayment of such notes following
consummation of the Separation.
The Offers are being made as part of the Refinancing, pursuant to which U S
WEST intends to refinance substantially all of the $6.2 billion of U S WEST
Indebtedness. The other major component of the Refinancing is the Cash Tender
Offers, pursuant to which Capital Funding and Financial Services are making
offers under separate cover to purchase for cash all of the public medium and
long-term debt securities of Capital Funding and Financial Services and, in
connection therewith, are soliciting consents to certain amendments to the
indentures under which such securities were issued which are similar to the
Consents being solicited pursuant to this Prospectus. The Cash Tender Offers are
not being made pursuant to this Prospectus. The Cash Tender Offers, when
commenced, will only be made by means of a separate Offer to Purchase and
Consent Solicitation. The obligations of Capital Funding or Financial Services,
as the case may be, under any securities not tendered pursuant to the Cash
Tender Offers will be assumed by MediaOne (the "Assumed Public Indebtedness"),
provided that U S WEST may determine to defease a portion of such indebtedness
in lieu of such assumption. Such assumptions are permitted by the terms of the
indenture under which such indebtedness was issued. After the Separation, New U
S WEST will have no liability or obligation for any of the Assumed Public
Indebtedness. In addition, U S WEST will prepay certain other U S WEST
Indebtedness as part of the Refinancing.
The Separation is not conditioned upon the refinancing by New U S WEST and
MediaOne of any minimum amount of U S WEST Indebtedness pursuant to the Offers
and the Cash Tender Offers. If New U S WEST and MediaOne are unable to refinance
a portion of the U S WEST Indebtedness pursuant to the Offers or the Cash Tender
Offers, such indebtedness will either be retained by MediaOne or defeased as
described above. Any decision as to whether to retain or defease any U S WEST
Indebtedness not refinanced would depend upon the amount and type of such
indebtedness.
In order to fund the cash required to (i) repay all Old Preferred Securities
tendered for cash and accepted pursuant to the Offers, (ii) repay all
indebtedness of Capital Funding and Financial Services tendered and accepted
pursuant to the Cash Tender Offers, (iii) repay all Other U S WEST Indebtedness
which U S WEST prepays as part of the Refinancing and (iv) defease any
indebtedness not tendered pursuant to the Cash Tender Offers and any Old Debt
Securities relating to Old Preferred Securities not tendered pursuant to the
Offers which U S WEST elects to defease, Capital Funding will incur
approximately $4.2 billion of new indebtedness (the "New Capital Funding
Indebtedness"), and MediaOne Funding will incur an amount of new indebtedness
(the "New MediaOne Funding
38
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
Indebtedness") approximately equal to the difference between (a) $2.4 billion
and (b) the sum of (1) the aggregate liquidation amount of New Preferred
Securities issued in the Offers, (2) the aggregate liquidation amount of the Old
Preferred Securities not tendered pursuant to the Offers and not defeased, (3)
the aggregate principal amount of the Assumed Public Indebtedness not defeased
and (4) the aggregate principal amount of other U S WEST Indebtedness retained
by MediaOne as part of the Separation. Capital Funding will become a subsidiary
of New U S WEST as part of the Reorganization and, upon consummation of the
Separation, all of the New Capital Funding Indebtedness will be guaranteed by
New U S WEST and MediaOne will have no liability or obligation with respect
thereto. MediaOne Funding will remain as a subsidiary of MediaOne in connection
with the Separation and, upon consummation of the Separation, all of the New
MediaOne Funding Indebtedness will be guaranteed by MediaOne and New U S WEST
will have no liability or obligation with respect thereto. The $4.2 billion of
New Capital Funding Indebtedness represents an amount equal to the $100 million
of U S WEST Indebtedness currently allocated to the Communications Group, the
Dex Indebtedness and debt which will be incurred by Capital Funding to fund
certain of the costs of the Separation. The $2.4 billion of indebtedness and
trust preferred securities represented by the New MediaOne Funding Indebtedness
and the indebtedness and trust preferred securities described in clauses (1)
through (4) above represent an amount equal to the U S WEST Indebtedness
currently allocated to the Media Group other than the Dex Indebtedness and debt
which will be incurred by MediaOne Funding to fund certain costs of the
Separation.
Upon consummation of the Separation and the related Refinancing, New U S
WEST and its subsidiaries will have approximately $9.7 billion of debt, which
will include approximately $5.5 billion of Communications Indebtedness,
approximately $4.2 billion of New Capital Funding Indebtedness and indebtedness
incurred by New U S WEST to fund the costs and expenses of the Separation. Upon
consummation of the Separation and the related Refinancing, MediaOne and its
subsidiaries will have approximately $5.1 billion of debt and trust preferred
securities, which will include $2.7 billion of Continental Indebtedness, the New
MediaOne Funding Indebtedness, the New Preferred Securities issued in the
Offers, the Old Preferred Securities not tendered pursuant to the Offers and not
defeased, the Assumed Public Indebtedness not defeased, the other U S WEST
Indebtedness retained by MediaOne as part of the Separation and indebtedness
incurred by MediaOne to fund the costs and expenses of the Separation.
The New Capital Funding Indebtedness will be comprised of commercial paper.
The New MediaOne Funding Indebtedness will be comprised of commercial paper and
commercial bank debt. Following consummation of the Separation, it is expected
that Capital Funding and MediaOne Funding will issue medium and long-term
securities to refinance a portion of the short-term commercial paper and
commercial bank debt incurred by them in connection with the Refinancing. While
the terms of the New Capital Funding Indebtedness and the New MediaOne Funding
Indebtedness (and any indebtedness issued to refinance such indebtedness) have
not yet been finalized, it is expected that such indebtedness will have terms
comparable to the terms of the current U S WEST Indebtedness, except that
MediaOne Funding's bank indebtedness may include certain additional terms and
covenants which are generally included in the bank indebtedness of cable
companies. In addition, all senior bank indebtedness issued by MediaOne Funding
after the Separation will be guaranteed by Continental and, as a result, will
rank pari passu with Continental's senior indebtedness. U S WEST, after
consultation with and based upon the advice of its financial advisors, believes
that New U S WEST and MediaOne have sufficient financing capability to
accomplish the refinancings described above.
Following the Separation, MediaOne intends to monetize the AirTouch
securities it received in the AirTouch Transaction and use a portion of the
proceeds of such monetization to reduce MediaOne's indebtedness. See "Chapter 5:
Information About MediaOne--Business of MediaOne--AirTouch Transaction."
39
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
TREATMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK
Currently, U S WEST has three series of preferred stock outstanding: Series
C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("U S WEST Series C Preferred Stock"),
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock ("U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock") and
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock ("U S WEST Series E Preferred Stock" and,
together with the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, the "U
S WEST Preferred Stock"). In connection with the Separation, each class of U S
WEST Preferred Stock will remain outstanding and, following consummation of the
Separation, will represent shares of preferred stock of MediaOne. After the
Separation Time, the U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock and the U S WEST Series E
Preferred Stock will continue to be convertible into shares of Media Stock
(which will thereafter constitute shares of MediaOne Common Stock) pursuant to
the terms thereof. Holders of U S WEST Preferred Stock will not be entitled to
receive the Dex Dividend. In connection with the Separation, the conversion rate
of the U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock will be appropriately adjusted by
MediaOne pursuant to the terms of the U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock to
reflect the fact that holders of U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock will not
receive the Dex Dividend. No such adjustments will be required to the terms of
the U S WEST Series C Preferred Stock or the U S WEST Series E Preferred Stock.
Currently, there are 50,000 shares of U S WEST Series C Preferred Stock
outstanding, 20 million shares of U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock outstanding
and 994,082 shares of U S WEST Series E Preferred Stock outstanding. The U S
WEST Series C Preferred Stock, U S WEST Series D Preferred Stock and U S WEST
Series E Preferred Stock rank junior to the New Debt Guarantees and the Old Debt
Guarantees (or, following the Separation, the Old Debt Securities) and pari
passu with the New Preferred Securities Guarantees and the Old Preferred
Securities Guarantees.
40
CHAPTER 4: THE SEPARATION
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
BUSINESS OF MEDIAONE
GENERAL
MediaOne is a diversified global media and broadband communications company
and the third largest cable television system operator in the United States.
MediaOne has operations and investments in three principal areas: (i) domestic
broadband communications; (ii) international broadband and wireless
communications; and (iii) cable television programming. Among its investments,
MediaOne holds a 25.51% interest in Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.
("TWE"), a provider of cable programming, filmed entertainment and broadband
communications services which is the second largest cable television system
operator in the United States.
STRATEGY
Cable and broadband services are at the core of MediaOne's strategy. While
other companies develop software, hardware and global applications for the
networked world, MediaOne will focus on the supply of easy-to-use local
connections to it. It will do so by providing highly clustered customer access
to hybrid fiber-coax ("HFC") broadband networks. MediaOne believes that this
type of access provides the best and most economical platforms for delivery of
video, data, telephony and other broadband services. Management believes that,
relative to other network alternatives, HFC provides a more desirable
combination of speed, interactivity, signal quality and integration of services.
It is also a better platform for providing a combination of services on a
largely variable cost basis. MediaOne is currently upgrading its cable systems.
Once completed, this upgrade will enhance network quality and reliability as
well as provide capacity for added channels, pay-per-view offerings and targeted
advertising. The upgrade will also permit the offering of new services to
subscribers such as high-speed Internet access, telephone and digital video
offerings. These new services could be offered to subscribers on a highly
variable cost basis. By the end of 1998, MediaOne expects that it will have 60
to 70% of its owned or managed cable properties upgraded to offer multiple
services to customers.
BUSINESS
DOMESTIC BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS
MEDIAONE NETWORKS. MediaOne is the third-largest cable television system
operator in the United States. As of December 31, 1997, MediaOne's cable
television systems passed approximately 8.4 million homes and provided service
to approximately 4.9 million basic cable subscribers. MediaOne's systems are
organized into six operating regions, including large clusters in Atlanta,
Georgia, Eastern Massachusetts, Southern California, Southern Florida, Detroit,
Michigan and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. As of December 31, 1997,
approximately 90% of MediaOne's total basic subscribers were located in clusters
with a population greater than 100,000 (after giving effect to announced swaps).
MediaOne believes that its operating scale in key markets generates significant
benefits, including operating efficiencies, and enhances its ability to develop
and deploy new broadband technologies and services.
MediaOne's cable services are marketed under the "MediaOne" brand.
MediaOne's cable systems offer customers various levels (or "tiers") of cable
programming services consisting of broadcast television signals available
off-the-air in any locality, television signals from so-called "super stations"
originating in distant cities (such as WGN), various satellite-delivered
non-broadcast channels (such as CNN, MTV, USA Network, ESPN, the Discovery
Channel and Nickelodeon), displays of information featuring news, weather, stock
and financial market reports and programming originated locally by the systems
(such as public, governmental and educational access channels). MediaOne's
systems also provide premium programming services to their customers for an
extra monthly charge. These premium programming services include HBO, Cinemax,
Showtime, The Movie Channel, Encore and regional sports networks. Customers
generally pay initial connection charges and fixed monthly fees for a tier of
41
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
programming services and additional fixed monthly fees for premium programming
services. MediaOne also offers pay-per-view programming of movies and special
events for an additional per-program charge.
MediaOne's systems have channel capacity and addressability that are among
the highest in the cable industry. MediaOne's systems are located primarily in
suburban communities adjacent to major metropolitan markets and in mid-sized
cities that generally are densely populated and geographically diverse. MediaOne
believes that its technologically advanced broadband networks and the
demographic profile of its subscriber base, coupled with its effective
marketing, have been essential to its ability to sustain total monthly revenue
per basic subscriber that is among the highest in the cable industry. MediaOne
believes that the geographic diversity of its system clusters reduces its
exposure to economic, competitive or regulatory factors in any particular
region.
MediaOne is upgrading its cable systems to create broadband HFC networks.
These HFC networks will provide increased channel capacity for the delivery of
additional cable programming and facilitate the delivery of additional services,
such as telephony services, enhanced video services, Internet access services
and high-speed data services. MediaOne is selectively upgrading its systems and
expects that it will have 60 to 70% of its systems upgraded by the end of 1998.
MediaOne has already begun to offer additional services over upgraded HFC
networks in certain markets. For example, MediaOne currently offers MediaOne
Express, an Internet access service, over its HFC networks in Los Angeles,
Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Richmond and Southern Florida. In late
1997, MediaOne and Time Warner Inc. ("TWX") announced plans to merge the
operations of MediaOne Express and Road Runner, the Internet access service
offered by Time Warner Cable, to create the largest cable-based high-speed
Internet access business in the United States. In addition, MediaOne began
offering telephony services over its HFC networks in the Atlanta, Georgia
metropolitan area in January 1998 and expects to begin offering telephony
services in two additional markets in 1998.
To further enhance the clustering of its cable systems, MediaOne has entered
into a letter of intent with Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI") to exchange (the
"TCI Exchange") certain cable television systems serving approximately 500,000
subscribers. Consummation of the TCI Exchange is expected to occur in late 1998,
subject to the receipt of certain franchise and other approvals.
In May 1997, MediaOne entered into an agreement (the "Minnesota Sale
Agreement") to sell its cable system (the "Minnesota System") serving the
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area to Charter Communications,
Inc. ("Charter") for $600 million. As of December 31, 1997, the Minnesota System
served approximately 300,000 subscribers. The Minnesota System was acquired by
MediaOne as part of its acquisition of Continental. Under current FCC
cross-ownership rules, MediaOne is prohibited from owning a cable network and a
telephone network in the same geographic area. Because the Minnesota System is
located in an area where U S WEST Communications owns the telephone network,
MediaOne was mandated by the FCC to sell the Minnesota System in connection with
the Continental acquisition in order to comply with the cross-ownership rules.
As a result of the Separation, U S WEST Communications and MediaOne will be
independent companies and MediaOne will no longer be prohibited by federal law
from owning the Minnesota System. In February 1998, in response to U S WEST's
petition, the FCC granted to U S WEST a waiver which would permit MediaOne to
retain the Minnesota System as long as the Separation is consummated by July 31,
1998. MediaOne had the right to terminate the Minnesota Sale Agreement at any
time upon the payment to Charter of a $30 million termination fee. MediaOne has
terminated the Minnesota Sale Agreement pursuant to such right and otherwise
settled all claims with Charter.
TIME WARNER CABLE. MediaOne owns a 25.51% priority capital and residual
equity interest in TWE. The remaining interests in TWE are owned by TWX. See
"--Time Warner Entertainment." TWE, through Time Warner Cable, its cable
division ("Time Warner Cable"), is the second-largest cable television system
operator in the United States. Time Warner Cable owns or manages cable systems
in 34 states. These systems include 34 clusters of more than 100,000
subscribers, including Time
42
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
Warner Cable of New York City, the largest cluster in the United States. More
than 55% of Time Warner Cable's subscribers are located in Florida, New York,
North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 1997, Time Warner Cable owned
cable television systems that passed approximately 15.4 million homes and
provided service to approximately 9.7 million basic cable subscribers. Of these
systems, systems passing approximately 7.1 million homes and providing service
to approximately 4.6 million subscribers are owned by Time Warner
Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership ("TWE-A/N"), a partnership in which
TWE, as of December 31, 1997 owned a 66.7% interest, and the Advance/Newhouse
Partnership ("A/N") owned a 33.3% interest. In addition, Time Warner Cable
manages cable television systems owned by TWX which, as of December 31, 1997,
passed approximately 3.8 million homes and provided service to approximately 2.3
million cable television subscribers. Time Warner Cable's cable services are
marketed under the "Time Warner Cable" brand. Time Warner Cable offers cable
programming services over its networks similar to those offered by MediaOne.
Like MediaOne, Time Warner Cable is upgrading its cable systems to provide
increased channel capacity and to facilitate the delivery of additional
services.
In February 1998, TWX contributed cable systems serving approximately
675,000 subscribers to TWE-A/N, subject to approximately $1 billion in debt, in
exchange for approximately $300 million of common and preferred interests. In
connection with the transaction, A/N will make equity contributions to TWE-A/N
to maintain its 33.3% interest therein. As a result, TWE-A/N is owned
approximately 65.3% by TWE, 33.3% by A/N and 1.4% by TWX.
Through the TWE management committee, MediaOne and TWX jointly direct the
businesses and affairs of TWE and TWE-A/N cable systems, subject in certain
cases to regulatory approval. The TWE management committee has full discretion
and final authority with respect to the businesses and affairs of such cable
systems. The TWE management committee consists of six voting members, of which
three members are designated by U S WEST and three members are designated by
TWX. Each voting member of the TWE management committee has one vote. Any action
required or permitted to be taken by the TWE management committee must be
approved by a majority of its members. Determinations of the TWE management
committee are binding upon TWE and the TWE board of representatives.
TWE is also a leading provider of filmed entertainment and cable
programming. For additional information with respect to MediaOne's interest in
TWE, see "--Cable Programming" and "--Time Warner Entertainment."
OTHER BROADBAND INTERESTS. MediaOne owns or holds interests in CLECs which
provide business telephony services. Such interests include an 80% interest in
Continental Fiber Technologies, Inc., which provides business telephony services
in Jacksonville, Florida; a 63% interest in Alternet of Virginia, Inc., which
provides business telephony services in Richmond, Virginia; and a 100% interest
in MediaOne Business Services, Inc., which provides business telephony services
in Atlanta, Georgia. MediaOne leases fiber to these companies for use in their
fiber-optic networks. In addition, MediaOne, through TWE, owns an interest in
Time Warner Communications, a provider of business telephony services in many of
the principal cities where Time Warner Cable's systems are located. Time Warner
Communications is owned by TWE, TWE-A/N and TWX, each of whom leases fiber to
Time Warner Communications for use in its fiber-optic networks.
MediaOne owns an approximate 10% interest in Primestar, Inc. ("PrimeStar"),
a nationwide provider of DBS services. TWE also holds an approximate 24%
interest in PrimeStar. On April 1, 1998, MediaOne, TWE and the other
stockholders of PrimeStar contributed their interests in PrimeStar Partners,
L.P., as well as their PrimeStar subscribers and certain related assets, to
PrimeStar, which is a newly formed company. MediaOne received shares of
PrimeStar and cash and TWE received shares of PrimeStar and realized a reduction
in indebtedness in connection with such contribution. In a related, independent
transaction, PrimeStar has agreed to purchase the satellite assets owned by
American Sky Broadcasting LLC, which is owned by News Corporation and MCI
Communications Corporation, in
43
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
exchange for a nonvoting interest in PrimeStar. This transaction, which is
subject to various regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close in 1998.
INTERNATIONAL BROADBAND AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS. MediaOne owns interests in various providers of
broadband communications services in international markets in continental
Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia. As of December 31, 1997, these interests
represented approximately 2 million proportionate homes passed and 900,000
proportionate subscribers.
Among its international broadband interests, MediaOne holds a 26.8% interest
in Telewest, the second-largest provider of combined cable and
telecommunications services in the United Kingdom. Telewest is constructing
broadband networks capable of providing a broad range of video, telephony and
data services. As of December 31, 1997, Telewest had approximately 687,000 cable
subscribers and 1,040,000 telephony lines. TCI also owns a 26.8% interest in
Telewest. MediaOne also holds interests in other providers of cable and
broadband communications services in international markets, including a 94%
interest in Cable Plus, a provider of cable and telephony services in the Czech
Republic; a 50% interest in A2000, a provider of cable television services in
the Netherlands; a 25% interest in Telenet Flanders, a provider of cable and
telephony services over an HFC network in portions of Belgium; a 35% interest in
Aria WEST, a provider of telecommunications services in portions of Indonesia; a
25% interest in Singapore Cablevision Pte Ltd, a joint venture that is
constructing a broadband network in Singapore; and a 25% interest in Titus
Communications Corp. ("Titus") and a 19% interest in Chofu Cable Television
("Chofu"), each of which is constructing cable television systems in Japan. TWX
also holds a 25% interest in Titus and a 19% interest in Chofu.
On March 29, 1998, Telewest announced that merger discussions were underway
for Telewest to acquire General Cable plc ("General Cable") for Telewest shares
and cash. A 40% shareholder of General Cable has agreed to accept Telewest's
offer if such offer is made on or before April 15, 1998 and consists of 1.243
new Telewest shares and 65 pence in cash for each General Cable share (or an
aggregate of approximately L426 million in Telewest shares and L240 million in
cash). Telewest intends to raise the cash portion of the purchase price through
a rights offering to Telewest's existing shareholders, including MediaOne. It is
currently contemplated that MediaOne and certain of Telewest's other principal
shareholders may purchase any Telewest shares not purchased by Telewest's other
shareholders in the rights offering. There can be no assurance that any
transaction involving the acquisition of General Cable will be consummated.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS. MediaOne owns interests in various providers of
wireless communications services in international markets in continental Europe,
the United Kingdom and Asia. As of December 31, 1997, these interests
represented 76.9 million proportionate POPs and approximately 1,018,000
proportionate subscribers.
Among its international wireless interests, MediaOne owns a 50% interest in
Mercury Personal Communications ("One 2 One"), which provides PCS services in
the United Kingdom under the brand "One 2 One." The remaining 50% of One 2 One
is owned by Cable & Wireless plc. One 2 One was the first PCS service in the
world to commence operations in 1993. As of December 31, 1997, One 2 One's
networks served approximately 1,014,000 subscribers and provided coverage to
approximately 95% of Great Britain's population. MediaOne also holds interests
in various other providers of wireless communications services in international
markets, including a 46.6% interest in Westel 900 and a 49% interest in Westel
Radiotelefon, providers of cellular services in Hungary; 24.5% interests in
Eurotel Praha and Eurotel Bratislava, providers of wireless services in portions
of the Czech and Slovak Republics; a 22.5% interest in Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa,
a provider of Global Systems for Mobile Communications ("GSM") cellular services
in Poland; a 49% interest in U S WEST BPL Cellular Telecommunications, a
provider of GSM cellular services in certain regions of India; a 19% interest in
Binariang, a provider of wireless, wireline, satellite and international gateway
services in
44
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
Malaysia; and a 66.5% interest in the Russian Telecommunications Development
Corp., a provider of cellular services in certain cities in Russia.
CABLE PROGRAMMING
MediaOne has made investments in cable programming networks as a means of
generating additional interest among cable television consumers. Among its
investments in providers of cable programming, MediaOne holds a 10.4% interest
in E! Entertainment Television, Inc., a 50% interest in New England Cable News,
a 10.0% interest in PPVN Holding Co., which operates under the brand name
"Viewer's Choice," a 7.5% interest in the Sunshine Network, a provider of sports
programming in Florida, a 9.0% interest in Music Choice, a distributor of audio
programming over cable networks, a 24.1% interest in the Outdoor Life Network
and a 20.7% interest in Speedvision. Internationally, MediaOne holds a 6.7%
interest in Flextech plc, a provider of cable programming in the United Kingdom.
