<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>10-Q
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d10q.txt
<DESCRIPTION>US LEC FORM 10-Q
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001
Commission File Number: 0-24061
----------------
US LEC CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 56-2065535
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Morrocroft III, 6801 Morrison Boulevard,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(704) 319-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
----------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
----------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
As of May 14, 2001, there were 11,708,655 shares of Class A Common Stock and
16,059,500 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
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<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<C> <S> <C>
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements........................................ 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000........................ 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets--March 31, 2001 and
December 31, 2000........................................... 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000........................ 5
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders'
Deficiency--Three months ended March 31, 2001............... 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........ 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 16
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.. 19
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings........................................... 20
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds................... 20
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities............................. 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 20
Item 5. Other Information........................................... 21
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................ 21
Signatures ............................................................ 22
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months
ended March 31,
2001 2000
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue, Net.............................................. $ 38,055 $ 25,363
Cost of Services.......................................... 19,171 11,051
--------- --------
Gross Margin.............................................. 18,884 14,312
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.............. 24,228 16,013
Loss on Resolution of Disputed Revenue.................... -- 55,345
Depreciation and Amortization............................. 7,775 4,393
--------- --------
Loss from Operations...................................... (13,119) (61,439)
Other (Income) Expense
Interest Income......................................... (1,248) (114)
Interest Expense........................................ 3,228 2,004
--------- --------
Loss Before Income Taxes.................................. (15,099) (63,329)
Income Tax Benefit........................................ -- (23,727)
--------- --------
Net Loss.................................................. (15,099) (39,602)
Preferred Stock Dividends................................. 3,131 --
Preferred Stock Accretion of Issuance Costs............... 120 --
--------- --------
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders.............. $ (18,350) $(39,602)
========= ========
Net Loss Per Common Share:
Basic and Diluted........................................ $ (0.66) $ (1.44)
========= ========
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
Basic and Diluted........................................ 27,768 27,513
========= ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
3
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
2001 2000
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 69,735 $105,821
Restricted cash....................................... 1,300 1,300
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $2,061 at
March 31, 2001 and $1,523 at December 31, 2000)...... 58,629 48,859
Prepaid expenses and other assets..................... 8,147 4,802
-------- --------
Total current assets................................. 137,811 160,782
Property and Equipment, Net............................ 187,940 188,052
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $52,000 at
March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000)................. 12,306 12,306
Deferred Income Taxes.................................. 4,775 4,148
Other Assets........................................... 8,384 7,871
-------- --------
Total Assets......................................... $351,216 $373,159
======== ========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficiency
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable...................................... $ 5,186 $ 13,684
Deferred revenue...................................... 4,818 3,350
Accrued network costs................................. 9,535 9,302
Deferred income taxes................................. 4,775 4,148
Commissions payable................................... 8,483 7,012
Accrued expenses--other............................... 9,079 10,884
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................ 41,876 48,380
-------- --------
Long-Term Debt......................................... 130,000 130,000
Commissions Payable.................................... 9,860 9,860
Other Liabilities--Noncurrent.......................... 3,930 4,315
Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (see
Note 6)............................................... 206,106 202,854
Stockholders' Deficiency
Common stock-Class A, $.01 par value (122,925 and
122,925 authorized shares, 11,228 and 10,934
outstanding at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000,
respectively)........................................ 112 109
Common stock-Class B, $.01 par value (17,075
authorized shares, 16,540 and 16,835 outstanding at
March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively).. 165 168
Additional paid-in capital (see Note 8)............... 73,813 73,813
Accumulated Deficit................................... (114,646) (96,340)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' deficiency....................... (40,556) (22,250)
-------- --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficiency......... $351,216 $373,159
======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating Activities
Net Loss................................................ $ (15,099) $ (39,602)
--------- ---------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 7,775 4,396
Loss on resolution of disputed revenue................. -- 55,345
Accounts receivable allowance.......................... 538 (833)
Deferred compensation.................................. 45 49
Deferred income taxes.................................. -- (23,727)
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used)
cash:
Accounts receivable.................................... (10,309) (4,307)
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................... (3,346) (1,979)
Other assets........................................... (715) (565)
Accounts payable....................................... (955) (270)
Deferred revenue....................................... 1,468 (65)
Accrued network costs.................................. 232 (2,311)
Customer commissions payable........................... 1,471 953
Accrued expenses--other................................ (1,232) (1,375)
--------- ---------
Total adjustments..................................... (5,028) 25,311
--------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities................. (20,127) (14,291)
--------- ---------
Investing Activities
Purchase of property and equipment...................... (15,904) (14,426)
Restricted cash......................................... -- (420)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities................. (15,904) (14,846)
--------- ---------
Financing Activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants.... -- 158
Proceeds from long-term debt............................ -- 20,000
Payment of loan fees.................................... (55) (179)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities........ (55) 19,979
--------- ---------
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents............... (36,086) (9,158)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period.......... 105,821 15,174
--------- ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period................ $ 69,735 $ 6,016
========= =========
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Cash Paid for Interest.................................. $ 3,531 $ 2,072
========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B Additional
Common Common Paid-in Accumulated
Stock Stock Capital Deficit Total
------- ------- ---------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 2000.... $109 $168 $73,813 $ (96,340) $(22,250)
Conversion of Class B common
shares
to Class A common shares.... 3 (3) -- -- --
Unearned compensation--stock
options..................... -- -- -- 44 44
Preferred stock dividends.... -- -- -- (3,131) (3,131)
Accretion of Preferred Stock
Issuance Fees............... (120) (120)
Net loss..................... -- -- -- (15,099) (15,099)
---- ---- ------- --------- --------
Balance, March 31, 2001....... $112 $165 $73,813 $(114,646) $(40,556)
==== ==== ======= ========= ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
6
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of
US LEC Corp. and its subsidiaries ("US LEC" or the "Company") have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10
of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered
necessary for a fair presentation for the periods indicated have been
included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2001
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ending December 31, 2001. The balance sheet at December 31, 2000 has been
derived from the audited balance sheet at that date, but does not include all
of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, which is on
file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Certain
amounts in the 2000 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to
the 2001 presentation.
Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Effective
January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", as amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities by
requiring that entities recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities at fair market value on the balance sheet. The Company believes
that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a material effect on its
results of operations as it does not currently hold any derivative instruments
or engage in hedging activities.
2. Restricted Cash
The restricted cash balance as of March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000
serves as collateral for letters of credit related to certain office leases.
3. Loss Per Common and Common Equivalent Share
Loss per common and common equivalent share are based on net loss, after
consideration of preferred stock dividends and the accretion of preferred
stock issuance costs, divided by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period. Outstanding options and warrants are included
in the calculation of dilutive earnings per common share to the extent they
are dilutive. The Company's basic and diluted weighted average number of
shares outstanding (in thousands of shares) for the three months ended March
31, 2001 and 2000 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Ended March 31,
2001 2000
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares
Outstanding.................................................. 27,768 27,513
------- -------
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
4. Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax and
financial accounting basis of assets and liabilities using the liability
method. The tax effects of such differences, as reflected in the balance
sheet, are at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the
differences reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to
reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized and are
reversed at such time that realization is believed to be more likely than not.
5. Long-Term Debt
In December 1999, the Company amended its senior secured loan agreement
increasing the amount available from $75,000 to $150,000. The credit facility
is currently comprised of (i) a $125,000 revolving credit facility which, at
the Company's option, converts into a six-year term loan as of June 30, 2001
and (ii) a $25,000 revolving credit facility with a six-year term. The Company
intends to convert the $125,000 revolving credit facility into a term loan as
of June 30, 2001. The interest rate for the facility is a floating rate based,
at the Company's option, on a base rate (as defined in the loan agreement) or
the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a specified margin. The amount
outstanding under the credit facility at March 31, 2001, was $130,000.
Advances under the agreement as of March 31, 2001, bear interest at an annual
rate ranging between approximately 9.0% and 9.3%. The credit facility is
subject to certain financial covenants, the most significant of which relate
to the maintenance of levels of revenue, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization and debt ratios. The credit facility is secured
by a pledge of the capital stock of the Company's principal operating
subsidiaries and a security interest in a substantial portion of the Company's
and its operating subsidiaries' equipment, receivables, leasehold improvements
and general intangibles. Proceeds from the credit facility have been and will
be used to fund capital expenditures and working capital requirements and for
other general corporate purposes.
6. Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
On April 11, 2000, the Company issued $200,000 of its Series A Mandatorily
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") to
affiliates of Bain Capital, Inc. (Bain) and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.
(THL). The Series A Preferred Stock earns dividends on a cumulative basis at
an annual rate of 6%, payable quarterly in shares of Series A Preferred Stock
for three years and at US LEC's option, in cash or shares of Series A
Preferred Stock over the next seven years. In addition, the Series A Preferred
Stock participates on a pro rata basis in the dividends payable to common
shareholders. As of March 31, 2001, the Company issued $9,136 in Series A
Preferred Stock Dividends and has accrued an additional $2,754. In the event
of any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the affairs of the
Company, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid in
preference to any distribution to holders of junior securities, an amount in
cash, equal to $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such
shares. On or after April 11, 2001, the holders of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock may convert all or a portion of their shares into shares of
Class A Common Stock at a set conversion price. The initial conversion price
of $35.00 has been adjusted to approximately $34.50 pursuant to the anti-
dilution provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock. The holders of the Series
A Preferred Stock may also convert all or a portion of their shares into Class
A Common Stock at a set conversion price prior to April 11, 2010 in the event
of a change in control or an acquisition event. Each holder of the Series A
Preferred Stock may redeem all or a portion of their Series A Preferred Stock
at a price equal to 101% of $1,000 per share plus all accrued dividends on
such shares after the occurrence of a change in control and for a period of 60
days following such event. At any time on or after April 11, 2003, the Company
may redeem all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, at a
price equal to $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such
shares, only if the market price of a share of common stock for 30 consecutive
trading days during the 90 day period immediately preceding the date of the
notice of redemption is at least 150% of the then effective conversion price
and the market price of a share of common stock on the redemption date is also
at least 150% of the then effective conversion price. All outstanding shares
of the Series
8
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
A Preferred Stock are subject to mandatory redemption on April 11, 2010.
Proceeds to the Company, net of commissions and other transaction costs, were
approximately $194,000. On April 11, 2001, the option held by the affiliates
of Bain and THL to invest up to an additional $100,000 in the Company's Series
B Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock expired.
The Company incurred $6,240 in expenses related to the issuance of the
Series A Preferred Stock. The cost is being accreted against Accumulated
Deficit over the life of the Series A Preferred Stock. For the period ended
March 31, 2001, the Company accreted $120 of these costs. As of March 31,
2001, the Company had $5,784 in Series A Preferred Stock issuance cost netted
with Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock on its
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
7. Uncertainties and Contingencies
The deregulation of the telecommunications industry and the implementation
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 have embroiled numerous industry
participants including the Company in proceedings, in arbitration, in state
regulatory commissions and in the state and federal courts over many issues
important to the financial and operational success of the Company, including
the interpretation and enforcement of interconnection agreements, the terms of
interconnection agreements the Company may adopt, reciprocal compensation,
long distance access rates, the characterization of traffic for compensation
purposes, and wholesale pricing. The Company anticipates that for the
foreseeable future it will be involved in various regulatory proceedings over
these and other material issues and that further legislative and regulatory
rulemaking will occur as the industry deregulates and as the Company enters
new markets or offers new products. Rulings adverse to the Company, whether in
a proceeding to which the Company is a party or one to which it is not a
party, or adverse legislative or regulatory rulings or changes in policies on
any of these or other issues material to the Company, could have an adverse
effect on the Company's financial results or its operations.
