UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
_____________________________________
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to ___________
Commission File Number: 0-22944
US WATS, INC.
---------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 22-3055962
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 114
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
- ------------------------------------------ ------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code): (610) 660-0100
--------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: None
----
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
Common Stock ($0.001 par value)
--------------------------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form10-K. [x]
1
<PAGE>
As of March 20, 1997 the aggregate market value of the Company's Common Stock
held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the average closing sale
price, was approximately $11,874,226.
As of March 20, 1997 the Registrant has 15,927,100 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates certain information by reference to the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which
the Company intends to file with the Commission not later than 120 days after
the end of the Company's 1996 fiscal year. In the event the definitive Proxy
Statement is not filed within the 120-day period, the Company will file an
amendment to this Form l 0-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.
2
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business .............................................. 4
Item 2. Properties ............................................ 11
Item 3. Legal Proceedings ..................................... 11
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ... 11
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters ................................ 12
Item 6. Selected Financial Data ............................... 13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations ................ 13
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ........... 20
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................ 20
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant .... 21
Item 11. Executive Compensation and Options Outstanding ........ 21
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management ..................................... 21
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ........ 21
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
Reports on Form 8-K ................................ 22
3
<PAGE>
PART 1
Item 1. Business
Description of Business
US WATS, Inc. ("the Company") is a switch-based interexchange carrier
providing long distance telephone communications services primarily to small
and medium-size business customers. The Company also provides inbound-800
long distance services, as well as other telecommunications services such as
travel cards (calling cards), cellular, paging, dedicated access, data
services, pre-paid calling cards (debit cards), International Callback and
carrier termination services. The Company uses its own switches and
facilities to originate, transport and terminate calls for customers
generally located between Boston, Massachusetts and Norfolk, Virginia and all
of California except for the San Diego metropolitan area (on-net area).
Approximately 90% of the calls billed by the Company each month are processed
through the Company's own switches. For calls originating or terminating
outside the Company's own network (off-net area), the Company utilizes the
services provided by other long distance companies.
The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the transport of outgoing
and incoming calls which are billed by the Company to end-users at specified
rates. Transport costs of these calls are billed to the Company from other
carriers at contractual rates. These carriers supply the Company with call
detail information which enables the Company to bill its customers depending
upon the Company's individual rates. The combination of the efficiency of
the Company's network and facilities, and the purchase of long distance
services in bulk from other carriers allow the Company to offer competitive
rates to small and medium-sized businesses.
The Company differentiates itself from a price-only sales approach by
offering various value-added services for its customers, provided by its
customized proprietary software. The Company's outbound long distance
services, inbound 800 services, cellular services, as well as paging services
are provided on one combined bill which includes various management reports.
The Company believes its consultative approach to meeting its customers'
needs distinguishes it from its larger competitors. All of the Company's
customer support functions, such as customer service, credit and collections,
and administrative services are centrally located at the Company's offices at
111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 114, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004. The
Company's telephone number at that location is (610) 660-0100.
Corporate Strategy
The Company's objective is to provide its customers with a comprehensive
range of telecommunications services with value-added features at competitive
prices. The Company markets through three channels (direct, agent and
reseller) and offers a diversified mix of products and services. The Company
employs a direct sales force, and also markets through independent agents.
The Company offers individual value-added services to resellers depending on
each reseller's requirements. The Company offers competitive wholesale
pricing to its resellers which it expects will lead to significant revenue
growth. Net sales revenue attributable to the Company's agents and resellers
accounts for approximately 50% of the Company's non-wireless revenue. The
Company also utilizes numerous carriers allowing for network redundancy.
This allows the Company to offer both carrier specific and private label
services. The Company is focused on servicing commercial accounts; revenue
from commercial accounts represented greater than 90% of gross revenue during
1996.
4
<PAGE>
In preparation for growing competition in the interexchange long distance
market, the Company hired a new management team during the fourth quarter of
1996 to implement new strategic initiatives. The new management team will
continue to build the interexchange long distance business as well as
supplement that line of business with local exchange telephone service. The
executive management team is equipped with significant experience in the
provision of both local dial tone and long distance services. It is
management's belief that the competitive pressures and changing dynamics of
the telecom market behoove the Company to offer bundled local and long
distance service.
The Company will continue to pursue and grow its agent and reseller business
along with its new product offering, local exchange service. As a result of
the deregulation of the local telephone market, the Company is in the midst
of obtaining certification to be a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC)
in the Mid-Atlantic states. In addition to its agent and reseller business,
the company will focus its efforts on the provision of bundled long distance
and local services to commercial accounts and as part of its overall growth
strategy, the Company will continue to evaluate potential acquisitions that
augment its current and future business plans.
Services
The Company provides domestic outbound long distance service to and from
anywhere in the United States, international calling services to 245
countries, inbound 800 services, cellular local and long distance services,
regional and national paging services, travel/calling cards, prepaid calling,
dedicated access services, private line networks, data services,
international callback, and carrier termination services.
The Company charges its customers based upon minutes of usage, at both flat
and banded rates (price is based on distance of call). In those areas which
provide for equal access (all intra-Local Access Transport Area ("LATA") calls
are normally routed through the local exchange carrier), the Company offers
its customers "dialers" to access the Company's network for intra-LATA calls.
The use of dialers eliminates the need for the customer to dial the Company's
local access number and personal authorization code prior to placing the
call. The Company is a "RESPORG" (Responsible Organization) for the inbound
800 services it provides to its customers. This allows the Company direct
access to the 800 number database allowing for faster 800 number service.
This increases the speed at which the Company can perform such services as
blocking and routing changes for its customers' inbound 800 services.
The Company utilizes Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Systems to carry its
cellular, local calls. The Company provides its cellular customers with
competitive long distance services provided by its own network. The Company's
travel cards provide its customers with an "easy-to-remember" 800 number
access to the Company's network from all locations in the United States and
Canada, and feature personal identification numbers ("PINs") which are
selected by the individual customer. The Company's prepaid calling cards
(debit cards) are marketed wholesale primarily to retail distribution and
specialty advertising outlets.
Switch and Network Facilities
The Company maintains a digital network on both the East and West coasts of
the United States. The Company's East Coast network extends from Boston,
Massachusetts south to Norfolk, Virginia and west to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. The West Coast network covers all of California except
metropolitan San Diego. The Company's switching facilities are located in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Oakland, California. Calls terminating off-
net are transported and terminated for the Company on circuits operated by
other carriers. The Company's network utilizes SS7 common channel signaling.
SS7 signaling increases network efficiency by reducing call set-up time.
The network is supported by a Digital Switch Corporation DEX400 switch in
Philadelphia and a Digital Switch Corporation DEX600 in Oakland, California
which are used to process customer calls. Intelligent call processing
required by the Company's enhanced services products (calling card and
international callback) is provided by an NACT SCX switching platform.
This switching platform provides customized
5
<PAGE>
voice prompts and other enhanced services required by these products. The
ability of the Company to transport calls over its company owned switches and
leased facilities allows the company to maximize gross margins and control
network quality of service.
The Company is continually re-configuring its call processing through the
utilization of least-cost routing software. The Company has contracted with
numerous domestic and international transport carriers which allow for
country-specific least-cost routing and the maintenance of diverse routes.
Marketing
The Company markets its services utilizing three sales channels focused on
developing a customer base primarily within the New York City to Washington
DC corridor. The Company employs a direct sales force who are paid a salary
plus commission basis. The Company also maintains an independent agent
network of more than 187 agents who receive a commission based on monthly
billings. The Company's reseller channel is comprised of approximately 12
switchless resellers which contract for services at a fixed price (buy
price). These resellers are permitted to establish their own retail billing
rates, and do not lease or own any switching equipment, transmission
facilities, or billing software. Because of this, they are dependent on
switch-based carriers for products and services. The Company offers these
resellers competitive wholesale rates, a variety of products, customer
support services, billing, credit and collection services, as well as other
value-added features such as on-line electronic access to customer account
information, back office support, automatic electronic order entry and
account profitability reporting. The Company offers its customer's a
comprehensive invoice including extensive management reports to all sales
channels. Included in the Company's invoices are more than 20 management
reports covering call distribution studies, time of day analysis, call
duration distribution, as well as individual telephone number call detail
records allowing them to quickly analyze their calling patterns and costs.
The Company's current average retail customer uses approximately $250 in
monthly long distance revenue, which in not unlike the industry average for
revenue generated through an Agent sales force. Typically, Agents require
ubiquitous product offerings that can be offered to any prospective customer
nationwide, and they focus on high margin small business and residential
accounts where the retail rates and margins sold to a customer support the
Agents residual commission.
Coincident to entering the Competitive Local Exchange business in the Mid-
Atlantic states, the Company plans to develop a direct sales force to solicit
and secure larger middle market accounts, where the combination of local and
long distance revenue justifies dedicated access. The nature of dedicated
access products, requires a more detailed and focused sales approach by
experienced telecommunications sales professionals who are capable of
directing their efforts to specific market segments in clearly defined
geographic territories. As a result of the Company's initiatives in the
local area, the Company believes that its Agents and certain smaller business
accounts will benefit from simple resale of Bell Atlantic local services, in
those instances where the bundling approach does not justify dedicated T1
connectivity.
Competition
The Company views the long distance industry as a three-tiered industry which
is dominated by the nation's three largest long distance providers: AT&T, MCI
Telecommunications Corporation ("MCI") and Sprint Communications Company,
L.P. ("Sprint"). AT&T, MCI and Sprint, collectively generate,
approximately 80% of the nation's long distance revenue (approximately $72
billion) and comprise what is known as "Tier 1" International Long Distance
Companies. The second tier consists of several other companies with annual
revenues of $250 million to $1.5 billion each. The third tier, which
includes the Company, consists of more than 300 companies with annual
revenues of less than $250 million each, the majority below $50 million each.
6
<PAGE>
The Company targets small and medium-sized commercial customers. The number
of telecommunications services offered by the Company on a consolidated, one-
bill basis serves, to some extent, to distinguish the Company from some of
its competitors. Competitive distinctions are made based upon the number of
services offered, the pricing plans, the length of contracts, as well as the
billing information provided. The Company currently owns switch capacity,
develops and implements its own products, monitors and deploys its
transmission facilities and prepares and designs its own billing and
reporting systems.
