10-Q 1 a06-15412_110q.htm QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(D)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2006

or

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period                    to

 

Commission file number 0-15658

 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

47-0210602

(State of Incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

 

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

1025 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield, CO

 

80021

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(720) 888-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of an “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One):

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x

The number of shares outstanding of each class of the issuer’s common stock, as of August 3, 2006:

Common Stock: 1,172,885,573 shares

 




LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Unaudited Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

Certifications

 

 

 

 

1




 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications

 

$

819

 

$

371

 

$

1,623

 

$

881

 

Information services

 

695

 

504

 

1,140

 

970

 

Coal mining

 

16

 

19

 

34

 

36

 

Total revenue

 

1,530

 

894

 

2,797

 

1,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications

 

385

 

110

 

781

 

226

 

Information services

 

627

 

457

 

1,032

 

886

 

Coal mining

 

14

 

9

 

30

 

22

 

Total cost of revenue

 

1,026

 

576

 

1,843

 

1,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

167

 

164

 

357

 

333

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

326

 

215

 

639

 

439

 

Restructuring and impairment charges

 

7

 

4

 

12

 

19

 

Total costs and expenses

 

1,526

 

959

 

2,851

 

1,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

4

 

(65

)

(54

)

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

16

 

10

 

25

 

14

 

Interest expense

 

(170

)

(139

)

(320

)

(253

)

Other, net

 

(48

)

9

 

(17

)

15

 

Total other income (expense)

 

(202

)

(120

)

(312

)

(224

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax

 

(198

)

(185

)

(366

)

(262

)

Income Tax Expense

 

(3

)

(3

)

(3

)

(3

)

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

(201

)

(188

)

(369

)

(265

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(201

)

$

(188

)

$

(369

)

$

(265

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

$

(0.23

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.43

)

$

(0.38

)

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(0.23

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.43

)

$

(0.38

)


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2




LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

(dollars in millions, except share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,658

 

$

452

 

Marketable securities

 

507

 

176

 

Restricted cash and securities

 

35

 

34

 

Receivables, less allowances of $26 and $23, respectively

 

868

 

823

 

Other

 

184

 

185

 

Total Current Assets

 

3,252

 

1,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

5,537

 

5,638

 

Marketable Securities

 

 

234

 

Restricted Cash and Securities

 

90

 

75

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net

 

728

 

533

 

Other Assets, net

 

144

 

127

 

Total Assets

 

$

9,751

 

$

8,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

834

 

$

787

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

462

 

 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

82

 

96

 

Accrued interest

 

153

 

102

 

Deferred revenue

 

220

 

266

 

Other

 

168

 

172

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

1,919

 

1,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt, less current portion

 

6,558

 

6,023

 

Deferred Revenue

 

746

 

748

 

Other Liabilities

 

561

 

559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value authorized 10,000,000 shares: no shares outstanding

 

 

 

Common Stock, $.01 par value, authorized 2,250,000,000 shares: 1,000,173,489 outstanding in 2006 and 817,767,818 outstanding in 2005

 

10

 

8

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

8,545

 

7,759

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(24

)

(51

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(8,564

)

(8,192

)

Total Stockholders’ Deficit

 

(33

)

(476

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

 

$

9,751

 

$

8,277

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3




 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(369

)

$

(265

)

(Income) Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(369

)

(265

)

Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

357

 

333

 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

 

(4

)

(3

)

Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards

 

36

 

20

 

Deferred revenue

 

(54

)

(169

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

 

28

 

 

Non-cash impairment expenses

 

7

 

4

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

7

 

8

 

Accreted interest on long-term debt discount

 

20

 

23

 

Accrued interest on long-term debt

 

52

 

35

 

Changes in working capital items net of amounts acquired:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(15

)

(12

)

Other current assets

 

11

 

8

 

Payables

 

35

 

(14

)

Other current liabilities

 

(37

)

(25

)

Other

 

(1

)

(15

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities of Continuing Operations

 

73

 

(72

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(134

)

(143

)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities

 

5

 

150

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(98

)

(648

)

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and securities, net

 

(12

)

1

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, and other assets

 

2

 

4

 

Investments and acquisitions

 

(82

)

(10

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

(319

)

(646

)

(continued)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4




 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs

 

$

1,007

 

$

877

 

Refinancing costs and payments on long-term debt, including current portion (net of restricted cash)

 

(104

)

(130

)

Equity offering

 

543

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

1,446

 

747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations (Revised):

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operating Activities

 

 

(5

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(3

)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations

 

 

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

6

 

(16

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

1,206

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

 

452

 

443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

1,658

 

$

448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash interest paid

 

$

241

 

$

187

 

Income Taxes Paid

 

2

 

1

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued for acquisitions

 

$

197

 

$

 

Amendment and restatement of $730 million credit facility

 

730

 

 

Long-term debt issued in exchange transaction

 

619

 

 

Long-term debt retired in exchange transaction

 

692

 

 

Use of restricted securities to repay long-term debt

 

 

13

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5




LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

For the three months ended March 31, 2006

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Paid-in

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Stock

 

Capital

 

Income (Loss)

 

Deficit

 

Total

 

Balances at December 31, 2005

 

$

8

 

$

7,759

 

$

(51

)

$

(8,192

)

$

(476

)

Adjustment for EITF No. 04-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

(3

)

Adjusted balance at December 31, 2005

 

8

 

7,759

 

(51

)

(8,195

)

(479

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances, net of offering costs

 

2

 

541

 

 

 

 

 

543

 

Stock plan grants

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

Shareworks plan

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

401(k) plan

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

197

 

 

 

 

 

197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(369

)

(369

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at June 30, 2006

 

$

10

 

$

8,545

 

$

(24

)

$

(8,564

)

$

(33

)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6




LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net Loss

 

$

(201

)

$

(188

)

$

(369

)

$

(265

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation income (losses)

 

23

 

(35

)

30

 

(64

)

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable equity securities and other arising during period

 

(4

)

(1

)

(2

)

(1

)

Reclassification adjustments for (income) losses included in net loss

 

(1

)

(2

)

(1

)

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax

 

18

 

(38

)

27

 

(63

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Benefit Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes

 

18

 

(38

)

27

 

(63

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Loss

 

$

(183

)

$

(226

)

$

(342

)

$

(328

)

 

SUPPLEMENTARY STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Net Foreign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Adjustment

 

Other

 

Total

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

(19

)

$

(32

)

$

(51

)

Change

 

30

 

(3

)

27

 

Balance at June 30, 2006

 

$

11

 

$

(35

)

$

(24

)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

7




 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Level 3”) in which it has control. The Company is engaged in enterprises primarily related to communications, information services, and coal mining.  Fifty-percent-owned mining joint ventures are consolidated on a pro rata basis.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company completed its acquisition of Progress Telecom, LLC (“Progress Telecom”) on March 20, 2006, and its acquisition of ICG Communications, Inc. (“ICG Communications”) on May 31, 2006.  The Progress Telecom and ICG Communications results of operations, cash flows and financial position are included in the consolidated financial statements from the respective dates of their acquisition (See Note 2).

On December 23, 2005, Level 3 acquired WilTel Communications Group, LLC and its operating subsidiaries (“WilTel”).  The financial position, results of operations and cash flows attributable to WilTel are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition (See Note 2).

On November 30, 2005, Level 3 sold (i)Structure, LLC (“(i)Structure”), Level 3’s wholly-owned IT infrastructure management outsourcing subsidiary to Infocrossing, Inc. (“Infocrossing”).  The results of operations and cash flows for this business have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented (See Note 3).

The consolidated balance sheet of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2005 has been taken from the Company’s audited balance sheet as of that date.  All other financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The Company’s accounting policies and certain other disclosures are set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2005.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reported period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of equity or liability instruments issued. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission extended the effective date of SFAS No. 123R such that the Company was first required to adopt SFAS No. 123R beginning January 1, 2006.  The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry” (“EITF No. 04-6”) establishes appropriate accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phase and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.  EITF No. 04-6 concludes that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs

8




 

that should be included in the costs of the inventory produced during the period that the stripping costs are incurred.  EITF No. 04-6 further defines inventory produced as mineral that has been extracted.  As a result, stripping costs related to exposed, but not extracted mineral must be expensed as incurred rather than deferred until the mineral is extracted.  The Company’s coal mining business had previously deferred stripping costs and amortized these costs over the period in which the underlying coal was mined.  The Company’s adoption of EITF No. 04-6 required it to adjust by $3 million beginning retained earnings (accumulated deficit) for the amount of prepaid stripping costs previously deferred as of January 1, 2006.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” (“FIN  No. 48”).  FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that results in a tax benefit.  Additionally, FIN No. 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, income statement classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the application of FIN No. 48 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition, but given its current net operating losses and operating loss carryforwards, does not expect a significant effect on its results of operations or financial condition as a result of adopting FIN No. 48.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement” (“EITF No. 06-3”). The scope of EITF No. 06-3 includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) contributions and some excise taxes.  The Task Force affirmed its conclusion that entities should present these taxes in the income statement on either a gross or a net basis, based on their accounting policy, which should be disclosed pursuant to APB Opinion No. 22, “Disclosure of Accounting Policies.”  If such taxes are significant, and are presented on a gross basis, the amounts of those taxes should be disclosed.  The consensus on EITF No. 06-3 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company currently records USF contributions on a gross basis in its consolidated statements of operations, but records sales, use, value added and excise taxes billed to its customers on a net basis in its consolidated statements of operations.  The Company does not expect that the effect of adopting EITF No. 06-3 will be significant to its reported revenue, operating income and net earnings or loss, but is currently evaluating the effect.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2. Acquisitions

In 2006, the Company embarked on a strategy to expand its presence in metropolitan markets.  The strategy will allow the Company to terminate traffic over its owned facilities rather than paying third parties to terminate the traffic.  The expansion into new metro markets should also provide additional opportunities to sell services to bandwidth intensive businesses on the Company’s national and international networks.  In order to expedite the expansion of its metro business, Level 3 acquired ICG Communications, Progress Telecom, TelCove, Inc. (“TelCove”) and Looking Glass Networks Holding Co., Inc. (“Looking Glass”) in 2006.

ICG Communications

On May 31, 2006, Level 3 acquired all of the stock of ICG Communications Inc., a privately held Colorado-based telecommunications company, from MCCC ICG Holdings, LLC excluding certain assets and liabilities.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement dated April 14, 2006, Level 3 purchased ICG Communications for an aggregate consideration consisting of approximately 26 million shares of Level 3 common stock, valued at $131 million, and approximately $45 million in cash.  The Company also incurred costs of less than $1 million related to the transaction. Working capital and other contractual matters resulted in the payment of additional consideration of approximately $1 million in the third quarter of 2006. The cash consideration at closing was increased from the previously disclosed amount of $36 million to reflect an improvement in ICG Communications’ working capital.

9




 

Level 3 entered into certain transactions with ICG Communications prior to the acquisition of ICG Communications by Level 3, whereby Level 3 received cash for communications services to be provided in the future and which was originally recognized as deferred revenue.  As a result of the acquisition, Level 3 can no longer amortize this deferred revenue into earnings and, accordingly, reduced the purchase price applied to the net assets acquired in the ICG Communications transaction by $1 million, the amount of the unamortized deferred revenue balance on May 31, 2006.

ICG Communications primarily provides transport, IP and voice services to wireline and wireless carriers, Internet service providers and enterprise customers. ICG Communications’ network has more than 2,000 metro and regional fiber miles in Colorado and Ohio and includes approximately 500 points of presence. ICG Communications serves more than 1,600 customers.

Progress Telecom

On March 20, 2006, Level 3 completed its acquisition of all of the membership interests of Progress Telecom from PT Holding Company LLC (“PT Holding”) excluding certain specified assets and liabilities of Progress Telecom.  Progress Telecom was owned by PT Holding which is jointly owned by Progress Energy, Inc. and Odyssey Telecorp, Inc.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement dated January 25, 2006, Level 3 purchased Progress Telecom for an aggregate purchase price consisting of approximately $69 million in cash and approximately 20 million shares of Level 3 common stock, valued at $66 million.  The purchase price was subsequently reduced by $2 million for working capital and other contractual matters.  The Company received payment of the $2 million adjustment in July 2006.  The Company also incurred costs of approximately $1 million related to the transaction.

Level 3 entered into certain transactions with Progress Telecom prior to the acquisition of Progress Telecom by Level 3, whereby Level 3 received cash for communications services to be provided in the future and which was originally recognized as deferred revenue.  As a result of the acquisition, Level 3 can no longer amortize this deferred revenue into earnings and, accordingly, reduced the purchase price applied to the net assets acquired in the Progress Telecom transaction by $4 million, the amount of the unamortized deferred revenue balance on March 20, 2006.

Progress Telecom is a regional wholesale network services company based in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Progress Telecom’s network spans 9,000 miles, includes 29 metro networks and connects to international cable landings in south Florida and 31 mobile switching centers in the southeastern region of the United States. Progress Telecom serves approximately 200 customers with a significant concentration of international and wireless carrier customers.

WilTel

On December 23, 2005, the Company acquired WilTel from Leucadia National Corporation and its subsidiaries (together “Leucadia”).  The consideration paid consisted of approximately $390 million in cash, plus $100 million in cash to reflect Leucadia’s having complied with its obligation to leave that amount of cash in WilTel, and 115 million shares of newly issued Level 3 common stock (“Shares”), valued at $313 million.  The Company also incurred approximately $7 million of costs related to this transaction.  The cash purchase price was subject to post-closing adjustments based on actual working capital and other contractual items as of the closing date.  In March, 2006, Leucadia and Level 3 agreed that the purchase price for WilTel should decrease by approximately $27 million as a result of working capital and other contractual post-closing adjustments. Level 3 received payment of the $27 million adjustment in April 2006.

The preliminary valuation indicated that the fair value of the WilTel assets acquired exceeded the total of the purchase price paid and the liabilities assumed in the transaction.  As a result, the excess value was applied against the fair value of the property, plant and equipment obtained in the transaction.  The $27 million post-closing adjustment resulted in an additional decrease in property, plant and equipment in the first quarter of 2006.

10




 

In accordance with the terms of a registration rights agreement between Level 3 and Leucadia dated December 23, 2005, Level 3 filed a registration statement covering the Shares, which became effective on December 27, 2005.  During the first quarter of 2006, Leucadia sold all of the Shares under the registration statement.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following is unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company assuming the WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications transactions occurred at the beginning of the periods presented:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

1,543

 

$

1,354

 

$

2,843

 

$

2,802

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

$

(196

)

$

(151

)

$

(355

)

$

(201

)

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Net Loss

 

$

(196

)

$

(151

)

$

(355

)

$

(201

)

Net Loss per Share

 

$

(0.22

)

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.40

)

$

(0.24

)

 

The fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the ICG Communications and Progress Telecom transactions are based upon preliminary valuations and are subject to change based on post-closing purchase price adjustments and changes to the integration plans of the combined business.  The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the WilTel transaction is based upon a preliminary valuation as of the acquisition date after reflecting other contractual purchase price adjustments and is subject to change due to integration plans.  The Company will continue to evaluate assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the valuation analysis and integration efforts for the WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications transactions.  The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the ICG Communications, Progress Telecom and WilTel transactions are as follows.

 

 

 

ICG

 

Progress

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Communications

 

Telecom

 

WilTel

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6

 

$

 

$

128

 

Accounts receivable

 

7

 

3

 

257

 

Other current assets

 

2

 

2

 

20

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

10

 

77

 

629

 

Goodwill

 

118

 

30

 

 

Identifiable intangible assets

 

49

 

36

 

152

 

Other assets

 

4

 

 

26

 

Total Assets

 

196

 

148

 

1,212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

6

 

1

 

204

 

Accrued payroll

 

2

 

1

 

29

 

Other current liabilities

 

6

 

5

 

67

 

Current portion of capital leases

 

 

1

 

 

Capital leases

 

2

 

8

 

 

Deferred revenue — ICG/Progress/WilTel

 

2

 

2

 

41

 

Deferred revenue - Level 3

 

(1

)

(4

)

(2

)

Other liabilities

 

3

 

 

90

 

Total Liabilities

 

20

 

14

 

429

 

Purchase Price

 

$

176

 

$

134

 

$

783

 

 

11




 

TelCove Acquisition

On July 24, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of TelCove, a privately held Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company. Under terms of the agreement, Level 3 paid $446 million in cash and issued approximately 150 million shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, Level 3 repaid $132 million of TelCove debt and acquired $13 million in capital leases in the transaction.  Also, the Company paid third party costs of approximately $15 million related to the transaction, which included certain costs incurred by TelCove.

TelCove is a leading facilities-based provider of metropolitan and regional communications services including transport, Internet access and voice services. TelCove’s network has more than 22,000 local and long haul route miles serving 70 markets across the eastern United States with approximately 4,000 buildings on net.

Looking Glass Acquisition

On August 2, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Looking Glass, a privately held Illinois-based telecommunications company.

The consideration paid by Level 3 consisted of approximately $9 million in cash and approximately 21 million shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, at the closing, Level 3 repaid approximately $67 million of Looking Glass liabilities.  The transaction purchase price is not subject to any post-closing adjustments.

Concurrently with the closing, Level 3 entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the shares of Level 3 common stock issued to the security holders of Looking Glass in the transaction.  Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, Level 3 filed a registration statement on August 8, 2006, that covers the shares of Level 3 common stock issued to the Looking Glass security holders in the transaction.  The registration statement became effective automatically upon filing, allowing Looking Glass security holders to sell the shares of Level 3 common stock they receive without any limitations.