The Company is currently involved in several proceedings regarding revenues
and receivables from incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILECs"),
interexchange carriers ("IXCs") and other carriers. As of March 31, 2001, the
Company's gross receivables were approximately $122,000, of which
approximately $81,000 was due from BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
("BellSouth") and approximately $14,000 was due from Sprint Communications
Company L.P. ("Sprint").
In the case of BellSouth, the majority of the receivables are being
disputed primarily due to issues regarding reciprocal compensation. In the
case of Sprint, the majority of the receivable is being disputed based on
access rates. The following paragraphs outline the current issues in the
material disputes in which the Company is involved. The issues are complex and
are numerous. This outline is not a complete explanation of the number or
depth of the issues in these proceedings. In addition, there are many other
proceedings pending in courts, commissions and agencies in which the Company
is not involved that may materially affect its financial results or
operations.
Reciprocal Compensation--The Company is a party to material proceedings in
which it seeks collection of outstanding amounts owed by ILECs, primarily
BellSouth, for reciprocal compensation which are discussed below. In addition,
the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") recently issued an order
concerning compensation for traffic terminated to Internet service providers
("ISPs") which is also discussed below.
BellSouth and other incumbents continue not to pay reciprocal compensation
for local traffic, including ISP traffic, objecting on a variety of grounds,
including that compensation is not owed for ISP traffic, the rate charged, the
minutes of use billed, and its obligation to pay late payment fees. The
Company anticipates proceedings will be necessary in order to obtain payment
of the amount owed to it in each state in which it operates.
9
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
In addition, BellSouth and other incumbents may elect to initiate
additional proceedings or attempt to expand the pending proceedings by raising
new challenges to amounts owed to the Company. The Company believes BellSouth
has asserted these issues and will attempt to raise further issues in order to
avoid or delay payment. The Company intends to protect its rights, but cannot
predict when these issues, and others BellSouth and other incumbents may
raise, will be resolved.
If a decision adverse to the Company is issued in any of these proceedings
by any of the state commissions in which it operates, or in any federal or
state appeal or review of a favorable decision in a state in which it
operates, or if either the FCC or any of the applicable state commissions was
to alter its view of reciprocal compensation or if Congress or any state
legislature enacted legislation that ended reciprocal compensation for ISP
traffic or all local traffic, such an event could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition. Management
estimates the Company's gross trade accounts receivable as of March 31, 2001
included approximately $58,000 of earned, but uncollected, disputed reciprocal
compensation related to ISP traffic.
Recent FCC Order on Reciprocal Compensation--On April 27, 2001, the FCC
released an Order on Remand and Report and Order (the "Remand Order")
addressing inter-carrier compensation for traffic terminated to ISPs. In the
Remand Order, the FCC addressed a number of issues important to how carriers
are to compensate each other for traffic terminated to ISPs, including
. That traffic terminated to ISPs is not subject to reciprocal
compensation, but subject to a new compensation mechanism;
. That an interim compensation mechanism will apply to ISP traffic for 36
months after the order is effective that sets compensation at a per
minute rate equal to $0.0015 for the first six months, $0.001 for the
following 18 months and $.0007 for the following 12 months, unless the
state-set rate for reciprocal compensation is lower than the federal
rate, in which case the lower state-set rate applies. After 36 months,
the applicable rate continues until the FCC issues a new rule on
intercarrier compensation for ISP traffic.
. That all traffic exchanged between carriers over a 3:1 ratio will be
presumed to be ISP traffic, subject to such presumption being rebutted.
. That a CLEC may not increase its billings for ISP traffic more than 10%
annually in 2001 or 2002 and that 2003 billings shall be limited to 2002
billings.
. That the order does not affect any existing interconnection agreement
unless the agreement includes a change of law provision.
. After the publication date of the Remand Order, the Company will not be
permitted to "opt into" provisions in interconnection agreements of
other CLECs addressing the rates paid for the exchange of ISP bound
traffic.
In addition, the Remand Order places limitations on the ability of CLECs to
bill for ISP traffic in markets they are not currently serving.
Importantly, while the Remand Order provides greater certainty as to the
Company's right to bill for traffic terminated to ISPs, the effect of the
Remand Order on the Company will depend on how it is interpreted and enforced,
and whether it is appealed and, if so, whether it is stayed pending resolution
of the appeal. In particular, there are uncertainties as to whether the Remand
Order has retroactive effect on the Company's interconnection agreements and
past monetary receipts, affects the Company's current efforts to obtain
interconnection agreements in states where the Company is "opting in" to
interconnection agreements, the Company's existing arbitral, commission and
judicial proceedings seeking to collect compensation for traffic terminated to
ISPs,
10
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
whether the 3:1 ratio and the 10% growth cap will be applied state-by-state,
market-by-market and/or carrier-by-carrier, and whether the incumbent will
trigger the rate reductions and other limitations set forth in the Remand
Order by offering to exchange traffic at these rates. If the Remand Order is
interpreted in a manner adverse to the Company on all or any of the issues, it
could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Reciprocal Compensation Proceedings--The Company is party to the following
material proceedings relating to reciprocal compensation.
