<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------------
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[x] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
OR
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File No. 0-18663
---------------------------------
TESCORP, INC.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Texas 74-2129403
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200 78701
Austin, Texas (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number: (512) 476-2995
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.02 per share
(Title of class)
Series 1990 10% Convertible Preferred Stock
(Title of class)
--------------------
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 OR NO
--- ---
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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-KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
Issuer's revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997: $22,580,466
At June 10, 1997 the aggregate market value of Common Stock, $0.02 par
value of the Registrant held by non- affiliates was $37,236,189.
At June 10, 1997, the aggregate market value of Series 1990 Convertible
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, held by non-affiliates was $3,156,627.
At June 10, 1997, the aggregate market value of Series 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, held by non-affiliates, based upon the
market value of Common Stock into which the Series 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock was convertible, was $10,976,000.
At June 10, 1997, the registrant had 13,178,007 outstanding shares of
Common Stock, $0.02 par value.
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company
General. Tescorp, Inc. (referred to herein collectively with its
subsidiaries as "Tescorp" or the "Company"), is a Texas corporation that was
organized in 1980. The Company is engaged in the business of acquiring and
developing cable television systems and communications properties in Latin
America. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company
continued to concentrate its operations in Argentina. The Company presently
provides cable television service to eleven Argentine cities in six provinces.
Effective as of April 1994, the Company entered into a contractual
Joint Venture (the "Joint Venture") to acquire cable television and
communications properties in Latin America. The Company utilized the Joint
Venture structure to comply with Argentine regulatory policies in effect prior
to March 31, 1995 (see "Regulation" below). The Company organized two new
subsidiaries to facilitate the Company's participation in the Joint Venture:
Austral Communications Corp. ("Austral"), a Delaware corporation which is a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Comunicaciones Austral S.A.
("CASA"), an Argentine Sociedad Anonima which is a 97 percent owned subsidiary
of Austral. Additionally, the Company and its Argentine partners in the Joint
Venture (the "Joint Venture Partners") organized two new Argentine Sociedades
Anonimas both of which are 97 percent owned by Austral: Cabledifusion S.A.
("Cabledifusion") and SMR S.A. ("SMR"). Hereinafter, Cabledifusion, SMR and
CASA are collectively referred to as the Argentine Joint Venture Companies.
The Joint Venture Partners hold the remaining 3% ownership of the Argentine
Joint Venture Companies.
The Joint Venture is managed by CASA as Managing Venturer.
Cabledifusion is responsible for the management of the cable television systems
in Argentina. SMR, which was originally organized to pursue licenses to own
and operate businesses deploying Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio and/or
related technologies in Argentina, and CASA hold direct ownership interests in
certain Argentine cable companies.
During the time period from April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1996, the
Joint Venture Partners acquired pursuant to the Joint Venture the following
Argentine companies which own and operate cable television systems in
Argentina: Televisora Austral S.A. ("Televisora Austral"), CableMax S.A.
("CableMax") which was formerly known as Canal 2 TV Austral S.A., ARTV S.A.
("ARTV") which was formerly known as Reconquista Televisora Color S.A.,
Avellaneda Video Cable S.A. ("AVC") which was merged into ARTV in December
1996, Cable Vision Gallegos S.A. ("CVG"), BTC S.A. ("BTC") which was formerly
known as Teveca S.R.L., CablePlus Bariloche S.A. ("CablePlus"), and SIR TV
S.R.L. ("SIR TV").
In fiscal 1997, Televisora Austral acquired all of the outstanding
equity of TV Nieve, S.A. ("TV Nieve"), a company which provides MMDS television
service in the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province. Additionally, the
Company and the Joint Venture Partners formed Transcable, S.A. ("Transcable")
to own and operate cable television systems in Argentina. Transcable is
effectively 97 percent owned by the Company. During fiscal 1997: Transcable
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acquired substantially all of the assets of a cable television system in
Rawson, Chubut Province and certain cable television assets of Comodoro
Rivadavia Sociedad Comercial Colectiva de Television y Radiofusion ("Comodoro")
which operated a cable television system located in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut
Province; ARTV acquired substantially all of the assets of TV SIS, S.R.L. ("TV
SIS") which operated a competing cable television system in Reconquista and
Avellaneda, Santa Fe Province; CASA acquired all of the equity interests in
Cable Viedma S.R.L. ("Cable Viedma") and Televiedma, S.R.L. ("Televiedma")
which operate cable television systems in Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen
de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province; and BTC acquired Vision Codificada S.A.
("Vision") a company which operates a UHF wireless system in San Carlos de
Bariloche, Rio Negro Province (the same city in which BTC provides cable
television service).
Hereinafter, the companies operating cable television systems in the
locations listed below are referred to as the Argentine Cable Companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of Company Location (City - Province)
--------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Televisora Austral/TV Nieve Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego
CableMax/CVG Rio Gallegos - Santa Cruz
ARTV Reconquista - Santa Fe
Avellaneda - Santa Fe
BTC/CablePlus/Vision San Carlos de Bariloche - Rio Negro
SIR TV Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn - Chubut
Transcable Rawson - Chubut
Comodoro Rivadavia - Chubut
Cable Viedma/Televiedma Carmen de Patagones - Buenos Aires
Viedma - Rio Negro
</TABLE>
Acquisitions of cable television properties prior to December 31, 1995
were funded by the Company through loans (the "Partner Loans") to the Joint
Venture Partners. Historically, the ownership of Cabledifusion, SMR and the
Argentine Cable Companies was held subject to the Joint Venture by the Joint
Venture Partners or nominees of the Company. After December 31, 1995,
acquisitions of cable television properties were funded by the Company through
loans to the Argentine Joint Venture Companies or the Argentine Cable
Companies. Amounts advanced under these loans and the Partner Loans bear
interest at the rate of 12% per annum. In addition to acquisitions, these
funds provided for the payment of the debts of and capital improvements to the
operations of the Argentine Cable Companies and provided financing for the
formation and initial costs of the Argentine Joint Venture Companies. During
the three year period ended March 31, 1997, the Company had advanced to the
Joint Venture Partners, the Argentine Joint Venture Companies and the Argentine
Cable Companies an aggregate of approximately $38.9 million and earned the
right to a preferred return equal to the accrued interest in the amount of
approximately $6.8 million (together, the "Priority Amount").
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Upon commencement of the Joint Venture, the Company held through
Austral a 90 percent Joint Venture interest in the Argentine Cable Companies,
Cabledifusion and SMR. The Company granted to two domestic partners an
aggregate 6.6 percent profits interest in its portion of the Joint Venture
after the Company has received distributions equal to the Priority Amount.
Thus, the Company initially held an indirect 84 percent interest in the
economic benefits of the Argentine Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture
Companies which were obligated to repay the Partner Loans plus accrued
interest. The effect of this arrangement was to provide the Company with an
opportunity to recoup all funds invested through the repayment of the principal
of the loans, a return equal to the interest accrued and paid on the loans and
84 percent of all remaining economic benefits associated with the Argentine
Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture Companies.
In fiscal 1996, the Company increased to 97 percent its Joint Venture
interest in the Argentine Cable Companies, Cabledifusion and SMR and modified
the terms of the profits interest agreements to provide only one domestic
partner with an approximate 1% participation in the Joint Venture after
distributions to the Company equal to the Priority Amount. To effect these
changes in ownership, the Company issued 534,616 shares of newly issued Common
Stock and 3 percent of the stock of CASA. Following the recovery of its
investment plus a 12% return, the Company will have a 96 percent interest in
all remaining economic benefits associated with the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies and the Joint Venture's interest in the Argentine Cable Companies.
Management believes that the Company is now legally permitted to hold
direct interests in the Argentine Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture
Companies as a result of two developments: first, the October 1994
ratification of the Bi-Lateral Trade Agreement between the United States and
the Republic of Argentina (the "Trade Treaty"); and second, the March 1995
promulgation by the Argentine government of regulations pertaining to the
ownership of cable television properties (see "Regulation" below).
In response to changes in regulatory conditions, the Company has
undertaken a reorganization of its interests in the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies and Argentine Cable Companies. Pursuant to this reorganization,
Austral acquired a direct ownership interest in the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies, and CASA and SMR have acquired or are in the process of acquiring
direct record ownership of substantially all of the ownership interests in the
Argentine Cable Companies held by the Joint Venture Partners. The Joint
Venture will continue to hold the equitable, or economic interests in the
Argentine Cable Companies acquired prior to December 31, 1995. Effective
December 31, 1995, in connection with this reorganization, Austral contributed
the Partner Loans to CASA and SMR, which canceled the loans in consideration of
the transfer of record ownership in the Argentine Cable Companies. CASA and
SMR issued aportes irrevocable, or rights to subscribe for preferred stock, to
Austral in an amount equal to the outstanding balance of the Partner Loans with
accrued interest as of December 31, 1995. The Joint Venture Agreement was
amended concurrently with these transactions to provide that, notwithstanding
the cancellation of the Partner Loans, Austral will be entitled to receive all
cash proceeds generated by the Argentine Cable Companies until it has recouped
an amount equal to
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the canceled Partner Loans plus a 12% return from redemptions by CASA and SMR of
the aportes irrevocable or redemptions of the preferred stock issued upon
exercise of aportes irrevocable, dividends on any preferred stock issued, and
Joint Venture distributions. The Company also entered into a Shareholders
Agreement with the Joint Venture Partners providing for a similar economic
arrangement in respect of cable investments entered into outside of the Joint
Venture structure.
The Company's ability to hold direct ownership interests in the
Argentine Cable Companies will be subject to (i) the Company's satisfaction of
all Argentine legal requirements governing the issuance and transfer of
licenses to operate cable television systems in Argentina, and (ii) the
conversion to Sociedades Anonimas (effectively, corporations) of certain of the
Argentine Cable Companies presently organized as Sociedades de Responsibilidad
Limitada (the equivalent of limited partnerships). There can be no assurance
that such conditions will be satisfied.
The Company has three wholly owned subsidiaries (in addition to
Austral) that had limited operations during fiscal 1997: Metserco Holdings,
Inc. ("Metserco Holdings") which is the sole stockholder of Metserco
Corporation ("Metserco") and Austral Communications Management Services, Inc.
("ACMS"). Metserco Holdings, a Delaware corporation (formerly Clif Mock
Company) and Metserco Corporation, a Delaware corporation, were engaged in the
business of selling oil field equipment, but since July 1993 they have been
inactive and conduct no material operations. ACMS, a Delaware corporation, was
incorporated during fiscal 1997, and has been inactive since its inception.
The overall operations of the Company are supervised by a corporate
office ("Tescorp Corporate") located in Austin, Texas. Tescorp Corporate is
responsible for preparing and implementing strategic plans, making investment
and capital allocation decisions, managing shareholder relations, coordinating
financial reporting activities, and managing the general business affairs of
the Company. The organizational chart for the Company, excluding the Argentine
Cable Companies which are held subject to the Joint Venture or directly by the
Argentine Joint Venture Companies, may be described as follows:
(1) parent corporation: Tescorp, Inc.;
(2) immediate subsidiaries of parent corporation: (i) Metserco
Holdings, Inc. f/k/a Clif Mock Company, (ii) Austral
Communications Corp, (iii) Austral Communications Management
Services, Inc.
(3) indirect subsidiaries of parent corporation: (i) Metserco
Corporation (direct subsidiary of Metserco Holdings, Inc.),
(ii) Comunicaciones Austral, S.A. (97.0 percent owned by
Austral), (iii) Cabledifusion S.A. (97.0 percent owned by
Austral), (iv) SMR, S.A. (97.0 percent owned by Austral).
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History. The Company was formed in 1980 to acquire small, growing
businesses in the oil service industry. The Company was successful in
consummating acquisitions; however, by 1983, worldwide oil and gas exploration
activities had declined significantly. As a consequence, the Company began to
incur significant operating losses, and acquisition activities were curtailed.
In mid-1983, the Company retained new corporate managers with significant
industry experience, and efforts were commenced to restructure the Company
operationally and financially. The operational restructuring of the Company
entailed a streamlining and consolidation of the Company's business activities.
This was accomplished through a series of divestitures, asset sales, and
internal mergers.
American Century Corporation Asset Acquisition. On July 11, 1990, the
Company acquired substantially all of the assets, consisting primarily of cash
and mortgage receivables (the "ACC Assets"), of American Century Corporation
("ACC"), a publicly held Delaware corporation. The Company consummated the
asset acquisition by issuing to the creditors and shareholders of ACC shares of
Series 1990 Convertible Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock, and warrants
to purchase shares of Common Stock. Additionally, the Company issued to a
former executive of ACC and his partner options to purchase shares of Common
Stock as compensation for services rendered in connection with the transaction.
Concurrent with its issuance of the securities, the Company filed a Form 10
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and obtained the approvals
necessary for its stock to be publicly traded. Thus, immediately after the
Company's acquisition of the ACC Assets, the Company's securities began trading
publicly on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
System.
The Company used the ACC Assets to consummate acquisitions, pay
preferred dividends, and meet general corporate obligations. The Company did
not experience any material change in the operation of any portion or segment
of its business as a result of its acquisition of the ACC Assets.
Sale of Metserco Holdings. Effective July 8, 1993, substantially all
of the assets of Metserco Holdings and certain assets of its wholly owned
Metserco subsidiary were sold to a wholly owned subsidiary of Wheatley*TXT.
The consideration paid for such assets of Metserco Holdings and its subsidiary
was $5.0 million in cash and a promissory note (the "Wheatley*TXT Note")
executed by Wheatley*TXT payable to Metserco Holdings in the principal amount
of $1.0 million.
The $1.0 million balance of the Wheatley*TXT Note was convertible into
Common Stock of Wheatley*TXT at a conversion price of $13.11 per share of
Wheatley*TXT Common Stock, which was equal to 125 percent of the average
closing price of the Wheatley*TXT Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ for the
fifteen trading days immediately preceding the closing. Wheatley*TXT was sold
to Dresser Industries ("Dresser"), a New York Stock Exchange traded company,
which resulted in the Wheatley*TXT Note being converted into Dresser Common
Stock instead of Wheatley*TXT Common Stock. The Company sold the Dresser
Common Stock in August 1994 and realized net proceeds from the sale of
approximately $1.1 million.
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Sale of Tescorp Seismic. Effective February 9, 1994, the Company sold
substantially all of the assets of Tescorp Seismic Products Company ("Tescorp
Seismic") and the stock of Reed Products, Inc. ("Reed") to a wholly owned
subsidiary of Input/Output, Inc. ("I/O"). The consideration paid for such
assets of Tescorp Seismic and the stock of Reed was $4.4 million in cash and a
promissory note executed by I/O payable to the Company in the principal amount
of $2.0 million which was paid in full on June 1, 1994.
Argentine Joint Venture Companies
The Company organized CASA to facilitate the Company's participation
in the Joint Venture. The Company and the Joint Venture Partners formed
Cabledifusion and SMR to facilitate the activities of the Joint Venture in
Argentina. CASA holds a direct ownership interest in certain of the Argentine
Cable Companies. Additionally, it conducts other business development
activities.
Cabledifusion was formed for the purpose of providing management
services to the Argentine Cable Companies. Cabledifusion is presently under
contract to manage the Argentine Cable Companies. Additionally, it conducts
other business development activities.
SMR, which was originally organized to pursue licenses to own and
operate businesses deploying Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio and/or related
technologies in Argentina, holds a direct ownership interest in certain of the
Argentine Cable Companies.
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Argentine Cable Companies
The principal assets of the Company are its interests in the Argentine
Cable Companies, a description of each follows below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
TOTAL PURCHASE ESTIMATED
NAME OF COMPANY LOCATION OF OPERATIONS PRICE* SUBSCRIBERS
3/31/97
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Televisora Austral Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego $1,500,000 5,400
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TV Nieve Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego $1,350,000 Included with
Televisora
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz $4,900,000 13,300
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CVG Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz $1,850,000 Included with
CableMax
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Reconquista, Santa Fe $4,587,000 11,300
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Avellaneda, Santa Fe $1,320,000 Included with
(AVC acquisition) ARTV
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Reconquista, Santa Fe $1,450,000 Included with
(TV SIS acquisition) Avellaneda, Santa Fe ARTV
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC and CablePlus San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro $6,480,000 9,200
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vision. San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro $1,200,000 1,800
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIR TV Trelew, Rawson & Puerto Madryn, Chubut $6,500,000 13,300
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Rawson, Chubut $500,000 Included with
SIR TV
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut $3,500,000 5,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Viedma, Rio Negro $4,000,000 9,500
Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Televiedma Viedma, Rio Negro $2,300,000 Included with
Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aries Cable Viedma
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
- ----------------
* For the purposes of this table, the calculation of total purchase
price includes the total amount of funds paid to the sellers at
closing, and the estimated amount of seller notes or deferred payments
which will be owed to the sellers in the future in connection with the
acquisition. The estimated amount of funds contributed or to be
contributed to the acquired companies on or about the date of closing
for the purpose of paying closing costs was approximately $750,000 in
the aggregate.
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Televisora Austral/TV Nieve. On April 7, 1994, the Joint Venture
Partners acquired the outstanding equity of Televisora Austral for
approximately $1.5 million subject to the Joint Venture Agreement. Televisora
Austral operates the cable television system serving Ushuaia, the capital of
the Province of Tierra del Fuego.
During fiscal 1997, Televisora Austral acquired 100 percent of the
ownership of TV Nieve for approximately $1.3 million. TV Nieve operated a
local Microwave Multi Point Distribution System (a service similar to cable
television hereinafter referred to as "MMDS") and competed against Televisora
Austral in Ushuaia.
At March 31, 1997, Televisora Austral provided cable television
service to approximately 5,400 subscribers at a base rate of $45.00 per month.
Ushuaia has a population of approximately 30,000 persons residing in
approximately 10,000 households.
CableMax/CVG. On August 16, 1994, the Joint Venture Partners acquired
the outstanding equity of CableMax for approximately $4.9 million subject to
the Joint Venture Agreement. CableMax operates a cable television system
serving Rio Gallegos, the capital of the Province of Santa Cruz.
Effective March 1, 1995, the Joint Venture Partners acquired the
outstanding equity of CVG for approximately $1.9 million subject to the Joint
Venture Agreement. CVG operated a cable television system serving Rio Gallegos
which was in direct competition with CableMax.
Concurrent with the acquisition of CVG, the operations of CVG were
consolidated into CableMax. At March 31, 1997, CableMax and CVG provided cable
television service to approximately 13,300 subscribers at a base rate of $35.00
per month. Rio Gallegos has a population of approximately 65,000 persons
residing in approximately 19,000 households.
