ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period fromto
Commission
File No. 0‑191551
Atlantic
Tele‑Network, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
47‑0728886
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
10
Derby Square
Salem,
Massachusetts
(Address
of principal executive offices)
01970
(Zip
Code)
(978) 619‑1300
(Registrant's
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share
NASDAQ
Global Market
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title
of each class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well‑known seasoned issuer, as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes oNo x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes oNo x
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 xNo o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S‑K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10‑K
or any amendment to this Form 10‑K. o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer" and
"large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act,
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer oAccelerated filer xNon‑accelerated
filer o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b‑2 of the Act). Yes oNo x
The
aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non‑affiliates of the
registrant as of June 30, 2006, was approximately $105,094,568 based on
the closing price of the registrant's Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market.
As
of March 16, 2007, the registrant had 15,191,707 outstanding shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions
of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2007 are incorporated by reference into
Part III of this Form 10‑K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Special Note Regarding Forward‑Looking
Statements
i
PART I............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Local Telephone and Data Services.......................................................................................................................................................................
6
International Long Distance Services....................................................................................................................................................................
Available Information................................................................................................................................................................................................
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
Holders...................................................................................................................................
31
PART II..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
32
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related
Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities............................................................................................................................................................................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Results of Operations: Years Ended December 31,
2006 and 2005..........................................................................................................
38
Results of Operations: Years Ended December 31,
2005 and 2004..........................................................................................................
43
Liquidity and Capital Resources............................................................................................................................................................................
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk.....................................................................................................................
54
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................................................................................................................
55
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
55
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures...........................................................................................................................................................................................
55
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.....................................................................................................................................................................
55
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting........................................................................................
55
Changes in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting..................................................................................................................................
56
Item 9B.
Other Information........................................................................................................................................................................................................
56
PART III.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
57
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
Governance..............................................................................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters................................................................................................................................................................................................
59
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,
and Director Independence........................................................................................
59
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services..............................................................................................................................................................
59
PART IV........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.....................................................................................................................................................
F‑1
Index to Exhibits.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
EX‑1
SPECIAL NOTE
REGARDING FORWARD‑LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Annual Report on Form 10‑K contains statements about future events and
expectations, or forward‑looking statements, all of which are inherently
uncertain. We have based those forward‑looking statements on our current
expectations and projections about future results. When we use words such as
"anticipates," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," "estimates," "expects," or similar expressions,
we do so to identify forward‑looking statements. Examples of forward‑looking
statements include statements we make regarding future economic and political
conditions in Guyana, the competitive environment in the markets in which we
operate, legal and regulatory actions and technological changes, our future
prospects for growth, our ability to maintain or increase our market share, our
future operating results and our future capital expenditure levels. These
statements are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions, which in turn
are based on currently available information. These assumptions could prove
inaccurate. These forward‑looking statements may be found under the
captions "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Business," as well as in this Report
generally.
You
should keep in mind that any forward‑looking statement made by us in this
Report or elsewhere speaks only as of the date on which we make it. New risks
and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to
predict these events or how they may affect us. In any event, these and other
important factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by our forward‑looking statements, including those set forth in
Item 1A of this Report under the caption "Risk Factors." We have no
duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward‑looking
statements made by us in this Report after the date of this Report, except as
may be required by law.
In
this Report the words "we," "our," "ours" and
"us" refer to Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc. and its
subsidiaries. Also ClearChoice™ is a service mark of one of our
subsidiaries. This Report also contains other trademarks, service marks and
trade names that are the property of others.
Reference
to dollars ($) refer to U.S. dollars unless otherwise specifically indicated.
Information
regarding shares of our Common Stock prior to March 31, 2006 set forth in
this Report has been retroactively adjusted to reflect our 5‑for‑2
stock split that we effected on that date.
PART I
ITEM 1.BUSINESS
Overview
We
provide wireless and wireline telecommunications services in the Caribbean and
North America. Through our operating subsidiaries and affiliates, we offer the
following principal services:
·Wireless.We offer
wireless voice and data services to retail customers in Guyana and Bermuda. In
the United States, we offer wholesale wireless voice and data roaming services
to national, regional and local wireless carriers in rural markets located
principally in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri and New Mexico.
·Local Telephone and Data.Our local telephone and data services include our operations
in Guyana, the mainland United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are the
exclusive provider of domestic wireline local and long distance telephone
services in Guyana. We offer facilities‑based integrated voice and data
communications services to residential and business customers in New England,
primarily in Vermont. We are a leading Internet access service provider in the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
·International Long Distance Voice and Data
Services.We are the exclusive provider of
international long distance voice and data communications into and out of
Guyana. As part of our infrastructure, we own interests in major international
fiber optic cables linking Guyana to, among other places, Suriname, French
Guiana, Trinidad, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the mainland United States.
Strategy
The
key elements of our strategy consist of the following:
·Focus on Providing Wireless and Wireline
Telecommunications Services.We are focused on providing wireless and wireline
voice and data services to residential, business and carrier customers across a
variety of geographic and demographic markets. We have provided these services
to our customers for over fifteen years and have demonstrated our ability to
grow both customers and revenues by improving service and increasing the number
of wireline and wireless products offered to these customers. We believe these
sectors provide significant opportunities for organic and external growth.
·Target Underserved Markets Where We Can Compete
Successfully.We operate in smaller, underserved markets where we believe we are
or will be one of the leading providers of telecommunications services. Our
businesses typically have strong local brand identities and leading market
positions. By leveraging these attributes, along with our lower cost of capital
and our senior management expertise at the holding company level, we seek to
improve and expand available products and services in our targeted markets to
better meet the needs of our customers and expand our customer base.
·Partner with Successful Local Owner/Operators.We partner with local management teams who have demonstrated
a successful track record. We believe that strong local management enhances our
close relationship with customers and reduces risk. Our geographically diverse
businesses are all operated and often partially owned by local managers,
employees and investors. We seek to enhance our strong market position by
maintaining these partnerships and by leveraging our extensive management
experience to assist them in further improving operations.
·Maintain a Disciplined Earnings‑Oriented
Approach.We carefully assess the potential for
earnings stability and growth when we evaluate the performance of our
subsidiaries, new investment
opportunities and prospective acquisitions. In managing our more
mature businesses, we seek to solidify our brands, improve customer
satisfaction, add new services, control costs and preserve cash flow. In
managing our newer, faster growing businesses, we seek to invest capital to
improve our competitive position, increase market share and generate strong
revenue and cash flow. We consider new investments and acquisitions on a
disciplined return‑on‑investment basis and generally avoid
transactions that we do not expect to have a near‑term positive impact on
our earnings.
As
a result of these strategies, we have increased our consolidated operating
income and earnings per share by approximately 25% and 23%, respectively, on an
annually compounded basis from 2002 to 2006. We have also been able to pay cash
dividends to our shareholders for 33 consecutive quarters and have increased
our quarterly dividend per share by approximately 75% since the beginning of
2002.
Our Company
We
conduct our operations in the mainland United States, Guyana, Bermuda, and U.S.
Virgin Islands through the following principal operating subsidiaries and
affiliate:
·Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (or
GT&T).In 1991, we acquired an 80% equity
interest in GT&T, which is the exclusive provider of domestic wireline
local and long distance telecommunications services in Guyana and the largest
service provider in Guyana's competitive wireless telecommunications market.
GT&T is the successor to the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation, a
corporation wholly owned by the Government of Guyana. The remaining 20% equity
interest in GT&T is held by the Government of Guyana.
·Commnet Wireless, LLC.In 2005, we acquired a 95% equity interest in Commnet, which
provides wireless voice and data communications roaming services in the United
States. We acquired the remaining 5% equity interest in Commnet in January 2007.
·Sovernet, Inc.In February 2006, we acquired Sovernet, which provides
facilities‑based integrated voice and broadband data communications
services in New England, primarily in Vermont. We currently own a 96% equity
interest in Sovernet. The remaining 4% equity interest in Sovernet is held by
Sovernet management.
·Bermuda Digital Communications, Ltd (or
BDC).In 1998, we acquired a minority equity
interest in BDC, which is the largest wireless voice and data communications
service provider in Bermuda, operating under the Cellular One brand. We
currently own 43% of BDC. The remaining equity holders include BDC's Bermudian
management team. We account for our investment under the equity method of
accounting.
·Choice Communications, LLC.In October 1999, we acquired Choice, which provides
fixed wireless broadband data services and dial‑up Internet services to
retail and business customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through our Choice
subsidiary, we also offer fixed wireless digital television services in the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
In addition to our equity interests, we typically
receive management fees from our principal operating subsidiaries and
affiliate.
Atlantic
Tele‑Network, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware in
1987. Our principal corporate offices are located at 10 Derby Square, Salem,
Massachusetts 01970. The telephone number at our principal corporate offices is
(978) 619‑1300. We also maintain a small corporate office in
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Our Services
Through
our operating subsidiaries and affiliate, we provide wireless, local telephone
and data, and international long distance services in Guyana, the mainland
United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and
2006, our Guyana operations generated 94%, 85% and 60%, respectively, of our
consolidated revenue. For information about our financial segments and
geographical information about our operating revenues and long‑lived
assets, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
this Report.
Wireless Services
We
provide wireless voice and data communications services in the United States,
Guyana and Bermuda.
U.S.
Operations
Through
our Commnet subsidiary, we provide wholesale wireless voice and data roaming
services in rural markets to national, regional and local wireless carriers. In
2006, we also began to offer these services to selected international carriers.
We provide these services through our own networks in markets located
principally in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri and New Mexico. We also
operate smaller networks in seven other states. Many of our sites are located
in popular tourist and seasonal visitor areas, particularly in the southwestern
states. This seasonal increase in visitors has resulted in higher call volumes
and revenue in those areas during summer months. To date, this increase in
traffic in those areas has been offset in large part by lower calling volumes
in other parts of our service area, such as towns with a large student
population. Roaming is a service offered by most wireless service providers
that enables their subscribers to utilize their mobile phone service while
traveling outside of their service provider's network coverage area. Roaming
enables wireless service providers to offer their customers extended coverage
without the need to own a network or spectrum. We design, install and operate
our wireless networks in areas where our wholesale customers need extended
coverage.
Network.We
currently operate networks with GSM, CDMA, TDMA and analog technologies in both
the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands. This mix of technologies and spectrum varies by
market. However, we often have at least two technologies deployed at each cell
site in order to maximize revenue opportunities. The majority of our GSM sites
are also equipped with GPRS and/or EDGE data technologies. Our networks are
comprised of telecommunications switches, base stations and radio transceivers
located on towers and buildings typically owned by others, and leased transport
facilities. As of December 31, 2006, we owned and operated 287 base
stations consisting of 167 GSM, 49 CDMA and 71 TDMA/analog stations.
Sales
and Marketing.Historically, most roaming agreements
were cancelable at‑will. In recent years, however, major carriers have
been experiencing technological incompatibility with other wholesalers'
networks, which has increased carriers' willingness to make longer term
commitments in exchange for supporting technologies and features. We have taken
advantage of this environment by entering into long‑term, preferred
roaming agreements with several major wireless carriers, including AT&T and
Verizon. Under these preferred roaming agreements, we typically agree to build
a new mobile network at a specified location and offer the preferred carrier
long‑term pricing certainty in
exchange for priority designation with respect to
their customers' wireless traffic. We believe we have established a track
record of building highly‑reliable, feature‑rich network coverage
in a variety of technical environments for major wireless carriers on time and
at attractive rates. We believe carriers are drawn to our ability to timely
meet buildout requirements, the reliability of our networks and our status as a
trusted partner that does not compete for retail subscribers. Once we complete
building a rural network, we then benefit from existing roaming agreements with
other national, regional, and local carriers to supplement our initial
revenues. These non‑preferred roaming agreements are usually terminable
within 30 days. Because we have no retail subscribers, we do not incur
retail distribution or retail marketing costs and our customer service costs
are largely limited to technical and engineering support.
Customers.We
currently have roaming agreements with more than 75 United States‑based
wireless service providers. As of December 31, 2006, we were the preferred
roaming carrier for AT&T (under an agreement that terminates at the end of
2008) and Verizon (under an agreement that terminates in mid‑2007) in
selected markets. We are in discussions with these providers to renew those
agreements and seek to enter into multi‑year contracts. In 2006, AT&T
and Verizon accounted for 77% of our U.S. wireless revenues.
Competition.Our
wireless roaming services enable our carrier customers to provide their
subscribers with additional network coverage and service without having to
build and operate their own extended wireless networks. We compete with
wireless service providers that operate networks in our markets and offer
wholesale roaming services. In addition, our carrier customers may also elect
to build or acquire their own infrastructure in a market in which we operate,
reducing or eliminating their need for our services in that market. We believe
the bases on which we compete for wholesale roaming customers are price,
network coverage and quality of service. We expect competition in the rural
wireless sector to be dynamic, as competitors expand their networks and as new
products and services that require supporting connectivity are developed.
Guyana
Operations
Through
our GT&T subsidiary, we offer wireless telephone service in the vast
majority of populated areas in Guyana, including the Georgetown area (Guyana's
capital and largest city) and substantially all of Guyana's coastal plain where
70% of Guyana's population is concentrated.
Guyana
is an English speaking nation and part of the British Commonwealth. Located
along the north coast of South America, it is approximately 83,000 square miles
in size. Guyana has a population of approximately 767,000 people and a per
capita GDP of approximately $4,700.
As of the end of 2006, we estimate that Guyana's teledensity was approximately
16 access lines per 100 inhabitants. Approximately 35% of the population are
wireless subscribers. Economic activity in Guyana is mainly centered on the
export of sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, and
timber.
Network.We
initially constructed a TDMA wireless network in Guyana. In the fourth quarter
of 2004, we launched services on our new GSM/GPRS mobile wireless network,
alongside our existing TDMA network. GSM/GPRS is a more advanced wireless
digital service than TDMA, allowing us to offer richer handset features and
certain wireless data services, while increasing our network capacity. The
launch of GSM services has also helped us enter into roaming agreements with
wireless carriers in a number of other countries, including some of the largest
carriers in the U.S., Europe, Canada and the Caribbean, enabling our
subscribers to use their handsets in other countries and allowing some visitors
to use their wireless phones while in Guyana. At December 31, 2006, we had
roaming agreements with 86 wireless carriers.
We
are currently operating both the TDMA and GSM networks. At December 31,
2006, approximately 23% of our subscribers were on the TDMA network and 77%
were on the GSM
network. In 2006 a large number of our TDMA
subscribers migrated to the GSM network and ceased using TDMA services.
Our
TDMA network operates in approximately 20 MHz of spectrum in the 800 MHz band.
Our GSM network operates in approximately 12 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz
band and 36 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band.
Customers.We
estimate that approximately 85% of the country's population resides in areas
covered by our wireless network. We first introduced wireless service in 1992.
As of December 31, 2006, we had approximately 269,000 wireless
subscribers, up 18% from the approximately 228,000 subscribers we had at
December 31, 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we launched services on
a GSM overlay across most of our existing TDMA wireless network. As of
December 31, 2006, over 207,000 of our wireless subscribers were GSM
subscribers. At December 31, 2006, approximately 96% of our wireless
subscribers were on pre‑paid plans.
Sales
and Marketing.We actively market our wireless
services through widespread signage, sponsored events, and merchandise
giveaways as well as through our close, promotional relationships with leading
disc jockeys and radio personalities and other local celebrities. We do not
maintain any traditional retail stores, although all post‑paid wireless
customers set up accounts at one of our six business centers and pre‑paid
customers may do so as well. Our handsets, pre‑paid cards and pre‑paid
accounts are sold primarily through independent dealers who we pay on a
commission basis. Wireless subscribers are offered various calling plans and
are charged a monthly fee plus airtime based on the selected plan. These fees
are payable on either a pre‑paid basis, which means a customer purchases
a calling card with a prescribed number of minutes in advance of any usage, or
a post‑paid basis, which means the subscriber is billed for his or her
minutes of use after usage. Pre‑payments can be made by the purchase of
disposable pre‑paid calling card, which come in fixed Guyanese dollar
amounts, or by recharging an account via our C‑Point electronic terminals
available at authorized vendors. The vast majority of our customers are on pre‑paid
plans.
Competition.We
provide wireless services in Guyana pursuant to a non‑exclusive license.
Since 2004, our primary competition has come from another nationwide GSM
provider. This provider was acquired in October 2006 by Digicel, a large
mobile telecommunications company operating in many Caribbean countries. As a
result, we expect competition to intensify in 2007. We believe the bases on
which we compete for customers are price, promotions, coverage and quality of
service.
Bermuda
Operations
BDC
provides wireless voice and data service to retail and business customers under
the name "Cellular One" throughout the island of Bermuda. BDC
commenced operations in July 1999 and became the largest wireless operator
in Bermuda by 2002. Bermuda has a total population of approximately 66,000 and
a per capita GDP of approximately $69,900, the highest in the world. The
customer base in Bermuda, with its high disposable income and business economy
built on sophisticated financial services, has consistently shown demand for
newer wireless services and capabilities.
Network.Following rapid upgrades in earlier years from analog to TDMA to CDMA,
in early 2005, BDC enhanced the data speeds and capabilities of its CDMA 1XRTT
network by deploying Evolution Data Optimized (or EV‑DO) services.
Together with the improved handset functionality and data services already
enabled by CDMA 1XRTT technology, EV‑DO enables BDC to offer
significantly higher speed data services. BDC launched these services in the
first quarter of 2005 and they proved to be popular with existing and new
customers. In late 2005, however, BDC was ordered by Bermuda's Minister of
Telecommunications and Technology to cease providing certain of its new data
services. BDC appealed the order and a Bermudian court reversed the Minister's
order in June 2006. The
Minister has appealed this decision which is
scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeals in June 2007. See
"—Regulation of Our BDC Affiliate." BDC recently upgraded its
EV‑DO network to provide even faster data speeds.
BDC's
advanced network, operating in the 850 MHz frequency band, covers virtually the
entire population of Bermuda. BDC also has extensive backbone facilities on the
island linking its sites, switching facilities and the international
interconnection points. In late 2006, BDC acquired 40% of Hardell Cable TV
which holds the right to deploy a digital television and data network in
Bermuda utilizing the 2.5 GHz band, the same band in which many companies,
including our Virgin Islands subsidiary, have deployed wireless broadband
networks.
Sales
and Marketing.BDC maintains four retail stores and a
service center in Bermuda that are a core part of its brand identity and sales
efforts. BDC also advertises frequently in the newspapers and other media and
sponsor various events and initiatives. BDC sells services in a number of post‑paid
subscription plans that are distinguished largely by the number of minutes and
the enhanced features, such as text messaging, included in the plan. A
substantial majority of BDC's customers subscribe to one of its post‑paid
plans. BDC also has a smaller number of pre‑paid subscribers and has
established "point of sale" payment terminals to enable those customers
to increase their account balance at any one of a number of stores, such as a
local grocer. The stores receive a commission and maintain the terminals.
Customers.At
December 31, 2006, BDC had approximately 21,800 subscribers, which it
estimates to be just less than half of the wireless market in Bermuda. As the
dominant CDMA operator on Bermuda, BDC is the roaming partner for two of the
largest U.S. wireless providers. Since entering into roaming agreements with
these and other providers in 2003 and 2004, BDC's roaming traffic has grown and
it has been able to offer improved roaming services and rates in North America
and elsewhere. This has led to increased roaming revenue in 2006 from visitors
to Bermuda and from BDC subscribers traveling abroad. Leveraging its enhanced
data capabilities, BDC has been working with the providers with which it has
agreements to launch data roaming service and expects reciprocal data roaming
arrangements to be put in place in 2007.
Competition.Until the fourth quarter of 2001, BDC competed only with the wireless
division of the incumbent telephone company in Bermuda, which operates a GSM
network. In 2001 another operator launched services on its newly built GSM
network. This operator was acquired by AT&T and was subsequently sold in
2005 to Digicel. Although we believe that BDC has the most advanced network in
terms of data speeds and reliability, BDC's competitors currently have an
advantage in their ability to offer roaming in European countries, where all
the major carriers operate GSM networks. One of BDC's competitors has recently
begun to construct a smaller scale CDMA network, which may compete for CDMA
roaming traffic. However, as the main CDMA operator in Bermuda, BDC has strong
relationships with the North American CDMA carriers. We believe the bases on
which we compete for wireless retail customers are features, price, technology
deployed, network coverage (including through roaming arrangements), quality of
service and customer care.
Local Telephone and Data Services
Our
local telephone and data services include our operations in Guyana, the
mainland United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Guyana
Operations
Through
our GT&T subsidiary, we are the exclusive provider of domestic wireline
local and long distance telephone services in Guyana. As of December 31,
2006, we had approximately 120,800 access lines in service. This represents
approximately 16 lines per 100 inhabitants (based on an estimated
population of approximately 767,000), an increase
of approximately 6%, or over 7,300 net new lines, compared to lines in service
at December 31, 2005. Of all fixed lines in service, the majority are in
the largest urban areas, including Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Diamond
and Beterverwagting. During 2006, we continued to extend our network to cover
additional rural towns and communities although at a lesser rate than 2004 and
2005. Despite our substantial and continuing investment in extending our fixed
line network, some rural areas still do not have telephone service. We plan to
bring service to some of these areas in 2007 and beyond, but we expect the pace
of our geographic expansion of wireline buildout to continue to decline absent
an increase in basic service rates or a subsidy to address the disproportionate
cost of operating in remote, sparsely populated areas.