TWE holds extensive interests in cable programming networks. TWE, through
its Home Box Office division ("Home Box Office"), owns and operates HBO and
Cinemax. HBO's programming includes commercial-free, uncut feature motion
pictures, sporting events, special entertainment events and motion pictures
produced by or for HBO. Cinemax offers a broad range of motion pictures,
including classic, family, action-adventure, foreign and recently-released
films. Home Box Office has also entered into a number of international joint
ventures, including HBO Ole in Latin America and a movie-based HBO service in
Asia. Home Box Office also produces television programming and operates TVKO, an
entity that produces boxing matches and other pay-per-view programming. TWE also
holds interests in various other cable programming networks, including a 50%
interest in Comedy Central and a 33.33% interest in Court TV. MediaOne does not
have any rights with respect to the management and operation of TWE's cable
programming businesses. See "--Time Warner Entertainment."
TIME WARNER ENTERTAINMENT
MediaOne owns a 25.51% pro rata priority capital and residual equity
interest in TWE. Subsidiaries of TWX own a 74.49% pro rata priority capital and
residual equity interest in TWE as well as certain senior capital interests in
TWE. TWE is engaged in the cable programming, filmed entertainment and broadband
communications businesses. Subject to the powers of the TWE Management Committee
with respect to Time Warner Cable, and except for approvals required for certain
significant actions, the businesses and affairs of TWE are controlled by TWX.
For a description of the broadband communications and cable programming
operations of TWE, see "--Business-- Domestic Broadband Communications--Time
Warner Cable" and "--Cable Programming."
TWE's filmed entertainment business consists of the production, financing
and distribution of feature motion pictures (including through Warner Bros.),
television series, made-for-television movies, miniseries for television,
first-run syndication programming and animated programming for theatrical and
television exhibition, and the distribution of prerecorded videocassettes and
videodiscs. TWE owns and operates The WB, a national broadcast television
network launched in 1995. TWE's filmed entertainment business is also engaged in
product licensing and the ownership and operation of retail stores, movie
theaters and theme parks, including Warner Bros. Studio Stores. On April 1,
1998, TWE sold its 49% ownership interest in Six Flags theme parks to Premier
Parks Inc.
MediaOne has an option to increase its equity interest in TWE from 25.51% to
31.84% depending upon cable operating performance. The option is exercisable, in
whole or in part, between January 1, 1999 and May 31, 2005 for an aggregate cash
exercise price ranging from $1.25 billion to $1.8 billion, depending upon the
year of exercise. Either MediaOne or TWE may elect that the exercise price for
the option be paid with partnership interests rather than cash.
TWE's limited partnership agreement contains certain non-competition
restrictions (the "TWE Non-Competition Restrictions"), which prohibit each of
the TWE partners, including MediaOne, from
45
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
competing with TWE in the three principal lines of business of TWE--cable,
filmed entertainment and programming--as such businesses may evolve, subject to
certain agreed upon exceptions and limited passive investments. The TWE
Non-Competition Restrictions do not prohibit MediaOne from engaging in the cable
business in an area where TWE is not then engaging in the cable business,
subject to TWE's right of first refusal with respect to such cable business, or
from engaging in the cable business outside of the United States. In addition,
the TWE Non-Competition Restrictions do not prevent MediaOne from acquiring a
foreign cable business that is also engaged in a programming business if such
programming business does not account for more than 20% of the cable business'
revenues. Under the TWE Non-Competition Restrictions, the acquisition by U S
WEST of Continental and its cable systems in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan
area required the consent of TWX. The ability of MediaOne to make acquisitions
of additional cable systems may be limited by the TWE Non-Competition
Restrictions.
MediaOne also owns a 12.75% interest in Time Warner Entertainment Japan Inc.
("TWE Japan"). The remaining interests in TWE Japan are owned by TWX, Itochu
Corporation and Toshiba Corporation. TWE Japan was organized to conduct TWE's
businesses in Japan, including video distribution, theatrical film and
television distribution and merchandising businesses, and to expand and develop
new business opportunities.
AIRTOUCH TRANSACTION
On April 6, 1998, MediaOne sold its domestic wireless business to AirTouch
pursuant to the AirTouch Transaction. The AirTouch Transaction was consummated
in accordance with the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
January 29, 1998 (the "AirTouch Merger Agreement"), among U S WEST, U S WEST
Media Group, Inc., U S WEST NewVector Group, Inc. ("NewVector"), U S WEST PCS
Holdings, Inc. ("PCS Holdings") and AirTouch. The Media Group's domestic
wireless business was conducted by NewVector, which conducted the Media Group's
domestic cellular business, and by PCS Holdings, which held the Media Group's
interest in PrimeCo Personal Communications, L.P., a provider of PCS services.
Pursuant to the AirTouch Merger Agreement, NewVector and PCS Holdings merged
with and into AirTouch and, as a result, AirTouch acquired the businesses of
NewVector and PCS Holdings.
Pursuant to the AirTouch Transaction, MediaOne received from AirTouch (i)
$1.65 billion in liquidation preference of dividend bearing AirTouch Preferred
Stock and (ii) 59.5 million shares of AirTouch Common Stock. In addition,
AirTouch assumed $1.35 billion of indebtedness of NewVector and PCS Holdings.
Applying the terms of the AirTouch Merger Agreement, this transaction will
result in a gain of approximately $2.3 billion, net of deferred taxes of $1.7
billion. See "--MediaOne Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements."
Prior to the consummation of the AirTouch Transaction, MediaOne and AirTouch
were parties to a multi-phased joint venture pursuant to which the parties
agreed to combine their domestic cellular businesses. The AirTouch Transaction
was consummated in lieu of such joint venture.
MediaOne intends to take appropriate actions to monetize the shares of
AirTouch Preferred Stock and AirTouch Common Stock which it received in the
AirTouch Transaction. In connection with the AirTouch Transaction, MediaOne and
AirTouch entered into an Investment Agreement, pursuant to which AirTouch has
agreed to provide to MediaOne registration rights with respect to the shares of
AirTouch Preferred Stock and AirTouch Common Stock which it received in the
AirTouch Transaction and to assist MediaOne in the monetization of such shares.
46
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
MediaOne's cable television systems generally compete for viewer attention
with other providers of video programming, including DBS systems, MMDS systems,
LMDS systems, SMATV systems and other cable companies providing services in
areas where MediaOne operates. In addition, certain LECs, including RBOCs, are
beginning to offer video programming in competition with MediaOne's cable
services. In the past, federal cross-ownership restrictions have limited entry
by LECs into the cable television business. The Telecommunications Act has
eliminated many of these barriers, thereby enhancing the ability of LECs to
provide video programming in competition with MediaOne. The extent of such
competition in any franchise area is dependent, in part, upon the quality,
variety and price of the programming provided by these services. Many of these
competitive services are generally not subject to the same local government
regulation that affects cable television. The cable television services offered
by MediaOne also face competition for viewers and advertising from other
communications and entertainment media, including off-air television
broadcasting services, movie theaters, video tape rentals and live sporting
events. The competition faced by MediaOne's cable systems may increase in the
future with the development and growth of new technologies.
As MediaOne begins to offer additional services over its HFC networks,
MediaOne will face additional competition. The telephony services which MediaOne
intends to offer will face competition from other providers of local exchange
services, including RBOCs, LECs, IXCs and other providers of local exchange
services. The degree of competition will be dependent upon the state and federal
regulations concerning entry, interconnection requirements and the degree of
unbundling of the LECs' networks. Competition will be based upon price, service
quality and breadth of services offered. The Internet access and high-speed data
services offered by MediaOne compete with other providers of such services,
including LECs, IXCs, ISPs and other on-line service providers.
MediaOne's international broadband and wireless communications businesses
also face competition in their respective markets. Telewest's cable television
services compete with broadcast television stations, DBS services, SMATV systems
and certain narrowband operators in the United Kingdom. Telewest's
telecommunications services compete with domestic telephone companies in the
United Kingdom, such as British Telecommunications plc. One 2 One competes with
two cellular operators and one PCS operator in the United Kingdom. Competition
is based upon price, geographic coverage and the quality of the services
offered.
REGULATION
The products and services of MediaOne are subject to varying degrees of
regulation. Under the Telecommunications Act, the regulation of all but basic
tier cable rates will be discontinued effective March 31, 1999, or earlier if
competition exists. The Telecommunications Act also (i) eliminates certain
cross-ownership restrictions among cable operations, broadcasters and MMDS
operations, (ii) removes barriers to competition with LECs, and (iii) eliminates
restrictions that previously applied to MediaOne relating to long-distance
services.
The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the
"1992 Cable Act") authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC")
to set standards for governmental authorities to regulate the rates for certain
cable television services, except for services offered on a per-channel or
per-program basis, and equipment. Pursuant to authority granted under the 1992
Cable Act, the FCC adopted a series of rate regulations. The FCC also publicly
announced that it would consider "social contracts" as an alternative form of
rate regulation for cable operations. Continental's social contract with the FCC
was adopted by the FCC on August 3, 1995 and amended on August 21, 1996 and July
3, 1997 to include certain systems acquired by Continental. The social contract
is a six-year agreement covering most of Continental's franchises, including
those that were unregulated, and settled Continental's cost of service rate
cases and benchmark cable programming service tier rate cases for the covered
systems. Benchmark basic service tier rate cases in the covered systems are
subject to
47
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
review by local franchise authorities. As part of the resolution, Continental
agreed to, among other things, invest at least $1.7 billion in domestic system
rebuilds and upgrades through the year 2000 to expand channel capacity and
improve system reliability and picture quality. At December 31, 1997, the
investment commitment had been substantially met. Under the social contract,
Continental also reduced its basic service tier rates for most of the
subscribers covered by the social contract. These reductions were offset by a
revenue neutral increase in cable programming service tier rates. The social
contract allows for the funding of system rebuilds and upgrades by increasing
cable programming service tier rates annually by one dollar per subscriber from
1997 and 1999 in most franchises, and from 1996 through 1999 for the systems
incorporated under the 1996 amendment to the social contract. Rate adjustments
are also allowed for inflation and external costs such as programming. The
social contract also provides that, if the laws and regulations applicable to
services offered in any Continental franchise change in a manner that would have
a material favorable financial impact on Continental, MediaOne may petition the
FCC to terminate the social contract.
Cable television systems are also subject to local regulation, typically
imposed through the franchising process. Local officials may be involved in the
initial franchise selection, system design and construction, safety, rate
regulation, customer service standards, billing practices, community-related
programming and services, franchise renewal and imposition of franchise fees.
MediaOne is also subject to various regulations in the foreign countries in
which it has operations. In the United Kingdom, the licensing, construction,
operation, sale and acquisition of cable and wireline and wireless
communications systems are regulated by various government entities, including
the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of National Heritage.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1997, the businesses of MediaOne had approximately 16,350
employees, none of whom were represented by unions. MediaOne believes that its
relations with its employees are good.
REAL PROPERTY
The properties of MediaOne do not lend themselves to description by
character and location of principal units. At December 31, 1997, the majority of
MediaOne's property was utilized in providing cable television services.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
MediaOne is currently subject to claims and proceedings that have arisen in
the ordinary course of business. While complete assurance cannot be given as to
the outcome of any contingent liabilities, in the opinion of MediaOne, any
financial impact to which MediaOne will be subject is not expected to be
material in amount to its financial position or results of operations. In
addition, the businesses in which MediaOne holds an investment, including TWE,
are also subject to claims and proceedings that may be material to such
businesses.
MANAGEMENT OF MEDIAONE
MEDIAONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Immediately after the Separation, it is expected that the MediaOne Board
will consist of directors. Pursuant to the MediaOne Restated Certificate, the
MediaOne Board will consist of three classes of directors. Each class of
directors will be subject to election by stockholders every three years. In
addition, it is anticipated that the MediaOne Board will adopt a policy that
requires directors to retire at the annual meeting following the director's 72nd
birthday.
It is anticipated that Robert L. Crandall, Grant A. Dove, Allan D. Gilmour,
Pierson M. Grieve, Charles M. Lillis, Charles P. Russ, III, Louis A. Simpson and
John "Jack" Slevin, who are currently
48
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
members of the U S WEST Board, will remain in their current positions as members
of the MediaOne Board following the Separation Time and that all other current
members of the U S WEST Board will resign, effective as of the Separation Time
and become directors of New U S WEST. In addition, it is anticipated that, prior
to the Separation Time, the U S WEST Board will elect Kathleen A. Cote to the
MediaOne Board, effective as of the Separation Time, to fill one of the
vacancies created by such resignations. The following is a brief listing of the
principal occupations, other major affiliations and ages of each individual who
will serve on the MediaOne Board following the Separation.
KATHLEEN A. COTE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Computervision
Corporation, 1996 to 1998, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Computervision Corporation from 1995 to 1996. Vice President of Marketing and
Services from 1994 to 1995. President and General Manager of PrimeService from
1989 to 1994. Vice President of Operations from 1986 to 1989. Employed at Wang
Laboratories in various management roles including Director of Manufacturing
from 1980 to 1986. Employed by MFE Corporation from 1978-1980 as head of
Operations. Employed at CTI-Cryogenics from 1971 to 1978, holding various
positions in Operations and Business Management. Currently Director of
Baynetworks, Inc, and Walden University. Age 48.
ROBERT L. CRANDALL, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of AMR Corp. since 1985. Director of Halliburton Company and Sabre Group
Holdings, Inc. Director of U S WEST since 1997. Age 62.
GRANT A. DOVE, Managing Partner of Technology Strategies and Alliances since
1992. Executive Vice President of Texas Instruments from 1982 to 1987. Director
of Cooper Cameron Corporation, Forefront Group, Inc., InterVoice, Inc.,
Mircoelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation, and Netspeed, Inc.
Director and Chairman of Optek Technology, Inc. Director of U S WEST since 1988.
Age 69.
ALLAN D. GILMOUR, retired. Vice Chairman of Ford Motor Co. from 1993 to
1995; Executive Vice President of Ford Motor Co. and President, Ford Automotive
Group, from 1990 to 1993. Director of The Dow Chemical Company, DTE Energy
Company, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and Whirlpool Corporation.
Director of U S WEST since 1992. Age 63.
PIERSON M. GRIEVE, retired. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Ecolab, Inc. from 1983 through 1995. Director of Danka Business
Systems PLC, Norwest Corporation, and St. Paul Companies. Director of U S WEST
since 1990. Age 70.
CHARLES M. LILLIS, President and Chief Executive Officer of U S WEST Media
Group since 1995; Executive Vice President of U S WEST since 1987. Director of
Ascent Entertainment Group, Inc., and Supervalu, Inc. Director of U S WEST since
1998. Age 56.
CHARLES P. RUSS, III, Executive Vice President--Law, Public Policy and Human
Resources, General Counsel and Secretary of U S WEST. Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of U S WEST since 1992; Executive Vice President
for Human Resources since 1995; and Executive Vice President for Public Policy
since 1997. Director of U S WEST since 1998. Age 53.
LOUIS A. SIMPSON, President and Chief Executive Officer of GEICO Capital
Operations since 1993. Director of Chor, Inc., Pacific American Income Shares,
Inc., Potomac Electric Power Company, and Western Asset Trust, Inc. Director of
U S WEST since 1998. Age 61.
JOHN "JACK" SLEVIN, Chairman of the Board of Comdisco, Inc. since 1996;
President and Chief Executive Officer since 1994; Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to 1994. Director of U S WEST since 1998. Age
61.
COMMITTEES OF THE MEDIAONE BOARD
Following the Separation, the MediaOne Board will establish the standing
committees listed below. No final determination has been made as to the
memberships of any such standing committees.
49
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee's purpose will be to oversee
MediaOne's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and to
assist the MediaOne Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and corporate
accountability responsibilities. MediaOne's internal auditors and independent
certified public accountants will periodically meet with the Audit Committee and
will always have unrestricted direct access to the Audit Committee members.
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. The Board Affairs Committee will serve as a
nominating committee for the MediaOne Board. The Board Affairs Committee will
also make recommendations regarding director compensation and committee
structure and composition. The Board Affairs Committee will oversee corporate
governance and will consider candidates for the MediaOne Board recommended by
stockholders.
FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee will be responsible for evaluating
MediaOne's growth strategies and financing for MediaOne's operations.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The Human Resources
and Executive Development Committee will be responsible for assuring the
appropriateness of the compensation and benefits of the Executive Officers of
MediaOne and its subsidiaries and to provide for the orderly succession of
management.
MEDIAONE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is information with respect to the current positions of the
individuals who have been selected to serve as executive officers of MediaOne
upon consummation of the Separation. It is anticipated that these individuals
will be elected by the MediaOne Board as of the Separation Time. Unless
otherwise indicated, the positions to be held by each such individual will be
similar to their current positions.
A. GARY AMES, Executive Vice President, and President, MediaOne
International since 1995. Mr. Ames previously served for five and one-half years
as President of U S WEST Communications, and has held a variety of operations,
public policy and other management positions at U S WEST and its predecessors
for over 30 years. Age 53.
ROGER K. CHRISTENSEN, Vice President Group Operations and Strategy of the
Media Group since 1995. Following the Separation, Mr. Christensen will become
Senior Vice President Administration of MediaOne and will be responsible for
human resources, public relations and certain other corporate services. Mr.
Christensen has been a Vice President of U S WEST since 1993, and has held a
variety of finance and other management positions with U S WEST and its
predecessors for over 25 years. Age 49.
FRANK M. EICHLER, Vice President Public Policy and Regulatory Law of the
Media Group since 1997. Following the Separation, Mr. Eichler will become
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MediaOne. Mr. Eichler
has served as a Vice President of U S WEST since 1994, and has held a variety of
positions in the Law Department of U S WEST since 1984. Age 41.
CHARLES M. LILLIS, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Media Group
since 1995. Mr. Lillis previously served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of U S WEST Diversified Group. Mr. Lillis joined U S WEST in 1985 as
Vice President of Strategic Marketing and was named Executive Vice President and
Chief Planning Officer in 1987. Age 56.
JANICE C. PETERS, President of the Media Group's domestic cable operations
since 1997. Ms. Peters previously served as President of the Media Group's
wireless operations. Ms. Peters has been a Vice President of U S WEST since
1992, and has held a variety of marketing and other management positions with U
S WEST and its predecessors for over 25 years. Age 46.
RICHARD A. POST, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Media
Group since 1997. Mr. Post previously served as President of Corporate
Development of the Media Group. Mr. Post has
50
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
been a Vice President of U S WEST since 1990, and has held a variety of finance
and other management positions with U S WEST for over ten years. Age 39.
PEARRE A. WILLIAMS, Vice President and President, Multimedia Ventures, since
1997. Mr. Williams previously served as Vice President Business Development for
the Media Group. Mr. Williams has been a Vice President of U S WEST since 1989,
and has held a variety of corporate development and other management positions
with U S WEST for over ten years. Age 43.
51
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations
of MediaOne for the year ended December 31, 1997 gives effect to (i) the
discontinuance of the businesses of New U S WEST (the "Discontinued Operations
Adjustments"), (ii) the Refinancing (including the refinancing by New U S WEST
of the Dex Indebtedness), the distribution of all of the New U S WEST Common
Stock to U S WEST's stockholders, transfers of certain assets and liabilities of
U S WEST to New U S WEST and allocations of certain costs and expenses in
connection with the Separation (the "MediaOne Separation Adjustments") and (iii)
the AirTouch Transaction (the "AirTouch Transaction Adjustments") as if such
transactions had been consummated as of January 1, 1997. The unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 1997 gives effect to the
Discontinued Operations Adjustments, the MediaOne Separation Adjustments and the
AirTouch Transaction Adjustments as if such transactions had been consummated as
of December 31, 1997. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, give effect to the
Discontinued Operations Adjustments but do not give effect to the MediaOne
Separation Adjustments or the AirTouch Transaction Adjustments.
The assets of New U S WEST will be accounted for at the historical book
values at which they were carried by U S WEST prior to the Separation. MediaOne
will account for the distribution of New U S WEST to U S WEST's stockholders at
fair value, and will recognize a gain on the distribution. The historical
results of New U S WEST will be reflected as discontinued operations by
MediaOne.
The pro forma adjustments included herein are based on available information
and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable and are
described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma financial
statements do not necessarily represent what MediaOne's financial position or
results of operations would have been had the transactions occurred at such
dates or to project MediaOne's financial position or results of operations at or
for any future date or period. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
necessary to present fairly the unaudited pro forma financial information have
been made. The unaudited pro forma financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements of U S WEST, including the
notes thereto, incorporated by reference herein. See Chapter 8: Certain Other
Matters: Where You Can Find More Information.
52
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE MEDIAONE PRO
PRO FORMA
DISCONTINUED FORMA MEDIAONE EXCLUDING AIRTOUCH
U S WEST OPERATIONS EXCLUDING SEPARATION AIRTOUCH TRANSACTION
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A) SEPARATION ADJUSTMENTS TRANSACTION ADJUSTMENTS(G)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales and other revenues.......................... $15,235 $(11,388)(A) $3,847 $ 3,847 $ (1,428)(G)
Operating expenses before depreciation and
amortization.................................... 9,009 (6,449)(A) 2,560 2,560 (895)(G)
Depreciation and amortization..................... 3,420 (2,163)(A) 1,257 1,257 (183)(G)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total operating expenses........................ 12,429 (8,612) 3,817 3,817 (1,078)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Operating income (loss) from continuing
operations...................................... 2,806 (2,776) 30 30 (350)(G)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense................................ (1,083 ) 405(A) (678 ) 289(B) (389) 90(G)
Equity losses in unconsolidated ventures........ (909 ) (909 ) (909) 115(G)
Other income (expense)--net..................... 408 (58)(A) 350 (6)(B) 344 132(G)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes and extraordinary item............. 1,222 (2,429) (1,207 ) 283 (924) (13)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes.............. (522 ) 902(A) 380 (87)(C) 293 34(C)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
extraordinary item.............................. 700 (1,527) (827 ) 196 (631) 21
Discontinued operations(A):
Results of operations, net of tax............... 1,524(A) 1,524 (1,524)(D)
Gain on separation.............................. 25,229(D) 25,229
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Income before extraordinary item.................. 700 (3) 697 23,901 24,598 21
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of
tax........................................... (3 ) 3(A) (346)(E) (346)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Net income........................................ 697 -- 697 23,555 24,252 21
Dividends on preferred stock...................... (52 ) (52 ) (52)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Earnings available for common stock............... $ 645 $ -- $ 645 $ 23,555 $ 24,200 $ 21
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE PRO
FORMA
-------------
<S> <C>
Sales and other revenues.......................... $ 2,419
Operating expenses before depreciation and
amortization.................................... 1,665
Depreciation and amortization..................... 1,074
-------------
Total operating expenses........................ 2,739
-------------
Operating income (loss) from continuing
operations...................................... (320)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense................................ (299)
Equity losses in unconsolidated ventures........ (794)
Other income (expense)--net..................... 476
-------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes and extraordinary item............. (937)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes.............. 327
-------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
extraordinary item.............................. (610)
Discontinued operations(A):
Results of operations, net of tax...............