At present, CableMax and CVG are the only providers of cable
television service in Rio Gallegos, and no MMDS competitor provider offers
service in the community.
ARTV. On December 9, 1994, the Joint Venture Partners acquired the
outstanding equity of ARTV subject to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement.
for approximately $4.6 million. ARTV operates a cable television system
serving Reconquista in the Province of Santa Fe.
On February 7, 1995, the Joint Venture Partners acquired the
outstanding equity of AVC for approximately $1.3 million subject to the Joint
Venture Agreement. AVC operated a cable television system serving Avellaneda,
a city located near Reconquista in the Province of Santa Fe.
During fiscal 1997, ARTV acquired the assets of TV SIS for
approximately $1.45 million. TV SIS was the operator of a cable television
system in competition with the cable service offered by ARTV. Austral loaned
ARTV the funds necessary to acquire TV SIS.
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Concurrent with the acquisition of AVC, the operations of AVC were
consolidated into ARTV, and the combined systems are now operated in the two
communities under the name "ARTV". At March 31, 1997, ARTV provided cable
television service to approximately 11,300 subscribers at a base rate of $27.00
per month. Reconquista and Avellaneda have an aggregate population of
approximately 64,000 persons residing in approximately 17,000 households.
BTC/CablePlus/Vision. In July 1995, the Joint Venture Partners
acquired 80.0 percent of the outstanding equity of BTC and CablePlus for
approximately $6.6 million subject to the Joint Venture Agreement. BTC
operates a cable television system serving San Carlos de Bariloche in the
Province of Rio Negro. The assets of CablePlus have been contributed to BTC,
and CablePlus has been liquidated.
In March 1997, BTC purchased 100% of the outstanding equity of Vision
for approximately $1.2 million. Vision is a local Ultra High Frequency ("UHF")
system which was previously competing against BTC.
At March 31, 1997, BTC (including CablePlus) provided cable television
service to approximately 9,200 subscribers at a base rate of $35.00 per month
and Vision provided service to approximately 1,800 UHF subscribers at a base
rate of $30 per month. San Carlos de Bariloche has a population of
approximately 78,000 persons residing in approximately 23,000 households.
SIR TV. In December 1995, the Joint Venture Partners acquired the
outstanding equity of SIR TV for approximately $6.5 million subject to the
Joint Venture Agreement. SIR TV operates a cable television system serving the
following cities located in Chubut Province: Trelew, Rawson (which is the
Provincial capital), and Puerto Madryn.
In May 1996, Transcable acquired all of the assets of Canal 4 Rawson
("Canal 4 Rawson") for approximately $500,000 using the proceeds of a loan
provided by Austral. Canal 4 Rawson provided cable television service in
competition to SIR TV in Rawson.
At March 31, 1997, SIR TV and Transcable provided cable television
service to approximately 13,300 subscribers at a base rate of approximately
$28.00 per month. Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn have an aggregate
population of approximately 165,000 persons residing in approximately 46,000
households. The cable television markets in Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn
are highly competitive, and SIR TV has a competitor in each market. See
"Competition".
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Transcable (Comodoro). On December 23, 1996, Transcable acquired
substantially all of the assets of Comodoro, a company that provides cable
television service in the city of Comodoro Rividavia, Chubut Province. The
purchase price was approximately $3.5 million.
At March 31, 1997, Transcable provided cable television service to
approximately 5,000 subscribers at a base rate of approximately $25.00 per
month. Comodoro Rividavia has an aggregate population of approximately 140,000
persons residing in approximately 37,500 households. Transcable is in
competition with another cable television provider in Comodoro Rivadavia. See
"Competition".
Cable Viedma/Televiedma. On February 11, 1997, the Company acquired
the stock of Televiedma, a company that provides cable television service in
the cities of Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires
Province. The purchase price was approximately $2.2 million, subject to
certain adjustments.
On February 28, 1997, the Company acquired the stock of Cable Viedma
S.R.L., a company that provides cable television service in the cities of
Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province. The
purchase price was approximately $4.0 million, subject to certain adjustments.
The Company plans to merge the operations of Televiedma and Cable
Viedma as both companies operate in the same market. At March 31, 1997, Cable
Viedma and Televiedma provided cable television service to approximately 9,500
subscribers at a base rate of approximately $33.00 per month. Viedma and
Carmen de Patagones have an aggregate population of approximately 73,500
persons residing in approximately 21,000 households.
Regulation
The Comite Nacional de Radiodifusion ("COMFER"), an Argentine
governmental agency which is similar to the Federal Communications Commission
in the United States, licenses and regulates cable television operations in
Argentina. Prior to October 20, 1994, Argentine law was unclear as to whether
persons or entities other than Argentine citizens could legally hold licenses
to operate cable television systems, and management was advised that COMFER
would likely reject applications to operate such systems submitted by
non-Argentine citizens.
Effective October 20, 1994, the United States and Argentina ratified
the Trade Treaty which provided, among other things, for the ownership of
Argentine cable television systems by companies domiciled in the United States.
Effective March 27, 1995 COMFER promulgated regulations relating to the
licensure and approval of companies domiciled in the United States to own and
operate Argentine cable television systems, and a representative of COMFER has
indicated to the Company's management that COMFER no longer will distinguish
between Argentine and U.S. applicants in the licensure process.
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Based on advice it has received, management is of the opinion that
U.S. companies will be licensed to own and operate Argentine cable television
systems. To date and to the best knowledge of the management of the Company,
COMFER has formally approved or licensed two U.S. companies; however, the
Company has no assurance that COMFER will approve its licensure. Management is
currently seeking licensure of the Company or its subsidiaries with the
assistance of the Joint Venture Partners and local counsel. A decision by
COMFER to deny the licensure of the Company or its affiliated entities to own
and operate cable television systems in Argentina could have a material adverse
impact on the operations and value of the Company.
Competition
Cable television systems, such as the systems operated by the
Argentine Cable Companies, are subject to competition from several alternative
means of signal transmission including but not limited to Microwave Multi-Point
Distribution Systems ("MMDS"), ultra high frequency systems ("UHF"), Microwave
Master Antenna Television Systems ("MATV"), Satellite Master Antenna Television
Systems ("SMATV"), Direct Broadcast Satellite ("DBS"), and Home Satellite
Television Systems ("HSTV"). Additionally, cable television systems are
subject to competition from other cable television competitors, the telephone
companies and videocassettes.
In MMDS, satellite transmissions of television signals are received
via antenna at a central "head end" facility. The signal is transmitted via
microwave on a "line of sight" basis to an antenna situated on or near the
subscriber's home. The microwave signal is converted into a lower frequency
and transmitted via coaxial cable to the converter installed on the
subscriber's television. The signal is de-scrambled by the converter and
transmitted to the television. In Argentina, MMDS commonly competes with cable
television. The advantages of MMDS compared to cable television include the
ability to transmit programming on a line-of-sight basis to a large market area
without the necessity of building a cable infrastructure. The disadvantages of
MMDS compared to cable television include but are not limited to the cost of
equipment, potential reception problems caused by changing weather conditions,
and the need to maintain a "line of sight" between the subscriber and the "head
end" or "beam bender".
UHF systems operate in a manner similar to MMDS but at different
frequencies. As with MMDS, UHF commonly competes with cable television in
Argentina. The same advantages and disadvantages of MMDS apply to UHF.
In MATV, satellite transmissions of television signals are received
via antenna at a central "head end" facility. The signal is transmitted via
microwave or coaxial cable to a master antenna at the subscribers home
(typically, MATV is used to provide service to apartment complexes, condominium
complexes or townhouse clusters). The master antenna serves all the homes in
the complex or cluster. At the master antenna, the signal is converted into a
lower frequency and transmitted via coaxial cable to the subscriber's
residence. In Argentina, MATV is used in certain circumstances; however, it is
not generally considered to be a major competitor to cable television. In
certain circumstances, MATV operations obtain signal from cable television
operators.
12
<PAGE> 13
SMATV is similar to MATV. The major difference is that the television
signal is transmitted to the "master antenna" by satellite rather than by
microwave or coaxial cable. In Argentina, SMATV is used in certain
circumstances; however, it is not generally considered to be a major competitor
to cable television. In certain circumstances, SMATV operations obtain signal
from cable television operators.
In DBS, the television signal is transmitted via satellite to an
antenna installed at the subscriber's residence or office. The signal is
transmitted via coaxial cable to a down converter which changes the frequency
of the signal and then via coaxial cable to a converter installed on the
subscriber's television. The signal is descrambled by the converter and
transmitted to the television. DBS will reportedly be made available
throughout Argentina by at least three competitive providers beginning in 1997.
The advantages of DBS include the quality of signal and quantity of channel
offerings. Management of the Company believes that disadvantages of DBS,
especially with regard to Argentina, are: the high subscriber equipment costs;
the lack of local programming offered (e.g. local news, weather and sports)
which has been historically produced and delivered by cable television
operators; the relatively high penetration of cable into Argentine households
(approximately 45.0 percent); and the relatively low penetration of telephones
into households which will likely inhibit impulse purchases of "pay per view"
programming.
HSTV is transmitted in a manner similar to that of DBS. HSTV is not a
major competitor due to the cost of the necessary equipment, the necessity to
subscribe to many scrambled channels distributed via satellite, and the
complexity and unreliability of the equipment.
In Argentina, competition among multiple cable television operators in
a given market is not uncommon. Competing against a well-established cable
television operator is sometimes economically difficult and can reduce market
share and pricing flexibility.
In the United States, regional telephone companies have announced
plans to begin offering cable television service through fiber optic trunk
lines and coaxial or copper drops or distribution networks. Such services have
not yet been offered in Argentina; however, it has been reported that
affiliates of the two Argentine telephone companies have acquired a minority
interest in major Argentine cable television operators. At present, Argentine
telephone companies are prohibited from supplying video programming to
subscribers. However, active discussions are reportedly occurring in the
executive and legislative branches of the Argentine government with regards to
a possible deregulation of the telecommunications industry, including
deregulation of providers of voice, data and video services. Management of the
Company believes that the Argentine telecommunications industry may be
deregulated during the period from 1998 to 2000, and that such deregulation
could lead to direct competition among telephone companies and cable television
companies with regard to the supply of voice, data and video signals. Such
competition, if it materializes, could adversely affect the business of the
Company, but may also create new opportunities.
13
<PAGE> 14
Videocassettes obtained through purchase or rental are an
entertainment alternative to cable television. While users must incur the cost
of acquiring a videocassette player, the price of such players has declined
significantly in recent years. Management of the Company believes that
videocassettes are not significant competitive threats to cable television. To
the contrary, management of the Company believes that high videocassette player
penetration in certain markets is indicative of a potentially strong cable
television market.
Financial Reporting - Comparability
Prior to March 31, 1995, the Company reported its holdings in the
Latin American Operations as "Notes Receivable," and did not consolidate the
financial results of those operations because the requirements for
consolidation, as set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
94, had not been met. The Company began preparing its balance sheet on a
consolidated basis to include the Latin American Operations in its annual
report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, and
consolidated the statement of income for these operations in the periods
beginning April 1, 1995. This resulted in the elimination of the line item for
Notes Receivable and significantly different balance sheet presentation for the
Company's Latin American Operations beginning with the Form 10-KSB for the year
ended March 31, 1995, and on subsequent periodic reports. Beginning April 1,
1995, the Company began reporting revenue and expenses of the Latin American
Operations, which are earned and paid in Argentine pesos, in U.S. dollars for
purposes of financial presentation. The Company will continue to report its
Latin American Operations in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP"), but has acquired, and expects to continue to acquire,
communications properties whose records have not been maintained according to
those standards or according to accounting standards typically seen at
equivalent systems in the United States. This lack of comparability
complicates management's evaluations of potential acquisitions as well as
forecasts prepared for internal purposes for systems that have been acquired.
It also requires that management engage in the labor intensive process of
converting financial results to make comparisons of post-acquisition
performance with pre-acquisition performance. In addition, if a material
acquisition is contemplated for a property with inadequate financial records,
the Company may be required to forego the acquisition in order to maintain
compliance with SEC reporting requirements. However, it is not contemplated
that the implementation of GAAP will have a material adverse effect on the
operations of systems that have been or may be acquired.
Nature of International Business
The Company operates in Latin America and its performance is largely
tied to factors over which it has no control including but not limited to the
economic environment for foreign investment, exchange rates (including
devaluation), inflation and general economic and regulatory conditions.
Accordingly, there is a significant degree of risk that a holder of securities
issued by the Company will lose all or a substantial portion of his investment
if foreign investors are discriminated against or economic conditions
significantly worsen in the foreign markets.
14
<PAGE> 15
Enforceability of Legal Structure
In Argentina, Joint Ventures are not recognized as distinct legal
entities, and accordingly, the Joint Venture was organized in accordance with
the laws of the United States. In the event that the Company had a dispute
with the Joint Venture Partners, a possibility exists that the Company would be
required to seek legal remedies in U.S. courts. The principal assets
pertaining to the Joint Venture are located in Argentina, and the Company would
be required to seek enforcement of judgments awarded in the United States
through the Argentine legal system. Such process would likely be expensive and
time consuming, and no assurance can be given that the Company would be able to
enforce such judgments in an economical or timely manner, if at all. However,
this risk should diminish as a result of the Company's acquisition of direct
ownership interests in the Argentine Joint Venture Companies and their
acquisition of direct ownership interests in the Argentine Cable Companies
pursuant to the planned reorganization. See "The Company" above.
Reliance on Key Management Personnel
The operations and financial performance of the Company are highly
dependent upon the continued involvement of Jack R. Crosby, the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Jack S. Gray, Jr., the President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Joint Venture Partners. The
Company does not have employment agreements with Messrs. Gray or Crosby,
however, there are certain continuing obligations imposed upon the Joint
Venture Partners by virtue of the Joint Venture Agreement. The death,
departure or incapacity of any of those persons could have a material, adverse
impact on the operations and financial performance of the Company, and there is
no assurance that the Company could replace any or all of those executive
officers or partners with persons having comparable management and operating
skills. In addition, while Jack R. Crosby has extensive experience in the
cable industry, none of the executive officers of the Company has extensive
business experience in Argentina or Latin America, except that which has been
acquired over the last two fiscal years. It was primarily for this reason that
the Company entered into the Joint Venture with the Joint Venture Partners. If
that relationship were terminated, there can be no assurance that the Company
would be able to find other qualified local Joint Venture partners to monitor
the operations.
15
<PAGE> 16
Preferred Stock Dividends, Liquidation Preferences and Conversion Features
There are currently 693,864 shares of Series 10% 1990 Convertible
Preferred Stock ("1990 Preferred Stock") outstanding. The 1990 Preferred Stock
calls for the payment of annual dividends of $.50 per share, payable on a
quarterly basis. In addition, in the event of liquidation, the holders of 1990
Preferred Stock are entitled to receive $5.00 plus accrued and unpaid dividends
before the holders of Common Stock and Series 1995 Preferred Stock (defined
below) are entitled to receive any of the liquidation proceeds. Each share of
1990 Preferred Stock is currently convertible into approximately 1.25 shares of
Common Stock.
The 139,250 outstanding shares of Series 1995 8% Convertible Preferred
Stock ("Series 1995 Preferred Stock") carry annual dividends of $8.00 per share
payable on a quarterly basis, except that holders who have so elected may have
such dividends paid in shares of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation,
the holders of Series 1995 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive $100.00 plus
accrued and unpaid dividends before the holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive any of the liquidation proceeds. Each share of Series 1995 Preferred
Stock is convertible into 32 shares of Common Stock, subject to certain
adjustments. In addition, the Company may incur significant levels of
financial debt, trade debt and other obligations that will have priority over
all classes of the Company's stock. Because of such priorities, in the event
of the Company's insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other
winding up, creditors and holders of the 1990 Preferred Stock must be satisfied
in full before any distributions will be made with respect to the Series 1995
Preferred Stock, and holders of both the 1990 Preferred Stock and the Series
1995 Preferred Stock must be satisfied in full before any distributions will be
made with respect to the Common Stock. Consequently, in light of the fact that
the 1990 Preferred Stock is entitled to receive preferential dividends and,
effectively, the option of receiving preferential treatment on liquidation or
converting into Common Stock if it appears that the Common Stock will recover
more than the 1990 Preferred Stock in the event of liquidation, there is a risk
that the 1990 Preferred Stock would recover disproportionately higher returns
than the Common Stock and the Series 1995 Preferred Shares, particularly if the
proceeds of a liquidation were not significantly greater than the aggregate
liquidation preference for the 1990 Preferred Stock. The same is true with
respect to the Series 1995 Preferred Stock liquidation preference over Common
Stock, particularly if the proceeds of a liquidation were not significantly
greater than the aggregate liquidation preference for the 1990 Preferred Stock
and Series 1995 Preferred Stock.
Reliance on Suppliers
The Company is dependent in several respects on the Joint Venture's
suppliers for television content, equipment and parts. While the Company
believes that the Joint Venture has good relationships with all of its major
suppliers, there can be no assurance that the Joint Venture will be able to
maintain these relationships.
16
<PAGE> 17
Securities Market Factors
There have been periods of volatility in the market for the Company's
securities, which in many cases were unrelated to the operating performance of
or announcements concerning the Company. During such periods, the market
prices of the Company's securities have fluctuated substantially (within the
twelve months ending May 31, 1997, the market price of the Common Stock has
ranged from $4.625 to $2.875). General market price declines or market
volatility in the future could adversely affect the price of the Company's
securities. The lack of a significant public float may also limit the ability
of stockholders to liquidate their investment in a timely fashion. At March
31, 1997, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock and the market value
of Common Stock held by non-affiliates was 10,638,911 shares and $37,236,189
respectively. There can be no assurance that the Common Stock, as well as the
1990 Preferred Stock, will not continue to be subject to periods of extreme
volatility. The Series 1995 Preferred Stock is not listed on any exchange or
quoted on any automated quotation system. In addition, it is held by a
relatively small number of shareholders. Accordingly, it is not likely that
any significant trading market will develop for the Series 1995 Preferred
Stock.
Shares of Common Stock Eligible for Sale
The Company has in the past registered for offer and sale under the
Securities Act certain of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and
certain of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion,
as applicable, of outstanding options, warrants and convertible securities held
by the Company's shareholders, including certain officers, directors, employees
and "affiliates" of the Company (as such term is defined pursuant to the
Exchange Act). The sale of such shares would have been subject to substantial
limitations in the absence of such registration. A substantial number of such
shares may still be held by the registered holders thereof and available for
resale under currently effective registration statements. In addition, certain
shareholders of the Company hold the right (subject to certain conditions) to
require that the Company register for offer and sale issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of such shares, and sales
of shares pursuant to this registration, could adversely affect the market
value of the Common Stock, the 1990 Preferred Stock and the Series 1995
Preferred Stock.