Network.We
have significantly rebuilt and expanded our telecommunications network. Through
December 31, 2006, we have invested approximately $250 million in
Guyanese telecommunications infrastructure. The number of fixed access lines
has increased from approximately 13,000 working lines in January 1991 to
over 120,000 lines as of December 31, 2006, all of which are now digitally
switched lines. Over 5,000 of these lines are located in the Essequibo river
delta area and services are delivered to those lines through a fixed wireless
technology. Since the provider of this technology no longer adequately supports
it, we expect to replace that fixed wireless network in 2007 or 2008 with an
alternative technology for delivering both telephone and data services to
households and businesses in that region. The deployment of new technology is
expected to stimulate growth in this region, which was unserved pending the
decision on the new system.
In
addition, we estimate that we have installed over 700 public telephones in
locations across the country providing telecommunications for both local and
international calls in areas that previously did not have service. We also
maintain three public telephone centers at which the public can pay to use an
ordinary residential‑type telephone to make international and domestic
calls.
Sales
and Marketing.Our revenues for fixed access domestic
service are derived from installation charges for new lines, monthly line
rental charges, monthly measured service charges based on the number and
duration of calls and other charges for maintenance and other customer
services. For each category of revenues, rates differ for residential and
commercial customers. Customers desiring to obtain an access line submit
written applications to one of our customer service offices. Service
representatives process the applications and service is installed within about
two weeks (or, if service is not yet available in that area, the applicant is
placed on a waiting list). We employ a minimal sales force, as wireline sales
are primarily driven by network expansion and availability of service. Our
wireline subscribers pay for telephone service (including international long
distance) after being billed for it. Customers can pay their bills at any one
of our six business centers, any Western Union branch, commercial banks and
post offices.
Customers.We
provide our wireline telephone services to residential and commercial customers.
As a result of our continued network expansion into smaller communities,
residential customers account for a growing portion of local telephone service
revenues and the vast majority of new lines in service. In 2006, residential
customers contributed approximately two thirds of the wireline local telephone
service revenue and commercial customers provided approximately one third.
Competition.Pursuant to our license from the Government of Guyana, we have the
exclusive right to provide domestic wireline local, long distance and
international voice and data service in Guyana. The exclusivity provisions of
our license have been the subject of negotiations with the Government of
Guyana. See "—Regulation of Our GT&T Subsidiary—Other Regulatory
Developments" and "Risk Factors—Our exclusive license to
provide local exchange and long distance telephone services in Guyana is
subject to significant political and regulatory risk."
U.S. Operations
As
a result of acquiring Sovernet in February 2006, we are a leading
competitive integrated voice and broadband data communications services
provider in Vermont. We also provide services in parts of New Hampshire and
expect to expand further into neighboring states in 2007.
Network.We
provide voice and data services using a network comprised of telecommunications
switching and related equipment that we own and telecommunications lines that
we typically lease from the incumbent telephone company. We operate a high
capacity fiber‑optic ring network in Vermont that we use to connect 10 of
our largest markets in the state. As of December 31, 2006, we had
approximately 25,600 business and 4,400 residential access line equivalents, or
ALEs, in billing. ALEs are calculated by determining the number of individual
voice or data lines in a high‑speed/high‑capacity circuit.
Sales
and Marketing.We sell our services primarily through
a direct sales force that assists customers in choosing tailored solutions for
their unique communication needs. The direct sales staff focuses on selling
integrated voice and data to small and medium‑sized businesses and other
organizations. The sales force is geographically dispersed to maximize customer
acquisition. Residential services are largely sold through advertising and word
of mouth. We advertise on television and radio through cooperative arrangements
and engage in other promotional activities from time to time.
Customers.We
focus on two subsets of customers in this market: small to medium sized
businesses (or SMBs) and residential customers, with a particular focus on SMBs
going forward. Our SMB customers require multiple telephone lines for voice
communications, digital subscriber line (or DSL), DS1 and/or DS3 broadband data
communications capacity. Our residential customers require voice and data
communications (using either DSL or lower‑speed, dial‑up modems for
data communications). As of December 31, 2006, we had approximately 4,000
business accounts and 3,500 residential accounts.
Competition.We
compete for customers by offering customized voice and data solutions designed
to meet the specific needs of our two targeted subsets of customers, coupled
with superior customer service and competitive pricing. Our primary competitor
is Verizon, the incumbent telecommunications provider. In January 2007,
Verizon announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its access lines and
local telephone business in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to an entity owned
by Verizon shareholders and Fairpoint Communications, a smaller rural telephone
company based in North Carolina. This transaction is subject to regulatory
approval and other conditions. We also compete occasionally with other
competitive service providers who target small and medium sized businesses,
cable companies and other Internet service providers seeking to provide voice
and/or data services primarily to residential customers.
U.S.
Virgin Islands Operations
Through
our Choice subsidiary, we are a leading provider of Internet access services in
the U.S. Virgin Islands. We provide Internet access services throughout the
U.S. Virgin Islands, primarily under the domain names viaccess.net and
islands.vi. Internet service is provided by dial‑up and a variety of
wireless broadband technologies. The broadband services include near‑line‑of‑sight
(or NLOS) portable wireless capabilities sold under the ClearChoice™
service name and WiFi hotspots and fixed wireless. We also provide fixed
wireless digital television services to residential subscribers and hotel
rooms. In July of 2005, we launched our new ClearChoice™ service, a NLOS
broadband wireless service that allows residential and small business customers
to easily self‑install the broadband Internet service and provides the
customer the ability to move service from one location to another. We completed
major infrastructure build‑outs in 2004 that significantly expanded the
service areas covered by our wireless network. In 2005 and 2006, we expanded
our broadband and television coverage, in addition to the
launch of ClearChoice™ on the islands of St.
Thomas and St. John, with the addition of a new tower on the southeast side of
St. Thomas. We have also continued our rollout of broadband WiFi hotspots to
serve the extensive tourist market.
With
respect to our Internet access services, we continue to experience an increase
in customer demand for broadband access services and a decrease in customer
demand for dial‑up services. As of the end of 2006, the number of our
broadband data customers increased by 146% compared to 2005, due to the
continued popularity and increased coverage of our ClearChoice™ service.
During 2006, we also sold high capacity fixed wireless data services to some
significant new business and governmental customers. During the same period the
number of our dial‑up subscribers decreased by 16%.
Network.We
have expanded our digital television and data networks over the last three
years to support new service capabilities and provide more capacity for new
broadband Internet customers. In 2004, we decided to build our core and primary
customer access data networks using licensed spectrum to avoid the radio
interference that often occurs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All our services
(other than customer access at our WiFi hotspots) are provided over this
licensed spectrum. Although we are currently the only carrier in the U.S. Virgin
Islands using licensed spectrum to provide these services, we believe other
carriers will soon offer these services using a recently auctioned spectrum
band, or other licensed spectrum. In general, our network consists of high‑capacity,
microwave backbone systems with lower capacity links for NLOS and WiFi access
points. Our digital head‑end feeds the television network and off‑island
connectivity is provided by leased, fiber‑based interconnections.
Sales
and Marketing.We have expanded our presence in the
marketplace by continued leverage of the Choice name. Newer services, such as
ClearChoice™, incorporate the marketplace recognition of the Choice name.
We have three retail locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands that account for the
majority of customer interaction. We also have direct sales and increased
efforts to sell our high speed data products to potential business and
governmental customers.
Customers.Our
services are offered to local residential customers, hotels and lodging
facilities, other local businesses and governmental agencies.
Competition.Our
Internet access services compete mostly with the local telephone company, as
well as some smaller Internet providers. Competition from mobile wireless
carriers may increase in the future. Our digital television services compete
mostly with the local cable television provider and, to a much lesser extent,
satellite television service providers. We believe the bases on which we
compete for wireless broadband customers are price, ease of installation and
network quality. We believe the bases on which we compete for wireless digital
television customers are price, programming and customer service.
International Long Distance Services
Through
our GT&T subsidiary, we are the exclusive provider of international long
distance voice and data communications into and out of Guyana. We collect a
payment from foreign carriers for handling international long distance calls
originating from the foreign carriers' country and terminating in Guyana. We
make a payment to foreign carriers for international calls from Guyana
terminating in the foreign carrier's country and are entitled to collect from
our subscribers (and from competing wireless carriers), a rate that is
regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Guyana.
For
fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, our revenues from international long distance
services were 53%, 44% and 30%, respectively, of our consolidated revenues.
Most of these revenues were from collecting settlement rate payments, which are
paid in U.S. dollars, for international long distance calls into Guyana from
other countries.
For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, inbound
international long distance traffic (together with outbound collect which also
entitles us to receive a settlement rate payment), was approximately 85% of our
total minutes of international long distance traffic as shown in the table
below:
International Traffic
2004
2005
2006
(minutes
in thousands)
Inbound
paid and outbound collect................................................................
We
estimate that over one million Guyanese live in the United States, Canada and
the United Kingdom and drive this profitable traffic to Guyana. With respect to
outgoing international traffic, during the past three years, amounts collected
by us for outbound international traffic have in the aggregate exceeded the
payments due to foreign carriers for such traffic, and the average rate we pay
for outgoing international traffic has declined significantly as well.
The
rates at which we collect fees from foreign carriers for handling incoming
international long distance calls, and the rates at which we pay foreign
carriers for handling outgoing international calls, are established by
agreement between us and the foreign carriers, and can be affected by maximum
limits set by foreign telecommunications regulators, such as the Federal
Communications Commission (or the FCC), as to how much carriers under their
jurisdiction may pay for the termination of an international traffic in another
country.
Network.Our
international long distance network is linked with the rest of the world
principally through our ownership of a portion of the Americas II undersea fiber
optic cable, which was commissioned in October 2000. We own capacity in
four international fiber optic cables—the Americas I cable, which runs
from Brazil to Trinidad, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the mainland United
States, the Columbus II cable, which runs from the Caribbean region to the
Azores, the Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (or ECFS) cable from Trinidad to
Tortola and the Americas II cable which runs from Brazil through the Caribbean
to the United States with a branch through French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana.
We also lease capacity on an Intelsat satellite. We have two Standard B earth
stations, which provide both international and local services, and provide a
partial back‑up to our fiber optic cable capacity.
Sales
and Marketing.Our international long distance
business is driven by the population of Guyanese living abroad and the number
of people in Guyana capable of initiating and receiving international long
distance calls, which consists of wireline telephone customers and all of the wireless
subscribers in Guyana (including subscribers of other wireless service
providers). We do not market long distance service independent of domestic
wireline and wireless services.
Customers.With
respect to outgoing international long distance calls, our customers consist of
our local wireline customers and wireless subscribers. With respect to incoming
international long distance calls, we receive payments from foreign carriers,
especially Verizon and IDT Corporation. For 2004, 2005 and 2006, Verizon
accounted for approximately 16%, 9% and 9%, respectively, and IDT Corporation
accounted for approximately 12%, 14% and 10%, respectively, of our consolidated
revenue. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
this Report.
Competition.Pursuant to our license from the Government of Guyana, we have the
exclusive right to provide international long distance voice and data service
into and out of Guyana. The exclusivity provisions of our license have been the
subject of negotiations with the Government of Guyana. See "Regulation of
our GT&T Subsidiary—Other Regulatory Developments." and
"Risk Factors—Our exclusive license to provide local exchange and
long distances telephone services in
Guyana is subject to significant political and
regulatory risk." In addition, we have become aware of efforts to bypass
our international exchange and avoid paying us termination fees. We have taken
action against local companies and individuals who are engaging in these
efforts. In addition, we have made complaints to various foreign carriers and
regulatory bodies in an effort to protect our network and our rights under our
license. We will continue to monitor these activities and move vigorously to
defend our interests. See "Risk
Factors—Any significant
decline in the price or volume of international long distance calls to Guyana
could adversely affect our financial condition and results."
Employees
As
of December 31, 2006, we had 852 employees (797 full‑time and 55
part‑time), approximately 700 of which were employed by our GT&T
subsidiary. At the holding company level, we employ the executive management
team and minimal staff. More than half of the GT&T full‑time work
force is represented by the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union.
GT&T completed its most recent negotiations with the union in the fourth
quarter of 2006 on the salaries and wages section of a new contract and signed
an agreement (which applies to non‑unionized personnel as well) awarding
workers a 6.5% increase for the period from October 2006 to
September 2007 and a 5% increase for the period from October 2007 to
September 2008. GT&T management and the union are presently engaged in
negotiating an increase in employee benefit allowances to account for the new
VAT tax of 16% now levied on many of the benefit allowances paid to employees
of GT&T. GT&T's contract with the union expires in September 2008.
We do not have any union employees in Bermuda or the United States.
We
consider our employee relations to be satisfactory.
Regulation
Our
telecommunications operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation.
The following summary of regulatory developments and legislation does not
purport to describe all present and proposed federal, state, local, and foreign
regulation and legislation that may affect our businesses. Please refer to
Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report
for a more detailed discussion of regulatory and litigation matters that
concern our business.
Legislative
or regulatory requirements currently applicable to our businesses may change in
the future and legislative or regulatory requirements may be adopted by those
jurisdictions that currently have none. Any such changes could impose new
obligations on us that would adversely affect our operating results.
Regulation of Our GT&T Subsidiary
We
are subject to regulation in Guyana under the provisions of our licenses from
the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Public Utilities Commission Act of 1999
(or PUC law) and the Guyana Telecommunications Act 1990 (or Telecommunications
Law). The Public Utilities Commission of Guyana (or PUC) is an independent
statutory body with the principal responsibility for regulating
telecommunications services in Guyana. We also have certain significant rights
and obligations under our agreement with Guyana pursuant to which we acquired
our interests in GT&T in 1991, which we refer to as the Guyana Agreement.
Licenses.We
provide domestic local and long distance wireline telephone services in Guyana
pursuant to a license from the Government of Guyana granting us the exclusive
right to provide: public telephone, radio telephone, and pay telephone
services; national and international wireline voice and data communications;
sale of advertising in any telephone directories; and, switched or non‑switched
private line service. Rates for most of our services must be approved by the
PUC. The license, which was issued in December 1990, has a 20‑year
term and is renewable for an additional 20 year term at
our option. We provide wireless telephone service
in Guyana pursuant to a non‑exclusive license from the Government of
Guyana. Our wireless license also was granted in December 1990 and has a
20 year term, which is renewable for an additional 20‑year term at
our option.
Guyana
Agreement.In 1991, we entered into the Guyana
Agreement, pursuant to which we agreed to provide telecommunications services
for public use in Guyana, including completing by February 1995 a
significant expansion of those services, in exchange for a minimum return of
15% per annum on GT&T's capital dedicated to public use (or rate base).
Based on a rate of return methodology consistent with the practices and
procedures of the FCC, we believe the rate base includes GT&T's entire
property, plant and equipment. The PUC, however, has disallowed or challenged
several million dollars of franchise rights and working capital that we believe
should be included in the rate base. The Guyana Agreement also provides that,
upon non‑renewal of our exclusive wireline license, the Government of
Guyana will be entitled to purchase our interest in GT&T or the assets of
GT&T upon mutually agreed upon terms or, absent such agreement, as may be
determined by arbitration before the International Center for the Settlement of
Investment Disputes.
PUC
Law and Telecommunications Law.The PUC Law and the Telecommunications
Law provide the general framework for the regulation of telecommunications
services in Guyana. The PUC has authority to set rates and has certain powers
to monitor our compliance with our exclusive wireline license and to require us
to supply it with such technical, administrative and financial information as
it may request. While we have challenged its position, the PUC claims broad
authority to review and amend any of our programs for development and expansion
of facilities or services.
We
believe that the PUC has failed to adhere to the provisions of the Guyana
Agreement guaranteeing us a minimum 15% per annum return on GT&T's rate
base as required under the current PUC Law and predecessor statutes in effect
since 1990. For a description of recent actions of the PUC, see Note 11 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Other
Regulatory Developments.In 2001, the Government of Guyana
announced its intention to introduce additional competition into Guyana's
telecommunications sector and reports and comments since that date indicate
that this remains the Government's intention. We believe that the introduction
of wireline‑based competition would require the termination of certain
exclusivity provisions of our wireline license, and thus would require our
consent and appropriate compensation to GT&T, including but not limited to
an adjustment of service rates to reflect the real economic cost of providing
such services. The government recently informed GT&T directly of its desire
to hold talks in 2007 regarding the exclusivity terms of GT&T's license.
Any such talks are likely to cover a number of outstanding issues, such as
certain tax matters. We also believe that the government is considering
shifting from rate of return regulation to incentive rate‑cap regulation.
GT&T has not had formal discussions with Government officials regarding
rate regulation or the introduction of additional competition since the second
quarter of 2002. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations—Overview" and Note 11 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
In
April 2006, the National Assembly of Guyana enacted the Competition and
Fair Trading Act as part of an effort to promote fair trading practices among
businesses in Guyana and the Caribbean region. This Act prohibits anti‑competitive
business conduct which prevents, restricts or distorts competition or
constitutes the abuse of a dominant position in the market. Because the Act
specifically does not apply to activities expressly approved under any treaty
or agreement to which Guyana is a party, we do not believe that it has any
impact on the continued effectiveness of the exclusive license held by
GT&T, which was granted pursuant to an agreement with Guyana. However, we
do expect that the Act would apply to any misconduct leveraging a dominant market
position. The Act contemplates the establishment of a Competition Commission to
oversee the enforcement of the Act, including investigating misconduct that may
improperly leverage a dominant market position. This new
Competition Commission would have authority over
public utilities, including GT&T, with respect only to the provisions of
the Act and would be required to consult with the PUC before taking any actions
against a public utility.
In
March 2006, the National Frequency Management Unit (or NFMU) reallocated
the GSM 900 MHz spectrum, which was previously divided into two 24 MHz bands
(awarded to GT&T and CelStar Guyana, Inc.), into four 12 MHz bands,
with the expectation of licensing two additional wireless providers. In
January 2006, GT&T asked the Prime Minister, who is responsible for
telecommunications, to increase the frequency allocation in the Georgetown
boundary area as it was becoming clear that the limited spectrum allocation was
creating significant problems for operators and their customers because of the
constraints it imposed on network capacity. This area has a very dense
population and constitutes over 40% of total wireless use in Guyana. In
connection with the subdivision of the GSM 900 MHz spectrum, the Government
granted GT&T additional GSM 1800 MHz spectrum in May 2006. GT&T is
utilizing equipment in this spectrum band which has significantly helped it to
reduce congestion in higher traffic areas.
In
November 2006, Digicel, which operates a cellular 900 MHz service in other
Caribbean countries, announced that it had acquired the assets of CelStar
Guyana Inc., or CSG, our then existing wireless competitor, including
CSG's mobile license. As a result, Digicel withdrew its request to the
Government of Guyana for a separate mobile license which it had submitted prior
to the acquisition. Also, Digicel caused CSG to withdraw CSG's previously
submitted application for a second license in the GSM 900 MHz band under the
name and in the corporate entity of U‑Mobile.
In
January 2007, the PUC issued a ruling allowing cellular companies the
freedom to set peak rates within a floor of G$7.00 (approximately US $0.035)
and a ceiling of G$32.00 (approximately US$0.16), with an off‑peak
ceiling of not less than 12% below the peak ceiling. Our current peak rates
range from G$17.00 to G$38.00. The PUC also directed GT&T and Digicel to
initiate per second billing for cellular service as opposed to the pre‑existing
practice of per‑minute billing.
FCC
Rule‑Making and International Long Distance Rates.The
actions of telecommunications regulators, especially the FCC, affect the
settlement rate payable by foreign carriers to GT&T for handling incoming
international long distance calls. In 1997, the FCC adopted mandatory
international accounting and settlement rate benchmarks for many countries. In
January 2002, the FCC reduced the settlement rate benchmark for low‑income
countries, including Guyana from $0.85 to $0.23 per minute. The reduction in
the settlement rate resulted in a substantial reduction in inbound
international telecommunication revenue. See "Management Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview."
In 2002, and again in 2003, AT&T proposed further reductions in the
settlement rate benchmarks for many countries, including Guyana, and requested
that the FCC initiate a rule‑making to consider the issue. While the FCC
rejected AT&T's request in early 2004, it indicated that it will continue
to monitor and evaluate settlement rate benchmarks.
U.S. Federal Regulation of Our Commnet,
Sovernet, and Choice Subsidiaries
Our
operations in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands are governed by the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (or Communications Act), among other
regulatory regimes. The Communications Act contains provisions specifically
applicable to our wireless services, as well as provisions applicable to both
our wireless and landline services.
Wireless Services
The
FCC regulates the licensing, construction, operation, acquisition and sale of wireless
systems in the United States.
Licenses.We
provide our wireless services under various commercial mobile radio services
(or CMRS) licenses granted by the FCC and pursuant to leases of spectrum from
FCC‑licensed operators. Some of these licenses are site‑based while
others cover specified geographic market areas, typically Basic Trading Areas
(or BTAs), as defined by the FCC. The FCC generally grants all CMRS licenses
through an auction process, after determining how many licenses to make available
in particular frequency ranges and the terms on which the license auction will
be conducted.
License
Renewals.These licenses generally have a 10‑year
term and are renewable upon application to the FCC. Licenses may be revoked for
cause, and license renewal applications may be denied if the FCC determines
that renewal would not serve the public interest, convenience, or necessity. At
the time of renewal, if we can demonstrate that we have complied with
applicable FCC rules and policies and the Communications Act, then the FCC will
award a renewal expectancy to us and will generally renew our existing licenses
without considering any competing applications. If we do not receive a renewal
expectancy, then the FCC will accept competing applications for the license and
conduct a comparative hearing. In that situation, the FCC may award the license
to another applicant. While our licenses have been renewed regularly by the FCC
in the past, there can be no assurance that all of our licenses will be renewed
in the future.