Gain on separation.............................. 25,229
-------------
Income before extraordinary item.................. 24,619
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of
tax........................................... (346)
-------------
Net income........................................ 24,273
Dividends on preferred stock...................... (52)
-------------
Earnings available for common stock............... $ 24,221
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
53
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE MEDIAONE PRO
PRO FORMA
DISCONTINUED FORMA MEDIAONE EXCLUDING AIRTOUCH
U S WEST OPERATIONS EXCLUDING SEPARATION AIRTOUCH TRANSACTION
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A) SEPARATION ADJUSTMENTS TRANSACTION ADJUSTMENTS(G)
-------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK........................................... $ 2.43
--------
--------
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COMMON STOCK.................................... $ 2.41
--------
--------
BASIC AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions).................... 482.75
--------
--------
DILUTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions).................... 491.23
--------
--------
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE OF MEDIA
STOCK........................................... $ (0.88 )
--------
--------
BASIC AND DILUTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OF MEDIA
STOCK
OUTSTANDING (millions).......................... 606.75
--------
--------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE OF
MEDIAONE COMMON STOCK:
CONTINUING OPERATIONS........................... $ (1.13)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS......................... 41.58(D)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT.......... (0.57)
-------------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE.............. $ 39.88
-------------
-------------
BASIC AND DILUTED AVERAGE SHARES OF MEDIAONE
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions)............. 606.75(F)
-------------
-------------
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE PRO
FORMA
-------------
<S> <C>
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK...........................................
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COMMON STOCK....................................
BASIC AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions)....................
DILUTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions)....................
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE OF MEDIA
STOCK...........................................
BASIC AND DILUTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OF MEDIA
STOCK
OUTSTANDING (millions)..........................
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE OF
MEDIAONE COMMON STOCK:
CONTINUING OPERATIONS........................... $ (1.09)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS......................... 41.58(D)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT.......... (0.57)
-------------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE.............. $ 39.92
-------------
-------------
BASIC AND DILUTED AVERAGE SHARES OF MEDIAONE
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING (millions)............. 606.75(F)
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
54
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE
MEDIAONE PRO FORMA
DISCONTINUED PRO FORMA MEDIAONE EXCLUDING AIRTOUCH
U S WEST OPERATIONS EXCLUDING SEPARATION AIRTOUCH TRANSACTION
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A) SEPARATION ADJUSTMENTS TRANSACTION ADJUSTMENTS(G)
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets..................... $ 3,399 $ (2,432)(A) $ 967 $ (8)(H) $ 959 $ (223)(G)
Net investment in assets of
discontinued operations(A)....... 4,367(A) 4,367 (3,831)(J)
(536)(D)
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
Total current assets............... 3,399 1,935 5,334 (4,375) 959 (223)
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
Property, plant and
equipment--net................... 18,580 (14,308)(A) 4,272 (25)(H) 4,247 (1,006)(G)
Investment in Time Warner
Entertainment.................... 2,486 2,486 2,486
Investment in AirTouch
Communications................... 4,413(G)
Net investments in international
ventures......................... 475 475 475
Intangible assets--net............. 12,674 (77)(A) 12,597 12,597 (415)(G)
Net investment in assets held for
sale............................. 419 419 419
Other assets....................... 1,707 (775)(A) 932 (28)(H) 853 (491)(G)
(51)(K)
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
Total assets....................... $ 39,740 $ (13,225) $ 26,515 $ (4,479) $ 22,036 $ 2,278
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt.................... $ 1,430 $ (695)(A) $ 735 $ (23)(H) $ 738 $ 16(G)
26(I)
Total other current liabilities.... 4,885 (3,432)(A) 1,453 (19)(H) 1,434 (332)(G)
Long-term debt..................... 13,248 (5,020)(A) 8,228 (3,831)(J) 4,637 (1,352)(G)
240(K)
Deferred taxes..................... 4,068 (791)(A) 3,277 14(H) 3,291 1,735(G)
Deferred credits and other......... 3,605 (3,287)(A) 318 (33)(H) 285 (88)(G)
Mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock and Old Preferred
Securities....................... 1,180 1,180 1,180
Total equity....................... 11,324 11,324 (25,831)(D) 10,471 2,299(G)
25,229(D)
(346)(E)
121(K)
(26)(I)
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
Total liabilities and equity....... $ 39,740 $ (13,225) $ 26,515 $ (4,479) $ 22,036 $ 2,278
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE
PRO FORMA
-----------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets..................... $ 736
Net investment in assets of
discontinued operations(A).......
-----------
Total current assets............... 736
-----------
Property, plant and
equipment--net................... 3,241
Investment in Time Warner
Entertainment.................... 2,486
Investment in AirTouch
Communications................... 4,413
Net investments in international
ventures......................... 475
Intangible assets--net............. 12,182
Net investment in assets held for
sale............................. 419
Other assets....................... 362
-----------
Total assets....................... $ 24,314
-----------
-----------
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt.................... $ 754
Total other current liabilities.... 1,102
Long-term debt..................... 3,285
Deferred taxes..................... 5,026
Deferred credits and other......... 197
Mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock and Old Preferred
Securities....................... 1,180
Total equity....................... 12,770
-----------
Total liabilities and equity....... $ 24,314
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
55
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISCONTINUED
U S WEST OPERATIONS
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A)
----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales and other revenues................................................................... $ 12,911 $ (11,074)
Operating expenses before depreciation and amortization.................................... 7,512 (6,105)
Depreciation and amortization.............................................................. 2,544 (2,158)
----------- --------
Total operating expenses............................................................... 10,056 (8,263)
----------- --------
Operating income from continuing operations................................................ 2,855 (2,811)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense......................................................................... (612) 448
Equity losses in unconsolidated ventures................................................. (346)
Other income (expense)--net.............................................................. (57) (14)
----------- --------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle...................................... 1,840 (2,377)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes....................................................... (696) 876
----------- --------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle................................................. 1,144 (1,501)
Income from discontinued operations(A)..................................................... 1,501
----------- --------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle................... $ 1,144 $ --
----------- --------
----------- --------
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE
PRO FORMA
EXCLUDING
SEPARATION
-----------
<S> <C>
Sales and other revenues................................................................... $ 1,837
Operating expenses before depreciation and amortization.................................... 1,407
Depreciation and amortization.............................................................. 386
-----------
Total operating expenses............................................................... 1,793
-----------
Operating income from continuing operations................................................ 44
Other income (expense):
Interest expense......................................................................... (164)
Equity losses in unconsolidated ventures................................................. (346)
Other income (expense)--net.............................................................. (71)
-----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle...................................... (537)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes....................................................... 180
-----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle................................................. (357)
Income from discontinued operations(A)..................................................... 1,501
-----------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle................... $ 1,144
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
56
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDIAONE
DISCONTINUED PRO FORMA
U S WEST OPERATIONS EXCLUDING
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A) SEPARATION
----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales and other revenues................................................ $ 11,746 $ (10,416) $ 1,330
Operating expenses before depreciation and amortization................. 6,810 (5,774) 1,036
Depreciation and amortization........................................... 2,291 (2,066) 225
----------- --------------- -----------
Total operating expenses.............................................. 9,101 (7,840) 1,261
----------- --------------- -----------
Operating income from continuing operations............................. 2,645 (2,576) 69
Other income (expense):
Interest expense...................................................... (527) 429 (98)
Equity losses in unconsolidated ventures.............................. (207) (207)
Other income (expense)--net........................................... 243 (101) 142
----------- --------------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and
extraordinary item.................................................... 2,154 (2,248) (94)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes.................................... (825) 817 (8)
----------- --------------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before extraordinary item...... 1,329 (1,431) (102)
Income from discontinued operations(A).................................. 1,431 1,431
----------- --------------- -----------
Income before extraordinary item........................................ $ 1,329 $ -- $ 1,329
----------- --------------- -----------
----------- --------------- -----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
57
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A) Reflects the removal of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of
the businesses of New U S WEST. All transactions and receivable and payable
balances between New U S WEST and MediaOne that will continue after the
Separation are reflected in such amounts. Also reflects the
reclassification of New U S WEST's results to net investment in and income
from discontinued operations. The measurement date of the Separation, for
discontinued operations accounting purposes, will be the date upon which U
S WEST stockholder approval is received.
(B) Reflects a reduction of historical interest expense of $304 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 as a result of the Refinancing, including the
refinancing by New U S WEST of the Dex Indebtedness, and an increase in
interest expense of $15 million for financing the costs of the Refinancing
and Separation. Also includes incremental guaranteed minority interest
expense (included in "other income (expense)--net") related to the
refinancing of Old Preferred Securities of $6 million. The interest effects
of the Refinancing were calculated at the anticipated rates MediaOne will
achieve on the Refinancing. The actual interest rates achieved on
Refinancing may vary based on movement in interest rates and the cost of
new debt available to MediaOne. A 1/8 percentage point change in the
assumed Refinancing rates would change annual interest expense by $4.4
million.
(C) Reflects the estimated income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments.
(D) Reflects the distribution of the New U S WEST Common Stock to U S WEST's
stockholders. The distribution will be accounted for as a dividend. Because
the distribution is non pro-rata, as compared with the businesses
previously attributed to U S WEST's two classes of stockholders, it will be
accounted for at fair value. The estimated gain on the distribution
represents the difference between the fair value of New U S WEST (as of
February 20, 1998) and the historical investment in New U S WEST. The
actual gain will be determined upon Separation. Since the distribution is
accounted for at fair value, the related distribution of the net pension
assets and net postretirement and other postemployment obligations are also
accounted for at fair value. The estimated gain on the distribution
includes a net gain of $1,833 million for the distribution of net pension
assets and net postretirement and other postemployment obligations at fair
value. The estimated gain is calculated as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Market capitalization of Communications Group
(485,061,000 shares of Communications Stock
at $51.50 per share)............................................. $ 24,981
Dex Dividend....................................................... 850
---------
Fair value of New U S WEST......................................... 25,831
Investment in New U S WEST......................................... (536)
Separation costs (net of income tax benefits of $24)............... (66)
---------
Gain on distribution............................................... $ 25,229
---------
---------
</TABLE>
(E) Reflects debt extinguishment costs of $346 million (net of income tax
benefits of $231 million) associated with the Refinancing. In addition to
refinancing costs, debt extinguishment costs include the difference between
the market and face value of the U S WEST Indebtedness and a charge for
unamortized debt issuance costs.
(F) As a result of the separation each share of Media Stock will remain
outstanding as one share of MediaOne Common Stock.
58
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
MEDIAONE
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(G) Reflects the consummation of the AirTouch Transaction. MediaOne has
retained the international portion of its wireless business segment. The
pro forma adjustments reflect the following:
- Receipt of 59.5 million shares of AirTouch common stock, representing an
approximate 10 percent ownership interest in AirTouch. This interest will
be accounted for by MediaOne as a marketable equity security.
- Receipt of $1,500 million of AirTouch preferred stock at market value
(liquidation value of $1,650 million).
- Receipt of $92 million in dividends per year on the AirTouch preferred
stock, at an annual rate of 5.14 percent.
- Reduction in debt of $1,350 million and a corresponding reduction of
annual interest expense of $90 million.
- Removal of the consolidated assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of
MediaOne's domestic cellular operations.
- Removal of MediaOne's equity method investment and related equity losses
associated with its investment in PrimeCo.
- Recognition of a gain on the disposition calculated as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AirTouch common stock.............................................. $ 2,913
AirTouch preferred stock (at market value)......................... 1,500
Debt reduction..................................................... 1,350
---------
Total proceeds..................................................... 5,763
Net book value of assets sold...................................... (1,686)
Sale related costs................................................. (70)
---------
Gain (before income taxes)......................................... 4,007
Deferred tax expense............................................... (1,735)
---------
Gain (after income taxes).......................................... $ 2,272
---------
---------
</TABLE>
Such gain has been excluded from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of operations.
(H) Reflects the transfer of assets and liabilities of U S WEST previously
shared by New U S WEST and MediaOne and a corresponding reduction in debt.
(I) Reflects an $18 million contribution to New U S WEST for insurance premiums
paid by New U S WEST to MediaOne in excess of liabilities incurred and a
payment of $8 million primarily related to a lease termination.
(J) Reflects a reduction in MediaOne debt totaling $3.9 billion in conjunction
with the refinancing by New U S WEST of the Dex Indebtedness. $69 million
of Dex debt reduction is included in the Discontinued Operations
Adjustments and the remaining $3,831 million is reflected as a MediaOne
Separation Adjustment.
(K) Reflects incremental borrowing to finance $346 million of debt
extinguishment costs (net of income tax benefits of $231 million) and $66
million of Separation costs (net of income tax benefits of $24 million).
The incremental borrowing is net of a $51 million net reduction in debt
issuance costs and a $121 million reimbursement from New U S WEST for its
share of debt extinguishment costs. Such reimbursement is reflected as a
dividend from New U S WEST to MediaOne. Separation costs include cash
payments under severance agreements of $45 million and financial advisory,
legal, registration fee, printing and mailing costs related to the
Separation. Separation costs also include a one-time payment to terminate
the Minnesota Sale Agreement.
59
CHAPTER 5: INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIAONE
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
THE NEW TRUSTS
Each of the New Series I Trust and the New Series II Trust is a statutory
business trust, in each case formed under Delaware law pursuant to (i) a
declaration of trust, dated as of , 1998, executed by MediaOne, as sponsor
(with respect to such New Trust, the "Sponsor"), and the trustees of the New
Trust (with respect to each New Trust, respectively, the "New Trustees") and
(ii) the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State
on , 1998. Prior to the consummation of the Offers, each declaration will
be amended and restated in its entirety (with respect to each New Trust, as so
amended and restated, a "Declaration") substantially in the form filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
Each Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). Upon issuance by each New Trust
of New Preferred Securities, the purchasers thereof will own all of the issued
and outstanding New Preferred Securities of such New Trust. MediaOne will
acquire all of the New Common Securities of each New Trust, in each case in an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3% of the total capital of such New Trust.
Each of the New Trusts exists for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing New
Preferred Securities and New Common Securities, (ii) investing the gross
proceeds of such New Preferred Securities and such New Common Securities in the
applicable New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee and (iii) engaging in only
those other activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Pursuant to each Declaration, the number of New Trustees of each New Trust
will initially be five. Three of such New Trustees (with respect to each Trust,
the "New Regular Trustees") will be persons who are employees or officers of, or
affiliated with, MediaOne. With respect to each New Trust, the fourth trustee
will be a financial institution unaffiliated with MediaOne that will serve as
property trustee under the applicable Declaration and as indenture trustee for
purposes of the Trust Indenture Act (with respect to each New Trust, the "New
Property Trustee"). The fifth trustee will be a financial institution or an
affiliate thereof which maintains a principal place of business or residence in
the State of Delaware (with respect to each New Trust, the "New Delaware
Trustee"). will act as the New Property Trustee for each New Trust and
its affiliate will act as the New Delaware Trustee for each New Trust until
removed or replaced by the holder of the New Common Securities of such New
Trust. will also act as indenture trustee under the New Preferred
Securities Guarantee of each New Trust (with respect to each New Trust, the "New
Preferred Guarantee Trustee"). See
"--Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
The New Property Trustee of each New Trust will hold title to the New Debt
Securities and New Debt Guarantee purchased by such New Trust for the benefit of
the holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such
New Trust and will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges
under the New Indenture as the holder of such New Debt Securities and New Debt
Guarantee. In addition, the New Property Trustee of each New Trust will maintain
exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing bank account (with
respect to each New Trust, the "New Property Account") to hold all payments made
in respect of the New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee held by such New
Trust for the benefit of the holders of New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities of such Trust. The New Property Trustee of each New Trust will make
payments of distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise
to the holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such
New Trust out of funds from the New Property Account of such New Trust. The New
Preferred Guarantee Trustee of each New Trust will hold the applicable New
Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the New
Preferred Securities of such New Trust. MediaOne, as the holder of all the New
Common Securities of each New Trust, will have the right to appoint, remove or
replace any New Trustee of such New Trust and to increase or decrease the number
of New Trustees of such New Trust, provided that the number
60
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
of New Trustees shall be at least three, a majority of which shall be New
Regular Trustees and that there always will be an institutional trustee who
satisfies the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and one trustee which
maintains a principal place of business in the state of Delaware. MediaOne
Funding will pay all fees and expenses related to each New Trust and the
offering of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities, the payment
of which will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by MediaOne. See
"--Description of the New Debt Securities and the New Debt
Guarantee--Miscellaneous."
THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
The New Preferred Securities of each New Trust will be issued pursuant to
the terms of the Declaration relating to such Trust. Each Declaration will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The New Property
Trustee of each Trust, , will act as the indenture trustee for the New
Preferred Securities of each New Trust under the applicable Declaration for
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms
of each series of New Preferred Securities will include those stated in the
applicable Declaration and those made part of such Declaration by the Trust
Indenture Act. The rights of the holders of each series of New Preferred
Securities, including economic rights, rights to information and voting rights,
are as set forth in the applicable Declaration, the Delaware Business Trust Act
(the "Trust Act") and the Trust Indenture Act. The following summary of the
principal terms and provisions of each series of the New Preferred Securities
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety
by reference to, the applicable Declaration, the form of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, the
Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
GENERAL
The Declaration relating to a New Trust authorizes the New Regular Trustees
of such New Trust to issue on behalf of such New Trust its New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities, which represent preferred undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of such New Trust. All of the New Common
Securities of each New Trust will be owned by MediaOne. The New Common
Securities of a New Trust rank pari passu, and payments will be made thereon on
a pro rata basis, with the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust, except
that upon the occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default in respect of such
New Trust, the rights of the holders of such New Common Securities to receive
payment of periodic distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and
otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of such New
Preferred Securities. The Declaration relating to each New Trust does not permit
the issuance by such New Trust of any securities other than its New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities or the incurrence of any indebtedness by
such New Trust or the acquisition by such New Trust of any assets other than the
New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantees (and the proceeds thereof). Pursuant
to each Declaration, the New Property Trustee of each New Trust will own the New
Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee purchased by such New Trust for the
benefit of the holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities
of such New Trust.
DISTRIBUTIONS
NEW SERIES I PREFERRED SECURITIES. Distributions on the New Series I
Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate per annum of % of the stated
liquidation amount of $25 per New Series I Preferred Security. Distributions in
arrears for more than one quarter will bear interest thereon at the rate per
annum of % thereof. The term "distributions" as used herein includes any such
interest payable unless otherwise stated. The amount of distributions payable
for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months.
61
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Distributions on the New Series I Preferred Securities will be cumulative,
will accrue from the applicable Delivery Date, and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year,
commencing , 1998 when, as and if available for payment by the New
Property Trustee of the New Series I Trust, except as otherwise described below.
NEW SERIES II PREFERRED SECURITIES. Distributions on the New Series II
Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate per annum of % of the stated
liquidation amount of $25 per New Series II Preferred Security. Distributions in
arrears for more than one quarter will bear interest thereon at the rate per
annum of % thereof. The term "distributions" as used herein includes any such
interest payable unless otherwise stated. The amount of distributions payable
for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months.
Distributions on the New Series II Preferred Securities will be cumulative,
will accrue from the applicable Delivery Date, and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year,
commencing , 1998 when, as and if available for payment by the New
Property Trustee of the New Series II Trust, except as otherwise described
below.
MediaOne Funding has the right under the New Indenture as it relates to a
New Trust to defer payments of interest on the New Debt Securities held by such
New Trust by extending the interest payment period from time to time on such New
Debt Securities which, if exercised, would defer quarterly distributions on the
related New Preferred Securities (though such distributions would continue to
accrue with interest since interest would continue to accrue on such New Debt
Securities) during any such Extension Period. Such right to extend the interest
payment period for such New Debt Securities is limited to a period not exceeding
20 consecutive quarters for any particular Extension Period. In the event that
MediaOne Funding exercises this right, then (a) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding
shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect
to, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of
its capital stock and (b) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or
redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by MediaOne or MediaOne
Funding which rank pari passu with or junior to such New Debt Securities and the
related New Debt Guarantee, including the other series of New Debt Securities
and the related New Debt Guarantee and any Old Series I Debt Securities and Old
Series II Debt Securities remaining outstanding; provided, however, that
restriction (a) above does not apply to any stock dividends paid by MediaOne
where the dividend stock is the same stock as that on which the dividend is
being paid. Prior to the termination of any such extension period, MediaOne
Funding may further extend the interest payment period, provided that such
Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof
may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters. Upon the termination of any Extension
Period and the payment of all amounts then due, MediaOne Funding may select a
new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. See "--Description of
the new Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantee--Interest" and "--Option to
Extend Interest Payment Period." If distributions are deferred with respect to
any series of New Preferred Securities, the deferred distributions and accrued
interest thereon shall be paid to holders of record of such New Preferred
Securities as they appear on the books and records of the applicable New Trust
on the record date next following the termination of such Extension Period.
Since the New Series I Debt Securities, the New Series II Debt Securities,
the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities are pari
passu in right of payment with each other and the New Series I Debt Guarantee
and the New Series II Debt Guarantee are pari passu in right of payment with
each other, during an Extension Period on either series of New Debt Securities,
MediaOne and MediaOne Funding will be prohibited from making payments on the
other series of New Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee, as well
as on the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities.