Foreign Governmental Actions
Governmental entities with jurisdiction over the cable systems
acquired may impose regulations relating to the ownership, pricing and
availability of cable services which would significantly impact the Latin
American cable television industry. Because the governments of most Latin
American countries are not considered to be as stable as the government of the
United States, any investment in those countries necessarily involves greater
risk than similar investments in the United States or other, more politically
and economically stable countries. While the Company considers that such risks
may create many opportunities, there can be no assurance in this regard.
17
<PAGE> 18
Limitations on Remedies and Indemnification
The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide
that a director shall not be personally liable to the Company or its
shareholders for any monetary damages for any act or omission in his capacity
as a director, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by the laws of
the State of Texas. In addition, the Company's Bylaws provide that officers
and directors are liable to the Company only for acts or omissions that
constitute actual fraud, or willful or intentional misconduct. Therefore, the
Company may be unable to recover damages for certain alleged errors or
omissions by officers and directors. The Bylaws also provide that the Company
will indemnify its officers and directors, in their capacities as such, for
liabilities incurred in connection with their good faith acts if they
reasonably believe their conduct is in the Company's best interests. In
instances in which officers and directors are not acting in their official
capacities, the Bylaws provide for indemnification if such persons reasonably
believe their conduct is not opposed to the Company's best interests. The
Bylaws provide for indemnification in criminal proceedings if officers and
directors have no reasonable cause to believe their conduct is unlawful.
Dilution
There were 13,178,007 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March
31, 1997. Warrants for the purchase of 586,200 shares of Common Stock and
options for the purchase of 748,615 shares of Common Stock are currently
exercisable and in-the-money. If all exercisable, in-the-money warrants and
options were exercised and all 1990 Preferred Stock and Series 1995 Preferred
Stock were converted, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding would
increase to 19,838,326. If all warrants and options were exercised, the 1990
Preferred Stock and the Series 1995 Preferred Stock were converted, the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding would increase to 21,330,647. In
addition, the book value of the Common Stock, after giving effect to the
liquidation preference of the 1990 Preferred Stock and the Series 1995
Preferred Stock, is substantially below the current trading price of the Common
Stock.
Absence of Dividends on Common Stock
The Company has not historically declared or paid dividends on its
Common Stock and has no plans to do so in the foreseeable future. In addition,
the Company's Articles of Incorporation preclude the declaration or payment of
dividends on the Common Stock unless 1990 Preferred Stock dividends and Series
1995 Preferred Stock dividends have been declared and paid in full or declared
and a sum sufficient to pay such declared dividends set aside.
18
<PAGE> 19
Argentine Economy
Events which occurred in Mexico during fiscal year 1996 had an
unsettling effect on Latin American financial markets, including Argentina's,
which in turn had an unsettling effect on domestic businesses in those
countries. The liquidity of Argentine banks deteriorated as a result of the
withdrawal of significant deposits; many holders of Argentine pesos converted
them into U.S. dollars and withdrew them from the Argentine banking system;
Argentine foreign reserves declined; and the Argentine central bank
significantly increased interest rates in an effort to support the Argentine
peso and discourage the outflow of funds from the country. The events in
Mexico coupled with the domestic response in Argentina resulted in the
Argentine economy, as measured by real Gross Domestic Product (the "GDP"),
contracting by an estimated 3.9 percent in calendar year 1995. During that
same period, unemployment rose to a historic high of approximately 20 percent.
The Argentine government responded to the economic problems triggered
by events in Mexico by increasing the value added tax to 21 percent from 18
percent, reducing government spending, and exerting pressure on provincial
governments to increase fiscal responsibility. As a result of these actions
and the subsequent restoration of confidence, as of the end of 1996: economic
growth had resumed with GDP growing 4.4 percent during the year; deposits held
by Argentine banks and foreign reserves held by the Central Bank recovered to
levels in excess of that which existed prior to the occurrence of the problems
in Mexico; and the unemployment rate reportedly declined to approximately 16
percent.
It is possible that the Argentine government will be unable to
maintain control over inflation and sustain the current peso to U.S. dollar
conversion ratio. Economic volatility and sustained high unemployment could
diminish the ability of subscribers to pay for service, resulting in an
increase in bad debts and reductions in the number of subscribers. In
addition, a prolonged or severe deterioration of the economy may result in a
devaluation of the peso and a return to the hyperinflation experienced in
Argentina prior to 1992. While the Argentine Cable Companies would attempt to
increase their subscription rates to offset increases in operating costs, there
is no assurance they would be able to do so. Accordingly, operating costs
could rise faster than associated revenue, resulting in a material negative
impact on reported earnings. Any cash and current receivables maintained in
Argentine pesos could decline in value before such amounts are converted to
hard assets or U.S. dollars. In addition, the government could impose price
freezes, prohibit the transfer of funds outside the country and adopt other
measures which alone, or together with those previously mentioned could have a
material adverse impact on the Company.
While management will monitor the exchange rates and take appropriate
measures in response to perceived risks, the Company has no plan to implement a
policy of hedge transactions to reduce the Company's exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate risks. Accordingly, the Company could experience losses
and a negative impact on earnings with respect to its holdings solely as a
result of devaluation against the dollar.
19
<PAGE> 20
Argentina does not restrict the removal or conversion of local or
foreign currency. However, there can be no assurance that such policies will
not be adopted in the future in reaction to a sustained deterioration of their
financial markets.
Local Ordinance
Through the Joint Venture, the Company owns a 96 percent economic
interest in Televisora Austral, an Argentine Sociedad Anonima that owns and
operates the cable television system in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province,
Argentina. The Secretary General of the Government of Tierra del Fuego issued
an ordinance (the "Ordinance") for the purpose of regulating the operation of
businesses, including but not limited to cable television companies, using
radio frequencies in the Province of Tierra del Fuego. Among other things, the
Ordinance prohibits the granting of cable television licenses to persons who
have not been legal residents of the Province of Tierra del Fuego for two or
more years.
The Ordinance was promulgated by the Province of Tierra del Fuego.
The Company's management has been advised that the Argentine federal government
has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the use of radio
frequencies, and the Ordinance is in direct contravention to the Treaty, the
Argentine Constitution and Argentine federal laws which supersede Provincial
laws and ordinances. The Company's management has also been advised that at
least one other Argentine Province has previously passed laws and/or ordinances
seeking to extend Provincial jurisdiction over radio frequency regulation;
however, Argentine courts struck down such laws and ordinances. The Company's
management believes the Ordinance ultimately will be repealed or determined to
be invalid, and federal regulation will prevail. Successful enforcement of the
Ordinance by the Province of Tierra del Fuego would likely have a material
adverse economic impact on the Company's economic interests in Tierra del
Fuego.
Employees
In March 1997, the Company's U.S. operations had five full-time
employees, and it contracted with an affiliate of Jack R. Crosby, the Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for services provided
on a part-time basis by five other persons. The Company considers its
relations with its employees to be satisfactory. None of the Company's U.S.
employees are represented by a labor union. The Company has not experienced
any work stoppages or strikes as a result of labor disputes.
20
<PAGE> 21
As of March 31, 1997, the Argentine Cable Companies employed 217
persons and the Argentine Joint Venture Companies employed 11 persons. The
employees of the Argentine Joint Venture Companies are not represented by a
union. Certain employees of the Argentine Cable Companies are members of the
Sindicato Argentino de Television ("SAT"), which is a union representing
employees of the cable television industry. A summary of the number of
employees of the Argentine Cable Companies and their status with SAT at March
31, 1997, follows below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF SAT
NAME OF COMPANY EMPLOYEES MEMBERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Televisora Austral 22 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax 28 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV 28 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable 31 22
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC 24 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIR TV 44 39
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma/Televiedma 25 19
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vision 15 8
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>
SAT: Sindicato Argentino de Television (Argentine Television Union).
The Asociacion Argentine de Television por Cable ("ATVC") is the
Argentine cable television trade association. Certain members of ATVC and SAT
entered into the Convencion Colectiva de Trabajo Nacional para Circuitos
Cerrados No. 223/75 (the "Convencion") which prescribes work rules for
employees of cable television companies. The Argentine Cable Companies are
required by law to adhere to the Convencion whether or not their employees are
members of SAT. Management believes that the Argentine Cable Companies have
fully complied with the terms of the Convencion and that the relationship
between the Argentine Cable Companies, their employees and SAT are
satisfactory.
Employees have the option of becoming members of SAT, and membership
gives employees access to certain SAT sponsored programs pertaining to
insurance, travel and other services outside of the scope of employment. Even
if an employee is not a member of SAT, Argentine law provides for SAT to
represent that cable employee with regard to disputes pertaining to the
Convencion. Given this arrangement, membership in SAT is not necessarily
indicative of employee unrest.
21
<PAGE> 22
Proprietary Information
The Company currently owns no material patents.
Research and Product Development
The Company's research efforts are limited to the markets for cable
television services and accordingly are charged to operations as incurred.
During the fiscal years ending March 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company did not
incur any such costs.
Governmental Regulation
The Company and its properties are subject to certain federal, state
and local regulatory requirements relating to environmental, waste management,
health, safety and other matters. A risk of costs and liabilities related to
these matters exists and is inherent in most businesses and properties.
Management believes that the Company's properties are maintained in general
compliance with applicable environmental, waste management, health and safety
laws and regulations, the violation of which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. In the event of violation, these requirements provide
for civil and criminal fines, injunctions and other sanctions, and in certain
instances, allow third parties to sue to enforce compliance. In addition, new
or modified requirements could be adopted which may adversely affect the
Company. The Company does not anticipate any material adverse effects in the
foreseeable future as a result of its compliance with federal, state and local
regulatory requirements relating to environmental, waste management, health,
safety and other matters.
In the past, the Company generated and temporarily handled limited
amounts of materials that were considered hazardous waste under applicable law.
The Company contracted for the off-site disposal of these materials.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company leases its corporate offices located in Austin, Texas at a
cost of approximately $4,300 per month, and the lease expires on May 14, 2000.
Metserco owns a vacant sales/manufacturing facility located in Odessa, Texas.
The property owned by Metserco is not utilized by the Company in any of its
on-going operations.
Each of the facilities leased by the Company is in good condition and
adequately maintained. The facility owned by Metserco is presently vacant, and
will likely require improvements prior to lease or occupancy.
The Argentine Cable Companies and the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies lease and /or own certain properties. Management believes that all
the properties are in good condition and adequately maintained. The following
table describes the properties leased and owned by the Argentine Cable
Companies and the Argentine Joint Venture Companies as of March 31, 1997.
22
<PAGE> 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================================
LESSEE/OWNER LEASED/ PROPERTY PROPERTY USAGE MONTHLY LEASE EXPIRATION
OWNED LOCATION RENT DATE
EXPENSE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Televisora Austral Leased Ushuaia Customer Service $3,000 03/31/97
Headend (not renewed)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Televisora Austral Leased Ushuaia Administrative, $3,000 02/28/00
Customer Service
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Televisora Austral Leased Ushuaia Poles $1,650 10/31/06
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Televisora Austral Leased Ushuaia Headend, Dish Site None * 05/30/99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax Leased Rio Gallegos Customer Service $1,200 12/1/98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax Owned Rio Gallegos Headend, Warehouse N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax Owned Rio Gallegos Dish Site N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CableMax Leased Rio Gallegos Poles $7,258 04/03/99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Leased Reconquista Customer Service, $3,000 05/31/98
Headend,
Warehouse, Dish
Site
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Leased Reconquista Chief Tech House $600 04/12/98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Leased Reconquista Poles $1,800 In negotiation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Leased Avellaneda Customer Service, $450 No Lease
Headend, Dish
Site, Warehouse
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTV Lease Avellaneda Poles $1,210 In negotiation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC Owned S.C. de Customer Service, N/A N/A
Bariloche Headend, Warehouse
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC Owned S.C. de 5 Parcels N/A N/A
Bariloche presently unused
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC Leased S.C. de Customer Service, $2,200 09/30/98
Bariloche Administration
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTC Leased S.C. de Poles $5,947 08/23/05
Bariloche
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIR TV Owned Trelew Customer Service, N/A N/A
Headend,
Administration
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Leased Rawson Tower $600 31/10/98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Leased Rawson Headend $600 In negotiation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIR TV Leased Loma Maria Dish site $800 No lease
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE> 24
<TABLE>
===============================================================================================================
LESSEE/OWNER LEASED/ PROPERTY PROPERTY USAGE MONTHLY LEASE EXPIRATION
OWNED LOCATION RENT DATE
EXPENSE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SIR TV Owned Puerto Madryn Customer Service, N/A N/A
Headend
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIR TV Leased Trelew Poles $4,279 11/30/99
Puerto Madryn 03/31/99
Rawson In negotiation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Leased Comodoro Customer Service, $3,500 12/31/01
Rivadavia Headend,
Administration
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Leased Comodoro Manager's House $1,500 1/31/99
Rivadavia
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcable Leased Comodoro Poles $1,397 In negotiation
Rivadavia
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Owned Viedma Unused (for sale) N/A N/A
Televiedma
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Leased Viedma Customer Service, $3,800 Month to month
Televiedma Headend,
Administration
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Leased Carmen de Customer Service $450 09/14/97
Televiedma Patagones
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Leased Viedma Manager's House $700 02/28/99
Televiedma
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Leased Carmen de Poles $2,845 10/30/97
Televiedma Patagones
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable Viedma Leased Viedma Poles $1,527 In negotiation
Televiedma
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vision Leased S.C. de Tower (3 sites) $750 No lease
Bariloche
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabledifusion Leased Buenos Aires Management Office $4,000 02/08/98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabledifusion Leased Buenos Aires Officers' $840 04/11/99
Apartment
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASA None N/A N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMR None N/A N/A N/A N/A
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* This property is leased from the Argentine military. In exchange
for the long-term lease of the property, Televisora Austral provides
military personnel in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province with cable
television service at a monthly rate of 65.0 percent of the market
rate charged to non-military subscribers. This arrangement results in
a reduction of revenue of less than $5,000 per month.
24
<PAGE> 25
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not aware of any formal legal proceedings pending
against it other than routine litigation arising out of employee disputes in
Argentina and one claim by the Company against the seller of CableMax, none of
which would have a material adverse affect on the Company if adverse judgments
were rendered. From time to time, the Company will be involved in routine
litigation incident to its business. Given that litigation is becoming
increasingly common in any business endeavor, the Company reasonably
anticipates that it will continue to be involved in litigation in the future.
The Company has no ability to predict the consequences, if any, of any legal
proceedings which may arise in the future.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company,
through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
25
<PAGE> 26
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock and Series 1990 Convertible Preferred Stock
are traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") under
the symbols TESC and TESCP, respectively. Such trading began on July 12, 1990,
coincident with the issuance of securities in connection with the acquisition
of the ACC Assets. The Series 1990 Convertible Preferred Stock was not
outstanding prior to that time, and no public market existed for the Common
Stock prior to the acquisition of the ACC Assets. The high and low bid prices
as reported by NASDAQ each quarter for the past two fiscal years ended March 31
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1997 1996
------------------- ---------------------
High Low High Low
----- ------ ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock
First quarter 4.5000 3.2500 4.000 1.875
Second quarter 4.1250 2.8750 3.563 2.750
Third quarter 4.6250 2.8750 3.875 2.750
Fourth quarter 4.3125 3.2500 4.375 2.500
Preferred Stock
First quarter 6.0000 5.2500 5.500 4.375
Second quarter 5.8750 4.1250 5.250 4.500
Third quarter 5.6250 4.7500 5.500 4.500
Fourth quarter 5.5000 4.6250 6.000 4.875
</TABLE>
These quotations may reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail
mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions. The Series 1995 Preferred Stock does not trade on any exchange
or in the over-the-counter market.
At April 1, 1997, the (i) 13,178,007 shares of Common Stock
outstanding were held by 353 shareholders of record, and (ii) 693,864 shares of
Series 1990 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding were held by 252
shareholders of record. No dividends have been declared on the Company's
Common Stock during the past two fiscal years and the Company has no plans to
pay dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Articles of
Incorporation restrict the Company's ability to declare or pay dividends on the
Common Stock unless full cumulative dividends on the Preferred Stock have been
paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
such payment.
26
<PAGE> 27
In reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule
506 of Regulation D promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
Company entered into a Note Purchase and Warrant Agreement dated February 7,
1997 pursuant to which accredited investors obtained 13% Senior Notes ("Senior
Notes") dated February 7, 1997 in the aggregate principal amount of $6.0
million. In addition to the Senior Notes, the accredited investors obtained
Stock Purchase Warrants dated February 7, 1997 exercisable at $4.00 per share
for an aggregate of 210,000 shares of the Common Stock of the Company. The
Warrants expire February 7, 2002. Additionally, 90,000 Warrants were issued to
the Company's investment banking firm as consideration for the professional
services rendered in connection with the placement of the Senior Notes.
27
<PAGE> 28
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis of the Company's financial
condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the
Company's consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto,
included elsewhere herein. The consolidated financial statements provide
additional information regarding the Company's financial activities and
condition. Moreover, this discussion contains forward looking statements that
include risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ
significantly from the results discussed in the forward looking statements.
Year Ended March 31, 1997 Compared to the Year Ended March 31, 1996
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
For the years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, the operations of the
Argentine Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture Companies (collectively
referred to as the "Latin American Operations") were included in the Company's
consolidated statement of operations. The Latin American Operations for all
periods include cable TV systems operating in five markets. BTC was acquired
in July 1995 and SIR TV was acquired in December 1995; therefore the year ended
March 31, 1996 includes nine months of the operations of BTC and only four
months of the operations of SIR TV. TV Nieve, which operated in the same
market as Televisora Austral, was acquired in April, 1996; therefore the year
ended March 31, 1996 does not include its operations. Comodoro was acquired on
December 23, 1996 and Televiedma and Cable Viedma were acquired in February
1997; therefore the results of operations of these systems are only included in
the last quarter of the year ended March 31,1997.