Looking Glass provides data transport services including SONET/SDH, Wavelength and Ethernet as well as dark fiber and carrier-neutral collocation. Looking Glass’ network includes approximately 2,000 route miles serving 14 major metro markets, with lit fiber connectivity to approximately 215 buildings. Looking Glass also has dark fiber connectivity to approximately 250 additional buildings.

3Discontinued Operations

On November 30, 2005, Level 3 sold (i)Structure to Infocrossing, Inc. for proceeds of $85 million, which consisted of $82 million in cash and $3 million of Infocrossing common stock. The cash purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments based on actual working capital as of the closing date.  The Company and Infocrossing are in the process of completing the working capital adjustments.  Level 3 recognized a $49 million gain on the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2005.

12




 

The following is the summarized results of operations of the (i)Structure business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

(dollars in millions)

 

June 30, 2005

 

June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

16

 

$

33

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

12

 

25

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2

 

4

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

2

 

4

 

Total costs and expenses

 

16

 

33

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

$

 

$

 

 

4Restructuring Charges

In 2006, the Company initiated workforce reductions that are expected to affect approximately 750 employees in its North American communications business related to the integration of WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications into Level 3’s operations.  The accounting treatment for the severance costs is dependent on whether those individuals affected are former employees of the acquired companies or Level 3 employees.  The estimated severance costs earned by former WilTel, Progress Telecom or ICG Communications employees as of the acquisition date are included as a liability in the balance sheet as of the acquisition date. The Company expects to incur approximately $23 million of severance and related costs for former WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications employees. As of June 30, 2006, the Company paid $15 million of severance and related costs for these employees. Severance costs attributable to Level 3 employees are recorded as a restructuring charge in the statement of operations once the employees are notified that their position will be eliminated and the severance arrangements are communicated to the employee.

As of June 30, 2006, the Company had notified or terminated approximately 624 employees (204 for Level 3 and 420 for acquired businesses) pursuant to these activities. The Company had recorded approximately $4 million in restructuring charges for affected Level 3 employees. As of June 30, 2006, the Company had remaining obligations of less than $1 million for those Level 3 employees terminated or notified.  The workforce reduction attributable to the WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications integration activities are expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2006.

In the first quarter of 2006, Software Spectrum, Inc. (“Software Spectrum”) announced a workforce reduction that will affect approximately 95 people in its North American business due to a strategic decision to enter into a business solutions partner arrangement for certain business processes such as credit and collections, accounts payable and other administrative and back-office positions.  These positions will be transitioned in phases through the end of 2006 in accordance with Software Spectrum’s implementation plan.  The Company will record the expenses attributable to the incentive stay bonus, the severance package and the outplacement fees for employees who are required to provide more than 60 days of additional service to be eligible to receive the stay bonus, placement services and severance over the incremental service period.  As of June 30, 2006, the Company had recognized $1 million of restructuring charges of which less than $1 million of the obligation associated with the business process outsourcing remained outstanding.

In the first quarter of 2005, the Company initiated a workforce reduction of approximately 470 employees in its North American and European communications business. As a result of the reduction, Level 3 incurred severance and related charges of approximately $15 million in the first quarter of 2005.  As of September 30, 2005, the Company had satisfied its obligations associated with the first quarter of 2005 workforce reduction.

13




 

A summary of the restructuring charges and related activity follows:

 

 

 

Severance and Related

 

Facilities Related

 

 

 

Number of
Employees

 

Amount
 (in millions)

 

Amount
 (in millions)

 

Balance December 31, 2004

 

 

$

 

$

19

 

2005 Charges

 

472

 

15

 

(1

)

2005 Payments

 

(472

)

(15

)

(5

)

Balance December 31, 2005

 

 

 

13

 

2006 Charges

 

299

 

5

 

 

2006 Payments

 

(206

)

(4

)

(2

)

Balance June 30, 2006

 

93

 

$

1

 

$

11

 

 

Non-cash impairment charges were $4 million and $7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.  In the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 recognized $4 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to excess land of the communications business held for sale in Germany.  This charge resulted from the difference between the recorded carrying value and the estimated market value of the land.  In addition, the Company recognized $3 million of non-cash impairment charges in the first quarter of 2006 that resulted from the decision to terminate projects for certain voice services and certain information technology projects in the communications business.  These projects have identifiable costs which Level 3 can separately evaluate for impairment.  The costs incurred for these projects, including capitalized labor, were impaired as the carrying value of these projects exceeded their estimated fair value.

Non-cash impairment charges were $4 million for the second quarter of 2005 and resulted from the decision to terminate projects for certain Softswitch related products in the communications business.  The costs incurred for these projects, including capitalized operating expenses, were impaired as the carrying value of these projects exceeded their estimated fair value.

Level 3 continues to periodically conduct comprehensive reviews of the long-lived assets of its businesses, specifically communication assets deployed along its intercity network and in its gateway facilities.  It is possible that assets may be identified as impaired and impairment charges may be recorded to reflect the realizable value of these assets in future periods.

5. Termination Revenue

Termination revenue is recognized when a customer disconnects service prior to the end of the contract period, for which Level 3 had previously received consideration and for which revenue recognition was deferred. Termination revenue is also recognized when customers make termination penalty payments to Level 3 to settle contractually committed purchase amounts that the customer no longer expects to meet or when a customer and Level 3 renegotiate a contract under which Level 3 is no longer obligated to provide services for consideration previously received and for which revenue recognition has been deferred.  Termination revenue is reported in the same manner as the original service provided, and amounted to $3 million for both the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and $2 million and $131 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. The termination revenue in 2005 is primarily attributable to the following two transactions:

In February 2005, France Telecom Long Distance USA, LLC (“France Telecom”) and Level 3 finalized an agreement to terminate a dark fiber agreement signed in 2000. Under the terms of the agreement France Telecom returned the fiber to Level 3. Cash received for the fiber under the original agreement was deferred and was being amortized to revenue over the 20-year term of the agreement. Level 3 has no further service obligations with respect to the fiber and therefore recognized approximately $40 million of unamortized deferred revenue as non-cash termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005.

In March 2005, Level 3 entered into an agreement with 360networks (USA) Inc. (“360networks”) in which both parties agreed to terminate a 20 year Indefeasible Right of Use (“IRU”) agreement. Under the new

14




 

agreement, 360networks returned the dark fiber originally provided by Level 3. Under the original IRU agreement signed in 2000, the cash received by Level 3 was deferred and was being amortized to revenue over the 20-year term of the agreement. As a result of this transaction, Level 3 recognized the unamortized deferred revenue of approximately $86 million as non-cash termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005.

6.  Loss Per Share

The Company had a loss from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.  Therefore, the dilutive effect of the approximately 480 million and 417 million shares issuable pursuant to convertible debt securities at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.  In addition, the dilutive effect of the approximately 52 million and 59 million options, outperform stock options, restricted stock units and warrants outstanding at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.

The following details the loss per share calculations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in millions, except per share data):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

$

(201

)

$

(188

)

$

(369

)

$

(265

)

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(201

)

$

(188

)

$

(369

)

$

(265

)

Total Number of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used to Compute Basic and Dilutive Loss Per Share (in thousands)

 

881,155

 

695,533

 

851,700

 

692,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Per Share of Common Stock (Basic and Diluted):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

$

(0.23

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.43

)

$

(0.38

)

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(0.23

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.43

)

$

(0.38

)

 

7.     Receivables

Receivables at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Communications

 

Information
Services

 

Coal

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable — Trade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services and Software Sales

 

$

388

 

$

499

 

$

7

 

$

894

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.

 

(19

)

(7

)

 

(26

)

 

 

$

369

 

$

492

 

$

7

 

$

868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable — Trade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services and Software Sales

 

$

400

 

$

437

 

$

9

 

$

846

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

(17

)

(6

)

 

(23

)

 

 

$

383

 

$

431

 

$

9

 

$

823

 

 

15




 

The Company recognized bad debt expense in selling, general and administrative expenses of less than $1 million and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and less than $1 million and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.  Level 3 received proceeds for amounts previously deemed uncollectible of less than $1 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and less than $1 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005, respectively.  The Company increased accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts by approximately $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, primarily due to the customers acquired in the WilTel acquisition.  The Company decreased accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts by approximately $2 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2005 for previously reserved amounts the Company deemed as uncollectible.

8.     Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Costs associated directly with expansions and improvements to the network and customer installations, including employee related costs, have been capitalized. The Company generally capitalizes costs associated with network construction, provisioning of services and software development.  Capitalized labor and related costs associated with employees and contract labor working on capital projects were approximately $16 million and $26 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  Included in capitalized labor and related costs were less than $1 million and $1 million of capitalized non-cash compensation costs related to outperform stock options, restricted stock and warrants for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  Capitalized labor and related costs associated with employees and contract labor working on capital projects were approximately $11 million and $23 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.  Included in capitalized labor and related costs were less than $1 million and $1 million of capitalized non-cash compensation costs related to outperform stock options, restricted stock and warrants for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

The Company continues to develop business support systems required for its business. The external direct costs of software, materials and services, payroll and payroll related expenses for employees directly associated with the project incurred when developing the business support systems are capitalized and included in the capitalized costs above. Upon completion of a project, the total cost of the business support system is amortized over an estimated useful life of three years.

In the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 recorded an $11 million decrease in property, plant and equipment and an $11 million increase in customer lists to reflect their estimated value based on a further review of the purchase price allocation for the Progress Telecom transaction.

During the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 determined that the period the Company expects to use its existing fiber is longer than the remaining useful life as originally estimated.  As a result, the Company extended the depreciable life of its existing fiber from 7 years to 12 years.  This change in estimate, effected as of April 1, 2006, was accounted for prospectively, in accordance with SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - A Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3”, and reduced depreciation expense by $18 million in the second quarter of 2006.  In addition, this change in estimate reduced net loss from continuing operations and net loss by $18 million, or approximately $0.02 cents per share.

16




 

Depreciation expense was $150 million and $318 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. Depreciation expense was $147 million and $298 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

9.  Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

Other
Intangibles

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

360networks

 

$

 

$

3

 

Sprint

 

 

11

 

ICG

 

 

 

Telverse

 

 

13

 

Genuity

 

 

18

 

WilTel

 

 

143

 

Progress Telecom

 

30

 

35

 

ICG Communications

 

118

 

49

 

Software Spectrum

 

194

 

44

 

McLeod

 

40

 

 

XCOM

 

30

 

 

 

 

$

412

 

$

316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

360networks

 

$

 

$

4

 

Sprint

 

 

16

 

ICG

 

 

4

 

Telverse

 

 

16

 

Genuity

 

 

30

 

WilTel

 

 

151

 

Software Spectrum

 

194

 

48

 

McLeod

 

40

 

 

XCOM

 

30

 

 

 

 

$

264

 

$

269

 

 

The Company completed the acquisition of ICG Communications on May 31, 2006.  A preliminary valuation of the assets acquired indicated a value of $49 million for identifiable intangible assets with a life of 15 years.

On March 20, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Progress Telecom.  A preliminary valuation of the assets acquired resulted in a value of $25 million for customer-related intangible assets with an 8 year life.  In the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 adjusted the fair value of the customer-related intangible assets to $36 million and reduced the value of property, plant and equipment to $77 million based on an updated valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction.

The preliminary purchase price valuations for Progress Telecom and ICG Communications indicated that the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by $30 million and $118 million, respectively.

Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142, beginning with the first anniversary of the acquisition and December 31 of each year thereafter.  As of June 30, 2006, the Company has not recorded impairment expenses for the goodwill or intangible assets identified in the previous table.

17




Amortization expense was $17 million and $39 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  Amortization expense was $17 million and $35 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

The amortization expense related to intangible assets currently recorded on the Company’s books for each of the five succeeding years is estimated to be the following for the years ended December 31: 2006-$76 million; 2007-$50 million; 2008-$36 million; 2009-$32 million and 2010 and thereafter-$130 million.

10.  Long-Term Debt

At June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, long-term debt was as follows:

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Secured Term Loan (11.82% due 2011)

 

$

730

 

$

730

 

Senior Notes (9.125% due 2008)

 

398

 

954

 

Senior Notes (11.0% due 2008)

 

78

 

132

 

Senior Discount Notes (10.5% due 2008)

 

62

 

144

 

Senior Euro Notes (10.75% due 2008)

 

62

 

59

 

Convertible Senior Notes (2.875% due 2010)

 

374

 

374

 

Senior Discount Notes (12.875% due 2010)

 

488

 

488

 

Senior Euro Notes (11.25% due 2010)

 

131

 

123

 

Senior Notes (11.25% due 2010)

 

96

 

96

 

Senior Notes (11.5% due 2010)

 

692

 

 

Fair value adjustment on Senior Notes

 

(65

)

 

Senior Notes (10.75% due 2011)

 

500

 

500

 

Floating Rate Senior Notes (11.42% due 2011)

 

150

 

 

Issue discount on Floating Rate Senior Notes

 

(5

)

 

Convertible Senior Notes (5.25% due 2011)

 

345

 

345

 

Convertible Senior Notes (10.0% due 2011)

 

880

 

880

 

Convertible Senior Notes (3.5% due 2012)

 

335

 

 

Senior Notes (12.25% due 2013)

 

550

 

 

Issue discount on Senior Notes

 

(2

)

 

Convertible Senior Discount Notes (9.0% due 2013)

 

263

 

252

 

Convertible Subordinated Notes (6.0% due 2009)

 

362

 

362

 

Convertible Subordinated Notes (6.0% due 2010)

 

514

 

514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRE Commercial Mortgage (6.86% due 2015)

 

70

 

70

 

Capital Leases

 

11

 

 

Other

 

1

 

 

 

 

7,020

 

6,023

 

Less current portion.

 

(462

)

 

 

 

$

6,558

 

$

6,023

 

 

The debt instruments above contain certain financial and non-financial covenants with which the Company believes it is in full compliance as of June 30, 2006.

No interest expense or amortized debt issuance costs were capitalized to property, plant and equipment for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005.

18




3.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012

On June 13, 2006 Level 3 Communications, Inc. received $326 million of net proceeds, after giving effect to offering expenses, from a public offering of $335 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 (“3.5% Convertible Senior Notes”).  The 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes were priced at 100% of the principal amount.  The notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking equal in right of payment with all the Company’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness.  The 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes will mature on June 15, 2012.  Interest on the notes will be payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2006.

At any time before the close of business on June 15, 2012, the 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible by holders into shares of Level 3’s common stock at a conversion price of $5.46 per share (subject to adjustment in certain events). This is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 183.1502 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of these notes.  Upon conversion, the Company will have the right to deliver cash in lieu of shares of its common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock.  In addition, holders of the 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase the notes upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined, at a price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest.  In addition, if a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with certain changes in control, Level 3 could be required to pay a make whole premium by increasing the number of shares deliverable upon conversion of the notes.

On or after June 15, 2010, Level 3, at its option, may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes.  The 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes are subject to redemption at the option of Level 3, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on not more than 60 nor less than 30 days’ notice, on or after June 15, 2010, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve months beginning June 15, of the years indicated below:

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2010

 

101.17

%

2011

 

100.58

%

 

Level 3 used a portion of the net proceeds from this offering and its common stock offering completed in the second quarter to redeem certain debt securities maturing in 2008.  The remaining proceeds will be used to potentially repurchase, redeem or refinance other existing indebtedness from time to time, for acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures.

Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011

On March 14, 2006, Level 3 Communications, Inc., as guarantor and Level 3 Financing, Inc. (“Level 3 Financing”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as borrower, entered into an indenture with the Bank of New York, as trustee, and issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due 2011 (“Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011”) in a private offering.

The Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 rank equal in right of payment with all other senior unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing and have an initial interest rate equal to the six month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus 6.375%, which will be reset semi-annually.  Interest on the notes is payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2006.  The interest rate was 11.42% at June 30, 2006 and was determined at the commencement of the interest period beginning on the issuance date.  The Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 were priced at 96.782% of par.  The discount is reflected as a reduction in long-term debt and is being amortized as interest expense over the term of the Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011.

The Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 are subject to redemption at the option of Level 3 Financing in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after March 15, 2008 at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve months beginning March 15, of the years indicated below:

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2008

 

102.0

%

2009

 

101.0

%

2010

 

100.0

%

 

19




On March 14, 2006, Level 3, Level 3 Financing and the initial purchasers of the Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 entered into a registration rights agreement relating to the Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 pursuant to which Level 3 and Level 3 Financing agreed to file an exchange offer registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company’s exchange offer registration statement for those notes was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2006.

 

Debt issuance costs of $3 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011.

12.25% Senior Notes due 2013

On March 14, 2006, Level 3 Communications, Inc., as guarantor and Level 3 Financing, as borrower, entered into an indenture with the Bank of New York, as trustee, and issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 12.25% senior notes due 2013 (“12.25% Senior Notes due 2013”) in a private offering.

On April 6, 2006, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 in a private offering.  These notes together with the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 issued on March 14, 2006 will be treated under the same indenture as a single series of notes.

The 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 are senior unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, ranking equal in right of payment with all other senior unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing.  Level 3 has guaranteed the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013.  The notes will mature on March 15, 2013.  Interest on the notes accrues at 12.25% per year and is payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2006.  The $250 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 issued on March 14, 2006 were priced at 96.618% of par.  The $300 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 issued on April 6, 2006 were priced at 102% of par.  The resulting net discount of the two issuances of approximately $2 million is reflected as a reduction in long-term debt and is being amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013.