In addition to direct competition from what the Company estimates are several
hundred switchless resellers, the Company competes with the sales
organizations and resellers of large telecommunications companies such as MCI
and Sprint, which at any particular time may offer more desirable services or
prices than those offered by the Company.
On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Telecommunications
Act of 1996. This new law (discussed more fully below) permits the Bell
Operating Companies (BOCs)--heretofore barred by the AT&T Consent Decree from
offering long distance services--to offer long distance services outside
their operating regions immediately. The new law also permits the Bell
Operating Companies, after satisfying a number of conditions, to provide long
distance service within their operating regions as well.
On October 23, 1995, the FCC ruled that AT&T would no longer be regulated as
a dominant carrier. Because of this ruling, AT&T services are now regulated
in the same manner as those provided by non-dominant carriers including the
Company. Previously, AT&T's commercial long distance services were regulated
under the Commission's streamlined regulatory procedures. As a result of the
order, AT&T is generally free from price cap regulation, is permitted to file
tariffs on one day's notice, and is free to compete directly with the Company
for low volume long distance customers. Many service authorization
requirements are reduced or eliminated and AT&T is no longer required to
submit cost support with its tariff filings. AT&T is also released from a
number of annual reporting requirements.
On October 29, 1996, the FCC adopted an order in which it eliminated the
requirement that non-dominant interstate carriers such as the Company
maintain tariffs on file with the FCC for domestic interstate interexchange
services. The FCC's order was issued pursuant to authority granted to the
FCC in the Telecommunications Act to "forebear" from regulating any
telecommunications service provider if the FCC determines that the public
interest will be served. Pursuant to the FCC's order, after a transition
period, relationships between carriers and their customers would be set by
contract and long distance companies would no longer be permitted to file
with the FCC tariffs for interstate interexchange services. However, MCI,
Sprint and The American Carriers Telephone Association have separately
appealed the FCC's order to the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit ("DC Circuit"). On February 13, 1997, the DC
Circuit ruled that the FCC's order became effective. The Company may benefit
from the elimination of FCC tariffs by gaining more flexibility and speed in
dealing with marketplace changes. However, the absence of tariffs will also
require that the Company secure contractual agreements with its customers
regarding many of the terms of its existing tariffs or face possible claims
arising because of the rights of the parties are no longer clearly defined.
In spite of AT&T's additional flexibility and the pending interexchange
competition from the Regional Bell Operating Companies, the Company believes
that it continues to provision and sell telecommunications service to small
to medium sized businesses at competitive rates. In addition, the Company
believes that the deregulation of the local exchange telecom market
represents a significant opportunity similar to the opportunity provided at
the deregulation of AT&T in 1984.
Employees
At the end of 1996, the Company had 75 full-time employees working at two
locations. The Company is not a party to any organized labor contracts. The
Company considers its relationship with its employees to be satisfactory.
7
<PAGE>
Regulatory Matters
Regulatory Requirements. The Company is a regulated entity at the Federal
level with regard to international traffic and interstate traffic. The
Company has received Section 214 authorization to resell international
switched services and has filed an FCC tariff for its domestic interstate
services.
State regulatory requirements vary from state to state. The Company has
obtained certification in all states which require certification in order to
provide long distance services, with the exception of two(2) states in which
certifications are pending (Connecticut and Oklahoma). Some states place
statutory restrictions on the operations of "telecommunications service
resellers," as that term is defined in these states. Some states require
telecommunications service resellers to file and operate in accordance with
service and rate "tariffs." Changes in existing regulations or their
interpretation in any state could classify the Company as a
"telecommunications service reseller" and subject it to regulation. Such
regulation could result in an increase in customers' usage charges and, in
some cases, could limit or eliminate the Company's ability to service
customers in that jurisdiction. The Company would incur, among other
expenses, certain administrative costs and legal fees in contesting or
complying with such regulatory changes that would increase the Company's cost
of doing business.
The providers of local exchange telecommunications services to the Company
are also heavily regulated at the Federal level and in the states in which
they operate. Changes in existing regulations or their interpretation
affecting these providers could materially adversely affect their business or
even prevent them from offering telecommunications services to their
customers, including the Company, on favorable terms.
In addition, certain services offered by the Company which are not presently
regulated in all states may become regulated. Such regulation could delay
the deployment of products and/or services and would increase certain
administrative costs and legal fees in contesting or complying with such
regulation. The FCC has granted applications by companies seeking to provide
international callback (also known as "call reorigination" services) to those
countries where the practice is legal under local law. The FCC has taken the
view that call reorigination services created incentive to lower foreign
collection rates to the benefit of U.S. ratepayers and serve the FCC's
general policies favoring resale and increased competition in the
international marketplace. Although the FCC has consistently expressed its
support for call reorigination services enacted by foreign countries. In
response to the input of certain foreign countries in rulemaking proceedings,
the FCC has acknowledged that foreign countries face unusual difficulties in
implementing prohibitions on call reorigination but has stated that such
countries continue to bear the principal responsibility for enforcing their
domestic laws. However, the FCC has stated that, as a matter of
international comity the FCC will prohibit U.S. authorized carriers from
providing call reorigination in countries where it is expressly prohibited.
The FCC established a variety of requirements that a foreign country must
meet before the FCC will consider assisting a foreign government in enforcing
its domestic ban. To date, the FCC has taken no action to enforce a foreign
country's ban with respect to a U.S. provider. However, there can be no
assurance that the FCC will not enforce such a ban.
Legislation. On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. The law capped a multi-year effort to amend
the Communications Act of 1934 to take into account the extraordinary changes
in the telecommunications market which have occurred since passage of the
original act. The bill is intended to spur additional competition in
telecommunications services particularly within the local exchange markets
which are now dominated by incumbent local exchange carriers.
The law codifies a new set of interconnection principles which will apply to
interconnection for both interstate and intrastate services. State public
utilities commissions are given a significant role in administering the
interconnection provisions of the new act, and deadlines are imposed for
decisions by both the FCC and state commissions.
The new act also eliminates the existing AT&T antitrust consent decree which
barred the provision of long distance services and manufacturing by the Bell
Operating Companies (BOCs). Under the new act, BOCs
8
<PAGE>
may immediately offer long distance services outside their home regions. The
BOCs may offer service within their regions as soon as they satisfy the
following requirements:
i) the BOC has provided interconnection to a competitor under Section
252 of the Act, or,
ii) the BOC has been granted state commission approval of its
interconnection tariff, the BOC has received no interconnection
request after 10 months after enactment, and no carrier has
submitted a request for interconnection within the 3 months prior to
the BOC's application to provide inter-LATA service.
The BOC must also submit and have granted an application to the FCC to
provide the service.
The law provides for the Commission to establish new universal service
principles and a regulatory mechanism to insure that financial support is
available for universal service. The law requires that all telecommunication
service providers contribute financial support for universal service.
The FCC is presently conducting a Federal/State Joint Board Proceeding to
implement the universal service provisions of the new Act. In November 1996,
the FCC initiated a proceeding to examine universal service issues, and has
received comment on the proposals set forth by the Joint Board. Any decision
is expected to comply with the policy principles for preservation and
advancement of universal telephone service set forth in the Act: quality
service, affordable rates, access to advanced services, access to service in
rural and high-cost areas, specific and predictable support mechanisms,
equitable and non-discriminatory contribution to support mechanisms, and
access to advanced telecommunications for schools, health care providers, and
libraries. An initial decision is expected in May 1997. It is uncertain how
any decision might affect the Company.
The interconnection provisions of the new law are intended to benefit the
Company by making available local exchange connections which are more
efficient and potentially cheaper than those available today. In August,
1996, the FCC reached a decision in its proceeding implementing the new Act's
interconnection provisions. This ruling is intended to reduce
interconnection costs for competing local carriers connecting with incumbent
local exchange companies. Certain provisions of the ruling have been
appealed to various U.S. Courts of Appeals. These appeals have been
consolidated into proceedings currently pending before the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ("Eighth Circuit"). Applications for a stay
of the proposed rules were rejected by the FCC. However, the Eighth Circuit
has granted a temporary stay of certain provisions of the Interconnection
Decision, including the pricing rules and rules that would have permitted new
entrants to "pick and choose" among various provisions of existing
interconnection agreements, pending a decision on the merits. The FCC
applied to the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the judicial stay, but the U.S.
Supreme Court, on November 12, 1996, refused to vacate the stay. All other
provisions of the Interconnection Decision remain in effect pending
resolution of the appeal on the merits.
Additional competition with existing local exchange carriers should provide
price discipline in an area which has been monopolized by incumbent local
exchange carriers. The Company can also expect a substantial increase in the
competition which it faces in interexchange markets as a result of the entry
of the Bell Operating Companies into long distance services. Not only will
there be additional competition providing services which are similar to those
provided by the Company, but they can be expected to bundle those services
with other offerings such as local service, cellular and video services.
These package offerings may be more attractive to consumers than offerings of
stand-alone services.
Equal Access Charges. The FCC has also commenced a proceeding to reform the
rules governing interstate access charges. Access charges are charges
imposed by LECs on 1ong distance providers for access to the local exchange
network, and are designed to pay LECs for investment in the local network.
Prior to December 1993, pricing of those "access services" was on an equal
rate per minute ("equal per unit") basis for "local transport." On September
17, 1992, the FCC announced it would: (1) maintain the existing "equal per
unit" pricing rules until late 1993; (2) implement an interim rate structure
and pricing plan during the subsequent two years: and (3) implement a further
rulemaking for consideration of a permanent rate structure beginning no
earlier than late 1995. (The local access restructuring plan went into
effect in December 1993.)
9
<PAGE>
In December 1996, the FCC issued an order which, among other things,
requested comment on a number of access charge reform issues designed to
foster efficient pricing of access, competition for access services, and to
reflect the development of local services prompted by the 1996
Telecommunications Act. The FCC has also sought comment on whether Internet
service providers and other information service providers should be subject
to access charges. An initial decision is expected in May 1997. It is
uncertain how any decision might effect the Company.