62
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Distributions on the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust must be paid on
the dates payable to the extent that such New Trust has funds available for the
payment of such distributions in its New Property Account. Each New Trust's
funds available for distribution to the holders of its New Preferred Securities
will be limited to payments received under the New Debt Securities and New Debt
Guarantee held by such New Trust. See "--Description of the New Debt Securities
and the New Debt Guarantee." The payment of distributions out of moneys held by
each New Trust is guaranteed by MediaOne to the extent set forth under
"--Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
Distributions on the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust will be payable
to the holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of such New Trust
on the relevant record dates, which, as long as the related New Preferred
Securities remain in book-entry only form, will be one business day prior to the
relevant payment dates. Such distributions will be paid through the New Property
Trustee of such New Trust, who will hold amounts received in respect of the New
Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee held by such New Trust in the New
Property Account of such New Trust for the benefit of the holders of the New
Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust. Subject to any
applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the applicable
Declaration, each such payment will be made as described under "--Book-Entry
Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" below. In the event the New
Preferred Securities of a New Trust shall not continue to remain in book-entry
only form, the New Regular Trustees of such New Trust shall have the right to
select relevant record dates which shall be more than one business day prior to
the relevant payment dates. In the event that any date on which distributions
are to be made on the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust is not a business
day, then payment of the distributions payable on such date will be made on the
next succeeding day which is a business day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such business day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding business day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
NEW SERIES I PREFERRED SECURITIES. The New Series I Debt Securities will
mature on September 30, 2025, unless the maturity date is extended, and may be
redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 11, 2000 or at
any time upon the occurrence of a Special Event. Upon the repayment of the New
Series I Debt Securities, whether at maturity or upon redemption, the proceeds
from such repayment or payment shall simultaneously be applied to redeem on a
pro rata basis New Series I Preferred Securities and New Series I Common
Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the New Series I Debt Securities so repaid or redeemed at a
redemption price of $25 per New Series I Preferred Security and New Series I
Common Security, plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon; provided that
holders of New Series I Preferred Securities and New Series I Common Securities
shall be given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption.
See "--Description of the New Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantees." In
the event that fewer than all of the outstanding New Series I Preferred
Securities and New Series I Common Securities are to be redeemed, the New Series
I Preferred Securities and New Series I Common Securities will be redeemed pro
rata as described under "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust
Company" below.
NEW SERIES II PREFERRED SECURITIES. The New Series II Debt Securities will
mature on October 29, 2036 and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time
on or after October 29, 2001 or at any time upon the occurrence of a Special
Event. Upon the repayment of the New Series I Debt Securities, whether at
maturity or upon redemption, the proceeds from such repayment or payment shall
simultaneously be applied to redeem on a pro rata basis New Series II Preferred
Securities and New Series II Common Securities having an aggregate liquidation
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the New Series II Debt
Securities so repaid or redeemed at a redemption price of $25 per
63
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
New Series II Preferred Security and New Series II Common Security, plus accrued
and unpaid distributions thereon; provided that holders of New Series II
Preferred Securities and New Series II Common Securities shall be given not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption. See "--Description of
the New Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantees." In the event that fewer
than all of the outstanding New Series II Preferred Securities and New Series II
Common Securities are to be redeemed, the New Series II Preferred Securities and
New Series II Common Securities will be redeemed pro rata as described under
"--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" below.
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION
SERIES I SPECIAL EVENT. If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment
Company Event (each, as defined below, a "Special Event") shall occur and be
continuing, MediaOne Funding will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days notice, to redeem the New Series I Debt Securities in whole or in
part for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such Special Event,
and, following such redemption, New Series I Preferred Securities and New Series
I Common Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the New Series I Debt Securities so redeemed shall be
redeemed by the New Series I Trust on a pro rata basis at a redemption price of
$25 per New Series I Preferred Security and New Series I Common Security, plus
accrued and unpaid distributions thereon.
SERIES II SPECIAL EVENT. If, at any time, a Special Event shall occur and
be continuing, MediaOne Funding will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days notice, to redeem the New Series II Debt Securities in whole
or in part for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such Special
Event, and, following such redemption, New Series II Preferred Securities and
New Series II Common Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to
the aggregate principal amount of the New Series II Debt Securities so redeemed
shall be redeemed by the New Series II Trust on a pro rata basis at a redemption
price of $25 per New Series II Preferred Security and New Series II Common
Security, plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon.
"Tax Event" means, with respect to a New Trust, that the New Regular
Trustees of such New Trust shall have received an opinion of a nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the effect
that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced
prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United
States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or
(b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application of such
laws or regulations, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) such New
Trust would be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to
income accrued or received on the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust,
(ii) interest payable when paid to such New Trust on such New Debt Securities
would not be deductible by MediaOne Funding for United States federal income tax
purposes or (iii) such New Trust would be subject to more than a DE MINIMIS
amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, which change or
amendment becomes effective on or after the date of this Prospectus.
"Investment Company Event" means, with respect to a New Trust, that the New
Regular Trustees of such New Trust shall have received an opinion of a
nationally recognized independent counsel to the effect that, as a result of the
occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in
interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"),
there is more than an insubstantial risk that such New Trust is or will be
considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), which Change in
1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date of this Prospectus.
64
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION OF THE NEW DEBT SECURITIES
At any time, MediaOne will have the right to dissolve each New Trust and,
after paying or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and obligations of
such New Trust in accordance with the Trust Act, cause the New Debt Securities,
together with the related New Debt Guarantee, held by such New Trust to be
distributed to the holders of the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust in
liquidation of such New Trust. Under current United States federal income tax
law and interpretation, a distribution of the New Debt Securities of a New Trust
in such circumstances should not be a taxable event to the holders of the New
Preferred Securities of such New Trust. Should there be a change in law or a
change in legal interpretation, however, the distribution could be a taxable
event to the holders of such New Preferred Securities. See "Chapter 8: Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences-- Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and
Disposing of New Preferred Securities-Receipt of New Debt Securities or Cash
Upon Liquidation of a New Trust."
If New Debt Securities held by a New Trust, together with the related New
Debt Guarantee, are distributed to the holders of the New Preferred Securities
of such New Trust, MediaOne Funding will use its best efforts to have such New
Debt Securities listed on the NYSE or on such other exchange as such New
Preferred Securities are then listed.
After the date for any distribution of New Debt Securities held by a New
Trust, together with the related New Debt Guarantee, upon dissolution of such
New Trust, (i) the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust will no longer be
deemed to be outstanding, (ii) the depositary or its nominee, as the record
holder of such New Preferred Securities, will receive a registered global
certificate or certificates representing such New Debt Securities and the
related New Debt Guarantee to be delivered upon such distribution and (iii) any
certificates representing such New Preferred Securities not held by the
depositary or its nominee will be deemed to represent such New Debt Securities
having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation
amount of, with an interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and
accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid distribution on, such
New Preferred Securities, until such certificates are presented to MediaOne
Funding or its agent for transfer or reissuance.
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for either the New
Preferred Securities or the New Debt Securities that may be distributed in
exchange for the New Preferred Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of a
New Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the New Preferred Securities that an
investor may purchase, or the New Debt Securities that the investor may receive
on dissolution and liquidation of a New Trust, may trade at a discount to the
price that the investor paid to purchase the New Preferred Securities offered
hereby pursuant to the Offers.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
A New Trust may not redeem fewer than all of its outstanding New Preferred
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been paid on all of
its New Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution periods terminating
on or prior to the date of redemption.
If a New Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of its Preferred
Securities (which notice will be irrevocable), then, by 12:00 noon, New York
City time, on the redemption date, provided that MediaOne Funding has paid to
the New Property Trustee of such New Trust a sufficient amount of cash in
connection with the related redemption or maturity of the New Debt Securities
held by such New Trust, such New Trust will irrevocably deposit with the
depositary funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price and will give
the depositary irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption
price to the holders of such New Preferred Securities. See "--Book-Entry Only
Issuance--The Depository Trust Company." If notice of redemption shall have been
given by a New Trust and funds deposited as required, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit, distributions will cease to
accrue on such New Trust's New Preferred Securities and all
65
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
rights of holders of such New Preferred Securities so called for redemption will
cease, except the right of the holders of such New Preferred Securities to
receive the redemption price, but without interest on such redemption price. In
the event that any date fixed for redemption of New Preferred Securities is not
a business day, then payment of the redemption price payable on such date will
be made on the next succeeding day which is a business day (and without any
interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such
business day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the
immediately preceding business day. In the event that payment of the redemption
price in respect of New Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused
and not paid either by the applicable New Trust or by MediaOne pursuant to the
related New Preferred Securities Guarantee, distributions on such New Preferred
Securities will continue to accrue, from the original redemption date to the
actual date of payment, in which case the actual payment date will be considered
the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the redemption price.
In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding New Preferred Securities
of any New Trust are to be redeemed, such New Preferred Securities will be
redeemed pro rata as described under "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository
Trust Company" below.
Subject to the foregoing and to applicable law (including, without
limitation, United States federal securities laws), MediaOne or its affiliates
may, at any time and from time to time, purchase outstanding New Preferred
Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution of a New Trust, the
holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such New
Trust at that time will be entitled to receive out of the assets of such New
Trust, after paying or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and
obligations of such New Trust in accordance with the Trust Act, distributions in
an amount equal to the aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per New
Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of
payment (with respect to each New Trust, the "Liquidation Distribution"),
unless, in connection with such dissolution, New Debt Securities in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an
interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid
interest equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, the New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust have been distributed on
a pro rata basis to the holders of New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities after paying or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and
obligations of the New Trust in accordance with the Trust Act.
If, upon any such dissolution, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only
in part because a New Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by such
New Trust on its New Preferred Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The
holders of the New Common Securities of such New Trust will be entitled to
receive distributions upon any such dissolution pro rata with the holders of the
New Preferred Securities of such New Trust, except that if a Declaration Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, such New Preferred Securities shall
have a preference over such New Common Securities.
Pursuant to the New Series I Declaration, the New Series I Trust shall
dissolve (i) on September 30, 2050, the expiration of the term of the New Series
I Trust, (ii) upon the bankruptcy of MediaOne or MediaOne Funding, (iii) upon
the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding, the filing of a certificate of cancellation with
respect to the New Series I Trust after having obtained (other than in
connection with a dissolution of the New Series I Trust pursuant to clause (iv))
the consent of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series I Common Securities, voting
together as a single class, to file such certificate of cancellation, or the
revocation of the charter of MediaOne or MediaOne Funding and the expiration of
90 days after the date of revocation without a
66
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
reinstatement thereof, (iv) upon the distribution of the New Series I Debt
Securities, together with the New Series I Debt Guarantee, (v) upon the
redemption of all of the New Series I Preferred Securities and the New Series I
Common Securities or (vi) upon the entry of a decree of a judicial dissolution
of MediaOne, MediaOne Funding or the New Series I Trust.
Pursuant to the New Series II Declaration, the New Series II Trust shall
dissolve (i) on September 30, 2050, the expiration of the term of the New Series
II Trust, (ii) upon the bankruptcy of MediaOne or MediaOne Funding, (iii) upon
the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding, the filing of a certificate of cancellation with
respect to the New Series II Trust after having obtained (other than in
connection with a dissolution of the New Series II Trust pursuant to clause
(iv)) the consent of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of
the New Series II Preferred Securities and the New Series II Common Securities,
voting together as a single class, to file such certificate of cancellation, or
the revocation of the charter of MediaOne or MediaOne Funding and the expiration
of 90 days after the date of revocation without a reinstatement thereof, (iv)
upon the distribution of the New Series II Debt Securities, together with the
New Series II Debt Guarantee, (v) upon the redemption of all of the New Series
II Preferred Securities and the New Series II Common Securities or (vi) upon the
entry of a decree of a judicial dissolution of MediaOne, MediaOne Funding or the
New Series II Trust.
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under the New Indenture with respect to a series of New
Debt Securities (each, an "Indenture Event of Default" with respect to such New
Debt Securities) constitutes an event of default under the applicable
Declaration with respect to the New Preferred Securities and the New Common
Securities of the applicable New Trust (each, a "Declaration Event of Default"
with respect to the applicable New Trust), provided that pursuant to each
Declaration, the holder of the New Common Securities of such New Trust will be
deemed to have waived any Declaration Event of Default with respect to such New
Common Securities until all Declaration Events of Default with respect to the
related New Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise
eliminated. Until such Declaration Events of Default with respect to such New
Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the New
Property Trustee of such New Trust will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf
of the holders of its New Preferred Securities and only the holders of the New
Preferred Securities will have the right to direct such New Property Trustee
with respect to certain matters under such Declaration, and therefore under the
New Indenture.
Upon the occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default, the New Property
Trustee of the applicable New Trust, as the sole holder of the New Debt
Securities held by such New Trust, will have the right under the New Indenture
to declare the principal of and interest on such New Debt Securities to be
immediately due and payable.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as provided below, under the Trust Act, the Trust Indenture Act and
under "--Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees--Modification of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees; Assignment" and as otherwise required by law
and the applicable Declaration, the holders of the New Preferred Securities will
have no voting rights.
The holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the New
Preferred Securities of each New Trust have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the New
Property Trustee for such New Trust, or to direct the exercise of any trust or
power conferred upon such New Property Trustee under the applicable Declaration,
including the right to direct such New Property Trustee, as the holder of the
New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee held by such New Trust, to (i)
exercise the remedies available under the New Indenture with respect to such New
Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee, (ii) waive any past Indenture Event of
67
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Default which is waivable under the New Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right
to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all such New Debt
Securities shall be due and payable, provided that where a consent under the New
Indenture would require the consent of the holders of more than a majority in
principal amount of such series of New Debt Securities (a "Super-Majority")
affected thereby, only the holders of at least such Super-Majority of the
related New Preferred Securities may direct such New Property Trustee to give
such consent. If such New Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under
such New Debt Securities or New Debt Guarantee after a record holder of the
related New Preferred Securities has made a written request, such record holder
may institute a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne Funding or MediaOne
to enforce such New Property Trustee's rights under such New Debt Securities or
New Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, without first instituting any legal
proceeding against such New Property Trustee or any other person or entity,
including, in the case of such New Debt Guarantee, against MediaOne Funding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing with respect to any New Trust and such event is attributable
to the failure of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to pay interest or principal on
the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust on the date such interest or
principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption
date), then a holder of New Preferred Securities of such New Trust may institute
a Direct Action for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of,
or interest on, such New Debt Securities having a principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the New Preferred Securities of such holder on
or after the respective due date specified in such New Debt Securities. The New
Property Trustee of each New Trust shall notify all holders of New Preferred
Securities of such New Trust of any notice of default received from the Debt
Trustee (as defined herein) with respect to the New Debt Securities held by such
New Trust. Such notice shall state that such Indenture Event of Default also
constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. Except in the case of directing the
time, method and place of conducting a proceeding for a remedy, such New
Property Trustee shall not take any action described in clauses (i), (ii) or
(iii) above unless such New Property Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax
counsel to the effect that, as a result of such action, such New Trust will not
be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes.
In the event the consent of the New Property Trustee of a New Trust, as the
holder of the New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee held by such New Trust,
is required under the New Indenture with respect to any amendment, modification
or termination of the New Indenture, such New Property Trustee shall request the
direction of the holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities of such New Trust with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination and shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination as directed by a majority in liquidation amount of such New
Preferred Securities and New Common Securities, voting together as a single
class, provided that where a consent under the New Indenture would require the
consent of a Super-Majority, such New Property Trustee may only give such
consent at the direction of the holders of at least the proportion in
liquidation amount of such New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities
which the relevant Super-Majority represents of the aggregate principal amount
of the applicable series of New Debt Securities outstanding. Such New Property
Trustee shall not take any such action in accordance with the directions of the
holders of such New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities unless such
New Property Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that,
as a result of such action, such New Trust will not be classified as other than
a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default will constitute a waiver of the
corresponding Declaration Event of Default.
Any required approval or direction of holders of New Preferred Securities of
a New Trust may be given at a separate meeting of holders of such New Preferred
Securities convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of such
New Preferred Securities and the New Common Securities of such New Trust or
pursuant to written consent. The New Regular Trustees of each New Trust will
cause
68
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
a notice of any meeting at which holders of New Preferred Securities of such New
Trust are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written
consent of such holders is to be taken, to be mailed to each holder of record of
such New Preferred Securities. Each such notice will include a statement setting
forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is to be
taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at such
meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote or of such matter upon which
written consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or
consents. No vote or consent of the holders of New Preferred Securities will be
required for a New Trust to redeem and cancel its New Preferred Securities or
distribute New Debt Securities held by such New Trust in accordance with the
applicable Declaration.
Notwithstanding that holders of New Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the New
Preferred Securities at such time that are owned by MediaOne or any entity
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect
common control with, MediaOne shall not be entitled to vote or consent and
shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not
outstanding.
The procedures by which holders of New Preferred Securities may exercise
their voting rights are described below. See "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The
Depository Trust Company."
Holders of the New Preferred Securities of a New Trust will have no rights
to appoint or remove the New Trustees of such New Trust, who may be appointed,
removed or replaced solely by MediaOne, as the holder of all the New Common
Securities of such New Trust.
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
Each Declaration may be amended or modified if approved and executed by a
majority of the New Regular Trustees of the applicable New Trust, provided that
if any proposed amendment provides for, or such New Regular Trustees otherwise
propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect the powers,
preferences or special rights of the New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities of such New Trust, whether by way of amendment to such Declaration or
otherwise or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of such New Trust
other than pursuant to the terms of such Declaration, then the holders of such
New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities as a single class will be
entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal
shall not be effective except with the approval of at least a majority in
liquidation amount of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities
affected thereby, provided that if any amendment or proposal referred to in
clause (i) above would adversely affect only the New Preferred Securities or the
New Common Securities of such New Trust, then only the affected class will be
entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal
shall not be effective except with the approval of a majority in liquidation
amount of such affected class.
In addition, each Declaration may also be amended without the consent of the
holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of the
applicable New Trust to (i) cure any ambiguity; (ii) correct or supplement any
provision in the applicable Declaration that may be defective or inconsistent
with any other provisions of such Declaration; (iii) add to the covenants,
restrictions or obligations of MediaOne, as sponsor of the applicable New Trust;
(iv) conform to any change in Rule 3a-5 under the 1940 Act or written change in
interpretation or application of such rule which amendment does not have a
material adverse effect on the rights, preferences of privileges of the holders
of the New Preferred Securities or New Common Securities of the applicable New
Trust; and (v) ensure the status of the applicable New Trust as a grantor trust
for United States federal income tax purposes.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the holders of New Preferred
Securities or New Common Securities of the applicable New Trust under the
Declaration of such New Trust to approve the particular form of any proposed
amendment to such Declaration, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall
approve the substance thereof.
69
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to
any Declaration if such amendment or modification would (i) cause the applicable
New Trust to be characterized as other than a grantor trust for purposes of
United States federal income taxation, (ii) reduce or otherwise adversely affect
the powers of the New Property Trustee of such New Trust or (iii) cause such New
Trust to be deemed to be an "investment company" which is required to be
registered under the 1940 Act.
MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS OR AMALGAMATIONS
Neither New Trust may consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other body, except as
described below. A New Trust may, with the consent of a majority of its New
Regular Trustees and without the consent of the holders of its New Preferred
Securities or New Common Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any State;
provided, that (i) such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the
obligations of such New Trust under its New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities or (y) substitutes for its New Preferred Securities other securities
having substantially the same terms as its New Preferred Securities and New
Common Securities (the "Successor Securities") so long as the Successor
Securities rank the same as its New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities rank with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption and otherwise, (ii) MediaOne Funding expressly acknowledges a trustee
of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the New
Property Trustee of such New Trust as the holder of the New Debt Securities
purchased by such New Trust and MediaOne expressly acknowledges such trustee of
such successor entity as the holder of the New Debt Guarantee purchased by such
New Trust, (iii) its New Preferred Securities or any Successor Securities are
listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of
issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which its
New Preferred Securities are then listed, (iv) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement does not cause its New Preferred Securities
(including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the rights, preferences
and privileges of the holders of its New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect (other
than with respect to any dilution of the holders' interest in the new entity),
(vi) such successor entity has a purpose identical to that of such New Trust,
(vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, MediaOne
has received an opinion of a nationally recognized independent counsel to such
New Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that (A) such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the rights,
preferences and privileges of the holders of its New Preferred Securities and
New Common Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material
respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the holders' interest in the
new entity), and (B) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, neither such New Trust nor such successor entity will be required
to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and (viii) MediaOne
guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor
Securities at least to the extent provided by the applicable New Preferred
Securities Guarantee and the guarantee of the New Common Securities of such New
Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a New Trust shall not, except with the
consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of its New Preferred Securities
and New Common Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation,
amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause such New Trust or the successor
entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal
income tax purposes.
70
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
BOOK-ENTRY ONLY ISSUANCE; THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
DTC will act as securities depositary for New Preferred Securities. The New
Preferred Securities will be issued only as fully registered securities
registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's nominee. For each series of New
Preferred Securities, one or more fully registered global New Preferred
Securities certificates will be issued, representing in the aggregate the total
number of New Preferred Securities of such series, and will be deposited with
DTC.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global Preferred Security.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. DTC holds securities that its Participants deposit with
DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through
electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants").
DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others
such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC
and its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Purchases of New Preferred Securities within the DTC system must be made by
or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the New
Preferred Securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each New Preferred Security (a "beneficial owner") is in turn to be
recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial owners
will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but
beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing
details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings,
from the Direct or Indirect Participants through which the beneficial owners
purchased New Preferred Securities. Transfers of ownership interests in the New
Preferred Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of
Participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not
receive certificates representing their ownership interests in New Preferred
Securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the New
Preferred Securities is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all the New Preferred Securities
deposited by Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's nominee,
Cede & Co. The deposit of New Preferred Securities with DTC and their
registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership.
DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the New Preferred
Securities. DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants
to whose accounts such
New Preferred Securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial
owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their
holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to beneficial owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
71
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the New
Preferred Securities are being redeemed, DTC will reduce pro rata the amount of
the interest of each Direct Participant in the New Preferred Securities to be
redeemed in accordance with its procedures.
Although voting with respect to the New Preferred Securities is limited, in
those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself
consent or vote with respect to the New Preferred Securities. Under its usual
procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the applicable New Trust as soon
as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s
consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the
New Preferred Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Distribution payments on the New Preferred Securities will be made to DTC.
DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant
payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such
payment date. Payments by Participants to beneficial owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as in the case with securities
held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name,"
and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the
applicable New Trust, MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of
distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the applicable New Trust,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of
DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners is the
responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
Except as provided herein, a beneficial owner in a global New Preferred
Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of New Preferred
Securities. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of
DTC to exercise any rights under the New Preferred Securities.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the
New Preferred Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the
applicable New Trust. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
securities depository is not obtained, New Preferred Securities certificates are
required to be printed and delivered. Additionally, the New Regular Trustees of
such New Trust (with the consent of MediaOne) may decide to discontinue use of
the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary) with
respect to the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust. In that event,
certificates for such New Preferred Securities will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that MediaOne, MediaOne Funding and the New
Trusts believe to be reliable, but MediaOne, MediaOne Funding and the New Trusts
take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NEW PROPERTY TRUSTEES
The New Property Trustee of each New Trust, prior to the occurrence of a
default with respect to the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities
of such New Trust, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically
set forth in the applicable Declaration and, after default, shall exercise the
same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his
or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions, such New Property Trustee is
under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by such
Declaration at the request of any holder of New Preferred Securities, unless
offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The holders of such New Preferred
Securities will not be required to offer such indemnity in the event such
holders, by exercising their voting rights, direct such New Property Trustee to
take any action following a Declaration Event of Default with respect to such
New Trust.
72
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
MediaOne and certain of its affiliates maintain a deposit account and
banking relationship with . serves as
trustee under the New Preferred Securities Guarantees. also
serves as trustee under other indentures pursuant to which unsecured debt
securities of MediaOne and its affiliates are outstanding.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
In the event that the New Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry
only form, the following provisions would apply:
The New Property Trustee of a New Trust will act as paying agent for the New
Preferred Securities of such New Trust and may designate an additional or
substitute paying agent at any time. Registration of transfers of such New
Preferred Securities will be effected without charge by or on behalf of such New
Trust, but upon payment (with the giving of such indemnity as such New Trust or
MediaOne may require) in respect of any tax or other government charges which
may be imposed in relation to it.
A New Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the
transfer of its New Preferred Securities after such New Preferred Securities
have been called for redemption.
GOVERNING LAW
Each Declaration and the related New Preferred Securities will be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of
Delaware.
MISCELLANEOUS
The New Regular Trustees of each New Trust are authorized and directed to
operate such New Trust in such a way so that such New Trust will not be deemed
to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940 Act or
characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as other than a
grantor trust. MediaOne Funding is authorized and directed to conduct its
affairs so that the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust will be treated
as indebtedness of MediaOne Funding for United States federal income tax
purposes. In this connection, the New Regular Trustees of each New Trust and
MediaOne Funding are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with
applicable law, the certificate of trust of such New Trust, the Declaration of
such New Trust or the certificate of incorporation of MediaOne Funding, that
each of such New Regular Trustees and MediaOne Funding determines in their
discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such
action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the New
Preferred Securities of such New Trust.
Holders of New Preferred Securities have no preemptive rights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW DEBT SECURITIES AND NEW DEBT GUARANTEES
Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of each series of New
Debt Securities, which will be deposited in the applicable New Trust as trust
assets. Each series of New Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the
Indenture, dated as of , 1998, among MediaOne Funding, MediaOne and
, as trustee (the "Debt Trustee"), as supplemented, in the
case of the New Series I Preferred Securities, by a First Supplemental Indenture
and, in the case of the New Series II Preferred Securities, by a Second
Supplemental Indenture (as so supplemented with respect to the New Series I Debt
Securities and the New Series II Debt Securities pursuant to such First
Supplemental Indenture and Second Supplemental Indenture, respectively, the "New
Indenture"). The terms of the New Preferred Securities include those stated in
the New Indenture and those made part of the New Indenture by reference to the
Trust Indenture Act. The Old Preferred Securities are subject to all such terms,
and prospective investors are referred to the New Indenture and the Trust
Indenture Act for a statement thereof. The following description does not
purport to be complete and is subject
73
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the New Indenture, the
form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part, and the Trust Indenture Act. Certain capitalized terms
used herein are defined in the New Indenture.
The New Indenture provides for the issuance of subordinated debentures,
notes or other evidences of indebtedness by MediaOne Funding in an unlimited
amount from time to time. Each series of New Debt Securities constitutes a
separate series under the New Indenture.
At any time, MediaOne will have the right to liquidate each New Trust and
cause the New Debt Securities, together with the related New Debt Guarantee,
held by such New Trust to be distributed to the holders of New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust in liquidation of such
New Trust. See "--Description of the New Preferred Securities--Distribution of
the New Debt Securities." If such New Debt Securities, together with the related
New Debt Guarantee, are distributed to the holders of such New Preferred
Securities, MediaOne Funding will use its best efforts to have such New Debt
Securities listed on the NYSE or on such other exchange as such New Preferred
Securities are then listed.
GENERAL
Each series of New Debt Securities will be issued as unsecured debt under
the New Indenture and will be limited in principal amount to the aggregate
liquidation amount of (i) the New Preferred Securities issued by the applicable
New Trust in its Offer and (ii) the amount of proceeds received by such New
Trust from the sale of its New Common Securities to MediaOne (with respect to
each New Trust the "MediaOne Payment").
The New Debt Securities are not subject to a sinking fund provision.
NEW SERIES I DEBT SECURITIES. The entire principal amount of the New Series
I Debt Securities will mature and become due and payable, together with any
accrued and unpaid interest thereon, including Additional Interest (as defined
herein), if any, on September 30, 2025, subject to the election of MediaOne
Funding to extend the scheduled maturity date of the New Series I Debt
Securities to a date not later than September 30, 2044, provided that MediaOne
Funding satisfies certain financial covenants. See "--Option to Extend Maturity
Date of New Series I Debt Securities." The New Series I Debt Securities will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis as to principal,
premium, if any, and interest by MediaOne. See "--New Debt Guarantees."
NEW SERIES II DEBT SECURITIES. The entire principal amount of the New
Series II Debt Securities will mature and become due and payable, together with
any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, including Additional Interest, if any,
on October 29, 2036. The New Series II Debt Securities will be fully and
unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis as to principal, premium, if
any, and interest by MediaOne. See "--New Debt Guarantees."
If New Debt Securities are distributed to holders of the related New
Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the applicable
New Trust, such New Debt Securities will initially be issued as a global
security. As described herein, under certain limited circumstances, New Debt
Securities may be issued in certificated form in exchange for a global security.
See "--Book-Entry and Settlement." In the event New Debt Securities are issued
in certificated form, such New Debt Securities will be in denominations of $25
and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the
offices described below. Payments on New Debt Securities issued as a global
security will be made to the depositary for the New Debt Securities. In the
event New Debt Securities are issued in certificated form, principal and
interest will be payable, the transfer of the New Debt Securities will be
registrable and the New Debt Securities will be exchangeable for New Debt
Securities of other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount at the
corporate trust office of the Debt
74
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Trustee in New York, New York; provided, that payment of interest may be made at
the option of MediaOne Funding by check mailed to the address of the persons
entitled thereto.
NEW DEBT GUARANTEES
The New Indenture provides that MediaOne will fully and unconditionally
guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and
interest on each series of New Debt Securities when and as the same shall become
due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise. Since
MediaOne is a holding company, the right of MediaOne and, accordingly, the right
of creditors of MediaOne (including the holders of the New Debt Securities) to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiaries of MediaOne,
whether upon liquidation, reorganization, or otherwise, is subject to prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of
MediaOne itself as a creditor of a subsidiary may be recognized.
SUBORDINATION
The New Indenture provides that the New Debt Securities are subordinated and
junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne Funding and
that the New Debt Guarantees are subordinated and junior in right of payment to
all Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne. No payment of principal of (including
redemption and sinking fund payments), premium, if any, or interest on, the New
Debt Securities and no payment under the New Debt Guarantees may be made if any
Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may be, is not
paid when due, any applicable grace period with respect to such default has
ended and such default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or if
the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the
case may be, has been accelerated because of a default. Upon any distribution of
assets of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to creditors upon any dissolution,
winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or
in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all principal of,
premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on, all Senior Indebtedness
of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may be, must be paid in full before
the holders of New Debt Securities or the New Debt Guarantees are entitled to
receive or retain any payment. The rights of the holders of the New Debt
Securities and the New Debt Guarantees will be subrogated to the rights of the
holders of Senior Indebtedness of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may
be, to receive payments or distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness until
all amounts owing on the New Debt Securities or the New Debt Guarantees, as the
case may be, are paid in full. In addition, the New Debt Securities and the New
Debt Guarantee will rank at least pari passu with all other subordinated debt
securities and debt guarantees initially issued to other trusts, partnerships or
other entities affiliated with MediaOne in connection with an issuance of
securities similar to the New Preferred Securities.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to MediaOne Funding or
MediaOne, (i) the principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of (a)
indebtedness of such obligor for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced
by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by such
obligor; (ii) all capital lease obligations of such obligor; (iii) all
obligations of such obligor issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of
property, all conditional sale obligations of such obligor and all obligations
of such obligor under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade
accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business); (iv) all
obligations of such obligor for the reimbursement on any letter of credit,
banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction;
(v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above of
other persons for the payment of which such obligor is responsible or liable as
obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred
to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other persons secured by any lien on any
property or asset of such obligor (whether or not such obligation is assumed by
such obligor), except for (1) any such indebtedness that is by its terms
subordinated to or pari passu with the New Debt Securities or the New Debt
Guarantees, as the case may be, and (2) any
75
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
subordinated debt securities and debt guarantees initially issued to trusts,
partnerships or other entities affiliated with MediaOne in connection with an
issuance of securities similar to the New Preferred Securities, including, in
the case of MediaOne, the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II
Debt Securities. Such Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior
Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions
irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior
Indebtedness.
The New Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
which may be issued by MediaOne Funding or MediaOne. The New Indenture also does
not limit the aggregate amount of indebtedness which may be issued by MediaOne's
subsidiaries. At December 31, 1997, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to
the Discontinued Operations Adjustments, the MediaOne Separation Adjustments and
the AirTouch Transaction Adjustments, the aggregate amount of Senior
Indebtedness of MediaOne and indebtedness of MediaOne's consolidated
subsidiaries would have been approximately $ billion.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
NEW SERIES I DEBT SECURITIES. MediaOne Funding shall have the right to
redeem the New Series I Debt Securities, in whole or in part, from time to time,
on or after September 11, 2000, or at any time upon the occurrence of a Special
Event as described under "--Description of the New Preferred Securities--Special
Event Redemption or Distribution," upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if
any, to the redemption date. If a partial redemption of the New Series I
Preferred Securities resulting from a partial redemption of the New Series I
Debt Securities would result in the delisting of the New Series I Preferred
Securities, MediaOne Funding may only redeem the New Series I Debt Securities in
whole.
NEW SERIES II DEBT SECURITIES. MediaOne Funding shall have the right to
redeem the New Series II Debt Securities, in whole or in part, from time to
time, on or after October 29, 2001, or at any time upon the occurrence of a
Special Event as described under "--Description of the New Preferred
Securities--Special Event Redemption," upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if
any, to the redemption date. If a partial redemption of the New Series II
Preferred Securities resulting from a partial redemption of the New Series II
Debt Securities would result in the delisting of the New Series II Preferred
Securities, MediaOne Funding may only redeem the New Series II Debt Securities
in whole.
INTEREST
NEW SERIES I DEBT SECURITIES. Each New Series I Debt Security shall bear
interest at the rate of % per annum from the applicable Delivery Date,
payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31
of each year, commencing , 1998, to the person in whose name such New
Series I Debt Security is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the
close of business on the business day next preceding such interest payment date.
In the event the New Series I Debt Securities shall not continue to remain in
book-entry only form, MediaOne Funding shall have the right to select record
dates which shall be more than one business day prior to the interest payment
date.
NEW SERIES II DEBT SECURITIES. Each New Series II Debt Security shall bear
interest at the rate of % per annum from the applicable Delivery Date,
payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31
of each year, commencing , 1998, to the person in whose name such New
Series II Debt Security is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the
close of business on the business day next preceding such interest payment date.
In the event the New Series II Debt Securities shall not continue to remain in
book-entry only form, MediaOne Funding
76
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
shall have the right to select record dates which shall be more than one
business day prior to the interest payment date.
The amount of interest payable on either series of New Debt Securities for
any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. The amount of interest payable for any period shorter than a full
quarterly period will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days
elapsed per 30-day month. In the event that any date on which interest is
payable on any New Debt Securities is not a business day, then payment of the
interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a
business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
OPTION TO EXTEND MATURITY DATE OF NEW SERIES I DEBT SECURITIES
The maturity date of the New Series I Debt Securities is September 30, 2025
(the "Series I Scheduled Maturity Date"). MediaOne Funding, however, may, before
the Series I Scheduled Maturity Date, extend such maturity date no more than one
time, for up to an additional 19 years from the Series I Scheduled Maturity
Date, provided that (a) MediaOne Funding is not in bankruptcy or otherwise
insolvent, (b) MediaOne Funding is not in default on any subordinated debt
securities issued to a trust or to any trustee of such trust in connection with
an issuance of trust securities by such trust, (c) MediaOne Funding has made
timely payments on the New Series I Debt Securities for the immediately
preceding 6 quarters without deferrals, (d) the New Series I Trust is not in
arrears on payments of distributions on the New Series I Preferred Securities,
(e) the New Series I Debt Securities are rated Investment Grade by Standard &
Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Investor Services,
Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company or any other nationally recognized
statistical rating organization, and (f) the final maturity of the New Series I
Debt Securities is not later than September 11, 2044. Pursuant to the
Declaration of the New Series I Trust, the New Regular Trustees of the New
Series I Trust are required to give notice of MediaOne Funding's election to
extend the Series I Scheduled Maturity Date to the holders of the New Series I
Preferred Securities.
OPTIONS TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIODS
MediaOne Funding shall have the right at any time, and from time to time,
during the term of a series of New Debt Securities, to defer payments of
interest on such New Debt Securities by extending the interest payment period
for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, at the end of which
Extension Period MediaOne Funding shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid
(including any Additional Interest) (together with interest thereon at the rate
specified for such New Debt Securities to the extent permitted by applicable
law); provided, however, that, during any such Extension Period, (a) MediaOne
and MediaOne Funding shall not declare or pay any dividend or, make any
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of its capital stock and (b) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding
shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding which rank pari passu with or junior to such New
Debt Securities, including the other series of New Debt Securities and the
related New Debt Guarantee and any Old Series I Debt Securities and Old Series
II Debt Securities remaining outstanding (provided that restriction (a) above
does not apply to any stock dividends paid by MediaOne where the dividend stock
is the same stock as that on which the dividend is being paid). Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, MediaOne Funding may further defer
payments of interest on such New Debt Securities by extending the interest
payment period, provided that such Extension Period together with all such
previous and further extensions thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters.
Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then
due, MediaOne Funding may select a new Extension Period, subject to the above
requirements. No interest on such New Debt
77
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Securities during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof, shall be due
and payable. If the applicable New Property Trustee shall be the sole holder of
such New Debt Securities, MediaOne Funding shall give the New Regular Trustees
of the applicable New Trust and such New Property Trustee notice of its
selection of such Extension Period one business day prior to the earlier of (i)
the date distributions on the related New Preferred Securities are payable or
(ii) the date such Regular Trustees are required to give notice to the NYSE or
other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of such New
Preferred Securities of the record date or the date such distribution is
payable, but in any event not less than one business day prior to such record
date. Such Regular Trustees shall give notice of MediaOne Funding's selection of
such Extension Period to the holders of such New Preferred Securities. If the
applicable New Property Trustee shall not be the sole holder of such New Debt
Securities, MediaOne Funding shall give the holders of such New Debt Securities
notice of its selection of such Extension Period ten business days prior to the
earlier of (i) the applicable interest payment date or (ii) the date MediaOne
Funding is required to give notice to the NYSE or other applicable
self-regulatory organization or to holders of such New Debt Securities of the
record or payment date of such related interest payment. MediaOne Funding has no
present intention of exercising its rights to defer payments of interest by
extending the interest payment period on the New Debt Securities.
Since the New Series I Debt Securities, the New Series II Debt Securities,
the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities are pari
passu in right of payment with each other and the New Series I Debt Guarantee
and the New Series II Debt Guarantee are pari passu in right of payment with
each other, during an Extension Period on either series of New Debt Securities,
MediaOne and MediaOne Funding will be prohibited from making payments on the
other series of New Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee, as well
as on the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt Securities.
ADDITIONAL INTEREST
If at any time a New Trust shall be required to pay any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding
taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in any
such case, MediaOne Funding will pay as additional interest ("Additional
Interest") such additional amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts
received and retained by such New Trust after paying any such taxes, duties,
assessments or other governmental charges will be not less than the amounts such
New Trust would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges been imposed.
INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The New Indenture provides that any one or more of the following described
events which has occurred and is continuing constitutes an "Indenture Event of
Default" with respect to each series of New Debt Securities:
(a) failure for 90 days to pay interest on such New Debt Securities,
including any Additional Interest in respect thereof, when due; provided,
however, that a valid extension of the interest payment period by MediaOne
Funding shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this
purpose; or
(b) failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on such New Debt
Securities when due whether at maturity, upon redemption by declaration or
otherwise; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such
New Debt Securities shall not constitute a default for this purpose; or
(c) failure to observe or perform any other covenant with respect to
such New Debt Securities contained in the New Indenture for 90 days after
written notice to MediaOne Funding
78
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
from the Debt Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
such New Debt Securities outstanding; or
(d) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding; or
(e) the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination
of the applicable New Trust, except in connection with the distribution of
such New Debt Securities to the holders of New Preferred Securities and New
Common Securities of such New Trust in liquidation of such New Trust, the
redemption of all of such New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities, or certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as
permitted by the Declaration of such New Trust.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of a
series of New Debt Securities have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debt Trustee
for that series. The New Indenture provides that if an Indenture Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to a series of New
Debt Securities, the Debt Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate outstanding principal amount of such New Debt Securities may declare
the principal due and payable immediately, but the holders of a majority in
aggregate outstanding principal amount of such series may annul such declaration
and waive the default with respect to such series if the default has been cured
and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal
due otherwise than by acceleration and any applicable premium has been deposited
with the Debt Trustee.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of a
series of New Debt Securities may, on behalf of the holders of all such New Debt
Securities, waive any past default, except (i) a default in the payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest (unless such default has been cured and
a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due
otherwise than by acceleration and any applicable premium has been deposited
with the Debt Trustee) or (ii) a default in the covenants described in the first
or second paragraph under "--Certain Covenants."
So long as the applicable New Property Trustee is the holder of the New Debt
Securities held by a New Trust, if an Indenture Event of Default shall occur and
be continuing, such New Property Trustee will have the right to declare the
principal of and the interest on such New Debt Securities (including any
Additional Interest, if any) and any other amounts payable under the New
Indenture to be forthwith due and payable and to enforce its other rights as a
creditor with respect to such New Debt Securities.
With respect to each New Trust, an Indenture Event of Default also
constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. The holders of New Preferred
Securities in certain circumstances have the right to direct the applicable New
Property Trustee to exercise its rights as the holder of the related New Debt
Securities and New Debt Guarantee. See "--Description of the New Preferred
Securities--Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting Rights." If such New
Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under such New Debt Securities or
New Debt Guarantee after a record holder of the related New Preferred Securities
has made a written request, such record holder may institute a legal proceeding
directly against MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to enforce such Property Trustee's
rights under such New Debt Securities or New Debt Guarantee, as the case may be,
without first instituting any legal proceeding against such Property Trustee or
any other person or entity, including, in the case of such Debt Guarantee,
against MediaOne Funding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to any New Trust and such
event is attributable to the failure of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to pay
interest or principal on the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust on the
date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of
redemption, on the redemption date), MediaOne Funding and MediaOne acknowledge
that a holder of New Preferred Securities of such New Trust may institute a
Direct Action for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of, or
interest on, such New Debt Securities having a principal amount
79
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the New Preferred Securities of
such holder on or after the respective due date specified in such New Debt
Securities. Notwithstanding any payments made to such holder of New Preferred
Securities by MediaOne Funding or MediaOne in connection with a Direct Action,
MediaOne Funding and MediaOne shall remain obligated to pay the principal of or
interest on such New Debt Securities, and MediaOne Funding and MediaOne shall be
subrogated to the rights of the holder of such New Preferred Securities with
respect to payments on such New Preferred Securities to the extent of any
payments made by MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to such holder in any Direct
Action. Except as provided above and in a related New Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the holders of New Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise
directly any other remedy available to the holders of New Debt Securities.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
If (i) there shall have occurred any event that would constitute an
Indenture Event of Default with respect to a series of New Debt Securities or
(ii) MediaOne shall be in default with respect to its payment of any obligations
under the applicable New Preferred Securities Guarantee or the applicable New
Common Securities Guarantee (as defined herein), then (a) MediaOne and MediaOne
Funding shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with
respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to,
any of its capital stock and (b) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding shall not make
any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase
or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by MediaOne or
MediaOne Funding which rank pari passu with or junior to such New Debt
Securities, including the other series of New Debt Securities and the related
New Debt Guarantee, the Old Series I Debt Securities and the Old Series II Debt
Securities; provided, however, that restriction (a) above does not apply to any
stock dividends paid by MediaOne where the dividend stock is the same stock as
that on which the dividend is being paid.
If MediaOne Funding shall have given notice of its election to defer
interest on a series of New Debt Securities by extending the interest payment
period as provided in the New Indenture and such period, or any extension
thereof, shall be continuing, then (a) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding shall not
declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to, or
redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock and (b) MediaOne and MediaOne Funding shall not make any payment
of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities (including guarantees) issued by MediaOne or MediaOne Funding
which rank pari passu with or junior to such New Debt Securities, including the
other series of New Debt Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee and any
Old Series I Debt Securities and Old Series II Debt Securities remaining
outstanding; provided, however, that restriction (a) above does not apply to any
stock dividends paid by MediaOne where the dividend stock is the same stock as
that on which the dividend is being paid.
For so long as the New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of a
New Trust remain outstanding, MediaOne will (i) directly or indirectly maintain
100% ownership of such New Common Securities; provided, however, that any
permitted successor of MediaOne under the New Indenture may succeed to
MediaOne's ownership of the Common Securities and (ii) use its reasonable
efforts to cause such New Trust (a) to remain a statutory business trust, except
in connection with the distribution of the related New Debt Securities to the
holders of such New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities in
liquidation of such New Trust, the redemption of all of such New Preferred
Securities and New Common Securities or certain mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by the Declaration of such New Trust, and (b)
to otherwise continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.
80
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
If New Debt Securities are distributed to holders of the New Preferred
Securities of the New Trust holding such New Debt Securities in connection with
the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of such New
Trust, such Debt Securities will be issued in the form of one or more global
securities registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Except under
the limited circumstances described below, New Debt Securities represented by a
global security will not be exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable
as, New Debt Securities in definitive form. Global securities may not be
transferred except by the depositary to a nominee of the depositary or by a
nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary
or to a successor depositary or its nominee.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such a global security.
Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in such a global
security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of New Debt
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders (as defined
in the New Indenture) thereof for any purpose under the New Indenture, and no
global security representing New Debt Securities shall be exchangeable, except
for another global security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in
the name of the depositary or its nominee or to a successor depositary or its
nominee. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of the
depositary and, if such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a holder under the New Indenture.
If New Debt Securities are distributed to holders of the New Preferred
Securities of the New Trust holding such New Debt Securities in liquidation of
such holders' interests in such New Trust, DTC will act as securities depositary
for such New Debt Securities. For a description of DTC and the specific terms of
the depository arrangements, see "--Description of the New Preferred
Securities--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company." As of the
date of this Prospectus, the description therein of DTC's book-entry system and
DTC's practices as they relate to purchases, transfers, notices and payments
with respect to the New Preferred Securities apply in all material respects to
any debt obligations represented by one or more global securities held by DTC.
MediaOne Funding may appoint a successor to DTC or any successor depositary in
the event DTC or such successor depositary is unable or unwilling to continue as
depositary.
None of MediaOne, MediaOne Funding, the New Trusts, the Debt Trustee, any
paying agent and any other agent of MediaOne, MediaOne Funding or the Debt
Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a
global security for such New Debt Securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
A global security shall be exchangeable for New Debt Securities registered
in the names of persons other than the depositary or its nominee only if (i) the
depositary notifies MediaOne Funding that it is unwilling or unable to continue
as a depositary for such global security and no successor depositary shall have
been appointed, or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the depositary is required to
be so registered to act as such depositary and no successor depositary shall
have been appointed, (ii) MediaOne Funding in its sole discretion determines
that such global security shall be so exchangeable or (iii) there shall have
occurred an Indenture Event of Default with respect to such New Debt Securities.
Any global security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence
shall be exchangeable for New Debt Securities registered in such names as the
depositary shall direct. It is expected that such instructions will be
81
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
based upon directions received by the depositary from its Participants with
respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such global security.
MODIFICATION OF THE NEW INDENTURE
The New Indenture contains provisions permitting MediaOne, MediaOne Funding
and the Debt Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the New Debt Securities of each series which are
affected by the modification, to modify the New Indenture or any supplemental
indenture affecting that series or the rights of the holders of that series of
New Debt Securities; provided, however, that no such modification may, without
the consent of the holder of each outstanding New Debt Security affected
thereby, (i) extend the fixed maturity of New Debt Securities of any series, or
reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of
payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption
thereof, without the consent of the holder of each New Debt Security so affected
or (ii) reduce the percentage of New Debt Securities, the holders of which are
required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of
the holders of each then outstanding New Debt Security affected thereby. In the
event the consent of the New Property Trustee of a New Trust, as the holder of
the New Debt Securities and New Debt Guarantee held by such New Trust, is
required under the New Indenture with respect to any amendment, modification or
termination of the New Indenture, such New Property Trustee shall request the
direction of the holders of the New Preferred Securities and New Common
Securities of such New Trust with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination as described under "--Description of the New Preferred
Securities--Voting Rights."
In addition, MediaOne, MediaOne Funding and the Debt Trustee may execute,
without the consent of any holder of New Debt Securities, any supplemental
indenture for certain other usual purposes including the creation of any new
series of New Debt Securities.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE
Nothing contained in the New Indenture or in any of the New Debt Securities
will prevent any consolidation or merger of MediaOne Funding or MediaOne with or
into any other corporation or corporations (whether or not affiliated with
MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may be), or successive consolidations
or mergers in which MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of MediaOne Funding or
MediaOne, as the case may be, or its successor or successors as an entirety, or
substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether or not
affiliated with MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same; provided,
however, that, upon any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer
or other disposition, the due and punctual payment, in the case of MediaOne
Funding, of the principal of and interest on all of the New Debt Securities, and
in the case of MediaOne, the performance of all obligations under the New Debt
Guarantees, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the
covenants and conditions of the New Indenture with respect to the New Debt
Securities to be kept or performed by MediaOne Funding or MediaOne, as the case
may be, are required to be expressly assumed by supplemental indenture by the
entity formed by such consolidation, or into which MediaOne Funding or MediaOne,
as the case may be, shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall have
acquired such property. The foregoing covenant will not apply to the
distribution of New U S WEST to U S WEST's stockholders pursuant to the
Separation.
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE
Under the terms of the New Indenture, MediaOne and MediaOne Funding will be
discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the New Debt Securities of
any series (except in each case
82
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of New Debt
Securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated New Debt Securities, maintain
paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) if MediaOne Funding
deposits with the Debt Trustee, in trust, moneys or Government Obligations, in
an amount sufficient to pay all the principal of, and interest on, such New Debt
Securities on the dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of
such New Debt Securities.
GOVERNING LAW
The New Indenture, the New Debt Securities and the New Debt Guarantees will
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State
of New York.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEBT TRUSTEE
The Debt Trustee, prior to default, undertakes to perform only such duties
as are specifically set forth in the New Indenture and, after default, shall
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the Debt Trustee
is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the New
Indenture at the request of any holder of New Debt Securities, unless offered
reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred thereby. The Debt Trustee is not required to expand or
risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the
performance of its duties if the Debt Trustee reasonably believes that repayment
or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.
MediaOne and certain of its affiliates maintain a deposit account and
banking relationship with the Debt Trustee. The Debt Trustee serves as trustee
under other indentures pursuant to which unsecured debt securities of MediaOne
are outstanding.
MISCELLANEOUS
The New Indenture will provide that MediaOne Funding will pay all fees and
expenses related to (i) the offering of the New Preferred Securities, the New
Common Securities and the New Debt Securities, (ii) the organization,
maintenance and dissolution of the New Trusts, (iii) the retention of the New
Trustees and (iv) the enforcement by the New Property Trustee of each New Trust
of the rights of holders of New Preferred Securities of such New Trust. The
payment of such fees and expenses will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by MediaOne.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the New Preferred
Securities Guarantees which will be executed and delivered by MediaOne for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of New Preferred Securities. Each New
Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act. will act as New Preferred Guarantee Trustee
under each New Preferred Securities Guarantee. The terms of each New Preferred
Securities Guarantee will be those set forth in such New Preferred Securities
Guarantee and those made part of such New Preferred Securities Guarantee by the
Trust Indenture Act. The summary does not purport to be complete and is subject
in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the New Preferred Securities Guarantee, the form of which is filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part, and the Trust Indenture Act. Each New Preferred Securities Guarantee will
be held by the New Preferred Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of
the New Preferred Securities of the applicable New Trust.
83
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
GENERAL
Pursuant to each New Preferred Securities Guarantee, MediaOne will
irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay
in full, to the holders of the New Preferred Securities issued by the applicable
New Trust, the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) (except to the extent paid
by such New Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off
or counterclaim which such New Trust may have or assert. The following payments
with respect to New Preferred Securities issued by a New Trust, to the extent
not paid by such New Trust (the "Guarantee Payments"), will be subject to the
New Preferred Securities Guarantee thereon (without duplication): (i) any
accrued and unpaid distributions which are required to be paid on such New
Preferred Securities, to the extent such New Trust shall have funds available
therefor, (ii) the applicable redemption price, to the extent such New Trust has
funds available therefor with respect to any New Preferred Securities called for
redemption by such New Trust and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary
dissolution, winding-up or termination of such New Trust (other than in
connection with the distribution of New Debt Securities to the holders of New
Preferred Securities or the redemption of all of the New Preferred Securities),
the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and
unpaid distributions on such New Preferred Securities to the date of payment, to
the extent such New Trust has funds available therefor and (b) the amount of
assets of such New Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of such
New Preferred Securities in liquidation of such New Trust. MediaOne's obligation
to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required
amounts by MediaOne to the holders of New Preferred Securities or by causing the
applicable New Trust to pay such amounts to such holders.
Each New Preferred Securities Guarantee will be a full and unconditional
guarantee with respect to the New Preferred Securities issued by the applicable
New Trust from the time of issuance of such New Preferred Securities, but will
not apply to any payment of distributions except to the extent such New Trust
shall have funds available therefor. If MediaOne Funding does not make interest
payments on the New Debt Securities held by a New Trust and MediaOne does not
fulfill its obligations under the New Debt Guarantee relating to such New Debt
Securities, such New Trust will not pay distributions on the New Preferred
Securities issued by such New Trust and will not have funds available therefor.
MediaOne has also agreed separately to irrevocably and unconditionally
guarantee the obligations of the New Trusts with respect to the New Common
Securities (the "New Common Securities Guarantees") to the same extent as the
New Preferred Securities Guarantee, except that upon a Declaration Event of
Default, holders of New Preferred Securities shall have priority over holders of
New Common Securities with respect to distributions and payments on liquidation,
redemption or otherwise.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF MEDIAONE
In each New Preferred Securities Guarantee, MediaOne will covenant that, so
long as any New Preferred Securities issued by a New Trust remain outstanding,
if there shall have occurred a Declaration Event of Default with respect to such
New Trust or an event of default under the Preferred Securities Guarantee with
respect to such New Trust, then (a) MediaOne shall not (and shall cause MediaOne
Funding not to) declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with
respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to,
any of its capital stock and (b) MediaOne shall not (and shall cause MediaOne
Funding not to) make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by
MediaOne or MediaOne Funding which rank pari passu with or junior to the New
Debt Securities held by such New Trust, including the other series of New Debt
Securities and the related New Debt Guarantee and any Old Series I Debt
Securities and Old Series II Debt Securities remaining outstanding.
84
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
MODIFICATION OF THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES; ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of the related New Preferred Securities (in which case no vote will
be required), a New Preferred Securities Guarantee may be amended only with the
prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation amount
of the outstanding New Preferred Securities issued by the applicable New Trust.
All guarantees and agreements contained in a New Preferred Securities Guarantee
shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of
MediaOne and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the New Preferred
Securities of the applicable New Trust then outstanding.
TERMINATION
Each New Preferred Securities Guarantee will terminate as to the New
Preferred Securities issued by the applicable New Trust upon full payment of the
redemption price of all New Preferred Securities of such New Trust, upon
distribution of the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust to the holders of
such New Preferred Securities or upon full payment of the amounts payable in
accordance with the Declaration of such New Trust upon liquidation of such New
Trust. Each New Preferred Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or
will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of New
Preferred Securities issued by the applicable New Trust must restore payment of
any sums paid under such New Preferred Securities or such New Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under a New Preferred Securities Guarantee will occur
upon the failure of MediaOne to perform any of its payment or other obligations
thereunder.
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the New Preferred
Securities relating to each New Preferred Securities Guarantee have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the New Preferred Guarantee Trustee in respect of such New
Preferred Securities Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the New Preferred Guarantee Trustee under such New Preferred
Securities Guarantee. Any holder of such New Preferred Securities may institute
a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne to enforce such New Preferred
Guarantee Trustee's rights under such Preferred Securities Guarantee, without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the applicable New Trust, such New
Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.
STATUS OF THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Each New Preferred Securities Guarantees will constitute an unsecured
obligation of MediaOne and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other liabilities of MediaOne (including the New Debt Guarantees
and the Old New Debt Securities), except those made pari passu or subordinate by
their terms, (ii) pari passu with the most senior preferred or preference stock
now or hereafter issued by MediaOne and with any guarantee now or hereafter
entered into by U S WEST in respect of any preferred or preference stock of any
affiliate of MediaOne (including the Old Preferred Securities Guarantees) and
(iii) senior to the MediaOne Common Stock. The terms of the New Preferred
Securities provide that each holder of New Preferred Securities issued by a New
Trust by acceptance thereof agrees to the subordination provisions and other
terms of the New Preferred Securities Guarantee relating thereto.
The New Preferred Securities Guarantees will constitute guarantees of
payment and not of collection (that is, the guaranteed party may institute a
legal proceeding directly against the guarantor to enforce its rights under the
guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or
entity).
85
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NEW PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The New Preferred Guarantee Trustee with respect to each New Preferred
Securities Guarantee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to such
New Preferred Securities Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as
are specifically set forth in such New Preferred Securities Guarantee and, after
default, shall exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would
exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions,
such New Preferred Guarantee Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of
the powers vested in it by a New Preferred Securities Guarantee at the request
of any holder of New Preferred Securities to which such New Preferred Securities
Guarantee relates, unless offered reasonable indemnity against the costs,
expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby.
MediaOne and certain of its affiliates maintain a deposit account and
banking relationship with the . serves
as trustee under other indentures pursuant to which unsecured debt securities of
MediaOne and its affiliates are outstanding.
GOVERNING LAW
The New Preferred Securities Guarantees will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NEW DEBT SECURITIES, THE NEW DEBT GUARANTEES AND
THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
As set forth in the Declaration of each New Trust, the sole purpose of each
New Trust is to issue New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities and
invest the proceeds thereof in New Debt Securities.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
New Debt Securities held by a New Trust, such payments will be sufficient to
cover distributions and payments due on the New Preferred Securities and New
Common Securities of such New Trust primarily because (i) the aggregate
principal amount of such New Debt Securities will be equal to the sum of the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of such New Preferred Securities and New
Common Securities; (ii) the interest rate and interest and other payment dates
on such New Debt Securities will match the distribution rate and distribution
and other payment dates for such New Preferred Securities; (iii) MediaOne
Funding shall pay for all costs and expenses of such New Trust; and (iv) the
Declaration of such New Trust provides that the New Trustees of such New Trust
shall not cause or permit such New Trust to, among other things, engage in any
activity that is not consistent with the purposes of such New Trust. MediaOne
Funding has agreed to pay all of the expenses of the New Trusts and MediaOne has
agreed to guarantee such payment.
Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on each series of New Preferred Securities (to the extent
funds therefor are available) are guaranteed by MediaOne as and to the extent
set forth under "--Description of the New Preferred Securities Guarantees." If
MediaOne Funding does not make interest payments on the New Debt Securities
purchased by a New Trust and MediaOne does not make payments under the related
New Debt Guarantee, such New Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay
distributions on its New Preferred Securities. Each New Preferred Securities
Guarantee is a full and unconditional guarantee from the time of its issuance,
but does not apply to any payment of distributions unless and until the
applicable New Trust has sufficient funds for the payment of such distributions.
If MediaOne Funding fails to make interest or other payments on a series of
New Debt Securities when due (taking account of any Extension Period) and
MediaOne fails to make payments under the related New Debt Guarantee with
respect to such payments due on such New Debt Securities, the Declaration of the
applicable New Trust provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the New
86
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Preferred Securities of such New Trust, using the procedures described in
"--Description of the New Preferred Securities--Voting Rights," may direct the
New Property Trustee of such New Trust to enforce its rights under such New Debt
Securities and New Debt Guarantee, including proceeding directly against
MediaOne to enforce such New Debt Guarantee without first proceeding against
MediaOne Funding under such New Debt Securities. If such New Property Trustee
fails to enforce its rights under such New Debt Securities or New Debt
Guarantee, a holder of such New Preferred Securities may institute a legal
proceeding directly against MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to enforce such
Property Trustee's rights under such New Debt Securities or New Debt Guarantee,
as the case may be, without first instituting any legal proceeding against such
New Property Trustee or any other person or entity, including, in the case of
such New Debt Guarantee, against MediaOne Funding. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with
respect to any New Trust and such event is attributable to the failure of
MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to pay interest or principal on the New Debt
Securities held by such New Trust on the date such interest or principal is
otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), a
holder of New Preferred Securities of such New Trust may institute a Direct
Action for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of, or
interest on, such New Debt Securities having a principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the New Preferred Securities of such holder on
or after the respective due date specified in such New Debt Securities.
If MediaOne fails to make payments under a New Preferred Securities
Guarantee, such New Preferred Securities Guarantee provides a mechanism whereby
the holders of the related New Preferred Securities may direct the New Preferred
Guarantee Trustee with respect to such New Preferred Securities Guarantee to
enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of such New Preferred Securities may
institute a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne to enforce such New
Preferred Guarantee Trustee's rights under such New Preferred Securities
Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the applicable
New Trust, such New Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.
MediaOne and the New Trusts believe that the above mechanisms and
obligations, taken together, are equivalent to a full and unconditional
guarantee by MediaOne of payments due on the New Preferred Securities.
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS
In connection with the Offers, holders of Old Preferred Securities will have
the right to exchange their Old Preferred Securities for New Preferred
Securities. The terms of the New Preferred Securities, the New Debt Securities,
the New Debt Guarantees and the New Preferred Securities Guarantees will be
substantially the same as the terms of the corresponding Old Preferred
Securities, Old Debt Securities, Old Debt Guarantee and Old Preferred Securities
Guarantee, except as described below.
DISTRIBUTION AND INTEREST RATE
The distribution rate on the Old Series I Preferred Securities and the
interest rate on the Old Series I Debt Securities is 7.96%. The distribution
rate on the New Series I Preferred Securities and the interest rate on the New
Series I Debt Securities is %. The distribution rate on the Old Series II
Preferred Securities and the interest rate on the Old Series II Debt Securities
is 8 1/4%. The distribution rate on the New Series II Preferred Securities and
the interest rate on the New Series II Debt Securities is %.
OBLIGOR ON DEBT SECURITIES
Capital Funding is the obligor under the Old Debt Securities and the
obligations of Capital Funding under the Old Debt Securities are guaranteed by U
S WEST pursuant to the Old Debt Guarantees. After the Separation, the
obligations of Capital Funding under the Old Debt Securities
87
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
relating to any Old Preferred Securities not tendered will be assumed by
MediaOne (i.e., U S WEST after the Separation) and, as a result, the Old Debt
Guarantees will no longer be required. MediaOne Funding is the obligor under the
New Debt Securities and the obligations of MediaOne Funding are guaranteed by
MediaOne pursuant to the New Debt Guarantees. As a result of the foregoing,
after the Separation, MediaOne will be the ultimate obligor of both the Old Debt
Securities (directly) and the New Debt Securities (through the New Debt
Guarantees). If MediaOne elects to defease the Old Debt Securities, Capital
Funding will remain the obligor thereunder.
RIGHT TO DISTRIBUTE DEBT SECURITIES
Pursuant to the declaration of the Old Series I Trust, U S WEST only has the
right to dissolve the Old Series I Trust and distribute the Old Series I Debt
Securities to the holders of Old Series I Preferred Securities and Old Series I
Common Securities if a Special Event occurs and, in the case of a Tax Event, U S
WEST receives a certain opinion from tax counsel. Pursuant to the declaration of
the Old Series II Trust, U S WEST has the unconditional right at any time to
dissolve the Old Series II Trust and distribute the Old Series II Debt
Securities to holders of Old Series II Preferred Securities and Old Senior II
Common Securities. Pursuant to the Declarations of the New Trusts, MediaOne will
have the same flexibility provided to U S WEST with respect to the Old Series II
Trust and will have the unconditional right at any time to dissolve a New Trust
and distribute the New Debt Securities held by such New Trust to the holders of
New Preferred Securities and New Common Securities of such New Trust. The terms
of the Declaration of the New Series I Trust were modified from the terms of the
declaration of the Old Series I Trust to provide such unconditional distribution
right in order to provide to MediaOne the same flexibility with respect to the
New Series I Trust that it will have with respect to the New Series II Trust.
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION
Pursuant to the declaration of the Old Series I Trust, Capital Funding only
has the right to redeem the Old Series I Debt Securities upon the occurrence of
a Tax Event if U S WEST receives a certain opinion, and does not receive a
certain other opinion, from tax counsel. In addition, U S WEST does not have the
right to redeem the Old Series I Debt Securities upon the occurrence of an
Investment Company Event. Pursuant to the declaration of the Old Series II
Trust, Capital Funding has the unconditional right to redeem the Old Series II
Debt Securities at any time upon the occurrence of a Special Event. Pursuant to
the Declarations of the New Trusts, MediaOne Funding will have the same
flexibility provided to Capital Funding with respect to the Old Series II Debt
Securities and will have the unconditional right to redeem either series of New
Debt Securities upon the occurrence of a Special Event. The terms of the
Declaration of the New Series I Trust were modified from the terms of the
declaration of the Old Series I Trust to provide such unconditional redemption
right in order to provide to MediaOne the same flexibility with respect to the
New Series I Trust that it will have with respect to the New Series II Trust.
DIRECT ACTIONS
Under the terms of the Old Preferred Securities of each Old Trust, before a
record holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against Capital Funding
or U S WEST to enforce any of the rights of the property trustee of such Old
Trust under the Old Debt Securities or Old Debt Guarantee, as the case may be,
held by such Old Trust, such record holder must first make a request to such
property trustee to enforce such right and such property trustee must fail to
enforce such rights. Under the terms of the New Preferred Securities of each New
Trust, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with
respect to any New Trust and such event is attributable to the failure of
MediaOne Funding or MediaOne to pay interest or principal on the New Debt
Securities held by such New Trust, a holder of New Preferred Securities of such
New Trust has the right to institute a Direct Action for enforcement of payment
to such holder of the principal of, or interest on, New Debt
88
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
Securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount
of the New Preferred Securities of such holder without first making a request to
the Property Trustee of such New Trust to enforce such right.
Under the terms of each Old Preferred Securities Guarantee, a record holder
is only permitted to institute a legal proceeding directly against U S WEST to
enforce any of the rights of the trustee under such Old Preferred Securities
Guarantee if such trustee fails to enforce such Old Preferred Securities
Guarantee. Under the terms of each New Preferred Securities Guarantee, a record
holder is permitted to institute a legal proceeding directly against MediaOne to
enforce any of the rights of the New Preferred Guarantee Trustee under such New
Preferred Securities Guarantee whether or not such New Preferred Guarantee
Trustee fails to enforce such New Preferred Securities Guarantee.
SPECIAL REGULAR TRUSTEE
Under the declaration of the Old Series I Trust, if the Old Series I Trust
fails to pay distributions in full on the Old Series I Preferred Securities for
6 consecutive quarterly distribution periods or an event of default under such
declaration occurs and is continuing, then the holders of the Old Series I
Preferred Securities, acting as a single class, will be entitled by the majority
vote of such holders to appoint an additional regular trustee of the Old Series
I Trust. The declaration of the Old Series II Trust and the Declarations of the
New Trusts do not provide a similar right to appoint an additional regular
trustee.
CERTAIN VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Under the declaration of each Old Trust, the approval of the holders of
66 2/3% in liquidation amount of the applicable series of Old Preferred
Securities and Old Common Securities is required to modify such declaration.