The 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 are subject to redemption at the option of Level 3 Financing in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after March 15, 2010 at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve months beginning March 15, of the years indicated below:

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2010

 

106.125

%

2011

 

103.063

%

2012

 

100.000

%

 

On March 14, 2006, Level 3 Communications, Inc., Level 3 Financing and the initial purchasers of the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 entered into a registration rights agreement regarding the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 pursuant to which Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Financing agreed to file an exchange offer registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s exchange offer registration statement for those notes was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2006.

Debt issuance costs of approximately $5 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013.

20




The debt represented by the 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 together with the Floating Rate Notes due 2011 constitutes purchase money indebtedness under the indentures of Level 3, and the net proceeds from the offering were used to finance the cash purchase price of Level 3’s acquisition of WilTel and Progress Telecom, which were consummated on December 23, 2005 and March 20, 2006, respectively.  The remaining net proceeds will be used to fund the cost of construction, installation, acquisition, lease, development or improvement of communications assets.

Capitalized Leases

As part of the Progress Telecom transaction completed on March 20, 2006, the Company assumed certain capital lease obligations of Progress Telecom for IRU dark fiber facilities of $9 million.  The capital leases mature at various dates through 2021.

As part of the ICG Communications transaction on May 31, 2006, the Company assumed certain capital lease obligations of ICG Communications for IRU dark fiber facilities of $2 million.  The capital leases mature at various dates through 2018.

Debt Redemption

On June 13, 2006, Level 3 announced, and on July 13, 2006, Level 3 completed the redemption of all of its outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008.

The 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of those notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 that were redeemed was $398 million.  The 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101.75% of the principal amount at maturity of those notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The aggregate principal amount at maturity of 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 that were redeemed was $62 million.  The aggregate principal amounts of the notes were included in the current portion of long-term debt on the June 30, 2006 consolidated balance sheet.

Amendment and Restatement of Credit Facility

On June 27, 2006, Level 3 Financing amended and restated its existing $730 million senior secured credit facility to reduce the interest rate payable under the agreement by 400 basis points, modify the pre-payment provisions and make other specified changes.

The amendment of the credit facility was treated as an extinguishment of the existing debt instrument due to the significant change in lenders of the debt per EITF No. 96-19, “Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments” (“EITF No. 96-19”).  The fair value of the amended and restated credit facility approximated the carrying value of the original credit facility as the interest rate of the amended and restated credit facility approximated current market rates.  As part of the transaction, Level 3 paid a prepayment premium of approximately $42 million to existing debt holders.  The prepayment premium along with the unamortized deferred debt issuance costs of $13 million from the original offering, were recognized as a loss on the extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2006.  The Company also incurred $11 million of third party costs to complete this transaction.  These costs were reflected as deferred debt issuance costs and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt.

Debt Exchange

On January 13, 2006, the Company completed private exchange offers to exchange a portion of its outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008, 11% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 (together the “2008 Notes”) that were held by eligible holders in a private placement for cash and new 11.5% Senior Notes due 2010.  The Company issued $692 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes as well as paid $46 million of cash consideration in exchange for the 2008 Notes tendered in the transactions.   The Company also paid approximately $13 million in cash for total accrued interest to the closing date on the 2008 Notes that were accepted for exchange.

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Pursuant to the guidance in EITF No. 96-19, the Company accounted for the exchange of the 9.125% Senior Notes and the 11% Senior Notes as an extinguishment of debt and recognized a gain of approximately $27 million in Other Income in the first quarter of 2006.  The gain was determined using the fair value of the new 11.5% Senior Notes at the time of issuance.  The fair value of the 11.5% Senior Notes was approximately $73 million less than the face amount of the debt.  The accretion of the $73 million discount will be reflected as interest expense.  The 11.5% Senior Notes were recorded at their fair value on the transaction date and will accrete to their face value at maturity.  Premiums paid to holders of the 9.125% Senior Notes and the 11% Senior Notes of $41 million were applied against the gain on extinguishment of debt.

In accordance with EITF No. 96-19, the exchange of the 10.5% Senior Discount Notes was accounted for as a modification of the existing debt.  The premiums paid to the holders of the 10.5% Senior Discount Notes of $5 million were added to the existing debt issuance costs and will be amortized over the term of the 11.5% Senior Notes.

The Company incurred approximately $5 million of third party costs associated with the exchange transaction.  The costs were allocated to each tranche of debt based on the amount tendered for exchange.  The $4 million of fees allocated to the 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and the 11% Senior Notes due 2008 were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the respective notes.  The $1 million of costs allocated to the 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 were expensed in the first quarter of 2006.

The principal amount of 2008 Notes tendered is set forth in the table below (dollars in millions).

2008 Notes
Exchanged

 

 

 

Aggregate
Principal Amount
Outstanding Before
Exchange Offers

 

Aggregate
Principal Amount
Tendered

 

Aggregate

Principal Amount
of Old Notes that
Remained
Outstanding

 

Total Cash
Premium
Payment

 

9.125% Senior Notes due 2008

 

$

954

 

$

556

 

$

398

 

$

36

 

11% Senior Notes due 2008

 

132

 

54

 

78

 

5

 

10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008

 

144

 

82

 

62

 

5

 

 

The exchange offers were made only to qualified institutional buyers and institutional accredited investors inside the United States and to certain non-U.S. investors located outside the United States.

The 11.5% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking equal in right of payment with the old notes not tendered in the exchange offers as well as all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company.  The 11.5% Senior Notes mature on March 1, 2010, and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 11.5%.  Interest on the notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2006.  The Company may redeem some or all of the 11.5% Senior Notes at any time on or after March 1, 2009, at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest.

The Company’s exchange offer registration statement for these notes was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2006.

22




Future Debt Maturities

The Company’s contractual obligations at June 30, 2006 related to debt, including capital leases and excluding issue discounts and fair value adjustments, will require estimated cash payments during each of the five succeeding years as follows: 2006-$462 million; 2007-$2 million; 2008-$142 million; 2009-$363 million and 2010-$2,362 million and thereafter-$3,761 million.

11.  Stock-Based Awards

Beginning January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.”  The adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations as the Company adopted the expense recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” in 1998.  SFAS No. 123R requires that estimated forfeitures be included in the amount of expense recognized for awards that are not fully vested.  The Company has historically recorded the effect of forfeitures of equity awards as they occur.  The effect of applying the change from the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 on the Company’s results of operations and basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was not significant.

The Company recognized in the consolidated statement of operations a total of $21 million and $36 million of non-cash compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  During the second quarter of 2006, the October 2005 and January 2006 grants were revalued using May 15, 2006 as the grant date, in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, and resulted in a $6 million increase in non-cash compensation expense.  As stated in the Company’s proxy materials for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, over the course of the years since April 1, 1998, the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors had administered the 1995 Stock Plan under the belief that the action of the Company’s Board of Directors to amend and restate that plan effective April 1, 1998 had the effect of extending the original term of the Plan to April 1, 2008.  After a further review of the terms of the plan, however, the compensation committee determined that an ambiguity could exist as to the date of the expiration of the plan. To remove any ambiguity, the Board of Directors sought the approval of the Company’s stockholders to amend the plan to extend the term of the plan by five years to September 25, 2010.  This approval was obtained at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 15, 2006.  In addition, the Company capitalized $1 million of non-cash compensation for those employees and contractors directly involved in the construction of the network, installation of customers or development of the business support systems for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.

The Company recognized in the consolidated statement of operations a total of $10 million and $21 million of non-cash compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.  Included in discontinued operations is non-cash compensation expense of $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.  In addition, the Company capitalized less than $1 million and $1 million of non-cash compensation for those employees and contractors directly involved in the construction of the network, installation of customers or development of the business support systems for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

SFAS No. 123R requires the benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense be reported as a financing cash in flow if the tax benefits are expected to be realizable.  As the Company is currently in a net operating loss position, Level 3’s management does not expect to realize tax benefits from share-based compensation for the foreseeable future.

The following table summarizes non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSO

 

$

13

 

$

4

 

$

17

 

$

9

 

Restricted Stock

 

4

 

5

 

10

 

6

 

Shareworks Match Plan

 

 

(3

)

 

(2

)

401(k) Match Expense

 

5

 

4

 

9

 

8

 

401(k) Discretionary Grant Plan

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

22

 

10

 

37

 

22

 

Capitalized Non-cash Compensation

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

(1

)

 

 

21

 

10

 

36

 

21

 

Discontinued Operations — (i)Structure

 

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

 

 

$

21

 

$

9

 

$

36

 

$

20

 

 

23




Non-qualified Stock Options and Warrants

At June 30, 2006, there were approximately 14.6 million warrants outstanding ranging in exercise prices from $4.00 to $29.00.  As of June 30, 2006, all of the warrants previously granted were fully vested and the compensation expense had been fully recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.  Of these warrants, all were exercisable at June 30, 2006, with a weighted average exercise price of $7.79 per warrant.

The Company has not granted NQSOs since 2000.  As of June 30, 2006, all NQSOs previously granted were fully vested and the compensation expense had been fully recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.  At June 30, 2006, there were approximately 6 million NQSOs outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $1.76 to $8.00. The weighted average exercise price of the NQSOs outstanding was $5.71 at June 30, 2006.

Outperform Stock Option Plan

In April 1998, the Company adopted an outperform stock option (‘‘OSO’’) program that was designed so that the Company’s stockholders would receive a market return on their investment before OSO holders receive any return on their options. The Company believes that the OSO program aligns directly management’s and stockholders’ interests by basing stock option value on the Company’s ability to outperform the market in general, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s (‘‘S&P’’) 500 Index. Participants in the OSO program do not realize any value from awards unless the Company’s common stock price outperforms the S&P 500 Index during the life of the grant. When the stock price gain is greater than the corresponding gain on the S&P 500 Index (or less than the corresponding loss on the S&P Index for grants awarded before June 30, 2005), the value received for awards under the OSO plan is based on a formula involving a multiplier related to the level by which the Company’s common stock outperforms the S&P 500 Index. To the extent that Level 3’s common stock outperforms the S&P 500 Index, the value of OSOs to a holder may exceed the value of nonqualified stock options.

The Company’s OSO program targets that no more than 25% of Level 3’s outperformance is delivered to employee-owners, and that the exercise of past and future OSO grants does not exceed shares reserved for issuance under the Company’s 1995 Stock Plan, as amended.  The method for determining the value of an individual OSO is described below:

The initial strike price, as determined on the day prior to the OSO grant date, is adjusted over time (the “Adjusted Strike Price”), until the exercise date. The adjustment is an amount equal to the percentage appreciation or depreciation in the value of the S&P 500 Index from the date of grant to the date of exercise.  The value of the OSO increases for increasing levels of outperformance.  OSO awards outstanding as of June 30, 2006 have a multiplier range from zero to four depending upon the performance of Level 3 common stock relative to the S&P 500 Index as shown in the following table.

If Level 3 Stock Outperforms
the S&P 500 Index by:

 

Then the Pre-multiplier Gain Is
Multiplied by a Success Multiplier of:

 

 

 

 

 

0% or Less

 

0.00

 

 

 

 

 

More than 0% but Less than 11%

 

Outperformance percentage
multiplied by 4/11

 

 

 

 

 

11% or More

 

4.00

 

 

24




The Pre-multiplier gain is the Level 3 common stock price minus the Adjusted Strike Price on the date of exercise.

Upon exercise of an OSO, the Company shall deliver or pay to the grantee the difference between the Fair Market Value of a share of Level 3 common stock as of the day prior to the exercise date, less the Adjusted Strike Price, the “Exercise Consideration.”  The Exercise Consideration may be paid in cash, Level 3 common stock or any combination of cash or Level 3 common stock at the Company’s discretion.  The number of shares of Level 3 common stock to be delivered by the Company to the grantee is determined by dividing the Exercise Consideration to be paid in Level 3 common stock by the Fair Market Value of a share of Level 3 common stock as of the date prior to the exercise date.  Fair Market Value is defined in the OSO agreement, but is currently the closing price per share of Level 3 common stock on the NASDAQ exchange.  Exercise of the OSOs does not require any cash outlay by the employee.

OSO awards are granted quarterly to eligible participants.  Awards outstanding at June 30, 2006 have a 4-year life and vest 50% at the end of the first year after the grant, with the remaining 50% vesting over the second year (12.5% per quarter).

The Company utilizes a modified Black-Scholes model to value outperform stock options granted to employees.  The Company believes that given the relative short life of the options and the other variables used in the model, the modified Black-Scholes model provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the OSOs at the time of grant.

The fair value under SFAS No. 123R for the approximately 2.0 million OSO awarded to participants during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $13 million using a modified Black-Scholes valuation model with the assumptions outlined in the table below.  The resulting theoretical value per option granted in 2006 is 153% of the stock price on the grant date as defined in SFAS No. 123R.  The theoretical value of options granted in 2005 was 116% of the stock price.  In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, the Company used an estimated forfeiture rate of 10.19% in determining expense recognition.  As of June 30, 2006, the Company had not reflected $23 million of unamortized compensation expense in its financial statements for previously granted OSOs.  The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.5 years.

The fair value of each OSO grant equals the calculated theoretical value multiplied by the Level 3 common stock price on the grant date.  The modified Black-Scholes valuation model used the following assumptions during the six months ended June 30:

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

S&P 500 Expected Dividend Yield Rate

 

1.78%

 

1.99%

 

Expected Life

 

3.4 years

 

2 years

 

S&P 500 Expected Volatility Rate

 

12%

 

13%

 

Level 3 Common Stock Expected Volatility Rate

 

55%

 

55%

 

Expected S&P 500 Correlation Factor

 

.28

 

.30

 

Calculated Theoretical Value

 

153%

 

116%

 

 

The expected life data was stratified based on levels of responsibility within the Company.  The theoretical value used in 2006 was determined using the weighted average exercise behavior for these groups of

25




employees.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company updated its calculation of the Expected Life.  Volatility assumptions were derived using historical data as well as current market data.

As part of a comprehensive review of its long-term compensation program, the Company temporarily suspended awards of OSOs in April 2005.  During the second quarter of 2005, the Company granted participants in the plan restricted stock units, as discussed below.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2005, the Company issued both restricted stock units and OSOs as part of its long-term compensation program.  In the third quarter of 2005, the Company made a grant for 2005 of restricted stock units that vest ratably over four years.  The Company plans to make quarterly OSO grants to employees that have similar terms as those OSOs granted in the first quarter of 2005.

A summary of OSO activity for the six months ended June 30, 2006 follows:

 

 

Number

 

Weighted
Average
Initial Strike
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

14,245,976

 

$

3.34

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

 

3,968,887

 

4.08

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercised

 

(1,356,687

)

3.14

 

 

 

 

 

Options forfeited

 

(599,967

)

2.88

 

 

 

 

 

Options expired

 

(2,446,487

)

3.39

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2006

 

13,811,722

 

$

3.58

 

$

43

 

2.60 years

 

Outstanding, exercisable (“vested”)

 

6,983,097

 

$

3.82

 

$

15

 

1.84 years

 

 

In the table above, the weighted average initial strike price represents the values used to calculate the theoretical value of OSOs on the grant date and the intrinsic value represents the value of OSOs that have outperformed the S&P 500 Index as of June 30, 2006.

The total realized value of OSOs exercised for each of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 was $6 million and $7 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock and Units

During the first six months of 2006, approximately 0.9 million shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were granted to employees and non-employee members of the Board. The restricted stock units and shares were granted to the recipients at no cost. Restrictions on transfer lapse over one to four year periods. The fair value of restricted units and stock granted in 2006 was $4 million as calculated using the fair value of the Level 3 common stock on the grant date.  As of June 30, 2006, the total compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock or restricted stock units not yet recognized was $19 million, and the weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized is 2.5 years.

For the first six months of 2006, the changes in restricted stock and restricted stock units are shown in the following table:

 

Number

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2006

 

23,376,843

 

$

2.06

 

Stock and units granted

 

888,054

 

4.03

 

Lapse of restrictions

 

(7,313,843

)

2.08

 

Stock and units forfeited

 

(1,495,274

)

2.13

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2006

 

15,455,780

 

$

2.15

 

 

26




The Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were $4.03 and $1.99, respectively.  The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested during the six month ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $15 million and $2 million, respectively.

401(k) Plan

The Company and its subsidiaries offer their qualified employees the opportunity to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan qualifying under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Each employee is eligible to contribute, on a tax deferred basis, a portion of annual earnings generally not to exceed $15,000 in 2006. The Company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 7% of eligible earnings or applicable regulatory limits for employees of the communications businesses.  Employees of Software Spectrum are eligible to receive matching contributions of $.50 for every dollar contributed up to 6% of eligible earnings or applicable regulatory limits.  The Company’s matching contributions are made with Level 3 common stock based on the closing stock price on each pay date.  Employees are able to diversify the Company’s matching contribution as soon as it is made, even if they are not fully vested.  The Company’s matching contributions will vest ratably over the first three years of service.  The Company made matching contributions of $5 million and $9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and $4 million and $8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, which were recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company made a discretionary contribution to the 401(k) Plan in Level 3 common stock as of December 31, 2005, equal to three percent of eligible employees’ 2005 eligible earnings.  The deposit was made into the eligible employees’ 401(k) accounts during the first quarter of 2006.

Employees of WilTel Communications that participate in the WilTel 401(k) Plan receive an employer matching cash contribution of 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of eligible earnings or regulatory limits.  The matching cash contribution is invested in the same investment funds selected by participants for employee contributions.  The Company made matching cash contributions of $2 million and $4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.