Revenue. For the year ended March 31, 1997, the Company reported
revenues of $22.58 million. During the prior year, the Company reported
revenues of $16.01 million. The increase in the amount of $6.57 million was
primarily a result of revenues from the acquired companies: SIR TV, BTC, TV
Nieve, Comodoro, Televiedma and Cable Viedma in the amounts of approximately
$5.63 million. Also the acquisition of the assets of two competing cable TV
systems in Rawson (May 1996) and in Reconquista and Avellaneda (August 1996)
contributed approximately $930,000 to the increase. Aggregate subscriber
revenue from the companies in operation during both fiscal years remained
approximately level. Although revenues increased as a result of a rate
increase implemented in the Reconquista/Avellaneda market and from a premium
service launched in August 1995 offering in all systems sports programming and
exclusive soccer coverage, the increase was offset by overall declines in
revenues from basic services attributable to a decline in basic subscribers.
Operating Costs. In the year ended March 31, 1997, the Company
incurred $16.26 million of expenses in connection with the operation of the
Argentine Cable Companies, while for the prior year the Company incurred $11.43
million of operating costs. Of the $4.83 million increase in operating costs
during fiscal 1997, approximately $2.63 million of costs can be attributed to
the operations of SIR TV which was acquired in December, 1995. Also,
28
<PAGE> 29
approximately $870,000 of the increase can be attributed to the operating
expenses for the first quarter of the last fiscal year of BTC which was
acquired in July 1995 and is not comparable until the last three quarters of
each year. Operating expenses for the systems acquired during the current year
in Comodoro Rivadavia, Viedma and Carmen de Patagones accounted for
approximately $1.04 million of the increase in costs when compared to the prior
year. Franchise and gross receipts taxes increased by approximately $280,000
as the Company's exemption from COMFER fees in Rio Gallegos and Ushuaia expired
during the current year. The Company has requested an extension of the
exemption from COMFER and expects that it will be approved during the next
fiscal year. Also the Province of Tierra del Fuego implemented a new gross
receipts tax equal to 3% of revenues. Programming expense increased by
approximately $120,000 which was directly related to the increased revenue from
the sale of a premium tier of sports programming in the current year.
Personnel and other operating expenses declined by approximately $150,000 when
compared to the prior year, while bad debt expense increased by approximately
$40,000 during the current year. The acquisition and subsequent consolidation
of competing cable TV systems in Ushuaia, Rawson and Reconquista/Avellaneda
have enabled the Company to reduce cost and increase operating margins.
Although the new acquisitions in Comodoro, Viedma and Carmen de Patagones had
operating losses before depreciation and amortization, the Company expects
these operations to improve significantly as Cable Viedma and Televiedma are
merged and Comodoro moves out of its initial restructuring and rebuilding
program.
General and Administrative Expenses. In the year ended March 31,
1997, general and administrative expenses increased to approximately $3.69
million from approximately $3.06 million for the prior year. Expenses of the
Argentine Joint Venture Companies increased by approximately $279,000 as a
result of expanded operations and acquisition activity in Argentina. Whereas,
expenses increased by approximately $351,000 at the Company's corporate
offices, primarily relating to expenditures incurred in connection with the
investigation of possible strategic and financing opportunities.
Depreciation and Amortization. In the year ended March 31, 1997
depreciation and amortization increased to $5.02 million from approximately
$2.99 million for the prior year due primarily to (i) the amortization of
franchise costs of the new acquisitions of SIR TV, BTC, TV Nieve, Comodoro,
Cable Viedma and Televiedma and (ii) the depreciation of capital expenditures
in existing cable TV systems and the additional cable TV plant of the acquired
companies.
Other Income (Expense). In the year ended March 31, 1997, the Company
had net other expense of approximately $92,000 while in the year ended March
31, 1996, the Company had net other income of approximately $69,000. This
change was due to a decrease in interest income, other income and interest
expense. Interest income declined by approximately $106,000 due to a reduction
in the amount of interest-bearing assets held, primarily as a result of the
Company's acquisition activities. Other income decreased by approximately
$65,000 due principally to a transaction that occurred during the year ended
March 31, 1996, that was not duplicated in the year ended March 31, 1997. The
Company received approximately $93,000 from its health insurance carrier. The
health insurance carrier converted from a mutual life insurance company to a
stockholder owned company. In connection with this restructuring, the Company
was awarded
29
<PAGE> 30
shares of freely tradable stock, which were sold in the open market during the
quarter ended December 31, 1995. Interest expense for the year ended March 31,
1997 declined by approximately $10,000 when compared to the previous year. The
decrease in interest expense was a result of a reduction in the debt incurred
in 1995 in connection with the acquisition of certain of the Argentine Cable
Companies, but partially offset by the increase in debt in connection with the
acquisitions in the last quarter of fiscal 1997.
Income Taxes. For the year ended March 31, 1997, the Company recorded
income tax expense of approximately $899,000 compared to approximately $118,000
for the year ended March 31, 1996. Although the Company had a net loss for the
years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, it had income tax expense primarily due to
the fact that under the income tax regulations of Argentina, losses of one
subsidiary may not offset income from another subsidiary in a consolidated
return.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At March 31, 1997 and 1996, the balance sheets of the Argentine Cable
Companies and the Argentine Joint Venture Companies were consolidated in the
Company's balance sheet and the Company held $1.6 million and $8.5 million of
cash and cash equivalents, respectively. The $6.9 million decrease related
primarily to the acquisition of TV Nieve and the assets of Canal 4 Rawson, TV
SIS Comodoro, Televiedma and Cable Viedma (approximately $13.9 million in the
aggregate) less the $6 million of Senior Notes that was obtained during the
year. The cash and cash equivalents are generally not subject to or impacted by
changes in conditions or trends in any single industry. However, they may be
subject to significant changes in overall economic conditions, and the funds
held in accounts outside of the United States (approximately $1.2 million at
March 31, 1997) may be subject to diminution in value caused by foreign
currency devaluation or governmental action.
At March 31, 1997 and 1996 working capital balances totaled
approximately negative $9.4 million and positive $6.1 million, respectively.
The ratio of current assets (which includes cash, accounts receivable, prepaid
and other current assets) to current liabilities (which includes all
liabilities expected to be paid within one year) was approximately 0.3 times
and 2.0 times, respectively. The ratio of debt to total assets was
approximately 14.6% and 1.0%, at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
decrease in working capital balances was primarily a result of the decrease in
cash and cash equivalents resulting from the acquisition activity and the
payment of dividends on the Series 1995 and Series 1990 preferred stock, which
reduced current assets. Debt increased because of the Senior Notes issued in
February 1997, the proceeds of which have been used for acquisitions.
In fiscal 1997, the Company used approximately $6.9 million of cash
and cash equivalents. During this period approximately $3.8 million was
provided by operating activities, $16.7 million was used in investing
activities and approximately $6.0 million was provided by financing activities.
30
<PAGE> 31
The operating activities of the Company consist primarily of the
operations of the Latin American Operations which are involved in the
ownership, operation and management of cable television and communication
properties in Argentina. Management believes that the Company has
substantially all of the resources necessary to effectively implement the
business plans of the existing Latin American Operations in the present
economic, political and regulatory environments.
On April 1, 1996, the Company transferred to Televisora Austral an
option (the "TV Nieve Option") to purchase for approximately $174,000 a
minority interest in the equity of TV Nieve, a company which provides MMDS
television service in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. On the same day,
Televisora Austral exercised the TV Nieve Option and purchased the remaining
majority interest in the equity of TV Nieve for approximately $1.15 million
less the outstanding balance of the TV Nieve liabilities. Accordingly,
Televisora Austral now owns all of the outstanding equity of TV Nieve. In
addition to the purchase price, Televisora Austral incurred approximately
$50,000 of closing costs.
Transcable acquired substantially all of the assets of Canal 4 Rawson
for approximately $500,000 on May 31, 1996. Canal 4 Rawson provides cable
television service to the city of Rawson in the Chubut Province in Argentina.
The Company currently provides cable television services to the tri-city area
of Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn. In addition to the purchase price,
Transcable incurred approximately $15,000 of closing costs in connection with
this transaction.
Effective on August 30, 1996, the Company closed its purchase of
substantially all of the assets of TV SIS for approximately $1.45 million. The
Company has paid approximately $804,000 of the aggregate purchase price, and
the balance will be paid upon the fulfillment of certain conditions of the
purchase agreement.
On December 23, 1996, Transcable acquired substantially all of the
assets of Comodoro, a company that provides cable television service in the
Argentine city of Comodoro Rivadavia, which is located in the Chubut Province.
The purchase price was approximately $3.5 million, subject to certain
adjustments. In addition to the purchase price, the Company incurred
approximately $50,000 of closing costs.
On February 28, 1997, the Company acquired the stock of Cable Viedma
S.R.L., a company that provides cable television service in the Argentine
cities of Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires
Province. The purchase price was approximately $4.0 million, subject to
certain adjustments.
31
<PAGE> 32
On February 11, 1997, the Company acquired the stock of Televiedma, a
company that provides cable television service in the Argentine cities of
Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province. The
purchase price was approximately $2.2 million, subject to certain adjustments.
The Company incurred approximately $120,000 of closing costs in addition to the
purchase price in connection with the acquisition of Cable Viedma and
Televiedma. The Company plans to merge the operations of Televiedma and Cable
Viedma as both companies operate in the same market.
In February 1997, the Company issued Senior Notes in the aggregate
amount of $6,000,000. Interest at the rate of 13% per annum (360 day) is
payable semi-annually beginning in August 1997. The Senior Notes are not
subject to prepayment (except at the holder's option in the event the Company
issues securities or debt sufficient to retire the Senior Notes) and are due
and payable in full in February 1998. In connection with the issuance of the
Senior Notes the Company (i) granted warrants to purchase 210,000 shares of its
common stock; and (ii) incurred approximately $50,000 of costs and issued as a
financial advisory fee 22,500 shares of its common stock and warrants to
purchase 90,000 shares of its common stock. The warrants are exercisable at
any time at an exercise price of $4.00 per share and expire on February 7,
2002. The proceeds of the Senior Notes were used to fund the Cable Viedma and
Televiedma acquisitions.
The Company's Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock provides for
cumulative, annual dividends in the amount of $8.00 per share payable on a
quarterly basis. The Company's Series 1990 Convertible Preferred Stock
provides for cumulative, annual dividends in the amount of $.50 per share
payable on a quarterly basis. For the year ended March 31, 1997, this resulted
in approximately $1.3 million of cash outflow compared to approximately
$600,000 for the comparable period in the prior year, principally as a result
of the issuance of the Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock in December
1995. The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock, and it has no
plans to make any such payments in the future.
Working capital requirements vary with business conditions and the
nature of the business being conducted. Management minimizes working capital
requirements to the extent practicable. In the opinion of management, the
Company possesses adequate cash flow from operations to meet the on-going
operating requirements of the existing Latin American Operations through the
fiscal year ending on March 31, 1998. Management is investigating certain
financing and strategic opportunities to enable the Company to expand via
acquisition and to meet the funding requirements of the retirement of the
Senior Notes at their maturity date in February 1998. While management is
confident that the Company will be able to obtain funding from additional
equity or debt financing, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to obtain such funds.
32
<PAGE> 33
The Company continues to be actively involved in the acquisition and
development of cable television and communications properties in Latin America,
and it incurs expenses in identifying and pursuing opportunities before any
acquisition decision is made. The Company is presently pursuing additional
debt and equity financing to fund its participation in future projects. The
Company is unable to predict with any degree of certainty the cost of its
future projects or the amount of funds which will be available to fund those
projects. Therefore, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of
certainty its future funding requirements in connection with any potential
acquisition.
The operating characteristics of Latin American cable television and
communications businesses are significantly different than the businesses which
the Company previously operated. Additionally, changes in the business,
political and economic conditions of Latin America could materially impact the
financial performance of the Company. In light of the recent and potential
acquisitions of cable television systems in Argentina, investors should
consider that the historical performance of the Company is not necessarily
indicative of its future prospects or performance.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
It is possible that the Argentine government will be unable to
maintain control over inflation and sustain the current peso to U.S. dollar
conversion ratio. Economic volatility and sustained high unemployment could
diminish the ability of subscribers to pay for service, resulting in an
increase in bad debts and reductions in the number of subscribers. In
addition, a prolonged or severe deterioration of the economy may result in a
devaluation of the peso and a return to the hyperinflation experienced in
Argentina prior to 1992. While the Argentine Cable Companies would attempt to
increase their subscription rates to offset increases in operating costs, there
is no assurance they would be able to do so. Accordingly, operating costs
could rise faster than associated revenue, resulting in a material negative
impact on reported earnings. Any cash and current receivables maintained in
Argentine pesos could decline in value before such amounts are converted to
hard assets or U.S. dollars. In addition, the government could impose price
freezes, prohibit the transfer of funds outside the country and adopt other
measures which alone, or together with those previously mentioned could have a
material adverse impact on the Company.
While management will monitor the exchange rates and take appropriate
measures in response to perceived risks, the Company has no plan to implement a
policy of hedge transactions to reduce the Company's exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate risks. Accordingly, the Company could experience losses
and a negative impact on earnings with respect to its holdings solely as a
result of devaluation against the dollar. Argentina does not restrict the
removal or conversion of local or foreign currency. However, there can be no
assurance that such policies will not be adopted in the future in reaction to a
sustained deterioration of their financial markets.
Inflation has not had a material impact on the operations of the
Company during the past three years. In the opinion of management, inflation
should not have a material impact on the results of operations in fiscal 1998.
However, management is unable to predict with any degree of certainty the
future rate of inflation or its financial impact on the Company.
33
<PAGE> 34
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK
The Argentine Cable Companies and the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies are directly affected by Argentina's government, economic and fiscal
policy and other political factors. The Company believes that its financial
condition and its results of operations have not been adversely affected by
these factors to date. However, the Company cannot predict with any degree of
certainty the likelihood that these elements will remain stable. Policy
changes imposed by the Argentine government in any of these areas could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
With the assistance of the Joint Venture Partners and legal counsel,
management is currently seeking licensure of the Company or its subsidiaries to
own and operate cable television systems in Argentina. To date and to the best
knowledge of the management of the Company, COMFER has formally approved or
licensed two U.S. companies; however, the Company has no assurance that COMFER
will approve its licensure. A decision by COMFER to deny the licensure of the
Company or its affiliated entities could have a material adverse impact on the
operations and value of the Company.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 128 "Earnings Per Share". This standard is effective for periods
ending after December 15, 1997, and early adoption is not permitted. Adoption
of SFAS 128 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's
calculation of primary and fully diluted earnings per share.
34
<PAGE> 35
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors
Tescorp, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tescorp, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years
then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tescorp, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended March
31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Austin, Texas
June 3, 1997
35
<PAGE> 36
TESCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets 1997 1996
------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,623,375 $ 8,529,100
Accounts receivable-subscribers 2,208,417 1,596,676
Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,306,904 2,036,461
Plant and equipment, net 11,639,281 7,132,938
Franchise costs, net of amortization 32,848,985 24,949,470
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 49,626,962 $ 44,244,645
============ ============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Accounts payable $ 1,435,522 $ 1,311,578
Accrued license and copyright fees 1,795,300 1,718,450
Income taxes payable 1,384,833 461,140
Accrued payroll and social charges 738,476 422,734
Accrued taxes 273,020 502,612
Other liabilities 2,229,614 938,821
Debt 7,262,237 447,651
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 15,119,002 5,802,986
------------ ------------
Minority Interest 887,303 1,018,702
------------ ------------
Stockholders' Equity:
Series 1990 Convertible preferred stock, $1 par value, $5
redemption value per share, 704,684 shares authorized and
693,864 shares issued and outstanding with an aggregate
preference on liquidation of $3,469,320 693,864 693,864
Series 1995 Convertible preferred stock, $1 par value, $100
redemption value per share, 200,000 shares authorized and
139,250 and 148,500 shares outstanding at March 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, with an aggregate preference on liquidation of
$13,925,000 and $14,850,000, respectively 139,250 148,500
Common stock, $.02 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized
and 13,178,007 and 12,495,091 issued and outstanding at
March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively 263,560 249,902
Additional paid-in capital 66,508,484 65,359,628
Accumulated deficit (33,984,501) (28,959,437)
------------ ------------
33,620,657 37,492,457
Less treasury stock, 100,000 shares of common, at cost (69,500)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 33,620,657 37,422,957
Commitments and contingencies - -
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 49,626,962 $ 44,244,645
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
36
<PAGE> 37
TESCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 22,580,466 $ 16,009,116
------------ ------------
Operating costs and expenses:
Operating costs 16,263,772 11,432,377
General and administrative expenses 3,691,258 3,062,005
Depreciation 3,603,230 1,909,646
Amortization of franchise costs 1,413,654 1,075,379
------------ ------------
Total operating costs and expenses 24,971,914 17,479,407
------------ ------------
Operating loss (2,391,448) (1,470,291)
------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income 215,761 322,135
Other income 38,394 103,030
Interest expense (346,100) (355,879)
------------ ------------
Total other income (expense), net (91,945) 69,286
------------ ------------
Loss before provision for income taxes and minority interests (2,483,393) (1,401,005)
------------ ------------
Income tax expense 898,551 117,602
------------ ------------
Loss before minority interests (3,381,944) (1,518,607)
Minority interest in the (income) loss of consolidated subsidiaries (115) 23,310
------------ ------------
Net loss (3,382,059) (1,495,297)
Preferred stock dividends (1,495,060) (636,436)
------------ ------------
Net loss applicable to common stock $ (4,877,119) $ (2,131,733)
============ ============
Loss per share applicable to common stock $ (0.38) $ (0.19)
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
<PAGE> 38
TESCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Series 1990 Series 1995
Convertible Convertible Common stock
preferred stock preferred stock par value $.02
----------------- -------------------- ---------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances at March 31, 1995 693,864 $693,864 $ - $ - 7,143,433 $142,949
Net loss
Private placement of Series 1995
Preferred Stock 148,500 148,500
Private placement of common stock 4,800,000 96,000
Conversion of minority interests 534,616 10,692
Distribution of shares of common
stock to holders of the Series
1995 preferred stock electing
to receive dividends in the
form of common stock 13,042 261
Dividends on convertible preferred
stock
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Balances at March 31, 1996 693,864 $693,864 148,500 $148,500 12,495,091 $ 249,902
Net loss
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 434,102 8,682
Issuance of common stock and
warrants for debt placement fee 22,500 450
Distribution of shares of common
stock to holders of the Series
1995 preferred stock electing to
receive dividends in the form of
common stock 51,881 1,037
Dividends on convertible preferred
stock
Conversion of preferred stock (9,250) (9,250) 296,000 5,920
Repurchase and retirement of common
stock (21,567) (431)
Retirement of treasury stock (100,000) (2,000)
------- --------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Balances at March 31, 1997 693,864 $ 693,864 139,250 $139,250 13,178,007 $ 263,560
======= ========= ======= ======== ========== ==========
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Total
paid-in Accumulated Treasury stockholders'
capital deficit Stock equity
----------- ----------- --------- --------------
Balances at March 31, 1995 $41,270,000 $(26,827,704) $(69,500) $15,209,609
Net loss (1,495,297) (1,495,297)
Private placement of Series 1995
Preferred Stock 13,850,018 13,998,518
Private placement of common stock 8,596,992 8,692,992
Conversion of minority interests 1,593,156 1,603,848
Distribution of shares of common
stock to holders of the Series
1995 preferred stock electing
to receive dividends in the
form of common stock 49,462 49,723
Dividends on convertible preferred
stock (636,436) (636,436)
------------ ------------ -------- -----------
Balances at March 31, 1996 $ 65,359,628 $(28,959,437) $(69,500) $37,422,957
Net loss (3,382,059) (3,382,059)
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 681,604 690,286
Issuance of common stock and warrants
for debt placement fee 273,599 274,049
Distribution of shares of common
stock to holders of the Series
1995 preferred stock electing to
receive dividends in the form of
common stock 190,323 191,360
Dividends on convertible preferred (1,495,060) (1,495,060)
stock
Conversion of preferred stock 3,330 -
Repurchase and retirement of
common stock (80,445) (80,876)
Retirement of treasury stock (67,500) 69,500 -
------------ ------------ -------- -----------
Balances at March 31, 1997 $ 66,508,484 $(33,984,501) - $33,620,657
============ ============ ======== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
38
<PAGE> 39
TESCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (3,382,059) $ (1,495,297)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation expense 3,603,230 1,909,646
Amortization of franchise costs 1,413,654 1,075,379
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount 38,778 137,670
Deferred income tax expense (30,141) (293,320)
Minority interest in the income (loss) of consolidated
subsidiaries 115 (23,310)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of
acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable from subscribers (27,898) (397,682)
Prepaid expenses and other assets 961,080 (1,222,598)
Accounts payable (298,534) 110,903
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,501,091 655,074
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,779,316 456,465
------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets - 182,471
Property additions (2,713,903) (2,136,022)
Proceeds from principal repayment on mortgage receivable 11,226 26,037
Acquisition of cable television systems, net of cash acquired (13,967,834) (11,854,415)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (16,670,511) (13,781,929)
------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of debt 7,087,592 -
Principal payments on debt (273,006) (2,944,659)
Decrease in cash overdraft - (84,138)
Dividends paid on preferred stock (1,303,700) (586,713)
Distribution to minority shareholder of subsidiary (215,702) -
Private placement proceeds, net of issuance costs - 22,691,510
Exercise of warrants 690,286 -
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 5,985,470 19,076,000
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (6,905,725) 5,750,536
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 8,529,100 2,778,564
------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,623,375 $ 8,529,100
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
39
<PAGE> 40
TESCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 1997 and 1996
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business and principles of consolidation
Tescorp, Inc. ("Tescorp") is a Texas corporation that was organized in
1980. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of Tescorp, its subsidiaries and companies in which it holds majority joint
venture interests (referred to herein collectively as the "Company"). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
The Company is engaged in the business of acquiring and developing
cable television systems and communications properties in Latin America.