As part of the AT&T Divestiture Decree, the divested regional BOCs were
required to charge AT&T and all other carriers (including US WATS) equal per
minute rates for "local transport" service (the transmission of switched long
distance traffic between the BOCs' central offices and the interexchange
carriers' points of presence). BOC and other Local Exchange Carrier ("LEC")
tariffs for local transport service have been based upon these "equal per
unit" rules since 1984, pursuant to the AT&T Divestiture Decree and the FCC's
waiver of its inconsistent local transport pricing rules. Although the
portion of the AT&T Divestiture Decree containing this rule ceased to be
effective by its terms on September 1, 1991, the FCC had extended its effect
until it concluded the rulemaking proceeding in which it is considering
whether to retain or modify the "equal per unit" local transport pricing
structure. In its September 1992 "First Transport Order", the FCC adopted an
interim transport rate structure plan that replaced the FCC's former equal-
charge rules. The interim plan incorporated both flat-rate and usage-
sensitive charges which, together with an interconnection charge, was
designed to enable the LECs to receive approximately the same revenues they
would have received under the former equal-charge plan. In the "First
Transport Order", the FCC provided that the interim rate structure would
remain in effect through October 31, 1995. On December 30, 1993, the LECs'
interim transport rate structure tariffs became effective. In July 1993,
January 1994 and December 1994 the FCC issued orders refining and clarifying
its interim rate structure. On September 22, 1995 the Commission extended
the effectiveness of the interim transport rate structure pending further
Commission action. Based upon the analysis set forth in the FCC's December
22nd Order, the Company does not anticipate that these decisions will have a
material impact.
The FCC has required LECs to provide virtual co-location arrangements to LEC
competitors to enable them to provide alternative transport services to
interexchange carriers, although SBC Corporation has challenged this
requirement in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. As
a result of these arrangements, the Company may have alternatives to
purchasing all of its local access from LECs.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 codifies a new set of interconnection
principles which significantly overlap the Commission's expanded
interconnection requirements. Under the law the Commission is required to
conduct a rulemaking, to be completed within six months after passage of the
act, to implement the new interconnection principles. This rulemaking could
alter the existing rules regarding expanded interconnection.
Telecommunication Fraud
The Company is subject to attempts by outsiders to gain access to the
Company's telecommunications network. Such attempts can take the form of the
theft of calling cards, and the cloning of cellular phones. Breaches of
security can also involve improper use of 800 telephone numbers and customer
PBX equipment. The Company monitors the use of its network through certain
fraud detection devices and believes that its procedures are satisfactory.
Due to the highly technical nature of the business, complete assurance that
sufficient controls are in place to prevent a material loss is not possible,
however, the Company does not believe that it has been subject to material
telecommunications fraud.
Item 2. Properties
The Company currently leases approximately 18,000 square feet in three
buildings at a monthly cost of approximately $29,000. Its executive offices
and headquarters at 111 Presidential Boulevard in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
is leased for a term of five years expiring in 1998. The Company's leased
switch space in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania expires in 2003. The Company's
leased switch space in Oakland, California expires in 2000. The Company
considers its space to be adequate for its current needs.
10
<PAGE>
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is party, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation
involving services rendered, contract claims and other miscellaneous causes
of action arising from its business. Management does not consider that any
such matters will materially effect the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On December 30, 1996 The Company held its 1996 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. At that meeting The Company's shareholders voted on the
following issues:
1) The election of (3) three Board of Directors to serve until the next
annual meeting of shareholders. At the meeting, Aaron R. Brown was
reelected Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer & Director, Stephen J.
Parker was reelected as Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and
Secretary and Murray Goldberg was reelected to the Board of
Directors.
2) To approve the amended and restated stock option plan, and the one-
time grant of non-qualified stock options outside of the Company's
Stock Option Plan. This item was approved by a majority of the
required votes.
11
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters
The following figures represent the high and low closing price as reported by
NASDAQ during each successive quarter beginning in 1995.
QUARTER HIGH LOW
----------------- --------- --------
4th Quarter 1996 $ 1 13/32 $ 1
3rd Quarter 1996 $ 1 13/32 $ 1
2nd Quarter 1996 $ 1 12/32 $ 5/8
1st Quarter 1996 $ 1 3/32 $ 21/32
4th Quarter 1995 $ 2 1/32 $ 7/8
3rd Quarter 1995 $ 2 5/16 $ 1 1/16
2nd Quarter 1995 $ 1 10/32 $ 10/16
1st Quarter 1995 $ 1 3/16 $ 1/2
Effective January 21, 1994, the Company's Common Stock was listed on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated System (NASDAQ) under
the symbol "USWI".
As of March 20, 1997 there were approximately 170 holders of record of the
Company's Common Stock. Most of the shares of the Common Stock are held in
street name for a larger number of beneficial owners.
The Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Stock, however, the
Company is paying quarterly dividends on its Preferred Stock at a rate of 9%
or approximately $6,750 per quarter. The Company does not currently
anticipate the payment of dividends on its Common Stock.
12
<PAGE>
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data presented below is for the years ended December
31, for each of the periods indicated below. The following information
should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements of
the Company and related notes included elsewhere in this report and with Item
7 of this report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Data
Net sales $40,304,442 $27,755,388 $23,633,312 $20,521,332 $10,446,724
Gross Profit $13,502,044 $11,837,176 $ 8,926,763 $ 6,512,023 $ 3,121,446
Net Income (loss) before
preferred dividends $ 88,625 $ (277,723) $(1,246,076) $ 424,401 $ 238,614
Net Income (loss)
available to Common
Shareholders $ 61,625 $ ($344,978) $(1,364,576) $ 379,401 $ 238,614
Net Income (loss)
per common share $ 0 $ (. 02) $ (.09) $ .03 $ .02
Weighted Average
Number of Shares
Outstanding 15,877,100 15,100,400 14,875,584 14,492,814 13,728,874
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets $11,992,359 $ 9,500,361 $ 9,552,833 $ 8,265,750 $ 4,438,987
Capital lease obligations $ 703,696 $ 731,701 $ 1,396,364 $ 1,730,913 $ 742,225
Redeemable
preferred stock $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ 1,300,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 0
Cash dividends
on preferred stock $ 27,000 $ 67,255 $ 120,000 $ 33,750 $ 0
</TABLE>
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1996 Compared to 1995
Overview
During 1996, the Company made significant additions and changes to its
network to support revenue growth in Carrier Services and its International
Call Back businesses. During 1996 new DS3 Points of Presence were added in
New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Additionally, the
Company has expanded its network to provide service in all of California,
except for the San Diego metropolitan area.
13
<PAGE>
In an effort to increase the Company's network efficiencies the Company
became the Responsible Organization "RespOrg" for the provisioning of 800 and
888 services. During the year coincident with its becoming its own "RespOrg"
the Company initiated a program of LATA take back to drive down the
provisioning costs of 800 and 888 services.
To enhance the Company's ability to provision International Call Back
services the Company upgraded and installed a new NACT switching platform.
Additionally, in support of both its agent sales and carrier sales the
Company engaged a major carrier for both long haul point-to-point services
and off network origination and termination.
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased approximately
$12,549,000 (approximately 45%) over revenues for the year ended December 31,
1995. Revenues for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 1996 increased
over the quarter ended September 30, 1996 by approximately $1,506,000
(approximately 15%). Quarterly revenue levels steadily increased during
1996. The increases were mainly due to significant growth in international
calling as well as the implementation of the carrier termination revenue
channel. Revenue level from the inbound product remained steady in dollars,
although decreased as a percentage of overall revenue. Revenue from the
domestic 1 + product increased by approximately $2,100,000 in 1996
(approximately 16%), but decreased as a percentage of overall revenue due to
the increases in international calling and revenue generated through the new
carrier sales channel.
During 1996, the Company focused its efforts on a national agent program and
implementing the carrier sales product. As a result, the Company's revenue
by distribution channel changed during 1996. Direct Sales revenue as a
percentage of total sales, exclusive of Wireless revenue, declined by
approximately 29% in 1996 compared to 1995. The primary reason for the
decline was the growth of agent and reseller channels. Revenue through
these channels increased approximately 33% in 1996.
As part of its plan for growth in 1996 the Company implemented a national
agent sales program and emphasized its efforts on the carrier sales program.
This strategy enabled the Company to maximize network efficiencies by
increasing the volume of traffic on the network.
The national agent sales program included the addition of four agent sales
managers throughout the country. This strategy enabled the Company to
penetrate other local markets and utilize the network on both the east and
west coasts.
The Carrier sales channel was also an important area of focus in 1996. This
distribution channel (domestic carrier termination) generated approximately
14% of overall revenue in 1996 and helped maximize network efficiencies.
Distribution of Revenues
Service % 1996 % 1995
-----------------------------------------------------------
Domestic 1+ 39% 49%
International 24% 17%
Inbound 16% 25%
Wireless 7% 9%
Domestic Carrier Termination 14% --
14
<PAGE>
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 1996 as a percentage of net sales revenue decreased to 33.5%
from 42.6% in 1995. However, several non-recurring items were recorded in
1995 which represented the resolution of items pertaining to prior years. A
net amount of approximately $2,880,000 in accounts payable was reversed
during the quarter ended June 30, 1995. This accounts payable reversal
pertained to services rendered in 1993 and 1994. Excluding the non-recurring
items in 1995, gross profit as a percentage of net sales revenue decreased
from 34.7% in 1995 to 33.5% in 1996. This decrease is mainly attributed to
the increase in carrier revenue which generates lower gross margins compared
to retail and other revenues.
Selling, General, and Administrative Costs
Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased in 1996 by
approximately $1,100,000, primarily due to an increase in salary and
commission expense. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased from 43.6%
in 1995 to 32.7% in 1996 primarily due to decreased legal expenses,
depreciation and bad debt expenses as discussed below.
Salary expense increased approximately $445,000, due to the addition of four
new agent sales managers and eight new administrative positions which were
created to support the company's revenue growth. Commission expense
increased approximately $1,312,000 due to increased reseller and agent
traffic levels.
Legal expense decreased by approximately $729,000 in 1996 due to litigation
expenses incurred in 1995 in connection with the Colonial Penn and AT&T
litigations. Depreciation expense decreased by approximately $151,000 in
1996, mainly due to a write off of approximately $305,000 of
telecommunications equipment in 1995. The Company purchased additional fixed
assets (primarily Telecommunications equipment) which increased depreciation
expense approximately $154,000 in 1996. Bad debt expense declined in 1996 by
approximately $363,000 (from approximately 3.0% to 1.2% of net sales) despite
the write off of a large receivable in the amount of $350,000. Bad debt
expense exclusive of this write-off would have been approximately .3% in
1996. The decrease in bad debt expense was attributed to a solid credit
policy which is continually enforced by our internal Collections Department.