12.  Industry and Segment Data

SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Operating segments are managed separately and represent separate strategic business units that offer different products and serve different markets.  The Company’s reportable segments include: communications; information services and coal mining (See Note 1). Other primarily includes other corporate assets and overhead not attributable to a specific segment.

Adjusted OIBDA, as defined by the Company, consists of operating income (loss) before (1) depreciation and amortization expense, (2) stock-based compensation expense included within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and (3) any non-cash impairment costs included within restructuring and impairment expenses all as reported on the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company excludes stock-based compensation due to the recording of non-cash compensation expense under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.  Adjusted OIBDA is an

27




important part of the Company’s internal reporting and is an indicator of profitability and operating performance used by the chief operating decision maker or decision making group to evaluate performance and allocate resources.  It is a commonly used indicator in the capital-intensive communications industry to analyze companies on the basis of operating performance over time. Adjusted OIBDA is not intended to represent net income or cash flow for the periods presented, is not calculated consistently with the commonly used metric “EBITDA”, and is not recognized under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), but is used by management to assess segment results and allocate resources.

The data presented in the following tables includes information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 for all statement of operations and cash flow information presented, and as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 for all balance sheet information presented.  Information related to acquired businesses is included from their respective acquisition dates.  Revenue and the related expenses are attributed to countries based on where services are provided.  Information for the prior periods has been revised due to discontinued operations (See Note 3).

28




Industry and geographic segment financial information follows. Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.

(dollars in millions)

 

Communications

 

Information
Services

 

Coal
Mining

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

774

 

$

431

 

$

16

 

$

 

$

1,221

 

Europe

 

45

 

236

 

 

 

281

 

Other

 

 

28

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

$

819

 

$

695

 

$

16

 

$

 

$

1,530

 

Adjusted OIBDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

162

 

$

19

 

$

2

 

$

(2

)

 

 

Europe

 

8

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

170

 

$

26

 

$

2

 

$

(2

)

 

 

Net Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

62

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

65

 

Europe

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

72

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

75

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

144

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

148

 

Europe

 

19

 

 

 

 

19

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

163

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

1,536

 

$

716

 

$

34

 

$

 

$

2,286

 

Europe

 

87

 

379

 

 

 

466

 

Other

 

 

45

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

$

1,623

 

$

1,140

 

$

34

 

$

 

$

2,797

 

Adjusted OIBDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

293

 

$

22

 

$

3

 

$

(3

)

 

 

Europe

 

24

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

317

 

$

29

 

$

3

 

$

(3

)

 

 

Net Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

112

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

116

 

Europe

 

18

 

 

 

 

18

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

130

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

134

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

310

 

$

6

 

$

2

 

$

 

$

318

 

Europe

 

39

 

 

 

 

39

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

349

 

$

6

 

$

2

 

$

 

$

357

 

 

29




 

(dollars in millions)

 

Communications

 

Information
Services

 

Coal
Mining

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

334

 

$

304

 

$

19

 

$

 

$

657

 

Europe

 

37

 

180

 

 

 

217

 

Other

 

 

20

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

$

371

 

$

504

 

$

19

 

$

 

$

894

 

Adjusted OIBDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

83

 

$

7

 

$

7

 

$

5

 

 

 

Europe

 

5

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

88

 

$

12

 

$

7

 

$

5

 

 

 

Net Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

72

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

75

 

Europe

 

8

 

 

 

 

8

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

80

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

83

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

139

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

142

 

Europe

 

22

 

 

 

 

22

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

161

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

809

 

$

590

 

$

36

 

$

 

$

1,435

 

Europe

 

72

 

346

 

 

 

418

 

Other

 

 

34

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

$

881

 

$

970

 

$

36

 

$

 

$

1,887

 

Adjusted OIBDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

286

 

$

9

 

$

10

 

$

3

 

 

 

Europe

 

3

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

289

 

$

17

 

$

10

 

$

3

 

 

 

Net Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

123

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

127

 

Europe

 

16

 

 

 

 

16

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

139

 

$

3

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

143

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

283

 

$

5

 

$

2

 

$

 

$

290

 

Europe

 

43

 

 

 

 

43

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

326

 

$

5

 

$

2

 

$

 

$

333

 

 

30




Communications Revenue and Adjusted OIBDA include termination revenue of $3 million in each of the three and six months periods ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and $2 million and $131 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

(dollars in millions)

 

Communications

 

Information
Services

 

Coal
Mining

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

5,906

 

$

589

 

$

99

 

$

2,129

 

$

8,723

 

Europe

 

748

 

210

 

 

41

 

999

 

Other

 

 

26

 

 

3

 

29

 

 

 

$

6,654

 

$

825

 

$

99

 

$

2,173

 

$

9,751

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

5,782

 

$

584

 

$

90

 

$

857

 

$

7,313

 

Europe

 

716

 

190

 

 

34

 

940

 

Other

 

 

20

 

 

4

 

24

 

 

 

$

6,498

 

$

794

 

$

90

 

$

895

 

$

8,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Lived Assets (excluding Goodwill)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

5,222

 

$

69

 

$

87

 

$

 

$

5,378

 

Europe

 

707

 

1

 

 

 

708

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

$

5,929

 

$

71

 

$

87

 

$

 

$

6,087

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

5,502

 

$

68

 

$

75

 

$

 

$

5,645

 

Europe

 

696

 

1

 

 

 

697

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

$

6,198

 

$

70

 

$

75

 

$

 

$

6,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

218

 

$

194

 

$

 

$

 

$

412

 

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

218

 

$

194

 

$

 

$

 

$

412

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

70

 

$

194

 

$

 

$

 

$

264

 

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

70

 

$

194

 

$

 

$

 

$

264

 

 

Communications revenue is grouped into three categories: 1) Core Services  (including transport and infrastructure services, IP & data services, voice services and Vyvx services) 2) Other Services (including managed modem and related reciprocal compensation, DSL aggregation, and Internet access services), and 3) SBC Contract Services.  This revenue reporting structure represents a change from prior year presentations to reflect how the Company’s management will invest and manage cash flows in the communications business going forward.  Management believes this product grouping provides more meaningful information to the reader of the financial statements because each of the revenue categories has different expectations with respect to future revenue performance.

31




 

 

 

Services

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Core

 

Other

 

SBC Contract
Services

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

377

 

$

119

 

$

278

 

$

774

 

Europe

 

44

 

1

 

 

45

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

421

 

$

120

 

$

278

 

$

819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

725

 

$

241

 

$

570

 

$

1,536

 

Europe

 

85

 

2

 

 

87

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

810

 

$

243

 

$

570

 

$

1,623

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

158

 

$

176

 

$

 

$

334

 

Europe

 

35

 

2

 

 

37

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

193

 

$

178

 

$

 

$

371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

439

 

$

370

 

$

 

$

809

 

Europe

 

69

 

3

 

 

72

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

508

 

$

373

 

$

 

$

881

 

 

Core includes termination revenue of $1 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and $2 million and $131 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

The majority of North American revenue consists of services delivered within the United States.  The majority of European revenue consists of services delivered within the United Kingdom but also includes France and Germany.  Transoceanic revenue is allocated to Europe.

32




The following information provides a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted OIBDA by operating segment, as defined by the Company, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

(dollars in millions)

 

Communications

 

Information
Services

 

Coal Mining

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(224

)

$

23

 

$

1

 

$

(1

)

Income Tax Expense

 

 

2

 

 

1

 

Total Other (Income) Expense

 

207

 

(3

)

 

(2

)

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(17

)

22

 

1

 

(2

)

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

163

 

3

 

1

 

 

Non-Cash Compensation Expense

 

20

 

1

 

 

 

Non-Cash Impairment Charge

 

4

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

170

 

$

26

 

$

2

 

$

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(390

)

$

21

 

$

1

 

$

(1

)

Income Tax Expense

 

(1

)

3

 

 

1

 

Total Other (Income) Expense

 

318

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(73

)

21

 

1

 

(3

)

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

349

 

6

 

2

 

 

Non-Cash Compensation Expense

 

34

 

2

 

 

 

Non-Cash Impairment Charge

 

7

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

317

 

$

29

 

$

3

 

$

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(205

)

$

8

 

$

5

 

$

4

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

Total Other (Income) Expense

 

119

 

1

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(86

)

10

 

6

 

5

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

161

 

2

 

1

 

 

Non-Cash Compensation Expense

 

9

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Impairment Charge

 

4

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

88

 

$

12

 

$

7

 

$

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(284

)

$

9

 

$

7

 

$

3

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

Total Other (Income) Expense

 

224

 

1

 

 

(1

)

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(60

)

11

 

8

 

3

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

326

 

5

 

2

 

 

Non-Cash Compensation Expense

 

19

 

1

 

 

 

Non-Cash Impairment Charge

 

4

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

289

 

$

17

 

$

10

 

$

3

 

33




13. Other Matters

On June 13, 2006, Level 3 completed the sale of 125 million shares of its common stock at $4.55 per share, par value $0.01 per share, in an underwritten public offering.  Level 3 received proceeds of $543 million net of $26 million in transaction costs.  Level 3 used a portion of the net proceeds from this transaction and its offering of 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes  completed in the second quarter to redeem certain debt securities maturing in 2008.  The remaining proceeds will be used to potentially repurchase, redeem or refinance other existing indebtedness from time to time, for acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures.

In April 2002, Level 3 Communications, Inc., and two of its subsidiaries were named as a defendant in Bauer, et. al. v. Level 3 Communications, LLC, et al., a purported class action covering 22 states, filed in state court in Madison County, Illinois. In July 2001, Level 3 was named as a defendant in Koyle, et. al. v. Level 3 Communications, Inc., et. al., a purported two state class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. In November of 2005, the court granted class certification only for the state of Idaho, which decision is on appeal. In September 2002, Level 3 Communications, LLC and Williams Communications, LLC were named as defendants in Smith et. al. v. Sprint Communications Company, L.P., et al., a purported nationwide class action filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In April 2005, the Smith plaintiffs filed a Fourth Amended Complaint which did not include Level 3 or Williams Communications, Inc. as a party, thus ending both companies’ involvement in the Smith case. On February 17, 2005, Level 3 Communications, LLC and Williams Communications, LLC were named as defendants in McDaniel, et. al., v. Qwest Communications Corporation, et al., a purported class action covering 10 states filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. These actions involve the companies’ right to install its fiber optic cable network in easements and right-of-ways crossing the plaintiffs’ land. In general, the companies obtained the rights to construct their networks from railroads, utilities, and others, and have installed their networks along the rights-of-way so granted. Plaintiffs in the purported class actions assert that they are the owners of lands over which the companies’ fiber optic cable networks pass, and that the railroads, utilities, and others who granted the companies the right to construct and maintain their networks did not have the legal authority to do so. The complaints seek damages on theories of trespass, unjust enrichment and slander of title and property, as well as punitive damages. The companies have also received, and may in the future receive, claims and demands related to rights-of-way issues similar to the issues in these cases that may be based on similar or different legal theories. To date, other than as noted above, all adjudicated attempts to have class action status granted on complaints filed against the companies or any of their subsidiaries involving claims and demands related to rights-of-way issues have been denied.

It is still too early for the Company to reach a conclusion as to the ultimate outcome of these actions. However, management believes that the Company and its subsidiaries have substantial defenses to the claims asserted in all of these actions (and any similar claims which may be named in the future), and intends to defend them vigorously if a satisfactory form of settlement is not approved.

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to many other legal proceedings.  Management believes that any resulting liabilities for these legal proceedings, beyond amounts reserved, will not materially affect the Company’s financial condition or future results of operations, but could effect future cash flows.

It is customary in Level 3’s industries to use various financial instruments in the normal course of business.  These instruments include items such as letters of credit.  Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued on behalf of Level 3 in accordance with specified terms and conditions.  As of

34




June 30, 2006, Level 3 had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $37 million which are collateralized by cash that is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash and securities.

14. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

In October 2003, Level 3 Financing, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, Inc., issued $500 million 10.75% Senior Notes due 2011. These notes are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, however, they are jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary).  The 10.75% Senior Notes were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2005.

In March 2006, Level 3 Financing issued $150 million Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 and $250 million 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013.  In addition, on April 6, 2006, Level 3 Financing issued an additional $300 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013.  These notes are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, however, they are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Communications, Inc.

In conjunction with the registration of the 10.75% Senior Notes, Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 and 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial statements of guarantors and affiliates whose securities collateralize an issue registered or being registered.” This information is not intended to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual companies or groups of companies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

35




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 follow. Level 3 Communications, LLC leases equipment and certain facilities from other wholly-owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. These transactions are eliminated in the consolidated results of the Company.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the three months ended June 30, 2006
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

323

 

$

1,270

 

$

(63

)

$

1,530

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Revenue

 

 

 

139

 

948

 

(61

)

1,026

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

83

 

84

 

 

167

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

2

 

 

198

 

128

 

(2

)

326

 

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

 

 

 

3

 

4

 

 

7

 

Total Costs and Expenses

 

2

 

 

423

 

1,164

 

(63

)

1,526

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(2

)

 

(100

)

106

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

5

 

 

10

 

1

 

 

16

 

Interest Expense

 

(111

)

(58

)

 

(1

)

 

(170

)

Interest Income (Expense) Affiliates, net

 

218

 

166

 

(389

)

5

 

 

 

Equity in Net Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries

 

(311

)

(365

)

59

 

 

617

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

 

(54

)

2

 

4

 

 

(48

)

Other Income (Loss)

 

(199

)

(311

)

(318

)

9

 

617

 

(202

)

Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes

 

(201

)

(311

)

(418

)

115

 

617

 

(198

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(201

)

$

(311

)

$

(418

)

$

112

 

$

617

 

$

(201

)

 

36




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the six months ended June 30, 2006
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

643

 

$

2,263

 

$

(109

)

$

2,797

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Revenue

 

 

 

271

 

1,676

 

(104

)

1,843

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

192

 

165

 

 

357

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

2

 

 

384

 

258

 

(5

)

639

 

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

 

 

 

7

 

5

 

 

12

 

Total Costs and Expenses

 

2

 

 

854

 

2,104

 

(109

)

2,851

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(2

)

 

(211

)

159

 

 

(54

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

9

 

 

13

 

3

 

 

25

 

Interest Expense

 

(222

)

(95

)

 

(3

)

 

(320

)

Interest Income (Expense) Affiliates, net

 

427

 

324

 

(767

)

16

 

 

 

Equity in Net Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries

 

(609

)

(784

)

101

 

 

1,292

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

28

 

(54

)

2

 

7

 

 

(17

)

Other Income (Loss)

 

(367

)

(609

)

(651

)

23

 

1,292

 

(312

)

Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes

 

(369

)

(609

)

(862

)

182

 

1,292

 

(366

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(369

)

$

(609

)

$

(862

)

$

179

 

$

1,292

 

$

(369

)

 

37




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the three months ended June 30, 2005
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

336

 

$

599

 

$

(41

)

$

894

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Revenue

 

 

 

141

 

473

 

(38

)

576

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

108

 

56

 

 

164

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

2

 

 

158

 

58

 

(3

)

215

 

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Total Costs and Expenses

 

2

 

 

411

 

587

 

(41

)

959

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(2

)

 

(75

)

12

 

 

(65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

6

 

 

2

 

2

 

 

10

 

Interest Expense

 

(102

)

(32

)

(1

)

(4

)

 

(139

)

Interest Income (Expense) Affiliates, net

 

201

 

127

 

(328

)

 

 

 

Equity in Net Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries

 

(292

)

(387

)

(1

)

 

680

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

1

 

 

7

 

1

 

 

9

 

Other Income (Loss)

 

(186

)

(292

)

(321

)

(1

)

680

 

(120

)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

 

(188

)

(292

)

(396

)

11

 

680

 

(185

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

 

(188

)

(292

)

(396

)

8

 

680

 

(188

)

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(188

)

$

(292

)

$

(396

)

$

8

 

$

680

 

$

(188

)

 

38




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the six months ended June 30, 2005
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

813

 

$

1,154

 

$

(80

)

$

1,887

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Revenue

 

 

 

286

 

921

 

(73

)

1,134

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

226

 

107

 

 

333

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

4

 

 

319

 

123

 

(7

)

439

 

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

 

 

 

15

 

4

 

 

19

 

Total Costs and Expenses

 

4

 

 

846

 

1,155

 

(80

)

1,925

 

Operating Loss

 

(4

)

 

(33

)

(1

)

 

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

6

 

 

5

 

3

 

 

14

 

Interest Expense

 

(183

)

(64

)

(1

)

(5

)

 

(253

)

Interest Income (Expense) Affiliates, net

 

401

 

255

 

(661

)

5

 

 

 

Equity in Net Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries

 

(487

)

(678

)

(2

)

 

1,167

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

2

 

 

9

 

4

 

 

15

 

Other Income (Loss)

 

(261

)

(487

)

(650

)

7

 

1,167

 

(224

)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

 

(265

)

(487

)

(683

)

6

 

1,167

 

(262

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

 

(265

)

(487

)

(683

)

3

 

1,167

 

(265

)

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(265

)

$

(487

)

$

(683

)

$

3

 

$

1,167

 

$

(265

)

 

39




Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 follow:

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
June 30, 2006
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

18

 

$

16

 

$

1,481

 

$

143

 

$

 

$

1,658

 

Marketable securities

 

408

 

 

98

 

1

 

 

507

 

Restricted cash and securities

 

 

3

 

21

 

11

 

 

35

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

77

 

791

 

 

868

 

Due from (to) affiliates

 

11,223

 

5,492

 

(17,146

)

431

 