The
FCC may deny applications and, in extreme cases, revoke licenses, if it finds
that an entity lacks the requisite "character" qualifications to be a
licensee. In making that determination, the FCC considers whether an applicant
or licensee has been the subject of adverse findings in a judicial or
administrative proceeding involving felonies, the possession or sale of
unlawful drugs, fraud, antitrust violations, or unfair competition, employment
discrimination, misrepresentations to the FCC or other government agencies, or
serious violations of the Communications Act or FCC regulations. To our
knowledge, there are no activities and no judicial or administrative
proceedings involving either us or the licensees in which we hold a controlling
interest that would warrant such a finding by the FCC.
With
respect to some of our licenses, if we were to discontinue operation of a
wireless system for a period of at least 90 continuous days, our license for
that area would be automatically forfeited.
License
Acquisitions.The FCC's prior approval is required
for the assignment or transfer of control of a license for a wireless system.
Before we can complete a purchase or sale, we must file appropriate
applications with the FCC, which the FCC then puts on public notice, typically
providing the public with 14 days to oppose or comment on the proposed
transaction. In addition, the FCC has implemented disclosure obligations that
require licensees that assign or transfer control of a license acquired in an
auction within the first three years of the license term to file associated
sale contracts, option agreements, management agreements, or other documents
disclosing the total consideration that the licensee would receive in return
for the transfer or assignment of its license. Non‑controlling minority
interests in an entity that holds a FCC license generally may be bought or sold
without FCC approval, subject to any applicable FCC notification requirements.
The
FCC now permits licensees to lease spectrum under certain conditions including
either notice to the FCC or prior approval from the FCC, depending on the level
of control retained by the Licensee. Spectrum leasing provides additional
flexibility for wireless providers to structure transactions and creates
additional business and investment opportunities. We are leasing spectrum in
certain areas. Further, the FCC now engages in a case‑by‑case
review of proposed transactions (license agreements and leases) in which an
entity would be attributed an interest in ownership of certain amounts of CMRS
spectrum. We believe the FCC's recent changes could further increase the
ability of wireless operators to attract capital or to make investments in
other wireless operators.
Other
Requirements.Wireless providers must satisfy a
variety of FCC requirements relating to technical and reporting matters. One
requirement of wireless providers is the coordination of proposed frequency
usage with adjacent wireless users, permittees, and licensees in order to avoid
interference
between adjacent systems. In addition, the height
and power of wireless base station transmitting facilities and the type of
signals they emit must fall within specified parameters. Also, CMRS operators
must be able to transmit 911 calls from any qualified handset without credit
check or validation and are required to provide the location of the 911 caller
within an increasingly narrow geographic range. CMRS operators are also
required to provide 911 service for individuals with speech and hearing
disabilities.
The
radio systems towers that we own and lease are subject to Federal Aviation
Administration and FCC regulations that govern the location, marking, lighting,
and construction of towers and are subject to the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other
environmental statutes enforced by the FCC. The FCC has also adopted guidelines
and methods for evaluating human exposure to radio frequency emissions from
radio equipment. We believe that all of our radio systems on towers that we own
or lease comply in all material respects with these requirements, guidelines,
and methods.
In
August 2005, the FCC initiated a proceeding to review the rules governing
roaming services, or arrangements between CMRS operators when one operator's
subscribers make or receive calls over a second operator's network. We cannot
predict the net impact of any changes in the roaming rules on us.
Wireless and Wireline Services
In
general, all telecommunications providers are obligated to contribute to the
federal Universal Service Fund (or USF), which is used to promote the
availability of wireline and wireless telephone service to individuals and
families qualifying for federal assistance, households located in rural and
high‑cost areas, and to schools, libraries and rural health care
providers. Contributions to the federal USF are based on end user interstate
telecommunications revenue. Some states have similar programs which require
contribution based on end user intrastate telecommunications revenue.
Amendments
to the Communications Act encourage competition in local telecommunications
markets by removing barriers to market entry and imposing on non‑rural
incumbent local exchange carriers (or ILECs), among other things, duties to:
·negotiate interconnection agreements at any technically
feasible point on just, reasonable, and non‑discriminatory rates, terms,
and conditions;
·provide access to certain unbundled network elements
(or UNEs), such as local loops and interoffice transport, or combinations of
UNEs at nondiscriminatory, cost‑based rates in certain circumstances;
·provide physical collocation, which allows competitive
local exchange carriers (or CLECs), such as Sovernet, to install and maintain
its network termination equipment in an ILEC's central office or to obtain
functionally equivalent forms of interconnection under certain circumstances;
·provide access to poles, ducts, conduits, and rights‑of‑way
on a reasonable, non‑discriminatory basis;
·offer retail local telephone services to resellers at
discounted wholesale rates;
·when a call originates on its network, compensate other
telephone companies for terminating or transporting the call;
·provide dialing parity, which ensures that customers
are able to route their calls to telecommunications service providers without
having to dial additional digits;
·provide notice of changes in information needed for
another carrier to transmit and route services using its facilities; and
·provide telephone number portability, so customers may
keep the same telephone number if they switch service providers.
In
addition, under Section 271 of the Communications Act, the Bell Operating
Companies (or BOCs) have an obligation to provide certain network elements, including
elements (for example, local switching) that have been removed from the
mandatory list of network elements that must be unbundled under
Section 251 of the Communications Act. The BOCs are required to provide
Section 271 network elements under a "just and reasonable"
pricing standard. However, the FCC has removed the BOC's obligation to provide
certain network elements under Section 271. There can be no assurance that
the FCC will not continue to exercise its authority to remove other Section 271
network element obligations in the future. Any such action by the FCC may have
an adverse effect on Sovernet's financial condition or operations. Sovernet
operates in a region where the ILEC is required to comply with the above‑mentioned
statutory provisions, and, accordingly, has benefited from the reduced costs in
acquiring required communication services, such as ILEC interconnection, and
has benefited from the right to receive compensation for the termination of
traffic. Provisions relating to interconnection, telephone number portability,
equal access, and resale could, however, subject us to increased competition
and additional economic and regulatory burdens.
Choice
has not similarly benefited from these provisions, because, in contrast to
Sovernet, Choice operates in a region where the ILEC is classified as a rural
ILEC, such that under Section 251(f) of the Communications Act, the rural
ILEC is exempt from certain unbundling and other obligations that are set forth
in Section 251(c) of the Communications Act.
Internet Services
We
provide Internet access services as an Internet service provider (or ISP). The
FCC has classified such services as information services, so they are not
subject to various regulatory obligations that are imposed on common carriers,
such as paying access charges or contributing to the Universal Service Fund.
The FCC generally preempts state and local regulation of information services.
On September 23, 2005, the FCC issued a general policy statement regarding
neutral access to and operation of the Internet. SBC and Verizon, the two
largest ILECs, agreed to conduct their businesses in compliance with the FCC
policy as a condition of the FCC's approval of their acquisitions of AT&T
and MCI, respectively. We, however, do not know to what extent or in what
context the FCC will enforce these policies, and whether the FCC will constrain
any ILEC actions taken in contravention of these policies. There may be new
legislation or further FCC action to address access to the Internet, and we
cannot predict the impact of any such actions on our results or operations.
State Regulation of Our Commnet and Sovernet
Subsidiaries
Federal
law preempts state and local regulation of the entry of, or the rates charged
by, any CMRS provider. As a practical matter, we are free to establish rates
and offer new products and service with a minimum of regulatory requirements.
The states in which we operate maintain nominal oversight jurisdiction. For
example, although states do not have the authority to regulate the entry or the
rates charged by CMRS providers, states may regulate the "other terms and
conditions" of a CMRS provider's service. Most states still maintain some
form of jurisdiction over complaints as to the nature or quality of services
and as to billing issues. Since states may continue to regulate "other
terms and conditions" of wireless service, and a number of state
authorities have initiated actions or investigations of various wireless
carrier practices, the outcome of these proceedings is uncertain and could
require us to change certain of our practices and ultimately increase state
regulatory authority over the wireless industry. States and localities assess
on wireless carriers taxes and fees that may equal or even exceed federal obligations.
The
location and construction of our wireless transmitter towers and antennas are
subject to state and local environmental regulation, as well as state or local
zoning, land use and other regulation. Before we can put a system into
commercial operation, we must obtain all necessary zoning and building permit
approvals for the cell site and tower locations. The time needed to obtain
zoning approvals and requisite state permits varies from market to market and
state to state. Likewise, variations exist in local zoning processes. If zoning
approval or requisite state permits cannot be obtained, or if environmental
rules make construction impossible or infeasible on a particular site, our
network design might be adversely affected, network design costs could increase
and the service provided to our customers might be reduced.
Regulation of Our Choice Subsidiary
Our
operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands are regulated by the FCC and governed by
the Communications Act. Like other states, the U.S. Virgin Islands has a Public
Services Commission (or PSC) that oversees public utilities including the local
telephone company. We are not regulated by the PSC, however, we often appear
before the PSC in our efforts to provide competitive telecommunications services
in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In
2002, we petitioned the PSC for classification as an "Eligible
Telecommunications Carrier" (or ETC), which would permit us to apply for
Universal Service Fund (or USF) support to deploy telecommunications services
in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is classified as a rural and high‑cost
area for USF purposes. In 2004, the PSC concluded that it lacked jurisdiction
to decide this issue and directed the petition to the FCC. In
January 2005, we filed a petition for ETC status with the FCC, which
remains pending. If we are designated an ETC, a significant capital investment
may be necessary to build out the capabilities to sustain the ETC designation
and meet the requirements for federal USF support.
In
July 2004, the FCC released an Order revising the rules and spectrum band
plan applicable to the Broadband Radio Service and Educational Broadband
Service. These are the spectrum bands through which we operate our video and
broadband data services. The new rules restructure these bands and could impact
our operations and customers. Choice objected to the new rules and requested an
opportunity to opt‑out of the new band plan. In April 2006, the FCC
declined to adopt an opt‑out provision, but stated that requests for
waivers will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. We believe a
request for waiver from Choice would be viewed favorably by the FCC.
In
a separate proceeding in September 2005, the FCC released an order
reallocating to Advanced Wireless Services (or AWS) another spectrum band used
by Choice for its broadband data service. In September 2006, the FCC
completed an auction of new AWS spectrum to new licensees of AWS. As a result,
we will be required to relocate certain operations to different spectrum, which
may result in a reduction of the amount of overall spectrum available to us.
However, we believe any disruption to operations by relocating to accommodate
new AWS licensees will be mitigated by the FCC's relocation and compensation
rules which specify a mandatory, multi‑year negotiation period and
relocation to comparable facilities with the costs borne by the party
precipitating the relocation.
We
believe Choice has successfully minimized the potential negative impact of
these rules and proceedings on us.
Regulation of Our BDC Affiliate
In
Bermuda, our BDC affiliate is subject to Bermuda's Telecommunications Act of
1986, as amended. In November 2005, the Minister of Telecommunications and
Technology directed BDC to cease offering certain data services through its "Bull"
branded wireless modem. BDC challenged the directive in Bermuda court claiming
that the directive contravenes BDC's license to provide data
services and BDC's long history of providing data
services. In June 2006, the court ruled in favor of BDC. The ministry has
filed an appeal which is scheduled to be heard in June 2007.
In
August 2006, the Bermuda Ministry of Telecommunications & E‑Commerce
released an industry consultation document seeking comment on a new regulatory
framework for the telecommunications industry. The ministry asked current
telecommunications service providers to comment on methods to liberalize the
telecommunications industry in Bermuda including converting existing service‑specific
licenses to Unified Domestic Licenses (or UDLs) that permit any company to
offer any type of service. Adoption of the UDL proposal may void any decision
of the Appeals court adverse to the BDC. This inquiry is in its early stages
and BDC is actively participating in the process at the ministry to make its
position known.
Taxation—Guyana
GT&T's
worldwide income is subject to Guyanese tax at a rate of 45% of taxable income.
The Guyana Agreement provides that the repatriation of dividends to Atlantic
Tele‑Network and any payment of interest on GT&T debt denominated in
foreign currency are not subject to withholding taxes. It also provides that
fees payable by GT&T to Atlantic Tele‑Network or any of its
subsidiaries for management services shall be payable in foreign currency and
shall not be subject to currency restrictions or withholding or other Guyana
taxes. GT&T has a number of tax issues pending before the Guyana revenue
authorities or the Guyana courts. See "Risk Factors—Risk Relating to
Our Wireless and Wireline Services in Guyana—GT&T is engaged in
significant tax disputes with the Guyanese tax authorities which could
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations" and
Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Taxation—United States
As
a U.S. corporation, Atlantic Tele‑Network is subject to U.S. federal
income taxation on its worldwide net income, currently at rates up to 35% of
taxable income. Due to the 2005 acquisition of Commnet Wireless, LLC and its
classification as a domestic partnership for U.S. tax purposes, Atlantic Tele‑Network
has included its pro rata share of Commnet's taxable income in its U.S. taxable
income. In February 2006, Atlantic Tele‑Network acquired
Sovernet, Inc., also a domestic based company.
In
general, a U.S. corporation is only subject to U.S. taxation on the earnings
and profits (or E&P) of a foreign corporation when they are actually
distributed. However, there are exceptions for certain types of income of a
controlled foreign corporation (or CFC) that may require E&P to be included
in the United States parent's taxable income before it is actually distributed.
GT&T
is a CFC for purposes of the Subpart F provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended or the Code. Under those provisions, Atlantic Tele‑Network
may be required to include in income certain E&P at the time such E&P
are earned by GT&T, or at certain other times prior to being distributed to
Atlantic Tele‑Network. These earnings are referred to as "Subpart
F" income. In general, to the extent E&P are distributed in a later
year, the previously taxed amounts are not subject to U.S. taxation upon the
distribution. For the current year, Atlantic Tele‑Network has included
into U.S. income a portion of the unremitted E&P of GT&T. Pursuant to
the foreign tax credit provisions of the Code, and subject to complex
limitations contained under those provisions, Atlantic Tele‑Network is
entitled to credit foreign withholding taxes on dividends or interest received,
and foreign corporate income taxes of its subsidiaries paid with respect to
income distributed as dividends or income inclusions under Subpart F from such
subsidiaries, against Atlantic Tele‑Network's U.S. federal income tax.
On
October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act, which addressed multiple
areas of U.S. taxation, was signed into law. For Atlantic Tele‑Network,
the most relevant sections included an increased carryforward period of certain
foreign tax credits from 5 years to 10 years and increased ability to
offset Alternative Minimum Tax (or AMT) with foreign tax credits. As of the end
of 2006, Atlantic Tele‑Network has a foreign tax credit carryforward of
approximately $16.9 million. These credits begin expiring in 2011. Based
upon current projections and planning, Atlantic Tele‑Network currently
estimates that it is more likely than not that $11.6 million of these
credits will expire unutilized. It has therefore placed a valuation allowance
of $11.6 million against the foreign tax credit carryforward.
Historically, Atlantic Tele‑Network's overall effective tax rate exceeds
the effective tax rates for Guyana and the U.S. The higher effective tax rate
is attributable to reserves provided for uncertain tax positions in Guyana, the
operating losses with respect to Choice Communications that Atlantic Tele‑Network
has not been able to derive any tax benefits from and state taxes that have
resulted from the acquisition of Commnet.
A
U.S. corporation is classified as a Personal Holding Company (or PHC) if
(a) more than 50% of its capital stock is owned directly or indirectly by
or for five or fewer individuals (or pension plans); and (b) at least 60%
of its adjusted ordinary gross income consists of certain types of income
(principally passive income, including interest and dividends) included in the
Code definition of "PHC Income." For any taxable year that a
corporation is a PHC, the "undistributed personal holding company
income" of such corporation for that year (i.e., the net income of the
corporation as reflected on its U.S. corporate income tax return, with certain
adjustments, minus, in general, federal income tax and dividends distributed or
deemed distributed for this purpose) would be subject to an additional PHC tax
of 15%. Atlantic Tele‑Network satisfied the above ownership criterion
prior to its July 2006 common stock offering but we believe Atlantic Tele‑Network
did not satisfy the income criterion for classification as a PHC for 2004, 2005
and 2006.
Available Information
Our
website address is www.atni.com. The information on our website is not
incorporated by reference in this Report and you should not consider
information provided on our website to be part of this Report. You may access,
free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10‑K, quarterly reports
on Form 10‑Q and current reports on Form 8‑K, plus
amendments to such reports as filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, through the
"Financial Statements and Federal Filings" portion of our website as
soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with,
or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, paper
copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge upon request by
writing to us at 10 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, Attention:
Investor Relations, or by calling us at (978) 619‑1300.
We
have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all
of our employees and directors, including, but not limited to, our principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting
officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our code of
conduct may be obtained free of charge upon request by writing to us at the
above address.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
In
addition to the other information contained in, or incorporated by reference
into, this Report, you should carefully consider the risks described below
which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future
results. These risks are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and
uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are
immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and/or results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Wireless and Wireline
Services in Guyana
Our
exclusive license to provide local exchange and long distance telephone
services in Guyana is subject to significant political and regulatory risk.
Since
1991, our subsidiary GT&T has operated in Guyana pursuant to a license from
the Government of Guyana to be the exclusive provider of local exchange and
long distance services. From time to time since 2001, Guyana Government
officials have publicly stated their intention to revoke or terminate the
license and have made efforts to enact legislation that would allow for
competition in areas that are precluded by the exclusivity terms and, in
addition, the regulatory body in Guyana initiated an action a number of years
ago questioning the status and validity of such terms. President Bharrat Jagdeo
has publicly and privately stated that it is a priority of his administration
to enable other telecommunications companies to provide wireline services
covered by our exclusive license, as well as to increase the number of wireless
service providers. The government recently informed GT&T of its desire to
hold talks in 2007 regarding the exclusivity terms of our license. While we
would seek to enforce our rights under the exclusive wireline license and believe
that we would be entitled to damages for any termination of that license, we
cannot guarantee that we would prevail in any court or arbitration proceedings.
We
are highly dependent on GT&T for a substantial majority of our revenues and
profits. Approximately 60% of our consolidated revenue for the year ended
December 31, 2006 was generated by GT&T. As of December 31, 2006,
we have invested approximately $250 million in Guyanese telecommunications
infrastructure. Any modification, early termination or other revocation of the
exclusive wireline license could adversely affect a substantial majority of our
revenues and profits and diminish the value of our investment in Guyana.
Any
significant decline in the price or volume of international long distance calls
to Guyana could adversely affect our financial condition and results.
We
collect payments from foreign carriers for handling international long distance
calls originating from the foreign carriers' countries and ending in Guyana.
The payments, which are based on volume and payment rates, are pursuant to
arrangements we have with the foreign carriers and are subject to the actions
of telecommunications regulators, such as the U.S. FCC. For the year ended
December 31, 2006, our revenues from GT&T's inbound and outbound
international long distance services were $46.7 million (or 30% of our
consolidated revenue for 2006) and constituted a significant portion of our
profits. More than 80% of these revenues and profits were from collecting
payments for international long distance calls into Guyana from other
countries.
Any
decrease in the payment rate or the volume of inbound long distance calls would
reduce the amount of the payments we collect. In January 2002, the FCC
reduced the payment rate for U.S.‑Guyana traffic from $0.85 per minute to
$0.23 per minute, which negatively impacted GT&T's operating profits. The
lowering of the U.S. international settlement rate in 2002 has been followed by
a gradual reduction in settlement rates between Guyana and most other countries
to $0.23 per minute or less. We believe the volume of international long
distance voice traffic, particularly outbound traffic, is increasingly being
threatened by customers and illegal operators bypassing our international
exchange through various means, including sending voice traffic as Voice over
Internet Protocol (or VoIP). Further reductions in the payment rates or a
decline in inbound international long distance volume, through VoIP or
otherwise, would adversely affect our revenues and profits, and would deprive
us of a critical source of U.S. currency as payments from foreign carriers to
GT&T are in U.S. dollars.
The
regulation of the rates that GT&T may charge for services may adversely
affect our profitability, revenue growth and our ability to make additional
network investment in Guyana.
The
rates that GT&T may charge for its public services are regulated by the
PUC, an independent regulatory body responsible for regulating
telecommunications in Guyana. The PUC has authority to set rates for local
wireline, outbound international mobile and a range of other services and has
broad powers to assess GT&T's compliance with the terms of GT&T's
exclusive license with the Government of Guyana. Under that license, GT&T
is entitled to charge rates that will enable it to earn an annual minimum rate
of return equal to 15% of GT&T's capital dedicated to public use. Unless
otherwise agreed to by the parties, the license states that such rates shall be
calculated on the basis of GT&T's entire property, plant and equipment in a
manner consistent with the practices and procedures of the FCC. The PUC,
however, has disallowed or challenged several million dollars of franchise
rights and working capital that we believe should be included in the base upon
which rates are determined in accordance with the terms of the license (or rate
base). Furthermore, although it has not been an issue in recent years, when we
have demonstrated under‑earning in the past the PUC has often refused to
allow an increase in rates to the level we believed necessary to earn the
minimum return. Any failure by the PUC to calculate rates in accordance with
the rate of return calculation in the license or to allow an increase in rates
when we demonstrate under‑earning would adversely affect our
profitability, revenue growth and our ability to make additional network
investment in that country.
