U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[ X ] Annual report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 [Fee Required] for the fiscal year ended:
May 31, 1997
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[ ] Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required] for the transition period
from ___________ to __________
Commission file number: 0 -24058
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TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
California 33-0424087
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4110 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 170
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: (800) 535-2211
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Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: None
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Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, no par value
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Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past
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 at least the past 90 days. Yes X No
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Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-B contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best
of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment
to this Form 10-KSB. [ X ]
Issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $1,992,000
As of September 15, 1997, the aggregate market value of voting stock held
by non-affiliates was $8,848,691 based on the closing bid price of $1.937
for the Registrant's Common Stock.
As of September 15, 1997, the number of Shares of the Registrant's Common
Stock, no par value, outstanding was 4,568,245.
Documents incorporated by reference: Exhibits to Issuer's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2, No. 33-80131.
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TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC.
FORM 10-KSB
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
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(a) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Touch Tone America, Inc. (the "Company") was organized under the laws
of the State of California in 1990, and provides long distance, Internet
services and other telecommunication products. The Company has a small long
distance customer base located primarily in the Western and Southwestern
markets of the United States. Due to intense competition in the long
distance industry and declining revenues, the Company and GetNet
International, Inc. ("GetNet"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, have
redirected the current strategy of the Company from long distance to the
development of an Internet "backbone" which consists of a centralized
high-speed computer network connecting smaller computer networks around the
United States. With the additional development of the backbone, the
Company may be able to offer a full range of Internet services to Internet
Service Providers, corporate clients and individual customer accounts.
Management believes the Internet backbone is a source of meeting its WilTel
carrier commitment described herein and a potential revenue source to
offset increasing losses from operations particularly in the Company's long
distance segment.
As discussed in this report, the Company has, in the past, entered
into sales volume commitments with its service providers which have far
exceeded its current sales volumes. The Company had a commitment with
AT&T, since 1994, to utilize long distance services of $1,800,000 annually
($150,000 per month). Revenues under this contract declined through May,
1997 to approximately $35,000 per month.
On September 19, 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement
with AT&T in connection with certain disagreements surrounding fraudulent
use of the Company's long distance service and the Company's failure to
meet certain minimum commitments during fiscal 1997. Under the settlement,
the Company is obligated to make payments to AT&T on stipulated dates prior
to December 12, 1997, when the final payment is due. As a remedy to this
settlement, if such payments are not made timely, AT&T has the right and
the Company would be liable for amounts due under the prior agreements
(inbound and outbound). AT&T has alleged this amount is in excess of
$6,000,000, which is disputed by the Company. The obligation under the
settlement agreement has been recorded as a liability as of May 31, 1997,
but the Company does not have the funds to make these payments. Therefore,
the Company is required to raise additional capital to satisfy this
obligation. In addition, the Company will forego receiving certain amounts
previously withheld by AT&T. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company also
transferred to AT&T its long distance service for which AT&T was the
provider and the Company has no future service commitments with AT&T.
Revenues from this service totaled approximately $760,000 in fiscal 1997.
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In addition, the Company has a "take or pay" commitment with WilTel
for voice and transmission of $50,000 per month and $70,000 in gross data
billings, before discounts. GetNet's typical gross data usage currently
approximates $65,000 a month, which results in additional minimum
commitment billings of approximately $5,000 per month. Furthermore, the
revenues associated with this data circuit commitment on the Internet
backbone have not been adequate to generate a gross margin. If an increase
in revenues on its Internet backbone fail to materialize, additional
losses, the amount of which cannot currently be estimated, could be
recorded.
The Company's financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue operating as a going concern, which contemplates
the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal
course of business. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern
is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, the
Company's raising additional capital, making payment on its current
obligations, including AT&T, carrier commitments and the IRS for payroll
taxes, meeting the terms of its continuing service commitments and
achieving and maintaining profitable operations. As a result of continuing
operating losses and working capital deficits, the Company's independent
auditors included a "going concern" paragraph with respect to the audited
financial statements as of and for the year ended May 31, 1997.
To increase revenues to a sufficient level to meet its carrier
commitments and overhead expenses, the Company is actively seeking
acquisition candidates (including the proposed business combination with
Orix Global Communications Inc. set forth below) with existing customer and
revenue bases. Also, the Company may also attempt to issue shares of its
authorized, but unissued, Common Stock to acquire long distance customer
bases and/or assets of acquisition candidates. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in this regard.
(b) RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On March 7, 1997, the Company announced that the merger agreement
dated November 13, 1996, and amended on November 19, 1996, December 4,
1996, and January 22, 1997, between Touch Tone America, Inc. and S.V.V.
Sales, Inc., d/b/a Arcada Communications ("Arcada") of Seattle, Washington
had been terminated. Arcada notified the Company that Arcada had elected
to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to the termination provisions of
the agreement and commenced legal action against the Company for break up
fees pursuant to the agreement. This lawsuit was settled to the
satisfaction of the parties in August 1997.
Through May 31, 1997, the Company's long distance revenues continued
to decline. The Company's management believed its AT&T SDN contract
discussed herein was non-competitive with other long distance carriers.
Specifically, the Company paid approximately $.17 per minute wholesale,
whereas its competitors, including AT&T, sold long distance at retail rates
of $.15 and below. As a result, the Company experienced greater than
normal customer attrition and the loss of almost all of its independent
agents.
In August 1996, AT&T made a claim against the Company for one calling
card long distance charges of over $1,000,000 fraudulently charged by an
unknown third party to the
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Company's account. As a consequence, AT&T withheld all commissions (or
discounts) on the regular SDN accounts and applied those commissions to
the alleged fraud account without concurrence from the Company. These
payments or commissions are approximately $250,000.
On September 19, 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement
with AT&T in connection with the disagreements surrounding fraudulent use
of the Company's long distance service and the Company's failure to meet
certain minimum commitments for its inbound and outbound service during
fiscal 1997. AT&T is the Company's primary provider for long distance
service. Under the settlement, the Company is obligated to make certain
payments on stipulated dates prior to December 12, 1997, when the final
payment is due. If the Company fails to make the payments in a timely
fashion, AT&T has the right, and the Company would be liable under the
prior agreements for unfulfilled commitment payments, which AT&T alleges to
be in excess of $6,000,000. In addition, the Company will forego receiving
certain amounts previously withheld by AT&T. This settlement resulted in
approximately $375,000 being recorded as an expense in fiscal 1997 and the
resulting obligation under the settlement agreement to AT&T is included in
accrued liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Pursuant to
the settlement, the Company also transferred to AT&T its long distance
service for which AT&T was the provider and the Company has no future
service commitments with AT&T. Revenues from this service totaled
approximately $760,000 in fiscal 1997. The Company currently does not have
the funds to make the payments which will commence in November 1997. The
Company will have to raise additional funds in either a equity/debt
offering. Due to the Company's financial condition, there can be no
assurance the Company will be successful in this regard.
On May 15, 1997, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with
Cornwell Consulting Services, Inc. ("CCS") of Dover, Florida. CCS was
retained by the Board of Directors to assist in finding a merger candidate,
the possible sale of GetNet, and to institute cost cutting measures. The
Board of Directors felt that drastic measures where called for as the
Company's cash continued to deteriorate, losses from operations have
continued, past due taxes are due and owing, the Company was party to
numerous lawsuits and continues to experience shortfalls on its carrier
commitments. CCS believes that the future existence of the Company is
uncertain unless the Company can raise operating capital through the sale
of assets or debt/equity financing and/or an appropriate merger partner.
Accordingly, both of these areas have been given the top priority by the
new management. The CCS agreement terminated September 15, 1997 and was
not renewed due to the health of Mr. Larry Cornwell, Acting President. Mr.
Cornwell resigned as Acting President as of that date.
Board members Matt Barletta and Michael J. Canney, resigned on April
16, and May 14, 1997, respectively. To facilitate the attempted turnaround
and provide CCS with the necessary power to take action, Robert C. Vaughan,
Larry C. Cornwell and Dr. Edward D. Wirth, Jr. were appointed as Directors.
Mr. Vaughan resigned on June 6, 1997, leaving Messrs. Cornwell, Wirth and
Walko as the Company's remaining Directors. Mr. Cornwell is the interim
President and David J. Smith remained as Secretary and Chief Financial
Officer, but terminated with the Company on September 12, 1997. Dr. Wirth
is the acting President of GetNet.
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In June and July of 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the
issuance of 1.2 million shares of the Company's restricted Common Stock in
a private transaction. The shares were sold at $0.35 per share to a
limited number of individuals. The proceeds of this offering ($420,000)
were used to finance the Company's working capital needs and have
substantially been expended as of the current date.
On August 11, 1997, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization whereby the Company will acquire all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Orix Global Communications, Inc. ("Orix") of Las
Vegas, Nevada. The Company will issue to the Orix shareholders, 4,500,000
shares of its "restricted" Common Stock and 6,000,000 shares of a
newly-authorized Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C is non-voting and
will pay cumulative dividends of 8% per annum payable annually. Each share
of Series C is redeemable for cash at the election of the holder or
convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock at the election of
the holder at any time for a period of three years. After three years, the
Company must either convert or redeem the Series C (subject to certain
adjustments). The Series C is redeemable at $1.50 per share or converts to
.6667 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Series C has a liquidation
preference of $1.50 per share. Orix Global Communications, Inc. is located
in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a licensed reseller of international
telecommunications services, with operations in North America, Latin
America, and various Asian countries.
During August 1997, the Company entered into a consulting agreement
with Mr. Kerry Rogers, the president of Orix for a one (1) year period at
$10,000 per month.
(c) BUSINESS OF ISSUER.
GENERAL
As a carrier of long distance services, the Company attempts to reduce
its variable costs of access to long distance transmission facilities and
services. As a long distance carrier, the Company offers its customers
the routing equipment and phone lines of the large carriers, such as AT&T,
WilTel and other carriers which the Company may contract with in the
future. Profits, if any, are derived from the difference between the cost
per minute of access bought from the carrier and the cost per minute sold
to the customer.
In November 1995, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of
GetNet International, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona ("GetNet"). GetNet is a
provider of Internet access services to individuals and businesses in
Arizona and other parts of the United States. GetNet currently offers
subscribers Internet access which is comprised of front-end software,
integrated with high quality access service and 24-hour customer support.
GetNet's high-speed digital telecommunications network provides subscribers
with direct access to the full range of Internet applications and resources
including E-mail, file transfer, World Wide Web sites, electronic commerce,
USENET news groups and database information (including graphics, data and
public domain software).
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LONG DISTANCE DIVISION
LONG DISTANCE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Since the break-up of AT&T in 1984, the domestic long distance market
has roughly doubled to an estimated $65 billion in annual revenues. AT&T
has remained dominant, with MCI and Sprint increasing their market shares.
These three companies constitute what generally is regarded as the first-tier
in the long distance market. Large regional long distance companies,
some with national capabilities, such as LDDS Communications, Inc.
("LDDS"), Allnet Communication Services, Inc. ("Allnet"), Cable & Wireless
Communications, Inc. and LCI International, constitute the second-tier of
the industry.
First- and second-tier companies, (most notably AT&T, MCI, Sprint and
WilTel) actively have been providing long distance products for resale for
a number of years in order to capture additional incremental traffic
volume. WilTel is a first-tier company and is the fourth largest long
distance company in the United States.
Long distance companies can be categorized by several criteria. One
criteria is between facilities-based companies and non-facilities-based
companies, or resellers. Facilities-based companies own transmission
facilities, such as fiber optic cable, copper wires or digital microwave
equipment. Profitability for facilities-based carriers is dependent not
only upon their ability to generate revenues but also upon their ability to
manage complex networking and transmission costs. Substantially all of the
first- and second-tier long distance companies are facilities-based
carriers and generally offer service nationwide. Most facilities-based
carriers in the third-tier of the market generally offer their service only
in a limited geographic area. Some facilities-based carriers contract with
other facilities-based carriers to provide transmission where they have
geographic gaps in their facilities. Similarly, non-facilities-based
companies contract with facilities-based carriers to provide transmission
of their customers' long distance traffic. Pricing in such contracts is
typically either on a fixed rate lease basis or a call volume basis.
Profitability for non-facilities-based carriers is based primarily on their
ability to generate and retain sufficient revenue volume to negotiate
attractive pricing with one or more facilities-based carriers.
A second distinction among long distance companies is that of switched
versus switchless carriers. Switched carriers have one or more switches,
i.e. computers that direct telecommunications traffic in accordance with
programmed instructions. All of the facilities-based carriers are switched
carriers, as are many non-facilities-based companies. Switchless carriers
depend on one or more facilities-based carrier to provide both transmission
capacity and switch facilities. In addition, switchless resellers enjoy
the benefit of offering their service on a nationwide basis, assuming that
their underlying carrier has a nationwide network.
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COMPETITION
Competition in the long distance industry is based upon pricing,
customer service, network quality and value-added services such as voice
mail, calling cards and debit cards. The success of a non-facilities-based
carrier depends almost entirely upon the amount of traffic that it can
commit to the underlying carrier; the larger the commitment, the lower the
cost of service. Subject to contract restrictions and customer brand
loyalty, resellers may competitively bid their traffic among other national
long distance carriers to gain improvement in the cost of service. The
non-facilities-based carrier devotes its resources entirely to marketing,
operations and customer service, deferring the costs of network maintenance
and management to the underlying carrier.
The relationship between carriers, such as the Company, and the major
underlying carriers is predicated primarily upon the pricing strategies of
the first-tier companies, which has resulted historically in higher rates
to the small business customer. Small customers typically are not able to
make the volume commitments necessary to negotiate reduced rates under
individualized contracts. The higher rates result from the higher cost of
credit, collection, billing and customer service per revenue dollar
associated with small billing level long distance customers. By committing
to large volumes of traffic, the Company is guaranteeing traffic to the
underlying carrier and therefore receives a lower rate than is generally
available. The successful, smaller facilities-based carrier efficiently
markets its own long distance product, processes orders, verifies credit
and provides customer service to large numbers of accounts.
LONG DISTANCE STRATEGY
The Company will attempt to reduce the current burden of its carrier
commitments and compete in the long distance industry through the business
combination with Orix discussed more fully in this Report, additional
acquisitions of other existing long distance companies and/or their
customer accounts. The Company believes continued acquisition(s) would
enable the Company to increase revenues and its operating efficiency
without a significant increase in overhead.
LONG DISTANCE PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIERS
In October 1995, the Company signed an agreement for a two year period
with WilTel for long distance and data transmission. The agreement allows
the Company to act as a long distance carrier in the completion of long
distance calls. In addition, the Company orders ATM permanent virtual
circuits ("PVCs") for the GetNet backbone from WilTel. The monthly costs
of these circuits is applied to the WilTel $50,000 monthly usage commitment
and lowers the Company's cost per minute for long distance services. The
Company will bill its customers for all calls that the Company routes via
the WilTel network.
The Company's other primary provider of underlying long distance
services is AT&T for both outbound and inbound services as noted elsewhere
herein. The Company had committed to a large annual dollar usage
commitment ($1.8 million) for Software Defined Network ("SDN"). The SDN
product was designed by AT&T to allow large, multi-location businesses the
ability to create a long distance network by receiving one bill from AT&T
for the collective usage of the locations. Under this contract, the
Company has committed to sell a
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certain amount in AT&T long distance each year. If the Company was unable
to meet this commitment level in a given year, it agreed to pay AT&T
shortfall penalties that are dependent upon the degree to which the Company
was short of those commitments. According to AT&T, the Company was
currently experiencing a monthly shortfall of approximately $115,000 per
month. As discussed herein, the Company has entered into a settlement
agreement with AT&T.