 

 

Other

 

22

 

6

 

37

 

119

 

 

184

 

Total Current Assets

 

11,671

 

5,517

 

(15,432

)

1,496

 

 

3,252

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

 

3,324

 

2,213

 

 

5,537

 

Marketable Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Cash and Securities

 

2

 

 

 

88

 

 

90

 

Goodwill and Intangibles, net

 

 

 

62

 

666

 

 

728

 

Investment in Subsidiaries

 

(6,593

)

(10,167

)

1,189

 

 

15,571

 

 

Other Assets, net

 

65

 

27

 

14

 

38

 

 

144

 

Total Assets

 

$

5,145

 

$

(4,623

)

$

(10,843

)

$

4,501

 

$

15,571

 

$

9,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

$

119

 

$

711

 

$

 

$

834

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

460

 

 

 

2

 

 

462

 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

 

 

42

 

40

 

 

82

 

Accrued interest

 

110

 

43

 

 

 

 

153

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

 

109

 

111

 

 

220

 

Other

 

1

 

1

 

50

 

116

 

 

168

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

573

 

46

 

320

 

980

 

 

1,919

 

Long-Term Debt, less current portion

 

4,554

 

1,923

 

 

81

 

 

6,558

 

Deferred Revenue

 

 

 

626

 

120

 

 

746

 

Other Liabilities

 

51

 

1

 

197

 

312

 

 

561

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

(33

)

(6,593

)

(11,986

)

3,008

 

15,571

 

(33

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

$

5,145

 

$

(4,623

)

$

(10,843

)

$

4,501

 

$

15,571

 

$

9,751

 

 

40




Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
December 31, 2005
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

37

 

$

8

 

$

275

 

$

132

 

$

 

$

452

 

Marketable securities

 

173

 

3

 

 

 

 

176

 

Restricted cash and securities

 

 

3

 

20

 

11

 

 

34

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

84

 

739

 

 

823

 

Due from (to) affiliates

 

10,117

 

4,613

 

(14,853

)

123

 

 

 

Other

 

16

 

4

 

29

 

136

 

 

185

 

Total Current Assets

 

10,343

 

4,631

 

(14,445

)

1,141

 

 

1,670

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

 

3,409

 

2,229

 

 

5,638

 

Marketable Securities

 

234

 

 

 

 

 

234

 

Restricted Cash and Securities

 

16

 

 

 

59

 

 

75

 

Goodwill and Intangibles, net

 

 

 

85

 

448

 

 

533

 

Investment in Subsidiaries

 

(6,251

)

(9,651

)

802

 

 

15,100

 

 

Other Assets, net

 

44

 

21

 

14

 

48

 

 

127

 

Total Assets

 

$

4,386

 

$

(4,999

)

$

(10,135

)

$

3,925

 

$

15,100

 

$

8,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

141

 

$

645

 

$

 

$

787

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

 

 

46

 

50

 

 

96

 

Accrued interest

 

83

 

18

 

 

1

 

 

102

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

 

138

 

128

 

 

266

 

Other

 

1

 

2

 

50

 

119

 

 

172

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

84

 

21

 

375

 

943

 

 

1,423

 

Long-Term Debt, less current portion

 

4,722

 

1,230

 

 

71

 

 

6,023

 

Deferred Revenue

 

 

 

633

 

115

 

 

748

 

Other Liabilities

 

56

 

1

 

196

 

306

 

 

559

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

(476

)

(6,251

)

(11,339

)

2,490

 

15,100

 

(476

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

$

4,386

 

$

(4,999

)

$

(10,135

)

$

3,925

 

$

15,100

 

$

8,277

 

 

41




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 follow:

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2006
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(171

)

$

(69

)

$

(18

)

$

331

 

$

 

$

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

5

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

 

 

(98

)

 

 

(98

)

Increase in restricted cash and securities

 

 

 

 

(12

)

 

(12

)

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

(68

)

(66

)

 

(134

)

Investments and acquisition

 

 

 

(88

)

6

 

 

(82

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

 

 

5

 

(252

)

(72

)

 

(319

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs

 

326

 

681

 

 

 

 

1,007

 

Refinancing costs and payments on long-term debt, including current portion

 

(51

)

(53

)

 

 

 

(104

)

Equity offering

 

543

 

 

 

 

 

543

 

Increase (decrease) in due from affiliates, net

 

(666

)

(556

)

1,468

 

(246

)

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

152

 

72

 

1,468

 

(246

)

 

1,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

8

 

(2

)

 

6

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(19

)

8

 

1,206

 

11

 

 

1,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

 

37

 

8

 

275

 

132

 

 

452

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

18

 

$

16

 

$

1,481

 

$

143

 

$

 

$

1,658

 

 

42




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2005
(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

Level 3
Communications,
Inc.

 

Level 3
Financing, Inc.

 

Level 3
Communications,
LLC

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(118

)

$

(62

)

$

56

 

$

52

 

$

 

$

(72

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

150

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(648

)

 

 

 

 

(648

)

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and securities

 

 

3

 

(2

)

 

 

1

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

(70

)

(73

)

 

(143

)

Investments and acquisitions

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

(10

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

 

 

 

2

 

2

 

 

4

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

 

(658

)

3

 

80

 

(71

)

 

(646

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs

 

877

 

 

 

 

 

877

 

Payments on long-term debt, including current portion (net of restricted cash)

 

 

 

(25

)

(105

)

 

(130

)

Increase (decrease) due from affiliates, net

 

8

 

54

 

(171

)

109

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

885

 

54

 

(196

)

4

 

 

747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

(8

)

 

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(1

)

 

(10

)

(5

)

 

(16

)

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

108

 

(5

)

(70

)

(28

)

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

 

3

 

17

 

245

 

178

 

 

443

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

111

 

$

12

 

$

175

 

$

150

 

$

 

$

448

 

 

15. Subsequent Events

2008 Debt Redemption

On July 13, 2006, Level 3 redeemed all of its outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008.  Aggregate principal, call premium and accrued interest totaled $470 million.

The 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principle amount of those notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 that were redeemed was $398 million.  The 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101.75% of the principal amount at maturity of those

43




notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The aggregate principal amount at maturity of 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 that were redeemed was $62 million.

Software Spectrum

On July 20, 2006, Level 3 signed a definitive agreement to sell it wholly owned subsidiary Software Spectrum, Inc. to Insight Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of information technology products and services.  Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 will receive consideration of $287 million in cash.  The purchase price is subject to customary working capital and certain other post-closing adjustments.  The sale is subject to regulatory approval as well as certain other closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2006.  The Company expects to reflect Software Spectrum’s results of operations and financial position as discontinued operations beginning in the third quarter of 2006.

The following is the summarized results of operations of the Software Spectrum business for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

695

 

$

504

 

$

1,140

 

$

970

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

627

 

457

 

1,032

 

886

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3

 

2

 

6

 

5

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

43

 

35

 

81

 

68

 

Total costs and expenses

 

673

 

494

 

1,119

 

959

 

Income from operations

 

22

 

10

 

21

 

11

 

Total Other Income (Expense)

 

3

 

(1

)

3

 

(1

)

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

 

(2

)

(1

)

(3

)

(1

)

Net Earnings

 

$

23

 

$

8

 

$

21

 

$

9

 

 

44




The following is summarized balance sheet information for Software Spectrum as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (dollars in millions):

(dollars in millions)

 

June 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

$

492

 

$

431

 

Other

 

65

 

93

 

Total Current Assets

 

557

 

524

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

8

 

6

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net

 

238

 

242

 

Other Assets, net

 

19

 

16

 

Total Assets

 

822

 

788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

459

 

420

 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

17

 

17

 

Deferred revenue

 

43

 

67

 

Other

 

41

 

35

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

560

 

539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Revenue

 

10

 

11

 

Other Liabilities

 

16

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

$

236

 

$

226

 

 

TelCove Acquisition

On July 24, 2006, Level 3 acquired all of the stock of TelCove, Inc., a privately held Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company. Under terms of the agreement, Level 3 paid $446 million in cash and issued approximately 150 million in shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, Level 3 repaid $132 million of debt and acquired $13 million in capital leases in the transaction.  Also, the Company paid third party costs of approximately $15 million related to the transaction, which included certain costs incurred by TelCove.

TelCove is a leading facilities-based provider of metropolitan and regional communications services including transport, Internet access and voice services. TelCove’s network has over 22,000 local and long haul route miles serving 70 markets across the eastern United States, with approximately 4,000 buildings on net.

Looking Glass Acquisition

On August 2, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Looking Glass Networks Holding Co., Inc., a privately held Illinois-based telecommunications company.

The aggregate consideration paid by Level 3 consisted of approximately $9 million in cash and approximately 21 million shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, at the closing, Level 3 repaid approximately $67 million of Looking Glass liabilities.

45




LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto), included elsewhere herein and the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This document contains forward looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Level 3 Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Level 3” or the “Company”). When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this document. For a more detailed description of these risks and factors, please see the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Item 1A in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Level 3 Communications, Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in the communications and information services businesses, with additional operations in coal mining.

Communication Services

The Company is a facilities based provider of a broad range of integrated communications services.  Revenue for communications services is recognized on a monthly basis as these services are provided.  For contracts involving private line, wavelengths and dark fiber services, Level 3 may receive up-front payments for services to be delivered for a period of up to 20 years.  In these situations, Level 3 will defer the revenue and amortize it on a straight-line basis to earnings over the term of the contract.

The Company separates its communication services into three separate categories: 1) Core Communications Services, 2) Other Communications Services, and 3) SBC Contract Services.  Each category of revenue is in a different phase of the service life cycle, requiring different levels of investment and focus and providing different contributions to the Company’s Adjusted OIBDA.  Management of Level 3 believes that growth in revenue from its Core Communications Services is critical to the long-term success of its communications business.  At the same time, the Company believes it must continue to manage effectively the positive cash flows from its SBC Contract Services and its Other Communications Services including the Company’s mature managed modem business and its related reciprocal compensation.  The Core Communications Services group includes transport and infrastructure, IP and data services, voice and Vyvx video and advertising distribution services.  The Other Communications Services group includes managed modem and related reciprocal compensation and legacy managed IP service business.  In 2005, Other Communications Services included DSL aggregation services which are no longer provided.  The SBC Contract Services product group includes all the revenues related to the SBC Master Services Agreement contract, which was obtained in the December 23, 2005 acquisition of WilTel.

The Company’s transport and infrastructure services include colocation services, wavelength, private line, dark fiber and transoceanic services.  Growth in transport and infrastructure revenue is largely dependent on increased demand for bandwidth services and available capital of companies requiring communications capacity for their own use or in providing capacity as a service provider to their customers.  These expenditures may be in the form of up-front payments or monthly payments for private

46




line, wavelength or dark fiber services.  An increase in demand may be partially offset by declines in unit pricing.

IP and data services primarily include the Company’s high speed Internet access service and IP-VPN services.  Level 3’s high speed Internet access service is a high quality and high-speed Internet access service offered in a variety of capacities.  The Company’s IP-VPN services permit businesses of any size to replace multiple networks with a single, cost-effective solution that greatly simplifies the converged transmission of voice, video, and data. This convergence to a single platform can be obtained without sacrificing the quality of service or security levels of traditional ATM and Frame Relay offerings.  IP-VPN services also permit customers to prioritize network application traffic so that high priority applications, such as voice and video, are not compromised in performance by the flow of low priority applications such as email.

The conversion from narrow band dial-up services to higher speed broadband services is expected to increase demand for the Company’s core communications services. Revenue growth in this area is dependent on the continued increase in usage by both enterprises and consumers and the pricing environment. An increase in the reliability and security of information transmitted over the Internet and declines in the cost to transmit data have resulted in increased utilization of e-commerce or web based services by businesses. The Company, however, continues to experience lower revenue growth due to price compression for its IP and data services.  These declines were partially offset by a 68% increase in IP and data traffic for the second quarter of 2006 compared to the second quarter of 2005.  Current high levels of available capacity and the numerous companies competing in this market have resulted in a very competitive pricing environment.

The Company’s average price per megabyte declined approximately 30% in 2005. In addition to pricing pressures, the decline in the Company’s average price per megabyte was attributable to higher traffic from larger customers and customers moving to higher speed services with a lower price per megabyte.  The larger customers have a lower price per megabyte due to higher volume commitments. Level 3 believes that industry-wide, excess network inventory has been significantly reduced and pricing pressures are beginning to moderate as evidenced by the Company’s improved pricing and increased traffic volume. For its IP and data services, the Company expects pricing to decline by approximately 20% in 2006.  The decline is partially due to contract renewals and volume discounts for high traffic customers.

The Company continues to experience pricing pressure for those transport and infrastructure customers that require simple, low quality, point-to-point services, as competitors aggressively pursued this business.  However, Level 3 believes that competitors are less willing to discount these services if it requires investment in incremental capacity to meet the customer’s requirements.  For those customers that provide high quality content or require a combination of transport, IP and voice solutions on a regional or national platform, Level 3 is seeing some indications that price compression is starting to moderate and, in many cases, prices are starting to increase.  Level 3 intends to remain disciplined in its approach to pricing for its transport and IP services.

The emergence of a number of companies from bankruptcy protection and additional competition from other distressed carriers continues to contribute to the difficult and competitive operating environment. The Company does not expect this environment to change significantly until the industry consolidates further and/or demand accelerates.

The Company has developed voice services that target large and existing markets.  The Company believes that the efficiencies of Level 3’s IP and optical-based network, including its Softswitch technology, will provide customers a lower cost alternative than the existing circuit-switched networks.  The Company is moving to develop both its capability to market and sell in the voice market and develop the internal systems and processes necessary to support the new services being launched.  The revenue potential for voice services is large; however, the revenues and margins are expected to continue to decline over time as a result of the new low cost IP and optical-based technologies.  In addition, the market for voice

47




services is being targeted by many competitors, several of which are larger and have more financial resources than the Company.

Vyvx provides audio and video programming for its customers over the Company’s fiber-optic network and via satellite. It uses the Company’s fiber-optic network to carry many live traditional broadcast and cable television events from the site of the event to the network control centers of the broadcasters of the event.  For live events where the location is not known in advance, such as breaking news stories in remote locations, Vyvx provides an integrated satellite and fiber-optic network-based service to transmit the content to its customers. Most of Vyvx’s customers for these services contract for the service on an event-by-event basis; however, Vyvx has some customers who have purchased a dedicated point-to-point service which enables these customers to transmit programming at any time.

Vyvx also distributes advertising spots to radio and television stations throughout the U.S., both electronically and in physical form. Customers for these services can utilize a network-based method for aggregating, managing, storing and distributing content for content owners and rights holders.

The Company’s Other Communications Services are mature products or services that are not areas of emphasis for the Company.  Other Communications Services currently include managed modem, related reciprocal compensation and legacy managed IP services.

The Company and its customers continue to see consumers migrate from narrow band dial-up services to higher speed broadband services as the narrow band market matures.  Additionally, America Online, a primary customer of the Company’s dial-up services, recently announced a strategic change in its approach to its dial-up internet access business that may accelerate the loss of its dial-up subscribers.  While this event is not expected to affect managed modem revenue attributable to America Online meaningfully in 2006, it could have the effect of accelerating the decline in these revenues in 2007 and beyond.  As a result, the Company expects to see continuing declines in managed modem revenue in the future.  The Company recognized approximately $77 million and $156 million of managed modem revenue in the first three and six months of 2006, respectively, an approximate 25% decline from the same periods in 2005.  These declines may be mitigated in the short term by an increase in market share and mid to longer term by growth in IP-based services offered by the Company that address the market shift to higher speed broadband services. Level 3 believes that the low cost structure of its network will enable it to aggressively compete for new business in the IP-based market.

Level 3 receives compensation from other carriers when it terminates traffic originating on those carriers’ networks.  This reciprocal compensation is based on interconnection agreements with the respective carriers or rates mandated by the FCC.   The Company earns the majority of its reciprocal compensation revenue from providing managed modem services.

Legacy managed IP services primarily include low speed services which utilize ATM technology, as well as VPN and managed security services.  The Company’s legacy Internet access business consists primarily of a business that was acquired in the Genuity transaction in 2003.  The Company has elected not to pursue additional customers and to limit the capital invested in this component of its business.

The SBC Master Services Agreement was an agreement between SBC Services Inc. and WilTel and was acquired in the WilTel transaction in December 2005.  Recently, SBC Services Inc. became a subsidiary of AT&T Inc., (together “SBC”).  WilTel and SBC amended their agreement in June 2005 to run through 2009. The remaining gross margin commitment under the agreement as of June 30, 2006 was approximately $165 million for the period through the end of 2007, and $75 million from January 2008 through the end of 2009.  Only purchases of on-net services count toward satisfaction of this purchase commitment. Originating and terminating access charges paid to local phone companies are passed through to SBC in accordance with a formula that approximates cost. Additionally, the SBC Master Services Agreement provides for the payment of $50 million from SBC if certain performance criteria are met by Level 3. If Level 3 meets the performance criteria, it is eligible to earn $25 million in 2006 and $25 million in 2007. As of June 30, 2006, Level 3 has recognized $5 million attributable to the performance criteria.

48




Level 3’s management continues to review all of the Company’s existing lines of business and service offerings to determine how those lines of business and service offerings assist with the Company’s focus on delivery of communications and information services and meeting its financial objectives. To the extent that certain lines of business, business segments or service offerings are not considered to be compatible with the delivery of the Company’s services or with obtaining financial objectives, Level 3 may exit those lines of business, business segments or stop offering those services.