In
addition, we calculate the rate base in U.S. dollars based on a historical U.S.
dollar valuation of dedicated capital, which protects the value of GT&T
earnings, to the extent rate increases are allowed, from devaluations in the
Guyanese dollar. The PUC has neither approved nor disapproved this method of
calculation. If we were required to calculate the rate base based on a Guyanese
dollar valuation of dedicated capital, the value of GT&T's earnings would
be subject to devaluations in the Guyanese dollar if we are unable to increase
rates.
In
January 2007 the PUC established floor and ceiling rates for both the pre‑paid
and post‑paid cellular services offered by GT&T and the competitor.
The PUC also directed GT&T and Digicel to bill cellular calls on a per
second basis rather than rounding to the next minute. Any rapid decline in
market pricing as a result of these changes, without an offsetting increase in
volume, would negatively impact the revenues and profits of our wireless
business in Guyana.
GT&T
is engaged in significant tax disputes with the Guyanese tax authorities which
could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
GT&T's
worldwide income is subject to Guyanese tax at an overall rate of 45%. GT&T
has received various income tax assessments from Guyana tax authorities that
claim GT&T owes approximately $23.5 million in additional income taxes
for past periods. A substantial portion of this amount is based on the
disallowance of 80% of GT&T's deduction for management fees paid to us
pursuant to the original investment agreement and related agreements. This
management fee is currently set at approximately 6% of GT&T's revenue.
Although we believe that the fee is part of the original contract, is similar
to amounts charged by other international telecommunications companies to their
foreign subsidiaries for management advisory services and is an appropriate and
proper expense, we may not prevail in these tax disputes. In addition, as part
of an overall settlement of outstanding issues with the Government we might be
forced to agree to reduce the amount of, or deductibility of, the management
fees. If GT&T is required to pay these additional taxes and/or reduce our
management fee, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Other Risks Relating to Our Businesses and
Industry
Increased
competition may adversely affect growth, require increased capital
expenditures, result in the loss of existing customers and decrease our
revenues.
We
face competition in the markets in which we operate. For example:
·In Guyana, we have faced competition from a nationwide
wireless service provider since late 2004 and expect that competition to
intensify in 2007 because of the acquisition of that provider by a larger
regional operator with operations throughout the Caribbean, greater resources
than its predecessor, and a reputation for competing very aggressively and
effectively.
·In Vermont, in addition to other competitive voice and
data communications service providers, we compete with a much larger regional
carrier, which has greater financial resources, greater economies of scale and
may employ more advanced technology than us.
·Commnet's greatest competitive risk is the possibility
that its current customers may elect to build or enhance their own networks
within the rural market in which Commnet currently provides service, which is
commonly known as "over‑building." If Commnet's customers,
which have greater financial resources and access to capital than we have,
determine to over‑build, their need for Commnet's roaming services will
be significantly reduced or eliminated.
·In Bermuda, BDC competes with the incumbent wireless
service provider and a larger regional provider, which, because of their
greater size and financial resources, have earlier access to the most
technologically advanced handsets and have greater negotiating power in
purchasing handsets and other equipment from vendors.
Over
the last several years, an increase in competition has contributed to a decline
in prices for communication services, including local and long distance
telephone service, data services and mobile wireless services. Increased
competition may decrease prices further. In addition, increased competition
could reduce our customer base, require us to invest in new facilities and
capabilities and reduce revenues, margins and returns.
Our retail wireless businesses may not
continue to grow at the same rate as in the past.
The
future growth of our retail wireless businesses and affiliates may be
constrained by the smaller markets that we serve. In Guyana, the wireless
communications market is relatively small in comparison with other developing
countries and regions. At December 31, 2006, we estimate that the wireless
penetration rate (the percentage of a population subscribing to wireless
services) in Guyana is approximately 40%. Bermuda is also a relatively small
wireless market. At December 31, 2006, we estimate that the wireless
penetration rate in Bermuda is approximately 70%. Even if competition does not
intensify, it is unlikely that our wireless subscriber levels will continue to grow
at the same rate as in the past.
In
addition, we believe that some portion of our wireless subscriber growth in
Guyana since our deployment of GSM services in the fourth quarter of 2004 may
be a result of TDMA pre‑paid subscribers buying a GSM handset and
temporarily retaining their TDMA handset until their TDMA pre‑paid
accounts are depleted. Such a subscriber would temporarily appear as two
subscribers in our wireless growth numbers. This overlap would likely abate
with the passage of time, which may reduce the future subscriber growth numbers
but should not affect revenue.
A significant portion of our U.S. wireless
revenue is derived from a small number of customers.
Our
Commnet subsidiary, which accounted for approximately 27% of our consolidated
revenue in 2006, generates a substantial majority of its revenues from three
national wireless service providers. In 2006, the three national wireless
service providers together accounted for 90% of Commnet's revenues.
Commnet's relationships with its customers
generally are much more financially significant for Commnet than its customers,
which can give its customers significant leverage in negotiating pricing and
other terms. Commnet's current agreements with its two largest customers
terminate in mid‑2007 and late‑2008. If we fail to keep any of
these customers satisfied with our service offerings or economic terms and lose
their business or are unable to renew or enter into new agreements with these
customers on beneficial terms to us, we could suffer a substantial loss of
revenue, which would have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
Our
failure to maintain favorable roaming arrangements could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to provide service to retail wireless customers
who travel outside our coverage area.
In
addition to providing us with significant revenue, the roaming arrangements
established by BDC and, to a lesser extent, GT&T enable our retail wireless
customers to use the wireless networks of other wireless carriers when they
travel outside of our licensed service area. This enables us to offer our
customers competitively priced regional and international rate plans that
include areas for which we do not own wireless licenses, and this is
particularly important to BDC's customers in Bermuda who travel frequently. If
we are not able to maintain favorable roaming agreements with other wireless
carriers, we may no longer be able to offer these regional and international
rate plans and the coverage area and pricing we offer to our customers may not
be as attractive relative to the offers from our competitors. This could have a
material adverse effect on our future operations and financial condition. When
our roaming agreements expire or are terminated, our roaming partners could
choose not to renegotiate such agreements and could enter into roaming
agreements with other carriers serving our markets or choose not to include our
markets in their service offerings altogether. Furthermore, our roaming revenue
is highly dependent on the pricing decisions made by our roaming partners. If
our markets are not included in our roaming partners' home calling areas and
are instead subject to the imposition of additional roaming charges, we could
see a loss of roaming minutes and revenue which could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations.
Our
foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that
could adversely affect our revenues or financial position.
Our
operations in Guyana and Bermuda may face adverse financial consequences and
operational problems due to foreign political or economic changes, such as
changes in national or regional political or economic conditions, or laws and
regulations that restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds. In addition,
we face risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Any
of these changes could adversely affect our revenues or financial position.
Regulatory
changes may impose restrictions that adversely affect us or cause us to incur
significant unplanned costs in modifying our business plans or operations.
We
are subject to U.S. federal, state and local regulations, Bermudian government
regulations and Guyanese government regulations, all of which are subject to
change. As new telecommunications laws and regulations are issued, we may be
required to modify our business plans or operations. We cannot assure you that
we can do so in a cost‑effective manner. In addition, the failure by us
to comply with applicable governmental regulations could result in the loss of
our licenses or authorizations to operate, the assessment of penalties or fines
or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on the results of our
operations.
Sovernet,
Commnet and Choice are subject to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (or 1996
Act). The interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the 1996 Act
and the FCC rules implementing the 1996 Act continue to be heavily debated and
may have a material adverse effect on our business, particularly our operations
in Vermont. Also, although legislation has not yet been
introduced, there have been indications that
Congress may substantially revise the 1996 Act in the next few years. We cannot
predict what effect any new legislation will have on our businesses.
Sovernet
and Commnet are also subject to state regulatory commissions to the extent they
provide intrastate services. While we have obtained the necessary
certifications to provide service, each state commission retains the authority
to revoke our certificate if that commission determines we have violated any
condition of our certification or if it finds that doing so would be in the
public interest.
While
we believe we are in compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements,
our interpretation of our obligations may differ from those of regulatory
authorities. Both federal and state regulators require us to pay various fees
and assessments, file periodic reports and comply with various rules regarding
our consumer marketing practices and the contents of our bills, on an on‑going
basis. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we may be subject to fines
or potentially be asked to show cause as to why our certificate of authority to
provide service should not be revoked.
In
Guyana, we are subject to regulation by the PUC, which has authority to assess
GT&T's compliance with the terms of GT&T's exclusive wireline license
with the Guyanese government and has regulatory authority over GT&T's
wireless service. See "Business—Regulation of Our
GT&T Subsidiary."
The
Competition and Fair Trading Act (or the Act), which was passed by the National
Assembly of Guyana in April 2006, prohibits anti‑competitive
business conduct that presents, restricts or distorts competition or
constitutes the abuse of a dominant position in the market. Since this Act was
only recently passed, we cannot assure you that the Government of Guyana, the
Competition Commission or third parties will not seek to apply the Act against
our operations in Guyana in a manner which might adversely affect our financial
condition or results of operations. See "Business—Regulation of Our
GT&T Subsidiary."
In
Bermuda, BDC is subject to the Telecommunications Act of 1986. In
November 2005, the Minister of Telecommunications and Technology directed
BDC to cease offering certain data services through its "Bull"
branded wireless modem. BDC challenged the directive in Bermuda court claiming
that the directive contravenes BDC's license to provide data services and BDC's
long history of providing data services. On June 6, 2006, the court ruled
in favor of BDC. The ministry filed an appeal which is scheduled to be heard
during the June 2007 session of the Appeals Court. If the directive against
BDC is upheld, it could negatively affect BDC's ability to grow its revenue.
See "Business—Regulation of Our BDC Affiliate."
U.S.
federal or state governments (including territorial governments) or the
governments of Guyana or Bermuda could adopt regulations or take other actions
that might have a material adverse effect on our business. These changes could
materially and adversely affect our business prospects and operating results.
The loss of certain licenses would adversely
affect our ability to provide wireless and broadband services.
In
the United States, wireless, PCS and microwave licenses are valid for ten years
from the effective date of the license. Licensees may renew their licenses for
additional ten‑year periods by filing renewal applications with the FCC.
Commnet's wireless licenses expire between 2007 and 2015. Choice's wireless
licenses expire between 2008 and 2016. The renewal applications are subject to
FCC review and are put out for public comment to ensure that the licensees meet
their licensing requirements and comply with other applicable FCC mandates.
Failure to file for renewal of these licenses or failure to meet any licensing
requirements could lead to a denial of the renewal application and thus
adversely affect our ability to continue to provide service in that license
area. Furthermore, our compliance with regulatory requirements such as enhanced
911 and CALEA requirements may depend on the availability of necessary
equipment or software. Failure to comply with these regulatory
requirements may have an adverse effect on our
licenses or operations and could result in sanctions, fines or other penalties.
Rapid and significant technological changes
in the telecommunications industry may adversely affect us.
We
face rapid and significant changes in technology. In particular, the
telecommunications industry is experiencing significant technological changes,
including:
·evolving industry standards;
·the allocation of new radio frequency spectrum in which
to license and operate advanced wireless services;
·ongoing improvements in the capacity and quality of
digital technology and shorter development cycles for new products and
enhancements;
·changes in end‑user requirements and preferences;
·the development and adoption of VoIP telephony services;
·development of data and broadband capabilities; and
·migration to next‑generation services, which may
require the purchase of additional spectrum.
For
us to keep up with these technological changes and remain competitive, we will
be required to continue to make significant capital expenditures. Our value to
the wireless carriers that are Commnet's customers depends in part on our
network's ability to support the services that such carriers' customers demand.
For example, mobile high‑speed wireless data services, which allow
customers of wireless carriers to use the wireless network to send and receive
data files and access the Internet, have become increasingly popular in the
United States. While we offer certain advanced services, such as GSM‑EDGE,
in certain of our coverage areas, we do not currently offer those services in
all areas nor do we currently offer other such services such as CDMA EV‑DO.
As demand for these services continues to grow, we may have difficulty
satisfying our customers without substantial upgrades, which could have an
adverse effect on our business. Similarly, in other markets, if we do not offer
new services that are popular with customers and are offered by competitors, we
may have difficulty attracting and retaining subscribers, which will have an
adverse effect on our business.
We
cannot predict the effect of technological changes on our business.
Technological changes may result in increases in our capital expenditures. New
technologies may be protected by patents or other intellectual property laws
and therefore may not be available to us. Also, alternative technologies may be
developed that provide communications service or alternative service superior
to that available from us. Rapid changes in technology in our market may
adversely affect our business. For example, to accommodate the demand by
customers of Commnet's roaming partners for next‑generation advanced
wireless products such as high‑speed data and streaming video, we may be
required to purchase additional spectrum. In each of our markets, providing
more and higher speed data services through our wireless or wireline networks
may require us to make substantial investments in additional telecommunications
transport capacity connecting our networks to the Internet, and in some cases
such capacity may not be available to us or be available on attractive terms.
We cannot assure you that we will gain access to spectrum or capacity at a
reasonable cost or at all. Failure to provide these services could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to compete with carriers offering these new
technologies in our markets.
We
rely on a limited number of key suppliers and vendors for timely supply of
equipment and services relating to our network infrastructure. If these
suppliers or vendors experience problems or favor our competitors, we could
fail to obtain sufficient quantities of the products and services we require to
operate our businesses successfully.
We
depend on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for equipment and services
relating to our network infrastructure. If these suppliers experience
interruptions or other problems delivering these network components on a timely
basis, our subscriber or revenue growth and operating results could suffer significantly.
Our initial choice of a network infrastructure supplier can, where proprietary
technology of the supplier is an integral component of the network, cause us to
be effectively locked into one or a few suppliers for key network components.
As a result, we have become reliant upon a limited number of network equipment
manufacturers, including GT&T's reliance upon Nortel Networks and BDC's
reliance upon Lucent Technologies, Inc. If it becomes necessary to seek
alternative suppliers and vendors, we may be unable to obtain satisfactory
replacement suppliers or vendors on economically attractive terms on a timely
basis.
If we
lose our senior management, our business may be adversely affected; we rely on
local management to run our operating units.
The
success of our business is largely dependent on our executive officers and the
executive officers of our operating units, as well as on our ability to attract
and retain other highly qualified technical and management personnel. We
believe that there is, and will continue to be, intense competition for
qualified personnel in the communications industry, and we cannot assure you
that we will be able to attract and retain the personnel necessary for the
development of our business. The loss of key personnel or the failure to
attract additional personnel as required could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not
currently maintain "key person" life insurance on any of our key
employees and none of the executives at our parent company are under employment
agreements.
We
rely heavily on local management to run our operating units. Most of the
markets we operate in are small and somewhat isolated and therefore it is
particularly difficult attracting and retaining talented and qualified managers
and staff in those markets. For example, in 2005 and early 2006, we spent many
months trying to find an appropriate replacement for our departing chief
financial officer of GT&T.
Our
network capacity and customer service system may not be adequate and may not
expand quickly enough to support our customer growth.
Our
financial and operational success depends on ensuring that we have adequate
network capacity and a sufficient customer and operational support systems to
accommodate anticipated new customers and the related increase in usage of our
network. This includes capacity on our wireline and wireless networks and
capacity on our inter‑ and intra‑network transport facilities. Our
failure to expand and upgrade our networks and transport facilities to meet the
increased usage could impair our quality of service, cause a decline in
customer satisfaction and have a material adverse effect on our business. For
example, in late 2005 and early 2006 we experienced severe congestion problems
on parts of our GSM network in Guyana due to more rapid growth in GSM
subscribers than expected and, as a result, we experienced adverse publicity
and negative reaction from our customers and Guyana regulators. See
"Business—Regulation of Our GT&T Subsidiary."
Our
wireless network capacity plans in Guyana and Bermuda generally rely on:
·the availability of wireless handsets of the
appropriate model and type to meet the demands and preferences of our
customers;
·the ability to obtain and construct additional cell
sites and other infrastructure equipment;
·the ability to obtain additional spectrum if required;
and
·the ability to obtain the capital to expand and upgrade
our network.
In
addition, we must implement, manage and monitor effective procedures for
customer activation, customer service, billing and other support services.
Reliance on our customer service functions will increase as we add new
customers and offer new services and pricing plans. Our failure to timely and
efficiently meet the demands for these services could decrease or slow
subscriber growth or delay or otherwise impede billing and collection of
amounts owed, which would adversely affect our revenue. We cannot make
assurances that our customer service systems and network capacity will expand
and adapt quickly enough to keep up with our anticipated customer growth and
changes in services, and failure to do so would impair our ability to compete,
which would adversely affect our results and financial operations.
Our wireless and wireline revenues depend on
the reliability and performance of our network infrastructure.
We
must operate our wireless and wireline networks so as to minimize any
disruption that may occur to our services. The operation and growth of our
networks and the implementation of new technologies and services involve
operating risks that may disrupt our services and cause losses in revenue. In
Guyana, for example, the Americas II fiber optic cable, which connects Guyana
with the United States, has from time to time suffered service outages due to
both inadvertent and malicious cuts in the Guyana terrestrial portions of the
cable as well as cuts or operational issues in other countries. These cuts have
resulted in increased operational and capital expenses, customer
dissatisfaction and loss of revenue. Other risks which may also cause
interruptions in service or reduced capacity for customers include power loss,
capacity limitations, software defects and breaches of security by computer
viruses, break‑ins or otherwise. Disruptions in our networks and the
unavailability of our services could lead to a loss of customers, damage to our
reputation and violation of the terms of our licenses and contracts with
customers. These failures could also lead to significant negative publicity,
regulatory problems and litigation.
The occurrence of severe weather and natural
catastrophes may materially disrupt our operations.
We
operate in Guyana, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda, which have experienced
severe weather conditions over the years including hurricanes, damaging storms
and floods. Such events may materially disrupt and adversely affect our
business operations. A major hurricane passed over Bermuda in 2005 causing
major damage to our network and to the island's infrastructure. Guyana has
suffered from severe rains and flooding in each of the last two years. While
these events have not had a significant negative impact on the operating
results or financial condition of the affected businesses or our overall
business, we cannot assure you that these types of events will not have such an
impact in the future or that the insurance coverage we maintain for these risks
will adequately compensate us for all damage and economic losses resulting from
natural catastrophes.
Concerns
about the actual or perceived health risks relating to electromagnetic and
radio frequency emissions, as well as the attendant publicity or possible
resultant litigation, may have a negative effect on our financial condition or
the results of our operations.
Media
and other reports have suggested that electromagnetic and radio frequency
emissions from wireless telephone handsets and base stations may cause health
problems, including cancer. There is also some concern that these emissions may
interfere with the operation of certain electronic equipment, including
automobile braking and steering systems. The actual or perceived risks relating
to wireless communications devices and base stations, or press reports about
these risks, could adversely affect us by, for example, reducing our subscriber
growth rate, subscriber base or average use per subscriber and increasing our
litigation risk. Actual or perceived risks of wireless handsets or base
stations could make it difficult to find sattractive sites for base stations
and reduce our growth rates, customer base and average usage per customer.
Our economic interest in our Bermuda
affiliate will likely be reduced in 2008.
In
July 2008, BDC has the option to repurchase from us all, but not less than
all, of our 43% equity interest in BDC at a price equal to fair market value.
We currently believe that is more likely than not BDC will exercise this
option. Also in 2008, our management fee for providing advisory services to
BDC, which equals 6% of BDC's annual revenues, is scheduled to expire. For
fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, we recorded equity in earnings of BDC of
$2.6 million, $2.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and
received cash dividends from BDC of approximately $621,000, $1.5 million
and $1.7 million, respectively. For the same periods, we earned management
fees of approximately $1.2 million, $1.2 million and
$1.1 million, respectively. If BDC exercises its repurchase rights and we
are unable to redeploy the repurchase proceeds in a similarly productive
investment, our financial results would be negatively affected.
We may be unable to realize the value that
we believe exists in businesses that we acquire.
To
realize the value that we believe exists in Commnet and Sovernet and future
businesses that we acquire, if any, we must successfully integrate them into
our holding company organization. If we are unable to effectively manage their
operations or are unable to retain their key employees, we may not realize the
value that we believe such businesses hold. In addition, failure to
successfully integrate these businesses may have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Capital Structure
Our debt instruments include restrictive and
financial covenants that limit our operating flexibility.
Our
credit facility requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and contains
covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to take specific
actions, even if we believe such actions are in our best interest. These
include restrictions on our ability to:
·incur additional debt;
·create liens or negative pledges with respect to our
assets;
·pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or
repurchase, our capital stock;
·make investments, loans or advances or other forms of
payments;
·issue, sell or allow distributions on capital stock of
specified subsidiaries;
·enter into transactions with affiliates; or
·merge, consolidate or sell our assets.
Any
failure to comply with the restrictions of the credit facility or any
subsequent financing agreements may result in an event of default. Such default
may allow our creditors to accelerate the repayment of the related debt and may
result in the acceleration of the repayment of any other debt to which a cross‑acceleration
or cross‑default provision applies. In addition, these creditors may be
able to terminate any commitments they had made to provide us with further
funds.
If we
fail to meet our payment or other obligations under the credit facility, the
lenders could foreclose on and acquire control of substantially all of our
assets.
In
connection with the incurrence of the indebtedness under the credit facility,
the lenders received a pledge of our share of the capital stock of all of our
subsidiaries, and that of future direct and indirect subsidiaries with some
limited exceptions. Additionally, the lenders under our credit facility
generally have a lien on all of our U.S. assets. As a result of these pledges
and liens, if we fail to meet our payment or other obligations under the credit
facility (including meeting or exceeding certain
financial measurements), the lenders would be
entitled to foreclose on and liquidate substantially all of our assets, to the
extent required to pay our obligations under the credit facility. As a result,
the holders of our securities may lose a portion of, or the entire value of,
their investment in our securities.