LONG DISTANCE MARKETING
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997, the Company lost most of
its agents due to its inability to provide a competitive product mix and
agent training and support. One remaining sales agent, TMO, accounted for
approximately 42% of the Company's revenues on which it received
commissions of 32%. At this level of commissions, the Company does not
receive any gross margin on the sales originated by this agent, but as a
result of this relationship, experiences greater gross margin on the other
agents' sales due to volume discounts from AT&T. As the Company is phasing
out its use of sales agents, it is unlikely new agents will be recruited in
the near future.
INTERNET DIVISION
INTERNET OVERVIEW
Use of the Internet has grown rapidly since the commercialization of
the Internet in the early 1990's. According to industry sources, the
number of existing World Wide Web sites has exploded from 23,500 in June of
1995 to over 1.1 million in June of 1997. The astronomical growth in
popularity of the Internet, the Company believes, is in large part due to
the continuing penetration of computers into households worldwide. The
Company also understands that an increasing percentage of computer owners
also own modems, which are now pre-installed in a growing number of new
computers, allowing access to the Internet in record numbers. Growth
statistics from industry sources for the two year period from June 1995 to
June 1997, include an increase in numbers of Internet hosts from 6.6
million to 19.5 million, and numbers of Internet domains from 488,000 to
1.3 million. The Company believes that this type of growth in the industry
is to be expected to continue at least through the next few years.
In addition, there has been substantial growth of the informational,
entertainment and commercial applications and resources of the Internet and
the growing awareness of such resources among individuals. Many computers
connected to the Internet are repositories of vast amounts of information,
graphics and public domain software. Through an Internet connection, users
can access commercial, educational and governmental databases,
entertainment software, photographs and videos, newspapers, magazines,
library card catalogs, industry newsletters, weather updates and other
information. Traditional and emerging Internet applications are also
increasing in popularity, including E-mail, File Transfer Protocol ("FTP"),
web sites on the World Wide Web, electronic commerce and USENET news
groups. Finally, new applications are being created by individuals,
educational institutions and companies and are made available at little or
no cost through the Internet.
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The increased availability of user-friendly navigational and utility
programs provides easier access to the Internet's resources. Internet use
is also being promoted by the development of software tools that simplify
access to the Internet's applications and resources. Navigational and
search tools such as Gopher, Archie, Veronica and WAE, as well as widely
used browsing programs and search tools such as Netscape and Internet
Explorer, help users access information from the Internet. The foregoing
navigational and utility programs are not products of the company nor any
affiliate of the Company.
COMPETITION
The market for Internet access services is extremely competitive, and
the Company expects that competition in this market will intensify in the
future. The Company's current and prospective competitors include many
large companies that have substantially greater market presence and
financial, technical, marketing and other resources than the Company. The
Company competes or expects to compete directly or indirectly with the
following categories of companies: (1) national and regional commercial
Internet service providers, such as PSI, BBN and UUNET, (2) established
on-line services companies which currently offer or are expected to offer
Internet connectivity; such as America Online ("AOL"), CompuServe, Prodigy,
GEnie and Delphi, (3) computer hardware and software and other technology
companies, such as IBM and Microsoft, (4) national long distance carriers,
such as AT&T, MCI and Sprint that currently offer electronic messaging
services, (5) regional telephone companies, such as Pacific Bell, which
recently announced a service to provide Internet access, and (6) non-profit
or educational Internet service providers.
INTERNET APPLICATIONS
GetNet provides its subscribers with access to the full range of
available Internet applications which include E-mail. E-mail allows an
Internet user to exchange messages with any other user who has an E-mail
address. Messages can be sent almost instantly to designated individuals
or groups on a mailing list.
The World Wide Web is a browsing and searching system comprised of
thousands of computer servers, referred to as home pages, each linked by a
special communications protocol called Hypertext. This open protocol
allows Internet users to view and access text, graphics, video and audio
resident on a home page or to connect instantaneously to related and linked
information on the same server or other home pages. Since the Internet is
an open system, any company can create a home page on the World Wide Web in
order to provide users with product or service information. Users can then
solicit more information and, in some cases, make purchases electronically.
Browsing programs such as Netscape and Interned Explorer have helped
contribute to the rapid growth of the World Wide Web. The Company expects
the World Wide Web to continue to grow rapidly as more businesses and
consumers become aware of the advantages of communications on the Internet.
Neither Netscape nor Internet Explorer are products of the Company nor an
affiliate of the Company.
USENET News Groups is a network of thousands of computers attached to
the Internet that provide fortune, or news groups, that allow users to
exchange information on a variety of
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topics of shared interest. Internet users can seek or provide information
on diverse topics ranging from sports or other hobbies, to job
opportunities, to restaurant and travel suggestions.
In addition, many of the computers connected to the Internet are
repositories for vast and growing amounts of data, graphics, public domain
software and other programs that have been made available to the public.
For example, with an Internet connection, a user can access commercial,
educational and government databases, newspapers, magazines, library card
catalogs, industry newsletters, weather updates, and other information.
Gopher, Archie, Veronica, WAIS and Telnet are Internet products that assist
a user in searching these databases and retrieving data. In addition,
customer support is available on-line by calling GetNet or in several
manuals dedicated to Internet users, to aid in their attempts to utilize
the functions of these products.
The Internet can also be easily used to move electronic files
(including data, programs or text) from one computer to another. This can
be very useful for parties that collaborate on data files where the parties
are separated by great distances. Unlike a transmission via a fax machine,
data transferred over the Internet remains in digital format and does not
need to be re-entered by a receiving party. It can be manipulated and then
re-transmitted to other Internet users.
INTERNET SERVICES
GetNet is a provider of Internet services to various individuals and
businesses primarily located in the Southwestern part of the United States.
The Company offers subscribers complete Internet access comprised of
front-end software integrated with high quality access service and customer
support. The Company's high-speed, digital telecommunications network
provides subscribers with direct access to the full range of Internet
applications and resources including E-mail, World Wide Web sites, USENET
news groups and database information (including graphics, data and public
domain software). GetNet's front-end software features a point-and-click
graphical user interface, providing subscribers with an easy-to-use access
to the Internet's applications and resources. GetNet has experienced
positive growth in its subscriber base since inception.
INTERNET BACKBONE
The Company has established and maintains a small, high-speed digital
network, known as a "backbone," connecting the main Internet NAPs (network
access points) in various locations throughout the United States. Cisco
7000 series routers have been installed at three such NAP's, which allow
the Company a direct connection to the Internet. Regional exchange points
("REPs") will be created using the Cisco 4700 router. This connection to
these NAPs will allow the Company to provide Internet access to other
Internet Service Providers ("ISPs"), government and educational
institutions as well as customers of all sizes anywhere in the world. The
Company believes that its network will be upgradable and will in the
future, be able to support new types of data traffic, such as sound and
video. The Company has an agreement with WilTel (Worldcom) to provide
circuits for the network as well as long distance lines.
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Prior to year end, the Company completed the initial phase of building
its Internet backbone, which is comprised of three Network Access Points
("NAPs") in Santa Clara, California (2) and Washington, D.C. (1). In
addition, the Company has installed network Points of Presence ("POPs") in
three other cities; Phoenix, Arizona; Baltimore, Maryland; and Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. A POP consists of routers that provide access to and egress
from the backbone.
Due to limited availability of funds, the Company has not yet been
able to aggressively market its Internet backbone services to commercial
users. As funds are available the Company intends to increase the numbers
of NAP and POP connections onto its backbone.
WORLDWIDE WEB DESIGN AND HOSTING
GetNet maintains a fully-staffed Web department which offer services
ranging from Web creation and design, web site maintenance, web site
hosting, Internet marketing and secure electronic processing. As the Web
business continues to grow, it is the intention of the Web division to
capitalize on the business of advertising on the Internet. GetNet has
developed some unique programs for markets not yet on target lists of the
competition which should allow a leadership role in these specific markets.
INTERNET MARKETING
The Company has adopted a flat rate pricing structure which the
Company believes encourages usage by eliminating subscribers' concerns
about incurring significant hourly charges, which has the potential to
increase subscriber retention rates. The Company believes that its value
price point will help attract new subscribers and facilitate rapid
penetration of the individual subscriber market.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The terms and conditions under which the Company provides
telecommunications products and Internet services are subject to various
government regulation. Federal laws and Federal Communications Commission
("FCC") regulations apply to interstate and international
telecommunications, while particular state regulatory authorities have
jurisdiction over telecommunications that originate and terminate within
the same state.
FEDERAL REGULATION OF LONG DISTANCE
The Company is classified by the FCC as a non-dominant carrier, and
therefore is subject to significantly reduced federal regulation. After
the recent reclassification of AT&T as a non-dominant carrier in its
provisions of domestic services, only the Local Exchange Carriers ("LECs")
are classified as dominant carriers for the provision of interstate access
services. As a consequence, the FCC regulates many of the rates, charges,
and services of the LECs to a greater degree than the Company's. The FCC
has proposed that the Regional Bell Operating Companies or RBOCs offering
out-of-region interstate inter-exchange services be regulated as non-dominant
carriers, as long as such services are offered by an affiliate of
the RBOC that complies with certain structural separation requirements,
which may make it easier for the
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RBOCs to compete directly with the Company for long distance subscribers.
These would be the same separation requirements that currently are
applicable to independent LECs that provide interstate inter-exchange
services, although the FCC on March 21, 1996 initiated a rule-making
proceeding in which it is considering whether to modify or eliminate these
separation requirements.
Because AT&T is no longer classified as a dominant carrier, certain
pricing restrictions that formerly applied to AT&T have been eliminated,
which may make it easier for AT&T to compete with the Company for low
volume long distance subscribers. Non-dominant carriers are currently
required to file international tariffs. The FCC generally does not
exercise direct oversight over cost jurisdiction and the level of charges
for service of non-dominant carriers, such as the Company, although it has
the statutory power to do so. Non-dominant carriers are required by
statute to offer interstate and international services under rates, terms,
and conditions that are just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.
The FCC has the jurisdiction to act upon complaints filed by third parties
or brought on the FCC's own motion against any common carrier, including
non-dominant carriers, for failure to comply with its statutory
obligations. Additionally, the Telecom Act grants explicit authority to
the FCC to "forbear" from regulating any telecommunications services
provider in response to a petition and if the agency determines that the
public interest will be served. On October 31, 1996, the FCC exercised
this authority and released an order which, among other things, requires
non-dominant Interexchange Carriers ("IXCs") to cancel their currently-filed
tariffs for interstate domestic services within nine months of the
effective date of the order and prohibits such filings in the future.
The FCC imposes only minimal reporting requirements on non-dominant
resellers, although the Company is subject to certain reporting,
accounting, and record keeping obligations. A number of these requirements
are imposed, at least in part, on all carriers, and others are imposed on
certain carriers, such as those whose annual operating revenues exceed $100
million.
On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom Act, which
permits, without limitation, the RBOCs to provide domestic and
international long distance services to customers located outside of the
RBOCs home regions; permits a petitioning RBOC to provide domestic and
international long distance service to customers within its home regions
upon a finding by the FCC that a petitioning RBOC has satisfied certain
criteria for opening up its local exchange network to competition and that
its provision of long distance service would further the public interest;
and remove existing barriers to entry into local service markets.
Additionally, there are significant changes in the manner in which
carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the federal and state level;
procedures to revise universal service standards; and, penalties for
unauthorized switching of customers. The FCC has instituted proceedings
addressing the implementation of this legislation.
On August 8, 1996, the FCC released its First Report and Order in the
Matter of Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecom
Act the FCC Interconnect Order. In the FCC Interconnect Order, the FCC
established nationwide rules designed to encourage new entrants to
participate in the local service markets through interconnection with the
incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILEC"), resale of the ILECs retail
services and unbundled network elements. These rules set the groundwork
for the statutory criteria governing
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RBOC entry into the long distance market. The Company cannot predict the
effect such legislation or the implementing regulations will have on the
Company or the industry. Motions to stay implementation of the FCC
Interconnect Order have been filed with the FCC and federal courts of
appeal.
Appeals challenging, among other things, the validity of the FCC
Interconnect Order have been filed in several federal courts of appeal and
assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for disposition. The
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the pricing provisions of the
FCC Interconnect Order. The United States Supreme Court has declined to
review the propriety of the stay.
The Company cannot predict either the outcome of these challenges and
appeals or the eventual effect on its business or the industry in general.
On December 24, 1996, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
("NPRM") seeking to reform the FCC's current access charge policies and
practices to comport with a competitive or potentially competitive local
access service market. On May 7, 1997, the FCC announced that it will
issue a series of orders that reform Universal Services Subsidy
allocations, adopt various reforms to the existing rate structure for
interstate access that are designed to reduce access charges, over time, to
more economically efficient levels and rate structures. In particular, the
FCC adopted changes to its rate structures for Common Line, Local Switching
and Local Transport rate elements. The FCC generally removed from
minute-of-use access charges costs that are not incurred on a per-minute-of-use
basis, with such costs being recovered through flat rated charges.
Additional charges and details of the FCC's actions are to be addressed
when Orders are released within the near future. Access charges are a
principal component of the Company's transmission costs. The Company
cannot predict whether or not the result of this proceeding will have a
material impact upon its financial position or results of operations.
STATE REGULATION
The intrastate long distance telecommunications of the Company are
also subject to various state laws and regulations, including prior
certification, notification, and registration requirements. Generally, the
Company must obtain and maintain certificates of public convenience and
necessity from regulatory authorities in most states in which it offers
intrastate long distance services. In most of these jurisdictions the
Company must also file and obtain prior regulatory approval of tariffs for
its intrastate offerings. Currently, the Company is certified and tariffed
where required to provide intrastate service to customers in the
continental United States.
There can be no assurance that the regulatory authorities in one or
more of the states will not take action having an adverse effect on the
business or financial condition of the Company.
INTERNET SERVICES REGULATION
The Company's Internet services are not currently subject to direct
regulation by any government agency, other than regulations applicable to
businesses generally, and there are currently few laws or regulations
directly applicable to access to or commence on the Internet.
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However, due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, it is
possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect
to the Internet, covering issues such as user privacy, pricing and
characteristics and quality of products and services. For example, the
Exon Bill (which was recently approved by the Senate) would prohibit
distribution of obscene, lascivious or indecent communications on the
Internet. The adoption of any such laws or regulations may decrease the
growth of the Internet, which could in turn decrease the demand for the
Company's products and increase the Company's cost of doing business or
otherwise have an adverse effect on the Company's business, operating
results or financial condition. Moreover, the applicability to the
Internet of existing laws governing issues such as property ownership,
libel and personal privacy is uncertain. Further, due to the encryption
technology contained in the Company's products, such products are subject
to U.S. export controls. There can be no assurance that such export
controls, either in their current form or as may be subsequently enacted,
will not limit the Company's ability to distribute products outside of the
United States or electronically.
The new telecommunications bill includes provisions that would
prohibit online services or users from transmitting indecent material
without restricting minors access. Online providers are required to make
a "good faith" effort to provide users with a means to screen out
pornographic material.
RISK FACTORS
Current and prospective investors should carefully consider the
following risk factors, together with the other information contained in
this Form 10-KSB, in evaluating the Company and its business. In
particular, readers should note the this Form 10-KSB contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1996 and that actual results could differ materially from
those contemplated by such statements. The factors listed below represent
certain important factors the Company believes could cause such results to
differ. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the
general or specific risks that may affect the Company. It should be
recognized that other risks may be significant, presently or in the future,
and the risks set forth below may affect the Company to a greater extent
than indicated.
