New Ulm Telecom, Inc. SEC Correspondence dated April 26, 2005
[SEC CORRESPONDENCE]
NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
27 North Minnesota Street
New Ulm, Minnesota 56073
April 26, 2005
VIA EDGAR
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Re: |
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NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2004
FILED MARCH 30, 2005
FILE NO. 0-3024 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
New Ulm Telecom, Inc. (the
“Company”) has received your comment letter dated April 13, 2005 in regards to the above referenced filing. The
Company’s responses follow the comments included in your letter, which are presented in boldface type.
Non-GAAP Measures, page 11
SEC Comment
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1. |
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Refer to the definition of your measure labeled as EBITDA.
Please see question 14 of our frequently asked questions regarding the use of Non-GAAP financial measures available on our website
at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/faqs/nongaapfaq.htm that clarifies that “Earnings” as used in the
commonly used metric “EBITDA” is intended to mean net income (loss) presented in the statement of operations under GAAP,
instead of operating income as you have disclosed in your definition. Please see our adopting release, that states the non-GAAP
measures that are calculated differently than EBITDA should not be characterized as EBITDA. Therefore, please revise the title of
this measure and provide a definition that identifies clearly how the measure is being calculated and how the calculation of your
non-GAAP measure differs from the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss). |
Company Response
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1. |
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The Company will use net income (loss) as earnings in its
calculation of EBITDA in future filings. With respect to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Company
has compared the EBITDA calculation using net income (loss) as earnings with the calculation using operating income as earnings
and found the difference to be insignificant. A comparison of the amounts calculated by the Company and presented in the Form 10-K
and the amounts calculated in the manner the Company intends to use in future filings is as follows: |
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10-K Presentation | |
Future Calculation |
Telecom Segment |
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$5,890,207 |
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$5,926,822 |
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Cellular Segment | |
Not Presented | |
Not Presented | |
Phonery Segment | |
$ 947,318 | |
$ 947,318 | |
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The Company in its future filings will clearly identify how EBITDA
is being calculated and reconcile it to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of operating performance: net income (loss).
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SEC Comment
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2. |
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In addition disclose in more detail why you believe your
measures labeled as EBITDA is a useful indicator of operating performance. Specifically, since capital items are necessary to
enable you to generate revenues, it is unclear how a financial measure that omits depreciation could be a relevant and useful
measure of operating performance. Additionally, it is unclear how EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance when it also
omits recurring items such as “interest expense,” “interest and dividend income,” “gain on
dissolution,” “equity earnings in cellular partnership” and “other investment income (expense).” Avoid
mere conclusions that the measure “is provided because the Company understands that such information is used by certain
investors when analyzing the financial position and performance of the Company.” Rather, explain in clear language what the
core operating performance is and how it is used, and clearly explain the items not considered by your non-GAAP performance
measure and why management believes it is relevant to do so. Refer to Item 10 of Regulation S-K and Question 8 of our Frequently
Asked Questions document on non-GAAP measures which is available on our website at:
http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/faqs/nongaapfiq.htm. |
Company Response
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2. |
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In future filings, the Company will add additional language
regarding the usefulness of presenting EBITDA as shown below: |
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The Company provides the non-GAAP measure of EBITDA because of its
usefulness in analyzing profitability between companies and industries. Because EBITDA eliminates the effects of financing and
accounting decisions, EBITDA |
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can provide an “apples-to-apples” comparison. For
example, EBITDA as a percent of sales (the higher the ratio, the higher the profitability) can be used to find companies that are
the most efficient operators in an industry. |
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EBITDA can also be used to evaluate different industry trends over
time. Because EBITDA removes the impact of financing large capital investments and depreciation from the analysis, it can be used
to compare the profitability trends of various industries, including telecommunications companies. The new accounting rules that
eliminate the amortization of goodwill under FAS 142, will bring operating income closer to EBITDA, but the Company believes
EBITDA may continue to be a useful measure of core operating profitability. |
SEC Comment
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3. |
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Finally since you disclose that EBITDA is presented because
it is used by certain investors when analyzing the financial position and performance of the company, you must reconcile
them to the most closely comparable GAAP measure of operating performance: net income (loss). As such, do not reconcile them to
operating loss. Please see question 15 of our frequently asked questions regarding the use of Non-GAAP financial measures
available on our website at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/faqs/nongaapfaq.htm and revise your future filings
accordingly. |
Company Response
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3. |
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In future filings, the Company will reconcile EBITDA to the most
comparable GAAP measure of operating performance: net income (loss). |
Consolidated Results of Operations, page 12
SEC Comment
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4. |
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We note your discussion of consolidated results of operations
on page 12 does not correspond to the line items presented in your consolidated statement of income on page 26. Revise your
discussion of consolidated results of operations to discuss each significant component of revenues and expenses in accordance with
Section 303 (a) of Regulation S-K. |
Company Response
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4. |
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The Company respectfully submits that the material as presented on
page 12 of the Form 10-K discusses what the Company believes are the significant items affecting operating results. However, in
future filings, the Company will expand discussion of results from operations to more fully explain significant components of
revenues and expenses, including references to the line items on the consolidated statement of income being discussed.