Net Income from Operations
Net income from operations in 1996 substantially improved over the results
achieved in 1995. Net income for 1996 was $88,625 as compared to a net loss
of $277,723 in 1995. The primary reason for this improvement was a decrease
in Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expense as a percentage of
overall revenue. As indicated above, SG&A expense accounted for 43.6% of
revenue in 1995 and only 32.7% in 1996.
1995 COMPARED TO 1994
Overview
During 1995, the Company completed its transition from its founding as a
reseller of AT&T services to an independent switch-based long distance
carrier. This transition ended with the elimination of its AT&T 800 products
and the resolution of the Company's anti-trust litigation with AT&T.
However, AT&T continues to be a vendor of the Company. During 1994 and 1995,
the Company experienced significant customer losses due to technical
difficulties experienced in 1994 and the increase in pricing of its AT&T
product early in 1995. These increases in prices were caused by the
Company's decision not to renew its volume commitment contract with AT&T. As
a result, the attrition experienced by the Company in its Inbound products
exceeded new 800 business levels, resulting in a decline in the Company's 800
services revenue of approximately $1.8 million.
The Company's dispute with Colonial Penn Group, Inc. and Colonial Penn
Insurance Company (collectively "CPG") was favorably resolved during 1995,
resulting in the reversal of an accounts payable in the amount of approximately
$2,880,000. However, this benefit was substantially offset by the cost of
15
<PAGE>
unsuccessfully litigating the resultant AT&T case on the basis of anti-trust.
The costs of litigation with AT&T incurred during 1995 approximated $850,000.
These costs do not include the additional expense of approximately $305,000
of related expenses pertaining to the write-down of certain AT&T signal
conversion equipment and accounts receivable written-off, which were
attributable to AT&T services provided by the Company. In addition, AT&T was
awarded a counter claim in the litigation in the amount of $669,000,
pertaining to services utilized in prior years.
During late 1995, the Company commissioned a second long-distance toll switch
located in Oakland, California. At that time, the Company entered into a
Carrier Services agreement with Napa Valley Telecom, a California-based long
distance carrier, to transport all of Napa Valley's long distance traffic and
acquire Napa Valley's in-place California network.
The acquisition of an in-place network in California expanded geographically
the Company's capability to originate and terminate domestic long distance
call traffic and substantially increased the Company's long term revenue
potential. At the end of 1995, the Company installed facilities connecting
its two toll switches, thus permitting the Company to transport calls coast-
to-coast entirely over its own facilities. This capability has enabled the
Company to offer call termination services to other long distance carriers.
The Company's sales efforts with respect to its Carrier Sales has resulted in
a substantial increase in the Company's sales during the late fourth quarter
of 1995 and into the first quarter of 1996. The Company believes that the
increase in minutes billable wholesale to other carriers will enable the
Company to reduce its reliance on other interexchange carriers due to the
justification of higher capacity circuits. These higher capacity circuits
are expected to lead to increased fixed costs, lower variable costs, but
lower overall total costs.
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased approximately $4.122
million (approximately 17.4%) over revenues for the year ended December 31,
1994. Revenues for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1995 increased over
the quarter ended September 30, 1995 by approximately $215,000 (approximately
3.1%). Quarterly revenue levels during 1995 remained relatively level.
Despite the relatively level revenue levels during 1995, the Company did
experience significant shifts in product mix during the year. The Company
experienced significant growth in its domestic 1+, international calling, and
wireless products offset by declines in traffic levels of the Company's
inbound 800 services.
Distribution of Revenues
Service % 1995 % 1994
------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic 1+ 49% 47%
International 17% 9%
Inbound 25% 38%
Wireless 9% 6%
The significant reduction in revenue levels from the Company's Inbound
product is primarily due to the Company's completed transition away from the
resale of AT&T inbound 800 service. Management believes that the Company's
attrition levels during 1995 which approximated 3.3% per month were
negatively impacted by this event.
During 1995, the Company focused its efforts on increasing the efficiency of
its network and developing a Carrier Sales product. As a result, the
Company's revenue by distribution channel changed during 1995. Direct Sales
revenue as a percentage of total sales, exclusive of Wireless revenue,
declined from approximately 41% in January of 1995 to approximately 35% at
December, 1995.
16
<PAGE>
The primary reason for the decline in the percentage of Direct Sales Revenue
was the growth in the Company's Enhanced Services (International Callback and
Debit Card products). During 1995 however, the Company decided to de-
emphasize its marketing of Debit Cards and eliminated its recharge feature.
The Company also established monthly minimums for its wholesale Debit Card
customers in an effort to increase the utilization of its Debit Cards. Debit
card revenue recognized in 1995 was less than 1.0% of net sales. The Company
also decided during 1995 not to pursue the marketing of its Cell-Air-Saver
product introduced early in 1995 due to a poor market response.
Non-Wireless Revenue attributable to Agents and Resellers declined from
approximately 59% in January of 1995 to approximately 57% in December of
1995. As part of its plan for growth, management is focusing its Direct
Sales force on the solicitation of larger commercial accounts and has
developed a carrier sales group to solicit other long distance companies.
The Company is adding experienced sales personnel to its sales force in order
to assist the Company in developing its traffic levels to a point which
justifies larger capacity circuits thus creating more efficient transport
costs as discussed below.
Gross Profit
Gross profit earned in 1995 as a percentage of net sales revenue exceeded the
percentage earned in 1994 (approximately 42.6% vs. 37.8%) however several
non-recurring items were recorded in both 1994 and 1995 which represented a
resolution of items pertaining to prior years. As part of a settlement
between the Company and Colonial Penn Group, Inc. and Colonial Penn
Insurance Company (collectively "Colonial Penn"), on May 5, 1995 Colonial
Penn abandoned all of their claims against the Company and released the
company from any obligation to pay approximately $2,945,000 outstanding for
telephone usage charges in return for a payment to Colonial Penn of $65,000
and a promise by the Company not to sue Colonial Penn for alleged violations
of the antitrust laws.
As a result, a net amount of approximately $2,880,000 in accounts payable was
reversed during the quarter ended June 30, 1995. This accounts payable
reversal pertained to services rendered in 1993 and 1994. Also included in
gross profit during 1995 was a charge of approximately $669,000 for the
counterclaim awarded to AT&T in connection with the antitrust case between
the Company and AT&T resolved during 1995. Recorded in gross profit for 1994
was the reversal of approximately $ 783,000 in transport costs pertaining to
years prior to 1994.
Gross profit excluding these non-recurring items was approximately 34.7% for
1995 versus approximately 34.5% for 1994. The small increase in gross profit
during 1995 was net of significant reductions in both revenue per minute
(yield) and transport cost on a per minute basis. Beginning late 1994 and
throughout 1995, the Company implemented a number of strategies to
significantly reduce its call transport costs. The company implemented
extensive least cost routing software, re-negotiated pricing on numerous
contracts (primarily those with carriers transporting the Company's calls to
and from areas not serviced by the Company's own facilities) and began
originating most of its 800 service on its own network.
Due to competitive forces which developed in the Company's marketplace during
1995 the Company and its resellers reduced pricing on the Company's core
products. Pricing on the Company's domestic 1+ and 800 service was reduced
approximately $.014 leading to a reduction of gross revenue of approximately
$100,000 per month. Similar market conditions required the Company to reduce
pricing on calls to international destinations by approximately $.05 to $.10
resulting in an additional gross revenue reduction of approximately $20,000
per month.
17
<PAGE>
The Company continued to negotiate improved pricing in 1996, however it
cannot predict the amount of reductions which may be achieved or what
reductions in yield may be made in order to remain competitive.
As mentioned above, most of the Company's actions taken during 1995 to reduce
its call transport costs pertained to costs for transporting calls to areas
not serviced by the Company's own facilities. These costs approximated 60.0%
of the Company's total monthly call transport costs including international
terminations during 1995.
In order to reduce the company's cost of transporting calls originating and
terminating on the Company's own facilities as well as reduce the Company's
reliance on other carriers, the Company continually seeks to acquire more
efficient long haul facilities. The efficient utilization of these circuits
results in substantially lower per mile transport costs in 1995, the Company
did not have sufficient call volumes to cost justify these facilities. In
order to cost justify this capacity the Company entered the carrier sales
market by offering call termination services to other regional long distance
carriers.
The Company began soliciting other long distance carriers late in 1995
concurrent with the commissioning of its second switch in Oakland,
California. Minutes processed by the Company's network as a result of this
new business increased substantially in 1996.
The advent of the Company's carrier sales volume helped cost justify the
installation of higher capacity facilities in the Company's Mid-Atlantic
network but also between the Company's two switches permitting coast to coast
calls to be transported on a cost level approximately equal to that of a tier
two national carrier. The addition of carrier sales volumes lowered the
Company's overall gross profit as a percentage of sales in 1996, however, as
it is more fully deployed it should increase the overall gross profit of the
Company. The Company's carrier sales product contributed approximately 17.5%
of the Company's overall sales volume in 1996.
Selling, General, and Administrative Costs
Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased from their
level in 1994 by approximately $1,896,000 primarily due to unfavorable
variances in depreciation, commission, and legal expense, and favorable
variances in salaries and bad debt expense. SG&A as a percentage of net
sales increased slightly from approximately 43.2% in 1994 to approximately
43.6% in 1995 primarily due to increased legal expenses discussed below.
Depreciation expense increased approximately $525,000 due to the purchase of
additional fixed assets (primarily telecommunications equipment) which
increased depreciation expense approximately $220,000 and the write-off of
telecommunications equipment of approximately $305,000 either obsolete or
purchased to carry traffic on the AT&T network. Commission expense increased
approximately $850,000 due to reduced pricing given to resellers and agents
and increased reseller and agent traffic levels. Legal expense increased
approximately $760,000 over its 1994 level due to the Company's litigation
with Colonial Penn and AT&T. Litigation expense incurred in 1995 in
connection with the
Colonial Penn and AT&T litigation related to expert witness costs, deposition
costs, economists, expert witness fees and out of pocket costs totaled
approximately $850,000. The Company did not bear any charges for time
incurred by its legal counsel for the AT&T litigation.