Management focuses on Adjusted OIBDA, cash flows from operating activities and capital expenditures to assess the operating performance of the communications business. Management believes that Adjusted OIBDA, when viewed over time, reflects the operating trend and performance of its communications business. Adjusted OIBDA, or a similar measure, also is an indicator of performance used by Level 3’s competitors and is used by management in evaluating relative performance.

Management of Level 3 believes the introduction of new services or technologies, as well as the further development of existing technologies, may reduce the cost or increase the supply of certain services similar to those provided by Level 3.  The ability of the Company to anticipate, adapt and invest in these technology changes in a timely manner may affect the future success of the Company.

The Company completed the initial planned deployment of the next generation of optical transport technology in its North American and European networks in the fourth quarter of 2005 and early in the first quarter of 2006, respectively.  The Company has decided to deploy the technology for additional routes in North America and Europe and completed the deployments on these routes in 2006.  The Company began an upgrade of its IP backbone technology in the third quarter of 2005.  Level 3 believes that this deployment of new equipment to the existing network equipment will allow the Company to optimize the amount of traffic it carries over the network and lower the cost of providing services.

In order to expand its service offerings in Europe, the Company expects to invest $20 million for a dark fiber based expansion in nine European markets in 2006.  The dark fiber is expected to replace or supplement existing wavelength capacity.

The communications industry continues to consolidate.  Level 3 has participated in this process with the acquisitions of WilTel, Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass.  Level 3 will continue to evaluate consolidation opportunities and could make additional acquisitions in 2006.

The successful integration of these businesses into Level 3 is important to the success of Level 3.  The Company must quickly identify synergies, integrate the networks and support organizations, while maintaining the service quality levels expected by customers.

Level 3 has embarked on a strategy to expand its current metro presence.  The strategy will allow the Company to terminate traffic over its owned metro facilities rather than paying third parties to terminate the traffic.  Level 3’s ability to provide high-speed bandwidth directly to customer facilities is expected to be a competitive advantage as local exchange companies often do not provide this service.  The Company intends to offer the traditional set of services in these markets and concentrate its sales efforts on the bandwidth intensive businesses.  The expansion into new metro markets should also provide additional opportunities to sell services on the Company’s national and international networks.  This new metro strategy includes the acquisitions of Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass.

The Company is focusing its attention on 1) growing revenue through Core Communications Services, 2) continuing to show improvements in Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenue, 3) completing the integration of acquired businesses, 4) managing cash flows provided by its Other Communications Services and SBC Contract Services, and 5) developing its metro business. The anticipated change in the composition of the Company’s revenue will require the Company to manage operating expenses carefully and concentrate its capital expenditures on those technologies and assets that will enable the Company to develop its Core Communications Services further and replace the decline in revenue and earnings from Other Communications Services and SBC Contract Services.

49




In addition to the operational metrics mentioned above, the Company is also focusing on improving its liquidity, financial condition, and extending the maturity dates of certain debt and lowering the effective interest rate on its outstanding debt over the long term.  In January 2006, the Company completed the exchange of several tranches of its debt maturing in 2008 for a new tranche of debt maturing in 2010.  The Company was able to extend the maturity date of approximately $692 million of debt due in 2008 to March 2010.

In March 2006, Level 3 issued $150 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due in 2011 and $250 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013.  In April 2006, the Company issued an additional $300 million of the 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013. The proceeds from these offerings were used to fund the cash portion of the WilTel and Progress Telecom acquisitions as well as fund the cost of construction, installation, acquisition, lease, development or improvement of other assets to be used in Level 3’s communications business.

In June 2006, Level 3 issued $335 million in an underwritten public offering of 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012.  The Company also completed the underwritten public offering of 125 million shares of its common stock for which it received $543 million in net proceeds.  Level 3 used a portion of these proceeds to redeem selected series of its debt securities maturing in 2008.  On July 13, 2006, Level 3 redeemed all of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 for total consideration of $461 million, excluding accrued interest.  The remaining proceeds will be used to potentially repurchase, redeem or refinance other existing indebtedness from time to time, for acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures.

On June 27, 2006, the Company amended and restated its existing $730 million senior secured credit facility to reduce the interest rate payable under the agreement by 400 basis points, modify the prepayment provisions and make other specified changes.  The Company paid approximately $42 million to existing debt holders and $11 million to third parties in transaction costs to complete the transaction.

The Company will continue to look for opportunities to improve its financial position in 2006 and focus its resources on growing revenue and managing costs for the communications business.

Information Services

On November 30, 2005, the Company sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, (i)Structure, LLC, which provided computer outsourcing services primarily to small and medium-sized businesses.  The Company also announced on July 20, 2006, that it had agreed to sell its remaining subsidiary in its information services business, Software Spectrum, Inc. (“Software Spectrum”).  Software Spectrum’s results of operations and financial position are consolidated with the Company’s operations as of and for the periods ending June 30, 2006.  Level 3 expects to reflect Software Spectrum as discontinued operations beginning in the third quarter of 2006.

Software Spectrum is a global reseller of business software, primarily to large and medium sized businesses.  Software Spectrum recognizes revenue at the time the product is shipped or in accordance with the terms of the licensing contracts. Sales under certain licensing programs permit Software Spectrum to recognize only a service fee paid by the software publisher as revenue. Software Spectrum has experienced an increase in sales under this form of licensing program and management expects further adoption of agency licensing programs in the future.  The Company’s ability to resell software is influenced by the general economic environment, specifically in North America and Western Europe, as well as the level of IT spending for business software by large and medium-sized companies.

The software distribution and resale business is very competitive with profitability largely dependent upon rebates received from the software publishers and suppliers.  The amount of rebates received from a publisher or supplier is tied directly to the value of software sold for that publisher or supplier.  These programs vary but, typically contain sales targets that are tiered so that Software Spectrum can earn higher rebates on incremental sales above certain sales targets.  Alternatively, Software Spectrum may

50




forfeit publisher and supplier rebates if certain minimum sales targets are not achieved.  As such, it is not uncommon for software resellers, including Software Spectrum, to price software at or below their cost in order to attain the next sales target and thus earn higher rebates from software publishers and suppliers.

Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) is the primary provider of business software to the Company’s Software Spectrum business.  If Microsoft should successfully implement programs for the direct sale of software through volume purchase agreements or other arrangements intended to exclude the distribution or resale channel, Software Spectrum’s results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

In 2005, Microsoft notified Software Spectrum of changes to Microsoft’s sales agency program which became effective for customer contracts entered into after July 1, 2006. All contracts completed prior to July 1, 2006, were grandfathered under the existing sales agency program. Under the revised program for agency type sales, the number of performance metrics against which Software Spectrum is measured and the standard of performance on those metrics increased. Based on an evaluation of Microsoft’s program changes, Software Spectrum expects that the amount of agency fees it earns from Microsoft will be reduced over the three-year period in which it is implemented.  Due, in part, to the grandfathering of existing sales agency program sales, however, Software Spectrum anticipates that the program changes will not have a significant effect on Software Spectrum’s results of operation or financial position in 2006.

In order to achieve a desired return on invested capital, management of Software Spectrum focuses on 1) revenue growth, 2) Adjusted OIBDA and 3) cash flow from operating activities, including changes in working capital accounts, to assess the financial condition and operating performance of the business.  Software Spectrum has expanded its sales and marketing efforts to small and mid-market businesses as well as other geographic markets to further increase sales and revenue.  In addition to revenue growth, Software Spectrum continues to evaluate its cost structure in order to improve operating results. During the first quarter of 2006, Software Spectrum announced certain business solution partnering agreements which, once implemented, should allow Software Spectrum to operate more efficiently. Management is focusing its attention on minimizing working capital requirements by lowering its days sales outstanding through consistent collection procedures and carefully managing vendor payment terms.  Management expects working capital requirements for the Software Spectrum business to decline in the future as software publishers continue to adopt the agency licensing model.

Coal Mining

Level 3, through its two 50% owned joint venture surface mines in Montana and Wyoming, sells coal primarily through long-term contracts with public utilities. The long-term contracts for the delivery of coal establish the price, volume, and quality requirements of the coal to be delivered. Revenue under these and other contracts is recognized when coal is shipped to the customer.

Critical Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of the Company’s critical accounting policies, and are incorporated herein by reference.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006.  SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of equity or liability instruments issued. The Company adopted the expense recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” in 1998.  Therefore, the effect of applying the change from the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was insignificant.

The Company also adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry” (“EITF No. 04-6”) effective January 1, 2006.  EITF No. 04-6

51




concluded that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be included in the costs of the inventory produced during the period that the stripping costs are incurred.  EITF No. 04-6 further defines inventory produced as mineral that has been extracted.  As a result, stripping costs related to exposed, but not extracted mineral must be expensed as incurred rather than deferred until the mineral is extracted.  The Company’s coal mining business had previously deferred stripping costs and amortized these costs over the period in which the underlying coal is mined.  The Company’s adoption of EITF No. 04-6 on January 1, 2006 required it to adjust beginning retained earnings (accumulated deficit) for the amount of prepaid stripping costs previously deferred.  The Company decreased beginning equity by $3 million as a result of the adoption of EITF No. 04-6.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN  No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that results in a tax benefit.  Additionally, FIN No. 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, income statement classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the application of FIN No. 48 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition, but given its current net operating losses and operating loss carryforwards, does not expect a significant effect on its results of operations or financial condition as a result of adopting FIN No. 48.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement” (“EITF No. 06-3”). The scope of EITF No. 06-3 includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) contributions and some excise taxes. The Task Force affirmed its conclusion that entities should present these taxes in the income statement on either a gross or a net basis, based on their accounting policy, which should be disclosed pursuant to APB Opinion No. 22, “Disclosure of Accounting Policies.” If such taxes are significant, and are presented on a gross basis, the amounts of those taxes should be disclosed. The consensus on EITF No. 06-3 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company currently records USF contributions on a gross basis in its consolidated statements of operations, but records sales, use, value added and excise taxes billed to its customers on a net basis in its consolidated statements of operations.  The Company does not expect that the effect of adopting EITF No. 06-3 will be significant to its reported revenue, operating income and net earnings or loss, but is currently evaluating the effect.

Results of Operations 2006 vs. 2005

Revenue for the periods ended June 30, is summarized as follows (dollars in millions):

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications

 

$

819

 

$

371

 

$

1,623

 

$

881

 

Information Services

 

695

 

504

 

1,140

 

970

 

Coal Mining

 

16

 

19

 

34

 

36

 

 

 

$

1,530

 

$

894

 

$

2,797

 

$

1,887

 

 

Communications revenue is separated into three categories: 1) Core Communications Services  (including transport and infrastructure services, wholesale IP and data services, voice services and Vyvx

52




services), 2) Other Communications Services (including managed modem and its related reciprocal compensation, DSL aggregation, and legacy managed IP services), and 3) SBC Contract Services.  Revenue attributable to these service categories is provided in the following table:

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core Communications Services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport and Infrastructure

 

$

217

 

$

123

 

$

415

 

$

371

 

Wholesale IP and Data

 

67

 

45

 

131

 

86

 

Voice

 

107

 

25

 

205

 

51

 

Vyvx

 

30

 

 

59

 

 

 

 

421

 

193

 

810

 

508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Communication Services :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managed Modem

 

77

 

103

 

156

 

210

 

Reciprocal Compensation

 

28

 

29

 

54

 

57

 

Managed IP

 

15

 

22

 

33

 

45

 

DSL Aggregation

 

 

24

 

 

61

 

 

 

120

 

178

 

243

 

373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SBC Contract Services.

 

278

 

 

570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Communications Revenue

 

$

819

 

$

371

 

$

1,623

 

$

881

 

 

The Company’s Core Communications Services increased 118% in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the second quarter of 2005. The acquisitions of WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications and growth in the Company’s existing products contributed to the increase.  For the three months ended June 30, 2006, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications reported revenue of $15 million and $6 million, respectively.  During the first half of 2006, the Company integrated a significant portion of WilTel into the business.  As a result separate revenue information for former WilTel customers is no longer available.  The Company continues to see demand for complex nationwide solutions and colocation capacity in large markets within its transport and infrastructure business.

Wholesale IP and data services revenue increased for the three months ended June 30, 2006, primarily due to the customers obtained in the WilTel transaction.  Wholesale IP and data revenue also increased due to traffic growth in North America from new and existing customers that exceeded the rate of price compression. Traffic growth was mitigated by a customer’s migration of traffic to its own network which was acquired via a merger with another carrier. Improved market acceptance of the Company’s IP-VPN service and the continued growth of previously awarded contracts also contributed to the increase in wholesale IP and data revenue.

Level 3’s voice revenue increased for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to the operations acquired in the WilTel transaction, particularly domestic and international voice termination services, and growth in Level 3’s existing wholesale and VoIP-related services.  In addition, 2006 revenue attributable to the Company’s existing local inbound service increased by approximately $3 million or 167% from 2005 levels.

The Vyvx business was acquired on December 23, 2005 as part of the WilTel transaction.  Revenue of $30 million is included in the results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Managed modem revenue declined in 2006 as a result of the continued migration from narrow band dial-up services to higher speed broadband services by end user customers.  This change resulted in a decline in

53




the demand for managed modem ports.  America Online, the Company’s largest managed modem customer, reduced the number of ports it purchased from Level 3 by approximately 30% during 2005.  Managed modem revenue also declined in 2006 as a result of certain contracts being renewed or renegotiated at prices lower than were in effect in 2005.

The Company expects, excluding the effects of future acquisitions and increases in market share, managed modem related revenue to continue to decline in the future, primarily due to an increase in the number of subscribers migrating to broadband services and to potential pricing concessions as contracts are renewed.

The Company’s primary DSL aggregation customer began to migrate its DSL subscribers to its own network beginning in the first quarter of 2005.  The customer completed the migration of its subscribers in the third quarter of 2005.  The Company’s other DSL contracts expired in 2005 and were not renewed.  The Company did not recognize DSL revenue in 2006 and does not expect to recognize DSL aggregation revenue in the foreseeable future.

Reciprocal compensation revenue declined slightly in the second quarter of 2006 versus the second quarter of 2005 primarily due to the signing of interconnection agreements with other carriers in 2005 that resulted in the Company receiving a lower rate per minute for terminating traffic. The majority of the Company’s interconnection agreements provide rate structures through 2006.  The Company earns the majority of its reciprocal compensation revenue from managed modem services.

Level 3 has interconnection agreements in place for the majority of traffic subject to reciprocal compensation.  Level 3 continues to negotiate new interconnection agreements with its local carriers.  To the extent that the Company is unable to sign new interconnection agreements, signs new agreements containing lower rates, there is a significant decline in the Company’s managed modem dial-up business, or FCC or state regulations change such that carriers are not required to compensate other carriers for terminating ISP-bound traffic, reciprocal compensation revenue may decline significantly over time.

The Company’s legacy Managed IP business consists primarily of a business that was acquired in the Genuity transaction in 2003.  The Company has not invested in this service and is not actively looking for new customers.  The decline in revenue is attributable to the disconnection of service by existing customers.  The Company expects this trend to continue throughout 2006.

The SBC Master Services Agreement was obtained in the WilTel transaction.  Under the terms of the agreement, SBC has gross margin purchase commitments through 2009.  Due to the significance of the commitment, the Company has elected to separate and report revenue generated under this contract from its Other Communications Services.  Level 3 earned revenue of approximately $278 million attributable to this contract in the second quarter of 2006 of which approximately 26% will apply to the gross margin purchase commitment.  The remaining gross margin commitment under the agreement as of June 30, 2006 was approximately $165 million for the period through the end of 2007, and $75 million from January 2008 through the end of 2009.  Additionally, the SBC Master Services Agreement provides for the payment of $50 million from SBC if certain performance criteria are met by Level 3. If Level 3 meets the performance criteria, it is eligible to earn $25 million in 2006 and $25 million in 2007. As of June 30, 2006, Level 3 has recognized $5 million attributable to the performance criteria.

SBC has begun to migrate its traffic to the AT&T network acquired in 2005.  The Company expects revenue and gross margin to decline in future periods.  However, SBC must still comply with the minimum margin commitments contained in its contract.

Communications revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006 increased compared to the same period in 2005 for the same reasons noted above for the three month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.  Partially offsetting the increase in revenue in 2006 was the recognition of $129 million of termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005.  Transport and infrastructure revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2005 includes the $130 million of termination revenue primarily attributable to agreements reached with France Telecom and 360networks relating to the termination of existing dark fiber lease

54




agreements with those customers described below.  Termination revenue of $1 million was included in transport and infrastructure revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

In February 2005, France Telecom and Level 3 finalized an agreement to terminate a dark fiber agreement signed in 2000. Under the terms of the agreement France Telecom returned the fiber to Level 3.  Under the original IRU agreement, the cash received by Level 3 was deferred and amortized to revenue over the 20-year term of the agreement. As a result of this transaction, Level 3 recognized unamortized deferred revenue of approximately $40 million as non-cash termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005.

In March 2005, Level 3 entered into an agreement with 360networks in which both parties agreed to terminate a 20-year IRU agreement. Under the new agreement, 360networks returned the dark fiber originally provided by Level 3. Under the original IRU agreement, signed in 2000, the revenue associated with the cash received by Level 3 was deferred and amortized to revenue over the 20-year term of the agreement. As a result of this transaction, Level 3 recognized the unamortized deferred revenue of approximately $86 million as non-cash termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005.

The Company expects to recognize termination revenue in the future if customers desire to renegotiate contracts or are required to terminate service. The Company is not able to estimate the specific value of these types of transactions until they occur, but does not currently expect to recognize significant termination revenue for the foreseeable future.