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Results of Operations by Segment, page 13
SEC Comment
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5. |
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We note that your segment tabular presentation and discussion
of result and operations does not match your segment footnote presentation on page 38. Revise your discussion of segment results
of operations to correspond to your segment presentation on page 38 in accordance FRC Section 501.06. Include a discussion your
measure of profit or loss for each reportable segment as per our comment letter number 10 below. Furthermore, if you choose to
present “cash operating expenses” and “non-cash operating expenses,” provide a reconciliation showing which
line items are included from the consolidated statement of income. |
Company Response
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5. |
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The Company in its future filings will more consistently present
descriptive labels. The Company will change the reference of “non-cash operating expenses” to “Depreciation and
Amortization.” This will provide consistency among the presentation on the consolidated statement of income, the segment
results of operations and the discussion in the MD&A. The Company will also add the net income amount for each segment to the
notes in future filings. |
Consolidated Statement of Income, page 26
SEC Comment
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6. |
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If costs and expenses applicable to sales and revenue exclude
depreciation and amortization directly applicable to the generation of revenue, then revise your presentation to comply with
SAB 11:B. |
Company Response
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6. |
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None of the Income Statement descriptions, except for the line
“Depreciation and Amortization,” include any depreciation or amortization. The Company in its future filings will add
“(excluding Depreciation and Amortization)” on the line items for “Cost of Video Services” and “Cost of
Internet Services” and “Other Operating .” |
SEC Comment
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7. |
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Tell us and discuss in your MD&A what is included in other
nonregulated services. Tell us where you have included the costs related to the nonregulated services. |
Company Response
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7. |
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The revenues included in other nonregulated services are primarily
related to the selling and maintenance of customer premise equipment and wiring, and resale of long distance toll service. In
future filings, the Company will discuss in greater detail the revenue sources that comprise the category of other non-regulated
services. The Company wishes to advise the staff that while the category makes up slightly over 10% of the total revenues, the
largest revenue source within this category comprises less than 5% of total revenues. Over time the Company has broken out and
reported separately those revenue sources that consist of 10% or more of total revenues. The Company will provide a more detailed
discussion and disclosure regarding other non-regulated revenues in the MD&A of future filings. |
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Likewise, the Company will explain that the expenses associated
with other non-regulated revenues are found in the expenses under the “Other Operating” line item. |
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition, page 30
SEC Comment
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8. |
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We note on page 16 of your MD&A that your phonery segment
has revenues earned by sales, installation and service of business telephone systems and data communications equipment. Tell us
your revenue recognition policy regarding this type of revenue. Tell your consideration of EITF 00-21. Include a discussion of
revenue from sales, installation and service of systems and equipment in your revenue recognition policy footnote.