18
<PAGE>
As a result of the Company's reduction in administrative staff early in 1995,
the Company's salary expense declined approximately $175,000 over its level
in 1994. The amount provided for bad debt expense declined by approximately
$110,000 (from approximately 4.0% to approximately 3.0% of net sales) despite
the write-off of two large receivables in the amount of approximately
$520,000 which relate to transactions in 1994. Substantial bad debt expense
was also recorded in 1994 related to these two receivables. Bad debt expense
exclusive of these two receivables would have been approximately 2.6% in 1994
vs. approximately 1.2% in 1995.
Net Income from Operations
Loss from operations in 1995 was substantially improved over the results
achieved in 1994, however, as noted above, several items which related to the
Company's litigation with Colonial Penn and AT&T had a net positive effect on
results of operations in 1995. Included in the loss for 1995 is the reversal
of approximately $2,880,000 in accounts payable due Colonial Penn for call
transport services rendered in 1993 and 1994. Also included in the results
for 1995 are litigation expenses of approximately $850,000, the award to AT&T
of approximately $669,000, the write-off of fixed assets and accounts
receivable related to the AT&T litigation in the amount of approximately
$305,000 and certain changes in estimates for items pertaining to years prior
to 1995 in the amount of approximately $150,000. Included in the results for
1994 was a reversal of an accounts payable related to services provided prior
to 1994 for approximately $783,000. Loss from operations exclusive of these
items would have been a loss of approximately $1,170,000 for 1995 vs. a loss
of approximately $2,000,000 for 1994.
Liquidity And Capital Resources
The Company's cash balance increased significantly from its balance at
December 31, 1995. This increase is primarily due to higher net income and
lower bad debt expense in 1996. The increase in 1996 net income was
attributable to higher revenue and lower Selling, General and Administrative
expense as a percentage of revenues. The decrease in bad debt expense during
1996 represents successful efforts by the Company in managing its receivable
base.
Accounts receivable net of the allowance for doubtful accounts increased by
approximately $1,614,000 in 1996, along with revenues. However the Company's
accounts receivable average days outstanding decreased in 1996 to 58 days
from 64 days in 1995.
The Company's current ratio at December 31, 1996 improved from its level at
December 31, 1995 (.79:1.00 versus .72:1.00, respectively). The current
ratio was impacted favorably by income from operations of approximately
$306,000.
The Company has been able to finance its growth to date with limited equity
capital and borrowings under notes payable which have been sufficient for
historical needs. The Company's plans for significant growth includes both
substantial internal growth related to the continued expansion of its
presence in the long distance arena, as well as its entrance into the Mid-
Atlantic Competitive Local Exchange Marketplace. As a result of its
initiative to enter the local exchange telecom market, the Company expects to
incur capital expenditures of approximately $4,000,000 in 1997. The Company's
plans will require significant additional capital, as such, the Company is
currently exploring several alternatives with respect to raising equity
capital. The Company cannot give assurance as to the potential success of
these efforts or the potential dilution to existing shareholders that may
occur if the Company should raise additional equity.
The Company's plans with respect to its entrance into the Competitive Local
Exchange Market, include the purchase of two local exchange switches to be
located in the Mid-Atlantic region. These switches will provide the Company
with the ability to provide bundled telecommunication services in the Mid-
Atlantic region. Company management believes that offering bundled services
will provide stronger ties to its customers and present an opportunity for
the Company to minimize its churn rate and gain access to service offerings
providing higher margins. The Company expects to fund its growth
requirements through both additional debt and equity.
19
<PAGE>
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See "Index To Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes To Consolidated
Financial Statements" on page F-i herein.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure
On March 14, 1997, US WATS, Inc. (the "Company") replaced Rudolph, Palitz
LLP as the principal accountant for the Company and its subsidiaries. The
former principal accountant's reports on the Company's financial statements
for the past year have not contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of
opinion, nor have its opinions been qualified or modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope or accounting principles. The Company's decision to replace its
principal accountant was approved by the board of directors. During the
Company's two immediately preceding fiscal years (January 1, 1994 to December
31, 1994 and January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995) and any subsequent interim
period preceding the Company's replacement of its principal accountant, there
were no disagreements with the former accountant on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the
former accountant, would have caused it to make reference to the subject
matter of the disagreement in connection with its report.
20
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
The information required by item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference to
the section entitled "Election of Directors" in the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference to
the section entitled "Executive Compensation" in the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
The information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference to
the section entitled "Principal Shareholders" in the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference to
the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the
Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
21
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits' Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 1O-K:
(1) Financial Statements
See "Index To Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules" on page F-i herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules required to be filed by Item 8 on
this form.
See "Index To Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules" on page F-i herein.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
(1) On February 25, 1997, the Company filed Form 8-K regarding
executive management changes and changes in the Board of
Directors.
(2) On March 19, 1997, the Company filed Form 8-K regarding its
decision to replace its certifying accountant for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
(3) On January 15, 1996, the Company filed Form 8-K regarding US WATS
settling its litigation with AT&T.
(4) On January 12, 1996, the Company filed Form 8-K regarding its
decision to replace its certifying accountant for the year ended
December 31, 1995.
22
<PAGE>
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant*
3.2 Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation*
3.3 By-Laws of Registrant*
4.1 Specimen Common Share Certificate*
10.1 DSC Marketing Services Supply Agreement**
10.2 Key Employees Incentive Stock Option Plan**
10.3 Employee Compensation Stock Option Plan**
10.4 Agreement of Lease for 3 Parkway, Philadelphia, PA**
10.6 Employment Agreement dated December 23, 1993, between US WATS,
Inc. and Stephen J. Parker* * *
10.7 Loan and Security Agreement between US WATS, Inc. and Century
Business Credit Corporation dated May 11, 1995****
10.8 Employment Agreements dated February 25, 1997, between US WATS,
Inc. and David Hurwitz, Kevin M. O'Hare and Mark A. Mendes*****
10.9 Employment Agreement dated March 3, 1997, between US WATS, Inc.
and Christopher J. Shannon.
* Files as an exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's
post effective amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
Form S-18, or previous Annual Report Form 10-K.
** Incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1992 Form 10-K
*** Incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1993 Form 10-K
**** Incorporated by reference to the June 30, 1995 Form 10-Q
***** Incorporated by reference to the February 25, 1997 Form 8-K
23
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
US WATS, INC.
----------------------------
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Kevin M. O'Hare
--------------------------------------------
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Treasurer, Director
Date: 3/28/97
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Kevin M. O'Hare President & Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer,
- ----------------------------- and Director (Principal Executive Officer) 3/28/97
Kevin M. O'Hare
/s/ Stephen Parker Vice-Chairman of the Board, Secretary, 3/28/97
- ----------------------------- and Director
Stephen Parker
/s/ Christopher J. Shannon Chief Financial Officer
- ----------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer) 3/28/97
Christopher J. Shannon
/s/ Michael P. McAnulty Controller
- ----------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer) 3/28/97
Michael P. McAnulty
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994
Page (s)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Independent Auditors' Reports F-1 to F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets--
December 31, 1996 and 1995 F-4 to F-5
Consolidated Statements of Operations--
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders' Equity
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-7 to F-9
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-11 to F-19
F-i
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors and Shareholders
US WATS, Inc.
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of US WATS, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, common shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the
year then ended These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 1996 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of US WATS, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the results of their operations and
cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 28, 1997
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Directors and Shareholders
US WATS, Inc.
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of US WATS, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, common shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 1995 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of US WATS,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
RUDOLPH, PALITZ LLP
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
March 25, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors and Shareholders
US WATS, Inc.