During the fiscal years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company continued to
concentrate its operations in Argentina. The Company presently provides cable
television service to eleven Argentine cities in six provinces.
Effective as of April 1994, the Company entered into a contractual
Joint Venture (the "Joint Venture") to acquire cable television and
communications properties in Latin America. The Company utilized the Joint
Venture structure to comply with Argentine regulatory policies in effect prior
to March 31, 1995. The Company organized two new subsidiaries to facilitate
the Company's participation in the Joint Venture: Austral Communications Corp.
("Austral"), a Delaware corporation which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, and Comunicaciones Austral S.A. ("CASA"), an Argentine Sociedad
Anonima which is a 97 percent owned subsidiary of Austral. Additionally, the
Company and its Argentine partners in the Joint Venture (the "Joint Venture
Partners") organized two new Argentine Sociedades Anonimas both of which are 97
percent owned by Austral: Cabledifusion S.A. ("Cabledifusion") and SMR S.A.
("SMR"). Hereinafter, Cabledifusion, SMR and CASA are collectively referred to
as the Argentine Joint Venture Companies. The Joint Venture Partners hold the
remaining 3% ownership of the Argentine Joint Venture Companies.
The Joint Venture is managed by CASA as Managing Venturer.
Cabledifusion is responsible for the management of the cable television systems
in Argentina. SMR, which was originally organized to pursue licenses to own
and operate businesses deploying Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio and/or
related technologies in Argentina, and CASA hold direct ownership interests in
certain Argentine cable companies.
40
<PAGE> 41
During the time period from April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1996, the
Joint Venture Partners acquired pursuant to the Joint Venture the following
Argentine companies which own and operate cable television systems in
Argentina: Televisora Austral S.A. ("Televisora Austral"), CableMax S.A.
("CableMax") which was formerly known as Canal 2 TV Austral S.A., ARTV S.A.
("ARTV") which was formerly known as Reconquista Televisora Color S.A.,
Avellaneda Video Cable S.A. ("AVC") which was merged into ARTV in December
1996, Cable Vision Gallegos S.A. ("CVG"), BTC S.A. ("BTC") which was formerly
known as Teveca S.R.L., CablePlus Bariloche S.A. ("CablePlus"), and SIR TV
S.R.L. ("SIR TV").
In fiscal 1997, Televisora Austral acquired all of the outstanding
equity of TV Nieve, S.A. ("TV Nieve"), a company which provides MMDS television
service in the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province. Additionally, the
Company and the Joint Venture Partners formed Transcable, S.A. ("Transcable")
to own and operate cable television systems in Argentina. Transcable is
effectively 97 percent owned by the Company. During fiscal 1997: Transcable
acquired substantially all of the assets of a cable television system in
Rawson, Chubut Province and certain cable television assets of Comodoro
Rivadavia Sociedad Comercial Colectiva de Television y Radiofusion ("Comodoro")
which operated a cable television system located in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut
Province; ARTV acquired substantially all of the assets of TV SIS, S.R.L. ("TV
SIS") which operated a competing cable television system in Reconquista and
Avellaneda, Santa Fe Province; CASA acquired all of the equity interests in
Cable Viedma S.R.L. ("Cable Viedma") and Televiedma, S.R.L. ("Televiedma")
which operate cable television systems in Viedma, Rio Negro Province and Carmen
de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province; and BTC acquired Vision Codificada S.A.
("Vision") a company which operates a UHF wireless system in San Carlos de
Bariloche, Rio Negro Province (the same city in which BTC provides cable
television service). (See Note 3).
Hereinafter, the companies operating cable television systems in the
locations listed below are referred to as the Argentine Cable Companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of Company Location (City - Province)
--------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Televisora Austral/TV Nieve Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego
CableMax/CVG Rio Gallegos - Santa Cruz
ARTV Reconquista - Santa Fe
Avellaneda - Santa Fe
BTC/CablePlus/Vision San Carlos de Bariloche - Rio Negro
SIR TV Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn - Chubut
Transcable Rawson - Chubut
Comodoro Rivadavia - Chubut
Cable Viedma/Televiedma Carmen de Patagones - Buenos Aires
Viedma - Rio Negro
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE> 42
Acquisitions of cable television properties prior to December 31, 1995
were funded by the Company through loans (the "Partner Loans") to the Joint
Venture Partners. Historically, the ownership of Cabledifusion, SMR and the
Argentine Cable Companies was held subject to the Joint Venture by the Joint
Venture Partners or nominees of the Company. After December 31, 1995,
acquisitions of cable television properties were funded by the Company through
loans to the Argentine Joint Venture Companies or the Argentine Cable
Companies. Amounts advanced under these loans and the Partner Loans bear
interest at the rate of 12% per annum. In addition to acquisitions, these
funds provided for the payment of the debts of and capital improvements to the
operations of the Argentine Cable Companies and provided financing for the
formation and initial costs of the Argentine Joint Venture Companies. During
the three year period ended March 31, 1997, the Company had advanced to the
Joint Venture Partners, the Argentine Joint Venture Companies and the Argentine
Cable Companies an aggregate of approximately $38.9 million and earned the
right to a preferred return equal to the accrued interest in the amount of
approximately $6.8 million (together, the "Priority Amount").
Upon commencement of the Joint Venture, the Company held through
Austral a 90 percent Joint Venture interest in the Argentine Cable Companies,
Cabledifusion and SMR. The Company granted to two domestic partners an
aggregate 6.6 percent profits interest in its portion of the Joint Venture
after the Company has received distributions equal to the Priority Amount.
Thus, the Company initially held an indirect 84 percent interest in the
economic benefits of the Argentine Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture
Companies which were obligated to repay the Partner Loans plus accrued
interest. The effect of this arrangement was to provide the Company with an
opportunity to recoup all funds invested through the repayment of the principal
of the loans, a return equal to the interest accrued and paid on the loans and
84 percent of all remaining economic benefits associated with the Argentine
Cable Companies and Argentine Joint Venture Companies.
In fiscal 1996, the Company increased to 97 percent its Joint Venture
interest in the Argentine Cable Companies, Cabledifusion and SMR and modified
the terms of the profits interest agreements to provide only one domestic
partner with an approximate 1% participation in the Joint Venture after
distributions to the Company equal to the Priority Amount. To effect these
changes in ownership, the Company issued 534,616 shares of newly issued Common
Stock and 3 percent of the stock of CASA. Following the recovery of its
investment plus a 12% return, the Company will have a 96 percent interest in
all remaining economic benefits associated with the Argentine Joint Venture
Companies and the Joint Venture's interest in the Argentine Cable Companies.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
considers cash equivalents to include time deposits, certificates of deposit
and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or
less.
42
<PAGE> 43
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value estimates are made at discrete points in time based on
relevant market information. These estimates may be subjective in nature and
involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot
be determined with precision.
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its current assets,
current liabilities and debt approximate the fair value of such items.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $421,178 and $446,831 at
March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment are stated at historical cost, including
acquisition costs allocated to tangible assets acquired. Improvements or
betterments of a permanent nature are capitalized.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful life of the asset, ranging from 5 to 20 years.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as
incurred. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related
accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of
disposal. Gains or losses resulting from property disposals are credited or
charged to operations.
Franchise costs
Franchise costs consist of the value of the license to own and operate
the cable television system and the value of the cable television subscribers
that existed as of the acquisition date. Franchise costs include the
difference between the cost of acquiring cable television systems and amounts
assigned to their tangible assets. The amounts assigned to tangible assets
were determined based upon an appraisal of such assets conducted by an
independent, third party engineer with expertise in the cable television and
communications industries. The franchise costs are amortized on a
straight-line basis over their estimated life, not to exceed 20 years.
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of ("SFAS 121"), effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. SFAS 121 establishes accounting
standards for the impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable
intangibles (including but not limited to goodwill) related to those assets to
be held and used in its operations. The Company adopted this policy effective
April 1, 1996. Such adoption did not have a significant effect on the
financial position or results of operations of the Company.
43
<PAGE> 44
It is the Company's policy is to periodically evaluate the franchise
costs to determine whether there has been any impairment in value in accordance
with SFAS 121. This evaluation includes, among other things, a review of the
fair market, going concern value of the cable television systems and the value
of the tangible and intangible assets of such systems.
Fair market, going concern value is usually estimated by applying the
cash flow multiple or price per subscriber valuation methods commonly used in
the cable television industry. The valuation method is applied based upon the
type and amount of information available regarding the sale of comparable cable
television companies owned by independent third parties. Using the cash flow
method, the Company determines the fair market, going concern value of its
cable television companies by calculating the product of the aggregate amount
of undiscounted cash flow provided by the operations of the cable television
systems and the estimated average multiple of cash flow paid by independent
third parties for cable television systems which are comparable to those in
which the Company has an ownership interest. Using the price per subscriber
method, the Company determines the fair market, going concern value of the
cable television companies by calculating the product of the number of
subscribers served by the cable television systems which are comparable to
those in which the Company has ownership interests.
Franchise costs are net of accumulated amortization in the amount of
$2,489,033 and $1,075,378 at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Minority Interests
Recognition of minority interests' share of income or loss of
consolidated subsidiaries is limited to the amount of such minority interests'
allocable portion of the common equity of those consolidated subsidiaries.
Revenue recognition
Monthly cable service revenue is recognized in the period in which
services are provided. Cable installation revenue is recognized in the period
the related services are provided to the extent of direct selling costs. Any
remaining amount is deferred and recognized over the average period that
subscribers are expected to remain connected to the cable television system.
Income taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply
to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled.
44
<PAGE> 45
Loss per common and common equivalent share
Loss attributable to common shareholders was calculated by dividing
net loss applicable to Common Stock (this is calculated by deducting preferred
stock dividends from net loss) by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding. Common Stock equivalents were not used in the calculation, since
their inclusion would cause an anti- dilutive effect. Fully diluted earnings
per share amounts are not presented for fiscal 1997 or 1996 because they do not
materially differ from primary earnings per share.
For the fiscal years ending March 31, 1997 and 1996, the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding was 12,880,261 and 11,573,696,
respectively. The weighted number of Common Stock and Common Stock equivalent
shares for the fiscal years ending March 31, 1997 and 1996, was 13,498,815 and
12,126,385, respectively.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into U. S.
dollars at current rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Since April
1991, the Argentine government has maintained an exchange rate of one Argentine
peso to one U. S. dollar, therefore there are no recognized transaction gains
or losses.
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 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.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal year 1996
amounts to conform to the fiscal year 1997 presentation.
Stock Based Compensation
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" ("FAS 123"), which
establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based
employee compensation plans as well as transactions in which an entity issues
its equity instruments to acquire goods or services from non-employees. As
allowed by FAS 123, the Company continues to account for stock-based employee
compensation pursuant to APB Opinion No. 25. The Company has included the
disclosures required by FAS 123 in Note 9. The adoption of this standard, in
the opinion of management, did not have a material impact on the Company's
results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
45
<PAGE> 46
NOTE 2 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
During the fiscal years ending March 31, the Company had the following
significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Issuance of common stock and warrants as a
placement fee for debt $ 274,049 $ -
Distribution of common stock to holders of
Series 1995 Preferred Stock electing to receive
dividends in the form of common stock $ 191,360 $ 49,723
Acquisition of Company's common stock in
satisfaction of an outstanding obligation $ 80,876 $ -
Granting of minority interest to joint venture
partners $ - $1,207,412
Common stock issued for conversion of minority
interests $ - $1,603,848
</TABLE>
Cash payments for income taxes and interest for the years ended March 31 were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Income tax $ 5,000 $ 51,547
Interest expense $188,532 $218,209
</TABLE>
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS
1996 Acquisitions
BTC/CablePlus. In July 1995, Austral committed to loan to the Joint
Venture Partners $6.6 million to acquire pursuant to the Joint Venture 80
percent of the outstanding equity of BTC and CablePlus, the companies that
provide cable television service to San Carlos de Bariloche which is located in
the Argentine Province of Rio Negro. Using proceeds from the loan, the Joint
Venture Partners acquired the 80 percent interest in BTC and CablePlus pursuant
to the Joint Venture for approximately $6.6 million including the assumption of
certain liabilities, of which approximately $5.3 million has been identified as
franchise costs. In addition to the $6.6 million purchase price, the Joint
Venture Partners paid approximately $125,000 of closing costs. The assets of
CablePlus have been contributed to BTC and CablePlus is being liquidated.
46
<PAGE> 47
BTC, which is the only provider of cable television service in San
Carlos de Bariloche, had competed against Vision, a local UHF which provides a
service similar to cable television. BTC acquired Vision in March 1997 (see
"1997 Acquisitions").
SIR TV. In December 1995, Austral committed to loan to the Joint
Venture Partners $6.7 million to acquire pursuant to the Joint Venture the
outstanding equity of SIR TV which provides cable television service to Trelew,
Rawson and Puerto Madryn, all of which are located in the Argentine Province of
Chubut. Using proceeds from the loan, the Joint Venture Partners acquired SIR
TV pursuant to the Joint Venture for approximately $6.5 million including the
assumption of certain liabilities, of which approximately $4.2 million has been
identified as franchise costs. In addition to the $6.5 million purchase price,
the Joint Venture has paid approximately $200,000 of closing costs.
The cable television markets in Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn are
highly competitive, and SIR TV has multiple cable television competitors in
each market. Subsequent to the close of fiscal 1996, Transcable acquired
substantially all of the assets of Canal 4 Rawson which had provided cable
television service in competition to SIR TV in Rawson.
1997 Acquisitions
TV Nieve. On April 1, 1996, the Company agreed to transfer to
Televisora, an option (the "TV Nieve Option") to purchase for approximately
$174,000 a minority interest in the equity of TV Nieve, a company which
provides MMDS television service in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. On the
same day, Televisora purchased the remaining majority interest in the equity of
TV Nieve for approximately $1.15 million less the outstanding balance of the TV
Nieve liabilities. Accordingly, Televisora now owns all of the outstanding
equity of TV Nieve.
The aggregate purchase price for TV Nieve was approximately $1.3
million including the price paid for the TV Nieve Option, of which
approximately $500,000 has been identified as franchise costs. The Company
advanced to Televisora the funds necessary to consummate the acquisition of TV
Nieve. In addition to the purchase price, Televisora incurred approximately
$50,000 of closing costs relating primarily to the payment of legal and
accounting fees.
Canal 4 Rawson. Transcable acquired substantially all of the assets
of Canal 4 Rawson for approximately $500,000 on May 31, 1996. Canal 4 Rawson
provides cable television service to the city of Rawson in the Chubut Province,
Argentina. The Company currently provides cable television services to the
tri-city area of Trelew, Rawson and Puerto Madryn. In addition to the purchase
price, Transcable incurred approximately $15,000 of closing costs in
connection with this transaction.
47
<PAGE> 48
TV SIS. Effective August 30, 1996, the Company closed its purchase of
substantially all of the assets of TV SIS S.R.L. ("TV SIS"), for approximately
$1.45 million, of which approximately $925,000 has been identified as franchise
costs. The Company has paid approximately $804,000 of the aggregate purchase
price, and the balance will be paid upon the fulfillment of certain conditions
of the purchase agreement, and incurred approximately $25,000 of closing costs
in connection with this transaction
Comodoro. On December 23, 1996, Transcable acquired substantially all
of the assets of Comodoro, a company that provides cable television service to
approximately 5,000 subscribers in the Argentine city of Comodoro Rivadavia,
which is located in the Chubut Province. The purchase price was approximately
$3.5 million, of which approximately $2.62 million has been identified as
franchise costs. In addition to the purchase price, the Company incurred
approximately $50,000 of closing costs.