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Company Response
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8. |
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In reviewing the Revenue Recognition Policy discussed on page 30
of the Form 10-K, the Company states “Revenues are recognized when earned.” The Company proceeds to explain its revenue
recognition policy for major sources of the Company’s revenues; however, it does not specifically discuss the revenue
recognition policy for the Phonery segment. The Company believes that the addition of language similar to the following will make
the revenue recognition policy for the Phonery segment clearer: |
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Revenues from system sales and services are derived from the sale,
installation, and servicing of communication systems. Customer contracts of sales and installations are recognized using the
completed-contract method, which recognizes income when the contract is substantially complete. Rental revenues are recognized
over the rental period. Credit is granted to customers, substantially all of whom are located in the Company’s service areas.
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The Company has also reviewed and considered EITF 00-21,
“Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” The Company believes that EITF 00-21 does not have direct application
to the Phonery. The Company believes that the proposed language set forth above adequately addresses the revenue recognition
policies of the Phonery. Further, the Company believes that the readability of the document is better if we simply add to the
Revenue Recognition Note on the revenue recognition policies of the Phonery. EITF 00-21 does not have direct application to the
Phonery business because the revenue recognition process in the Phonery is simple and straight-forward. For the most part, the
sales process is not extended and revenue is recognized in the month the service or sale occurs, without multiple deliverables.
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SEC Comment
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9. |
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It appears that you are testing goodwill for impairment,
including the goodwill related to your equity investment in MWH under the provisions of SFAS 142. Tell us in detail how you test
goodwill associated with the acquisition of ownership interests in MWH. Tell us how you considered paragraphs B169 and B170 of
SFAS 142. |
Company Response
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9. |
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In future filings, the Company will clarify the provisions under
which impairment testing occurred. SFAS 142 applies to both the “Goodwill and Intangibles” of $3,218,906, and the
“Cellular Investments” goodwill of $4,890,389, in that neither type of goodwill is any longer amortized. The testing of
impairment under SFAS 142 only applies to the non-equity method related goodwill. The impairment of the cellular related goodwill
is considered under APB Opinion 18. |
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Due to the significance of the balance in the investment in MWH we
considered whether this investment was impaired (which is discussed in APB 18) using the following approach: |
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The Company estimated the value of its interest in MWH using
market multiples derived from the relationship of the value of the equity of comparable publicly traded companies to their cash
flow, revenues, and number of customers. Adjustments downward were also made to the value derived from the above calculation to
reflect the lack of marketability of the MWH investment. The goal of this testing was to determine whether the carrying amount of
the investment is recoverable. |
Note 13 – Segment Information, page 38
SEC Comment
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10. |
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Disclose you measure of profit or loss for each reportable
segment in accordance with paragraph 27 of SFAS 131. |
Company Response
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10. |
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In future filings, the Company will disclose the measure of profit
or loss (Net Income) for each reportable segment in the Segment Information Note. |
SEC Comment
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11. |
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Since you use proportionate consolidation for segment reporting
in connection with your equity investment in MWH, you should disclose your accounting policy for segment reporting in accordance
with paragraph 31(b) of SFAS 131 and the investment in the investee as required by paragraphs 28(a) of SFAS 131. Also, confirm
that you are using the proportionate consolidation for segment reporting because that is the way the CODM reviews the performance
of your equity investee. |
Company Response
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11. |
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In future filings, the Company, in fulfilling the requirements of
SFAS 131, will add language to the Segment Note to indicate that the accounting policies of New Ulm Telecom, Inc. and MWH are
similar and that no material difference would result due to differences in the policies. The Company wishes to advise the staff
that the accounting policies of MWH are provided to the readers of Form 10-K on page 50. In regards to the requirements of
paragraph 28(a) of SFAS 131, the Company in its future filings, will include the percentage of its equity in MWH (equity method
investee) in the Segment Information Note. Also, Mr. Bill Otis, the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), reviews the performance
of MWH using the proportionate method. |
The Company acknowledges that:
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the Company is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the
disclosure in the filings; |
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staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to staff
comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the filings; and |
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the Company may not assert staff comments as a defense in any
proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States. |
The Company sincerely thanks the staff for your comments related to the
improvement of the Company’s financial reporting and believe this correspondence addresses the foregoing comments. Should you
have any questions regarding this correspondence, please contact me at (507) 233-4252.
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Very truly yours, |
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/s/ Nancy Blankenhagen |
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| Nancy Blankenhagen Chief Financial Officer | |