Risks Associated With The Company's Business
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PAST FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY AND GOING CONCERN
CONSIDERATIONS. The Company incurred net losses of ($4,357,000) and
($2,802,000) for the years ended May 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively and
has a working capital deficit of $1,241,000 as of May 31, 1997. The
Company expects to incur significant additional losses. There is no
assurance that the Company will be able to achieve or sustain profitability
in the future or that the Company will be able to continue to finance its
losses. The Company's financial statements have been prepared on the basis
that the Company will continue operating as a going concern, which
contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in
the normal course of business. The Company's ability to continue as a going
concern is dependent upon several factors, including, but not limited to,
the Company's raising additional capital, making payments on its current
obligations, including AT&T, carrier commitments and the IRS for payroll
taxes, meeting the terms of its continuing service commitments and
achieving and maintaining
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profitable operations. The Company's financial statements were audited by
its independent certified public accountants, whose report includes an
explanatory paragraph stating that the financial statements have been
prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and that the
Company has incurred losses from operations and has working capital
deficits that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. In addition, the Company must in the near term raise
additional capital to continue to fund operations and pay obligations.
There can be no assurance such financing would be available or on what
terms.
POTENTIAL LIABILITIES TO AT&T. The Company is obligated to make
certain payments beginning in November 1997 through December 12, 1997 to
AT&T. The Company does not currently have the funds to pay the settlement
amount agreed to with AT&T. Therefore, the Company is required to raise
additional capital, for which there can be no assurance. If the Company
doest not pay AT&T the agreed upon settlement on a timely basis, AT&T has
the right and the Company has the liability to pay amounts due under past
commitments, in excess of $6,000,000, which is disputed by the Company.
CHANGE OF BUSINESS FOCUS. The Company has only recently shifted away
from a long distance provider and entered the Internet access market. This
market has not yet generated significant revenues and the Company and its
prospects in this market must be considered in light of the risks, expenses
and difficulties frequently encountered by companies attempting to develop
a new product, particularly companies in new and evolving markets.
Furthermore, the limited history of the Company's Internet access business
makes projections of future results of operations extremely difficult and
uncertain, and therefore there can be no assurance that the Company will
generate significant revenues from its Internet operations.
General Corporate Risks
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ELIGIBILITY AND MAINTENANCE. As of May 31, 1997, the Company's
financial statements show ($264,000) in net tangible assets. Accordingly,
the Company is not meeting the current standards for continued listing on
NASDQ which require a minimum shareholder equity of $2,000,000 or the new,
more stringent, standards of $2,000,000 in net tangible assets or $500,000
in net income or $35 million in market capitalization for continued
listing, which will be phased in February 1997. Therefore, the Company's
Common Stock and Warrants are currently subject to delisting by Nasdaq.
If, or when, the Company's securities are delisted from Nasdaq, trading in
the Company's securities would thereafter be conducted in the over-the-
counter market on an electronic bulletin board established for securities
that do not meet the Nasdaq listing requirements or in what are commonly
referred to as the "pink sheets." As a result, an investor may find it more
difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the price
of, the listed securities.
PRICE VOLATILITY. The market for the Company's Common Stock is
extremely illiquid. Consequently, whenever there are significantly more
sellers than buyers or buyers than sellers of the Company's Common Stock,
the market price of such stock will fluctuate significantly. The market
price of the Company's Common Stock could also be subject to significant
fluctuations in response to various factors and events, including quarterly
variations in operating results, regulatory or other changes affecting the
telecommunications industry generally, announcements of business
developments by the Company or its competitors, the addition of
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customers in connection with acquisitions, the introduction of new
services, changes in the cost of long distance service or other operating
costs and changes in general market conditions.
RISK OF LOW-PRICED STOCKS. If the Company's listed securities are
delisted from Nasdaq, and no other exclusion from the definition of a
"penny stock" under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission
regulations were available, such securities would be subject to the penny
stock rules. A "penny stock" is defined as a stock that has a price of
$5.00 or less. The rules relating to "penny stocks" impose additional sales
practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons
other than established customers and accredited investors (generally
defined as investors with net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual
income exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with a spouse). For
example, the broker dealer must deliver to its customer prior to
effectuating any transaction, a risk disclosure document which sets forth
information as to the risks associated with "penny stocks," information as
to the salesperson, information as to the bid and ask prices of the "penny
stock," the importance of the bid and ask prices to the purchaser, and
investor's rights and remedies under certain circumstances. Also, the
broker dealer must disclose to the purchaser its aggregate commission
received on the transaction, current quotations for the securities and
monthly statements which provide information as to market and price
information. In addition, for transactions covered by these rules, the
broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the
purchase and must have received the purchaser's written consent to the
transaction prior to sale. Consequently, delisting from Nasdaq, if it were
to occur, could affect the ability and willingness of broker-dealers to
sell the Company's securities and the ability of the Company's shareholders
and warrantholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
NO DIVIDENDS. The Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common
Stock and the Company's new management has no intention of paying cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. It is the policy of the Company's
Board of Directors to retain all earnings to provide for the growth of the
Company. Payment of cash dividends in the future will depend, among other
things, upon the future earnings, requirements for capital improvements,
the operating and financial conditions and other factors deemed relevant by
the Company's Board of Directors.
Risks Associated With The Long Distance Industry
- ------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY CUSTOMER ATTRITION. A level of customer attrition is inherent
in the long distance industry. Attrition (the average number of customers
from whom revenues have terminated or been terminated as a result of
non-payment or dropped to zero usage expressed as a percentage of the total
number of customers) has averaged approximately 2% per month in the long
distance industry.
THE COMPANY'S CUSTOMER ATTRITION. The level of the Company's customer
attrition is significant due to several factors including its carrier
commitments at non-competitive rates and disputes with AT&T on fraudulent
third-party charges. As a result, the Company has not been competitive
with long distance companies and has been unable to pay their agents, as
AT&T had suspended all payments to the Company until such time as the AT&T
problems were resolved. Consequently, the Company's customer base has
rapidly declined, causing a shortfall in its long distance carrier
commitments and significantly increased its losses from operations.
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DEPENDENCE ON SERVICES OFFERED BY OTHER CARRIERS. The Company does not
own any transmission facilities and its long distance services are
dependent upon WilTel and AT&T for the transmission of its customers'
calls. Accordingly, the Company's long distance operations are subject to
its continued ability to obtain such services at bulk rates.
COMPETITION. The telecommunications industry is intensely competitive
and is significantly affected by the introduction of new services and the
market activities of major industry participants. Competition in the
growing telecommunications industry is based upon pricing, customer
service, network quality and value-added services. The Company competes
with AT&T, MCI, Sprint and other national and regional long distance
carriers. Most of the Company's competitors have greater name recognition,
more extensive transmission networks and greater engineering and marketing
capabilities than the Company has access to, and such companies have
substantially greater financial and personnel resources than does the
Company. These resources may permit certain of the Company's competitors
to offer pricing and incentives below those which can be offered by the
Company. For example, AT&T is currently selling long distance in certain
of the Company's markets at rates below those which the Company is able to
profitably offer. Various regulatory factors can also have an impact on the
Company's ability to compete. For example, the new Telecommunications Act
has reduced the competitive barriers facing all telecommunications
companies, especially AT&T and the regional Bell operating companies. The
Company's size makes it difficult to have an impact on such regulations.
Moreover, certain of the Company's larger competitors may have the ability
to influence regulation of the telecommunications industry in a manner
unfavorable to small or more recent market entrants such as the Company.
In addition, the Company was a customer and a competitor of AT&T and
other long distance suppliers. The Company was a customer of AT&T and other
suppliers because they use such companies' long distance telecommunications
services. The Company was a competitor of AT&T and other suppliers in that
they directly seek customers who were, or potentially could be customers of
AT&T.
The ability of the Company to compete effectively in the
telecommunications industry will depend upon their ability to provide high
quality, market-driven services at prices generally similar to, or less
than, those charged by its competitors. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully with existing or future
companies.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION. Federal and state regulations, regulatory
actions and court decisions have had, and may have in the future both
positive and negative effects on the Company and its ability to compete.
The Company is subject to regulation by the FCC and various state public
service or public utility commissions which typically impose obligations to
file tariffs containing the rates, terms and conditions of service. Neither
the FCC nor the relevant state utility commission currently regulate the
company's profit levels, but they have the authority to do so. The vast
majority of states require long distance service providers to apply for
authority to provide telecommunications services and to make filings
regarding their activities. The multiplicity of state regulations make full
compliance with all such regulations a challenge for any multi-state
provider. There can be no assurance that regulators or third parties will
not raise material issues with regard to the Company's compliance with
applicable regulations or that regulatory activities will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
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OBSOLESCENCE DUE TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND NEW SERVICES. The
telecommunications industry has been characterized by steady technological
change, frequent new service introductions and evolving industry standards.
The Company believes that its future success will depend on its ability to
anticipate such changes and to offer on a timely basis services that meet
these evolving industry standards. There can be no assurance that the
Company will have sufficient resources to make the investments necessary to
acquire new technology or to introduce new services that would satisfy an
expanded range of customer needs.
Risks Associated With The Internet Industry
- -------------------------------------------
COMPETITION. The market for Internet access services is extremely
competitive. There are no substantial barriers to entry, and the Company
expects that competition will intensify in the future. The Company
believes that its ability to compete successfully depends upon a number of
factors, including market presence; the capacity, reliability and security
of its proposed network infrastructure; ease of access to and navigation of
the Internet; the ability of the Company to differentiate itself and its
offerings; the pricing policies of its competitors and suppliers; the
timing of introductions of new products and services by the Company and its
competitors; the Company's ability to support existing and emerging
industry standards; and industry and general economic trends.
The Company' current and prospective competitors include many large
companies that have substantially greater market presence and financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than the Company. The Company
competes or expects to compete directly or indirectly with the following
categories of companies: (1) other national and regional commercial
Internet service providers, such as Performance Systems International
("PSI"), Bolt Beranek & Newman, Inc. ("BBN") and UUNET Technologies
("UUNET"), (2) established on-line services companies that currently offer
or are expected to offer Internet access, such as American Online, Inc.
("AOL"), CompuServe Incorporated ("CompuServe") (to be acquired by AOL),
Prodigy Services Company ("Prodigy") (a joint venture of International
Business Machines Corp. ("IBM") and Sears, Roebuck and Co.), GEnie (a
division of General Electric Information Services) ("GEnie"), and Delphi
Internet Services ("Delphi") (a division of News Corp.), (3) computer
hardware and software and other technology companies, such as IBM and
Microsoft Corp. ("Microsoft"), (4) national long distance carriers, such at
AT&T Corp. ("AT&T"), MCI Communications Corp. ("MCI") and Sprint
Corp.("Sprint") (5) regional telephone companies, such as Pacific Bell,
which recently announced a service to provide Internet access, and (6)
nonprofit or educational Internet service providers.
The Company expects that all of the major on-line services companies
will compete fully in the Internet access market. Certain companies,
including AOL, BBN, CompuServe and PSI, have obtained or expanded their
Internet access products and services as a result of acquisitions. In
addition, the Company believes that new competitors, including large
computer hardware and software, media and telecommunications companies such
as the regional telephone companies, will enter the Internet access market,
resulting in even greater competition for the Company. For example,
Microsoft has introduced an Internet access solution, including front-end
software and an on-line service, called "Microsoft Network," that is
expected to be competitive with the Company's services. The application
software for this on-line service has been bundled with Microsoft's Windows
95 operating system, which may give the service a significant advantage
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over the on-line and Internet services from other providers, including the
Company. In connection with its entrance into the Internet access market,
Microsoft announced a strategic alliance with UUNET (including the purchase
of a minority investment in UUNET by Microsoft) that will give Microsoft
customers access to the Internet through UUNET's POPs. In addition, IBM's
most recent version of its OS/2 operating system software includes Internet
utilities, and IBM offers Internet access through its own private
communications network. The ability of these competitors or others to
bundle services and products with Internet connectivity services could
place the Company at a significant competitive disadvantage.
Competition in the Company's markets is expected to focus increasingly
on overseas traffic where Internet connectivity services are just beginning
to be introduced. The Company does not currently compete in overseas
markets, and to the extent the ability to provide connectivity services
overseas becomes a competitive advantage in the Internet connectivity
industry, the Company may be at a competitive disadvantage relative to
other competitors. However, the consummation of the proposed merger with
Orix will position the Company to compete in key target international
Internet markets.
Increased competition could result in significant price competition,
which in turn could result in significant reductions in the average selling
price of the Company's services. In addition, competition could result in
increased selling and marketing expenses and related subscriber acquisition
costs which could adversely affect the Company's profitability. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to offset the effects of any
such price reductions through an increase in the number of its subscribers,
higher revenue from enhanced services, cost reductions or otherwise.
Increased competition, price or otherwise, could result in erosion of the
Company's market share and adversely affect the Company's operating
results. There can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial
resources, technical expertise or marketing and support capabilities to
continue to compete successfully.
DEPENDENCE ON WILTEL AND OTHER SUPPLIERS. The Company relies on other
companies, particularly WilTel, Inc. ("WilTel"), to provide communications
capacity via leased telecommunication lines. Pursuant to an addendum to the
Company's existing agreement with WilTel, a majority of telecommunications
lines that the Company leases will be provided by WilTel. If WilTel is
unable or unwilling to continue providing service to the Company in the
future, the Company's operations could be materially adversely affected.
Although leased telecommunications lines are available from several
alternative suppliers, including AT&T, MCI and Sprint, there can be no
assurance that the Company could obtain substitute services from other
providers at reasonable or comparable prices, or in a timely fashion.
The Company is dependent on certain third party suppliers of hardware
components. Although the Company attempts to maintain a minimum of two
vendors for each required product, certain components used by the Company
in providing its networking services are currently acquired from only one
source, including high performance routers manufactured by Cisco Systems,
Inc. A failure by a supplier to deliver quality products on a timely
basis, or the inability to develop alternative sources if and as required,
could result in delays which could materially adversely affect the Company.
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Risks Associated With The Internet Industry
- -------------------------------------------
SOFTWARE AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT; TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. The market for
the Company's services is characterized by rapidly changing technology,
evolving industry standards, emerging competition and frequent new software
and service introductions. There can be no assurance that the Company can
successfully identify new service opportunities and develop and bring new
services to market in a timely manner, or that software, services or
technologies developed by others will not render the Company's services or
technologies noncompetitive or obsolete. The Company is also at risk to
fundamental changes in the way Internet access services are delivered.
Currently, Internet services are accessed primarily by computers and are
delivered by telephone lines. If the Internet becomes accessible by
screen-based telephones, television or other consumer electronic devices, or
customer requirements change the way Internet access is provided, the
Company will have to develop new technology or modify its existing
technology to accommodate these developments. To mitigate this risk, the
Company is currently implementing a technical and market trial of ADSL
service, which offers high-speed connectivity to the backbone. There can
be no assurance that the Company will succeed in adapting its Internet
service business to alternate access devices and technology.
NEW AND UNCERTAIN MARKET. The market for Internet connectivity
services and related software products is in an early stage of growth.