Televiedma. On February 11, 1997, the Company acquired the stock of
Televiedma S.R.L., a company that provides cable television service to
approximately 3,500 subscribers in the Argentine cities of Viedma, Rio Negro
Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province. The purchase price
was approximately $2.2 million, subject to certain adjustments.
Cable Viedma. On February 28, 1997, the Company acquired the stock of
Cable Viedma S.R.L., a company that provides cable television service to
approximately 6,000 subscribers in the Argentine cities of Viedma, Rio Negro
Province and Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires Province. The purchase price
was approximately $4.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. In connection
with the Cable Viedma and Televiedma acquisitions, the Company incurred
approximately $120,000 of closing costs in addition to the purchase price and
approximately $4.32 million has been identified as franchise costs. The
acquisitions of Cable Viedma and Televiedma were funded from the proceeds of
$6.0 million of senior debt issued by the Company in February 1997 (see Note
6). The Company plans to merge the operations of Televiedma and Cable Viedma
as both companies operate in the same market.
Vision. In March 1997, BTC entered into an agreement to acquire 100%
of the stock of Vision Codificada, a company which operates a UHF television
system in San Carlos de Bariloche. On April 2,1997 but effective March 1,1997,
BTC acquired the stock of Vision for approximately $1.2 million, of which
approximately $850,000 has been identified as franchise costs. The acquisition
of Vision was financed from a loan in the amount of approximately $1.1 million
from the minority partner of BTC (see Note 6). In addition to the purchase
price, the Company incurred approximately $10,000 of closing costs.
48
<PAGE> 49
The 1996 Acquisitions and the 1997 Acquisitions were completed for
approximately $26.65 million less net liabilities assumed. All of the 1996
Acquisitions and 1997 Acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting and in all cases the sellers were not affiliated with the
Company. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities have been recorded at their
estimated fair value at the date of acquisition, which resulted in franchise
costs of approximately $18.7 million that will be amortized over a 20 year
period from the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price
below is, in certain instances, based on preliminary information and is
therefore subject to revision when additional information concerning asset and
liability valuations is obtained. The determination of the final fair values
of the assets and liabilities of the 1995 acquisitions resulted in adjustments
in 1996 to increase other assets by approximately $300,000, decrease other
liabilities by approximately $600,000 and to reduce franchise cost by
approximately $900,000. In the opinion of the Company's management, the asset
and liability valuation for the purchases discussed above should not be
materially different than the allocations shown below. A summary of the
purchase price allocation is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts receivable and other assets $ 847,000 $ 952,000
Property and equipment 5,396,000 4,610,000
Franchise costs 9,313,000 8,420,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities (1,139,000) (1,573,000)
Bank debt - (8,000)
Deferred income taxes (365,000) (247,000)
Minority interest (84,000) (307,000)
------------ ------------
$ 13,968,000 $ 11,847,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
The following unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma statements of
operations present the results of operations for the years ended March 31, 1997
and 1996, as if the 1996 Acquisitions and 1997 Acquisitions had occurred on
April 1, 1995. However, the pro forma results do not include adjustments for
the acquisition of Canal 4 Rawson, TV SIS, Comodoro and Vision, as these
acquisitions were not significant. The revenues included in the results of
operations for the year ended March 31, 1997 for these cable television systems
totaled approximately $1.2 million. Additionally, the pro forma results are
not necessarily indicative of the financial results that might have occurred
had the transaction included in the pro forma statements actually taken place
on April 1, 1995, or of future results of operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended March 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 26,130,251 $ 25,416,150
Net loss (3,803,377) (2,399,490)
Net loss applicable to common stock (5,298,437) (3,035,926)
Loss per share applicable to common stock (0.41) (0.26)
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE> 50
NOTE 4 - PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant and equipment at March 31 consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cable systems and related assets $ 14,616,807 $ 7,148,848
Support equipment 619,235 352,974
Leasehold improvements 1,207,931 978,513
Office furniture and equipment 701,743 579,086
------------ ------------
17,145,716 9,059,421
Less: Accumulated depreciation (5,506,435) (1,926,483)
------------ ------------
$ 11,639,281 $ 7,132,938
============ ============
</TABLE>
NOTE 5 - OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities at March 31 consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Due to sellers under the terms of purchase
agreements $1,069,876 $ -
Net deferred tax liability 435,686 275,472
Advances from subscribers 183,951 180,892
Accrued preferred stock dividends 86,734 86,734
Other accrued liabilities 453,367 395,723
---------- ----------
$2,229,614 $ 938,821
========== ==========
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE> 51
NOTE 6 - DEBT
The debt of the Company at March 31 consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Senior notes payable to a group of investors
bearing interest at a rate of 13% per annum
("Senior Notes"). Semi-annual interest
payments begin in August 1997. The notes mature
in February 1998 $6,000,000 $ -
Note payable to minority shareholder of a
subsidiary, bearing interest at the rate of 12%
per annum, payable in monthly installments of
$50,000 plus interest 1,087,592 -
Note payable to an individual in monthly
installments of $2,000, increasing to $3,000 in
March 1998, including principal and imputed
interest, maturing in March 2000. Interest has
been imputed at the rate of 10% per annum 100,724 112,875
Note payable to an individual in monthly
installments of $15,000 including principal and
imputed interest, maturing in July 1997
Interest has been imputed at the rate of 10%
per annum 73,161 259,520
Note payable to a bank, bearing interest at the
rate of 16% per annum, payable in monthly
installments of $380 plus interest and maturing
in May 1997 760 5,304
Note payable to a bank, bearing interest at the
rate of 18% per annum, payable in monthly
installments of $965 including interest and
maturing in June 1999 - 28,337
Note payable to a bank, bearing interest at the
rate of 17.4% per annum, payable in monthly
installments of $5,000 plus interest and
maturing in September 1996 - 30,000
Note payable to a bank, bearing interest at the
rate of 21.7% per annum, payable in monthly
installments of $1,340 plus interest and
maturing in December 1996 - 11,615
---------- ----------
$7,262,237 $ 447,651
========== ==========
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE> 52
The debt of the Company is unsecured. The terms of the Senior Notes
restrict the Company from incurring any indebtedness secured by assets existing
at the date of issuance or any debt senior to the Senior Notes. Aggregate
maturities on debt are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------
<S> <C>
March 31, 1998 $6,640,787
March 31, 1999 566,508
March 31, 2000 54,942
March 31, 2001 -
March 31, 2002 -
</TABLE>
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
Total income tax expense for the fiscal years ended March 31 consisted
of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
United States
Current $ - $ 19,090
Deferred 175,000 (157,000)
--------- ---------
175,000 (137,910)
--------- ---------
Foreign
Current 928,692 391,832
Deferred (205,141) (136,320)
--------- ---------
723,551 255,512
--------- ---------
Total $ 898,551 $ 117,602
========= =========
</TABLE>
The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the
federal statutory corporate tax rate as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax benefit computed at statutory rates $(904,000) $(476,000)
Loss of consolidated foreign subsidiaries not
subject to tax 529,000 1,075,000
Differential in foreign and U. S. tax rates (25,000) (58,000)
Amortization of franchise costs 481,000 366,000
Amortization of deferred tax credit (98,000) (55,000)
Other non-taxable items 265,000 (178,000)
Change in the valuation allowance 650,000 (544,000)
Other 551 (12,398)
--------- ---------
Total $ 898,551 $ 117,602
========= =========
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE> 53
The components of and changes in the net deferred tax asset were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31,
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Federal regular tax operating loss
carryforwards $ 3,600,000 $ 3,124,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts 84,000 85,000
Foreign tax credit 84,000 84,000
Alternative minimum tax 35,000 35,000
Other - -
3,803,000 3,328,000
Valuation allowance (3,803,000) (3,153,000)
----------- -----------
Deferred tax asset - 175,000
Deferred tax liability- plant and equipment (435,686) (275,472)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax liability $ (435,686) $ (100,472)
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
At March 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
that could be utilized to offset future taxable income of an estimated $10.6
million for federal income tax purposes. These carryforwards expire in 1999
through 2012. However, as a result of a change in control in prior years as
defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the annual utilization
of the net operating loss carryforward is estimated to be limited to
approximately $1.3 million of annual taxable income per year. During the year
ended March 31, 1997, the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax
assets was increased by $650,000 primarily due to the realization of
additional net operating losses and other deferred tax assets that are not more
likely than not to be actually realized.
NOTE 8 - CAPITAL STOCK
Series 1990 Preferred Stock
Annual dividends of $0.50 per share on the Series 1990 10% Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Series 1990 Preferred Stock") are payable on a quarterly
basis. Each share of Series 1990 Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of
the Company's Common Stock determined by dividing $5.00 by a conversion price
of $3.99 per share.
53
<PAGE> 54
Shares of Series 1990 Preferred Stock are redeemable at the option of
the Company at a price equal to $5.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends. Terms of the Series 1990 Preferred Stock provide that the Company
may redeem no fewer than 70,000 shares at any one time unless all outstanding
shares are being redeemed. Only one redemption per quarter is permitted and
the Company is precluded from making a partial redemption if there are fewer
than 200,000 shares of Series 1990 Preferred Stock outstanding. Holders of
Series 1990 Preferred Stock shares are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters for which holders of Common Stock may vote (voting as a single class
with the shares of Common Stock) and are entitled to a liquidation preference
of $5.00 per share plus any accrued or unpaid dividends.
An escrow account arrangement was created at the time of the issuance
of the Series 1990 Preferred Stock to provide an alternative source of funds
for payment of dividends and liquidation preferences in the event of a default
by the Company. The escrow account arrangement included cash, a $500,000
irrevocable letter of credit, 100,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, and
a first lien mortgage on certain real restate owned by the Company. Effective
as of April 1, 1996, under the terms of the Escrow Agreement, the Company was
able to have all items of collateral released from the escrow.
Series 1995 Preferred Stock
The 139,250 outstanding shares of Series 1995 8% Convertible Preferred
Stock ("Series 1995 Preferred Stock") were issued in a private placement
transaction for $100 per share and carry annual dividends of $8.00 per share
payable on a quarterly basis, except that holders who have so elected may have
such dividends paid in shares of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation,
the holders of Series 1995 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive $100 plus
accrued and unpaid dividends before the holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive any of the liquidation proceeds. Each share of Series 1995 Preferred
Stock is convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock by dividing
$100.00 by a conversion price of $3.125 per share, subject to certain
adjustments (the "Conversion Rate"). Holders of the Series 1995 Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote as if they had converted into common stock.
However, the Series 1995 Preferred Stock votes as a class (separate from the
common stockholders).
In the event that the quoted price of the Common Stock exceeds
$4.6875, subject to certain adjustments, for a period of twenty trading days
beginning on any trading day on or after December 15, 1998, the Company shall
have the right to compel the conversion of all but not less than all of the
Series 1995 Preferred Stock into Common Stock at the Conversion Rate. Subject
in all respects to this provision, the holders of shares of Series 1995
Preferred Stock shall have the right, at their option to convert all or any
part of such shares into Common Stock.
Common Stock
In May 1995, the Company completed a $9.6 million private placement of
4,800,000 common stock at $2.00 per share. In December 1995, the Company
issued 534,616 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of the
minority interests. In February 1997, the Company issued 22,500 shares of its
common stock as a placement fee on the Senior Debt.
54
<PAGE> 55
NOTE 9 - STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
The Company accounts for its Stock Option Plans in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 and the related
interpretations thereof. The following paragraphs summarize the outstanding
options and warrants of the Company. Unless otherwise stated, the exercise
price was equal to or greater than the fair market price of the stock at the
date of grant.
Pursuant to the Company's 1991 Incentive Plan and upon the
recommendation of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, the
Company may grant stock options and limited stock appreciation rights with
respect to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock. The 1991
Incentive Plan permits the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified
stock options, limited stock appreciation rights ("LSARs"), restricted stock,
reload options, and other miscellaneous provisions within each stock option
grant. Grants of options under the 1991 Incentive Plan shall be for terms
specified by the Committee, except that the term shall not exceed 10 years.
Provisions of the 1991 Incentive Plan generally provide that in the event of a
change of control the LSAR provision of the option grant (if included in an
option grant) would become immediately exercisable for the period of 60 days
following the change of control.
In September 1995, 50,000 options were granted at an exercise price
of $2.75 per share, and are exercisable based on a two year vesting schedule.
In December 1995, 550,000 options were granted at an exercise price of $3.00
per share and are exercisable based on a three year vesting schedule. In March
1997, 600,000 options were granted at an exercise price of $3.5625 per share.
None of the options granted pursuant to the 1991 Incentive Plan were exercised
during fiscal 1997 and 1996. At March 31, 1997, 1,850,000 options were
outstanding, and 695,837 were exercisable with exercise prices ranging from
$1.25 to $3.00.
Pursuant to the Company's 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
("NEDSOP"), the Company may grant options with respect to an aggregate of
150,000 shares of common stock. The terms of the NEDSOP provide that each
non- employee director receives a grant of 8,333 options to purchase common
stock upon election or appointment to the Board of Directors. On the first and
second anniversary on the Board, the non-employee director is entitled to
receive another grant of 8,333 options to purchase common stock. Upon
adoption, all non-employee directors who had served at least 2 years on the
Board received a grant of 25,000 options to purchase common stock. A
non-employee director who had served only one year, received a grant of 16,666
options to purchase common stock.
Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the NEDSOP, effective as of
July 8, 1996 and 1995, 8,333 and 8,333 options were granted at an exercise
price of $3.63 and $3.25 per share, respectively. All of the options granted
are exercisable based on a three year vesting schedule. None of the options
granted pursuant to the NEDSOP were exercised during fiscal 1997 and 1996. At
March 31, 1997, 66,666 options were outstanding and 50,000 shares were
exercisable with exercise prices ranging from $1.21 to $3.25.
55
<PAGE> 56
In May 1995, the Company issued stock warrants to purchase 288,000
shares of Common Stock that expire in May 2000 and have an exercise price of
$2.00 per share. Also in May 1995, the Company issued stock warrants to
purchase 120,000 shares of common stock that expire in May 1998. The exercise
price for these warrants is as follows: (i) 30,000 shares @ $2.00; (ii) 30,000
shares @ $2.50; (iii) 30,000 shares @ $3.00 and (iv) 30,000 shares @ $3.50.
In December 1995, the Company issued stock warrants to purchase
178,200 shares of common stock (the "December 1995 Warrants") that expire in
December 2000. The December 1995 Warrants have an exercise price of $3.125 per
share.
In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes in February 1997,
the Company issued detachable warrants to purchase 210,000 shares of Common
Stock. Additionally, for professional services provided in connection with the
placement of the Senior Notes, the Company issued warrants to purchase 90,000
shares of Common Stock. The stock warrants have an exercise price of $4.00 per
share and expire in February 2002. In accordance with FAS No. 123, the
Company calculated the fair market value of the stock warrants issued for
professional services provided as approximately $184,000 and capitalized the
cost as additional debt issuance cost to be amortized over the term of the
debt.
The Company has additional stock options which were issued prior to
the fiscal 1991 recapitalization of the Company. These stock options were
issued to certain employees to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at
$6.18 per share and expire in 1998. At March 31, 1997, 24,270 options were
outstanding and exercisable. In connection with the recapitalization of the
Company, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of these
options and the related exercise price have been adjusted to reflect the
exchange of $.01 par value common stock for $.02 par value common stock.
The estimated fair values noted below are based on the Black-Scholes
model and are stated in current annualized dollars on a present value basis.
The key assumptions used in the model for purposes of these calculations
include the following: (a) a discount rate equal to the 10-year Treasury rate
on the date of grant; (b) a volatility factor, (c) the term of the option or
warrant; (d) the closing price of the respective common stock on the date of
grant; and (e) an expected dividend rate of zero. The actual value that the
warrant or option holders may realize will depend upon the extent to which the
stock price exceeds the exercise price on the date the options are exercised.
Accordingly, the value realized by such holders will not necessarily be the
value determined by the model.
56
<PAGE> 57
A summary of Warrants and Options outstanding is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
--------------------------------------------
1997 1996
--------------------- --------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Options Exercise Exercise
& Warrants Price Shares Price
---------- -------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of
year 2,841,585 $ 2.46 1,647,052 $ 2.25
Granted 908,333 $ 3.71 1,194,533 $ 2.74
Exercised 434,102 $ 1.59 - -
Forfeited 488,680 $ 4.05 - -
--------- ---------
Outstanding at
end of year 2,827,136 $ 2.72 2,841,585 $ 2.46
========= =========
Options and Warrants
exercisable at year end 1,659,085 1,888,808
Weighted-average fair value
of options granted during
the year $ 2.36 $ 1.58
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options and stock
purchase warrants outstanding at March 31,1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options and Warrants
Options and Warrants Outstanding Exercisable
-------------------------------- ---------------------
Weighted
Average
Remaining Weighted Weighted
Number Contractual Average Number Average
Range of Outstanding Life Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Exercise Prices at 3/31/97 (In Years) Price at 3/31/97 Price
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$1.21 to $1.63 700,000 6.732 $1.2521 537,500 $ 1.2528
$2.00 to $2.75 398,000 3.486 $2.1319 373,000 $ 2.0905
$3.00 to $3.5625 1,404,866 8.297 $3.2708 424,311 $ 3.0895
$4.00 to $6.18 324,270 4.580 $4.1632 324,270 $ 4.1632
--------- ---------
$1.21 to $6.18 2,827,136 $2.7130 1,659,081 $ 2.4797
========= =========
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE> 58
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized in these financial statements. Had compensation cost for the
Company's option and warrant grants, since April 1, 1995, been determined on
the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with
the method of FAS No. 123, the Company's net loss per share would have been
adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below, which may not necessarily be
indicative of pro forma adjustments in future years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal year ending
March 31,
------------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net income applicable to common stock:
As reported $ (4,877,119) $ (2,131,733)
------------- -------------
Pro forma $ (5,320,795) $ (2,323,028)
------------- -------------
Earnings per share:
As reported $ (0.38) $ (0.19)
------------- -------------
Pro forma $ (0.41) $ (0.20)
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
NOTE 10 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Certain expenses have been allocated to the Company for administrative
and other services provided by an entity affiliated with the Company's
principal stockholder. Such expenses totaled approximately $174,000 and
$130,000 during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company currently leases office space in a six story office
building in downtown Austin. The office building has been acquired by a
partnership in which an officer of the Company serves as a trustee for a trust
that is a limited partner in the partnership.