Our Executive Chairman is our largest
stockholder and will continue to exert significant influence over us.
Cornelius
B. Prior, Jr., our Executive Chairman and the father of our Chief Executive
Officer, beneficially owns, together with related entities approximately 40% of
our outstanding common stock. As a result, Cornelius B. Prior, Jr., is able to
exert significant influence over all matters presented to our stockholders for
approval, including election and removal of our directors and change of control
transactions. In addition, as our Executive Chairman, he has and will continue
to have significant influence over our strategy, and business plans. His
interests may not always coincide with the interests of other holders of our
common stock.
Low trading volume of our stock may limit
our shareholder ability to sell shares and/or result in lower sale prices.
During
the last quarter of 2006, the average daily trading volume of our common stock
was approximately 60,000 shares. As a result, shareholders may have difficulty
selling a large number of shares of our common stock in the manner or at a
price that might be attainable if our common stock were more actively traded.
In addition, the market price of our common stock may not be reflective of its
underlying value.
We may not pay dividends in the future.
Our
stockholders may receive dividends out of legally available funds if, and when,
they are declared by our Board of Directors. We have paid quarterly dividends
in the past, but may cease to do so at any time. Our credit facility limits our
ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, our capital stock. We may incur
additional indebtedness in the future that may further restrict our ability to
declare and pay dividends. We may also be restricted from paying dividends in
the future due to restrictions imposed by state corporation laws, our financial
condition and results of operations, capital requirements, covenants contained
in our financing agreements, management's assessment of future capital needs
and other factors considered by our Board of Directors.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
Our
corporate headquarters is located at 10 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts
01970, where we lease approximately 3,000 square feet of office space. We also
lease approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in the Virgin Islands
for Choice Communications and several corporate personnel. GT&T operations
are headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, where GT&T leases approximately
4,000 square feet of office space. Commnet's operations are headquartered in
Atlanta, Georgia, where Commnet leases approximately 2,000 square feet of
office space. Sovernet operations are headquartered in Bellows Falls, Vermont
where it leases approximately 4,000 square feet. The Company also utilizes
approximately 315,000 square feet of space for technical operations, including
approximately 266,000 square feet of building space owned by GT&T, on
approximately 48 acres of land in various locations throughout Guyana. In
addition, we lease and own locations for other switch facilities (including
international, local, wireless and broadband data), wireless facilities
(including towers) and extensive cabling (including an interest in several
inter‑country fiber cables). We consider our owned and leased properties
to be suitable and adequate for our business operations.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In
1995, the minister of telecommunications of Guyana initiated a proceeding with
the PUC alleging that GT&T had breached our 1990 agreement with the
Government of Guyana by failing to expand its facilities and telecommunications
operations and improve services in Guyana pursuant to an expansion and service
improvement plan. Under the agreement, which we entered into in connection with
our acquisition of GT&T in January 1991, we agreed to complete the
plan within three years and the Government of Guyana agreed to permit us to
increase telephone rates during that period upon any devaluations of Guyana
currency. The plan was subsequently amended to, among other things, extend the
completion deadline to February 1995. While GT&T did not complete the
plan by the extended deadline, we believe that the Government of Guyana's
failure to timely provide for rate increases upon a significant devaluation of
Guyanese currency in March 1991 impeded our efforts and justified our
delay in completing the plan. We substantially completed the plan in 1997 and
believe that we have satisfied our obligations under the agreement. If the PUC
finds us in breach of the agreement, GT&T could be fined, its exclusive wireline
license could be canceled and it could face other penalties imposed by the PUC.
The PUC last held hearings on this matter in 1998.
GT&T
is contesting, in the High Court of Guyana, approximately $7.3 million in
income tax assessed by the commissioner of Inland Revenue of Guyana for the
years 1991 to 1996. The amount in dispute represents the amount of deductions
GT&T claimed during those years for advisory fees payable to Atlantic Tele‑Network
that were denied by the Commission. In August 1995, the High Court upheld
the deductibility of these fees for one of the years in question. In
June 1996, the Guyana Commission of Inland Revenue filed a writ with the
High Court, which GT&T has opposed, requesting the High Court to set aside
this decision. The assessments relating to the remaining 4 years in
question have been stayed pending the outcome of the High Court's decision on
the Commission's writ. GT&T has received additional assessments for
approximately $6.5 million for the years 1997 to 2000 resulting from same
dispute over the deductibility of fees in those years. GT&T believes that
these additional assessments will also be stayed pending the High Court's
decision on the Commission's writ.
In
November 1997, GT&T requested the High Court to prohibit the commissioner
of Inland Revenue from enforcing tax assessments of approximately
$9.7 million for the years 1991 to 1996. GT&T believes that the tax
assessments were erroneously calculated based on a faulty audit which was
stayed by the High Court prior to completion, resulting in GT&T not
receiving notice of, or an opportunity to respond to, the audit. The High Court
has stayed enforcement of the tax assessments pending review of GT&T's
request. If GT&T is found liable for any of the approximately
$23.5 million in Guyana tax liabilities discussed above, we believe that
the Government of Guyana would be required under our 1990 agreement to
reimburse GT&T an amount necessary to provide GT&T a 15% per annum
return on its investment during the relevant periods.
In
November 1997, we filed motions with the Guyana Court of Appeal and High
Court appealing an order issued by the PUC in October 1997 requiring
GT&T to meet annual prescribed increases in the number of telephone lines
for the years 1998 to 2000 and to provide certain additional services to
customers by the end of 1998. We believe that in issuing the order the PUC
failed to consider the added cost of meeting these requirements and the
necessary adjustment in telephone rates that would be necessary to provide
GT&T a fair return on additional investment. While our appeal is still
pending, no stay has been issued in connection with the order.
In
early 2000, Inet Communications, Inc., an Internet service provider in
Guyana, and the Guyana Consumers Association filed a suit in the High Court
against the Attorney General of Guyana and GT&T. The suit claims that
GT&T is not entitled to rate increases based on our 1990 agreement with the
Government of Guyana and that the Civil Law of Guyana prohibits what the plaintiffs
refer to as GT&T's monopoly. Inet's motion was struck down for non‑appearance
of counsel. In April 2000, Inet applied for the suit to be restored. The
Court has yet to act on Inet's application.
In
July 2002, an individual sued the Attorney General of Guyana in the High
Court asking, among other things, for a declaration that the section of our
1990 agreement with the Government of Guyana granting to GT&T an exclusive
right to provide domestic wireline local and long distance services in Guyana
violated Guyana law and was null and void. In September 2002, GT&T
joined the suit to oppose the plaintiff's claims. Although the suit remains
pending, there have been no further developments since November 2002.
In
addition to those proceedings discussed above, we are periodically subject to
claims and lawsuits that are incidental to our business, some of which involve
claims for damages and taxes that are substantial in amount. See Note 11
to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report. We believe
that none of these additional proceedings would, in the event of an adverse
outcome, have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results
of operation or liquidity.
ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There
were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 2006.
PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our
Common Stock, $.01 par value, is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the
symbol "ATNI." The following table sets forth the high and low sales
prices for our Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market (and the
American Stock Exchange prior to May 23, 2006), as retroactively adjusted
for our 5‑for‑2 Common Stock split on March 31, 2006:
High
Low
2005
Quarter ended March 31.........................................................................................................................................................
$13.58
$12.71
Quarter ended June 30............................................................................................................................................................
$13.00
$10.97
Quarter ended September 30.................................................................................................................................................
$13.28
$11.40
Quarter ended December 31..................................................................................................................................................
$18.00
$13.16
High
Low
2006
Quarter ended March 31.........................................................................................................................................................
$23.44
$15.20
Quarter ended June 30............................................................................................................................................................
$29.05
$19.64
Quarter ended September 30.................................................................................................................................................
$22.96
$16.84
Quarter ended December 31..................................................................................................................................................
$29.99
$18.10
The
approximate number of holders of record of Common Stock as of March 15,
2007 was 66.
Dividends
The
following table sets forth the quarterly dividends per share declared by us
over the past three fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, as retroactively
adjusted for the 5‑for‑2 stock split on March 31, 2006:
The
declaration and payment of dividends on the Common Stock is at the discretion
of our Board of Directors and is subject to a number of factors. Our credit
facility restricts our ability to declare or pay dividends on our common stock.
Because Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc. is a holding company, our
ability to declare dividends is effectively limited to the amount of dividends,
if any, our subsidiaries and other equity holdings may distribute to us. We
have paid quarterly dividends on our common stock since January 1999, and
have increased the amount of our dividend in each of the years since then. The
present Board of Directors believe in returning a significant portion of
profits, where possible, to stockholders and, subject to prudent resource
management and strategic development needs, would expect to continue to
increase the amount of our dividend if earnings continue to increase, although
not necessarily proportionally. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, we paid a total annual
dividend of $0.42, $0.46 and $0.52 per share, respectively, as adjusted for our
5‑for‑2 stock split. The continuation or modification of our
current dividend policy will be dependent upon future results of operations,
financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, regulatory
actions, and other factors deemed relevant at that time by the Board of
Directors.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in the
Fourth Quarter of 2006
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of the Publicly
Announced Plan
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan(1)
October 1, 2006—October 31, 2006................
—
—
—
$4,083,870
November 1, 2006—November 30,
2006..........................................................................
—
—
—
4,083,870
December
1, 2006—December 31,
2006..........................................................................
(1)In
September 2004, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to
$5.0 million of our Common Stock. The repurchase authorizations do not
have a fixed termination date and the timing of the buy back amounts and exact
number of shares purchased will depend on market conditions.
ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
You
should read the selected financial data in conjunction with our
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations," and our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the
related Notes to those Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Report. Financial data reflects adjustments made to correct errors in pension
accounting identified during 2006; see "Prior Period Adjustments"
below and Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
The historical results set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the
results of future operations. Period to period comparisons are also
significantly affected by our acquisitions, including our acquisition of
Commnet on September 15, 2005 and Sovernet on February 10, 2006.
Local telephone and data.......................................................................................................................................................
24,007
26,325
25,630
27,926
43,103
International long distance....................................................................................................................................................
Total revenue...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Income from operations...........................................................................................................................................................
Other income (expense), net.............................................................................................................................................
1,223
719
(1,528)
(1,318)
(1,422)
Income before income taxes,
minority interests and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates...........................................................................................................................................................
23,187
29,800
33,684
36,111
51,564
Income taxes....................................................................................................................................................................................................
13,021
16,053
19,832
21,007
25,538
Income before minority interests
and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates............................................................................................................................................................................................................
10,166
13,747
13,852
15,104
26,026
Minority interests, net of tax......................................................................................................................................................
(2,421)
(3,494)
(3,992)
(4,364)
(4,993)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates,
net of tax
1,812
2,030
2,569
3,043
2,467
Net income...................................................................................................................................................................................................
$9,557
$12,283
$12,429
$13,783
$23,500
Reported income per share:
Basic net income per share..................................................................................................................................................
$0.76
$0.98
$0.99
$1.11
$1.73
Diluted net income per share............................................................................................................................................
$0.75
$0.97
$0.99
$1.10
$1.72
Dividends per share........................................................................................................................................................................
Total assets..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
During
2006, we determined that previously recorded net periodic pension costs were
overstated. While these errors were not material to such periods, correction of
the accumulated errors would have been material to 2006 and, therefore, we
adjusted retained earnings as of January 1, 2002 and general and
administrative expenses by $164, $(59), $737, $437 in 2002 through 2005. None
of the items discussed above impacted reported revenues, cash balances or cash
flows.
ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We
provide wireless and wireline telecommunications services in the Caribbean and
North America through the following operating subsidiaries and affiliate:
·Guyana Telephone & Telegraph
Company, Ltd. (or GT&T) is the national and international telephone
company in the Republic of Guyana and the largest wireless service provider in
that country. We acquired an 80% equity interest in GT&T in 1991.
·Commnet Wireless, LLC is an owner and operator of
wholesale wireless networks in rural areas of the United States. Commnet
provides wireless voice and data communications roaming services primarily to
national, regional and local wireless carriers. We acquired a 95% interest in
Commnet in September 2005 and the remaining 5% in January 2007.
·Sovernet, Inc. is a facilities‑based
integrated voice, broadband data communications and dial‑up services
provider in New England, primarily in Vermont. We acquired Sovernet in
February 2006 and granted restricted stock equal to 4% of the equity to
Sovernet's new CEO.
·Bermuda Digital Communications, Ltd. (or BDC) is
the largest wireless voice and data communications service provider in Bermuda,
doing business under the name Cellular One. We acquired a minority equity
interest (now 43%) in, and signed a management contract with, BDC in 1998.
·Choice Communications, LLC is a leading provider of
fixed wireless broadband data services and dial‑up Internet services to
retail and business customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Choice also provides
fixed wireless digital television services in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Choice
acquired its internet service business in 1999 and its television business in
March 2000. We acquired Choice in October 1999 and own 100% of the
equity.
As
a holding company, Atlantic Tele‑Network provides management, technical,
financial, regulatory, and marketing services to, and typically receives a
management fee equal to approximately 6% of revenues from each operating
subsidiary and our BDC affiliate. Because we do not control BDC, we account for
our investment in that entity under the equity method. Earnings from BDC do not
appear in our income from operations, but are instead reflected in equity
earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax in the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this Report. In July 2008, BDC has the option to
repurchase from us all, but not less than all, of our equity interest in BDC at
a price equal to fair market value, we currently believe that BDC is likely to
exercise this option. Also in 2008, our management fee arrangement with BDC may
be terminated pursuant to contract.
The
following chart summarizes the operating activities of our subsidiaries and our
BDC affiliate and the markets they serve as of December 31, 2006:
Services
Segment
Operating Subsidiary/
Affiliate
Markets
Wireless
Rural Wireless
Integrated Telephony— International
Commnet
GT&T
BDC(1)
United States (rural markets)
Guyana
Bermuda
Local Telephone and Data
Integrated Telephony— International
Integrated Telephony— Domestic
Wireless Television and Data
GT&T
Sovernet
Choice (internet access)
Guyana
United States (New England)
U.S. Virgin Islands
International Long Distance
Integrated Telephony— International
GT&T
Guyana
Other
Wireless Television and Data
Choice (digital television)
U.S. Virgin Islands
(1)Earnings
from BDC do not appear in our income from operations but are instead reflected
in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax in the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
For
information about our business segments and geographical information about our
operating revenues and long‑lived assets, see Note 13 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Historically,
we have generated most of our revenue and operating income from our GT&T
operations. GT&T provides domestic wireline telephone service and
international long distance service pursuant to an exclusive license from the
Government of Guyana and provides wireless service on a non‑exclusive
basis. The rates that GT&T may charge for its services are regulated by the
Public Utility Commission of Guyana (or PUC), an independent regulatory body
responsible for regulating telecommunications. See
"Business—Regulation of Our GT&T Subsidiary". The largest
component of GT&T's contribution to our consolidated revenue and profit has
been from its international long distance business and that business still
accounts for roughly half of GT&T's revenue. Most of these revenues and
profits were from payment by foreign carriers, which are denominated in U.S.
dollars, for handling international long distance calls originating from
foreign carrier's terminating in Guyana. The rates at which GT&T collects
fees from foreign carriers are established by agreements between it and foreign
carriers, and can be affected by limits set by foreign telecommunications
regulators, especially the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (or FCC). The
primary drivers of the long distance business are the population of Guyanese
living abroad who initiate calls to Guyana, the rate foreign carriers pay
GT&T for handling the incoming international calls, and the number of
people in Guyana capable of receiving international long distance calls, which
consist of wireline telephone customers and all the wireless subscribers in
Guyana (including subscribers to competitor wireless service providers). In
additional, in recent years, we believe various methods of illegal bypass and
alternative and cheaper media for communication, such as e‑mail and text
messaging, may be causing a decline in both voice traffic and in international
long distance revenues. We have taken a number of measures to counter illegal
bypass, including taking action against unlicensed operators in Guyana,
introducing special outbound call center rates and we are examining automated
technical solutions as well.
In
2005 and 2006, we opportunistically entered new businesses and markets through
our acquisitions of Commnet and Sovernet. These businesses have provided us
with new sources of revenues and with growth opportunities. As a result, while
GT&T continues to represent a majority of
our revenues and profits, its relative
contribution to our consolidated revenues has declined in recent years. For
fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, GT&T generated 94%, 85% and 60%,
respectively, of our consolidated revenue and we expect this trend to continue.
Commnet generated over two thirds of our wireless revenue in 2006 and accounted
for approximately 90% of the increase in wireless revenue over 2005. Sovernet
generated over 30% of our local telephone and data revenue and accounted for
more than 85% of the increase in local telephone and data revenue.
During
the year we invested $11.6 million expanding the geographic coverage and
technical capabilities of Commnet's wireless network by purchasing spectrum
licenses, adding additional GSM and CDMA sites and switching equipment, as well
as adding GPRS and/or EDGE data technologies in many of our markets. In 2007,
we will continue to invest in expanding our networks in Guyana, Commnet and
Sovernet and expect to incur capital expenditures between $43 million and
$48 million, with over half made in connection with Commnet.
We
are actively evaluating additional acquisition opportunities of businesses that
meet our return‑on‑investment, strategic approach and other
acquisition criteria. As a result of our underwritten public offering of common
stock in July 2006, we raised net proceeds of approximately
$46.3 million, of which a portion was used to repay outstanding indebtedness,
and the remainder of which we plan to use to fund capital expenditures,
acquisitions and/or strategic investments and general corporate purposes.
While
our GT&T operations continue to grow, we face challenges in Guyana. Since
2001, the Government of Guyana has stated its intention to introduce
competition into Guyana's wireline sector. Recently, senior Guyanese officials
have indicated to us a renewed interest in conducting negotiations between
GT&T and the Government of Guyana regarding the exclusivity terms of
GT&T's license, and we expect these discussions will cover all significant
outstanding issues, including tax matters. GT&T has not had formal
discussions with Government officials regarding these matters since the second
quarter of 2002. See "Business—Regulation of Our GT&T
Subsidiary." We believe that the introduction of international voice and
data competition would require the termination of the exclusivity provisions of
GT&T's license, and thus would require appropriate compensation to GT&T
and a likely increase in local wireline service rates so that those rates
reflect the actual cost of providing such services.
GT&T
is also in the process of adapting to recent changes in the competitive
environment for wireless services in Guyana. In November 2006, our only
nationwide wireless competitor was acquired by Digicel, a large mobile
telecommunications company operating in many Caribbean countries. We expect
this development to significantly increase the competition we face in the Guyana
wireless market. In anticipation of this development, we have accelerated the
timing of some of our capital expenditures on network improvements. We believe
that network coverage and quality of service and price are the key bases on
which we compete. During the fourth quarter of 2006, we also increased our
marketing expenditures, including handset subsidies and other promotionals,
designed to accelerate the migration of subscribers from our TDMA network to
our GSM network, which allows us to offer richer handset features and certain
wireless data services, while increasing our network capacity. We have also
modified some of our pricing plans. We expect that this heightened competition
will result in higher marketing expense for us at least in the short term and
may have adverse effects on pricing and our market share.
We
encourage you to read our critical accounting policies which are important for
understanding our financial statements and this Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, see
"—Critical Accounting Policies".
Other income (expense), net.......................................................................................
(631)
725
1,356
214.9
Other
income (expense), net.......................................................................................
(1,318)
(1,422)
(104)
(7.9)
INCOME
BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF
UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES...................................................................................................................
36,111
51,564
15,453
42.8
Income
taxes....................................................................................................................
21,007
25,538
4,531
21.6
INCOME
BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES...............................
15,104
26,026
10,922
72.3
Minority interests, net of tax.........................................................................................
(4,364)
(4,993)
(629)
(14.4)
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax..................................
3,043
2,467
(576)
(18.9)
NET INCOME.................................................................................................................
$13,783
$23,500
$9,717
70.5%
Period
to period comparisons are significantly affected by our acquisitions. We
acquired Commnet on September 15, 2005 and Sovernet on February 10,
2006.
Wireless
revenue.Wireless revenue includes wholesale
voice and data roaming revenue from our rural U.S. operations and retail
wireless revenues generated in Guyana, including airtime and activation fees.
Wireless
revenue increased to $61.9 million for 2006 from $26.0 million for
2005, an increase of $35.9 million, or 138%. Our rural U.S. business,
which was acquired in September 2005, was responsible for
$32.2 million of this increase. This business's contribution to revenue
also increased throughout the year, due primarily to our acquisitions and
continued deployment of additional GSM
and CDMA wireless base stations, with a total of
287 base stations deployed as of December 31, 2006 (as compared to 233
base stations as of December 31, 2005). Our rural wireless revenue also
increased as a result of growth in voice and data traffic at existing sites and
new international roaming revenue. The remaining increase in wireless revenue
was attributable to the continued growth of our wireless subscriber base in
Guyana. The number of our wireless subscribers in Guyana increased by 41,000
subscribers, or 18%, from 228,000 subscribers to 269,000 subscribers as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. GT&T's wireless revenue was
$16.6 million and $20.4 million for 2005 and 2006, respectively.
While we experienced wireless revenue growth in Guyana, revenue growth trailed
subscriber growth as wireless ARPU (average revenue per user) has continued to
decline. We believe this decline in the ARPU reflects a number of factors, including
the penetration of the wireless product into a lower usage demographic and our
belief that some portion of the subscriber growth is a result of some new GSM
customers retaining their old TDMA handsets and accounts for the time being.