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying statement of operations, shareholder's
equity, and cash flows of US WATS, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended
December 31, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of US WATS,
Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1994, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
BARATZ & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
Marlton, New Jersey
March 8, 1995
F-3
<PAGE>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
--------------------------
1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $1,455,186 $ 680,834
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $672,058 for 1996
and $268,921 for 1995 6,513,899 4,900,066
Prepaid expenses and other 137,325 107,191
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 8,106,410 5,688,091
----------- -----------
Property and Equipment
Telecommunications equipment 3,773,459 3,046,877
Equipment 1,356,609 1,231,346
Software 610,286 484,199
Office furniture and fixtures 130,003 119,630
Leasehold improvements 35,226 35,226
----------- -----------
5,905,583 4,917,278
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 2,305,565 1,426,463
----------- -----------
Total Property and Equipment 3,600,018 3,490,815
----------- -----------
Other assets, principally deposits 285,931 321,455
----------- -----------
$11,992,359 $ 9,500,361
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
---------------------------
1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Note payable $ 1,196,860 $ 1,175,164
Capital lease obligations, current portion 194,472 130,664
Accounts payable 6,378,296 4,581,373
Accrued commissions 918,129 753,596
Accrued expenses and other 553,445 361,010
State and Federal taxes payable 963,372 475,012
Deferred revenue 116,222 371,791
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 10,320,796 7,848,610
----------- -----------
Long-Term Liabilities
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion 509,224 601,037
----------- -----------
Commitments and Contingencies - see note 8
Redeemable preferred stock, $.01 par, authorized
150,000 shares, issued and outstanding:
30,000 shares in 1996, 30,000 shares in 1995
Redemption value: $11.00 per share 300,000 300,000
----------- -----------
Common Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, $.001 par, authorized
30,000,000 shares; issued:
15,902,100 shares in 1996
15,852,100 shares in 1995 15,902 15,852
Additional paid-in capital 2,623,350 2,573,400
Accumulated Deficit (1,776,663) (1,838,288)
----------- -----------
862,589 750,964
Common stock held in treasury
(250,000 shares), at cost (250) (250)
----------- -----------
862,339 750,714
----------- -----------
$11,992,359 $ 9,500,361
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-5
<PAGE>
US WATS, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues $40,304,442 $27,755,388 $23,633,312
----------- ----------- -----------
Cost of sales 26,802,398 15,918,212 14,706,549
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 13,502,044 11,837,176 8,926,763
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 13,196,173 12,095,991 10,199,679
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations 305,871 (258,815) (1,272,916)
Other income (expense)
Interest income 62,732 69,859 12,975
Interest expense (272,978) (88,767) (435)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income tax
expense (benefit) 95,625 (277,723) (1,260,376)
Income tax expense (benefit) 7,000 -- (14,300)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) before
preferred dividends 88,625 (277,723) (1,246,076)
Preferred dividends earned 27,000 67,255 118,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) available to
common shareholders $ 61,625 $ (344,978) $(1,364,576)
=========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) per share
available to common shareholders $ -- $ (.02) $ (.09)
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding 15,877,900 15,100,400 14,875,584
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Treasury
Common Add'l Treasury Stock Share-
Common Stock Par Value Paid-In Stock At holders'
Description Shares issued $.001 Capital Deficit Shares Cost Equity
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995 15,852,100 $15,852 $2,573,400 $(1,838,288) 250,000 $(250) $750,714
Net Income (loss) before Preferred
Dividends for the year ended
December 31, 1996 -- -- -- 88,625 -- -- 88,625
Exercise of Employee Stock
Options 50,000 50 49,950 -- -- -- 50,000
Cash Dividends on Preferred
Stock, December 1, 1996
($.90 per share) (27,000) (27,000)
---------- ------- --------- ---------- ------- ---- --------
Balance, December 31, 1996 15,902,100 $15,902 $2,623,350 $(1,776,663) 250,000 $(250) $862,339
========== ======= ========== ========== ======= ==== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Treasury Share-
Common Add'l Treasury Stock holders'
Common Stock Par Value Paid-In Stock At Equity
Description Shares issued $.001 Capital Deficit Shares Cost (Deficiency)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 14,691,100 $14,691 $1,395,691 $(1,493,310) 250,000 $(250) $(83,178)
Net Income (loss) before Preferred
Dividends for the year ended
December 31, 1995 -- -- -- (277,723) -- -- (277,723)
Conversion of 100,000 shares
of Series 9% Preferred Stock 1,000,000 1,000 999,000 -- -- -- 1,000,000
Employee Stock Bonus 50,000 50 24,950 -- -- -- 25,000
Exercise of Employee Stock Options 111,000 111 153,759 -- -- -- 153,870
Cash Dividends on Preferred
Stock, December 1, 1995
($.90 per share) -- -- -- (67,255) -- -- (67,255)
---------- ------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----- --------
Balance, December 31, 1995 15,852,100 $15,852 $2,573,400 $(1,838,288) 250,000 $(250) $750,714
========== ======= ========== =========== ======= ===== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Treasury Share-
Common Add'l Treasury Stock holders'
Common Stock Par Value Paid-In Stock At Equity
Description Shares issued $.001 Capital Deficit Shares Cost (Deficiency)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993 14,487,000 $14,487 $1,190,770 $ (127,234) 250,000 $(250) $1,077,773
Net Income (loss) before Preferred
Dividends for the year ended
December 31, 1994 -- -- -- (1,246,076) -- -- (1,246,076)
Conversion of 20,000 shares
of Series 9% Preferred Stock 200,000 200 199,800 -- -- -- 200,000
Exercise of Employee Stock Options 4,100 4 5,121 -- -- -- 5,125
Cash Dividends on Preferred
Stock, December 1, 1994
($.90 per share) -- -- -- (120,000) -- -- (120,000)
---------- ------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----- --------
Balance, December 31, 1994 14,691,100 $14,691 $1,395,691 $(1,493,310) 250,000 $(250) $(83,178)
========== ======= ========== =========== ======= ===== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
Years Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) before preferred dividends $ 88,625 $ (277,723) $(1,246,076)
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by (used-in) operating activities
Litigation settlement -- (2,882,223) --
Issuance of stock bonus -- 25,000 --
Depreciation and amortization 930,293 769,685 505,443
Provision for bad debts 479,208 842,628 953,397
Write-off of fixed assets -- 305,008 --
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided
(used) cash:
Accounts receivable (2,093,041) (218,822) (1,563,504)
Prepaid expenses and other (30,134) (20,822) (47,654)
Other assets 24,332 (27,501) 330,731
Deferred revenue (255,569) 79,274 292,517
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,153,891 1,209,863 2,062,980
State & Federal Taxes payable 488,360 (72,977) 165,372
---------- --------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 1,785,965 (268,610) 1,453,206
---------- --------- ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment (864,304) (695,469) (1,679,252)
Investment in internet service provider (40,000) -- --
---------- --------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (904,304) (695,469) (1,679,252)
---------- --------- ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from stock option exercises 50,000 153,870 5,125
Increase in notes payable net 21,696 1,175,164 127,166
Repayment of capital lease obligations (152,005) (134,453) --
Preferred stock dividend (27,000) (67,255) (120,000)
Payment of loan acquisition costs -- (110,986) --
---------- --------- ----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (107,309) 1,016,340 12,291
---------- --------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 774,352 52,261 (213,755)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents 680,834 628,573 842,328
---------- --------- ----------
Ending cash and cash equivalents $1,455,186 680,834 628,573
========== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-10
<PAGE>
US WATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Background
The Company is a switch-based interexchange carrier providing long distance
telephone communications services primarily to small and medium-size business
customers. The Company also provides inbound-800 long distance services, as
well as other telecommunications services such as travel cards (calling
cards), cellular, paging, dedicated access, data services, pre-paid calling
cards (debit cards), international callback, and carrier termination
services. The Company uses its own switches and facilities to originate,
transport and terminate calls for customers generally located in the Mid-
Atlantic region and California (on-net areas). For calls originating or
terminating outside the Company's own network (off-net area), the Company
utilizes the services provided by other long distance companies.
Substantially all of the Company's revenues are earned from its customers
located on the East Coast.
2. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its three wholly-owned subsidiaries, USW Corporation, USW Enterprises, Inc.,
and Carriers Group, Inc. after elimination of all inter-company accounts,
transactions and profits. The Company's investment in an internet service
provider is accounted for under the Cost Method.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue based upon the customer's usage of services.
The Company bills its customers for service on a monthly basis.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash in bank and repurchase agreements with a maturity
of three months or less when purchased as cash and cash equivalents.
At certain times during the year, the Company has balances in its operating
accounts that in the aggregate exceed the $100,000 Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation insurance limit.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Write-offs of accounts receivable for 1996 and 1995 were approximately
$213,000 and $1,052,000, respectively.
F-11
<PAGE>
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated for
financial reporting purposes using the straight line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets:
Telecommunications equipment ........ 7 years
Furniture fixtures and other ........ 5 years
Depreciation and amortization expense of property, plant and equipment for
1996, 1995, and 1994, was $930,293, $1,030,462, and $504,879, respectively.
Included in depreciation expense for 1995 was approximately $305,008
resulting from the recognized obsolescence of telecommunications equipment.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists primarily of prepayments of Debit Card and
International Call Back services. Deferred revenue is recognized as income
based on monthly usage.
Deferred Financing Costs
Loan origination costs are amortized by the straight-line method over the
term of the related loan, and are included in other assets.
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable includes the cost of access charges due local telephone
companies and long distance transport purchased from long distance carriers.
Marketing
All costs related to marketing and advertising the Company's products and
services are expensed in the period incurred.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-12
<PAGE>
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Earnings (loss) per common share is based upon the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding in 1996, 1995, and 1994. The assumed exercise and/or
conversion of preferred stock, options or warrants has not been included in
the calculation of earnings (loss) per share for 1996, 1995 or 1994 since the
effect is anti-dilutive or not significant.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments such as accounts
receivable, accounts payable, and note payable approximate their carrying
amounts.
Carrying Value of Long-Term Assets
The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-term assets, including
property, plant and equipment, and other intangibles, based upon current and
anticipated undiscounted cash flows, and recognizes an impairment when it is
probable that such estimated cash flows will be less than the carrying value
of the asset. Measurement of the amount of impairment, if any, is based upon
the difference between carrying value and fair value.
Reclassification of Accounts
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior years' balances to
the current year presentation.
3. Note Payable
On May 11, 1995, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with
Century Business Credit Corporation for a revolving credit facility of
$2,000,000. The loan is for a period of two years, and is automatically
renewable for two successive years. Interest on the loan is calculated at
prime plus 3 3/4% (effective rate is 12% at December 31, 1996) and a minimum
loan value of $750,000 must be maintained. The loan is collateralized by
accounts receivable and fixed and intangible assets of the Company.
At December 31, 1996, the Company was not in compliance with certain loan
covenants pertaining to the acquisition of property and equipment, and Board
of Director membership by specific individuals who are no longer employed by
the Company. The Company received a waiver or amended the Loan and Security
Agreement to correct such non-compliance.
F-13
<PAGE>
4. Obligations Under Capital Leases
Property under capital leases is recorded at the lesser of the present value
of the minimum lease payments or its fair value at inception. The Company
leases various equipment under three-to-five-year noncancellable leases which
expire at various dates through 2000.
The leases carry interest rates ranging from approximately 12.9% to
approximately 13.9% and are collateralized by the equipment purchased. The
future minimum lease payments for the next five years and related lease
obligation balances as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 follow:
1997 $277,639
1998 272,843
1999 190,483
2000 137,350
--------
TOTAL $878,315
========
1996 1995
------------------------
Aggregate capital lease obligation
as of the year ended December 31, $878,315 $987,397
Less--amounts representing interest 174,619 255,696
-------- --------
Present value of net minimum payments
under capital leases 703,696 731,701
Less--current portion of capital lease obligations 194,472 130,664
-------- --------
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion $509,224 $601,037
======== ========
The following is an analysis of property under capital leases:
1996 1995
---------------------------
Telecommunications Equipment $1,028,660 $1,114,260
Office Equipment 57,300 57,300
---------- ----------
TOTAL 1,085,960 1,171,560
Less Accumulated Amortization 224,340 119,829
---------- ----------
Net Assets Under Capital Lease $861,620 $1,051,731
========== ==========
Amortization of assets under capital leases charged to operations and
included in depreciation expense was $149,523, $102,574, and $17,255 in 1996,
1995, and 1994 respectively.