Since this market is relatively new and because current and future
competitors are likely to introduce competing Internet connectivity and/or
on-line services, it is difficult to predict the rate at which the market
will grow or at which new or increased competition will result in market
saturation. The novelty of the market for Internet access services may also
adversely affect the Company's ability to retain new customers, as
customers unfamiliar with the Internet may be more likely to discontinue
the Company's services after an initial trial period than other
subscribers. If demand for Internet services fails to grow, or grows more
slowly than anticipated, or becomes saturated with competitors, the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition will be
adversely affected. Although the Company intends to support emerging
standards in the market for Internet connectivity, there can be no
assurance that industry standards will emerge or, if they become
established, that the Company will be able to conform to these new
standards in a timely fashion and maintain a competitive position in the
market.
In order to achieve subscriber growth, the Company must continue to
replace terminating subscribers and attract additional subscribers.
However, the sales and marketing expense and subscriber acquisition costs
associated with attracting new subscribers are substantial. Accordingly,
the Company's ability to improve operating margins will depend in part on
the Company's ability to retain its subscribers. Since the Internet market
is new and the utility of available services is not well understood by new
and potential subscribers, the Company is unable to predict future
subscriber retention rates. To mitigate these risks, the Company has
increased its focus on Web design and hosting, provision of backbone access
to other ISP's, call center management services and private labeling
marketing programs.
POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR CONTENT. Recent legislative proposals aimed at
limiting the use of the Internet to transmit certain contents and materials
could, if enacted, result in significant potential liability to Internet
access providers including the Company. Private suits may also be a
possibility for Internet providers for messages posted by subscribers and
disseminated
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through access providers systems. The Company does not currently have the
ability to regulate use of the Internet by its customers and has no plans
at this time to develop software for this purpose. Accordingly, although
the Company carries insurance, it may not be adequate to compensate the
Company for any liability that may be imposed. Any imposition of liability
in excess of such coverage could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF INTERNET ACCESS PROVIDERS. Most recently,
Congress passed the Telecommunications Bill which makes the transmission of
indecent material on the Internet a crime. Under the Bill, Internet access
providers will have the responsibility for the material their customers put
on the Internet. At this point, the Company is unable to predict the impact
or the cost of compliance on its Internet operations. The law or future
regulations soon to be adopted may decrease the growth of the Internet,
which could in turn decrease the demand for the Company's products and
increase the Company's cost of doing business or otherwise have an adverse
effect on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
Moreover, the applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing
issues such as property ownership, libel and personal privacy is uncertain.
EMPLOYEES
As of August 31, 1997, the Company and GetNet had ten (10) full time
employees, including David J. Smith, the Company's Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary/Treasurer who terminated with the Company in September 1997.
GetNet also employs 4 - 6 part time employees to meet the fluctuating
demand in the GetNet call center and for web page design services.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
- -------------------
The Company currently leases office space consisting of 3,000 square
feet at 4110 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 170, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 at
approximately $5,000 per month pursuant to a three (3) year lease. The
Company believes that its facilities are adequate to meet its current
needs. GetNet, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, leases office space
at 7325 North 16th Street, Suite 140, Phoenix, Arizona 85020 under a
noncancellable operating lease. In April 1996, GetNet entered into a three
(3) year extension of its lease for approximately $2,000 per month. The
Company has vacated this space and is negotiating with a sub-leasee. In
addition, in June 1996 GetNet entered into a five (5) year, 1,700 square
foot lease at $2,800 per month for its network operations center at 3300 N.
Central, Suite 1155, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
- --------------------------
The Company is a party to the following legal proceedings:
On August 30, 1996 a lawsuit was filed in the superior Court of the
State of Arizona, Maricopa County by the Company against the Company's
former President, Jonathan Miller and his wife, Janeece Miller. The
complaint details various causes of action against Mr. Miller, in his
capacity as a former Officer and Director of the Company and seeks damages
in the amount of $360,835 from the defendants. Mr. Miller filed an answer
in September 1996 denying the
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allegations of the complaint. The Company dismissed this action in 1997 to
facilitate the Orix business combination.
Mrs. Janeece Miller filed a request with the American Arbitration
association regarding an alleged breach of her employment agreement. She
has made a claim for $32,500 plus attorney's fees and costs as part of her
severance package. This claim was filed with the Arbitration Association on
July 31, 1996 and the Company responded, consenting to the arbitration but
contesting the allegations in the complaint, asserting that Ms. Miller
voluntarily resigned her employment with the Company and that the terms of
the severance package do not apply in her situation. The action was
dismissed in 1997 with each party paying its own costs and expenses.
In July 1996, an unknown party fraudulently charged over $1,000,000 in
calling card long distance charges on the Company's account. The Company
has been diligently investigating the matter and has contacted the carrier,
AT&T, who denies any responsibility. The Company has retained counsel to
represent it in this claim and has submitted a letter to AT&T stating its
position that it has no liability for the fraud. In September 1997, the
Company entered into a settlement agreement with AT&T which settled this
dispute, as well as other issues between the parties. See "Recent
Developments" for further discussion of the settlement agreement.
On October 10, 1996, two identical lawsuits were filed in Superior
Court of the State of Arizona, Maricopa County by two former officers and
employees of GetNet for compensation due pursuant to employment agreements.
The plaintiffs requested specific performance as it relates to past
compensation, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company settled both lawsuits
in March 1997 by paying each plaintiff a sum of $65,000.
Rebecca F. Kelley, a former employee, filed a lawsuit against the
Company in Superior Court, Maricopa County, Arizona, case number CV96-22519
on December 13, 1996. She has alleged Breach of Contract and Breach of the
Covenant of Good Faith And Fair Dealing and requested damages in the amount
of $43,735. The Company settled the lawsuit in March 1997 by paying the
plaintiff the sum of $30,000 cash and executing a promissory note for
approximately $17,000.
John McMahon, a former employee, filed a lawsuit against the Company
in Superior Court, Maricopa County, Arizona, case No. CV97-05535 on March
26, 1997. He alleged Breach of Contract and Breach of Covenant of Good
Faith and Fair Dealing and requested damages in the amount of $33,750. The
Company did not prevail on the merits of this case and was required to pay
Mr. McMahon approximately $38,000.
On March 7, 1997, the Company received notification that S.V.V. Sales,
Inc. dba Arcada Communications had terminated its merger agreement with the
Company. Subsequently, Arcada brought legal action seeking a "break up"
fee of $200,000 pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In conjunction with this
claim, Arcada withheld payment to the Company of approximately $150,000 of
monies billed and supposedly collected from the Company's customers under
a "Billing and Collection Agreement" entered into between Arcada and the
Company prior to the
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<PAGE>
termination of the Merger Agreement. The Company settled this lawsuit in
1997 by allowing Arcada to retain monies collected under the Billing and
Collection Agreement.
In June 1997, Michael J. Canney, the Company's former President and
Chief Executive Officer, filed a lawsuit in Maricopa County, Arizona for
monies owing pursuant to his two year employment agreement with the
Company. This action is set for arbitration, however the Company has been
advised by its attorneys that it may not prevail in this action and may be
liable for damages of from $70,000 to $130,000.
A discussion of this litigation and other matters also under
"Commitments and Contingencies" appears at Footnote 7 of the Financial
Statements.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
During the fourth quarter of the most recently completed fiscal year,
the Company did not submit any matter to a vote of its shareholders. It is
anticipated that the Company will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders
in the Fall of 1997 to elect a new slate of Directors and vote to approve
the Orix business combination.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOLDER MATTERS.
- --------------
(a) MARKET INFORMATION.
The Company's Public Shares and Warrants were approved for listing on
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM), effective May 17, 1996, and trade under the
symbols "TONE" and "TONEW."
The range of high and low closing bid quotations for the Company's
Public Shares since listing on Nasdaq were obtained from the National
Quotation Bureau and are provided below. The volume of trading in the
Company's Common Stock has been limited and the bid and ask prices as
reported may not be indicative of the value of the Public Shares or the
existence of an active trading market. These over-the--counter market
quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or
commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Common Warrants
------ --------
1996 Fiscal Year High Bid Low Bid High Bid Low Bid
---------------- -------- ------- -------- -------
Fourth Quarter
(from May 17, 1996) . . . . . . . $7.625 $5.625 $4.250 $2.000
1997 Fiscal Year
----------------
First Quarter
(through August 1996) . . . . . . $6.875 $6.500 $3.875 $3.250
Second Quarter
(through November 1996) . . . . . $6.750 $3.000 $3.500 $0.750
Third Quarter
(through February 1997) . . . . . $4.000 $1.375 $1.625 $0.500
Fourth Quarter
(through May 1997). . . . . . . . $2.125 $0.500 $0.625 $0.125
On September 15, 1997, the last reported closing bid price for the
Public Shares was $1.937 and the last reported closing bid price for the
Warrants was $0.34375.
(b) HOLDERS.
The number of record holders of the Company's Common Stock on
September 15, 1997 was approximately 750.
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<PAGE>
(c) DIVIDENDS.
The Company has never paid dividends with respect to its Common Stock
and currently does not have any plans to pay cash dividends in the future
as it intends to retain future earnings to finance the growth of the
business. There are no contractual restrictions on the Company's present or
future ability to pay dividends. Future dividend policy is subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors and is dependent upon a number of
factors, including future earnings, capital requirements and the financial
condition of the Company.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
- ---------------------------------------------
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations for the Company should be read in conjunction with the Company's
financial statements and notes hereto attached hereto.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY NOT PROVE ACCURATE
When used in this Form 10-KSB, the words "anticipate," "estimate,"
"expect," "project," and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions including the possibility that the Company's
Internet backbone will fail to generate projected revenues or the Company
will be unable to satisfy certain settlement agreements. Should one or
more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those
anticipated, estimated or projected.
GENERAL
The Company's net revenues were approximately $1.99 million for the
year ended May 31, 1997 and $2.2 million for the year ended May 31, 1996.
Subsequent to year-end, the Company entered into a settlement
agreement with AT&T in connection with certain disagreements surrounding
fraudulent use of the Company's long distance service and the Company's
failure to meet certain minimum commitments during fiscal 1997. Pursuant
to the settlement, the Company transferred to AT&T its long distance
service for which AT&T was the provider, whose revenues totaled
approximately $760,000 in fiscal 1997 and the Company has no future service
commitments with AT&T. Under the settlement, the Company is obligated to
make payments to AT&T on stipulated dates with the final payment due on
December 12, 1997. As a remedy to this settlement, if such payments are
not made timely, AT&T has the right, and the Company would be liable, for
amounts due under prior agreements. AT&T has alleged this amount is in
excess of $6,000,000, which is disputed by the Company. While the
obligation under the settlement agreement has been recorded as a liability
at May 31, 1997, the Company does not currently have the funds to make
these payments.
Furthermore, the Company has significant telecommunications
commitments for its Internet backbone from which it has not experienced
adequate revenues to generate a gross margin. If an increase in revenues
on its Internet backbone fail to materialize, additional losses,
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<PAGE>
the amount of which cannot currently be estimated, could be recorded. In
addition, the Company has significant liabilities to, among others, its
Internet provider, AT&T, and the IRS for payroll taxes, which if not paid
could jeopardize the Company's ability to continue its operations.
The Company's financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue operating as a going concern, which contemplates
the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal
course of business. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern
is dependent upon several factors, including, but not limited to, the
Company's raising additional capital, making payment on its current
obligations, including AT&T, carrier commitments and the IRS for payroll
taxes, meeting the terms of its continuing service commitments and
achieving and maintaining profitable operations. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of these uncertainties. The Company is
aggressively working to increase revenues through a merger, which it
believes will ultimately lead to profitable operations and enable the
Company to meet its continuing service commitments. Subsequent to year-end,
the Company also has reached a settlement with AT&T, raised additional
capital, and entered into a merger agreement with another entity. The
Company is continuing its efforts to raise additional capital, which will
be required, among other things, to satisfy current obligations including
AT&T and fund operations. As a result of continuing operating losses and
negative working capital, the Company's independent auditors included a
"going concern" paragraph with respect to the audited financial statements
as of and for the year ended May 31, 1997.
MERGER AGREEMENT
On August 11, 1997, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization (the "Agreement") whereby the Company will acquire all of
the issued and outstanding shares of Orix Global Communications, Inc.
("Orix") of Las Vegas, Nevada. Orix is a licensed reseller of
international telecommunications services, with operations in North
America, Latin America and various Asian countries. In turn, the Company
will issue to the Orix shareholders 4,500,000 shares of its "restricted"
Common Stock and 6,000,000 shares of a newly authorized Series C Preferred
Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting and will pay cumulative
dividends of 8% per annum payable annually. Each share of Series C
Preferred Stock is redeemable for cash at the election of the holder or
convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock at the election of
the holder at any time for a period of three years. After three years, the
Company must either convert or redeem the Series C Preferred Stock (subject
to certain adjustments). The Series C Preferred Stock is redeemable at
$1.50 per share or converts to 0.6667 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1.50 per
share. As a result of the Agreement, Orix would acquire control of both
management and the Company's Board. The completion of the Agreement is
subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions set forth in the
Agreement and the approval of the shareholders of the Company and Orix.
If the Agreement is completed, Orix will be considered the acquiring
entity, even though the Company is legally the surviving company.
Therefore, future financial statements of the Company will reflect the
operations of Orix for prior years and the Company's operations only from
the date of the Agreement.
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<PAGE>
THE GETNET ACQUISITION
In November 1995, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of
GetNet International, Inc. ("GetNet") of Phoenix, Arizona in exchange for
400,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. GetNet is a provider of
Internet access services to individuals and businesses in Arizona and other
parts of the United States. GetNet has constructed a national Internet
backbone with Points of Presence ("POP's") in Phoenix, Arizona; Santa
Clara, California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; and
Washington, D.C. GetNet also offers subscribers complete Internet access
consisting of front-end software, integrated with high quality access
service. GetNet's high-speed digital network provides subscribers with
direct access to the full range of Internet applications and resources
including E-mail, World Wide Web sites, USENET news groups and database
information (including graphics, data and public domain software).
GetNet's front-end software features a point-and-click graphical user
interface providing subscribers with easy-to-use access to the Internet's
applications and resources. Revenues from GetNet for the period from its
acquisition on November 1, 1995 to May 31, 1996 were $287,000 and were
$926,000 for the year ended May 31, 1997.
CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT
As discussed in "Recent Developments," the Company has undergone
significant changes in management during the past. Currently, it is
uncertain what effect these changes will have on the Company's operating
results.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THE COMPANY - FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED
MAY 31, 1996
Revenue from operations for the year ended May 31, 1997 was
$1,992,000, compared to revenues of $2,238,000 for the year ended May 31,
1996. The decrease in revenues is attributed to significantly lower long
distance revenues partially due to the AT&T dispute and the failed merger
with Arcada Communications. The long distance customer base has dropped
significantly, while the Internet business revenues were substantially
higher due to completion of the ATM backbone that allowed GetNet to offer
a complete product package to new customers.
Cost of sales for the year ended May 31, 1997 was $1,990,000,
resulting in a gross margin of approximately $2,000 or 0% of net revenue.
The gross margin for the year ended May 31, 1996 was $832,000, or
approximately 37% of net revenue. The gross margin percentage has eroded
due to full cost of the Internet backbone versus a ramping up of new
customers and sales to a required level of absorption. Also, the gross
margin percentage has decreased due to the impact of the AT&T dispute and
the lost margin from lost revenues due to the failed merger. The Company's
revenues from its Internet backbone currently do not support the related
direct costs. The Company believes increases in revenues can be generated
in the Internet backbone without increases in direct costs.