However, the portion of our pre‑paid subscribers with TDMA handsets
declined substantially in 2006, particularly in the fourth quarter, in large
part due to aggressive promotions aimed at converting those subscribers to our
GSM services. Approximately 207,000 of GT&T's wireless subscribers were
GSM/GPRS subscribers as of December 31, 2006 as compared to 102,000 as of
December 31, 2005.
We
expect that wholesale wireless revenue from our rural U.S. network will
continue to increase in 2007 as we continue to expand our GSM and CDMA networks
in the rural United States and as minutes of use and bytes continue to grow on
our existing sites. In our retail wireless business, we expect that the network
capacity and coverage we have added will lead to increased revenue, although competitive
pressures may reduce expected growth or even cause a decline in this revenue.
Our previous wireless competitor in Guyana was acquired by a large
telecommunications company with operations in several Carribean countries that
has announced plans to invest significant sums in expanding the service
offerings and network capability of its network. This competitor has already
launched extensive promotions, particularly handset subsidies; and we expect it
to continue throughout the coming year. In turn, we have continued and expanded
upon our promotions, including substantial handset subsidies. We have also
accelerated our capital build plan to more rapidly increase our geographic
coverage and our GSM network capacity and capabilities.
Local
telephone and data revenue.Local telephone and data revenue is
generated by our wireline operations in Guyana, our integrated voice and data
operations in Vermont, and our data services in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This
revenue includes basic service fees, measured service revenue, and Internet
access fees, as well as installation charges for new lines, monthly line rental
charges, long distance or toll charges, (excluding international long distance
charges in Guyana), maintenance and equipment sales.
Local
telephone and data revenue increased by $15.2 million, or 55%, to
$43.1 million for 2006 from $27.9 million for 2005. Sovernet, our
Vermont based voice and data provider, which was acquired in
February 2006, contributed $13.2 million of this increase. The remaining
increase of $2.0 million is primarily attributable to growth in GT&T's
access lines in Guyana from approximately 113,000 lines as of December 31,
2005 to approximately 120,800 lines as of December 31, 2006 (an increase
of 6%), growth in broadband data customers in Guyana and continued strong
growth in wireless broadband customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In future
periods, apart from the addition of Sovernet's revenue, we anticipate that
local telephone and data revenue will increase as a result of network and
subscriber growth in Vermont, particularly in the small and medium sized
businesses, including neighboring areas of New England, and network and
subscriber growth in Guyana and the US Virgin Islands.
International
long distance revenue.International long distance revenue is
generated by international telephone calls into and out of Guyana and does not
include international long distance revenue generated by our U.S. businesses.
Inbound traffic, which made up 86% of all international long distance traffic
and more than three quarters of international long distance revenue for the
year ended December 31, 2006, is settled in U.S. dollars.
International
long distance revenue increased by $1.3 million, or 3%, from
$45.4 million for 2005 to $46.7 million for 2006.The increase was
primarily the result of an increase in inbound traffic or minutes of use,
offset by a decline in outbound (international calls originating in Guyana)
traffic. We believe that the increase in inbound traffic was driven by
increased access lines and wireless handsets in service and that the decrease
in outbound traffic reflects an increase in the use of bypass methods such as
internet calling. While overall internet penetration in Guyana is modest, we
are reviewing measures to counter any illegal bypass of our exclusive right to
handle international voice and data traffic. In addition to the illegal bypass,
technological change has offered alternative and cheaper media for
communication, such as e‑mail and text messaging. This shift in modes of
communication may cause a decline in both voice traffic and in international
long distance revenues.
Other
revenue.Other revenue represents revenue from
digital television services in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which increased 20% to
$3.6 million for 2006 from $3.0 million for 2005. The increase in
television services was a result of a 16% increase in television subscribers,
including additional hotel rooms. The increase also reflects a price increase
in February 2006. In the near‑term, we expect this category of
revenue will largely be driven by our television subscriber base which we
expect to continue to increase, although likely at a lesser rate than in 2006.
Termination
and access fee expenses.Termination and access fee expenses are
charges that we pay for voice and data transport circuits (in particular, the
circuits between our rural wireless sites and our switches), Internet capacity
and other access fees we pay to terminate our outbound toll and international
calls.
Termination
and access fees increased by $14.8 million, or 187%, from
$7.9 million to $22.7 million from 2005 to 2006, respectively. Net of
the addition of Commnet's and Sovernet's combined expenses of
$18.2 million for 2006, our termination and access fees decreased by
$3.4 million from 2005 to 2006 because of lower long distance expenses in
Guyana and the cessation of operations at our Atlantic Tele‑Center
subsidiary. These expenses are expected to increase in future periods as our
rural wireless and CLEC operations expand.
Internet
and programming expenses.Internet and programming expenses
include digital television programming costs as well as Internet connectivity
charges.
Internet
and programming expenses increased from $2.6 million in 2005 to
$3.5 million in 2006. This increase was primarily from the addition of our
Vermont operations and the growth in our television and broadband data
subscribers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We expect that the addition of our
Vermont operations will increase our Internet and programming expenses in
future periods. However, in December 2006 we were able to significantly
reduce the Internet capacity expenses for our Virgin Island operations which
will offset partly the increases related to expending television and broadband
operations.
Engineering
and operations expenses.Engineering and operations expenses
include the expenses associated with developing, operating, supporting and
expanding our networks including the salaries and benefits paid for employees
directly involved in the development and operation of our networks.
Engineering
and operations expenses increased by $4.6 million, or 31%, from
$15.1 million to $19.7 million for 2005 to 2006, respectively. This
increase is the result of the addition of our recently acquired businesses
which together accounted for additional engineering and operations expenses of
approximately $5.1 million during 2006. Net of our recently acquired
businesses, engineering and operations expenses were down slightly, mostly due
to cost reduction efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We expect that our
engineering and operations expenses will increase in future periods as a result
of our expanding telecommunications networks.
Sales
and marketing expenses.Sales, marketing and customer service
expenses include salaries and benefits we pay for sales personnel, customer
service expenses, sales commissions and the costs associated with the
development and implementation of our promotion and marketing campaigns.
Sales
and marketing expenses increased by $3.6 million, or 55%, from
$6.5 million to $10.1 million from 2005 to 2006, respectively. The
increase in sales and marketing expenses is the result of the addition of our
Vermont operations, which added $1.1 million of expenses during 2006, as
well as additional costs needed to provide customer service to our larger
subscriber bases and additional costs in Guyana to market our wireless
services. In Guyana, marketing expenses, particularly handset subsidies, rose
significantly in the fourth quarter as a result of increased competition. Sales
and marketing expenses may fluctuate somewhat in the future depending on the
competitive environment and the timing of the launch of new services, but, over
time, we expect these expenses to increase due to the overall expansion of our
operations, in particular, the addition of our Vermont operations and increased
wireless competition in Guyana.
General
and administrative expenses.General and administrative expenses
include salaries, benefits and related costs for general corporate functions,
including executive management, finance and administration, legal and
regulatory, facilities, information technology and human resources.
General
and administrative expenses increased by $6.3 million, or 40%, from
$15.6 million to $21.9 million from 2005 to 2006, respectively. This
increase is primarily attributable to the addition of our recently acquired
businesses which added $4.7 million of additional overhead expenses during
2006. Without these new operations, our general and administrative expenses
increased by $1.6 million, which is primarily attributable to an increase
in accounting and professional fees relating, in part, to our obligation to be
in compliance with the internal controls requirements of Sarbanes‑Oxley,
as well as an increase in non‑cash equity based compensation and
additional compensation and overhead costs to support our growth.
Depreciation
and amortization expenses.Depreciation and amortization expenses
represent the depreciation and amortization charges we record on our property
and equipment and on our intangible assets.
Depreciation
and amortization expenses increased by $7.4 million, or 43%, from
$17.1 million to $24.5 million for 2005 and 2006, respectively. The
increase is primarily due to the addition of fixed assets from our recent
acquisitions as well as the amortization of intangible assets at Sovernet. We
expect that depreciation and amortization expenses will increase in the near‑term,
because of continued capital expenditures to support growth in our networks.
Interest
expense.Interest expense represents interest
incurred on our outstanding debt including our $50.0 million term loan as
well as the outstanding amounts under our $20.0 million revolving line of
credit facility which replaced our previous $10 million line of credit in
September 2005. Interest expense increased from $1.6 million for 2005
to $3.7 million for 2006. This increase is primarily the result of
increased borrowings used to help fund our recent acquisitions. We used a
portion of the proceeds from the underwritten public offering of our common
stock in July to repay the borrowings under the line of credit. As such there
were no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit as of December 31,
2006.
Interest
income.Interest income represents interest earned on our cash and
cash equivalent balances. Interest income increased from $0.9 million to
$1.6 million for 2005 and 2006, respectively, due to an overall increase
in our cash balances as result of the stock offering.
Other
income (expense).Other income (expense) represents
miscellaneous non‑operational income we earned, or expenses we incurred,
including management fees received BDC and other unconsolidated affiliates.
Other income (expense) improved from an expense in 2005 of $0.6 million to
income of $0.7 million in 2006. This was due
primarily to the negative impact in 2005 of an increase in the reserve for our
advances to Bridge International Communications.
Income
taxes.Income taxes represent taxes we pay on our net taxable
income. The effective tax rate was 58% and 50% for 2005 and 2006, respectively,
which represents the statutory U.S. income tax rate plus the Guyanese income
taxes in excess of the statutory U.S. income tax rates as well as certain U.S.
state income taxes. The effective tax rate is also impacted by the amortization
of a deferred tax asset, relating to differences between book and tax basis of
fixed assets, which was recorded in a prior period. Our higher effective tax
rate for the 2005 period reflects the fact that our losses in the US Virgin
Islands and some of the curtailed businesses were not available to reduce
taxable income in Guyana, which has a high tax rate of 45%. The reduction in
our effective rate in 2006 is a result of the impact of additional taxable
income at U.S. statutory rates, and an adjustment relating to our accrual for
2005 taxes, which were filed in 2006. Further reductions in our effective tax
rate may occur if we are able to continue reducing losses in the US Virgin
Islands and grow taxable income at our newer U.S. operations.
Minority
interests.Minority interests consists of the
Guyana government's 20% interest in GT&T, a minority shareholder's 5%
interest in Commnet, other minority shareholders' interests in certain
consolidated subsidiaries of Commnet and a minority shareholder's 4% interest
in Sovernet. Minority interest increased from $4.4 million to
$5.0 million for 2005 and 2006, respectively, due to an increase in net
income at GT&T as well as the addition of Commnet and Sovernet which were
acquired in September 2005 and February 2006, respectively. Minority
interest amounts are likely to decline in 2007 due to our January 2007
purchase of the 5% minority interest in Commnet. See Note 15 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates includes our share of the earnings of BDC, our
wireless affiliate in Bermuda, as well as our share of the earnings of
Commnet's unconsolidated affiliates. The decrease in equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates from $3.0 million to $2.5 million for 2005
and 2006, respectively, was primarily due to increased competition in Bermuda
resulting in a decrease in subscribers as well as increased marketing and
handset expenses incurred in response to this increased competition. Wireless
subscribers in Bermuda were 22,644 and 21,779 as of 2005 and 2006,
respectively.
Net
income.As a result of the above factors, net income increased by
$9.7 million or 71% from $13.8 million for 2005 to $23.5 million
for 2006. On a per share basis, net income increased from $1.11 per basic and
$1.10 per diluted share to $1.73 per basic and $1.72 per diluted share 2006.
Net income in 2005 was adversely impacted by the $2.1 million reserve
taken against our advances to Bridge International Communications. Excluding
the impact of this reserve, net income would have increased by
$7.6 million from 2005 to 2006.
Segment
results.We have four material operating
segments, which we manage and evaluate separately: (1) Integrated
Telephony—International; (2) Integrated Telephony—Domestic;
(3) Wireless Television and Data; and (4) Rural Wireless. Segment
results should be read in conjunction with Note 13 "Industry
Segments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Report.
Other
income (expense), net.............................................................................
(1,833)
(631)
1,202
65.6
Other
income (expense), net.............................................................................
(1,528)
(1,318)
210
13.7
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY
INTERESTS AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
33,684
36,111
2,427
7.2
Income
taxes..........................................................................................................
19,832
21,007
1,175
5.9
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND EQUITY
IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
13,852
15,104
1,252
9.0
Minority interests, net of tax...........................................................................
(3,992)
(4,364)
(372)
(9.3)
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax....................
2,569
3,043
474
18.5
NET INCOME
$12,429
$13,783
$1,354
10.9%
Wireless
revenue.Wireless revenue represents the
wholesale voice and data roaming revenue of Commnet, which was acquired on
September 15, 2005, as well as GT&T's wireless revenues, including
airtime and activation fees.
Wireless
revenue increased to $26.0 million for 2005 from $14.1 million for
2004, an increase of $11.9 million, or 84%. Of the $11.9 million
increase, Commnet contributed $9.3 million of wireless revenue since its
acquisition. The remaining increase of $3.0 million was attributable to
the continued growth of our cellular subscriber base in Guyana as the number of
our subscribers increased from 151,000 to 228,000 as of December 31, 2004
and 2005, respectively. As noted previously, management believes that some
portion of the subscriber growth in 2005 was a result of some new GSM
customers
retaining their old TDMA handsets and accounts.
Approximately 100,000 of our wireless subscribers were GSM/GPRS subscribers as
of December 31, 2005.
Local
telephone and data revenue.Local telephone and data revenue
largely represents the basic service fees, measured service revenue, Internet
access fees and other revenues generated by our fixed wireline network in
Guyana, such as installation charges for new lines, monthly line rental
charges, maintenance and equipment sales. Local telephone and data revenue also
includes Internet access fees generated by our data network in the U.S. Virgin
Islands and, in future periods, will include local telephone and data revenue
generated by Sovernet in Vermont.
Local
telephone and data revenue increased by $2.3 million, or 9%, to
$27.9 million for 2005 from $25.6 million for 2004. The increase is
primarily attributable to the growth in local revenue at GT&T resulting
from increased local calling volume and a higher number of access lines in use.
Local revenue was also positively impacted by increases in Choice's wireless
broadband subscribers offset, in part, by the attrition of dial‑up
subscribers.
International
long distance revenue.International long distance revenue is
primarily generated by international telephone calls into and out of Guyana.
Inbound traffic, which makes up more than 80% of this revenue, is settled in
U.S. dollars.
International
long distance revenue decreased by $1.5 million, or 3%, from
$46.9 million in 2004 to $45.4 million in 2005. However, revenue for
2004 included a previously disclosed $1.7 million settlement of amounts
paid to us by a large international carrier that were significantly past due
and written off in a prior period. Net of this settlement, international long
distance revenue remained relatively unchanged from 2004 to 2005. The lack of
growth of this revenue was unexpected given the expansion of our wireless
subscribers and our access lines in Guyana. We would have expected
international long distance revenue to increase with more handsets and access
lines in service. Our wireless subscribers increased by more than 50% and our
access lines by about 10% as discussed above. GT&T's access lines increased
from 103,000 to 113,500 as of December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively, as
we continued our efforts to bring new areas of Guyana into service. One of the
reasons for the lack of growth in international long distance revenue, we
believe, is the growth in unauthorized Internet calling. While this mainly
impacts outbound calls, forms of "bypass" (i.e., international calls
that are routed around our international exchange through technologies such as
VoIP) using Internet calling and other mechanisms may be increasing. Despite
the lack of growth in this category, the contribution of international long
distance to our operating profits actually grew because of a greater percentage
decline in long distance expenses, as discussed below.
Other
revenue.Other revenue represents revenue from
Choice's digital television services in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which
increased $0.4 million, or 15%, to $3.0 million in 2005 from
$2.6 million in 2004. The increase in television services was a result of
an increase in television subscribers from approximately 4,100 at
December 31, 2004 to approximately 5,000 at December 31, 2005,
including additional hotel rooms.
Termination
and access fee expenses.Termination and access fee expenses are
charges that we pay to international carriers to terminate our outbound
telephone traffic as well as for certain circuit and bandwidth costs.
Termination
and access fees increased by $2.3 million, or 41%, from $5.6 million
to $7.9 million from 2004 to 2005. Net of Commnet's expenses of
$3.5 million for a portion of 2005, our termination and access fees
decreased by $1.2 million from 2004 to 2005 because of lower long
distance expenses in Guyana.
Internet
and programming expenses.Internet and programming expenses
include digital television programming costs as well as Internet connectivity
charges.
Internet
and programming expenses increased from $2.4 million to $2.6 million,
primarily because of the growth in our television and broadband Internet
subscribers at Choice.
Engineering
and operations expenses.Engineering and operations expenses
include the expenses associated with developing, operating, supporting and
expanding our networks including the salaries and benefits paid for employees
directly involved in the development and operation of our networks.
Engineering
and operations expenses increased by $3.3 million, or 28%, from
$11.8 million to $15.1 million from 2004 to 2005. This increase is the
result of the increase in costs to support our expanding networks and
subscriber bases. A higher per unit cost of fuel and power in Guyana also
contributed to this increase as did the addition of Commnet.
Sales,
marketing and customer service expenses.Sales, marketing and
customer service expenses include expenses relating to the salaries and
benefits that we pay for sales personnel and the expenses associated with the
development and implementation of our promotion and marketing campaigns, as
well as customer service expenses.
Sales,
marketing and customer service expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 27%,
from $5.1 million to $6.5 million from 2004 to 2005. The increase in
sales and marketing expenses is the result of additional costs needed to provide
customer service to our increased subscriber bases as well as more aggressive
marketing and sales initiatives in Guyana in connection with competition for
GSM market share. Both we and our main competitor launched GSM services in
Guyana in the fourth quarter of 2004.
General
and administrative expenses.General and administrative expenses
include salaries, benefits and related costs for general corporate functions,
including executive management, finance and administration, legal and
regulatory, facilities, information technology and human resources.
General
and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 8%, from
$14.4 million to $15.6 million from 2004 to 2005. This increase is
primarily attributable to the addition of Commnet which added $1.0 million
of overhead expenses during 2005.
Depreciation
and amortization expenses.Depreciation and amortization expenses
represent the depreciation charges we record on our property and equipment.
Depreciation
and amortization expenses increased by $2.4 million, or 16%, from
$14.7 million to $17.1 million for 2004 and 2005, respectively. The
increase is due to the expansion of our networks, primarily in Guyana, to
support increased subscriber bases. A portion of the increase reflects the addition
of Commnet's assets on September 15, 2005.
Interest
expense.Interest expense represents interest
incurred on our outstanding debt including our $50.0 million term loan as
well as the outstanding amounts under our $20.0 million revolving line of
credit facility. Interest expense increased from $0.3 million for 2004 to
$1.6 million for 2005. This increase is primarily the result of increased
expense from the borrowings used to complete the acquisition of Commnet on
September 15, 2005.
Interest
income.Interest income represents interest earned on our cash and
cash equivalent balances. Interest income increased from $0.6 million to
$0.9 million for 2004 and 2005, respectively, due to an overall increase
in our cash balances.
Other
income (expense).Other income (expense) represents
miscellaneous non‑operational income earned by, or expenses incurred by,
us including management fees received from our unconsolidated affiliates,
mainly BDC.
Other
income (expense) decreased from an expense of $1.8 million for 2004 to an
expense of $0.6 million for 2005. While management fees from BDC remained
relatively unchanged at $1.2 million
for both 2004 and 2005, both years were impacted
by substantial one‑time gains or impairments. The 2004 fiscal year includes
foreign exchange gains of $1.0 million which were more than offset by a
write‑down of the goodwill of Choice of $1.6 million, an impairment
of ATC's assets of $1.2 million, an impairment of Call Home Telecom's
assets of $0.6 million and a write‑off for secured loans made in
connection with our investment in LighTrade, Inc. of $0.6 million for
2004. For 2005, other income (expense) includes a reserve for our advances to
Bridge International Communications, Inc. of $2.1 million, offset by
miscellaneous income of $0.3 million. During the fourth quarter
of 2005, we established the reserve against amounts due from Bridge as
Bridge has had difficulty closing contracts for its primary business line of
managed network services.
Income
taxes.Income taxes represent taxes we pay on our net taxable
income. The effective tax rate was 59% and 58% for 2004 and 2005, respectively,
which represents the statutory U.S. income tax rate plus the Guyanese income
taxes in excess of the statutory U.S. income tax rates as well as certain U.S.
state income taxes and the amortization of a deferred tax asset which was
recorded in a prior period. Our high effective tax rate for these periods
reflects the fact that our losses at Choice and some of the curtailed
businesses were not available to reduce taxable income in Guyana, which has a
high tax rate of 45%.
Minority
interests.Minority interests consists of the
Guyana government's 20% interest in GT&T, a minority shareholder's
5% interest in Commnet and other minority shareholder's interests in
certain consolidated subsidiaries of Commnet.
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates includes our share of the earnings of BDC, our
cellular affiliate in Bermuda, as well as our share of the earnings of
Commnet's unconsolidated investments.
Equity
in the earnings of BDC increased from $2.6 million to $2.9 million
from 2004 to 2005, respectively. This increase primarily reflects increased
roaming and long distance revenues partially stemming from an increase of 2,600
subscribers, or 13%, from 20,000 as of December 31, 2004 to 22,600 at
December 31, 2005. For 2005, equity in earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates also includes $0.1 million of earnings from Commnet's
unconsolidated affiliates.