North Carolina--On February 26, 1998, following a petition by the Company,
the North Carolina Utilities Commission ("NCUC") ordered BellSouth to bill and
pay for all ISP-related traffic (the "NCUC ISP Order"). In June, 1999, the
United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina ("NC
District Court") dismissed a petition for judicial review of the NCUC ISP
Order and other relief filed by BellSouth without prejudice and remanded it
back to the NCUC for further review.
The NCUC denied BellSouth's request for further review and filed an appeal
with the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (the "Fourth Circuit") of the NC
District Court's order. The Company also appealed and the United States
Justice Department intervened. On February 14, 2001, the Fourth Circuit issued
a ruling in favor of the Company and the NCUC, ruling that the NC District
Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction over the appeal of an
enforcement proceeding and ruling the NCUC was immune from suit under the
Eleventh Amendment of the United States Constitution. On March 5, 2001, the
United States Supreme Court granted a petition for certiorari in which it
agreed to consider these issues in a case originating in the U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
As the Company has previously reported, BellSouth began a proceeding in
September 1998 before the NCUC seeking to be relieved of any obligation under
its interconnection agreements with the Company to pay reciprocal compensation
for traffic related to the network operated by Metacomm, LLC ("Metacomm"), a
customer of both the Company and BellSouth. On March 31, 2000, the NCUC issued
an order in this proceeding (the "March 31, 2000 Order") that relieved
BellSouth from paying reciprocal compensation to the Company for any minutes
of use attributable to Metacomm's network traffic and prohibited the Company
from billing BellSouth reciprocal compensation for minutes of use attributable
any similar "always-on" network as such networks are identified in the March
31, 2000 Order. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax, non-recurring,
non-cash charge of approximately $55,000 in the first quarter of 2000. This
charge was composed of the write-off of approximately $153,000 in receivables
related to reciprocal compensation revenue offset by previously established
reserves of $39,000 and a reduction of $59,000 in commissions payable to
Metacomm. The Company did not appeal the March 31 Order, although Metacomm is
prosecuting an appeal. The Company filed a brief in support of Metacomm's
appeal and may participate in that appeal as an appellee. The Company cannot
predict the outcome of that appeal.
In 2000, additional paid-in capital was reduced by $36,000 representing
amounts due from Metacomm, which is indirectly controlled by Richard T. Aab,
the majority stockholder of the Company. Due to Mr. Aab's controlling position
in both Metacomm and the Company, this amount is being treated for financial
reporting purposes as a deemed distribution to the stockholder. On March 31,
2001, the Company, its audit committee and Mr. Aab reached a preliminary
agreement on resolution of the monies due to the Company from Metacomm. The
terms of that agreement are further discussed in Footnote 8 (Stockholder's
Equity) below.
On March 21, 2000, the NCUC issued an interim order (the "March 21 Order")
to BellSouth to pay to the Company all reciprocal compensation owing to the
Company for traffic terminated in North Carolina, other than traffic related
to Metacomm and similar networks. This order was issued in connection with the
on-going proceeding before the NCUC filed in September 1998 by the Company in
which it sought payment of reciprocal compensation not related to Metacomm or
to traffic terminated to ISPs, and of other amounts owing to the Company. This
action before the NCUC has been stayed by the NCUC while the Company and
BellSouth
11
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
conduct NCUC-ordered negotiations to resolve the matter. The amount of
reciprocal compensation recoverable by the Company for non-ISP traffic in
North Carolina will be determined by the negotiations or a subsequent ruling
by the NCUC. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the Company will seek a
ruling from the NCUC on these claims against BellSouth. The Company is not
optimistic that the negotiations will be successful. Once the reciprocal
compensation to be paid by BellSouth is determined by negotiation or NCUC
ruling, the Company will adjust the non-recurring charge attributable to
reciprocal compensation taken by the Company.
In addition, the Company has filed for arbitration to resolve its
reciprocal compensation dispute with Verizon Communications ("Verizon") in
North Carolina for contract periods after September 1999 and up to December
2001. Verizon contests its obligation to pay reciprocal compensation for ISP
traffic, enhanced service provider traffic, and certain traffic Verizon
transports from the networks of other carriers to US LEC's network.
Georgia--On June 30, 1999, the Company filed a complaint against BellSouth
before the Georgia Public Service Commission ("GAPSC") seeking payment of
disputed reciprocal compensation under the Company's first and second
interconnection agreements with BellSouth in Georgia. On June 15, 2000, the
GAPSC issued an order requiring BellSouth to pay US LEC reciprocal
compensation for traffic to ISPs and other customers in Georgia at the end
office rate (the "GAPSC Order"). BellSouth has appealed the GAPSC Order with
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ("U.S. District
Court-GA") and with the Georgia Superior Court in Fulton County, Georgia. The
GAPSC has held a hearing on the rate at which US LEC is ultimately entitled to
be paid for this traffic, but has not yet rendered a decision.
Florida--On July 2, 1999, the Company filed a complaint against BellSouth
before the Florida Public Service Commission ("FLPSC") seeking recovery of
reciprocal compensation in that state. The FLPSC will also be called upon to
decide issues regarding the rate at which reciprocal compensation should be
paid and the number of minutes of use for which BellSouth must pay. The
hearing is scheduled to take place later in 2001. In September 2000, the FLPSC
issued a ruling regarding one of these rate issues favorable to BellSouth in a
proceeding brought by Intermedia Communications, Inc ("Intermedia"). The
impact of this ruling on the Company's claim has not yet been determined.
Intermedia has appealed the decision. Proceedings on the same issue between
Intermedia and BellSouth are pending decision in Georgia and North Carolina.