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<PAGE>
The financial statements for the year ended May 31, 1996 reflect the
inclusion of seven months operations of GetNet which was acquired effective
November 1, 1995. GetNet's sales were $287,000 for these seven months with
cost of sales of $122,000.
Selling expenses decreased to $275,000 or 14% of net revenues for the
year ended May 31, 1997 from $620,000, or approximately 28% of net revenues
for the year ended May 31, 1996. The decrease in selling expenses is lower
as a percentage of revenues because long distance, with agent commissions,
has become a less significant part of total revenue, while GetNet sales
have increased substantially with minimal marketing and selling expense.
General and administrative expenses increased to $2,330,000 or 117% of
net revenue for the year ended May 31, 1997 compared to $1,724,000 or 77%
for the year ended May 31, 1996. This increase is, in part, due to fiscal
1997 including a full twelve months of GetNet's operations versus only
seven months for fiscal 1996 due to GetNet having been acquired by the
Company effective November 1, 1995. During fiscal 1997, the Company
staffed the technical support areas of GetNet to manage the growing
network. The numerous management changes resulted in periods of
overlapping costs, payments made to consultants and legal professionals for
specific skills to assist management with specialized problems and
situations and programs for future growth of the Company contributed to the
inbalance of this cost category on a yearly comparison.
In March 1997, the Company's planned acquisition of another reseller
of telecommunications services was terminated by the reseller. For the
year ended May 31, 1997, the costs associated with the planned acquisition
of $381,000 have been expensed in operations. In fiscal 1996, the Company
abandoned a planned acquisition of another reseller of telecommunications
services. For the year ended May 31, 1996, the costs associated with this
planned acquisition of $118,000 have been expensed in operations. Also
during fiscal 1997, the Company expensed $375,000 associated with its
settlement with AT&T as compared to settlements of $871,000 for excess
commitments in fiscal 1996.
The Company has a net loss of $4,357,000 for the year ended May 31,
1997, as compared to a net loss of $2,802,000 for the years ended May 31,
1996. The increase in net loss between the two years is as noted above.
THE COMPANY - FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED
MAY 31, 1995.
Revenue from operations for the year ended May 31, 1996 was
$2,238,000, compared to revenues of $1,952,000 during the ten months ended
May 31, 1995, which had two fewer months than fiscal 1996 due to a change
in year end in 1995. Therefore, monthly revenues actually decreased for
the year ended May 31, 1996 based on a comparable twelve month period.
Cost of sales for the year ended May 31, 1996 was $1,406,000,
resulting in a gross margin of approximately $832,000 or 37% of net
revenue. The gross margin for the ten months ended May 31, 1995 was
$642,000, approximately 33% of net revenue. The gross margin percentage
remained relatively constant as the Company achieved the highest margin
currently
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<PAGE>
allowed on its AT&T contract for incremental sales. The AT&T contract is
structured on a tiered discount with the more volume achieved, the greater
the discount.
Financial statements ended May 31, 1996 reflect the inclusion of seven
months operations of GetNet which was acquired effective November 1, 1995.
GetNet's sales were $287,000 for these seven months with cost of sales of
$122,000.
Selling expenses increased to $620,000 or 28% of net revenues for the
year ended May 31, 1996 from $337,000, or approximately 17% of net revenues
for the prior ten month fiscal year. The increase in selling expenses as
a percent of revenue was attributed to the higher commissions earned by one
of the Company's agents that contributed a significant volume of customer
usage. The sales agent, TMO Communications, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona
("TMO"), accounted for approximately 42% of revenues for the year ended May
31, 1996 and receives commissions of approximately 32%. At this level, the
Company does not receive gross margin on sales originated by this agent,
but as a result, experiences greater gross margin on other Company revenues
due to volume discounts by AT&T. In addition, in April 1996, the Company
agreed to pay TMO an additional $75,000 to settle past misunderstandings
between the Company and TMO with respect to the amount of commissions due
TMO.
General and administrative expenses increased to $1,853,000 or 83% of
net revenue for the year ended May 31, 1996 compared to $507,000 or 26% for
the ten months ended May 31, 1995. During fiscal 1996, the Company paid
increased salaries and benefits to its employees of approximately
$1,074,000 compared to $374,000 in fiscal 1995, primarily as a result of
additional employees, including GetNet employee related expense since
November 1, 1995 (date of acquisition) of approximately $311,000. The
remaining $646,000 increase in general and administrative costs between the
two periods is mainly due to increased office and travel costs associated
with the anticipated growth of the Company and increased internal costs
associated with the Company's offerings of securities, attempted
acquisitions and the inclusion of GetNet's other general and administrative
expense from November 1, 1995, which totaled $115,000. Also included in
general and administrative expense is bad debt expense, which increased by
$162,000 in fiscal 1996, and amortization expense, which increased by
approximately $100,000 related to the GetNet acquisition.
The Company also incurred $471,000 of expense under an agreement with
ICG during the year ended May 31, 1996; only $32,000 was incurred in the
ten month period ended May 31, 1995, as the contract was entered into in
late February 1995. This amount is recorded as a period expense under
operating expenses, as the Company experienced insignificant revenues
associated with this contract. Such revenues (approximately $34,000) have
been offset against the expense.
The Company also expensed $400,000 during the year ended May 31, 1996
based on a settlement of a past contingent liability on failing to meet its
prior minimum commitment for selling "800" services with AT&T.
Interest expense increased from $12,000 in fiscal 1995 to $172,000 in
fiscal 1996 primarily as a result of 70,000 shares of common stock being
issued after year end to satisfy an outstanding debt of $210,000. The
difference of approximately $250,000 between the then
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<PAGE>
market price of common stock and the related debt is being expensed in
operations over the period the note was outstanding. For the year ended
May 31, 1996, $125,000 was expensed and the balance will be expensed in the
first quarter of fiscal 1997.
In January 1996, the Company abandoned a planned acquisition of
another reseller of telecommunication services. For the year ended May 31,
1996, the costs associated with this planned acquisition of $118,000 have
been expensed in operations.
The Company had a net loss of ($2,802,000) for the year ended May 31,
1996. For the ten months ended May 31, 1995, the Company had a net loss of
($294,000). The increase in net loss between periods is directly
attributed to the expense associated with not meeting minimum service
commitment levels with its carriers, the significant increase in selling,
general and administrative costs in fiscal 1996 which included indirect
costs associated with the cost of raising additional capital, hiring of
additional personnel, and other reasons discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's cash position at May 31, 1997 was $160,000 and net
working capital deficit was $1,241,000. The Company's cash position has
decreased significantly during fiscal 1997 primarily due to the Company's
significant operating loses. Subsequent to May 31, 1997, the Company
received approximately $420,000 from the issuance of 1,200,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock in a Private Placement.
Cash used in operations for the Company totaled ($2,941,000) during
the year ended May 31, 1997 as compared to ($1,891,000) used in operations
during the year ended May 31, 1996. This increase in cash outflows can be
primarily attributed to a loss from operations, partially offset by current
period non-cash expenses resulting from an increase in the bad debts, the
impairment of a customer base and the non-cash cost of common stock issued
for payment of interest and services.
Cash flows used in investing activities consisted primarily of
additions to equipment of $734,000 in the year ended May 31, 1997 as
compared to $101,000 in the year ended May 31, 1996. The Company also
incurred acquisition costs of $25,000 related to the GetNet acquisition in
fiscal 1996. In fiscal 1997, the Company incurred $381,000 in costs
related to the planned acquisition of another reseller of telecommunication
services which was eventually terminated.
Cash flows from financing activities were $(1,062,000) during the year
ended May 31, 1997 as compared to $6,783,000 for the year ended May 31,
1996. Cash flows during the year ended May 31, 1996 were primarily
attributed to the receipt of proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock,
but was partially offset by costs incurred in connection with the Company's
private and public stock offerings. In May 1996, the Company completed its
public offering of its Common Stock whereby it sold 1,725,000 shares of
Common Stock and Warrants and received net proceeds of approximately
$5,830,000. In November 1995, the Company completed a private placement of
its Common Stock whereby it sold 350,000 shares of Common Stock. The net
proceeds of approximately $600,000 from this offering were used primarily
to cover costs associated with the Company's public offerings and other
working capital needs.
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<PAGE>
Cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended May 31, 1997
were primarily attributed to debt repayments.
Under the Company's former arrangement with AT&T, customer billings
and collections were performed by AT&T. Accounts receivable represents the
amount the Company's customers owe for actual usage. However, the amount
the Company received from AT&T was offset by the payable due to AT&T for
the cost of providing the service, which is reflected as an account payable
in the financial statements. The net of the receivable and payable is the
gross margin the Company receives. AT&T is currently responsible for
maintaining the Company's account receivable accounts and withholds
payments to the Company for customer accounts over 30 days past due. Such
amounts withheld from the Company are offset by the gross margin otherwise
payable to the Company.
COMMITMENTS
INTERNED BACKBONE CIRCUIT LEASES
The Company's continuing commitments primarily relate to
telecommunications circuits used in connection with its Internet backbone,
under non-cancelable operating leases. The Internet backbone was not
completed until fiscal 1997, therefore, lease expense for the year ended
May 31, 1996 was minimal. Lease expense for the year ended May 31, 1997
was $1,195,000. As of May 31, 1997, future minimum lease obligations under
leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
For the Year Ended May 31,
- --------------------------
1998 $ 1,210,000
1999 1,185,000
2000 708,000
2001 63,000
2002 63,000
Thereafter 241,000
-----------
$ 3,470,000
===========
Included in the above amounts is a three-year commitment which began
in March 1997 with WilTel, whereby the Company is required to lease a
minimum of $70,000 per month in gross billings, before discounts, of
telecommunication circuits. Under this agreement, all costs incurred are
not only applied dollar-for-dollar against this commitment, but are also
concurrently credited 1-1/2 times actual usage against the Company's
$50,000 per month long distance service commitment. During the past fiscal
year, the actual monthly usage deficiency averaged less than $5,000 per
month.
The Company, however, is obligated to pay for actual monthly usage of
telecommunications circuits, which currently approximates $103,000 per
month, irrespective of the related usage by the Company's Internet
customers. If the Company is unsuccessful in marketing its Internet
services, these commitments will result in a substantial loss to the
Company, including the possibility of impairing the capitalized costs
associated with building
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<PAGE>
the backbone and the intangible cost recorded in connection with the
acquisition of GetNet by the Company.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
- ----------------------------------------------------
The Company's audited financial statements are included and follow at
Item 13 of this report.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
- ---------------------
On May 28, 1997, the Company was informed by the accounting firm of
Hein + Associates LLP, Denver, Colorado, who has acted as certifying
accountants for the Company for the years ending May 31, 1996 and 1995 that
it was resigning as the Company's auditors effective as of that date.
None of the prior certifying accountants' reports on the Company's
financial statements for the past two years contained an adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion, or was modified as to audit scope or accounting
principle. Their report, however, included an explanatory paragraph
regarding the uncertainty as to the Company's ability to continue its
operations as a going concern.
The resignation of Hein + Associates LLP was presented to the
Company's Board of Directors on May 28, 1997.
For the fiscal years ended May 31, 1996 and 1995 and through the date
of this Report, the Company is unaware of any disagreement with Hein +
Associates LLP on any matter of accounting principle or practice, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved
to Hein + Associates LLP's satisfaction, would have caused said accountants
to make reference to the subject matter in connection with any report
issued by same except that in April 1996, Mr. Vaughan, the Company's former
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, brought to the attention
of the Company's auditors a previously undisclosed letter agreement signed
by Mr. Miller (the Company's former President and Director), with a
significant sales agent, which provided for a retroactive increase in the
sales agents' commissions to 50% from 32%.
This agreement and its potential ramifications was thoroughly reviewed
by the Company's Board of Directors with Hein + Associates LLP. Hein +
Associates LLP advised the Board that unless the occurrence was corrected
it was unwilling to rely on management's representations. The following
actions were taken on behalf of the Company.
The Board of Directors, with the concurrence and support of Messrs.
Miller and Vaughan, determined it appropriate to bring in an experienced
manager to institute tighter controls in the areas of finance, overhead,
carrier commitments and corporate governance. Accordingly, in April 1996,
Mr. Michael Canney was appointed President, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer. Mr. Miller resigned as a Director and Officer and
elected to pursue personal business interests. Mr. Vaughan also resigned
as Director and Officer,
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<PAGE>
however, remained as a consultant to the Company through September 1997.
The Company also obtained an updated agreement with the sales agent which
substantially reaffirmed the Company's prior sales commission arrangement
with the sales agent.
On July 7, 1997, the Company re-retained Hein + Associates LLP as its
independent auditors. Hein + Associates LLP were the Company's auditors
for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1996 and 1995 and resigned on May 28,
1997. Prior to accepting the audit engagement and subsequent to its prior
resignation, the Company did not consult Hein + Associates LLP as to the
application of any accounting principles as to a specified transaction or
the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the financial
statements.
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PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
- -------------------------------------------------
(a)(b) IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES.
The following sets forth certain information with respect to the
officers and directors of the Company.
Tenure as Officer
Name Age Position or Director
- ---- --- -------- ---------------------
Larry C. Cornwell 55 Chairman of the Board of From May 1997 to the
Directors and Acting present
President (1)
David J. Smith 43 Chief Financial Officer From October 2, 1995 to
and Secretary/Treasurer September 15, 1997
Norman B. Walko 56 Director From November 1, 1995
to the present
Dr. Edward D.
Wirth, Jr. 55 Director, Acting President From May 1997 to the
of GetNet International present
- ------------------
(1) Mr. Cornwell resigned as Acting President on September 15, 1997.
All Directors hold office until the next annual meeting of
shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and
qualified. Executive officers of the Company are appointed by and serve at
the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
appointed a compensation committee and an audit committee for the upcoming
fiscal year.
LARRY C. CORNWELL. Mr. Cornwell has been a Director and Acting
President of the Company from May 1997 to the present. For the past 5
years, Mr. Cornwell has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Cornwell Consulting Services, Inc. ("CCS") of Dover, Florida. Mr. Cornwell
has over 37 years in the telecommunications industry and with has handled
over 20 acquisitions, advised on numerous mergers and assisted with several
reorganizations and restructurings of failing companies. Mr. Cornwell
specializes in the identifying of potential merger targets, assisting in
their valuation, conducting due diligence and formulating post merger
strategies.
DAVID J. SMITH. Mr. Smith joined the Company in September 1995 as a
consultant in the accounting and finance division. In October 1995 he was
appointed Chief Financial Officer and in June 1996 Secretary/Treasurer.
From September 1994 until July 1995, Mr. Smith served as
Controller/Accounting Manager for the Phoenix, Arizona branch of Poe &
Brown Insurance,
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a nationwide insurance agency/brokerage based in Daytona Beach, Florida.
From July 1982 until September 1994, Mr. Smith served as Controller for
Alliance Insurance Group, a regional insurance agency/brokerage based in
Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Smith currently devotes full time to the Company.
Mr. Smith terminated on September 15, 1997.
NORMAN B. WALKO. Mr. Walko has been a Director of the Company from
November 1995 to the present. Recently he joined Next Wave Telecom as Vice
President in charge of the Southeast Region. From March 1994 to the
present Mr. Walko has been Chief Operating Officer of QuestCom
Communications of Portola Valley, California, a company formed to
participate in wireless telecommunications license auctions. From June
1992 to February 1994, he was General Manager, Central/North Florida with
McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc. of Kirkland Washington, a company
engaged in cellular telephone service. From March 1989 to June 1992, Mr.
Walko was employed by U.S. West Corporation as a general manager. Mr.