F-14
<PAGE>
5. Income Taxes
The net deferred tax asset at December 31, includes the following:
1996 1995
-------------------------
Deferred Tax Asset $ 953,000 $ 942,000
Deferred Tax Liability (322,000) (301,000)
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Asset (631,000) (641,000)
--------- ---------
$ -- $ --
========= =========
The utilization of the deferred tax asset depends on the Company's estimate
of its ability to earn taxable income in the future. Although estimates are
subject to change, management was not able to determine that utilization of
the deferred tax asset is likely. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been
provided for the entire deferred tax asset. The tax effect of major temporary
differences that gave rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities at December 31, are as follows:
1996 1995
------------------------
Net Operating Loss $ 609,000 $ 784,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 344,000 158,000
Depreciation (322,000) (301,000)
--------- ---------
Net Deferred Tax Asset $ 631,000 $ 641,000
========= =========
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December
31, consisted of the following amounts:
1996 1995 1994
--------------------------------------
Current tax expense (benefit)
Federal $7,000 $-- $(14,300)
State -- -- --
------- ------- ---------
7,000 (14,300)
Deferred tax expense
Federal ______ ________ ________
State ______ ________ ________
------- ------- ---------
$7,000 $-- $(14,300)
====== ======== =========
F-15
<PAGE>
Total income tax expense (benefit) amounted to $ 7,000 in 1996, $0 in 1995,
and $(14,300) in 1994, (effective tax rates of 8.1%, 0%, and (1.1)%,
respectively), compared to income tax expense (benefit) of $ 29,500,
$(94,000), and $(427,500), computed by applying the statutory rate of 34% to
income (loss) before income tax (benefit). These differences are accounted
for as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
% of % of % of
pretax pretax pretax
Amount income Amount income Amount income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected" income
tax expense (benefit) $29,500 34.0 $(94,000) (34.0) $(427,500) (34.0)
State income tax expense,
net of Federal income
tax benefit -- -- -- --
Utilization of NOL -- -- (14,300) (1.1)
Valuation allowance (30,500) (35.1) 80,000 28.9 427,500 34.0
Other 8,000 9.2 14,000 5.1 -- --
-------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----
Actual income tax
expense (benefit) $ 7,000 8.1 $ -- -- $(14,300) (1.1)
======= ===== ======= ===== ======== ====
</TABLE>
The Company has available approximately $ 1,497,000 and $952,000 of tax
carryforwards which may be applied against future Federal taxable income
and alternative taxable income respectively. These carryforwards expire
in 2010.
F-16
<PAGE>
6. Commitments and contingencies
The Company has a long term contract for the purchase of 1+, 800, and Private
lines services over a 36 month period. The contract provides for a minimum
monthly commitment of $250,000 and an aggregate commitment of $9,000,000 over
the contract life. The Company has met its monthly commitments through
December 1996.
The Company leases certain offices and equipment. Future annual minimum lease
payments under the significant agreements are as follows for the years ended
December 31:
1997 $ 370,345
1998 322,705
1999 151,280
2000 140,514
2001 62,019
thereafter 62,019
----------
TOTAL $1,108,882
Rent expense incurred for operating leases was approximately $ 422,896,
$351,300, and $367,600, in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of its five
Executive Officers. With respect to the officers agreements, the total
minimum commitment level over the next three years is approximately
$2,499,000.
The Company entered into a consulting contract with its former Chairman for
consulting services to be rendered over the next six year period. The total
minimum aggregate commitment level of the contract is approximately $750,000.
The Company is party, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation
involving services rendered, contract claims and other miscellaneous causes
of action arising from its business. Management does not consider that any
such matters will materially effect the Company's financial condition or
results of operations will not be materially affected by such proceedings.
7. Pension Plans
The Company sponsors a 401(K) Pension and Profit Sharing Plan for all
employees. The Company has elected not to match any employee contributions or
make any profit sharing contributions to the plan.
8. Preferred Stock
Redeemable Preferred:
The Company has outstanding cumulative, convertible, redeemable preferred
stock which is convertible at the option of respective shareholders thereof,
into ten (10) common shares at a conversion price of one dollar ($1.00) each.
F-17
<PAGE>
At any time after September 1, 1996, the Company, at the option of its Board
of Directors, may redeem part or all of the preferred shares outstanding at
$11.00 each plus unpaid and accumulated dividends. The maximum aggregate
redemption value at December 31, 1996 is $330,000. The preferred stock is
mandatorily redeemable in cash on January 2, 2049 at $11.00 per share.
Dividends on the preferred stock are payable in cash only at a rate of 9% per
annum on December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1.
Preferred Stock:
In July 1994, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to authorize 850,000 shares of par value $.01
per share preferred stock, no shares were issued as of December 31, 1996.
9. Stock Options and Warrants
Under the Company's stock option plans, options may be granted to officers
and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. No option may be granted
for a term in excess of ten years from the date of grant. As of December 31,
1996, 1,564,040 of the outstanding stock options were exercisable under the
plans. The exercise prices of the outstanding options represented the fair
market value at dates of grant.
Asummary of the Company's stock option plans activity for common shares for
the three years ended December 31, 1996 follows:
Number of Shares Option Price Per Share
-------------------------------------------
Outstanding 1/1/94 1,887,300 $1.00 to $1.25
Granted 615,000 $1.53
Exercised (4,100) $1.25
Terminated (348,700) $1.25
----------
Outstanding 12/31/94 2,149,500 $1.00 to $1.53
Granted 1,332,500 $0.75 to $2.00
Exercised (111,000) $1.00 to $1.875
Terminated (1,028,800) $1.00 to $2.00
----------
Outstanding 12/31/95 2,342,200 $0.75 to $2.00
Granted 745,000 $1.00 to $1.40
Exercised (50,000) $1.00
Terminated (1,361,000) $0.75 to $1.25
----------
Outstanding 12/31/96 1,676,200 $1.00 to $2.00
==========
Subsequent to year end the Company has issued an additional 1,500,000 options
to members of management exercisable at prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.30.
The Company accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, under which compensation cost is recognized
based on the difference, it any, between the fair value of the Company's
stock at the time of option grant and the amount the employee must pay to
acquire the stock. The Company's options have been issued at fair market
value at the time of grant. Had compensation cost for the incentive and
nonqualifed options been determined consistent with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock - Based Compensation (SFAS
123), the Company's pro forma net loss and net loss per share for the years
ended December 31, are as follows:
1996 1995
-------------------------
Reported Net Income (Loss) $ 61,625 $(344,978)
Proforma Net Loss $(420,925) $(706,692)
Reported Net Income (Loss) Per Share $ -- $(0.02)
Proforma Net Loss Per Share $(0.03) $(0.05)
F-18
<PAGE>
In accordance with the requirements of SFAS 123, this method of accounting
has not been applied to options granted prior to the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 1995. The resulting pro forma compensation cost may be
representative of that to be expected in future years
The fair values of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions used for grants in 1996 and 1995: risk-free interest
rates of 6.5% expected dividend yields of 0%, expected lives of three years
from the date of grant, and expected price volatility ranging from 69% to 200%
for the options granted in 1995 and 1996.
On May 11, 1995, the Company agreed to issue to each of two
directors/officers of the Company 600,000 Warrants to purchase Common Stock,
in consideration for limited personal guarantees to be provided in connection
with the revolving credit facility. Each Warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one share of Common Stock of the Company at a price of $1.0625 per
share until May 11, 2000.
10. Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
The Company made cash payments for interest of $272,978, $87,189, and $0 for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company
made cash payments for income taxes of $0, $75,000, and $56,640 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 respectively.
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Financing Activities
Redeemable Preferred Stock in the amounts of $1,000,000 and $200,000 was
converted into Common Stock in the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
Non-Cash Transactions
During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company acquired
approximately $124,000 and $939,000, respectively of telephone communications
and other equipment with capital leases. The lease agreements were financed
over three and five year periods.
11. LITIGATION SETTLEMENTS
During 1995, the Company's dispute with Colonial Penn Group, Inc. and
Colonial Penn Insurance Company (collectively "CPG") was favorably resolved ,
resulting in the reversal of an accounts payable in the amount of
approximately $2,880,000. However, this benefit was substantially offset by
the cost of unsuccessfully litigating the resultant AT&T case on the basis of
anti-trust. The costs of litigation with AT&T incurred during 1995
approximated $850,000. These costs do not include the additional expense of
approximately $305,000 of related expenses pertaining to the write-down of
certain AT&T signal conversion equipment and accounts receivable written-off,
which were attributable to AT&T services provided by the Company. In
addition, AT&T was awarded a counter claim in the litigation in the amount of
$669,000, pertaining to services utilized in prior years. As a result of
settlement of these matters the Company recognized a net favorable impact of
approximately $1,056,000 in 1995.
F-19
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 13.9
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made as of the third day of March, 1997 by
and between US WATS, INC., a New York corporation, with offices at
111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 114, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004 (the
"Company"), and Christopher Shannon, residing at 20560 Lowfield Drive,
Germantown, MD 20874 (the "Executive").
W I T N E S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive, and the Executive
is willing to be employed by the Company, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment.
1.1 The Company agrees to and does hereby employ the Executive,
and the Executive agrees to and does hereby accept employment by the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth.
1.2 This Agreement shall be effective only if executed and
delivered by all parties hereto on or before March 4, 1997.
2. Term. The term of the Executive's employment hereunder shall
commence on the date hereof (the "Effective Date") and shall terminate three
(3) years thereafter (such period hereinafter referred to as the "Term").
3. Duties.
3.1 During the Term, the Executive shall be employed as Chief
Financial Officer of the Company and any successors thereto or to its
business, and shall be in charge of and responsible for the general and
supervisory duties normally and customarily attendant to such office and
shall render such other lawful services, and exercise such powers, which are
from time to time requested of him, assigned to him or vested in him by the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company and which are commensurate with his
position as Chief Financial Officer.
3.2 The Executive agrees that, during the Term, unless the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company shall otherwise consent, he will devote such
amount of his time, energies, labor and skills to the business of the Company
and to the duties and responsibilities specified in Section 3.1 as shall be
reasonably necessary.
1
<PAGE>
4. Base Compensation. In consideration for services performed
hereunder, the Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of
$156,000 in installments payable in accordance with the Company's customary
payroll practices, but in no event less than one time per month. On each
anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Executive's base
salary shall be increased, at a minimum, by an amount equal to the base
salary then in effect multiplied by the percentage increase in the consumer
price index from the preceding year. In addition, the Company shall
reimburse the Executive for all expenses reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the performance of his duties hereunder and the business of
the Company upon the submission to the Company of appropriate receipts
therefor.