Similarly, under each Old Preferred Securities Guarantee, the approval of the
holders of 66 2/3% in liquidation amount of the applicable series of Old
Preferred Securities is required to modify such Old Preferred Securities
Guarantee. Under the Declaration of each New Trust, the approval of the holders
of only a majority in liquidation amount of the applicable series of New
Preferred Securities and New Common Securities will be required to modify such
Declaration. Similarly, under each New Preferred Securities Guarantee, the
approval of the holders of only a majority in liquidation amount of the
applicable series of New Preferred Securities will be required to modify such
New Preferred Securities Guarantee. This voting requirement has been modified to
conform the vote required for amendments to the Declarations and the Preferred
Securities Guarantees to the vote required for amendments to the New Indenture.
89
CHAPTER 6: THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of certain of the material United States federal
income tax consequences to holders of Old Preferred Securities of the Offers and
the MediaOne Debt Assumption, and the ownership and disposition of New Preferred
Securities and of Old Preferred Securities not tendered in the Offers. This
summary applies only to a holder that is a citizen or resident of the United
States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized under
the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income
taxation regardless of source, or a trust, with respect to which a court within
the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its
administration and one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to
control all of its substantial decisions. This summary does not address the
United States federal income tax consequences to persons other than such
holders.
This summary is based on the United States federal income tax laws,
regulations and rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to
change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary assumes that holders hold
their Preferred Securities as "capital assets," and does not address the tax
consequences applicable to investors that may be subject to special tax rules
such as banks, thrifts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment
companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt
investors or persons that hold Preferred Securities as a position in a
"straddle," as part of a "synthetic security" or "hedge," as part of a
"conversion transaction" or other integrated investment or as other than a
capital asset. This summary also does not address the tax consequences to
persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar or the tax
consequences to shareholders, partners or beneficiaries of a holder of Preferred
Securities. Further, it does not include any description of any alternative
minimum or estate tax consequences or the tax laws of any state or local
government or of any foreign government that may be applicable to the Preferred
Securities.
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT
BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON A HOLDER'S PARTICULAR SITUATION. HOLDERS SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE
OFFERS AND THE MEDIAONE DEBT ASSUMPTION, AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF
THE NEW PREFERRED SECURITIES, AND THE OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES NOT TENDERED IN
THE OFFERS, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OFFERS AND THE MEDIAONE DEBT ASSUMPTION
The Offers and the MediaOne Debt Assumption will constitute taxable
transactions. As a result, all holders of Old Preferred Securities will
recognize gain or loss pursuant to the Offers and the MediaOne Debt Assumption
equal to the difference between such holders' adjusted tax basis in the Old
Preferred Securities and the amount realized, as described below.
A holder's adjusted tax basis in the Old Preferred Securities generally
would be their initial purchase price, increased by any OID previously
includible in such holder's gross income to the date of disposition (and the
accrual of market discount, if any, if an election to accrue market discount in
income currently was made) and decreased by payments received on the Old
Preferred Securities. Any such gain or loss would be capital gain or loss (other
than cash received with respect to accrued and unpaid interest, and market
discount which has not yet been included in income, which amounts will be
treated as ordinary income) and would be long-term capital gain or loss if the
holder's holding period exceeded one year. Recently enacted legislation provides
that for certain holders (including individuals),
90
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES
<PAGE>
the maximum rate of federal income taxation on net long-term capital gains is
28% if the holding period was greater than one year but not more than eighteen
months, and 20% if the holding period exceeded eighteen months.
/ / The amount realized by holders electing to exchange Old Preferred
Securities for cash will equal the amount of cash received in the exchange.
/ / Holders electing to exchange Old Preferred Securities for New Preferred
Securities will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having exchanged
Old Preferred Securities for cash and having purchased, immediately thereafter,
New Preferred Securities with the cash deemed received in such exchange. The
amount realized by such holders will equal the "issue price" of their allocable
share of the underlying New Debt Securities (defined under the Code as the
initial offering price to the public (excluding bond houses and brokers) at
which price a substantial amount of such New Debt Securities were sold). The
issue price of the New Preferred Securities will equal their fair market value
on the Delivery Date, which amount may be greater than their principal amount.
/ / The MediaOne Debt Assumption will constitute a significant modification
of the Old Debt Securities under the applicable Treasury Regulations.
Accordingly, for federal income tax purposes, any Old Preferred Securities not
tendered in the Offers (together with the corresponding Old Debt Securities)
will be deemed to be reissued by MediaOne on the Separation Date (the "Reissued
Securities"), and holders who do not tender in the Offers will have a taxable
exchange as a result thereof. The amount realized by such holders will equal the
issue price of their allocable share of the Reissued Securities. The issue price
of the Reissued Securities will equal their fair market value on the Separation
Date, which amount may be greater than their principal amount.
A holder of Old Preferred Securities having market discount (defined as the
amount by which a holder's basis in a debt obligation immediately after its
acquisition is exceeded by the stated redemption price at maturity of such debt
obligation, subject to a DE MINIMIS exception) would be required to treat as
ordinary income any gain recognized to the extent of the market discount accrued
during the holder's period of ownership, unless the holder elected to include
the market discount in income as it accrued. Any gain in excess of such accrued
market discount will be capital gain. If a tendering holder did not elect to
include any market discount in income as it accrued, any interest deduction such
holder deferred pursuant to the market discount provisions on indebtedness
incurred or maintained to purchase or carry such Old Preferred Securities would
become deductible at the time of the Offers. Generally, market discount
obligations do not include any Old Preferred Securities acquired by a holder at
their original issue. Holders of Old Preferred Securities having market discount
should consult their own tax advisors as to the effect to them of the market
discount rules on the Offers and the MediaOne Debt Assumption.
91
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES
<PAGE>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF NEW PREFERRED
SECURITIES
CLASSIFICATION OF THE NEW TRUSTS
Upon the issuance of the New Preferred Securities, Weil, Gotshal & Manges
LLP, counsel to U S WEST, MediaOne Funding, Capital Funding, the New Trusts, and
the Old Trusts, will issue its opinion (the "Tax Opinion") to the effect that,
under then current law and assuming full compliance with the terms of the New
Indenture and the applicable Declaration (and certain other documents), and
based on certain facts and assumptions contained in such opinion, each of the
New Series I Trust and the New Series II Trust will be classified, for federal
income tax purposes, as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a
corporation. In such case, each holder of New Series I Preferred Securities will
be treated for federal income tax purposes as owning an undivided beneficial
interest in the New Series I Debt Securities and each holder of New Series II
Preferred Securities will be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest
in the New Series II Debt Securities, and each holder of New Preferred
Securities will be required to include in its gross income the items of income
realized with respect to its allocable share of those New Debt Securities.
Investors should be aware that the Tax Opinion does not address any other issue
and is not binding on the Service or the courts.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
In general, a debt instrument will have OID equal to the excess of its
"stated redemption price at maturity" over its "issue price" (as defined above).
An instrument's "stated redemption price at maturity" is equal to the sum of all
amounts payable as interest and principal on the instrument, excluding only
"qualified stated interest." Treasury Regulations generally provide that stated
interest on a debt instrument is not "qualified stated interest" and therefore
will give rise to OID unless such interest is unconditionally payable in cash or
in property (other than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually at a
single fixed rate. Interest is considered to be unconditionally payable only if
reasonable legal remedies exist to compel timely payment or the debt instrument
otherwise provides terms and conditions that make the likelihood of late payment
(other than late payment that occurs within a reasonable grace period) or
non-payment a "remote contingency."
The terms of the New Debt Securities provide MediaOne Funding with the
option to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period
for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters. Under the terms of the New
Indenture, in the event that MediaOne Funding exercises such option, MediaOne is
restricted from, among other things, paying divdends on the MediaOne Common
Stock. U S WEST currently does not pay dividends on the Media Stock and it is
not expected that MediaOne will pay dividends on the MediaOne Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the likelihood that MediaOne will elect to
defer payments of interest on the New Debt Securities solely by reason of the
terms of the New Debt Securities is not considered a "remote contingency" under
the applicable Treasury Regulations, and, as a result thereof, none of the
payments on the New Debt Securities will be considered "qualified stated
interest." Accordingly, the New Debt Securities will be issued with OID, and all
of the interest payments on the New Debt Securities will be treated as part of
their stated redemption price at maturity. Holders of debt instruments issued
with OID must include the OID in income on an economic accrual basis before the
receipt of cash attributable to the OID, regardless of their regular method of
tax accounting. The amount of OID that accrues in any month will approximate the
amount of interest that accrues in that month at the stated interest rate. In
the event that MediaOne Funding exercises its option to extend an interest
payment period, holders will continue to accrue OID in an amount which will
approximate the interest payment due at the end of the extended interest payment
period on an economic accrual basis over the length of such Extension Period.
92
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES
<PAGE>
Corporate holders of New Preferred Securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income earned on the New
Preferred Securities.
To the extent a holder acquires its New Preferred Securities in the
secondary market at a price that is greater or less than the adjusted issue
price of such holder's share of the New Debt Securities, the holder may be
deemed to have acquired its interest in the New Debt Securities with acquisition
premium or with market discount, as the case may be. A holder who purchases New
Preferred Securities at a premium will be permitted to reduce the amount of OID
required to be included in income to reflect the acquisition premium. Holders
who purchase New Preferred Securities at a market discount will also include the
amount of such discount in income, as discussed above in "Federal Income Tax
Consequences of the Offers and the MediaOne Debt Assumption." Such holders are
advised to consult their tax advisors as to the income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership and disposition of New Preferred Securities.
RECEIPT OF NEW DEBT SECURITIES UPON LIQUIDATION OF A NEW TRUST
As described in "Chapter 6: The New Preferred Securities--Distribution of
the New Debt Securities," New Series I Debt Securities and New Series II Debt
Securities may be distributed to holders in exchange for, respectively, New
Series I Preferred Securities and New Series II Preferred Securities and in
liquidation of, respectively, the New Series I Trust and the New Series II
Trust. Under current law, such a distribution would be treated as a non-taxable
event to each holder and each holder would receive an aggregate tax basis in the
New Debt Securities equal to such holder's aggregate tax basis in its New
Preferred Securities. A holder's holding period in the New Debt Securities so
received in liquidation of a New Trust would include the period for which the
New Preferred Securities were held by such holder.
SALE OR REDEMPTION OF CERTIFICATES
A holder that sells New Preferred Securities (or whose Certificates are
redeemed for cash) will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
its adjusted tax basis in the securities and the amount realized on the sale
(other than with respect to accrued and unpaid interest and market discount
which has not yet been included in income, which will be treated as ordinary
income). A holder's adjusted tax basis in the New Preferred Securities generally
will be its initial issue price, increased by any OID previously includible in
such holder's gross income to the date of disposition (and the accrual of market
discount, if any, if an election to accrue market discount in income currently
is made) and decreased by payments received on the New Preferred Securities. Any
such gain or loss would be capital gain or loss, and would be long-term capital
gain or loss if the holder's holding period exceeded one year. Recently enacted
legislation provides that for certain holders (including individuals), the
maximum rate of federal income taxation on net long-term capital gains is 28% if
the holding period was greater than one year but not more than eighteen months,
and 20% if the holding period exceeded eighteen months.
The New Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not accurately
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
New Debt Securities. A holder who disposes of his New Preferred Securities
between record dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to
include accrued but unpaid interest on the New Debt Securities through the date
of disposition in income as ordinary income, and to add such amount to his
adjusted tax basis in his pro rata share of the underlying New Debt Securities
deemed disposed of. To the extent the selling price is less than such holder's
adjusted tax basis (which will include all OID and accrued but unpaid interest),
a holder will recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for federal income
tax purposes.
93
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES
<PAGE>
INFORMATION REPORTING TO HOLDERS
Subject to the qualifications discussed below, income on the New Preferred
Securities will be reported to holders on Forms 1099, which forms are expected
to be mailed to holders of New Preferred Securities by January 31 following each
calendar year.
Each New Trust will be obligated to report annually to Cede & Co., as holder
of record of the New Preferred Securities, the OID related to the New Debt
Securities for that year. The New Trusts currently intend to report such
information on Form 1099 prior to January 31 following each calendar year even
though the New Trusts are not legally required to report to record holders until
April 15 following each calendar year. The Dealer Managers have indicated to the
New Trusts that, to the extent that they hold New Preferred Securities as
nominees for beneficial holders, they currently expect to report to such
beneficial holders on Forms 1099 by January 31 following each calendar year.
Under current law, holders of New Preferred Securities who hold as nominees for
beneficial holders will not have any obligation to report information regarding
the beneficial holders to each New Trust. The New Trusts, moreover, will not
have any obligation to report to beneficial holders who are not also record
holders. Thus, beneficial holders of New Preferred Securities who hold their New
Preferred Securities through the Dealer Managers will receive Forms 1099
reflecting the income on their New Preferred Securities from such nominee
holders rather than the New Trusts.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, the New Preferred
Securities may be subject to a "backup" withholding tax of 31% unless the holder
complies with certain identification requirements. Any withheld amounts will be
allowed as a credit against the holder's federal income tax, provided the
required information is provided to the Service.
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
Several recent legislative proposals, if enacted into law, generally would
have denied corporate issuers a deduction for interest in respect of certain
debt obligations such as the New Debt Securities. Although such proposals have
not, to date, been enacted, there can be no assurances that similar legislation
enacted in the future will not adversely affect the ability of MediaOne Funding
to deduct the interest payable on the New Debt Securities. As such, while there
is no reason to believe that a Tax Event will occur in the immediate future,
there can be no assurance that a Tax Event will not occur. See "Chapter 6: The
New Preferred Securities--Distribution of the New Debt Securities".
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OLD PREFERRED
SECURITIES AFTER THE MEDIAONE DEBT ASSUMPTION
As described above under "Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offers and
the MediaOne Debt Assumption," because the MediaOne Debt Assumption will
constitute a significant modification of the Old Debt Securities for federal
income tax purposes, the Old Preferred Securities will be deemed to have been
reissued on the Separation Date. The federal income tax consequences of the
ownership and disposition of the Reissued Securities should be the same as
discussed above under "Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing
of New Preferred Securities."
94
CHAPTER 7: CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES
<PAGE>
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE OFFERS
Except as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements,
understandings or relationships in connection with either Offer between U S
WEST, Capital Funding or MediaOne Funding or any of their directors or executive
officers or the New Trusts or the Old Trusts or their trustees and any person
with respect to any securities of U S WEST, Capital Funding, MediaOne Funding, a
New Trust or an Old Trust, including the New Preferred Securities, the New Debt
Securities, the New Debt Guarantees, the New Preferred Securities Guarantees,
the Old Preferred Securities, the Old Debt Securities, the Old Debt Guarantees
and the Old Preferred Securities Guarantee.
FEES AND EXPENSES; TRANSFER TAXES
The expenses of soliciting tenders of Old Preferred Securities in each Offer
will be borne by Capital Funding. For information regarding compensation to be
paid to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting Dealers, see "Chapter 3: The Offers
and Consent Solicitation--The Offers--Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers." The
total cash expenditures to be incurred in connection with the Series I Offer,
other than fees payable to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting Dealers, but
including the expenses of the Dealer Managers, printing, accounting and legal
fees, and the fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent and
the trustees of the Old Series I Trust and the New Series I Trust, in each case
with respect to the Series I Offer, are estimated to be approximately $ .
The total cash expenditures to be incurred in connection with the Series II
Offer, other than fees payable to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting Dealers,
but including the expenses of the Dealer Managers, printing, accounting and
legal fees, and the fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent, the Information
Agent and the trustees of the Old Series I Trust and the Old Series II Trust, in
each case with respect to the Series II Offer, are estimated to be approximately
$ . Capital Funding will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
exchange of Old Preferred Securities pursuant to each Offer. If, however,
certificates representing New Preferred Securities or Old Preferred Securities
not tendered or accepted for exchange in an Offer are to be delivered to, or are
to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the
Old Preferred Securities tendered or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason
other than the exchange of Old Preferred Securities pursuant to such Offer, then
the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered Holder
or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering Holder. If satisfactory
evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted, the
amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering Holder.
DEALER MANAGERS; SOLICITING DEALERS
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Lehman Brothers Inc.,
as Dealer Managers for the Offers, have agreed to solicit exchanges of Old
Preferred Securities for New Preferred Securities or cash. The fee payable by
Capital Funding to the Dealer Managers is, in the
aggregate, $ per Old Preferred Security validly tendered and accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Offers plus any amount that the Dealer Managers may be
entitled to pursuant to the next paragraph. Capital Funding will also reimburse
the Dealer Managers for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
with the Offers and Capital Funding will indemnify the Dealer Managers against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). The Dealer Managers engage in transactions with,
and from time to time have performed services for, U S WEST and its
subsidiaries. In addition, the Dealer Managers each acted as underwriter for the
issuance of each series of the Old Preferred Securities.
Capital Funding will pay to a Soliciting Dealer a tender fee for all Old
Preferred Securities validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offers of
$ per Old Preferred Security (except that in the case of transactions equal
to or exceeding 10,000 Old Preferred Securities of either series, Capital
95
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
Funding will pay a tender fee of $ per Old Preferred Security), in each case
subject to certain conditions. As used in this Prospectus, "Soliciting Dealer"
includes (i) any broker or dealer in securities, including each Dealer Manager
in its capacity as a broker or dealer, who is a member of any national
securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(the "NASD"), (ii) any foreign broker or dealer not eligible for membership in
the NASD who agrees to conform to the NASD's Rules of Fair Practice in
soliciting tenders outside the United States to the same extent as though it
were an NASD member, or (iii) any bank or trust company, any one of whom has
solicited and obtained a tender pursuant to the Offers.
Soliciting Dealers will include any of the organizations described in
clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above even when the activities of such organizations
in connection with an Offer consist solely of forwarding to clients materials
relating to such Offer, including this Prospectus and the applicable Letter of
Transmittal, and tendering Old Preferred Securities as directed by beneficial
owners thereof; provided that under no circumstances shall any fee be paid to
Soliciting Dealers more than once with respect to any Old Preferred Security. No
Soliciting Dealer is required to make any recommendation to holders of Old
Preferred Securities as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering in an
Offer. No assumption is made, in making payment to any Soliciting Dealer, that
its activities in connection with an Offer included any activities other than
those described above, and for all purposes noted in all materials relating to
an Offer, the term "solicit" shall be deemed to mean no more than "processing
Depositary Receipts for Old Preferred Securities tendered" or "forwarding to
customers materials regarding an Offer."
In order to receive a tender fee or a consent fee, the Soliciting Dealer
must return a Notice of Solicited Tenders and Consents (included in the
materials provided to brokers and dealers) to the Exchange Agent within three
trading days after the applicable Expiration Date. No solicitation fee shall be
payable to a Soliciting Dealer in respect of shares of Old Preferred Securities
(i) beneficially owned by such Soliciting Dealer or (ii) registered in the name
of such Soliciting Dealer unless such Old Preferred Securities are being held by
such Soliciting Dealer as nominee and such Old Preferred Securities are being
tendered for the benefit of one or more beneficial owners identified on the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of Solicited Tenders and
Consents.
No fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer if such Soliciting Dealer is
required for any reason to transfer any portion of such fee to a tendering
Holder (other than itself). No broker, dealer, bank, trust company or fiduciary
shall be deemed to be the agent of U S WEST, Capital Funding, MediaOne Funding,
a New Trust, an Old Trust, the Trustees, the Exchange Agent, the Information
Agent or the Dealer Managers for purposes of the Offers.
Other than as described above, Capital Funding will not pay any solicitation
fees to any broker, dealer, bank, trust company or other person for any Old
Preferred Securities exchanged in connection with the Offers. Capital Funding
will reimburse such persons for customary handling and mailing expenses incurred
in connection with the Offers.
Additional solicitations may be made by telephone, in person or otherwise by
officers and regular employees of U S WEST and its affiliates. No additional
compensation will be paid to any such officers and employees who engage in
soliciting tenders.
96
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
MARKET PRICE DATA
The Old Series I Preferred Securities are listed and traded on the NYSE
under the symbol "USWPrA" and the Old Series II Preferred Securities are listed
and traded on the NYSE under the symbol "USWPrB." The following table sets forth
the high and low sales prices on the NYSE Composite Tape of the Old Series I
Preferred Securities and the Old Series II Preferred Securities for the periods
indicated. The Old Series II Preferred Securities were not listed and traded
prior to October 28, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH SALES LOW SALES
PRICE PRICE
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
OLD SERIES I PREFERRED SECURITIES
1996
First Quarter..................................................... 26.63 24.88
Second Quarter.................................................... 25.50 24.13
Third Quarter..................................................... 30.75 24.13
Fourth Quarter.................................................... 25.55 24.06
1997
First Quarter..................................................... 25.50 24.38
Second Quarter.................................................... 25.38 24.13
Third Quarter..................................................... 25.94 24.75
Fourth Quarter.................................................... 26.80 24.81
1998
First Quarter..................................................... 26.25 25.19
Second Quarter (through April 14, 1998)........................... 26.25 25.19
OLD SERIES II PREFERRED SECURITIES
1996
Fourth Quarter.................................................... 25.63 24.25
1997
First Quarter..................................................... 25.63 24.81
Second Quarter.................................................... 25.75 24.63
Third Quarter..................................................... 26.25 25.25
Fourth Quarter.................................................... 26.31 25.13
1998
First Quarter..................................................... 26.69 25.63
Second Quarter (through April 14, 1998)........................... 26.00 25.81
</TABLE>
On October 24, 1997, the trading day prior to the announcement of the
Separation, the closing sales prices of the Old Series I Preferred Securities
and the Old Series II Preferred Securities, as reported on the NYSE Composite
Tape, were $25.25 and $25.75, respectively. On April 14, 1998, the closing sales
prices of the Old Series I Preferred Securities and the Old Series II Preferred
Securities, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, were $25.44 and $25.88,
respectively. HOLDERS OF OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT
TRADING PRICE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE OLD PREFERRED SECURITIES.
97
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the New
Preferred Securities will be passed upon on behalf of the New Trusts by Morris,
Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, Wilmington, Delaware, special Delaware counsel to the
New Trusts. The validity of the New Debt Securities, the New Preferred
Securities Guarantee, the New Debt Guarantee and certain matters relating
thereto will be passed upon on behalf of U S WEST and MediaOne Funding by Weil,
Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York and on behalf of the Dealer Managers by
Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York. Certain United States federal income
taxation matters will be passed upon for U S WEST, MediaOne Funding, Capital
Funding, the New Trusts and the Old Trusts by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial
statement schedule of U S WEST as of December 31, 1997 and for the two years
ended December 31, 1997 included in U S WEST's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed April 13,
1998, incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial
statement schedule of U S WEST for the year ended December 31, 1995 included in
U S WEST's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as
amended by Form 10-K/A filed April 13, 1998, are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance on the reports of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
public accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
U S WEST is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information
with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning U S WEST can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Office at Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such
material also can be obtained, at prescribed rates, from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The
Commission maintains a site on the Internet's World Wide Web at
http://www.sec.gov. that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission, including U S WEST. The Old Preferred Securities are listed and
traded on the NYSE and the Communications Stock and Media Stock are listed and
traded on the NYSE and the PSE and such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning U S WEST may also be inspected at the offices of the
NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and at the offices of the PSE,
115 Sansome Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, California 94104. Following the
Separation, U S WEST (as MediaOne) will continue to be subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act.