The proceedings could affect the Company's claims in Florida as well as in
other states.
Tennessee--On August 6, 1999, the Company filed a complaint against
BellSouth before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority ("TRA") seeking recovery
of reciprocal compensation for ISP and other traffic in that state. The TRA
will also be called upon to decide issues regarding the rate at which
reciprocal compensation should be paid and the number of minutes of use for
which BellSouth must pay. There is no hearing scheduled for this matter at
this time.
Disputed Access Revenues--A number of IXCs have refused to pay access
charges to CLECs, including those of the Company, on the allegation that the
access charges exceed those of the ILEC serving that territory. The IXCs have
made a concerted effort to induce the CLECs, including the Company, to reduce
access charges. Currently there are a number of court cases, regulatory
proceedings at the FCC, and legislative efforts involving such challenges. The
Company cannot predict the outcome of these cases, regulatory proceedings, and
legislative efforts or their impact on access rates. In addition, the FCC
recently issued an order concerning compensation for the origination and
termination of interstate access by CLECs.
12
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
FCC Access Rate Order--On April 27, 2001, the FCC released its Seventh
Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the "Access
Order") in which the FCC established a benchmark rate at which a CLEC's
interstate access charges will be presumed to be reasonable and which CLECs
may impose on IXCs by tariff. The Access Order addresses a number of issues
important to how CLECs charge IXCs for origination and terminating interstate
toll and toll free traffic, including
. That the benchmark rate for the first 12 months following the effective
date of the Access Order is $0.025, and will be $0.018 and $0.012 for
the two following twelve month periods, respectively. In months 37 and
beyond, the benchmark rate is set at the level of the ILECs' tariffed
rates.
. That a CLEC may tariff the benchmark rates only in those markets where
the CLEC is providing service on the effective date of the Access Order,
otherwise it must tariff the ILEC rate.
The Access Order should provide certainty as to the Company's right to bill
IXCs for interstate access at tariffed rates above those tariffed by the
ILECs. Notwithstanding the apparent certainty created by the Access Order, its
effect on the Company will depend on how the Access Order is interpreted and
enforced and whether it is appealed and, if so, whether it is stayed pending
resolution of any appeal. It is also uncertain what effect, if any, the Access
Order will have on the Company's pending dispute with Sprint (discussed below)
for collection of access billings for periods prior to the effective date of
the Access Order. If the Access Order is interpreted or enforced in a manner
adverse to the Company as it relates to periods prior to the effective date,
such result could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Sprint Access Proceedings--In February 2000, the Company filed suit in U.S.
District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against Sprint for
amounts owed to the Company for access charges for intrastate and interstate
traffic which was either handed off to Sprint by the Company or terminated to
the Company by Sprint. As of March 31, 2001, Sprint owed the Company
approximately $14,000 in access charges. Sprint has refused to pay the amounts
invoiced by the Company on the basis that the rates are higher than the
amounts that Sprint believes are just and reasonable. Sprint claims it is not
obligated to pay more than an undefined incumbent local exchange carrier
("ILEC") rate. The Company's invoices to Sprint are at the rates specified in
the Company's state and federal tariffs.
Legislation--Periodically legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House
of Representatives or the U. S. Senate to alter or amend the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. It is this Act which opens the local telephone
markets for competition and outlines many of the ground rules pursuant to
which the ILECs and the CLECs operate with respect to each other. The Company
anticipates that additional efforts will be made to alter or amend the 1996
Act. The Company cannot predict whether any particular piece of legislation
will become law and how the 1996 act might be modified. The passage of
legislation amending the 1996 Act could have a material adverse effect on the
Company and its financial results.
Interconnection Agreements--The Company has agreements for the
interconnection of its networks with the networks of the ILECs covering each
market in which US LEC either has or is currently installing a switching
platform. US LEC may be required to negotiate new interconnection agreements
as it enters new markets in the future. In addition, as its existing
interconnection agreements expire, it will be required to negotiate extension
or replacement agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will
successfully negotiate such additional agreements for interconnection with the
ILECs or renewals of existing interconnection agreements on terms and
conditions acceptable to the Company. The Company has signed or adopted
pursuant to the 1996 Act interconnection agreements with various ILECs,
including BellSouth, Sprint, Verizon and other carriers. These agreements
provide the framework for the Company to serve its customers when other local
carriers are involved. The Company has signed or adopted pursuant to the 1996
Act multiple agreements with BellSouth which govern its relationships will
BellSouth in nine states. As discussed above, the FCC Remand Order does not
affect any
13
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
existing interconnection agreement, unless the agreement includes a change of
law provision. The implications of this ruling on the Company's
interconnection agreements have not been fully assessed, but they could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
In October 2000, the Company agreed to adopt existing local interconnection
agreements with BellSouth in South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana and
Mississippi. The agreements are for a term of two years and relate back to the
expiration date of the prior agreements in each state. The agreements will
expire at varying dates in 2002. The agreements provide for reciprocal
compensation at rates significantly lower than in the Company's prior
interconnection agreements. These agreements do not provide for any reciprocal
compensation payments for ISP traffic; rather, the agreements include a true
up provision whereby the parties will track that traffic pending an order from
the FCC on the issue. The Company does not have significant amounts of
reciprocal compensation in these states.
The Company has adopted new interconnection agreements with BellSouth in
North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, all of which relate back to January 1,
2000 and which expire April 2002, October 2002 and November 2002,
respectively. These agreements provide for reciprocal compensation for all
local traffic, including ISP traffic, at rates significantly lower than in the
Company's prior interconnection agreements. The agreement for North Carolina
provides for a true-up of payments made for ISP traffic should the NCUC issue
a subsequent ruling pursuant to FCC action on ISP traffic.