A former employee of the Company and current member of the board of
directors was indebted to the Company in the amount of approximately $84,000
including accrued and unpaid interest. In March 1996, the Company reached an
agreement with this individual to satisfy his obligation by taking title to
21,567 shares of the outstanding Common Stock at a price of $3.75 per share and
cash of approximately $5,000. This transaction occurred during the first
quarter of fiscal 1997 and the Company retired the shares of Common Stock.
In June 1995, the Company loaned $174,000 to its Joint Venture
Partners for the purpose of acquiring an option to acquire an indirect economic
interest in the outstanding equity of TV Nieve S. A., the Company that provides
MMDS service in Ushuaia, Argentina. At March 31, 1996, the Company had not yet
elected to exercise this option to include this interest in the Joint Venture.
Accordingly, the Company included the notes receivable in the amount of
$174,000 in other assets on its balance sheet at March 31, 1996.
58
<PAGE> 59
NOTE 11 - OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases various buildings, equipment and office facilities
under operating leases ranging from one year to 12 years. The total minimum
future lease payments under these non-cancelable operating leases having an
initial term of one year or more are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Lease Expense
- ----------------- -------------
<S> <C>
March 31, 1998 $ 554,253
March 31, 1999 417,308
March 31, 2000 220,196
March 31, 2001 141,964
March 31, 2002 122,664
Thereafter 334,577
----------
Total $1,790,962
==========
</TABLE>
Total rental expense under operating leases for the years ended March
31, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $608,000 and $270,000, respectively.
NOTE 12 - SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's operations by geographic area are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal year ending March 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues
Argentina $ 22,580,466 $ 16,009,116
United States - -
------------ ------------
$ 22,580,466 $ 16,009,116
============ ============
Operating income (loss)
Argentina $ (545,369) $ 25,832
United States (1,846,079) (1,496,123)
------------ ------------
$ (2,391,448) $ (1,470,291)
============ ============
Identifiable assets
Argentina $ 48,706,226 $ 35,491,909
United States 920,736 8,752,736
------------ ------------
$ 49,626,962 $ 44,244,645
============ ============
</TABLE>
59
<PAGE> 60
NOTE 13 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company may have contingent liabilities
resulting from claims and commitments incident to the ordinary course of
business. Management believes that the probable resolution of any such
contingencies will not materially affect the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
The Comite Nacional de Radiodifusion ("COMFER"), an Argentine
governmental agency which is similar to the Federal Communications Commission
in the United States, licenses and regulates cable television operations in
Argentina. Effective October 20, 1994, the United States and Argentina
ratified the Bi-Lateral Trade Agreement which provided, among other things, for
the ownership of Argentine cable television systems by companies domiciled in
the United States. Effective March 27, 1995 COMFER promulgated regulations
relating to the licensure and approval of companies domiciled in the United
States to own and operate Argentine cable television systems, and a
representative of COMFER has indicated to the Company's management that COMFER
no longer will distinguish between Argentine and U.S. applicants in the
licensure process.
Based on advice it has received, management is of the opinion that
U.S. companies will be licensed to own and operate Argentine cable television
systems. To date and to the best knowledge of the management of the Company,
COMFER has formally approved or licensed two U.S. companies; however, the
Company has no assurance that COMFER will approve its licensure. Management is
currently seeking licensure of the Company or its subsidiaries with the
assistance of the Joint Venture Partners and local counsel. A decision by
COMFER to deny the licensure of the Company or its affiliated entities to own
and operate cable television systems in Argentina could have a material adverse
impact on the operations and value of the Company.
60
<PAGE> 61
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
61
<PAGE> 62
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
Directors, Executive Officers and Key Employees
All of the persons listed below are members of the present Board of
Directors and have consented to be named in the Proxy Statement for the next
annual meeting of shareholders and to serve as directors, if elected. Please
refer to Item 11 under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management" which sets forth certain additional information with
respect to each of the members of the Board of Directors as of April 1, 1997.
Winston J. Churchill, age 56, has been a director of the Company since
July 1995. Mr. Churchill formed Churchill Investment Partners, Inc. in 1989
and CIP Capital, Inc. in 1990 and continues to be a principal of each. From
1989 to 1993 he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the $24 billion
Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System.
Jack R. Crosby, age 70, has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Company since its inception in 1980, and became Chief Executive Officer in
1991. Mr. Crosby is also Managing General Partner of Rust Group, L.P.
("Rust"), a Texas limited partnership holding certain of Mr. Crosby's business
assets, and he is the president of Rust Capital, Ltd. ("Rust Capital"), a
small business investment corporation with its headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Mr. Crosby serves on the board of directors of National Dentex Corporation.
J. Kelly Elliott, age 66, has served as a director of the Company
since 1983. Since 1990, Mr. Elliott has been Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Sigma Electronics, a manufacturer and distributor of
electrical transformers. Mr. Elliott has also served since 1992 as Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Omnicomp Graphics, Inc., a computer graphics
company, and Seaboard-Avval, Inc., an oil field equipment manufacturer. From
1983 through 1989 Mr. Elliott was President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. From 1976 to 1983, Mr. Elliott served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of several wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hughes Tool Company,
including Brown Oil Tools and BJ-Hughes, each of which was engaged in oil field
services. In June of 1993, Mr. Elliott was elected Chairman of the Board of
Grant Tensor Geophysical Corporation, a publicly traded oil field service
company, and he served in that capacity through November 1995.
62
<PAGE> 63
Jack S. Gray, Jr., age 40, has been a director of the Company since
1989. Since April 1992, Mr. Gray has been the President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company. From August 1991 until April 1992, Mr. Gray was
President of J&J Mercantile, an investment firm in Austin, Texas. From April
1991 until August 1991, Mr. Gray was Deputy Director of Appointments in the
Office of the Governor, State of Texas. From 1985 to 1991, he was the Chief
Financial Officer of the "Rust Group" (which collectively refers to the
business activities of Mr. Crosby), and in this capacity, he served as an
officer or director of numerous entities in which Mr. Crosby held direct and
indirect ownership interests. Prior to 1985, Mr. Gray was an investment banker
with Duncan, Smith & Co., San Antonio, Texas.
Lee A. Lahourcade, age 40, has been a director of the Company since
March 1992. Mr. Lahourcade was president of Rust Capital from June 1988 to
June 1992. Since then, Mr. Lahourcade has served as a principal at Vaughn,
Nelson, Scarborough, McConnell, L.P., a money management firm. Prior to
joining Rust Capital, Mr. Lahourcade was a vice president of Merrill Lynch &
Co. in the investment banking area.
As required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the Company
has reviewed reports of ownership of equity securities of the Company, reports
of changes in ownership and written representations submitted to it with
respect to transactions in the Company's equity securities during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1997 and is unaware of any failure on the part of its
officers and directors to timely report a transaction in Company Common Stock.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation of Directors
Each director who is not an employee of the Company receives $1,000
for each board meeting attended, plus $500 for each committee meeting attended.
Employees of the Company are not paid directors fees. No member of the Board
of Directors was paid any compensation in the Company's 1997 fiscal year for
his service as a director of the Company other than pursuant to the standard
compensation arrangement for directors.
At the annual meeting of shareholders held in October 1993, the 1993
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (the "NEDSOP") was approved. Pursuant
to the NEDSOP, non-employee directors are entitled to receive one option to
purchase 8,333 shares of Company Common Stock upon becoming director, a second
option to purchase an additional 8,333 shares at the completion of one year of
service, and a third option to purchase an additional 8,334 shares at the
completion of two years of service. Because Mr. Elliott completed two years of
service as a director before March 31, 1994, he received options to acquire a
total of 25,000 shares of Company Common Stock at the fair market value of the
stock on the date of grant during fiscal year 1994. His options and 16,666 of
Mr. Lahourcade's options were granted at an exercise price of $1.21. An option
for 8,334 shares was granted to Mr. Lahourcade as of March 1994 (when he
completed two full years of service as a director) at an exercise price of
$1.625. Mr. Churchill received his initial option for 8,333 shares at an
exercise price of $3.25 effective July, 1995, and received his second option
for 8,333 shares at an exercise price of $3.43 effective July, 1996.
63
<PAGE> 64
The NEDSOP was adopted in order to further the goal of attracting and
retaining highly qualified non-employee directors of the Company and to
motivate them to assert their best efforts for the Company. As a result of
changes effected at last year's annual meeting, non-employee directors are
eligible to participate in the Company's 1991 Incentive Plan. As employees,
neither Mr. Gray nor Mr. Crosby is eligible to participate in the NEDSOP.
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, with respect to the Chief Executive
Officer (Mr. Crosby) and the President (Jack S. Gray, Jr.) as of March 31,
1997. There were no other executive officers of the Company who received
annual compensation (including salary and bonuses earned) which exceeded
$100,000 during fiscal year 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
-------------------------------- (B) (NO. OF
FISCAL NAME PRINCIPAL POSITION SALARY BONUS OTHER STOCK COMPENSATION
YEAR (A) OPTIONS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 Jack R. Crosby Chairman and CEO $ 150,000 -- -- 275,000 --
Jack S. Gray, Jr. President and COO $ 125,000 -- -- 225,000 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 Jack R. Crosby Chairman and CEO $ 112,500 -- -- 250,000 --
Jack S. Gray, Jr. President and COO $ 125,000 -- -- 175,000 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 Jack R. Crosby Chairman and CEO $ 100,000 -- -- (c) --
Jack S. Gray, Jr. President and COO $ 125,000 -- -- (c) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) This column includes benefits (not properly categorized as salary or
bonus) that are in excess of 10% of the annual salary and bonus
reported.
(b) Options granted include a limited stock appreciation right that
becomes exercisable at the employee's option only if there is a change
in control of the Company.
(c) During fiscal year 1995, the Company did not pay or award any
long-term compensation within the meaning of that term (restricted
stock awards, options and long-term incentive payouts) to any of the
named executive officers.
64
<PAGE> 65
Stock Option Grants in 1997
The following table shows information concerning individual grants of
stock options during fiscal year 1997 to the named executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================================
NO. OF SECURITIES % OF TOTAL
NAME UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION DATE
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jack R. Crosby 275,000 45.8 $3.5625 3/11/07
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack S. Gray, Jr. 225,000 37.5 $3.5625 3/11/07
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Stock Option Exercises and Holdings
The following table shows information regarding stock option exercises
and unexercised options held as of the end of fiscal year 1997 by the named
executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
AT MARCH 31, 1997
------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS VALUE OF IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
----------------------------- -------------------------------
NAME OPTIONS EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE* UNEXERCISABLE*
EXERCISED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jack R. Crosby 0 327,083 522,917 $590,104 $266,146
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack S. Gray, Jr. 0 302,083 197,917 $577,604 $241,146
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Based on closing price of $3.50 on March 31, 1997.
65
<PAGE> 66
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table shows the number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock, and Preferred Stock that may be deemed beneficially owned on March 31,
1997 by each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of the Company's outstanding voting securities, along with information
with respect to each of the nominees for director and all directors and
officers as a group as of March 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock 1990 Preferred Stock 1995 Preferred Stock
-------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Amount and Amount and Amount and
Nature of Percent Percent Nature of Percent Narture of Percent
Beneficial of of Beneficial of Beneficial of
Beneficial Owner Ownership Class(1) Class(2) Ownership Class(3) Ownership Class(4)
- ------------------------ ----------- -------- -------- ----------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BEA Associates 2,250,000 (5) 15.5 12.1 -- -- 40,000 28.7
153 East 53rd Street
One Citicorp Center
New York, NY 10022
Argentina Equity Investment 1,855,000 (6) 13.1 10.0 -- -- 30,000 21.5
Partnership
c/o BEA Associates
153 East 53rd Street
One Citicorp Center
New York, NY 10022
K-G, L.P. 1,265,192 (7) 9.6 6.8 -- -- 1,250 *
Winston J. Churchill
Frederick M. Danziger
John Fletcher
W&M Management Company, Inc.
641 Lexington Avenue
29th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Fred Lieberman 1,163,060 (8) 8.8 6.3 -- -- -- --
6251 B Park of Commerce Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder, Inc 1,133,850 (9) 8.0 6.0 -- -- 16,750 12.0
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10022.
Harvey Sandler 928,200(10) 7.0 5.0 -- -- -- --
c/o Sandler Capital
767 Fifth Avenue, 45th Floor
New York, NY 10153
Banque Nationale de Paris 691,673(11) 5.0 3.7 -- -- 20,000 14.4
(Switzerland) Ltd.
c/o Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10022
SC Fundamental, Inc. 640,000(12) 4.6 3.5 -- -- 20,000 14.4
Gary N. Siegler
Peter M. Collery
712 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10019
The SC Fundamental Value Fund, 416,000(12) 3.1 2.2 -- -- 13,000 9.3
L.P
712 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10022.
</TABLE>
66
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock 1990 Preferred Stock 1995 Preferred Stock
-------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Amount and Amount and Amount and
Nature of Percent Percent Nature of Percent Narture of Percent
Beneficial of of Beneficial of Beneficial of
Beneficial Owner Ownership Class(1) Class(2) Ownership Class(3) Ownership Class(4)
- ------------------------------ ----------- -------- --------- ----------- ------- ----------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The South America Fund N.V. 395,000(13) 2.9 2.1 -- -- 10,000 7.2
c/o BEA Associates
153 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022.
Clarex Limited 337,500(14) 2.5 1.8 -- -- 10,000 7.2
Scotiabank Bldg., 3rd Floor
Rawson Square
Nassau, N.P., Bahamas
First Eagle Fund N.V. 320,000(15) 2.4 1.7 -- -- 10,000 7.2
c/o Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder,
Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10022.
Mervyn L. Lapin 311,475(16) 2.4 1.7 46,534 6.7 -- --
232 W. Meadow Drive
Vail, Co 81657
Kenneth Pasternak 305,125(17) 2.3 1.6 40,000 5.8 -- --
525 Washington Blvd. Suite 2401
Jersey City, NJ 07310
SC Fundamental Value BVI, Inc. 224,000(12) 1.7 1.2 -- -- -- --
712 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Special Situation Fund, L. P. III 72,055 * * 57,500 8.3 -- --
153 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
Jack R. Crosby 463,544(18) 3.4 2.5 -- -- -- --
327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
J. Kelly Elliott 58,664(19) * * -- -- -- --
327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
Jack S. Gray, Jr. 557,056(20) 4.1 3.0 9,850 1.4 -- --
327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
Lee A. Lahourcade 26,880(21) * * 1,500 * -- --
327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
All directors and officers as a 1,517,986 10.9 7.9 11,350 1.6 1,250 *
group
(five persons)
</TABLE>
- -----------------
* Less than one percent
67
<PAGE> 68
(1) Calculated as the fraction of which the numerator is the total number
of Common Stock shares or Common Stock equivalent shares owned by the
director, officer or holder of 5% or more of the Company's shares (the
"Beneficial Owner") which is calculated as the sum of the number of
shares of Common Stock owned, the number of shares of Common Stock
into which the Preferred Stock owned could be converted, and the
number of shares of Common Stock which could be acquired within 60
days by the exercise of warrants or options, and the denominator of
which is the sum of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding, the number of shares of Common Stock into which the
Preferred Stock owned by the Beneficial Owner could be converted, and
the number of shares of Common Stock which could be acquired by the
Beneficial Owner within 60 days by the exercise of warrants and
options.
(2) Calculated as the fraction of which the numerator is the total number
of Common Stock shares or Common Stock equivalent shares owned by the
Beneficial Owner which is calculated as the sum of the number of
shares of Common Stock owned, the number of shares of Common Stock
into which the Preferred Stock owned could be converted, and the
number of shares of Common Stock which could be acquired within 60
days by the exercise of warrants or options, and the denominator of
which is the sum of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding, the total number of shares of Common Stock into which the
aggregate outstanding Preferred Stock could be converted, and the
number of shares of Common Stock which could be acquired by the
Beneficial Owner within 60 days by the exercise of warrants or
options.
(3) Based on 693,864 shares outstanding.
(4) Based on 139,250 shares outstanding.
(5) BEA Associates filed a Schedule 13G dated January 15, 1996, as an
Investment Adviser registered under Section 208 of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 pursuant to Rules 13d-1(b) or 13d-2(b). This
filing reported the beneficial ownership of the shares owned by
Argentina Equity Investment Partnership. Additionally, in its filing
it stated that CS Holding indirectly owns 80% of the partnership units
in BEA Associates. CS Holding and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries, in addition to BEA Associates, may beneficially own
shares of the Company and such shares were not reported on the
Schedule 13G filing. However, the Company believes that under certain
conditions, shares owned by The South America Fund, N.V. may be deemed
to be beneficially owned by BEA, and are included in the shares
beneficially owned by BEA Associates.
(6) Includes 895,000 shares of Common Stock held directly and 960,000
shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock
held directly.
68
<PAGE> 69
(7) K-G, L.P., John Fletcher, W&M Management Company, Inc., Frederick M.
Danziger and Winston J. Churchill, Jr. filed an amended Schedule 13D
on July 1, 1995 in which they indicated they were members of a "group"
for the purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Includes 1,215,414
shares held directly, 9,778 shares subject to currently exercisable
options held by Winston J. Churchill and 40,000 shares issuable upon
conversion of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock (which is held directly
by Winston J. and Barbara G. Churchill), 299,342 of such shares are
held by Mr. Churchill and his wife, Barbara G. Churchill, 62,500
shares are held by the Winston J. Churchill Retirement Plan of which
Mr. Churchill is a beneficiary. The Sharpe Irrevocable Intervivos
Trust, of which Jack R. Crosby's wife is the sole beneficiary, holds
a limited partnership interest in 853,572 of such shares (see note 18).
(8) Mr. Lieberman filed a Schedule 13D dated March 17, 1992 in which he
stated that he has no current definitive plan to gain control of the
Company or to cause the Company to change its current board of
directors or management, capitalization, dividend policy, business or
corporate structure.
(9) Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. filed a Schedule 13G on February 13,
1997, in which they indicated that they disclaimed beneficial
ownership of 621,700 shares of Common Stock reflected in the table.
Includes 486,150 shares subject to warrants, 536,000 shares issuable
upon conversion of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock and 111,700 shares
held in discretionary accounts as to which Bleichroeder acts as
investment advisor.
(10) Mr. Sandler, 21st Century Communications Partners, L.P., 21st Century
Communications T-E Partners, L.P., 21st Century Communications Foreign
Partners, L.P., Sandler Investment Partners, L.P., Sandler Capital
Management and ARH Media Corp. filed a Schedule 13D dated May 5, 1995
in which they indicated that they were members of a "group" for the
purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(11) Consists of 34,173 shares of Common Stock held directly, 640,000
shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock
held directly and 17,500 shares subject to warrants.