U S WEST, MediaOne Funding and the New Trusts have filed with the Commission
a registration statement on Form S-4 (such registration statement, together with
all amendments, is referred to herein as the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act covering the securities offered pursuant to the Offers. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement, which is
available for inspection and copying as set forth above. Statements contained in
this
98
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
Prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference in this Prospectus as to
the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein are
not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of
such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, or such other document, each such statement being qualified in all
respects by such reference.
This Prospectus constitutes a part of an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on
Schedule 13E-4 (the "Schedule 13E-4") filed with the Commission by Capital
Funding, the New Trusts and the Old Trusts pursuant to Section 13(e) of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Schedule
13E-4 and all exhibits thereto are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference.
No separate financial statements of MediaOne Funding or any of the New
Trusts have been included herein. U S WEST does not consider that such financial
statements would be material to holders of the New Preferred Securities because:
(i) all of the voting securities of MediaOne Funding and each New Trust are
owned, directly or indirectly, by U S WEST, a reporting company under the
Exchange Act, (ii) neither MediaOne Funding nor either New Trust has any
independent operations but exists for the sole purpose of issuing, in the case
of MediaOne Funding, debt securities guaranteed by U S WEST, and, in the case of
the New Trusts, securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the New Trusts and investing the proceeds thereof in New Debt
Securities guaranteed by U S WEST, and (iii) the obligations of MediaOne Funding
under the New Debt Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by U S
WEST, and the obligations of U S WEST described herein to provide certain
indemnities in respect of, and be responsible for, certain costs, expenses,
debts and liabilities of each New Trust under the New Indenture and pursuant to
the applicable Declaration, the New Preferred Securities Guarantees issued by U
S WEST with respect to the New Preferred Securities of such New Trust, the New
Debt Securities purchased by such New Trust and the New Indenture, taken
together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due on the
New Preferred Securities of such New Trust. See "Chapter 6: The Preferred
Securities--Description of the New Debt Securities and the NewDebt Guarantees"
and "--Description of the New Preferred Securities Guarantees." MediaOne Funding
and the New Trusts are not currently subject to the informational requirements
of the Exchange Act. MediaOne Funding and the New Trusts will become subject to
such requirements upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, although
MediaOne Funding and each New Trust intends to seek and expects to receive
exemptions therefrom.
The following documents, which have been filed by U S WEST (File No. 1-8611)
with the Commission under the Exchange Act, are incorporated herein by
reference:
(a) U S WEST's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997 (as amended by Form 10-K/A filed on April 13, 1998).
(b) U S WEST's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 29, 1998,
February 17, 1998 and March 25, 1998 (as amended by Form 8-K/A filed on
April 13, 1998).
All documents filed with the Commission by U S WEST pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date hereof and
prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date any such document is
filed.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any
other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part hereof.
99
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE THAT ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THERE WILL BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH
PERSON TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL
REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, FIRST CLASS MAIL OR OTHER EQUALLY PROMPT MEANS WITHIN
ONE BUSINESS DAY OF RECEIPT OF SUCH REQUEST, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL OF THE
DOCUMENTS THAT ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN, OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO SUCH
DOCUMENTS (UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO
SUCH DOCUMENTS). REQUESTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO U S WEST, INC., INVESTOR
RELATIONS, 7800 EAST ORCHARD ROAD, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80111 (TELEPHONE NUMBER
(303) 793-6500). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS, ANY
REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE , 1998.
100
CHAPTER 8: CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
The covenant in the Old Indenture relating to consolidations, mergers and
sales of all or substantially all of the assets of U S WEST (the "Guarantor")
and Capital Funding (the "Company") reads as follows:
SECTION 10.01 Company or Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc.
Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall
prevent any consolidation or merger of the Company or the Guarantor with
or into any other corporation or corporations (whether or not affiliated
with the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be), or successive
consolidations or mergers in which the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties,
or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition or
the property or the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors as an entirely, or substantially as an entirely,
to any other corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, or its successor or successors)
authorized to acquire and operate the same; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, the
Company and the Guarantor hereby covenant and agree that, upon any such
consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition,
the due and punctual payment, in the case of the Company, of the
principal of (premium, if any) and interest on all of the Debt Securities
of all series in accordance with the terms of each series, according to
their tenor or, in the case of the Guarantor, the performance of all
obligations under the Guarantees, the performance of all obligations
under the Guarantees, and the due and punctual performance and observance
of all the covenants and conditions of this Indenture with respect to
each series or established with respect to such series pursuant to
Section 2.01 to be kept or performed by the Company or the Guarantor, as
the case may be, shall be expressly assumed, by supplemental indenture
(which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture (which
shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as then in
effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed and delivered to the
Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into which the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall have been merged, or
by the entity which shall have acquired such property.
The Proposed AMENDMENTS would insert the following new paragraph at the end
of the foregoing covenant:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture,
nothing contained in this Section 10.01 or in this Indenture or in any of
the Securities shall prevent, or place any restrictions or conditions
upon, the distribution by the Guarantor to its stockholders of all of the
capital stock of USW-C, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("New U S WEST"),
pursuant , 1998, between the Guarantor and New U S WEST, or
any other transition which will have substantially the same result.
A-1
<PAGE>
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE OFFERS IS:
_________________________________
IF DELIVERED BY FACSIMILE, TO:
(FOR ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
_________________________________
(___) ___-____
(Confirm Receipt by Telephone: (800) ___-____)
IF DELIVERED BY MAIL, TO:
____________________________
Shareholder Services Division
________________________
________________________
______, ____________ ___-____
IF DELIVERED BY HAND, TO:
Securities Transfer
& Reporting Services
___________________
New York, New York _____
IF DELIVERED BY OVERNIGHT COURIER, TO:
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
________________________
______, ____________ ____
THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE OFFERS IS:
BEACON HILL PARTNERS, INC.
___________________
______, ____________ ____
Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (___) ___-____
All Others Call Toll-Free: (___) ___-____
Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this
Prospectus or the Letters of Transmittal or for copies of the Notices of
Guaranteed Delivery may be directed to the Information Agent at its telephone
number and location set forth above. You may also contact your broker, dealer,
commercial bank or trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the
Offers.
THE DEALER MANAGERS FOR THE OFFERS ARE:
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
World Financial Center
North Tower
New York, New York 10281
(888) ML4-TNDR (toll-free)
(888) 654-8637
LEHMAN BROTHERS
3 World Financial Center
200 Vesey Street
New York, New York 10285
(800) 438-3242 (toll-free)
(212) 528-7581
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") permits the
board of directors of each of U S WEST and MediaOne Funding to indemnify any
person against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which
such person is made a party by reason of his being or having been a director,
officer, employee or agent of U S WEST or MediaOne Funding, as the case may be,
in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain
circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred)
arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The
statute provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not
exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled
under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or
otherwise.
The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of each of U S WEST and MediaOne
Funding provides for indemnification of its directors and officers to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
As permitted by section 102 of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation of
each of U S WEST and MediaOne Funding eliminates a person's liability to U S
WEST or MediaOne Funding, as the case may be, or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, including without limitation
for serving on a committee of the board of directors of U S WEST or MediaOne
Funding; provided, however, that the foregoing does not eliminate or limit
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to U S WEST or
MediaOne Funding or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) under section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Declaration of each of New Trust provides that no New Regular Trustee,
affiliate of any New Regular Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of any New Regular
Trustee, or any employee or agent of such New Trust or its affiliates (each an
"Indemnified Person") shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or
otherwise to such New Trust or any employee or agent of the trust or its
affiliates for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of such New Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to
be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by
such Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable
for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified
Person's gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or
omission.
The Declaration of each New Trust also provides that to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, U S WEST shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such
Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of such New Trust and in a manner
such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by such Declaration, except that no
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss,
damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omissions. The
Declaration of each New Trust further provides that, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an
Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding
shall, from time to time, be advanced by U S WEST prior to the final disposition
of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the
II-1
<PAGE>
Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the
Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified for the underlying cause of
action as authorized by such Declaration.
The directors and officers of U S WEST, MediaOne Funding and the New Regular
Trustees of each New Trust are covered by insurance policies indemnifying
against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the
Securities Act, which might be incurred by them in such capacities and against
which they cannot be indemnified by U S WEST, MediaOne Funding and the New
Trusts.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Exhibits identified in parentheses below are on file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and are incorporated herein by reference to such previous
filings. All other exhibits are provided as part of this electronic
transmission.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
* 1-A -- Form of Dealer Manager Agreement
* 2-A -- Form of Separation Agreement between U S WEST, Inc. (to be renamed MediaOne
Group, Inc.) and USW-C, Inc. (to be renamed "U S WEST, Inc")
* 3-A -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of U S WEST, Inc. (to be renamed
"MediaOne Group, Inc.")
* 3-B -- Certificate of Incorporation of MediaOne Group Funding, Inc.
* 3-C -- Bylaws of U S WEST, Inc. (to be renamed "MediaOne Group, Inc.")
* 3-D -- Bylaws of MediaOne Group Funding, Inc.
3-E -- Certificate of Trust of MediaOne Finance Trust I
3-F -- Certificate of Trust of MediaOne Finance Trust II
* 4-A -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of MediaOne Finance Trust
I
* 4-B -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of MediaOne Finance Trust
II
* 4-C -- Form of Indenture among MediaOne Group Funding, Inc., U S WEST, Inc. (to be
renamed "MediaOne Group, Inc.") and , as Trustee.
* 4-D -- Form of First Supplemental Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities to
be issued to MediaOne Finance Trust I
* 4-E -- Form of Second Supplemental Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities to
be issued to MediaOne Finance Trust II
* 4-F -- Form of Preferred Security of MediaOne Finance Trust I (included in Exhibit
4-A)
* 4-G -- Form of Preferred Security of MediaOne Finance Trust II (included in Exhibit
4-B)
* 4-H -- Form of Debt Security and Debt Guarantee to be issued to MediaOne Finance
Trust I (included in Exhibit 4-D)
* 4-I -- Form of Debt Security and Debt Guarantee to be issued to MediaOne Finance
Trust II (included in Exhibit 4-E)
* 4-J -- Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee for MediaOne Finance Trust I
* 4-K -- Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee for MediaOne Finance Trust II
* 5-A -- Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
* 5-B -- Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
* 8-A -- Tax Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
*12-A -- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
23-A -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23-B -- Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
*23-C -- Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (included in Exhibit 5-A)
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
*23-D -- Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in Exhibits 5-B and 8-A)
24-A -- Powers of Attorney
*25-A -- Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
of , as Trustee under the Indenture
*25-B -- Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
of , as Property Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of MediaOne
Finance Trust I
*25-C -- Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
of , as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee for MediaOne
Finance Trust I
*25-D -- Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
of , as Property Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of MediaOne
Finance Trust II
*25-E -- Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
of , as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee for MediaOne
Finance Trust II
*99-A -- Form of Series I Letter of Transmittal
*99-B -- Form of Series II Letter of Transmittal
*99-C -- Form of Series I Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
*99-D -- Form of Series II Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
*99-E -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and
other Nominees
*99-F -- Form of Series I Letter to Clients
*99-G -- Form of Series II Letter to Clients
*99-H -- Form of Exchange Agent Agreement
*99-I -- Form of Information Agent Agreement
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* To be filed by Amendment.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
The Registrants hereby undertake:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this
Registration Statement;
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the Offers not
previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change
to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and
(1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the Registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
II-3
<PAGE>
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") that are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration
Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrant's Annual Report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration
Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c), the Registrant undertakes that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of
the applicable form.
(6) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5)
immediately preceding, or (ii) purports to meet the requirements of Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of
securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the
registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective,
and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(7) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference
into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information
contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of this
Registration Statement through the date of responding to the request.
(8) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became
effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrants pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15 (other than the
insurance policies referred to therein), or otherwise, the Registrants have been
advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the respective Registrant of
expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted against such Registrant by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, such Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, U S
WEST, Inc. (to be renamed "MediaOne Group, Inc.") certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on
Form S-4 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Englewood,
State of Colorado, on the 15th day of April, 1998.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
U S WEST, INC.
(to be renamed "MediaOne Group, Inc.")
By: /s/ STEPHEN E. BRILZ
-----------------------------------------
Stephen E. Brilz
Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Richard D. McCormick* President and Chief Executive Officer
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Michael P. Glinsky* Officer
DIRECTORS:
Robert L. Crandall*
Grant A. Dove*
Allan D. Gilmour*
Pierson M. Grieve*
George J. Harad*
Allen F. Jacobson*
Charles M. Lillis*
Richard D. McCormick*
Marilyn Carlson Nelson*
Frank Popoff*
Charles P. Russ, III*
Louis A. Simpson*
John "Jack" Slevin*
Solomon D. Trujillo*
Jerry O. Williams*
*By /s/ STEPHEN E. BRILZ
--------------------------------------
Stephen E. Brilz
Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
Dated: April 15, 1998
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
MediaOne Group Funding, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Englewood, State of Colorado, on the
15th day of April, 1998.
MEDIAONE GROUP FUNDING, INC.
By /s/ STEPHEN E. BRILZ
--------------------------------------
Stephen E. Brilz
Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Contance P. Campbell President
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
Vice President and Chief
Rahn K. Porter Financial Officer
DIRECTORS:
*By /s/ STEPHEN E. BRILZ
--------------------------------------
Stephen E. Brilz
Secretary
</TABLE>
Dated: April 15, 1998
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each
of the undersigned Registrants certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Englewood, State of
Colorado, on the 15th day of April, 1998.
MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST I
By /s/ CONSTANCE P. CAMPBELL
--------------------------------------
Constance P. Campbell, Trustee
By /s/ RHAN K. PORTER
--------------------------------------
Rhan K. Porter, Trustee
MEDIAONE FINANCE TRUST II
By /s/ CONSTANCE P. CAMPBELL
--------------------------------------
Constance P. Campbell, Trustee
By /s/ RHAN K. PORTER
--------------------------------------
Rhan K. Porter, Trustee
II-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3-E
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
The undersigned, the trustees of MediaOne Finance Trust I desiring to
form a business trust pursuant to Delaware Business Trust Act, 12 DEL. C. c.
38 hereby certify as follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby (the "Trust") is
MediaOne Finance Trust I.
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust who is a
resident of the State of Delaware is as follows:
RCSP Inc.
1201 North Market Street
P.O. Box 1347
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801
Attention: Siobain Perkins
Dated: April 9, 1998
Constance P. Campbell
as Trustee
/s/ Constance P. Campbell
___________________________
Christine J. Brennet-Morris
as Trustee
/s/ Brennet-Morris
____________________________
Rahn K. Porter
as Trustee
/s/ Rahn K. Porter
____________________________
RCSP Inc.
as Trustee
By: Fiona M. Woodyatt
____________________________
Name: Fiona M. Woodyatt
Title: Assistant Secretary
1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3-F
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
The undersigned, the trustees of MediaOne Finance Trust II desiring to
form a business trust pursuant to Delaware Business Trust Act, 12 DEL. C. c. 38
hereby certify as follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby (the "Trust") is
MediaOne Finance Trust II.
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust who is a
resident of the State of Delaware is as follows:
RCSP Inc.
1201 North Market Street
P.O. Box 1347
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801
Attention: Siobain Perkins
Dated: April 9, 1998
Constance P. Campbell
as Trustee
/s/ Constance P. Campbell
___________________________
Christine J. Brennet-Morris
as Trustee
/s/ Brennet-Morris
____________________________
Rahn K. Porter
as Trustee
/s/ Rahn K. Porter
____________________________
RCSP Inc.
as Trustee
By: Fiona M. Woodyatt
____________________________
Name: Fiona M. Woodyatt
Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
[Letterhead]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 12,
1998 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 21 of the U S
WEST, Inc. consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is April
6, 1998) on the consolidated financial statements of U S WEST, Inc. and the
Supplementary Selected Proportionate Results of Operations for U S WEST,
Inc., included in U S WEST, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Denver, Colorado,
April 15, 1998.
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form S-4 of U S West, Inc. of our reports dated February 12, 1996 on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of U S WEST, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1995, which
reports are included in U S WEST, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed April 13, 1998.
We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts".
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Denver, Colorado
April 15, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, U S WEST, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to
as the "Company"), proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
(i) Registration Statements on Form S-4, including a related prospectus (all
effectively referred to as the "Registration Statement") for the registration
of guarantees by the Company (the "Guarantees"), in conjunction with a
registration by MediaOne Capital Funding, Inc. or such other finance company
of MediaOne as the Company may organize ("Capital Funding") and by certain
MediaOne Delaware business trusts (each a "Special Purpose Trust") to be
organized by the Company, of up to $1,080,000,000 of TOPrS (together with the
Guarantees, the "Securities"), and
WHEREAS, each of the undersigned is a Director of the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned constitutes and appoints MICHAEL
P. GLINSKY, JAMES T. ANDERSON and STEPHEN E. BRILZ, and each of them, as
attorneys for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, and in his
or her capacity as a Director of the Company, to execute and file such
Registration Statement, and thereafter to execute and file any amended
registration statement or statements or supplements thereto, hereby giving and
granting to said attorneys full power and authority to do and perform all and
every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and
about the premises as fully, to all intents and purposes, as he or she might
or could do if personally present at the doing thereof, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys may or shall lawfully do, or cause to be
done, by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,each of the undersigned has executed this Power of
Attorney this 13th day of March 1998.
/s/ ROBERT L. CRANDALL /s/ CHARLES M. LILLIS
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
Robert L. Crandall Charles M. Lillis
/s/ GRANT A. DOVE /s/ RICHARD D. MCCORMICK
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
Grant A. Dove Richard D. McCormick
/s/ ALLAN D. GILMOUR /s/ MARILYN C. NELSON
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
Allan D. Gilmour Marilyn C. Nelson
<PAGE>
/s/ PIERSON M. GRIEVE /s/ FRANK POPOFF
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
Pierson M. Grieve Frank Popoff
/s/ GEORGE J. HARAD /s/ CHARLES P. RUSS III
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
George J. Harad Charles P. Russ III
/s/ LOUIS A. SIMPSON /s/ SOLOMON D. TRUJILLO
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
Louis A. Simpson Solomon D. Trujillo
/s/ JOHN "JACK" SLEVIN /s/ JERRY O. WILLIAMS
- ------------------------------ -------------------------
John "Jack" Slevin Jerry O. Williams
/s/ ALLEN F. JACOBSON
- ------------------------------
Allen F. Jacobson
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, U S WEST, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (hereinafter referred
to as the "Company"), proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
(i) Registration Statements on Form S-4, including a related prospectus (all
effectively referred to as the "Registration Statement") for the registration
of guarantees by the Company (the "Guarantees"), in conjunction with a
registration by MediaOne Capital Funding, Inc. or such other finance company
of MedaiOne as the Company may organize ("Capital Funding") and by certain
MediaOne Delaware business trusts (each a "Special Purpose Trust") to be
organized by the Company, of up to $1,080,000,000 of TOPrS (together with
the Guarantees, the "Securities"); and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is an Officer of the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned constitutes and appoints JAMES T.
ANDERSON and STEPHEN E. BRILZ, and each of them, as attorneys for him and
in his name, place, and stead, and in his capacity as Officer of the Company,
to execute and file such Registration Statement, and thereafter to execute
and file any amended registration statement or statements or supplements
thereto, hereby giving and granting to said attorneys full power and authority
to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and
purposes, as he or she might or could do if personally present at the doing
thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys may or shall
lawfully do, or cause to be done, by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
this 13th day of March, 1998.
/s/ RICHARD D. MCCORMICK
- ----------------------------------
Richard D. McCormick
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, U S WEST, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (hereinafter referred
to as the "Company"), proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
(i) Registration Statements on Form S-4, including a related prospectus (all
effectively referred to as the "Registration Statement") for the registration
of guarantees by the Company (the "Guarantees"), in conjunction with a
registration by MediaOne Capital Funding, Inc. or such other finance company
of MedaiOne as the Company may organize ("Capital Funding") and by certain
MediaOne Delaware business trusts (each a "Special Purpose Trust") to be
organized by the Company, of up to $1,080,000,000 of TOPrS (together with
the Guarantees, the "Securities"); and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is an Officer of the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned constitutes and appoints JAMES T.
ANDERSON and STEPHEN E. BRILZ, and each of them, as attorneys for him and
in his name, place, and stead, and in his capacity as Officer of the Company,
to execute and file such Registration Statement, and thereafter to execute
and file any amended registration statement or statements or supplements
thereto, hereby giving and granting to said attorneys full power and authority
to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and
purposes, as he or she might or could do if personally present at the doing
thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys may or shall
lawfully do, or cause to be done, by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
this 13th day of March, 1998.
/s/ MICHAEL P. GLINSKY
- ----------------------------------
Michael P. Glinsky
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, MediaOne Group Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
(hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), proposes to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, a Registration Statement on Form S-4, including a
related prospectus (all effectively referred to as the "Registration
Statement") for the registration of Debt Securities of the Company in
connection with an offer to exchange the 7.96% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities ("TOPrS") previously issued by U S WEST Financing I for TOPrS to
be issued by MediaOne Finance I, or cash, and an offer to exchange the
8-1/4% TOPrS previously issued by U S WEST Financing II for TOPrS to be
issued by MediaOne Finance Trust II, or cash; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is a Director or Officer of the Company, or
both;
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned constitutes and appoints STEPHEN
E. BRILZ as attorneys for him or her and in his or her name, place, and
stead, and in his or her capacity as Officer and/or Director of the Company,
to execute and file such Registration Statement, and thereafter to execute
and file any amended registration statement or statements or supplements
thereto, hereby giving and granting to said attorney full power and authority
to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and
purposes, as he or she might or could do if personally present at the doing
thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney may or shall
lawfully do, or cause to be done, by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
this 15th day of April, 1998.
/s/ CONSTANCE P. CAMPBELL
- ----------------------------------
Constance P. Campbell
President and Director
/s/ RAHN K. PORTER
- ----------------------------------
Rahn K. Porter
Vice President