The Company continues to seek interconnection agreements with BellSouth in
Alabama and Georgia. The Company's existing agreements with BellSouth in these
states have expired, but continue in force until new interconnection
agreements are signed. BellSouth filed petitions for arbitration in these
states seeking to obtain state-ordered interconnection agreements, but the
Company anticipates that it will be able to avoid or shorten the arbitration
process in these states by adopting interconnection agreements that will
result from recently concluded arbitrations involving other CLECs. The Company
has filed with the public utilities commissions in both Georgia and Alabama
notices of its election to opt into existing agreements, but was unable to
obtain written consent from BellSouth to these actions, which consent is not
required. The Company cannot predict whether BellSouth will attempt to
challenge the Company's election to opt into agreements in these states. When
new agreements are finalized, they will be effective as of the expiration date
of the prior agreements. The Company anticipates that new interconnection
agreements in these states will also provide for significantly lower rates.
Agreements with Verizon (GTE) are in force in states where Verizon (GTE)
and the Company operate. The agreement for Virginia expired in July 2000, and
remains in force and effect until a new agreement is executed. All other
agreements expire during 2001 or 2002.
The Company also has interconnection agreements with Verizon (Bell
Atlantic) in the states of Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Requests for
adoption are pending in Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.
Agreements with Sprint are in force and effect in Florida, Virginia, North
Carolina and Tennessee.
Interconnection with Other Carriers--The Company anticipates that as its
interconnections with various carriers increase, the issue of seeking
reciprocal compensation or other compensation for the termination or
origination of traffic whether by access charge or other charge will become an
increasingly complex issue. The Company does not anticipate that it will be
cost effective to negotiate interconnection agreements with every carrier to
which the Company directs traffic or from which the Company receives traffic
for termination. The Company will make a case by case analysis and state by
state analysis of the cost effectiveness of committing resources to these
interconnection agreements or otherwise billing and paying such carriers.
14
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
8. Stockholders' Equity
Stock Options--The Company adopted the US LEC Corp. Omnibus Stock Plan (the
"Plan") in January 1998. At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held May 3,
2001, the Company's Stockholders voted to increase the number of Class A
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan from 3,500 to 5,000 shares.
As of March 31, 2001, the Company had granted stock options, net of
forfeitures, to purchase an aggregate of 2,895 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Additional Paid-in-Capital--In 2000, additional paid-in-capital was reduced
by $36,000 representing amounts due from Metacomm, which is indirectly
controlled by Richard T. Aab, a majority stockholder of the Company. Due to
Mr. Aab's controlling position in both Metacomm and the Company, this amount
is being treated for financial reporting purposes as a deemed distribution to
the stockholder. At the time such amounts are paid to the Company, the payment
will increase additional paid-in capital as a capital contribution to the
Company.
On March 31, 2001, the Company, Richard T. Aab, the Company's Chairman,
controlling shareholder and the indirect controlling owner of Metacomm, and
Tansukh V. Ganatra, the Company's Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
reached an agreement in principle to effect a recapitalization of the Company
and to resolve Mr. Aab's commitment that Metacomm would fully satisfy its
obligations to the Company for facilities, advances and interest. The
agreement provides in material part (1) that Mr. Aab will make a contribution
to the capital of the Company by delivering to the Company for cancellation
2,000 shares of Class B Common Stock currently controlled by Mr. Aab, (2) that
Mr. Aab and Mr. Ganatra will convert all of the then remaining and outstanding
shares of Class B Common Stock--a total of approximately 14,000 such shares
will be outstanding after the 2,000 shares are cancelled--into the same number
of shares of Class A Common Stock, (3) the Company will agree to indemnify Mr.
Aab for certain adverse tax effects, if any, relating to the Company's
treatment in its balance sheet of the amount of the Metacomm obligation as a
distribution to shareholder and (4) the Company will agree to indemnify Mr.
Ganatra for certain adverse tax effects, if any, from the conversion of his
Class B shares to Class A shares.
The agreement is subject to obtaining a valuation by a qualified valuation
firm approved by the Company's audit committee that the delivery of the 2,000
shares of Class B Common Stock and the conversion of the approximately 14,000
shares of Class B Common Stock into the same number of shares of Class A
Common Stock will result in the realization by the Company and its Class A
shareholders of value equal to the outstanding Metacomm obligation, receipt by
the Company of a favorable tax opinion, and the receipt of certain consents.
At the time Mr. Aab contributes 2,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to the
Company for cancellation, only the fair market value of the 2,000 shares will
increase additional paid-in capital as a capital contribution to the Company.
The Company expects that the proposed transaction will be consummated by
the end of June 2001. Upon closing of the transaction, the number of issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock (Class A and Class B together) will
decrease by 2,000 and, as a result of the elimination of the 10-vote-per-share
Class B Common Stock, Mr. Aab will no longer have absolute voting control of
the Corporation's Common Stock, although he will remain its largest single
shareholder and will likely have de facto voting control.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan--The Company established an Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (ESPP) in September 2000. Under the ESPP, employees may elect to
invest up to 10% of their compensation in order to purchase shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock at a price equal to 85% of the market value at
either the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever is less. At the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders held May 3, 2001, the Company's Stockholders
voted to increase the number of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance
under the ESPP from 1,000 to 2,000 shares. As of March 31, 2001, the Company
had issued 108 shares under the ESPP.