Walko received a B.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University and a
M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Southern California.
DR. EDWARD D. WIRTH, JR. Dr. Wirth became a Director of the Company
in May 1997. Dr. Wirth is currently acting President, GetNet
International. Dr. Wirth is a Managing Partner of Cornwell Consulting
Services, is an expert on consulting and employment assignments in the
communications industry related to strategic planning, goal analysis, and
related modeling; market segmentation and development of target market
value propositions, and implementation of complete strategic marketing
plans; valuations, acquisitions and divestitures, and post-merger strategic
leverage. He holds a B.A. in engineering Science from Dartmouth College,
an M.B.A. in Accounting and Marketing from Northwestern University, and a
Ph.D. in Social Change/Business from Walden University. Dr. Wirth was a
senior manager with various AT&T business units for 30 years. Since
retiring from AT&T in January, 1996, Dr. Wirth has been a consultant to
Scii Telecom, SA, a Paris-based global supplier of ISDN PC cards; President
of Scii Telecom, Inc., responsible for US market development; Principal of
The Redington Group, Marketing and Management consultants; a US-based
Associate of Co-Managers, a Paris-based International Co-management and
venture capital firm; and managing partner of Cornwell Consulting Services.
In addition, Dr. Wirth teaches at Florida Institute of Technology in the
MBA program, responsible for the Marketing and Business Policy courses.
Dr. Wirth serves on the Advisory Board of the ITT Technical Institute, and
has been listed in various editions of Who's Who in Finance and Industry.
LIMITED LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the California General Corporation Law, the Company
has included a provision in its Articles of Incorporation to limit the
personal liability of its directors for violations of their fiduciary duty.
The provision eliminates directors liability to the Company or its
stockholders for monetary damages, except (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payment of dividends or
unlawful stock purchases or redemptions, or (iv) for any transaction from
which a director derived an improper personal benefit.
-35-
<PAGE>
Additionally, in accordance with the California General Corporation
Law, the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws indemnify its
directors against liability which they may incur in their capacity as a
director against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable
expenses incurred in connection with threatened, pending or completed
civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative proceedings by reason of
the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of the Company if such director acted in good faith and in a manner
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers
and controlling persons of the small business issuer pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.
(c) FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
There are no family relationships among any of the Company's officers
and directors.
(d) INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
No officer, director, significant employee, promoter or control person
of the Company has been involved in any event of the type described in Item
401(d) of Regulation S-B during the past five years.
(e) COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"). Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders
are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on the Company's review of the
copies of such forms received by it during the fiscal year ended May 31,
1997, and written representations that no other reports were required, the
Company believes that except as described below each person who, at any
time during such fiscal year, was a director, officer or beneficial owner
of more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock complied with all Section
16(a) filing requirements during such fiscal year or prior fiscal years.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------
(a) GENERAL.
In April 1996, the Company entered into a two (2) year employment
agreement with Michael J. Canney, a former Officer and Director of the
Company. Mr. Canney's agreement provided, in part, that he earn an annual
salary of $120,000; receive 100,000 stock options exercisable over a five
year period at $4.00 per share; and be given a housing allowance of $1,500
per month. In May 1997, Mr. Canney resigned as a Director and was asked by
the then
-36-
<PAGE>
members of the Board of Directors to resign as President and Chief
Executive Officer. Accordingly, Mr. Canney resigned on approximately May
15, 1997 and made demand for the balance of the monies owning pursuant to
his employment agreement. Due to the Company's worsening financial
condition, the Company was unable to meet Mr. Canney's demands and
consequently, Mr. Canney has filed a lawsuit against the Company. The
lawsuit is pending at this time.
(b) SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE.
The following table sets forth all compensation paid or accrued by the
Company for services of Michael J. Canney, the Company's former President
and Chief Executive Officer, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997, during
the year ended May 31, 1996 and the ten months ended May 31, 1995. No
Officer other than Mr. Canney received cash compensation from the Company
in excess of $100,000 during such fiscal years.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation Awards
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other All
Name Annual Restricted LTIP Other
and Compen- Stock Options/ Pay- Compen-
Principal Salary Bonus sation Award(s) SARs outs sation
Position Year (1) ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael J. Canney(2) 1997 $120,000 $ 0 $ 0 N/A -0- N/A $15,000(3)
President and Chief 1996 $ 20,000 $ 0 $ 0 -- -0- -- $ 0
Executive Officer 1995 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 -- -0- -- $ 0
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------------
(1) Periods presented are for the years ended May 31, 1997 and 1996, the
ten months ended May 31, 1995.
(2) Mr. Canney resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer in May
1997.
(3) Mr. Canney received a housing allowance of approximately $15,000 per
year.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The non-employee directors of the Company will receive $250 for each
meeting they attend plus expenses. Directors may also receive options as
designated by the Board of Directors.
Mr. Larry C. Cornwell, Acting President and a Director, is a principal
of Cornwell Consulting Services, Inc. ("CCS"), a turnaround specialist for
companies in financial trouble and in need of restructuring or finding a
merger partner. Pursuant to a consulting agreement with CCS, the Company
has paid CCS approximately $65,000 through September 15, 1997.
-37-
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Company's Compensation Committee for the fiscal year ended May 31,
1997 consisted of Bruce Walko. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997,
Mr. Walko was a Director of the Company.
(c) OPTION/SAR GRANTS TABLE.
OPTIONS GRANTED
The following table sets forth the options that have been granted to
Michael J. Canney, the Company's former President and Chief Executive
Officer, listed in the Executive Compensation Table.
Option/SAR Grants
-----------------
Individual Grants
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Total
Options/ Options/SARs Exercise
SARs Granted to or Base
Granted Employees Price Expiration
Name (#) in Fiscal Year ($/Share) Date
------ -------- -------------- --------- ----------
Michael J. Canney (2) 250,000 (1) 100% $4.00 03/01
President and Chief
Executive Officer
- ----------------------
(1) All of Mr. Canney's options are currently exercisable.
(2) Michael J. Canney resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer in
May 1997.
In October 1995, David J. Smith, an Officer of the Company, was
granted 10,000 options exercisable at $5.00 which expire in October 1997,
and 20,000 options exercisable at $6.00 which expire in October 1998.
In November 1995, the Company granted 60,000 options exercisable at
$2.00 per share for a five year period. The options were granted to Joseph
Monnig, a significant long distance sales agent, to provide long distance
consulting and assistance with the Company's long distance agents.
In March 1996, the Company granted a total of 450,000 warrants to
purchase Common Stock to Messrs Walko, Canney and Barletta, then Directors
(150,000 each) of the Company. The warrants are exercisable for a five (5)
year period at $4.00 per warrant. Each of these individual's warrants are
currently exercisable.
In March 1996, the Company granted 100,000 warrants to purchase Common
Stock to Norbert Zealander, a member of the audit committee. The Warrants
are exercisable for a five (5) year period at $4.00 per warrant and are
currently exercisable.
-38-
<PAGE>
In connection with its recent public offering, the Company granted
Barron Chase Securities, Inc., warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of
Common Stock and 150,000 Warrants at an exercise price of $6.00. The
warrants are exercisable through May 17, 2001.
In April 1997, the Company granted 100,000 options to purchase Common
Stock to Jim Bascom, an employee of GetNet, the Company's subsidiary,
exercisable immediately at $1.00 per share for a period of three years.
(d) AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISE AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR
VALUE TABLE.
Not applicable.
(e) TERM INCENTIVE PLAN ("LTIP") AWARDS TABLE.
Not applicable.
(f) COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS.
Non-Employee Directors received $250 per meeting attended plus
expenses. Employee Directors receive only reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses. Mr. Cornwell and Mr. Wirth may be deemed to receive the
compensation paid to CCS pursuant to its consulting agreement while they
are Directors.
(g) EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
Michael J. Canney, the Company's former President and Director had an
employment agreement with the Company through April 1998. In May 1997, Mr.
Canney resigned as an Officer and Director and in June 1997, brought legal
action against the Company for amounts due under his agreement. The
Company is defending this action.
(h) REPORTING ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS/SARS.
Not Applicable.
-39-
<PAGE>
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a)(b) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.
The following table sets forth, as of August 25, 1997 the ownership of
the Company's Common Stock by (i) each Director of the Company, (ii) all
Executive Officers and Directors of the Company as a group, and (iii) all
persons known by the Company to own more than 5% of the Company's Common
Stock.
Beneficial Ownership (1)
------------------------
Name and Address Shares Percent
- ---------------- ------ -------
Norman B. Walko 150,000 (2) *%
4110 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 170
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
David J. Smith 30,000 (3) *%
4110 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 170
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Larry C. Cornwell 0 *%
7120 Stafford Road
Dover, Florida 33527
Dr. Edward D. Wirth, Jr. 0 *%
7120 Stafford Road
Dover, Florida 33527
All Executive Officers and
Directors as a group (4 persons) 180,000 3.9%
- --------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Unless otherwise stated below, each such person has sole voting
and investment power with respect to all such shares. Under Rule
13d-3(d), shares not outstanding which are subject to options, warrants,
rights or conversion privileges exercisable within 60 days are deemed
outstanding for the purpose of calculating the number and percentage
owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose
of calculating the number and percentage owned by each other person
listed.
(2) Includes 150,000 options currently exercisable at $4.00 per share.
(3) Includes 10,000 options currently exercisable at $5.00 per share which
expire in October 1997 and 20,000 options exercisable at $6.00 per
share which expire in October 1998. Mr. Smith resigned as an Officer
of the Company on September 15, 1997.
-40-
<PAGE>
(c) CHANGES IN CONTROL.
There is no arrangement or understanding known to the Company,
including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the
operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control
of the Company except if the Orix business combination is approved by the
Company's shareholders at an anticipated Fall 1997 meeting. Orix's
management will assume control of the Company's day-to-day operations and
control of the Board of Directors.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
- --------------------------------------------------------
(a)(b) TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS.
In May 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with CCS for
financial assistance services. Mr. Larry C. Cornwell, Acting President and
a Director of the Company, is also a principal of CCS. Dr. Edward D.
Wirth, Jr., a Director and Acting President, GetNet International, is a
Managing Partner of CCS. CCS has received $65,000 plus expenses through
September 15, 1997 when the contract was terminated due to Mr. Cornwell's
health. Mr. Cornwell also resigned as Acting President of the Company,
effective that date.
(c) TRANSACTIONS WITH PROMOTERS.
See (a) (b) above.
-41-
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-KSB:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements of Touch Tone America, Inc.:
Independent Auditor's Report
Consolidated Balance Sheet - May 31, 1997
Consolidated Statement of Operations - Year ended May 31, 1996
and year ended May 31, 1997
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Year
ended May 31, 1996 and year ended May 31, 1997
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Year ended May 31, 1996
and year ended May 31, 1997
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Exhibits required to be filed are listed below and, except where
incorporated by reference, immediately follow the Financial Statements.
Exhibit No. Description
----------- -----------
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement between the Company and
Barron Chase Securities, Inc.(1)
1.2 Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement Option or
Warrant Agreement.(1)
1.3 Form of Agreement Among Underwriters.(1)
1.4 Form of Selected Dealer Agreement.(1)
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation dated July 31, 1990 and
Amendments thereto.(1)
3.2 Bylaws.(1)
3.3 Form of Specimen Common Stock Certificate.(1)
3.4 Form of Specimen Warrant Certificate.(1)
-42-
<PAGE>
4.0 Warrant Agreement between the Company and American
Securities Stock Transfer, Inc.(1)
10.1 Acquisition Agreement and addendum thereto between the
Company and National Telcom Management, Inc.(1)
10.2 Financial Advisory Agreement between the Company and Barron
Chase Securities, Inc.(1)
10.3 Form of Merger and Acquisition Agreement between the
Company and Barron Chase Securities, Inc.(1)
10.4 Agreement between AT&T and the Company.(1)
10.5 Telecommunications Services Agreement between WilTel and
the Company.(1)
10.6 Sales and Distribution Agreement between Paging Network of
Arizona and the Company.(1)
10.7 Employment Agreement with Jonathan Miller and the
Company.(1)
10.8 Employment Agreement with Robert C. Vaughan and the
Company.(1)
10.9 Employment Agreement with David J. Smith and the
Company.(1)
10.10 Agreement between TMO Communications and the Company.(1)
10.11 National Reseller Agreement between the Company and ICG
Access Services, Inc.(1)
10.12 Release and Settlement Agreement between AT&T and Touch
Tone America, Inc.(1)
10.13 Release and Settlement Agreement between ICG Access
Services, Inc. and Touch Tone America, Inc.(1)
10.14 Agreement with TMO and the Company dated April 18, 1996.(1)
10.15 Employment Agreement between Michael J. Canney and the
Company.(1)
10.16 Consulting Agreement between Robert C. Vaughan and the
Company.(1)
27 Financial Data Schedule
-43-
<PAGE>
- --------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference from the like numbered exhibits filed with
the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, No. 33-8031.
(b) During the last quarter of the period covered by this report the
Company did not file any current Reports on Form 8-K except on
March 12, 1997, the Company filed a Report on Form 8-K reporting
under Item 5, the termination of the Arcada Agreement.
(c) Required exhibits are attached hereto and are listed in Item
13(a)(3) of this Report.
(d) Required financial statement schedules are listed and included in
Item 13(a)(2) of this Report.
-44-
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY 31, 1997
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - May 31, 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - For the Years
Ended May 31, 1996 and 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -
For the Period from June 1, 1995 through May 31, 1997 . . . . . .F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - For the Years
Ended May 31, 1996 and 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-7
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Board of Directors
Touch Tone America, Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Touch Tone
America, Inc. and subsidiary as of May 31, 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the years ended May 31, 1996 and 1997. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall consolidated 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 consolidated financial
position of Touch Tone America, Inc. as of May 31, 1997, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the years ended May 31, 1996 and
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed
in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has
incurred losses from operations and has negative working capital at May 31,
1997. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters
are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
/s/ HEIN + ASSOCIATES LLP
HEIN + ASSOCIATES LLP
Denver, Colorado
August 8, 1997, except for the first paragraph of Note 4,
for which the date is September 19, 1997.