5. Benefits and Cash Bonus.
5.1 Throughout the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to
participate in any pension, profit-sharing, stock option or similar plan or
program of the Company now existing or established hereafter for the benefit
of its employees generally, to the extent that he is eligible under the
general provisions thereof. The Executive shall also be entitled to
participate in any group insurance, hospitalization, medical, health and
accident, disability or similar or nonsimilar plan or program of the Company
now existing or established hereafter for the benefit of its employees or
executives generally, to the extent that he is eligible under the general
provisions thereof.
5.2 The Company shall provide the Executive with a policy of term
life insurance in an amount equal to not less than two (2) times his yearly
salary hereunder, payable to such beneficiary or such beneficiaries as shall
be designated in writing by the Executive.
5.3 The Executive shall participate in the Company's profit
sharing bonus pool (the "Bonus Pool") to be implemented by the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee shall determine, in its discretion,
which eligible participants in the Bonus Pool shall be entitled to bonus
payments thereunder. In addition to the Executive's bonus, additional
objectives will be established, jointly, that will result in eligibility to
additional stock options grants.
5.4 The Company shall provide Executive an automobile allowance of
$600 per month to cover Executive's use of his vehicle for business purposes.
6. Stock Option Grant. Contemporaneously with the execution hereof,
the Company is granting to the Executive option to purchase an aggregate of
up to 350,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company (the "Option"). Under the
Option, 170,000 shares shall be immediately vested, and 60,000 shares shall
be vested on the first, second and third successive anniversaries of the date
of grant.
7. Termination of Executive's Employment.
7.1 Notwithstanding any provisions contained herein to the
contrary, the Executive's employment may be terminated by the Company upon
the Executive's death or disability (as defined below); or for Cause (as
defined below); or upon a Change in Control (as defined below).
2
<PAGE>
7.2 For purposes of this Agreement, "disability" shall mean the
Executive is mentally or physically disabled from properly and fully
performing his duties and responsibilities hereunder for a period of 120
consecutive days or for 180 days, even though not consecutive, within a 360-
day period, all as evidenced by the written certification of a qualified
medical doctor agreed to by the Company and the Executive or, in the absence
of such agreement, by a doctor selected by the agreement of a qualified
medical doctor selected by each of the Company and the Executive.
7.3 For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (i) the
conviction of the Executive of a felony by a federal or state court of
competent jurisdiction; (ii) gross misconduct relating to the Company; (iii)
intentional misappropriation of funds; or (iv) deliberate and premeditated
acts against the interest of the Company. In the case of any of the
foregoing, the Company shall have the right, following notice and a
reasonable opportunity to cure of not less than sixty (60) days (except in
the case of clauses (i) and (iii) hereunder), to terminate this Agreement
without further obligation to the Executive.
7.4 In the event that the Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated as a result of death, disability or for Cause by the Company, then
the Company shall have no further obligations or liabilities to the Executive
hereunder, such that all benefits and salary provided for within this
Agreement shall terminate simultaneously with the termination of the
Executive's employment except for benefits and salary earned and accrued
through the date of such termination. Nothing in this Section 7.4 shall
supersede any rights of the Executive to receive any amounts or benefits
otherwise due to him upon the occurrence of any of the events described in
the immediately preceding sentence, whether such rights are created by this
Agreement or otherwise.
7.5 In the event that the Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated for reasons other than Cause, then the Company shall be obligated
to pay the Executive an amount equal to the balance of the Executive's base
salary which would have been earned for the remainder of the Term.
8. Covenants of the Executive.
8.1 Confidentiality. The Executive acknowledges that his
employment by the Company will throughout his employment bring him into close
contact with many confidential affairs of the Company, including information
about costs, profits, markets, sales, key personnel, pricing policies,
operational methods, and other business affairs, methods and information,
including plans for future developments, not readily available to the public.
The Executive further acknowledges that the services to be performed under
this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and
intellectual character, and that the Company currently competes or intends to
compete with other organizations that are located in all of the states of the
United States. In recognition of the foregoing, the Executive covenants and
agrees that: (i) he will not knowingly divulge any material confidential
matters of the Company which are not otherwise in the public domain and will
not intentionally disclose them to anyone outside of the Company during his
employment by the Company hereunder or following the expiration or
termination of his employment with the Company for any reason; (ii) he will
deliver promptly to the Company at
3
<PAGE>
the end of Term, or at any other time the Company may so request, at the
Company's expense, all memoranda, notes, records, reports and other documents
(and all copies thereof) relating to the businesses of the Company which he
obtained while employed by, or otherwise serving or acting on behalf of, the
Company, or any its subsidiaries or affiliates, and which he may then possess
or have under his control; and (iii) during the Term and any additional
period during which the Executive may be employed by the Company (whether or
not such employment shall be pursuant to written agreement) the Executive
will not, unless the Board shall otherwise consent, along or together with
any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity whatsoever
(except any subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company), directly or
indirectly, whether as an officer, director, stockholder, partner,
proprietor, associate, employee, representative, public relations or
advertising representative, management consultant or otherwise: (A) engage in
or (B) become or be interested in or associated with any other person,
corporation, firm, partnership or other entity whatsoever engaged in any
business which is competitive with any business conducted or contemplated by
the Company.
8.2 Anti-Raiding. Executive agrees that during the term of his
employment hereunder, and, thereafter for a period of six (6) months, he will
not, as a principal, agent, employee, employer, consultant, director or
partner of any person, firm, corporation or business entity other than the
Company, or in any individual or representative capacity whatsoever, directly
or indirectly, without the prior express written consent of the Company
approach, counsel or attempt to induce any person who is then in the employ
of the Company to leave the employ of the Company or employ or attempt to
employ any such person or persons who at any time during the preceding six
months was in the employ of the Company.
8.3 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.1 (iii), the
Executive may own, as passive investor, securities of a corporation engaged
in a competitive line of business whose equity securities are registered
under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, so long as his beneficial
ownership in any one such corporation shall not in the aggregate constitute
more than five percent (5%) of any class of equity securities of such
corporation.
8.4 The parties agree that the remedy at law for any breach or
threatened breach of any covenant contained in this Section 8 will be
inadequate and that either party, in addition to such other remedies as may
be available to it, and/or them, at law or in equity, shall be entitled to
injunctive relief without bond or other security.
9. Change in Control. A "Change in Control" of the Company shall mean
a change in control of the Company or any entity controlling the Company
(referred to collectively in this Section 8 as the Company) of a nature that
would be required to be reported in response to Item 1 of a Current Report on
Form 8-K, pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided that,
without limitation such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred
at such time as (a) any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than a person who or which is a shareholder
of the Company, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-
3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting
power of the Company's outstanding securities ordinarily having the right to
vote at elections of directors; or (b) individuals who constitute the Board
(the "Incumbent Board") cease
4
<PAGE>
for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, provided that any
person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election or
nomination for election by the Company's shareholders was approved by a vote
of at least three quarters of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board,
shall be, for purposes of this clause (b), considered as though he were a
member of the Incumbent Board; or (c) a sale by the Company of all or
substantially all of its assets occurs. Notwithstanding anything in the
foregoing to the contrary, no Change in Control shall be deemed to have
occurred for purposes of this Agreement by virtue of any transactions which
result in the acquisition by the Executive, or by a group of persons which
includes the Executive, directly or indirectly, of a majority of either the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the voting securities of
any corporation which acquires all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, whether by way of merger, consolidation, sale of such assets or
otherwise. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, if, while the Executive is employed by the Company, a Change in
Control shall occur, with or without the prior approval of the Board, and
Executive's employment hereunder shall be terminated, then the Company shall
be obligated to pay the Executive an amount equal to the balance of the
Executive's base salary which would have been earned for the remainder of the
Term. In the event that this Agreement is terminated as a result of a Change
in Control, then all options granted to the Executive pursuant to Section 6
hereof, shall, notwithstanding any provisions contained in the respective
Option Agreements, immediately vest and become exercisable by the Executive.
10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of New York applicable to
contracts executed in and to be performed solely within such state.
11. Notices. All notices required or permitted to be given by either
party hereunder, including notice of change of address, shall be in writing
and delivered by hand, or mailed, postage prepaid, certified or registered
mail, return receipt requested, to the other party as follows:
If to the Company: U.S. WATS, Inc.
111 Presidential Boulevard
Suite 114
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Attention: Kevin M. O'Hare, President
With a copy to: Peter W. Laberee
Buchanan Ingersoll, P.C.
Two Logan Square, 12th Floor
18th & Arch
Philadelphia, PA 19130
If to the Executive: Christopher Shannon
20560 Lowfield Drive
Germantown, MD 20874
6
<PAGE>
12. Miscellaneous.
12.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior oral or written agreements and understandings;
however, this Agreement shall not supersede, diminish or modify any rights of
the Executive under any employee benefit plans of the Company. There are no
oral promises, conditions, representations, understandings, interpretations
or terms of any kind as conditions or inducements to the execution hereof or
in effect among the parties. This Agreement may not be amended, and no
provision hereof shall be waived, except by a writing signed by the Company
and the Executive, or in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance therewith, which states that it is intended to amend or waive a
provision of this Agreement. Any waiver of any rights or failure to act in
any one instance shall not be regarded as an agreement to waive any rights or
failure to act in any other instance, whether or not similar.
12.2 Further Acts. The parties hereto agree that, after the
execution of this Agreement, they will make, do, execute or cause to be made,
done or executed all such further and other lawful acts, deeds, things,
devices, conveyances and assurances in law whatsoever as may be required to
carry out the true intention and to give full force and effect to this
Agreement.
12.3 Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or prohibited by an
applicable law, this Agreement shall be considered divisible as to such
provision, which shall be inoperative, and the remainder of this Agreement
shall be valid and binding as though such provision were not included herein.
12.4 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and any corporation with which
the Company merges or consolidates or to which the Company sells all or
substantially all of its assets, and upon the Executive and his executors,
administrators, heirs and legal representatives.
12.5 Headings. All headings in this Agreement are for convenience
only and are not intended to affect the meaning of any provision hereof.
12.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures to all such
counterparts were upon the same instrument, and all such counterparts shall
constitute but one instrument.
6
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has executed this Agreement and the
Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized
officer as of the day and year first above written.
Attest US WATS, INC.
By: /s/ David Hurwitz By: /s/ Kevin O'Hare
-----------------------------------
Kevin O'Hare, President
/s/ Christopher Shannon
-----------------------------------
Christopher Shannon, individually
7
<PAGE>