15
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Except for the historical information contained herein, this report contains
forward-looking statements, subject to uncertainties and risks, including the
demand for US LEC's services, the ability of the Company to introduce
additional products, the ability of the Company to successfully attract and
retain personnel, competition in existing and potential additional markets,
uncertainties regarding its dealings with ILECs and other telecommunications
carriers and facilities providers, regulatory uncertainties, the possibility of
adverse decisions or regulatory or legislative changes related to reciprocal
compensation and access charges owing to the Company by BellSouth, Sprint and
other carriers, the ability to fund capital needs as well as the Company's
ability to begin operations in additional markets. These and other applicable
risks are summarized in the "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors"
section and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
period ended December 31, 2000, and in other reports which are on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Overview
US LEC is a rapidly growing switch-based competitive local exchange carrier
("CLEC") that provides integrated telecommunications services to its customers.
The Company primarily serves telecommunication-intensive customers including
businesses, universities, financial institutions, professional service firms,
hospitals, enhanced service providers ("ESPs"), Internet service providers
("ISPs"), and hotels. US LEC was founded in June 1996 after passage of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecom Act"), which enhanced the
competitive environment for local exchange services. US LEC initiated service
in North Carolina in March 1997, becoming one of the first CLECs in North
Carolina to provide switched local exchange services. US LEC currently offers
local, long-distance, data and enhanced services to customers in selected
markets in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama,
Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Maryland, South Carolina, Louisiana
and Kentucky. In addition, US LEC is currently certified to provide
telecommunication services in Indiana, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio,
Texas, Connecticut and Massachusetts. As of March 31, 2001, US LEC's network
was comprised of 23 Lucent 5ESS(R) AnyMedia(TM) digital switches and 17 Lucent
CBX500 ATM data switches that are located throughout the Southeast and mid-
Atlantic states, in addition to an Alcatel MegaHub(R) 600ES switch in
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 Compared With The Three Months Ended March
31, 2000
Net revenue increased to $38.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001
from $25.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2000. The Company's core
business, or revenue other than reciprocal compensation and related facility
revenue, increased to $34.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 from
$22.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, an increase of 56%.
Reciprocal compensation revenue increased to $3.8 million for the quarter ended
March 31, 2001 from $3.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 due to
the increase in the number of customers on the Company's network. As a result
of the resolution of the Company's most significant reciprocal compensation
issue as well as the provision taken for receivables, the Company believes no
additional allowance is required as of March 31, 2001. See Footnote 7 to the
Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion
related to reciprocal compensation and other disputed amounts.
Cost of services is comprised primarily of leased transport, facility
installation and usage charges. Cost of services increased to $19.2 million, or
50% of revenue, for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, from $11.1 million, or
44% of revenue, for the quarter ended March 31, 2000. The increase in cost of
services was primarily a result of the increase in the size of US LEC's network
and increased usage by customers. The increase in cost of services as a
percentage of revenue was due to the increase of core revenue as a percentage
of total revenue.
16
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(Continued)
The loss on the resolution of disputed revenue was a result of the March
31, 2000 NCUC Order that relieved BellSouth from paying reciprocal
compensation to US LEC for any minutes of use attributable to the network
operated by Metacomm, a customer of BellSouth and US LEC, or any similar
network. As a result of this order, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-
recurring non-cash charge of $55 million in the first quarter of 2000. This
charge is composed of the write-off of approximately $153 million in
receivables related to reciprocal compensation revenue offset by a previously
established allowance of $39 million, and a reduction of approximately $59
million in reciprocal compensation commissions payable to Metacomm. The
amounts are estimated based on a methodology that must be agreed to by the
NCUC. The Company is currently working with BellSouth to determine the
definitive amounts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March
31, 2001 increased to $24.2 million, or 64% of revenue, compared to $16.0
million, or 63% of revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2000. These
increases were primarily a result of costs associated with developing and
expanding the infrastructure of the Company as it expands into new markets and
adds products, such as expenses associated with personnel, sales and
marketing, occupancy, administration and billing as well as legal expenses
associated with litigation.
Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2001
increased to $7.8 million from $4.4 million over the comparable 2000 period.
The increase in depreciation and amortization is due to the increase in
depreciable assets in service related to US LEC's network expansion.
Depreciation and amortization will continue to increase in conjunction with
spending on capital asset deployment related to US LEC's network expansion.
Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was $1.2 million
compared to interest income of $0.1 million for the three months ended March
31, 2000. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was $3.2
compared to interest expense of $2.0 million for the three months ended March
31, 2000. This increase in interest expense was primarily due to borrowings
under the Company's credit facility.
Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was $0.0,
compared to $23.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The $23.7
million benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2000 is a net amount
which includes a $12.3 million valuation allowance against deferred tax assets
relating to the anticipated use of federal and state net operating losses.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $15.1
million. Dividends accrued on Series A Preferred Stock for the three months
ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $3.1 million (See Note 6 (Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock) to the Company's Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). The accretion
of preferred stock issuance cost for the three months ended March 31, 2001
amounted to $120.
As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to common shareholders
for the three months ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $18.4 million, or
($0.66) per share (diluted) compared to net loss of $39.6 million, or ($1.44)
per share (diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2000.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
US LEC's business is capital intensive and its operations require
substantial capital expenditures for the purchase and installation of network
switches, related electronic equipment and facilities. The Company's cash
capital expenditures were $15.9 million and $14.4 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. In December 1999, the Company
amended its existing senior secured loan agreement to increase
17
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--(Continued)
the amount available under the loan agreement from $75.0 million to $150.0
million. As of March 31, 2001, the amount outstanding under the loan agreement
was $130.0 million. As a result, $20.0 million is currently available to
borrow under the loan agreement. While management believes the approximately
$70 million in cash and $20 million in availability under the loan agreement
will fund the Company's announced expansion to EBITDA positive, funding for
expansion beyond the Company's announced network deployment and funding to
free cash flow positive may require additional financing unless the Company
receives significant payment of the amounts due to the Company from BellSouth
and from Sprint (See Footnote 7 to the Company's Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements for a further discussion related to disputed reciprocal
compensation and other disputed amounts.)