Net
income for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $13.8 million, or
$1.11 per basic and $1.10 per diluted share, as compared to $12.4 million,
or $0.99 per basic and diluted share for 2004. The increase of
$1.4 million or 11% was attributable to the net income of Commnet since
its acquisition on September 15, 2005, partially offset by a reserve
against the amounts due from Bridge.
Regulatory and Tax Issues
We
are involved in a number of regulatory and tax proceedings. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this Report. A material and adverse outcome in one or
more of these proceedings could have a material adverse impact on our financial
condition and future operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We
have met our operational liquidity needs through a combination of cash on hand
and internally generated funds and have funded capital expenditures and
acquisitions with a combination of internally generated funds, cash on hand and
borrowings under our credit facility.
Uses of Cash
Capital
Expenditures.A significant use of our cash has been
for capital expenditures to expand and upgrade our networks. In 2006, we spent
approximately $35.5 million for capital expenditures, including
$11.6 million to purchase spectrum licenses and switching and cell site
equipment required to
expand the geographic coverage and technical
capabilities of Commnet's wireless network. At Commnet, we added 81 GSM and
CDMA base stations, data capabilities in many markets, a new CDMA central
office switch and enhanced microwave relay capabilities. In addition,
approximately $15.1 million was incurred expanding the capacity and
coverage of our wireless network in Guyana. As of December 31, 2006, we
had invested approximately $250 million in the Guyanese telecommunications
infrastructure alone. To a lesser extent, additional capital expenditures in
2006 also included installation of a long‑haul, high‑capacity
microwave link to add redundancy to a critical portion of our main backbone,
installation of new wireline switches and cabling to expand the geographic
coverage of our wireline network in Guyana. We also expanded our DSL
(broadband) coverage and capacity in Guyana, expanded service areas and switch
capabilities at our Vermont location and expanded our broadband service areas
and funded upgrades at Choice.
Acquisitions.We
have funded our recent acquisitions with a combination of cash on hand and
borrowings under our $70 million credit facility, which was established in
September 2005 in connection with our acquisition of Commnet. On
September 15, 2005, we acquired a 95% equity interest in Commnet for
approximately $59.3 million in cash, using borrowings of approximately
$47 million under the credit facility and approximately $12.3 million
of cash on hand. In January 2007, we purchased the remaining 5% equity
interest in Commnet for $6.5 million and 21,000 shares of our common stock
in satisfaction of our obligation (and in accordance with our right) under and
consistent with the terms of the agreement entered into in connection with our
acquisition of Commnet in September 2005. We funded this purchase with
cash on hand and shares of our common stock.
On
February 10, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Sovernet. In connection
with the acquisition, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Sovernet for approximately $13.2 million, including the repayment of
approximately $1.4 million in Sovernet debt and the payment of transaction
expenses. At closing of the transaction, we issued shares of Sovernet's common
stock amounting to 4% of Sovernet's outstanding capital stock to Sovernet's new
chief executive, subject to vesting requirements and other restrictions. We
funded the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings on
our existing credit facility (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this Report). During 2006, we recorded certain
transactions which reduced the net purchase price from $13.2 million to
$9.0 million and reduced the goodwill recorded in the transaction by $4.2
million.
Effective
January 1, 2006, Commnet completed two acquisitions of wireless roaming
networks located in Northeast Missouri and Central Arizona. Commnet acquired
the 65% of MoCelCo, LLC that it did not previously own for $6.5 million in
cash and all the assets of a privately held network in Gila County, Arizona,
that it previously managed, for $1.7 million in cash (see Note 3 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report). The two acquisitions
consisted of a cellular license, a PCS license and 22 GSM cell sites. The
Commnet acquisitions were funded with cash on hand and borrowings on our
existing revolving credit facility (see Note 7 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in this Report.) In July 2006, and in
accordance with the Commnet merger agreement, Commnet purchased an additional
12.375% interest in Commnet of Florida, LLC for $1.5 million thus raising
its ownership in Commnet of Florida to 49%. Subsequent to the investment, we
own 49% of Commnet of Florida. Commnet of Florida is consolidated for financial
reporting purposes, under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards
Board Interpretation No. 46. In August 2006, Commnet acquired the
remaining 20% of one of its operating subsidiaries for $1.5 million in
cash. The July and August transactions were funded with cash on hand.
We
continue to explore opportunities to acquire communications properties or
licenses in the Caribbean, the United States and elsewhere. Such acquisitions
may require external financing. While there can be no assurance as to whether,
when or on what terms we will be able to acquire any such businesses or
licenses, such acquisitions may be accomplished through the issuance of shares,
payment of cash or incurrence of debt.
Dividends
and Distributions.We use cash on hand to make dividend
payments to our common stockholders when declared by our Board of Directors.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, our dividends to our stockholders
approximated $7.2 million (which reflects dividends paid on March 31,
2006, June 23, 2006 and October 10, 2006 and declared in
December 2006). We have paid quarterly dividends for the last 33 fiscal
quarters. In addition, to the extent that we have our less than wholly owned
subsidiaries pay dividends to us, we are obligated to have those subsidiaries
make proportional dividend payments to the minority shareholders, and have paid
dividends of $3.2 million to our minority shareholders for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2006. Also, our Board of Directors approved a
$5.0 million stock buyback plan in September 2004 pursuant to which
we have spent to date $916,130 repurchasing common stock. Although we currently
do not intend to make additional repurchases of common stock under this plan,
we may act to do so in the future, depending on market conditions and our cash
needs.
Debt
Service and Other Contractual Commitment Table.The
following table discloses aggregate information about our debt and lease
obligations as of December 31, 2006 and the periods in which payments are
due:
Contractual Obligations
Total
Less Than
1 Year
1‑3 Years
4‑5 Years
More Than
5 Years
(In
millions)
Long term debt including interest...................................................
Total
Liquidity at December 31, 2006.As of December 31,
2006, we had approximately $60.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, an
increase of $34.0 million from the December 31, 2005 balance of
$26.5 million. We believe our existing cash balances and other capital
resources, including the $20 million available under our revolving line of
credit included in our credit facility, are adequate to meet our current
operating and capital needs.
Cash
Generated by Financing Activities.In the third quarter of 2006, we
completed the sale of 3.84 million shares of common stock at $19.00 per
share in an underwritten public offering, consisting of the sale by us of an
aggregate of 2.64 million shares (2.4 million shares in
July 2006 and an additional 0.24 million shares purchased by the
underwriters as a part of their over‑allotment option in
August 2006) and 1.2 million shares by our Chairman Cornelius B.
Prior, Jr. and related entities. Our net proceeds of this offering, which were
approximately $46.3 million, were used to repay a portion of our
outstanding indebtedness, and will fund capital expenditures, acquisitions
and/or strategic investments and general corporate purposes. We did not receive
any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
Cash
Generated by Operations.Cash provided by operating activities
was $51.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to
$32.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Historically,
GT&T has been the most significant of our operating subsidiaries and
affiliates in terms of our liquidity. In 2006, our Commnet acquisition
contributed the majority of the increase over 2005 in cash provided by
operating activities.
Credit
Facility.On September 15, 2005, Atlantic
Tele‑Network entered into a Credit Agreement with CoBank, ACB providing
for a credit facility consisting of a $50 million term loan and a
$20 million revolving credit facility. Under the term loan, repayments of
principal are deferred until the maturity of the loan on October 31, 2010.
Interest on the term loan is payable on a quarterly basis at a
fixed annual interest rate of 5.85%. Because
CoBank is a cooperative financial institution, we expect to receive patronage
payments annually, and at the end of the term, from CoBank which reflect our
portion of CoBank's profits, if any. These payments, if received, are expected
to reduce our effective interest expense on the term loan.
Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity
Internally
Generated Funds.The key factors affecting our
internally generated funds are demand for our services, competition, regulatory
developments, economic conditions in the markets where we operate our
businesses and industry trends within the telecommunications industry. For a
discussion of tax and regulatory risks in Guyana that could have a material
adverse impact on our liquidity, see "Business—Risk
Factors—Risks Relating to Our Wireless and Wireline Services in
Guyana," "—Regulation of Our GT&T Subsidiary" and
Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Guyana—U.S.
Foreign Currency Exchange.Historically, the Guyana dollar has
been considerably devalued relative to the U.S. dollar. The current exchange
rate is approximately $205 Guyana dollars to $1 U.S. dollar. We use U.S.
dollars to make GT&T capital expenditures, to pay certain GT&T
liabilities and to value our GT&T assets for the purpose of making our
Guyanese rate of return calculation. Unfavorable changes in the Guyana dollar‑
U.S. dollar exchange rate would reduce our purchasing power in these areas. The
continued expansion of GT&T's network is dependent upon the ability of
GT&T to purchase equipment with U.S. dollars.
While
currently a significant portion of GT&T's revenues are transacted in U.S.
dollars, this circumstance could change in the future. As a result of the
growth of GT&T's local wireless and wireline operations and the general
trend toward lower international settlement rates, it is likely that an
increasing portion of GT&T's revenues will be earned in Guyanese currency.
While there are no legal restrictions on the our conversion of Guyanese
currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currencies, or on the expatriation of
Guyanese currency or foreign currency from Guyana, there are risks associated
with the conversion of Guyanese dollars to U.S. dollars due to limited
liquidity in the Guyana foreign currency markets. This limited liquidity has
not prevented us from converting Guyanese currency into U.S. dollars within a
given three month period or from converting at a price that reasonably
approximates the reported exchange rate.
While
we believe that GT&T has, and will continue to have, adequate cash flows
denominated in U.S. currency to meet its current operating, debt service and
capital requirements, there can be no assurance that GT&T will be able to
convert its Guyana currency earnings into the U.S. currency needed to meet such
obligations. As of December 31, 2006, we had no cash held in Guyanese
dollars. See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Restrictions
Under Credit Facility.Our credit facility contains four
financial tests with which Atlantic Tele‑Network must comply on a
consolidated basis:
·a total leverage ratio (debt to Earnings before
interest, taxes and depreciation & amortization—EBITDA) of 2.00 to
1.00 or less;
·a debt service coverage ratio (EBITDA to debt service)
of 3.00 to 1.00 or more; and
·an equity to assets ratio of 0.40 to 1.00 or more.
In
addition, Commnet must comply with a leverage ratio test (debt of Atlantic Tele‑Network
and its subsidiaries, net of pledged cash, to EBITDA of Commnet and its
subsidiaries) of 6.250 to 1.00, which will decrease over time to 5.00
to 1.00 at July 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2006, we were in
compliance with the covenants of the credit facility.
Capital
Markets.Our ability to raise funds in the
capital markets depends on, among other things, general economic conditions,
the conditions of the telecommunications industry, our financial performance
and the state of the capital markets. In June 2006, the Securities and
Exchange Commission declared effective a "universal" shelf
registration statement filed by the Company. This shelf registration statement
registered the potential future offerings by us, from time to time of up to an
aggregate of $200 million of our securities, consisting potentially of
common stock, debt securities, and other equity and convertible securities and
combinations of the foregoing. Following our July 2006 equity offering
which was conducted pursuant to the shelf registration statement, we have
approximately $127 million of securities registered for potential future
offerings.
Inflation
We
do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our consolidated
operations in any of the years 2004 through 2006.
Critical Accounting Policies
We
have based our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results
of operations on our consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (or GAAP). We periodically evaluate our critical
accounting policies and estimates, including those related to foreign currency,
revenue recognition, valuation of accounts receivable, property, plant and
equipment, long‑lived and intangible assets, tax related accruals and
contingencies. We base our estimates on our operating experience and on various
conditions existing in the market and we believe them to be reasonable under
the circumstances. Our estimates form the basis for making judgments about the
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under
different assumptions or conditions.
We
have identified the critical accounting estimates that we believe require
significant judgment in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements. We consider these accounting estimates to be critical because
changes in the assumptions or estimates we have selected have the potential of
materially impacting our financial statements.
Foreign
Currency.From the inception of GT&T's
operations through December 31, 2006, a significant portion of GT&T's
cash receipts and expenditures, including a substantial majority of its capital
expenditures, have been in U.S. dollars or other hard currencies. Accordingly,
the U.S. dollar has been GT&T's functional currency and any transaction gains
and losses on non‑U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities are
reflected in income. Late in 2003 and early 2004, the value of the Guyana
dollar declined in relation to the U.S. dollar, resulting in foreign exchange
gains. While the decline in rates did not have a significant impact on the
Company's revenues or operating expenses, the decline has offset growth in
GT&T's wireless local exchange and outbound international long distance
revenues, which are billed and paid in Guyana dollars. Further declines in the
value of the Guyana dollar may have an adverse impact on our future operating
results as growth of local currency denominated revenue continues. As of
December 31, 2006, $4.6 million of our $60.5 million of
consolidated cash and cash equivalents was in Guyana dollars. With the decline
in international settlement rates, the expansion of GT&T's wireless
business and the increases that GT&T has received and hopes to receive in
its rates for local service, it is possible that the Guyana dollar may become
GT&T's functional currency in the future.
Revenue
Recognition.In determining the appropriate amount
of revenue to recognize for a particular transaction, all of the Company's
subsidiaries apply the criteria established by Staff Accounting Bulletin (or
SAB) No. 104 "Revenue Recognition" and defer those items that do
not meet the recognition criteria. The subsidiaries also rely on their
historical evidence with each customer or
carrier in estimating amounts for which revenue is
recognized. However, due to the nature and timing of carrier settlements,
adjustments affecting revenue can and do occur in periods subsequent to the
period when the services were provided, billed and recorded as revenue.
Historically, the companies' accounts receivable and revenue reserves have been
sufficient to absorb any credits and bad debt write‑offs recorded in
subsequent periods.
The
Company's GT&T subsidiary recognizes its wireless, local telephone and data
and international long distance revenues when earned, regardless of the period
in which they are billed. The Company applies the appropriate rate to minutes
of long distance traffic based upon the foreign carrier from which that traffic
is received. However, GT&T operates in a regulated industry, therefore, its
pricing is subject to regulatory commission oversight. Such oversight could
result in changes to the amount it bills customers in current and future
periods.
GT&T
charges an activation fee to new wireless subscribers in Guyana and re‑activation
fees to subscribers in Guyana who allow their accounts to lapse. The Company
determined that the activation fees do not represent a separate unit of
accounting under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00‑21
"Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables" (or
EITF 00‑21). Accordingly, the Company's policy is to defer those fees and
recognize them ratably over the estimated customer relationship period in
accordance with SAB No. 104. To date, those fees have been immaterial to
both GT&T's and the Company's financial position and results of operations
for all periods presented.
The
Company recognizes revenue from Commnet's roaming operations and other monthly
fees in the period the services are provided.
Sovernet
recognizes revenue from subscriptions to its internet services on a monthly
basis, as the services are provided regardless of the period in which they are
billed. For wireline services, Sovernet recognizes such revenue as earned.
The
Company recognizes revenue from subscriptions to Choice's Internet, television
and other services monthly, as the services are provided, net of management's
best estimate of uncollectible accounts and regardless of the period in which
they are billed. Installation fees charged by Choice to customers subscribing
to cable and Internet services have also historically been immaterial to both
Choice's and the Company's financial position and results of operations. The
installation fee is intended to recover a portion of the costs associated with
the installation of cabling and related equipment at the customer location
required for that customer to receive Choice's monthly service offerings. The
Company determined that Choice's activation fees represent a separate unit of
accounting under EITF 00‑21. As such, the Company's policy is to
recognize these fees as revenue when the services are performed.
Valuation
of Accounts Receivable.A considerable amount of judgment is
required when assessing the ultimate realization of receivables, including
assessing the probability of collection and the current credit‑worthiness
of customers. Due to the nature and timing of carrier settlements, adjustments
affecting revenue and the corresponding receivable can and do occur in periods
subsequent to the period when the services were provided, billed and recorded
as revenue. Historically, our accounts receivable and revenue reserves have
been sufficient to absorb any credits and bad debt write‑offs recorded in
subsequent periods. However, the amounts we will ultimately realize upon settlement
could differ in the near term from the amounts assumed in estimating these
revenues and the related accounts receivable.
Property,
Plant and Equipment.We operate in an environment where
rapid changes in technology or changes in the intended use of property, plant
and equipment may cause the estimated period of use or the value of these
assets to change.
Our
fixed assets are recorded at cost. Repairs and replacements of minor items of
property are charged to maintenance expense as incurred. The cost of fixed
assets in service and under construction includes an allocation of indirect
costs applicable to construction.
We
provide for depreciation using the straight‑line method generally between
3 and 39 years. No gain or loss is recognized in connection with ordinary
retirements of depreciable property. With respect to GT&T, as of
January 1, 1998, we adopted new and generally shorter lives in connection
with a tariff application filed on December 31, 1997 with the Guyana PUC.
In February 2002, the PUC accepted these lives for purposes of setting
interim rates without expressly approving them, and ordered GT&T not to
change its depreciation rates in the future without the approval of the PUC.
In
June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or FASB) approved
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (or SFAS) No. 143,
"Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". SFAS No. 143
establishes accounting standards for recognition and measurement of a liability
for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost. In
the case of GT&T we have not provided for costs related to the removal of
tangible long‑lived assets because there are no obligations under any of
our leases or under any existing or enacted laws, statutes or ordinances or
elsewhere that would require us to provide for costs related to the retirement
of those assets.
During
2005, we recorded a liability in connection with SFAS No. 143 for
approximately $522,000 relating to our acquisition of Commnet and increased
that liability to $633,000 as of December 31, 2006. Such accrual
represents management's estimate of our obligations under certain leases to
remove equipment placed on towers which are leased from third parties. Any such
liability associated with Choice's operations are immaterial to our
consolidated financial statements.
In
March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting
for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations" (or FIN 47). FIN 47
clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS
No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," refers
to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the
timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may
or may not be within the control of the entity. Accordingly, an entity is
required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset
retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably
estimated. Any uncertainty about the amount and/or timing of future settlement
should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient
information exists. We adopted FIN 47 in December 2005. There was no
impact as a result of the adoption of this accounting interpretation on our
results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
We
periodically review our obligations and update our cost estimates. If laws are
enacted or circumstances change, amounts required to remediate the properties
may differ significantly from the amounts reflected in the consolidated
financial statements.
Long‑Lived
and Intangible Assets.In accordance with SFAS No. 144,
"Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long‑Lived Assets"
and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," we evaluate
the carrying value of our long‑lived assets, including property and
equipment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists
when estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than
their carrying amount. If an asset is deemed to be impaired, the amount of the
impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset's carrying value
as compared to its estimated fair value, based on management's assumptions and
projections. We assessed our long‑lived assets for impairment during
2004, and determined that an impairment charge of $1.7 million was
required to write down the carrying amount of certain assets to their estimated
fair value as these assets were identified as being excess, obsolete or carried
at values that may not be recoverable due to an adverse change in the extent to
which these assets were being utilized in the business, which was caused by the
unfavorable
business climate within the industry and continued
losses in each segment. We assessed our long‑lived assets for impairment
during 2005 and 2006 and determined that no impairment existed.
Our
estimates of the future cash flows attributable to our long‑lived assets and
the fair value of our businesses involve significant uncertainty. Those
estimates are based on management's assumptions of future results, growth
trends and industry conditions. If those estimates are not met, we could have
additional impairment charges in the future, and the amounts may be material.
We
also assess the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis in accordance to
SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". The
carrying value of each reporting unit, including goodwill assigned to that
reporting unit, is compared to its fair value. If the fair value of the
reporting unit does not exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit,
including goodwill, an analysis is performed to determine if an impairment
charge should be recorded. We recorded a $1.6 million impairment charge
for goodwill at Choice during 2004.
We
assess the recoverability of the value of our FCC licenses using a
discounted cash flow valuation method. We believe that our FCC licenses
have an indefinite life based on historical ability to renew such licenses,
that such renewals may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost, and that
the related technology used is not expected to be replaced in the foreseeable
future. If the value of these assets was impaired by some factor, such as an
adverse change in the subsidiary's operating market, we may be required to
record an impairment charge. We test the impairment of our FCC licenses
annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such
assets might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the
fair value of FCC licenses with their carrying amount on a license by
license basis.
Tax
Related Accruals.Our estimate of deferred and current
income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred assets and
liabilities are shown in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in this Report. These reflect the assessment of actual current and
future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving
consideration to both timing and probability of realization. Actual income tax
could vary from these estimates due to future changes in tax law. We are also
subject to tax audits from various jurisdictions. We make estimates based on
the available information and consult with experts where necessary. We believe
our estimates are reasonable; however, they may change materially in the future
due to new developments or interpretation.
Contingencies.We
are subject to proceedings, lawsuits, audits and other claims related to
lawsuits and other legal and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary
course of business. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse
judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable
losses. A determination of the amount of loss accrual required, if any, for
these contingencies are made after careful analysis of each individual issue.
We consult with legal counsel and other experts where necessary in connection
with our assessment of any contingencies. The required accrual for any such
contingency may change materially in the future due to new developments or
changes in each matter. We estimate these contingencies amount to approximately
$23.5 million at December 31, 2006, the majority of which are not
recorded on our books. Adverse developments in these matters may result in the
recording of liabilities to satisfy all or a portion of these claims. See
Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Effective
January 1, 2006 the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the
modified prospective transition method, which required the application of the
accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company's
fiscal year 2006. Under this transition method, stock‑based compensation
expense recognized during 2006 includes stock options and restricted stock
shares granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based
on the grant‑date fair value estimated in accordance with the original
provisions of SFAS No. 123 and stock options and restricted stock shares
granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant‑date
fair value, estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).