(12) The SC Fundamental Value Fund, L.P., S.C. Fundamental Value BVI, Inc.,
S.C. Fundamental, Inc., Gary N. Siegler and Peter M. Collery filed a
Schedule 13D dated May 2, 1995 in which they indicated that The SC
Fundamental Value Fund, L.P. and S.C. Fundamental, Inc. were members
of a "group," and that Mr. Siegler and Mr. Collery may, without so
admitting, be members of a "group," in each case, for the purposes of
Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. Includes 416,000 shares available
upon conversion of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock held directly.
(13) Includes 40,000 shares of Common Stock held directly, 320,000 shares
issuable upon conversion of Series 1995 Preferred Stock held directly
and 35,000 shares subject to currently exercisable warrants.
69
<PAGE> 70
(14) All such shares are held directly in a discretionary account over
which Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. exercises voting and
investment control. Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares, all of which are reflected in
their holdings. See note (9) above.
(15) Consists of shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 1995
Preferred Stock held directly.
(16) Includes 253,162 shares of common stock held directly and 46,534
shares of the Series 1990 Preferred Stock which can be converted into
58,313 shares of common stock.
(17) Includes 255,000 shares held directly and 50,125 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the conversion of the shares of Series 1990 Preferred
Stock.
(18) Excludes 172,043 shares held by the Jack R. Crosby Intervivos Trust as
to which members of Mr. Crosby's immediate family are the
beneficiaries and as to which Mr. Crosby disclaims any voting or
investment power. Excludes 853,752 shares held through a limited
partnership interest by a partnership in which the Sharpe Irrevocable
Intervivos Trust, in which Mr. Crosby's wife is the sole beneficiary
and as to which Mr. Crosby disclaims any voting or investment power.
See footnote (7) above. Includes 136,460 shares held directly by Mr.
Crosby and 327,084 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
(19) Includes 9,394 shares held directly and 49,270 shares subject to
currently exercisable options.
(20) Calculated as the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock owned
directly (242,628), plus the following number of shares of Common
Stock into which the shares of Preferred Stock could be converted:
11,341 shares held by Mr. Gray directly and 1,003 shares held in trust
for the benefit of Mr. Gray's child. Mr. Gray holds options to
acquire 302,084 shares which are currently exercisable.
(21) Includes 1,880 shares into which shares of Preferred Stock held
directly by Mr. Lahourcade may be converted and 16,666 shares subject
to options granted to Mr. Lahourcade on October 4, 1994, and 8,334
shares subject to options granted March 1994, pursuant to the NEDSOP.
70
<PAGE> 71
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal year 1996, J. Kelly Elliott was indebted to the Company
in the amount of approximately $84,000, including accrued and unpaid interest
by virtue of a loan which had been made in 1989. In March 1996, the Company
agreed that Mr. Elliott could satisfy his obligation by assigning to the
Company 21,567 shares of outstanding Common Stock, which was then trading at
approximately $3.75 per share, and cash of approximately $5,000. The note was
satisfied on these terms during the first quarter of fiscal 1997 and the
Company retired the Common Stock.
Rust Management Services, Inc., a Texas corporation ("RMSI") of which
Jack R. Crosby is the sole shareholder, has provided the part-time services of
several of its employees to the Company. Pursuant to this arrangement, the
Company's pro rata share of the expenses associated with RMSI's employment of
these individuals is reimbursed by the Company at RMSI's cost. During the
fiscal years ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996, payments to RMSI pursuant
to this arrangement were approximately $174,000 and $130,000, respectively.
The Company leases its executive offices in Austin, Texas in a
six-story office building which was sold in June of 1996. Jack Gray is the
trustee of a trust which is a minority interest limited partner of the
partnership which acquired the building.
71
<PAGE> 72
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
(Asterisk indicates exhibits previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission which are incorporated
herein by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.)
Exhibit No. Description
* 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Tescorp, Inc. filed July
11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 3.1 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
3.2 Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for
Tescorp, Inc. dated February 28, 1996
* 3.3 Bylaws of Tescorp, Inc. filed July 11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 3.2 TO
FORM 10 DATED JUNE 27, 1990]
* 4.1 Statement of Resolution Establishing and Designating the
Series 1990 10% Convertible Preferred Stock of Tescorp, Inc.
filed July 11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 4.1 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18,
1990]
* 4.2 Statement of Resolution Establishing and Designating the
Series 1995 8% Convertible Preferred Stock of Tescorp, Inc.
filed December 18, 1995 [EXHIBIT 4.1 (B) TO FORM S-3 FILED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.01 Option Agreement between Tescorp, Inc. and John C. Kerr
[EXHIBIT 10.5 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.02 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to National City Venture
Corporation [EXHIBIT 10.7 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.03 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to Mid West Holdings
Limited Partnership [EXHIBIT 10.8 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18,
1990]
*10.04 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to Jack A. Morgan, Jr.
[EXHIBIT 10.9 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.05 Asset Purchase Agreement among Input/Output, Inc., Tescorp
Seismic Products, Inc. and Tescorp, Inc. dated February 4,
1994 [EXHIBIT 10.19 TO FORM 10-QSB DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1994]
72
<PAGE> 73
*10.06 Asset Purchase Agreement among Tescorp, Inc. Clif Mock
Company, Metserco Corporation, Wheatly*TXT Corp. and Mock
Holdings, Inc. dated July 8, 1993 [EXHIBIT 2 TO FORM 8-K DATED
JULY 21, 1993]
*10.07 Tescorp, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan
[EXHIBIT 10.21 TO FORM 10-KSB DATED JULY 1, 1994]
*10.08 Form of Stock Option Agreements between Tescorp, Inc. and
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan Participants [EXHIBIT
10.22 TO FORM 10-KSB DATED JULY 1, 1994]
*10.09 Tescorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 1991 Incentive Plan
[EXHIBIT 4.1(B) TO FORM S-8 DATED NOVEMBER 5, 1996]
*10.10 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreements between Tescorp,
Inc. and Tescorp, Inc. 1991 Incentive Plan Participants
[EXHIBIT 10.3 TO FORM 10 DATED JUNE 27, 1990]
*10.11 Form of Term Loan Agreement dated July 3, 1995 between Osvaldo
Rossi and Carlos Jose Saba and Austral Communications Corp.
[EXHIBIT 99.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED JULY 18, 1995]
*10.12 Form of Term Loan Agreement dated December 20, 1995 between
Osvaldo Rossi and Carlos Jose Saba and Austral Communications
Corp. [EXHIBIT 99.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED JANUARY 4, 1996]
*10.13 Form of Subscription Agreement between Tescorp, Inc. and
subscribers of common stock, $0.02 par value, of Tescorp, Inc.
[EXHIBIT 4.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED MAY 8, 1995]
*10.14 Form of Subscription Agreements between Tescorp, Inc. and
subscribers of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock $100.00 par
value, of Tescorp, Inc. [EXHIBIT 4.4(B) TO FORM S-3 DATED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.15 Form of letter confirming subscription dated December 15, 1995
between Tescorp, Inc. and subscribers of the Series 1995
Preferred Stock $100.00 par value, of Tescorp, Inc. [EXHIBIT
4.4(C) TO FORM S-3 DATED FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.16 Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement [EXHIBIT 10.28 TO POST
EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE FORM S-2, FILED APRIL 10,
1997]
*10.17 First Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated
December 9, 1994 to be effective April 7, 1994 [EXHIBIT 99.1
TO FORM 8-K FILED JULY 18, 1995]
73
<PAGE> 74
*10.18 Second Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated
February 28, 1996 to be effective as of December 31, 1995
[EXHIBIT 10.24(B) TO FORM S-3 FILED FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.19 First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Joint
Venture Agreement dated February 28, 1996 to be effective as
of December 31, 1995 [EXHIBIT 10.24(B) TO FORM S-3 FILED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.20 Form of Stock Purchase Warrant dated as of December 21, 1995
issued to Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. and assigns
[EXHIBIT 10.27 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-2 FILED MARCH 29,
1996]
22.1 Subsidiaries of the registrant
23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent - KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
74
<PAGE> 75
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.
TESCORP, INC.
Date: June 25, 1997 By: JACK S. GRAY, JR.
------------------------------------
Jack S. Gray, Jr.
President and Chief Operating
Officer
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.
Date: June 25, 1997 By: JACK R. CROSBY
------------------------------------
Jack R. Crosby
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Date: June 25, 1997 By: JACK S. GRAY, JR.
------------------------------------
Jack S. Gray, Jr.
President and Chief Operating
Officer and Director
Date: June 25, 1997 By: WINSTON J. CHURCHILL
------------------------------------
Winston J. Churchill
Director
Date: June 25, 1997 By: J. KELLY ELLIOTT
------------------------------------
J. Kelly Elliott
Director
Date: June 25, 1997 By: LEE A. LAHOURCADE
------------------------------------
Lee A. Lahourcade
Director
Date: June 25, 1997 By: JOHN D. BECKER
------------------------------------
John D. Becker
Controller and Principal
Accounting Officer
75
<PAGE> 76
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
* 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Tescorp, Inc. filed July
11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 3.1 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
3.2 Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for
Tescorp, Inc. dated February 28, 1996
* 3.3 Bylaws of Tescorp, Inc. filed July 11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 3.2 TO
FORM 10 DATED JUNE 27, 1990]
* 4.1 Statement of Resolution Establishing and Designating the
Series 1990 10% Convertible Preferred Stock of Tescorp, Inc.
filed July 11, 1990 [EXHIBIT 4.1 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18,
1990]
* 4.2 Statement of Resolution Establishing and Designating the
Series 1995 8% Convertible Preferred Stock of Tescorp, Inc.
filed December 18, 1995 [EXHIBIT 4.1 (B) TO FORM S-3 FILED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.01 Option Agreement between Tescorp, Inc. and John C. Kerr
[EXHIBIT 10.5 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.02 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to National City Venture
Corporation [EXHIBIT 10.7 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.03 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to Mid West Holdings
Limited Partnership [EXHIBIT 10.8 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18,
1990]
*10.04 Warrant dated July 11, 1990 issued to Jack A. Morgan, Jr.
[EXHIBIT 10.9 TO FORM 8 DATED JULY 18, 1990]
*10.05 Asset Purchase Agreement among Input/Output, Inc., Tescorp
Seismic Products, Inc. and Tescorp, Inc. dated February 4,
1994 [EXHIBIT 10.19 TO FORM 10-QSB DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1994]
<PAGE> 77
*10.06 Asset Purchase Agreement among Tescorp, Inc. Clif Mock
Company, Metserco Corporation, Wheatly*TXT Corp. and Mock
Holdings, Inc. dated July 8, 1993 [EXHIBIT 2 TO FORM 8-K DATED
JULY 21, 1993]
*10.07 Tescorp, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan
[EXHIBIT 10.21 TO FORM 10-KSB DATED JULY 1, 1994]
*10.08 Form of Stock Option Agreements between Tescorp, Inc. and
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan Participants [EXHIBIT
10.22 TO FORM 10-KSB DATED JULY 1, 1994]
*10.09 Tescorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 1991 Incentive Plan
[EXHIBIT 4.1(B) TO FORM S-8 DATED NOVEMBER 5, 1996]
*10.10 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreements between Tescorp,
Inc. and Tescorp, Inc. 1991 Incentive Plan Participants
[EXHIBIT 10.3 TO FORM 10 DATED JUNE 27, 1990]
*10.11 Form of Term Loan Agreement dated July 3, 1995 between Osvaldo
Rossi and Carlos Jose Saba and Austral Communications Corp.
[EXHIBIT 99.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED JULY 18, 1995]
*10.12 Form of Term Loan Agreement dated December 20, 1995 between
Osvaldo Rossi and Carlos Jose Saba and Austral Communications
Corp. [EXHIBIT 99.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED JANUARY 4, 1996]
*10.13 Form of Subscription Agreement between Tescorp, Inc. and
subscribers of common stock, $0.02 par value, of Tescorp, Inc.
[EXHIBIT 4.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED MAY 8, 1995]
*10.14 Form of Subscription Agreements between Tescorp, Inc. and
subscribers of the Series 1995 Preferred Stock $100.00 par
value, of Tescorp, Inc. [EXHIBIT 4.4(B) TO FORM S-3 DATED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.15 Form of letter confirming subscription dated December 15, 1995
between Tescorp, Inc. and subscribers of the Series 1995
Preferred Stock $100.00 par value, of Tescorp, Inc. [EXHIBIT
4.4(C) TO FORM S-3 DATED FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.16 Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement [EXHIBIT 10.28 TO POST
EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE FORM S-2, FILED APRIL 10,
1997]
*10.17 First Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated
December 9, 1994 to be effective April 7, 1994 [EXHIBIT 99.1
TO FORM 8-K FILED JULY 18, 1995]
<PAGE> 78
*10.18 Second Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated
February 28, 1996 to be effective as of December 31, 1995
[EXHIBIT 10.24(B) TO FORM S-3 FILED FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.19 First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Joint
Venture Agreement dated February 28, 1996 to be effective as
of December 31, 1995 [EXHIBIT 10.24(B) TO FORM S-3 FILED
FEBRUARY 29, 1996]
*10.20 Form of Stock Purchase Warrant dated as of December 21, 1995
issued to Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. and assigns
[EXHIBIT 10.27 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-2 FILED MARCH 29,
1996]
22.1 Subsidiaries of the registrant
23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent - KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 3.2 AMENDED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
TESCORP, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 4.04 of the Texas Business
Corporations Act, the undersigned corporation adopts the following Articles of
Amendment to its Restated Articles of Incorporation:
SECTION ONE
The name of the corporation is Tescorp, Inc.
SECTION TWO
This amendment (the "AMENDMENT") to the Restated Articles of
Incorporation has been effected in conformity with the provisions of the Texas
Business Corporations Act ("TBCA"), and was duly adopted by the shareholders of
the corporation on the 12th day of December 1995.
SECTION THREE
The aggregate number of authorized shares of stock of the corporation
prior to the Amendment was 30,000,000; the aggregate number of shares
outstanding and entitled to vote on the Amendment to the Restated Articles of
Incorporation was 12,668,297; the aggregate number of shares voted for such
Amendment was 8,963,441. The aggregate number of shares voted against such
Amendment was 72,360.
The number of authorized shares of Common Stock was 25,000,000; the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the
Amendment was 11,974,433; the number of shares of Common Stock voted for such
Amendment was 8,437,372; and the number of shares of Common Stock voted against
such Amendment was 53,552.
The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock was 5,000,000; the
number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the
Amendment was 693,864; the number of shares of Preferred Stock voted for such
Amendment was 526,069; and the number of shares of Preferred Stock voted
against such Amendment was 18,808.
<PAGE> 2
SECTION FOUR
Article Four is amended to increase the number of authorized shares of
the corporation's common stock, $.02 par value per share, from 25,000,000 to
50,000,000 and shall read in its entirety as follows:
"ARTICLE FOUR
The total number of shares of stock of all classes which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 55,000,000 shares,
divided into 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.02 par value per
share ("Common Stock"), and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00
par value per share ("Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock may be
divided into and issued, at any time and from time to time, in one or
more series as the Board of Directors shall determine pursuant to the
authority hereby vested in it. The Board of Directors shall have the
authority to establish series of unissued shares of Preferred Stock,
at any time and from time to time, by adopting one or more resolutions
designating the series and fixing and determining the relative rights
and preferences of shares of the series within the limitations of the
TBCA and the articles of incorporation and to increase or decrease the
number of shares within each such series; provided, however, that the
Board of Directors may not decrease the number of shares within a
series to less than the number of shares within such series that are
then issued. All shares of each series of Preferred Stock shall be
identical except for the relative rights and preferences which may be
varied between series as determined by the Board of Directors in
accordance with the TBCA by resolutions adopted pursuant to the
authority hereby vested in it, including without limitation the
following:
(a) the number of shares constituting the series
and the distinctive designation of that series;
(b) the dividend rate on shares of the series,
the dividend payment dates, whether dividends shall be
cumulative (and, if so, from which date or dates), and the
relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends
on shares of the series;
(c) the price payable upon redemption of shares
of the series and the terms and conditions on which such
shares may be redeemed;
(d) the amount payable to the holders of shares
of the series upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation of
the Corporation;
(e) the provisions of the sinking fund, if any,
for the redemption or purchase of shares of the series;
2
<PAGE> 3
(f) the terms and conditions, if any, on which
such shares may be converted into or exchanged for other
securities, property or indebtedness of the Corporation;
(g) the voting rights, if any, of the shares of
the series; and
(h) any other special rights and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions permitted by law to be granted to
or imposed on the series.
The Common Stock shall be subject and subordinate to the
rights, privileges and preferences of any series of Preferred Stock to
the extent set forth in the resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors establishing the series."
Dated: February 28, 1996.
/s/ JACK S. GRAY, JR.
---------------------------
Jack S. Gray,
President
3
53804 v1
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 22.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Direct Subsidiaries/Jurisdiction of Organization Indirect Subsidiaries/Jurisdiction of Organization
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------
Metserco Holdings, Inc./Delaware Metserco Corporation/Delaware
Austral Communications Corp./Delaware Comunicaciones Austral, S.A./Argentina
Cabledifusion, S.A./Argentina
SMR, S.A./Argentina
</TABLE>
Austral Communications Management
Services, Inc. /Delaware
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
To the Board of Directors of
Tescorp, Inc.
We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form
S-3 (File No. 33-94718) and Form S-8 for the Tescorp, Inc. 1991 Incentive Plan,
dated March 20, 1991, of our report dated June 3, 1997, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of Tescorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31,
1997, which report appears in the March 31, 1997 annual report on Form 10-KSB
of Tescorp, Inc.
Austin, Texas
June 20, 1997 KPMG PEAT MARWICK
LLP
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FILED AS PART OF THE
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1997
<CASH> 1,623,375
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,629,595
<ALLOWANCES> (421,178)
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0<F1>
<PP&E> 17,145,716
<DEPRECIATION> 5,506,435
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 49,626,962
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0<F1>
<BONDS> 0
0
833,114
<COMMON> 263,560
<OTHER-SE> 32,523,983
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 49,626,962
<SALES> 22,580,466
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 22,580,466
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 16,263,772
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 999,108
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 346,100
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,483,393)
<INCOME-TAX> 898,551
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (3,381,944)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (3,382,059)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.38)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
<FN>
<F1>THE COMPANY DOES NOT HAVE A CLASSIFIED BALANCE SHEET.
</FN>
</TABLE>