F-2
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MAY 31, 1997
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 160,000
Trade receivables, net allowance for
doubtful accounts of $156,000 154,000
Prepaid expense 80,000
----------
Total current assets 394,000
EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $275,000 962,000
OTHER:
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
of $264,000 571,000
Refundable deposits 80,000
----------
TOTAL ASSETS $2,007,000
==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 686,000
Accrued liabilities 816,000
Deferred revenues 65,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations 68,000
----------
Total current liabilities 1,635,000
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion 65,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 2 and 4)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value,
10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding -
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized; 3,368,245 shares
issued and outstanding 8,017,000
Accumulated deficit (7,710,000)
----------
Total stockholders' equity 307,000
----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $2,007,000
==========
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-3
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
MAY 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
REVENUES:
Long distance resell $1,951,000 $1,066,000
Internet access 287,000 926,000
---------- ----------
2,238,000 1,992,000
COST OF SALES
Long distance resell (1,284,000) (787,000)
Internet access (122,000) (1,203,000)
---------- ----------
(1,406,000) (1,990,000)
---------- ----------
GROSS MARGIN 832,000 2,000
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling 620,000 275,000
General and administrative 1,724,000 2,330,000
Amortization, depreciation
and impairment 129,000 580,000
Severance - 334,000
Excess circuit commitments and
other settlements with providers 871,000 375,000
---------- ----------
3,344,000 (3,894,000)
---------- ----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (2,512,000) (3,892,000)
OTHER EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net (172,000) (84,000)
Absorbed merger and acquisition costs (118,000) (381,000)
---------- ----------
(290,000) (465,000)
---------- ----------
NET LOSS $(2,802,000) $(4,357,000)
========== ==========
LOSS PER SHARE $ (1.81) $ (1.31)
========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
AND EQUIVALENTS 1,552,000 3,323,119
========== ==========
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-4
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK PREFERRED
----------------------- STOCK
NUMBER ISSUANCE ACCUMULATED
OF SHARES AMOUNT COSTS DEFICIT TOTAL
---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, June 1, 1995 1,305,000 $ 73,000 $ (108,000) $ (551,000) $ (586,000)
Issuance of common stock
in a private placement,
net of offering costs 350,000 600,000 - - 600,000
Issuance of common stock
for acquisition of GetNet 400,000 800,000 - - 800,000
Surrender of common stock (763,200) - - - -
Issuance of common stock
and warrants in a public
offering, net of
offering costs 1,725,000 5,830,000 - - 5,830,000
Conversion of redeemable
preferred stock to
common stock 187,500 (108,000) 108,000 - -
Net loss - - - (2,802,000) (2,802,000)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE, May 31, 1996 3,204,300 7,195,000 - (3,353,000) 3,842,000
Additional offering costs - (67,000) - - (67,000)
Issuance of common stock
for debt and imputed
interest 70,000 464,000 - - 464,000
Issuance of common stock
for settlement of
past payable 45,000 180,000 - - 180,000
Issuance of common stock
for settlement of past
agreement 1,500 - - - -
Issuance of common stock
for acquisition of
customer base 37,445 211,000 - - 211,000
Stock options issued
at below market - 9,000 - - 9,000
Issuance of common stock
for services 10,000 25,000 - - 25,000
Net loss - - - (4,357,000) (4,357,000)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE, May 31, 1997 3,368,245 $8,017,000 $ - $(7,710,000) $ 307,000
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-5
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
MAY 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $(2,802,000) $(4,357,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash used in operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 129,000 369,000
Common stock for imputed interest
and services - 288,000
Impairment of customer base - 211,000
Bad debt expense 185,000 94,000
Absorbed acquisition and merger
costs 118,000 381,000
Change in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in:
Trade receivables 128,000 18,000
Other assets (214,000) 56,000
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable (71,000) 209,000
Accrued liabilities 625,000 (197,000)
Other 11,000 (13,000)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in operating
activities (1,891,000) (2,941,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITY:
Acquisition and merger costs incurred (25,000) (381,000)
Purchase of equipment (101,000) (734,000)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (126,000) (1,115,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment of capital lease obligations (100,000) (62,000)
Proceeds from notes payable to
stockholders 210,000 -
Payment of notes payable to stockholders - (183,000)
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable
preferred stock 113,000 -
Repayment of preferred stock - (750,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 7,816,000 -
Offering costs incurred (1,256,000) (67,000)
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 6,783,000 (1,062,000)
---------- ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 4,766,000 (5,118,000)
CASH, beginning of period 512,000 5,278,000
---------- ----------
CASH, end of period $5,278,000 $ 160,000
========== ==========
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-6
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
--------------------------------------------------------
NATURE OF OPERATIONS - The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Touch Tone America, Inc. (Touch Tone) and from
November 1, 1995, GetNet International, Inc. (GetNet) (collectively
referred to as "the Company"). Touch Tone acquired the outstanding
common stock of GetNet effective November 1, 1995 as more fully
described in Note 3.
Touch Tone is engaged in the reselling of long distance
telecommunications products and services primarily in the western and
southwestern United States. As a reseller of long distance services,
Touch Tone offers its customers the use of routing equipment and phone
lines of large carriers; in turn, the large carriers offer Touch Tone
volume discounts based on the use of this equipment. Touch Tone was
incorporated as a California corporation in 1990.
GetNet is a provider of Internet and World Wide Web access services
and web design and hosting services to individuals and businesses in
Arizona and other parts of the United States. The Internet is a
network of millions of computers around the world which are able to
communicate with one another, as well as access the World Wide Web
which is a system of documents on a multitude of subjects.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Touch Tone and its subsidiary, GetNet as
described above. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING - The accompanying consolidated financial
statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.
Customer billings and collections for long distance services are
performed by a third party service provider (Provider). Accounts
receivable represents the amount the Company's customers owe for
actual usage. However, the amount the Company will receive from the
Provider will be offset by the payable due to the Provider for the
cost of providing the service, which is included in accounts payable
in the financial statements. The net of the receivable and payable is
the margin (commissions or discounts) the Company receives. The
Provider is responsible for maintaining the Company's long distance
accounts receivable and withholds payments to the Company for past due
customer amounts. Such amounts withheld from the Company are offset
by the margin otherwise paid to the Company.
EQUIPMENT - Equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the
equipment, generally five years. Repairs and maintenance are charged
to expense as incurred. Material expenditures, which increase the
life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated
remaining useful life of the asset. The cost of equipment sold, or
otherwise disposed of, and the related accumulated depreciation or
amortization are removed from the accounts, and any gains or losses
are reflected in current operations. Depreciation expense charged to
operations was $32,000 and $201,000 for the years ended May 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
INCOME TAXES - The Company accounts for income taxes under the
liability method of SFAS No. 109, whereby current and deferred tax
assets and liabilities are determined based on tax rates and laws
enacted
F-7
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
as of the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit
represents the change in the deferred tax asset/liability balance.
REVENUE RECOGNITION - The Company recognizes revenue during the period
of performance of the related services.
INTANGIBLES - Intangibles represent the excess of the purchase price
paid over the net liabilities acquired in the GetNet acquisition of
$835,000. This amount is being amortized over five years.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - In fiscal 1997, the Company adopted
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS (FAS 121). In the event that facts
and circumstances indicate that the cost of assets or other assets may
be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If
an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash
flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's
carrying amount to determine if a write-down to market value or
discounted cash flow value is required. Adoption of FAS 121 had no
effect on the May 31, 1997 financial statements other than the
impairment of a customer base purchased during fiscal 1997 whose
expected future cash flows are currently expected to be negligible.
GetNet has not yet experienced adequate revenues from its "Internet
Backbone" operations whereby its revenues exceed the related direct
costs (gross margin). If future gross margins do not support the cost
capitalized associated with this system, the Company could be required
to impair such costs, including the related intangible costs, under
this accounting standard.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK - Credit risk represents the accounting
loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties
failed completely to perform as contracted. Concentrations of credit
risk (whether on or off balance sheet) that arise from financial
instruments exist for groups of customers or counterparties when they
have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability
to meet contractual obligations to be similarly effected by changes in
economic or other conditions. The Company does not have a significant
exposure to any individual customer or counterparty, with the possible
exception of its providers (see Note 4), whom provide communication
services to the Company. In addition, the Company's representative
(see Note 5) has been instrumental in raising capital for the Company.
USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of the Company's consolidated
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires the Company's management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. The Company makes significant estimates as to the
amortization period used for its intangibles. Due to the
uncertainties inherent in the life of intangibles, and increased
competition and technology changes in the telecommunications industry,
it is reasonably possible that the estimated life of intangibles could
materially change in the forthcoming year.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The estimated fair values for
financial instruments under SFAS No. 107, DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE
OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, are determined at discrete points in time
based on relevant market information. These estimates involve
uncertainties and cannot be determined with precision. The estimated
fair values of the Company's financial instruments, which includes
cash
F-8
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
trade receivables and accounts payable, approximates their carrying
value in the financial statements at May 31, 1997.
LOSS PER SHARE - Loss per share is generally computed based on the
weighted average number of shares outstanding. However, for the
periods presented, common and common equivalent shares including the
common stock underlying the redeemable preferred stock and common
stock options (using the treasury stock method and the public offering
price) have been included in the weighted average calculation, as if
they were outstanding for the entire period through December 31, 1995.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - In fiscal 1997, the Company adopted FAS No.
123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (FAS 123). FAS 123
encourages, but does not require, companies to recognize compensation
expense for grants of stock, stock options, and other equity
instruments to employees based on fair value. Companies that do not
adopt the fair value accounting rules must disclose the impact of
adopting the new method in the notes to the financial statements.
Transactions in equity instruments with non-employees for goods or
services must be accounted for on the fair value method. The Company
has elected not to adopt the fair value accounting prescribed by FAS
123 for employees, but is subject to the disclosure requirements
prescribed by FAS 123. Adoption of FAS 123 had no effect on the
Company's financial statements.
2. CONTINUED OPERATIONS:
--------------------
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue operating as a going concern,
which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of
liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has
incurred significant losses since inception and as of May 31, 1997 has
a working capital deficit of $1,241,000.
Furthermore, the Company has significant telecommunications
commitments for its Internet backbone from which it has not
experienced adequate revenues to generate a gross margin. If an
increase in revenues on its Internet backbone fail to materialize,
additional losses, the amount of which cannot currently be estimated,
could be recorded. In addition, the Company has significant
liabilities to, among others, its Internet provider, AT&T, and the
IRS for payroll taxes, which if not paid could jeopardize the
Company's ability to continue its operations. Specifically, AT&T has
alleged that amounts in excess of $6,000,000 would be due under past
agreements, if the agreed upon settlement is not paid (see Note 4).
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon
several factors, including, but not limited to, the Company's raising
additional capital, making payments on its current obligations,
including AT&T, carrier commitments and the IRS for payroll taxes,
meeting the terms of its continuing service commitments and achieving
and maintaining profitable operations. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result
from the outcome of these uncertainties.
The Company is aggressively working to increase revenues through a
merger, which it believes will ultimately lead to profitable
operations and enable the Company to meet its continuing service
commitments. Subsequent to year-end, the Company also has reached a
settlement with AT&T, raised additional capital, and entered into a
merger agreement with another entity. The Company is continuing
F-9
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
its efforts to raise additional capital, which will be required, among
other things, to satisfy current obligations, including AT&T, and fund
operations.
3. ACQUISITIONS
------------
In August 1997, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of
reorganization whereby the Company will acquire all the issued and
outstanding shares of Orix Global Communications, Inc. (Orix), based
in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company will issue to the Orix
stockholders, 4,500,000 shares of its common stock and 6,000,000
shares of a newly authorized Series C preferred stock. The Series C
preferred stock will be non-voting and will pay cumulative annual
dividends of 8%. Each share of Series C preferred stock is redeemable
for cash at the election of the holder or convertible into shares of
the Company's common stock at any time for a period of three years.
After three years, the Company must either convert or redeem the
Series C preferred stock. The Series C preferred stock is redeemable
at $1.50 per share or converts to .67 shares of the Company's common
stock. The completion of the merger is subject to approval by the
Board of Directors and stockholders of both companies. See Note 4 for
discussion of related management contracts.
In November 1996, the Company signed an agreement to merge with Arcada
Communications Inc. (Arcada), based in Seattle, Washington. In March
1997, Arcada terminated the merger agreement and commenced legal
action against the Company for break-up fees pursuant to the
agreement. The Company in turn counter sued, and in August 1997, two
parties settled their dispute. The costs associated with the
acquisition of approximately $381,000 has been shown as an expense in
the accompanying financial statements.
In November 1995, the Company acquired the outstanding common stock of
GetNet through the issuance of 400,000 shares of its common stock,
which was valued at $800,000. This acquisition was accounted for
under purchase method of accounting. The excess of the purchase price
over the net liabilities acquired of approximately $835,000 is being
amortized over a period not to exceed five years. All other assets
and liabilities were recorded at book values, which approximated fair
value.
In August 1995, the Company entered into an acquisition agreement with
National Telcom Management, Inc. (NTM) to purchase NTM's long distance
customer base. In January 1996, the Company terminated the contract
with NTM and forfeited a $90,000 deposit previously paid.
Accordingly, this amount and other costs associated with the
acquisition of approximately $28,000 has been shown as an expense in
1996 in the accompanying financial statements.
In October 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
certain long-distance customers through the issuance of 37,445 shares
of its common stock valued at $211,000. The number of shares issued
was based upon multiple future revenues generated by the customer base
acquired. Subsequent to the purchase, the revenues generated by this
customer base substantially declined and the Company recorded an
impairment expense of $211,000 for the entire value of the customer
base.
F-10
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
------------------------------
SERVICE COMMITMENTS - On September 19, 1997, the Company entered into
a settlement agreement with AT&T in connection with certain
disagreements surrounding fraudulent use of the Company's long-distance
service and the Company's failure to meet certain minimum
commitments during fiscal 1997. AT&T is the Company's primary
provider for long distance service. Under the settlement, the Company
is obligated to make certain payments to AT&T on stipulated dates
prior to December 12, 1997, when the final payment is due. As a
remedy to this settlement, if agreed upon amounts are not paid on a
timely basis, AT&T has the right and the Company would be liable for
amounts due under prior agreements. AT&T has alleged this amount is
in excess of $6,000,000, which is disputed by the Company. While the
Company has recorded its obligation under the settlement as a
liability as of May 31, 1997, the Company does not currently have the
funds to make the required payments. Therefore, additional capital
will need to be raised by the Company to satisfy this obligation. In
addition, the Company will forego receiving certain amounts previously
withheld by AT&T. This settlement resulted in approximately $375,000
being recorded as an expense in fiscal 1997. Pursuant to the
settlement, the Company also transferred to AT&T its long-distance
service for which AT&T was the provider and the Company has no future
service commitments with AT&T. Revenues from this service totaled
approximately $760,000 in fiscal 1997.
The Company also had not met a prior service agreement with AT&T, and
consequently, in fiscal 1996 the Company agreed to settle this
commitment. During the year ended May 31, 1996, the Company has
recorded $400,000 of expense in connection with the settlement of this
commitment. During fiscal 1997, the Company did not make certain
payments under this settlement agreement due to subsequent
disagreements with AT&T. Such amounts have been included in the
settlement discussed above.
The Company had an agreement with ICG Access Services, which required
the Company to utilize ICG services or pay ICG the difference between
the amount utilized and the minimum monthly commitment. The Company
failed to meet this commitment, therefore, in March 1996, the Company
renegotiated its agreement whereby ICG was paid approximately $430,000
(including 45,000 shares of common stock valued at $180,000). This
settlement resulted in $471,000 of expense being recorded in fiscal
1996.
The Company has a commitment with WilTel which commenced in October
1996 to sell $50,000 per month of long distance services. This
commitment can be satisfied through leases of telecommunication
circuits from WilTel for the Internet backbone.
INTERNET BACKBONE CIRCUIT LEASES - The Company leases certain
telecommunication circuits, primarily in connection with its Internet
backbone, under non-cancelable operating leases. The Internet
backbone was not completed until fiscal 1997, therefore, lease expense
for the year ended May 31, 1996 was nominal. Lease expense for the
year ended May 31, 1997 was $1,195,000. As of May 31, 1997, future
F-11
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
minimum lease obligations under leases with lease terms in excess of
one year approximate the following:
For the Year Ended May 31,
--------------------------
1998 $ 1,210,000
1999 1,185,000
2000 708,000
2001 63,000
2002 63,000
Thereafter 241,000
-----------
$ 3,470,000
===========
Included in the above amounts is a three-year commitment which began
in March 1997 with WilTel, whereby the Company is required to lease a
minimum of $70,000 per month in gross billings, before discounts, of
telecommunication circuits. Under this agreement, all costs incurred
are not only applied dollar-for-dollar against this commitment, but
are also concurrently credited 1-1/2 times actual usage against the
Company's long distance service commitment described above. During
the past fiscal year, the actual monthly usage deficiency averaged
less than $5,000 per month.