Wholesale IP and data services revenue increased in 2006 primarily due to the customers obtained in the WilTel transaction and traffic growth in North America from new and existing customers as well as improved market acceptance of the Company’s IP-VPN service.

The acquisition of WilTel’s domestic and international voice termination contracts in December 2005 and growth in these services and Level 3’s voice services were the primary factors resulting in the increase in voice revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period in 2005.

The continued migration from narrow band dial-up services to higher speed broadband services resulted in a decline in demand for ports and a reduction in managed modem revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. As noted earlier, America Online reduced the number of ports it purchased from Level 3 by approximately 30% and certain contracts were renewed at lower prices during 2005.

Reciprocal compensation revenue declined from 2005 levels primarily due to the signing of interconnection agreements with other carriers in 2005 that resulted in the Company receiving a lower rate per minute for terminating traffic.

Information services revenue increased 38% from three months ending June 30, 2005 to the three months ending June 30, 2006, due to several large customer contracts and an increase in sales to mid-market customers.  Software Spectrum has increased sales and marketing efforts and resources targeting mid-market businesses over the last 18 months resulting in higher revenues in 2006.  The increase in revenue was partially offset by an increase in sales under software publishers’ agency licensing programs that result in only a service fee being recognized as revenue, rather than the selling price of the software.  Software Spectrum began experiencing an increase in sales under Microsoft’s 6.0 licensing program and similar programs offered by other suppliers several years ago.  Under these programs, new enterprise-wide licensing arrangements are priced, billed and collected directly by the software publishers. Software Spectrum continues to provide sales and support services related to these transactions and earns a service fee directly from publishers for these activities.  The Company recognizes the service fee it receives as revenue and not the entire value of the software under this program. Software Spectrum recorded approximately $31 million and $22 million of revenue attributable to these types of contracts in the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The estimated selling price of the software sold under these agreements was $492 million and $379 million for the corresponding periods.

55




Revenue attributable to Software Spectrum also increased for the six months ended June 30, 2006 versus the corresponding period in 2005 for the same reasons noted above.  An increase in agency sales in the first three months of 2006 compared to 2005 partially offset the increased revenue attributable to the large contracts and mid-market businesses. Software Spectrum recorded approximately $48 million and $36 million of revenue attributable to these types of contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The estimated selling price of the software sold under these agreements was $800 million and $635 million for the corresponding periods.

The software reseller industry is seasonal, with revenue and Adjusted OIBDA typically being higher in the second and fourth quarters of the Company’s fiscal year.

If Microsoft and the other suppliers are successful in further implementing agency licensing programs, it may result in a significant decline in the amount of information services revenue recognized by the Company.  The decline in revenue is not expected to have a meaningful effect on operating income (loss), as the Company should experience a corresponding decline in cost of revenue.

Coal mining revenue decreased from $19 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 to $16 million for the three months ended  June 30, 2006.  The decrease in revenue is attributable to a 13% decline in the average price per ton of coal sold and a 3% decline in coal shipped in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.  The price decline is attributable to coal sold under a contract that was renewed in 2005 and contained a lower price per ton than the original contract.

For the six month period ending June 30, 2006, coal sales declined 6% versus the same period in 2005.  An 11% decline in the average price per ton of coal sold was partially offset by a 7% increase in tons shipped.  The Company began delivering coal under new and amended contracts during the first quarter of 2005. The increase in tons shipped in 2006 is attributable to the contracts awarded during 2005.

Cost of Revenue for the communications business, as a percentage of revenue, was 47% and 30% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The increase is due to the significant voice and SBC contract services revenue obtained in the WilTel acquisition.  The margins for the SBC contract services revenue are lower than the margins earned on other components included in Core and Other Communications Services.  Partially offsetting the lower WilTel margins were the margins earned by Progress Telecom and ICG Communications.   Margins for these businesses were slightly higher in 2006 than those reported by the Company in 2005.

The communications business’ cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was 48% and 26%, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to the recognition of termination revenue in 2005 and incremental revenue relating to the operations acquired from WilTel which was recognized in 2006. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company recognized $129 million of termination revenue, primarily related to 360networks and France Telecom. The termination revenue, with no corresponding cost of revenue, positively affected the percentage in 2005.  Excluding termination revenue, the cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue, would have been 30% for the six months ended June 30, 2005.  Cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue, increased in 2006 due to the voice and SBC Contract Services revenue obtained in the WilTel acquisition.

The cost of revenue for Software Spectrum, as a percentage of its revenue, was 90.6% for the second quarter of 2005 compared to 90.2% for the same period in 2006.  The increase in agency sales in 2006, which generally have higher margins than non-agency sales, was the primary factor in the improved results.  This was partially offset by lower margins earned on several large contracts which were awarded in the second quarter of 2006. Software Spectrum is very reliant on rebates received from software publishers to improve its operating results.  For the three month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, Software Spectrum earned approximately $21 million and $11 million, respectively, in rebates which reduced cost of revenue.  The increase in rebates in 2006 is directly attributable to the increase in revenue.

56




For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue, for Software Spectrum was 90.5% and 91.3%, respectively.  The increase in agency sales and higher rebates in 2006 resulted in the improved margins.  Software Spectrum earned $29 million and $19 million in rebates from publishers for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue, for the coal mining business increased from 47% for the three months ended June 30, 2005 to 89% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and from 61% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to 88% for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  In the second quarter of 2005, the Company was able to favorably resolve certain production tax issues.  The resolution of this matter resulted in a $5 million reduction in cost of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.  In addition, the decline in the average price per ton of coal sold in 2006 versus 2005 resulted in an increase in cost of revenue, as a percentage of revenue.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $167 million for the second quarter of 2006, a 2% increase from the depreciation and amortization expense of $164 million in the same period of 2005. The increase is primarily attributable to the communications tangible and intangible assets that were acquired in the WilTel transaction in December 2005 and the Progress Telecom transaction in March 2006.  This increase was partially offset by an $18 million decrease in depreciation expense in the second quarter of 2006 attributable to the change in estimated useful life for fiber.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was offset by the shorter-lived communications assets, including intangible assets, that were placed in service in prior years that became fully depreciated or amortized during the second half of 2005 and the first quarter of 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $357 million and $333 million, respectively.  The increase is primarily attributable to transactions and factors described above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 52% to $326 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily attributable to the inclusion of a full quarter of expenses associated with the operations acquired in the WilTel and Progress Telecom transactions.  Specifically, increases in compensation, bonus, and employee related costs, network related costs and facility-based expenses all contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2006.  Also, the Company’s information services business experienced an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily related to an increase in headcount and performance incentives at Software Spectrum.

Selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the Company’s other businesses in the second quarter of 2005 included the favorable settlement of an obligation to provide insurance for employees of the Company’s former packaging business and the receipt of insurance proceeds reimbursing the Company for payments made to settle legacy environmental litigation.  These items resulted in a $6 million decline in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2005.  The Company does not expect to realize cost reductions of this magnitude in the future for these businesses.

Included in operating expenses for the second quarter of 2006 and 2005, were $21 million and $9 million, respectively, of non-cash compensation and professional expenses recognized under SFAS No. 123R and SFAS No. 123, respectively, related to grants of outperform stock options, warrants and other stock-based compensation programs. The increase is primarily due to an increase in outperform stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in 2006 and an increase in the value of the options granted to employees.  In addition, during the second quarter of 2006, the October 2005 and January 2006 grants were revalued using May 15, 2006 as the grant date, in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, and resulted in a $6 million increase in non-cash compensation expense during the second quarter of 2006.  As stated in the Company’s proxy materials for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, over the course of the years since April 1, 1998, the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors had administered the 1995

57




Stock Plan under the belief that the action of the Company’s Board of Directors to amend and restate that plan effective April 1, 1998 had the effect of extending the original term of the Plan to April 1, 2008.  After a further review of the terms of the plan, however, the compensation committee determined that an ambiguity could exist as to the date of the expiration of the plan. To remove any ambiguity, the Board of Directors sought the approval of the Company’s stockholders to amend the plan to extend the term of the plan by five years to September 25, 2010.  This approval was obtained at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 15, 2006.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 46% to $639 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily attributable to the factors described above.  In addition, partially offsetting the increase in communication expenses was a property tax benefit of $7 million pertaining to the Company’s facilities in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2006.

Included in operating expenses for the first half of 2006 and 2005, were $36 million and $20 million, respectively, of non-cash compensation and professional expenses recognized under SFAS No. 123R and SFAS No. 123, respectively, related to grants of outperform stock options, warrants and other stock-based compensation programs. The increase is primarily due to the factors described above.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2006, the Company expects to issue both restricted stock units and OSOs on a quarterly basis.

The Company expects selling, general and administrative expenses to increase in 2006 versus 2005 as a result of the WilTel, Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass acquisitions.

Restructuring and impairment charges were $7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and $4 million for the same period in 2005. In the second quarter of 2006, the Company recognized approximately $3 million of restructuring charges attributable to the workforce reductions of the communications business in North America and the business solution partnering arrangements at Software Spectrum.

Non-cash impairment charges were $4 million in each of the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. During the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 recognized $4 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to excess land of the communications business deemed available for sale in Germany.  This charge resulted from the difference between the recorded carrying value and the estimated market value of the land.

Non-cash impairment charges of $4 million were recognized in the second quarter of 2005 as a result of the decision to terminate projects for certain Softswitch related products in the communications business.  The costs incurred for these projects, including capitalized operating expenses, were impaired as the carrying value of these projects exceeded their estimated fair value.

Restructuring and impairment charges were $12 million for the first half of 2006 and $19 million for the same period in 2005.  In the first half of 2006, the Company recognized approximately $5 million of restructuring charges attributable to the workforce reductions of the communications business in North America and the business solution partnering arrangements at Software Spectrum.  In the first quarter of 2005, the Company recognized approximately $15 million of restructuring charges related to the workforce reductions of the communications business in North America and Europe.  The employees affected by this workforce reduction provided support functions or worked directly on mature products.  All obligations attributable to the 2005 restructuring activities were paid in 2005.

Non-cash impairment charges were $7 million and $4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  In addition to the $4 million of non-cash impairment charges in the second quarter of 2006 discussed above, the Company recognized $3 million of non-cash impairment charges in the first quarter of 2006 that resulted from the decision to terminate projects for certain voice services and certain information technology projects in the communications business.  These projects have identifiable costs

58




which Level 3 can evaluate separately for impairment.  The costs incurred for these projects, including capitalized labor, were impaired as the carrying value of these projects exceeded their estimated fair value.

Adjusted OIBDA is defined by the Company, as operating income (loss) from the consolidated statements of operations, less depreciation and amortization expense, less non-cash compensation expense included within selling, general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of operations, and less the non-cash portion of restructuring and impairment charges. Adjusted OIBDA is not a measurement under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and may not be used by other companies. Management believes that Adjusted OIBDA is an important component of the Company’s internal reporting and is an indicator of profitability and operating performance used by the chief operating decision maker or decision making group, especially in a capital-intensive industry such as telecommunications. Adjusted OIBDA excludes interest expense and income tax expense and other gains/losses not included in operating income. Excluding these items eliminates the expenses associated with the Company’s capitalization and tax structures. Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA for each of the Company’s operating segments.

Adjusted OIBDA for the communications business increased to $170 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $88 million for the same period in 2005.  This increase is primarily attributable to the operations acquired in the WilTel and Progress Telecom transactions, which were acquired in December 2005 and March 2006, respectively.   Partially offsetting the increase are cash restructuring charges of $3 million in the second quarter of 2006.  There were no restructuring charges in the second quarter of 2005.

Adjusted OIBDA for the communications business was $317 million and $289 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The increase in 2006 is primarily attributable to the operations acquired in the WilTel and Progress Telecom transactions.  In addition, a decline in restructuring charges from $15 million in the first half of 2005 to $4 million in the first half of 2006 also contributed to the improved results.  Partially offsetting these items was the $128 million reduction in termination and settlement revenue from 2005 to 2006.

Adjusted OIBDA for the information services business increased to $26 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 from $12 million for the same period in 2005.  The increase in Software Spectrum’s adjusted OIBDA is primarily attributable to the increase in sales activity and revenues discussed above and improved gross profits associated with increased publisher sales.  Partially offsetting this increase was higher operating expenses primarily attributable to an increase in sales headcount and related expenses, including compensation.

Adjusted OIBDA for the information services business increased from $17 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to $29 million for the same period in 2006.  Adjusted OIBDA for Software Spectrum increased as a result of improved gross profit from software sales.  Partially offsetting this increase was higher operating expenses primarily attributable to an increase in sales headcount and related expenses, including compensation.  In addition Software Spectrum recognized approximately $1 million of restructuring charges in the first half of 2006 related to the implementation of a business solutions partner arrangement.

Adjusted OIBDA for the Company’s coal and other businesses for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was less than $1 million.  In 2005, Adjusted OIBDA was $12 million and $13 million for the corresponding periods. The decrease in both periods is primarily attributable to the favorable resolution of certain production tax issues, which resulted in a $5 million decrease in the cost of revenue for the mining business in the second quarter of 2005, and a $6 million benefit, related to the favorable settlement of an obligation to provide insurance for employees of the Company’s former packaging business and the receipt of insurance proceeds reimbursing the Company for payments made to settle legacy environmental litigation, contributing to the lower selling, general and administrative expenses of the Company’s other businesses in the second quarter of 2005.

59




Interest Income was $16 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increasing from $10 million for the same period of 2005.   This increase is the result of increases in the weighted average interest rate earned on the portfolio and in the average cash and marketable security portfolio balance. The Company’s average return on its portfolio during the second quarter increased from 2.6% in 2005 to 4.3% in 2006.  The average cash balance also increased by approximately 15% from 2005 to 2006.

Interest Income was $25 million for the first half of 2006 increasing from $14 million in the same period of 2005.   This increase is the result of increases in the weighted average interest rate earned on the portfolio and in the average cash and marketable security portfolio balance. The Company’s average return on its portfolio during the first half of the year increased from 2.4% in 2005 to 4.0% in 2006.  The average cash balance also increased by approximately 15% from 2005 to 2006.  Pending utilization of cash and cash equivalents, the Company invests the funds primarily in government and government agency securities and money market funds. The investment strategy generally provides lower yields on the funds than on alternative investments, but reduces the risk to principal in the short term prior to these funds being used in the Company’s business.

Interest Expense, net increased by $31 million from $139 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 to $170 million in 2006. Interest expense increased primarily as a result of increased interest expense from the issuance of $550 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due 2013 issued in the first half of 2006, $335 million of Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 issued on June 13, 2006, Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011 issued on March 14, 2006 and the $880 million of 10% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 in the second quarter of 2005.  In addition, the Company exchanged portions of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008, 11% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 for new 11.5% Senior Notes due 2010 during the first quarter of 2006, thereby increasing the effective interest expense on this debt.  The Company experienced a higher interest rate on the $730 million Senior Secured Term Loan due 2011 prior to its amendment in late June of 2006 which also resulted in increased interest charges in the second quarter of 2006.

Interest expense increased by $67 million from $253 million for the first half of 2005 to $320 million in 2006. Interest expense increased primarily as a result of the transactions described above.  Overall, the debt exchange transaction and the additional debt issued in the first and second quarters of 2006, partially offset by reduced interest expense due to the amended and restated $730 million senior secured credit facility and the redemption in July 2006 of the 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008, are expected to increase the Company’s annual interest expense in 2006.

Other, net decreased in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily as a result of the $55 million loss realized on the amendment and restatement of the Company’s Senior Secured Term Loan due 2011 recognized in the second quarter of 2006.

Other, net decreased in the first half of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily as a result of the transaction described above.  This decrease was partially offset by the $27 million gain realized on the debt exchange in the first quarter of 2006.

Income Tax Expense was $3 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

60




Financial Condition—June 30, 2006

Cash flows provided by (used in) continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Communications**

 

$

46

 

$

(72

)

Information Services

 

21

 

(2

)

Other

 

6

 

2

 

Total

 

$

73

 

$

(72

)


** Includes interest expense net of interest income

The improvement in communications operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 is primarily attributable to improved operating results after excluding the effects of $129 million of non-cash termination revenue in the first quarter of 2005. The improved results are directly attributable to the operations of WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications, which were acquired late in 2005 and first half of 2006, and additional revenue from Core Communications Services.  Fluctuations in working capital balances resulted in an incremental source of cash of $15 million in the six months of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.  An increase in cash provided by accounts receivable was partially offset by an increase in cash used for accounts payable and other current liabilities and a decline in deferred revenue. Partially offsetting the increase in cash provided by operations and working capital fluctuations were higher cash interest payments in 2006.  Cash interest payments increased by $54 million in the first six months of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

The improvement in cash provided by operating activities for the information services group for the six months ended June 30, 2006, is primarily the result of higher earnings and fluctuations in working capital.  Operating cash flows are largely dependent on the timing of collections from customers and payments to suppliers.  Adjusted OIBDA for the information services business improved from $17 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to $29 million for the same period in 2006. In addition, a decline in cash used for accounts payable and other current liabilities partially offset an increase in accounts receivable in the first six months of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 and resulted in the additional cash being provided by operating activities.

The increase in operating cash flows for the other businesses is primarily attributable to the payment of certain legal and benefit obligations of the coal and packaging business in 2005. Payments for these types of obligations decreased in 2006.