On April 11, 2000, the Company issued $200 million of its Series A
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock to affiliates of Bain Capital, Inc.
("Bain") and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. ("THL"). See Note 6 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere in this report for a
detailed description of this transaction and the terms of the Preferred Stock.
Proceeds to the Company, net of commissions and other transaction cost, were
approximately $194 million.
Cash used in operating activities increased to $20.1 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $14.3 million during the comparable period in
2000. The increase was primarily due to the increase in operational
activities, working capital and accounts receivable associated with the growth
of the Company. Additionally, the majority of the Company's accounts
receivable at March 31, 2001 continue to be amounts due from ILECs for
reciprocal compensation, facility charges, and access charges. The Company
recorded a significant charge relating to disputed receivables in the fourth
quarter of 2000. The $52 million provision was netted on the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Operations against a $12 million reduction in
commissions payable on those receivables, resulting in the $40 million
provision on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations at December
31, 2000. Management believes this charge was necessary due to the uncertainty
related to current regulatory proceedings related to reciprocal compensation
and other access charges, the continued refusal by ILECs, principally
BellSouth, to pay amounts believed by the Company to be owed to it under
applicable interconnection agreements and Sprint's failure to pay US LEC's
access charges (See Disputed Revenue appearing below for a further discussion
related to reciprocal compensation and access charges).
Cash used in investing activities increased to $15.9 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $14.8 million during the three months ended
March 31, 2000. The investing activities are primarily related to purchases of
switching and related telecommunications equipment, office equipment, back
office and leasehold improvements associated with the Company's expansion into
additional locations and markets.
Cash used in financing activities increased to $0.1 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $20.0 million cash provided during the first
three months of 2000. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased
borrowing under the Company's credit facility.
Uncertainties and Contingencies
The Company's revenue and receivables are subject to certain uncertainties
and contingencies related to regulatory, judicial and legislative policies and
actions as well as resolution of current disputes with carriers over
reciprocal compensation and access revenue. For further discussion, see
Footnote 7 to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
18
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
US LEC is exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of
business, including the impact of interest rate changes on its investments and
debt. As of March 31, 2001, investments consisted primarily of institutional
money market funds. All of the Company's long-term debt consists of variable
rate instruments with interest rates that are based on a floating rate which,
at the Company's option, is determined by either a base rate or the London
Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), plus, in each case, a specified margin.
Although US LEC does not currently utilize any interest rate management
tools, it is evaluating the use of derivatives such as, but not limited to,
interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate risk. As the
Company's investments are all short-term in nature and its long-term debt is
at variable short-term rates, management believes the carrying values of the
Company's financial instruments approximate fair values.
19
<PAGE>
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
US LEC is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, other
than the GPSC, TRA, FPSC, NCUC and U.S. District Court proceedings, the
arbitrations, and any appeals thereof, related to reciprocal compensation and
other amounts due from BellSouth and other ILECs and the U.S. District Court
proceeding related to access fees due from Sprint (See Footnote 7 of the
Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of
these proceedings).
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of US LEC Corp. was held on May 3,
2001. At the annual meeting, three matters were considered, acted upon and
approved: (1) the election of two Class A Directors, two Class B Directors,
and two Series A Preferred Stock Directors to a one-year term and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified; (2) an amendment to the US LEC
Corp. 1998 Omnibus Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of Class A
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the plan from 3,500,000 to 5,000,000;
and (3) an amendment to the US LEC Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan to
increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan from
1,000,000 to 2,000,000.
(1) Indicated below are the total votes in favor of each director nominee
and the total votes withheld:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Votes
------------------------------
Nominee Class of Stock For Withheld Authority
------- ------------------ ----------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Directors:
David M. Flaum............. Class A 9,730,889 155,982
Class B 167,592,700 --
Series A Preferred 6,060,311 --
----------- -------
183,383,900 155,982
Steven L. Schoonover....... Class A 9,757,539 129,332
Class B 167,592,700 --
Series A Preferred 6,060,311 --
----------- -------
183,410,550 129,332
Class B Directors:
Richard T. Aab............. Class B 167,592,700 --
Tansukh V. Ganatra......... Class B 167,592,700 --
Series A Preferred Stock
Directors:
Anthony J. DiNovi.......... Series A Preferred 6,060,311 --
Michael A. Krupka.......... Series A Preferred 6,060,311 --
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
(2) Indicated below are the total votes in favor of the amendment to the
US LEC Corp. 1998 Omnibus Stock Plan, the total votes against the
amendment and the total votes abstaining:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Votes
-------------------------------
Class of Stock For Against Abstained
-------------- ----------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A......................................... 2,258,158 1,993,493 14,297
Class B......................................... 167,592,700 -- --
Series A Preferred.............................. 6,060,099 -- 212
----------- --------- ------
175,910,957 1,993,493 14,509
</TABLE>
(3) Indicated below are the total votes in favor of the amendment to the
US LEC Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Votes
-------------------------------
Class of Stock For Against Abstained
-------------- ----------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A......................................... 3,244,803 1,007,112 14,033
Class B......................................... 167,592,700 -- --
Series A Preferred.............................. 6,060,099 -- 212
----------- --------- ------
176,897,602 1,007,112 14,245
</TABLE>
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No. Description
----------- -----------
<S> <C>
11.1 Statement Regarding Computation of Earnings per Share(1)
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Operations appearing in Part I of this report.
21
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
US LEC Corp.
By:
-----------------------
Michael K. Robinson
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
May 15, 2001
22
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>