The Company, however, is obligated to pay for actual monthly usage of
telecommunication circuits, which currently approximates $103,000 per
month, irrespective of the related usage by the Company's Internet
customers. If the Company is unsuccessful in marketing its Internet
services, these commitments will result in a substantial loss to the
Company, including the possibility of impairing the capitalized costs
associated with building the backbone and the intangible cost recorded
in connection with the acquisition of GetNet by Touch Tone.
EMPLOYMENT/CONSULTING AGREEMENTS - During the years ended May 31, 1996
and 1997, the Company entered into employment agreements with various
individuals. As of May 31, 1997, the base salary under these
agreements aggregate approximately $49,000 in fiscal 1998. The
Company may terminate the agreements for cause. If terminated for any
other reason, the Company will pay six months salary and benefit
allowance if termination occurs in the first year of the agreement and
nine months salary and benefit allowance if after the first year. In
connection with the employment agreements, certain options were
granted as discussed in Note 5.
In September 1996, two officers of GetNet were terminated.
Subsequently, the former officers filed suit against the Company for
compensation due pursuant to employment agreements. In March 1997,
both suits were settled by paying the former officers a total of
$130,000.
In April 1996, two of the Company's officers resigned and terminated
their employment agreements and the Company hired a new
president/chief executive officer. Subsequently, the Company entered
a consulting agreement with the former chief executive officer of the
Company to assist the Company in mergers and acquisitions. Under this
agreement, the Company agreed to pay a base compensation of
F-12
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
$15,000 per month, which under an amended agreement in June 1996 had
been extended through October 1997, plus additional compensation based
on the level of success of future endeavors. In May 1997, the former
chief executive officer (CEO) was reappointed as Director and interim
CEO of the Company. In June 1997, he resigned from both of these
positions and discontinued providing consulting services.
In May 1997, the Company's then president/chief executive officer
terminated with the Company. In June 1997, this former officer filed
an action against the Company alleging payment of approximately
$130,000 pursuant to his employment agreement plus triple damages.
This action is set for arbitration, the outcome of which the Company
believes will not materially alter the financial statements.
In May 1997, the Company entered into a three-month consulting
agreement with Cornwell Consulting Services, Inc. (CCS). This
agreement was subsequently extended through September 15, 1997. CCS
was retained to assist in locating a merger candidate, the possible
sale of GetNet, and to reduce expenses. CCS was paid a fee of $65,000
plus expenses.
In August 1997, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with
the president of Orix. (See Note 3 for discussion of related possible
merger with Orix.) The agreement is for a one-year period at $10,000
per month.
OPERATING LEASES - The Company leases its office facilities and
certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Rent expense
for the years ended May 31, 1996 and 1997 was $63,000 and $115,000,
respectively. At May 31, 1997, future lease obligations under leases
with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
For the Year Ended May 31,
--------------------------
1998 $ 126,000
1999 77,000
2000 35,000
2001 35,000
2002 3,000
-----------
$ 276,000
===========
CAPITAL LEASES - The Company leases certain equipment which have been
recorded as capital leases. Obligations under these capital leases
have been recorded at the present value of future minimum lease
F-13
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
payments, discounted at rates ranging from approximately 20% to 23%.
The capitalized cost of $231,000 less accumulated amortization of
$91,000, are included in property and equipment at May 31, 1997. The
following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital
leases at May 31, 1997:
For the Year Ended May 31,
--------------------------
1998 $ 80,000
1999 44,000
2000 30,000
2001 15,000
-----------
Future minimum lease payment 169,000
Less amount representing interest (36,000)
-----------
Present value of net minimum
lease payments 133,000
Less current portion (68,000)
-----------
$ 65,000
===========
5. CAPITAL STOCK:
-------------
PREFERRED STOCK - In June 1995, the Company completed a private
placement of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The
Company received $642,000, net of offering costs of $108,000, from
issuing 150,000 shares of convertible preferred stock. The shares
were redeemed from $750,000 proceeds received in the Company's public
offering plus 187,500 shares of common stock.
The Company has authorized, but unissued 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, which may be issued in such series and with such
preferences as determined by the Company's Board of Directors (see
Note 3).
COMMON STOCK - In November 1995, the Company completed a private
placement of its common stock whereby it sold 350,000 shares of common
stock for $700,000. The Company incurred costs associated with this
offering of approximately $100,000.
Pursuant to an understanding with the Company's Representative, in
fiscal 1996, the founding shareholders surrendered an aggregate of
763,200 shares of common stock back to the Company.
In May 1996, the Company completed a public offering of its common
stock and warrants whereby it sold 1,725,000 shares of common stock at
$4 per share and 1,725,000 warrants at $.125 per warrant. Net
proceeds, after offering costs, were approximately $5,763,000. Each
warrant enables the holder to purchase one share of common stock at
the public offering price of $4 per share through May 1999. The
Company may redeem the warrants at $.25 per warrant, under certain
circumstances. The Representative to the offering also received a
warrant for the purchase of 150,000 shares of common stock and 150,000
warrants exercisable at $4.80 per share for four years commencing May
1997. At
F-14
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
the closing of the public offering, the Company engaged the
Representative as a financial advisor to the Company for a fee of
$108,000 which is reflected as a prepaid expense and is being
amortized on an accelerated basis.
In June 1996, the Company repaid its preferred shareholders $750,000.
An additional $67,000 in printing costs associated with the offering
were also recorded.
In August 1996, the Company issued 70,000 shares of common stock for
the exchange of a note payable of $210,000. In connection with this
exchange, the Company recorded approximately $254,000 of expense (of
which $127,000 was recorded as an expense in the year ended May 31,
1997 and the balance in the prior year) based on the quoted market
price at the time the parties agreed to the exchange. The Company has
agreed to register these shares for sale under The Securities Act.
Also in August 1996, the Company issued 45,000 shares to a
telecommunications company in settlement of a past debt. An expense
of $180,000 related to the issuance of these shares was recorded
during the year ended May 31, 1996. The Company has agreed to
register these shares for sale under The Securities Act.
In September 1996, the Company issued 1,500 shares of common stock in
settlement of a past agreement to issue shares of common stock based
on 50% of the initial public offering price.
In October 1996, the Company issued 37,445 shares to acquire a long
distance customer base. The Company has agreed to register these
shares for sale under The Securities Act.
In February 1997, the Company issued 10,000 shares in settlement of a
trade debt. The Company has agreed to register these shares for sale
under The Securities Act.
Subsequent to year-end, the Company issued 1.2 million shares of its
common stock in private offering. The shares were sold at $.35 per
share, with net proceeds of approximately $420,000.
Also, see Note 3 for the common stock issued in connection with the
GetNet acquisition and Note 4 for shares issued to settle past debts.
COMMON STOCK OPTIONS AND DIRECTOR WARRANTS - In fiscal 1996, the
Company issued common stock options to an independent significant
sales agent (see Note 7). These options, which are currently
exercisable, entitle this sales agent to purchase an aggregate of
60,000 shares of common stock for $2.00 per share over five years. As
of May 31, 1997, no options have been exercised.
As part of the various employment agreements, stock options were
granted to purchase a total of 625,000 shares (including 390,000 to
former officers and directors). At May 31, 1997, options for 370,000
shares were exercisable with the remainder becoming exercisable in
fiscal 1998, except for 85,000 options which expired unexercised, at
prices ranging from $4 to $6 per share and generally expire one year
after becoming exercisable. Also in 1997, the Company issued 100,000
options to an officer exercisable at $1.00 per share.
F-15
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During fiscal 1996, the Company issued 600,000 warrants to new
directors and 100,000 warrants to a member of the Company's
compensation committee to purchase common stock. The warrants have an
exercise price of $4.00 per share for a period of five years and are
currently exercisable. As of May 31, 1997, no options have been
exercised.
The following is a summary of the above stock option and warrant
activity (excluding warrants issued in the public offering) for the
years ended May 31, 1996 and 1997:
1996 1997
----------------------- ----------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Number Exercise Number Exercise
of Shares Price of Shares Price
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Outstanding,
beginning of year 15,900 $3.00 1,255,900 $4.29
Granted 1,240,000 $4.31 245,000 $3.34
Forfeitures - - (100,900) $4.24
--------- ---------
Outstanding,
end of year 1,255,900 $4.29 1,400,000 $4.13
========= =========
At May 31, 1997, the exercise prices of options and warrants
outstanding ranged from $1.00 to $6.00 per share. At May 31, 1996 and
1997, options for 200,900 and 1,130,000 shares (with weighted average
exercise prices of $3.32 and $3.86, respectively) were exercisable and
options for 270,000 shares become exercisable in fiscal 1998. If not
exercised, options and warrants (excluding warrants pursuant to the
public offering) outstanding at May 31, 1997, will expire as follows:
Weighted
Average
Number Exercise
Year Ending January 31, of Shares Price
----------------------- ---------- ---------
1998 210,000 $4.76
1999 270,000 $5.26
2000 100,000 $1.00
2001 60,000 $2.00
2001 125,000 $4.00
2002 575,000 $4.00
Thereafter 60,000 $5.67
----------
1,400,000 $4.13
==========
F-16
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Presented below is a comparison of the weighted average exercise price
and market price of the Company's common stock on the measurement date
for all warrants and stock options granted above during 1996 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Number of Exercise Market Number of Exercise Market
Shares Price Price Shares Price Price
-------- -------- ------- --------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Market price greater
than exercise price - $ - $ - 145,000 $4.95 $6.03
Exercise price greater
than market price 1,240,000 4.31 2.00 100,000 1.00 .63
</TABLE>
PRO FORMA STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION DISCLOSURES - The Company applies
APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock
options and warrants which are granted to employees. Accordingly, $-0-
and $9,000 in compensation cost was recognized for grants of
options during the years ended May 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively, to
employees since the exercise prices were not less than the fair value
of the Company's common stock on the grant dates. Had compensation
cost been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for
awards under those plans consistent with the method of FAS 123, the
Company's net loss and net loss per share would have been reduced to
the pro forma amounts indicated below.
Years Ended May 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders:
As reported $(2,802,000) $(4,357,000)
Pro forma (2,802,000) (4,676,000)
Net loss per common share
As reported $ (1.81) $ (1.31)
Pro forma (1.81) (1.41)
The fair value of each employee option granted in 1996 and 1997 was
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Years Ended May 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
Expected volatility 0% 126%
Risk-free interest rate 6.5% 6.5%
Expected dividends - -
Expected term (in years) 3.6 2.3
Contractual term (in years) 3.6 2.3
F-17
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RESERVED SHARES - The Company has approximately 3,425,000 shares
reserved for possible issuance under existing option and warrants
outstanding, as previously discussed herein and 8,500,000 shares
pursuant to a possible merger, including shares underlying the
convertible preferred stock to be issued in the merger.
6. INCOME TAXES:
------------
As of May 31, 1997, the Company has a net operating loss (NOL)
carryforward for tax reporting purposes of approximately $7,300,000,
however, a substantial portion may be limited due to changes in
ownership of the Company in fiscal 1995 and 1996, pursuant to Section
382 of the Internal Revenue Code, stemming primarily from the
issuances of common stock in its public and private offerings and the
acquisition of GetNet. This NOL expires in the years 2009 through
2012.
Deferred income taxes are provided for differences between the tax and
book basis of assets and liabilities as a result of temporary
differences in the recognition of revenues or expenses for tax and
financial reporting purposes, which relates primarily to certain items
not currently deductible for tax purposes until paid.
Deferred tax assets resulting from these differences consist of the
following:
Net operating loss carryforward $2,847,000
Other 67,000
----------
Total 2,914,000
Less valuation allowance (2,914,000)
----------
Net deferred tax asset $ -
==========
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased from
$1,320,000 at May 31, 1996 to $2,914,000 at May 31, 1997, due
primarily to an increase in the Company NOL carryforwards.
7. SIGNIFICANT SALES AGENT RELATIONSHIP:
------------------------------------
The Company has an agreement with an independent sales agent, whereby
the agent receives maximum commissions of 32% on AT&T long distance
sales it originates. At current sales levels, the Company does not
realize a direct profit from the sales generated by the agent. If the
Company successfully renegotiates its contract with its provider, the
Company believes it will then directly realize profit on sales
originated by the agent, if a greater discount can be obtained from
the provider. Payment of the commissions to the agent is secured by
the customer base generated by the sales agent. For the years ended
May 31, 1996 and 1997, the sales originated by the agent have
accounted for 42% of company AT&T long distance sales. During these
periods, the Company has recorded a related expense to the agent of
approximately $299,000 and $101,000, respectively, which includes
$75,000 paid in fiscal 1996 to settle past misunderstandings between
the parties.
F-18
<PAGE>
TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
----------------------------------
The supplemental cash flow information is as follows:
FOR THE YEARS
ENDED MAY 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
Equipment acquired through
capital leases $ 265,000 $ -
========== ==========
Issuance of common stock for
GetNet acquisition $ 800,000 $ -
========== ==========
Issuance of common stock for
repayment of notes payable $ - $ 210,000
========== ==========
Issuance of common stock for
settlement of a liability $ - $ 180,000
========== ==========
Issuance of common stock for
purchase of customer base $ - $ 211,000
========== ==========
9. SEGMENT INFORMATION:
-------------------
The Company's principal operations are in the long distance resell and
Internet access industries. The following is selected information
about the Company's industry segments for the years ended May 31, 1996
and 1997:
Long
Distance Internet
Year Ended May 31, 1996 Resell Access Consolidated
----------------------- ---------- -------- ------------
Revenue $1,951,000 $287,000 $2,238,000
Loss from operations (2,092,000) (420,000) (2,512,000)
Depreciation and amortization 11,000 118,000 129,000
Capital expenditures 106,000 260,000 366,000
Identifiable assets 5,832,000 1,096,000 6,928,000
Long
Distance Internet
Year Ended May 31, 1997 Resell Access Consolidated
----------------------- ---------- -------- ------------
Revenue $1,066,000 $ 926,000 $1,992,000
Loss from operations (2,001,000) (1,891,000) (3,892,000)
Amortization, depreciation
and impairment 235,000 345,000 580,000
Capital expenditures 262,000 683,000 945,000
Identifiable assets 409,000 1,598,000 2,007,000
F-19
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: September 15, 1997 TOUCH TONE AMERICA, INC.
By /s/ LARRY C. CORNWELL
----------------------------------
Larry C. Cornwell, Director
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
Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ LARRY C. CORNWELL Director September 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
Larry C. Cornwell
Principal Financial September __, 1997
- --------------------------- and Accounting Officer
David J. Smith Officer
/s/ NORMAN B. WALKO Director September 15, 1997
- ---------------------------
Norman B. Walko
/s/Dr. EDWARD D. WIRTH, JR. Director September 15, 1997
- ---------------------------
Dr. Edward D. Wirth, Jr.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAY-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JUN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-1997
<CASH> 160,000
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 310,000
<ALLOWANCES> 156,000
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 394,000
<PP&E> 1,237,000
<DEPRECIATION> 275,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,007,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,635,000
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 8,017,000
<OTHER-SE> (7,710,000)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,007,000
<SALES> 1,992,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,992,000
<CGS> 1,990,000
<TOTAL-COSTS> 5,884,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 465,000
<LOSS-PROVISION> 94,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 84,000
<INCOME-PRETAX> (4,357,000)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (4,357,000)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (4,357,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (1.31)
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.31)
</TABLE>