Investing activities in the first half of 2006 primarily include $70 million and $45 million of cash used for the acquisition of Progress Telecom and ICG Communications, respectively, $134 million used for capital expenditures, primarily in the communications business, and $98 million to purchase short-term marketable securities.  In addition, the Company increased its restricted securities by $12 million, primarily for its coal business.  In the second quarter, the Company received $27 million from Leucadia for the WilTel purchase price adjustment and $5 million of proceeds from the sale of Infocrossing shares received in the (i)Structure transaction.

Financing sources in 2006 consisted of $379 million of proceeds from the issuance of the Floating Rate Senior Notes due in 2011 and 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013, $301 million from the offering of additional 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013, $326 million from the offering of 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012

61




and $543 million of proceeds from the offering of 125 million shares of common stock.  The debt exchange transaction in January 2006 required Level 3 to pay $46 million of premiums to holders of the exchanged notes.  Level 3 also incurred $5 million of third-party costs associated with this transaction.  The $730 million credit agreement amendment and restatement required the payment of $53 million in fees to debt holders and third parties.

In July 2006, the Company used $470 million of cash to redeem all the outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due in 2008, including accrued interest. The Company also completed the acquisition of TelCove on July 24, 2006.  In the transaction, Level 3 issued approximately 150 million shares of common stock and paid $446 million in cash consideration.  The Company also repaid $132 million of TelCove debt at closing.  Also, the Company paid third party costs of approximately $15 million related to the transaction, which included certain costs incurred by TelCove.

On August 2, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Looking Glass  The aggregate consideration paid by Level 3 was $96 million consisting of approximately $9 million in cash and approximately 21 million shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, at the closing, Level 3 repaid approximately $67 million of Looking Glass liabilities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company incurred losses from continuing operations of $201 million and $369 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  The Company generated $61 million and used $61 million of cash for operating activities less capital expenditures in the first three and six months of 2006, respectively. The Company expects that the communications business will consume cash for the remainder of 2006, however, the amount of cash consumed is expected to diminish, excluding the timing effects of working capital requirements and interest payments.  In 2006, the Company expects its costs will continue to exceed revenue and it will continue to consume cash primarily due to interest payments and capital expenditures.   The Company expects Adjusted OIBDA to improve in 2006 primarily as a result of the WilTel, Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass acquisitions and the growth in Core Communications Services revenue.  Interest payments are expected to increase to approximately $550 million in 2006 based on debt levels at the time of this filing.  Capital expenditures for 2006 are expected to range from $360 million to $410 million and will consist of $100 million to $150 million of base capital expenditures (capital required to keep the network operating efficiently and product development), approximately $30 million of capital expenditures for the integration of WilTel, $10 million associated with the expected integration of ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass, and $20 million for a dark fiber based expansion in Europe.  The majority of the Company’s ongoing capital expenditures is expected to be success-based, which is tied to incremental revenue.   In total, the Company expects that cash required for operating activities and capital expenditures will range from $195 million to $205 million, excluding fluctuations in working capital and the results of Software Spectrum.  The Company does not have any significant principal amounts due on its outstanding debt until 2010.  The Company has debt of $142 million and $363 million that matures in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Level 3 has approximately $2.165 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand at June 30, 2006.  In addition, $125 million of current and non-current restricted securities are used to collateralize outstanding letters of credit, long-term debt, certain operating obligations of the Company or to fund certain reclamation liabilities. Subsequent to June 30, 2006, the Company used $470 million to redeem certain tranches of 2008 debt and related accrued interest as well as $654 million to acquire TelCove and Looking Glass.  Based on information available at this time, management of the Company believes that the Company’s current liquidity and anticipated future cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund its business.  However, if the Company has the opportunity, at acceptable terms, to improve its liquidity, refinance its debt, or fund acquisitions, the Company may elect to secure additional capital in the future.

In March 2006, Level 3 issued $150 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due in 2011 and $250 million of 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013.  In April 2006, the Company issued an additional $300 million of the 12.25% Senior Notes due in 2013. The proceeds from these offerings were used to fund the cash portion of

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the WilTel and Progress Telecom acquisitions as well fund the cost of construction, installation, acquisition, lease, development or improvement of other assets to be used in Level 3’s communications business.

In June 2006, Level 3 issued $335 million of 3.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012.  The Company also completed the offering of 125 million shares of its common stock for which it received $543 million in net proceeds.  Level 3 used a portion of these proceeds to redeem selected series of its debt securities maturing in 2008.  On July 13, 2006, Level 3 redeemed all of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 for total consideration of $461 million, excluding accrued interest.  The remaining proceeds will be used to potentially repurchase, redeem or refinance other existing indebtedness from time to time, for acquisitions and for general corporate purposes including working capital and capital expenditures.

Level 3 is aware that the various issuances of its outstanding senior notes, senior discount notes and convertible notes may trade at discounts to their respective face or accreted amounts. In order to continue to reduce future cash interest payments, as well as future amounts due at maturity, Level 3 or its affiliates may, from time to time, enter into debt for debt, debt for equity or cash transactions to purchase these outstanding debt securities in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Level 3 will evaluate any such transactions in light of then existing market conditions and the possible dilutive effect to stockholders. The amounts involved in any such transaction, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.

On January 13, 2006, the Company completed private exchange offers to exchange a portion of its outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008, 11% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 (together the “2008 Notes”) that were held by eligible holders in a private placement for cash and new 11.5% Senior Notes due 2010.  The Company issued $692 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes as well as paid $46 million of cash consideration in exchange for the 2008 Notes tendered in the transactions.   The Company also paid approximately $13 million in cash for total accrued interest on the 2008 Notes that had been accepted for exchange to the closing date and $5 million in transaction costs.

On June 27, 2006 the Company amended and restated its existing $730 million senior secured credit facility to reduce the interest rate payable under the agreement by 400 basis points, modify the prepayment provisions and make other specified changes.  The Company paid approximately $42 million to existing debt holders and $11 million to third parties in transaction costs to complete the transaction.

In addition to raising capital through the debt and equity markets, the Company may sell or dispose of existing businesses, investments or other non-core assets.  In 2005, the Company completed the sale of the (i)Structure business to Infocrossing for approximately $85 million in cash and Infocrossing common stock. On July 20, 2006, Level 3 announced that it had agreed to sell Software Spectrum for $287 million in cash, subject to working capital and other post-closing adjustments, to Insight Enterprises, Inc. The Software Spectrum transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2006.

The communications industry continues to consolidate.  Level 3 has participated in this process with the acquisitions of WilTel, Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass.  Level 3 will continue to evaluate consolidation opportunities and could make additional acquisitions in 2006.

On December 23, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of WilTel Communications Group, LLC from Leucadia National Corporation and its subsidiaries. The consideration paid consisted of approximately $363 million in cash (including $27 million of post-closing working capital and other adjustments which reduced the total purchase price), plus $100 million in cash to reflect Leucadia’s having complied with its obligation to retain that amount of cash with WilTel, and 115 million shares, with a fair value of approximately $313 million, of Level 3 common stock.  The Company also incurred costs of approximately $7 million related to the transaction.

On March 20, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Progress Telecom LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 issued approximately 20 million shares, valued at approximately $66 million, and $69 million in cash. The Company also incurred approximately $1 million of costs attributable to the transaction.  The purchase price was reduced by $2 million in the second quarter due to post-closing adjustments based on actual working capital as of the closing date.

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On May 31, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of ICG Communications, Inc., a privately held Colorado-based telecommunications company. Under terms of the agreement, Level 3 paid total consideration of $176 million, consisting of approximately 26 million shares of Level 3 common stock, valued at $131 million, and $45 million in cash.  The Company also incurred costs of approximately $1 million related to the transaction.

On July 24, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of TelCove, Inc., a privately held Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company. Under terms of the agreement, Level 3 paid $446 million in cash and issued approximately 150 million shares of Level 3 common stock valued at $637 million.  In addition, Level 3 repaid $132 million of TelCove debt and acquired $13 million in capital leases in the transaction.  Also, the Company paid third party costs of approximately $15 million related to the transaction, which included certain costs incurred by TelCove.

After integration, TelCove’s metropolitan and regional networks will connect Level 3’s national backbone network directly to traffic aggregation points. These aggregation points include other carriers’ points of presence, local telecommunications companies’ central offices, wireless providers’ switch centers, colocation and data centers, cable company head ends, and high-bandwidth enterprise locations. With the acquisitions of TelCove, ICG Communications and Progress Telecom, Level 3 has an extensive metro infrastructure in 36 markets, connecting to approximately 900 traffic aggregation points.  Level 3 believes that these facilities will provide a competitive advantage. With the acquisition of Progress Telecom, TelCove, ICG Communications and Looking Glass, the number of Level 3’s traffic aggregation points increased to approximately 5,100 in the U.S. and approximately 5,300 globally.

On August 2, 2006, Level 3 completed the acquisition of Looking Glass, a privately held Illinois-based telecommunications company. The Company paid consideration of approximately $9 million in cash and approximately 21 million shares of Level 3 common stock.  In addition, at the closing, Level 3 repaid approximately $67 million of Looking Glass liabilities.

Looking Glass provides data transport services including SONET/SDH, wavelength and Ethernet as well as dark fiber and carrier-neutral collocation. Looking Glass’ network includes approximately 2,000 route miles serving 14 major metro markets, with lit fiber connectivity to approximately 215 buildings. Looking Glass also has dark fiber connectivity to approximately 250 additional buildings.

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Item 3.                          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Level 3 is subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. As of June 30, 2006, the Company had borrowed a total of $880 million under a Senior Secured Term Loan and Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2011. Amounts drawn on these debt instruments bear interest at LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin. As the LIBOR rates fluctuate, so too will the interest expense on amounts borrowed under the debt instruments. The weighted average interest rate on the variable rate instruments at June 30, 2006, was approximately 8.88%. A hypothetical increase in the variable portion of the weighted average rate by 1% (i.e. a weighted average rate of 9.88%) would increase annual interest expense of the Company by approximately $8.8 million. At June 30, 2006, the Company had $6.212 billion (excluding discounts) of fixed rate debt bearing a weighted average interest rate of 8.98%. A decline in interest rates in the future will not benefit the Company with respect to the fixed rate debt due to the terms and conditions of the loan agreements that require the Company to repurchase the debt at specified premiums.

The Company’s business plan includes operating telecommunications network businesses in Europe.  As of June 30, 2006, the Company had invested significant amounts of capital in the region for its communications business.  In two separate debt issuances, the Company issued a total of €800 million (€154 million outstanding at June 30, 2006) in Senior Euro Notes in February 2000 as an economic hedge against its net investment in its European subsidiaries at the time.  As of June 30, 2006, the Company held enough foreign-denominated currency to fund its current working capital obligations and remaining interest payments on its Euro denominated debt.  The Company has not made significant use of financial instruments to minimize its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

The change in interest rates is based on hypothetical movements and is not necessarily indicative of the actual results that may occur.  Future earnings and losses will be affected by actual fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency rates.

Item 4.                          Controls and Procedures

(a)   Disclosure controls and procedures.   The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2006.  Based upon such review, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s controls and procedures are effective and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules there under, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)   Internal controls.   As a result of its acquisition of WilTel in the fourth quarter of 2005, Progress Telecom in the first quarter of 2006 and ICG Communications in the second quarter of 2006, Level 3 has expanded its internal controls over financial reporting to include consolidation of the WilTel, Progress Telecom and ICG Communications results of operations and financial condition as well as acquisition related accounting and disclosures.  There were no other changes in Level 3’s internal controls over financial reporting that have occurred during the second quarter 2006 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Level 3’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                          Legal Proceedings

The Company has provided an update to legal proceedings involving the Company in Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.  This disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 1A                    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.  The Risk Factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, have not materially changed other than as set forth below.

Our communications revenue is concentrated in a limited number of customers

A significant portion of our communications revenue is concentrated among a limited number of customers. If we lost one or more of these major customers, or if one or more major customers significantly decreased orders for our services, our communications business would be materially and adversely affected. Revenue from our two largest communications customers in 2005, Time Warner, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Verizon Communications, Inc. and its affiliates, represented approximately 18% and 14% of our communications revenue for 2005, respectively. America Online, our largest managed modem customer and an affiliate of Time Warner, Inc., reduced the number of managed modem ports it purchases from us by approximately 30% during 2005. Additionally, America Online recently announced a strategic change in its approach to its dial-up internet access business that may accelerate the loss of its dial-up subscribers.  While this event is not expected to affect managed modem revenue attributable to America Online meaningfully in 2006, it could have the effect of accelerating the decline in these revenues in 2007 and beyond. As a result, the Company expects to see continuing declines in its managed modem revenue in the future.

Our future communications operating results will depend on the success of our customers and our success in selling services to them. If we were to lose a significant portion of our communications revenue from America Online, we would not be able to replace this revenue in the short term and our operating losses would increase, which increase may be significant.

In connection with the acquisition of WilTel in December 2005, we acquired a large customer contract between WilTel and SBC Communications, a subsidiary of AT&T. It is anticipated that the revenue generated by this contract during 2006 will cause SBC Communications to become our largest customer based on revenue. We also expect that the revenue generated under this contract will decline materially over time as SBC Communications migrates its traffic from the Level 3 Network to the network that SBC Communications acquired from the former AT&T.

We may not be able to repay our existing debt; failure to do so or refinance the debt could prevent us from implementing our strategy and realizing anticipated profits

If we were unable to refinance our debt or to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, our ability to operate our business would be impaired. As of June 30, 2006, we had an aggregate of approximately $7.092 billion of long-term debt on a consolidated basis, excluding discounts and fair value adjustments and

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including current maturities, and approximately $33 million of stockholders’ deficit. Additionally, in July, 2006, Level 3 redeemed all of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2008 and 10.5% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 in the aggregate principal amount of $460 million.  Our ability to make interest and principal payments on our debt and borrow additional funds on favorable terms depends on the future performance of the business. If we do not have enough cash flow in the future to make interest or principal payments on our debt, we may be required to refinance all or a part of our debt or to raise additional capital. We cannot assure that we will be able to refinance our debt or raise additional capital on acceptable terms.

As publishers change their distribution model, Software Spectrum increasingly relies on sales agency fees

 

In 2005, Microsoft notified Software Spectrum of changes to Microsoft’s sales agency program which took effect for customer contracts entered into after July 1, 2006. All contracts completed prior to July 1, 2006, were grandfathered under the existing sales agency program. Under the revised program for agency type sales the number of performance metrics against which Software Spectrum is measured and the standard of performance on those metrics will increase. Based on an evaluation of Microsoft’s program changes, Software Spectrum expects that the amount of agency fees it earns from Microsoft will be reduced over the three-year period in which it is implemented. Due to the grandfathering of existing sales agency program sales, however, Software Spectrum anticipates that the program changes will not have a significant effect on Software Spectrum’s results of operation or financial position in 2006. 

 

 

We may not be able to integrate the operations of our acquired businesses with our business efficiently

 

The completion of our acquisitions of WilTel, Progress Telecom, ICG Communications, TelCove and Looking Glass, and of any future acquisitions, creates risks associated with the integration of recently acquired operations with ours. Some integration risks include:

 

 

 

difficulties assimilating the personnel and operations of recently acquired operations;

 

 

 

loss of key personnel of the recently acquired operations;

 

 

 

loss of customers post-integration;

 

 

 

disruption of ongoing business and additional burdens on our management team;

 

 

 

higher integration costs than anticipated;

 

 

 

failure to achieve expected synergies and costs savings;

 

 

 

difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; and

 

 

 

difficulties in ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financial information.

 

We cannot be certain that it will realize the benefits from our recent acquisitions that we anticipate, or that we will be able to integrate the operations of the recently acquired operations successfully. If we fail to integrate acquired operations efficiently, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and future prospects.

 

Item 4.         Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 15, 2006 the following matters were submitted to a vote:

1.                  Election of three Class III Directors to the Board of Directors of Level 3 for a three-year term until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

In Favor

 

Withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arun Netravali

 

672,209,397

 

75,370,175

 

John T. Reed

 

738,584,207

 

8,995,365

 

Michael B. Yanney

 

673,112,175

 

74,467,397

 

 

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In accordance with the stockholders approval to declassify the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Class III Directors elected to the Level 3 Board of Directors as noted above have agreed that their term will expire at the Annual Meeting held in 2007.

2.                  To approve of the grant to the Level 3 Board of Directors discretionary authority to amend our amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split at one of four ratios:

Affirmative votes

 

730,282,690

 

Negative votes

 

15,915,670

 

Abstain

 

1,381,212

 

Broker non-vote

 

0

 

 

3.                  To adopt an amendment to Level 3’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Level 3 common stock, par value $.01 per share from 1.5 billion to 2.25 billion:

Affirmative votes

 

735,323,474

 

Negative votes

 

10,690,338

 

Abstain

 

1,565,760

 

Broker non-vote

 

0

 

 

4.                  To adopt an amendment to Level 3’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to declassify the Board of Directors:

Affirmative votes

 

738,727,703

 

Negative votes

 

6,366,463

 

Abstain

 

2,485,406

 

Broker non-vote

 

0

 

 

5.                  To adopt an amendment to the Level 3 Communications, Inc. 1995 Stock Plan (Amended and Restated as of April 1, 1998) to extend to terms of that plan by five years.

Affirmative votes

 

355,559,005

 

Negative votes

 

169,746,272

 

Abstain

 

4,205,473

 

Broker non-vote

 

218,068,822

 

 

Item 6.                        Exhibits

(a)             Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed below.

12

 

Statements of Computation of Ratios

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

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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.

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 9, 2006

/s/ Eric J. Mortensen

 

Eric J. Mortensen

 

Senior Vice President, Controller

 

and Principal Accounting Officer

 

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