Because the Company was applying the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS
No. 123 prior to January 1, 2006 and was expensing the estimated fair
value of such grants over the employees' requisite service period, the adoption
of SFAS No. 123(R) had no impact on the Company's statements of operations
for any of the years presented.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an
amendment of SFAS Nos. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)" (SFAS No. 158). This
statement, among other things, requires that the Company recognizes the funded
status of its defined benefit pension in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 2006, with changes in the funded status recognized through
other comprehensive income in the year in which such changes occur. The
adoption of SFAS No. 158 had an immaterial effect on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2006 and no effect on the
Consolidated Statements of Operations for any period presented.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159
("SFAS 159"), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard is effective for periods beginning
after November 15, 2007, therefore, the Company will adopt the provisions
of the standard on January 1, 2008. SFAS 159 permits the Company to
elect to measure certain of its financial instruments at either historical cost
or fair value. The Company is in the process of determining what method it will
choose upon adoption and, once determined, the impact, if any, adoption will
have on the financial results or position of the Company.
In
July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48),
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 109, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax
positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax
position in the Company's financial statements if that position is more likely
than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the
position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the
Company's 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in
accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 as our
material uncertain tax positions relate to interpretations and application of
various income tax laws and rulings in Guyana. These matters are currently the
subject of ongoing assessments and discussions between us and the Government of
Guyana.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign
Currency Exchange Sensitivity.Although a significant portion of
GT&T's revenues and expenditures are currently transacted in U.S. dollars,
the results of future operations nevertheless may be affected by changes in the
value of the Guyana dollar. From February 1991 until early 1994, the
Guyana dollar remained relatively stable at the rate of approximately $125 to
the U.S. dollar. In 1994 the Guyana dollar declined in value to approximately
$142 to the U.S. dollar. It remained relatively stable at approximately that
rate through 1997. From December 31, 1997, through December 31, 1998
the Guyana dollar further declined in value to approximately $180 to the U.S.
dollar and it remained relatively stable until late 2003. In the fourth quarter
2003, the Guyana dollar declined in value to approximately $195 to the U.S.
dollar and to approximately $205 during the first quarter of 2004. The effect
of the devaluation of the Guyana dollar on our consolidated financial results
has not been significant in the periods presented. However, the recent declines
in 2003 and 2004 resulted in the recording of a $1.55 million foreign
exchange gain at December 31, 2003 and a $924,000 gain in the first
quarter of 2004 as the devaluation decreased the value of GT&T's Guyana
dollar net liabilities resulting in a gain. The gain in 2003 was substantially
offset by other foreign exchange losses incurred during the year; we did not
incur similar losses during 2004, 2005 or 2006.
A
substantial majority of our consolidated cash balances are kept in U.S. dollar
denominated short term investments, and GT&T generally endeavors to
maintain a balance between its Guyana dollar cash deposits and local
receivables which are denominated in Guyana dollars, and its local tax and
other payables which are also denominated in the Guyana dollar.
Under
generally accepted international accounting principles, which, in our view, are
statutorily applicable to the rate making process in Guyana, GT&T's
functional currency has been the U.S. dollar because a significant portion of
GT&T's revenues and expenditures have been transacted in U.S. dollars.
Accordingly, in our view, GT&T is currently entitled to its agreed upon
minimum 15% return on rate base computed in U.S. dollars on a U.S. dollar
historical cost rate base and therefore devaluations of the Guyana dollar
should have had no long‑term impact on the value of GT&T's earnings
in U.S. dollars. The Guyana Public Utility Commission has neither approved nor
disapproved our position. Moreover, with the decline in international
settlement rates and the increases that GT&T hopes to have in local
revenue, the Guyana dollar may become GT&T's functional currency at some
time in the future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies"
above.
Interest
Rate Sensitivity.We have $50.0 million of long term
debt at December 31, 2006. The interest rates associated with this debt
are fixed through the life of the loan.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The
Consolidated Financial Statements of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc. and
its subsidiaries are submitted as a separate section of this Report. See Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule that appears on page F‑1
of this Report.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We
have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material
information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made
known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of
senior management and the Board of Directors.
Our
management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(e)
and 15d‑15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered
by this Report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and
procedures were effective.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting
Our
management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a‑15(f)
and 15d‑15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that:
(i)pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets;
(ii)provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors; and
(iii)provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management
assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making this assessment, management
used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.
Based
on this assessment, management determined that they maintained effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.
Management's
assessment of the effectiveness of their internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2006 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm,
as stated in their report which is included in "Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data."
Changes in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
There
was no change in the internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006 that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Executive Officers
Our
executive officers and their respective ages and positions as of March 16,
2007 are set forth below:
Name
Age
Position
Michael T. Prior.......................................
42
President and Chief Executive Officer
Justin D. Benincasa................................
45
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Douglas J. Minster..................................
46
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John P. Audet...........................................
49
Vice President, Financial Analysis and Planning
Andrew S. Fienberg................................
39
Chief Accounting Officer
Michael
T. Prior is our President and
Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Prior joined us in 2003 as our Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer. Before joining us, Mr. Prior was a
partner with Q Advisors LLC, a Denver‑based investment banking and
financial advisory firm focused on the telecommunications sector. From 1999 to
2002, he headed corporate development for LighTrade, Inc., a
telecommunications infrastructure provider. (LighTrade filed for Chapter 7
bankruptcy protection during the first quarter of 2002). From 1998 to 1999,
Mr. Prior was a member of ComSpace Development LLC, a seed investment
concern in the communications industry and an early investor in LighTrade. From
1992 to 1998, Mr. Prior was a corporate lawyer with Cleary Gottlieb
Steen & Hamilton in London and New York and Perkins Coie LLP in
Seattle. Mr. Prior received a B.A. degree from Vassar College and a J.D.
degree summa cum laude from
Brooklyn Law School. He is the son of Cornelius B. Prior, Jr., Chairman of our
Board.
Justin
D. Benincasa is our Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining us in May 2006, Mr. Benincasa
was a Principal at Windover Development, LLC since 2004. From 1998 to 2004, he
was Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration at American Tower
Corporation, a leading wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure
company, where he managed finance and accounting, treasury, IT, tax, lease
administration and property management. Prior to that, he was Vice President
and Corporate Controller at American Radio Systems Corporation and held
accounting and finance positions at American Cablesystems Corporation.
Mr. Benincasa holds an M.B.A. degree from Bentley College and a B.A.
degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Douglas
J. Minster joined us in 2003 as
our Vice President and General Counsel. From November 1999 to
February 2002, Mr. Minster served as Vice President, External
Affairs, at LighTrade, Inc. (LighTrade filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
protection during the first quarter of 2002). From 1997 to 1998, he headed
corporate development at IP Radio, Inc., a wireless broadband service.
From 1990 to 1992, he served as a senior legal advisor at Time Warner
Telecommunications. In addition, Mr. Minster co‑founded Digital
Satellite Broadcasting Corp., a satellite radio company, helping to develop the
regulatory foundation for the satellite radio service. Mr. Minster began
his career as an attorney at the FCC, later joining the former Chairman of the
FCC at Patrick Communications as an advisor on domestic and international
regulatory and legal issues. He received a B.S. degree from Ithaca College and
a J.D. degree from The Catholic University Columbus School of Law.
John
P. Audet joined the Company in
2006 as Vice President—Financial Analysis and Planning, after serving as
a consultant and advisor to the Company for three years. Prior to his
relationship with ATN, he held executive finance positions with a number of
start‑up telecommunications companies. Mr. Audet was also a Senior
Consultant with BIA Financial Network, Inc, a financial and appraisal
consultancy to the media and telecommunications industry where he participated
in formal appraisals
of businesses and assets worth in excess of over
$2 billion. Mr. Audet was also employed at LighTrade, Inc.
(LighTrade filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection protection during the
first quarter of 2002.) Early in his career, John was a principal in a
specialized engineering consultancy that designed and built over two dozen of
the first cellular radio systems in the United States. He is a summa cum
laude graduate of the University
of Maryland, University College with a B.S. in Finance &
Technology & Management.
Andrew
S. Fienberg joined us in
May 2005 as our Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining us,
Mr. Fienberg served as a Divisional Controller for Pegasus Satellite
Television, Inc., a re‑seller of DirecTV services throughout the
rural United States, which he joined in December 2003. From
August 1999 to December 2003, Mr. Fienberg was the Corporate
Controller at iBasis, Inc., a publicly‑traded international VoIP
telecommunications service provider. Prior to iBasis, Mr. Fienberg was
with Iron Mountain Incorporated, a data storage provider, which he joined in
May 1997. Prior to that, he served as an auditor at BDO Seidman, LLP in
Boston beginning in September 1989. Mr. Fienberg received a B.S.
degree in Accountancy from Bentley College and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
Additional
information required by this Item regarding our directors and executive
officers will be set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2007 (or 2007 Proxy
Statement) under "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" and is herein incorporated by
reference required information regarding our audit committee financial experts
and identification of the audit committee of our Board of Directors will be set
forth in our 2006 Proxy Statement under "Corporate Governance" and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Information
regarding our Code of Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, our
principal financial officer, our controller and other senior financial officers
appears in Item 1 of this Report under the caption
"Business—Available Information."
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information
required by this Item regarding executive compensation will be set forth in our
2007 Proxy Statement under "Compensation and Other Information Concerning
Directors and Officers" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information
required by this Item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial
owners, directors and executive officers will be set forth in our 2007 Proxy
Statement under "Security Ownership By Principal Stockholders and
Management" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information
required by this Item regarding our equity compensation plans will be set forth
in our 2007 Proxy Statement under "Equity Compensation Plan
Information" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
Information
required by this Item regarding certain relationships and related transactions
will be set forth in our 2007 Proxy Statement under "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information
required by this Item regarding auditor fees and services will be set forth in
our 2007 Proxy Statement under "Information Concerning Independent
Auditors" and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
(1)Financial Statements.See
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, which appears on page F‑1
hereof. The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to
Consolidated Financial Statements are filed herewith in response to this Item.
(2)Financial Statement Schedule.All
schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because the required
information in contained in the consolidated financial statements or notes
included in this Report.
(3)Exhibits.See
Index to Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits immediately
preceding the exhibits are filed herewith in response to this Item.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Salem, Massachusetts
on the 21st day of March 2007.
Atlantic Tele‑Network,
Inc.
By:
/s/ Michael
T. Prior
Michael T. Prior
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities indicated on the 21st day of March, 2007.
Signature
Title
/s/ Michael
T. Prior
Michael T. Prior
President and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Justin
D. Benincasa
Justin D. Benincasa
Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Cornelius
B. Prior, Jr.
Cornelius B. Prior, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
/s/ Ernst
A. Burri
Ernst A. Burri
Director
/s/ Charles
J. Roesslein
Charles J. Roesslein
Director
/s/ Henry
U. Wheatley
Henry U. Wheatley
Director
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
December 31,
2004, 2005, and 2006
INDEX
Page
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM............................................................................
F‑2
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Consolidated
Balance Sheets—December 31, 2005 and 2006................................................................................................................
F‑4
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and
2006..........................................
F‑5
Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005,
and 2006......................
F‑6
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and
2006.......................................
F‑8
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................................................................................
F‑9
FINANCIAL
STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Schedule
II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31,
2004, 2005, and 2006......................
F‑46
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
We
have completed an integrated audit of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.'s
2006 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 and audits of its 2005 and
2004 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based
on our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule
In
our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying
index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc. and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement
schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted
our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of
financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As
discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the 2004 and 2005
consolidated financial statements reflect certain adjustments to correct for
errors identified by the Company in 2006.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also,
in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that
the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly
stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on
criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company's management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment
and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial
reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of
internal control, and performing such other
procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A
company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 21, 2007
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS
December 31,
2005 and 2006
(In Thousands, Except
Share Data)
December 31,
2005
2006
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................................................................................................................
$26,493
$60,543
Accounts receivable, net of allowances........................................................................................................................
15,613
20,510
Materials and supplies.......................................................................................................................................................
4,744
7,578
Prepayments
and other current assets...........................................................................................................................
1,822
2,508
Total
current assets.............................................................................................................................................................
48,672
91,139
Fixed Assets:
Property, plant, and equipment......................................................................................................................................
204,297
237,006
Less
accumulated depreciation........................................................................................................................................
(78,588)
(98,433)
Net
fixed assets....................................................................................................................................................................
Other intangibles, net............................................................................................................................................................
—
3,509
Long term marketable securities........................................................................................................................................
1,991
—
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated
affiliates...........................................................................................
13,045
12,004
Other
assets...............................................................................................................................................................................
4,137
1,165
Total
assets............................................................................................................................................................................
$233,831
$302,614
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long‑term debt
$165
$—
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.....................................................................................................................
Advance payments and deposits....................................................................................................................................
3,114
3,813
Other
current liabilities......................................................................................................................................................
2,985
2,529
Total current liabilities......................................................................................................................................................
31,118
35,041
Deferred income taxes...........................................................................................................................................................
7,883
12,871
Long‑term
debt, excluding current portion
55,585
50,000
Total
liabilities.....................................................................................................................................................................
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share;
10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding........................................................................................................................................................................
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share;
50,000,000 shares authorized; 12,949,810 and 15,651,018 shares issued,
respectively, and 12,463,748 and 15,170,707 shares outstanding in 2005 and
2006, respectively........................................................................................................................................
129
157
Treasury stock, at cost; 486,062 and 480,311
shares, in 2005 and 2006, respectively.............................
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss.......................................................................................................................
—
(1,785)
Total
stockholders' equity................................................................................................................................................
116,986
178,770
Total
liabilities and stockholders' equity....................................................................................................................
$233,831
$302,614
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006
Total
revenue.................................................................................................................................................
89,165
102,281
155,358
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Termination and access fees (excluding
depreciation and amortization, presented below).
5,599
7,941
22,687
Internet and programming (excluding depreciation
and amortization, presented below)....
2,362
2,601
3,504
Engineering and operations (excluding
depreciation and amortization, presented below)..
11,755
15,136
19,691
Sales and marketing (excluding depreciation and
amortization, presented below)...............
5,093
6,457
10,088
General and administrative (excluding
depreciation and amortization, presented below)...
14,414
15,607
21,892
Depreciation
and amortization.................................................................................................................
14,730
17,110
24,510
Total
operating expenses...........................................................................................................................
53,953
64,852
102,372
Income
from operations.............................................................................................................................
Other
income (expense), net.....................................................................................................................
(1,833)
(631)
725
Other
expense, net.......................................................................................................................................
(1,528)
(1,318)
(1,422)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY
INTERESTS AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
33,684
36,111
51,564
Income
taxes..................................................................................................................................................
19,832
21,007
25,538
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND EQUITY
IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
13,852
15,104
26,026
Minority interests, net of tax of $3.8 million,
$3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively.................................................................................................................................................
(3,992)
(4,364)
(4,993)
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax............................................................
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006
(In Thousands, Except
Share Data)
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock,
at cost
Additional
Paid In
Capital
Equity
Contribution
Receivable
from Related
Party
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total
Stockholders
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2003....................
$129
$(1,839)
$55,942
$—
$48,078
$—
$102,310
Purchase of 25,000 shares of
common stock............................................................
—
(331)
—
—
—
—
(331)
Reissuance of 34,735 shares of
common stock from treasury under Directors' Remuneration Plan............................................................................................
—
170
(170)
—
—
—
—
Award of 4,845 shares of common
stock under Directors' Remuneration Plan..............................................
—
—
60
—
—
—
60
Dividends on common stock........................
—
—
—
—
(5,245)
—
(5,245)
Net income............................................................................
—
—
—
—
12,429
—
12,429
Equity Contribution, Related Party.....
—
—
858
(858)
—
—
—
Balance, December 31, 2004....................
129
(2,000)
56,690
(858)
55,262
—
109,223
Equity Contribution, Related
Party.....
—
(858)
—
858
—
—
—
Purchase of 50,000 shares of
common stock............................................................
—
(586)
—
—
—
—
(586)
Reissuance of 6,842 shares of
common stock from treasury under Directors' Remuneration Plan............................................................................................
—
42
(42)
—
—
—
—
Issuance of 71,250 shares of
common stock under 2005 Restricted Stock Plan.......................................
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Repurchase of 23,612 shares of
common stock issued under 2005 Restricted Stock Plan.......................................
—
(290)
290
—
—
—
—
Reissuance of 12,500 shares of
common stock from treasury...............
—
160
—
—
—
—
160
Amortization of deferred
compensation..............................................................
—
—
131
—
—
—
131
Dividends on common stock........................
—
—
—
—
(5,725)
—
(5,725)
Net income............................................................................
—
—
—
—
13,783
—
13,783
Balance, December 31, 2005....................
129
(3,532)
57,069
—
63,320
—
116,986
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock,
at cost
Additional
Paid In
Capital
Equity
Contribution
Receivable
from Related
Party
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total
Stockholders
Equity
Issuance of 2,640,000 shares of
common stock in underwritten public offering, net of offering costs...........................................................................................
27
—
46,243
—
—
—
46,270
Award of shares of common stock
under Directors' Remuneration Plan............................................................................................
—
—
60
—
—
—
60
Reissuance of 9,084 shares of
common stock from treasury under Directors' Remuneration Plan............................................................................................
—
60
(60)
—
—
—
—
Issuance of 43,750 shares of
common stock upon exercise of stock options.................................................................
1
—
734
—
—
—
735
Issuance of 17,500 shares of
common stock under 2005 Restricted Stock Plan.......................................
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Repurchase of 3,333 shares of
common stock issued under 2005 Restricted Stock Plan.......................................
—
(85)
85
—
—
—
—
Issuance of restricted common
shares of Sovernet, Inc...............................
—
—
(508)
—
—
—
(508)
Cash paid in lieu of half‑shares
as a result of split of common stock.........
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
(4)
Amortization of deferred
compensation..............................................................
—
—
737
—
—
—
737
Dividends on common stock........................
—
—
—
—
(7,221)
—
(7,221)
Net income............................................................................
—
—
—
—
23,500
—
23,500
Adoption of SFAS No. 158, net of tax................................................................................................
—
—
—
—
(1,785)
(1,785)
Balance, December 31, 2006....................
$157
$(3,557)
$104,356
—
$79,599
$(1,785)
$178,770
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006
(In Thousands)
December 31,
2004
2005
2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income..........................................................................................................................................................
$12,429
$13,783
$23,500
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization......................................................................................................................
Dividends received from Bermuda Digital
Communications Ltd..................................................
445
1,450
1,658
Amortization of deferred compensation....................................................................................................
—
421
822
Reserve for amounts due from Bridge
International Communications, Inc................................
—
2,104
255
Loss on disposal of assets.............................................................................................................................
—
—
219
Deferred income taxes.....................................................................................................................................
(694)
1,290
3,046
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates......................................................................................
Net
cash provided by operating activities................................................................................................
42,054
32,144
51,248
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures........................................................................................................................................
(25,317)
(26,011)
(35,465)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
of $1,862 and $1,456.......................................
—
(57,393)
(8,975)
Acquisitions completed by Commnet, net of cash
acquired of $231............................................
—
—
(9,557)
Net proceeds from sale of assets..................................................................................................................
—
—
2,053
Sale (purchase) of long term marketable
securities...............................................................................
—
(1,991)
1,991
Sale (purchase) of marketable securities....................................................................................................
(8,081)
8,081
—
Advances
to Bridge International Communications, Inc...................................................................
(1,195)
(1,109)
—
Net
cash used in investing activities..........................................................................................................
(34,593)
(78,423)
(49,953)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from underwritten public offering of
common stock, net of expenses........................
—
—
46,270
Repayment of long‑term debt
(1,179)
(13,662)
(27,750)
Proceeds from long‑term debt
10,000
57,000
22,000
Dividends paid on common stock..............................................................................................................
(5,121)
(5,725)
(6,632)
Purchase of common stock...........................................................................................................................
(331)
(876)
(85)
Proceeds from stock option exercise..........................................................................................................
—
—
735
Investments made by minority shareholders in
consolidated affiliates..........................................
—
—
1,400
Distribution to minority stockholders.......................................................................................................
(3,250)
(3,649)
(3,183)
Proceeds from sale of stock...........................................................................................................................
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Atlantic
Tele‑Network, Inc. ("ATN" or "Company") provides
wireless and wireline telecommunication services in the Caribbean and North
America through the following operating subsidiaries and affiliates:
·Guyana Telephone & Telegraph
Company, Ltd. ("GT&T"), the national and international
telephone company in the Republic of Guyana and the largest wireless service
provider in that country. The Company has owned 80% of the stock of GT&T
since January 1991. GT&T generated approximately 94%, 85% and 60% of
the Company's consolidated revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.The reduction in these percentages is
due to the acquisitions noted below and the growth in those acquired
operations.
·Commnet Wireless, LLC ("Commnet"), an owner
and operator of wholesale wireless networks in rural areas of the United
States. Commnet provides wireless voice and data communications roaming
services primarily to national, regional and local wireless carriers. The
Company completed its acquisition of 95% of Commnet on September 15, 2005
and the remaining 5% in January 2007.
·Sovernet, Inc., ("Sovernet"), a
facilities‑based integrated voice, broadband data communications and dial‑up
service provider in New England, primarily in Vermont.ATN acquired all of the outstanding
common stock of Sovernet, Inc. on February 10, 2006 and, at the
closing of the transaction, issued shares of common stock of
Sovernet, Inc. amounting to 4% of Sovernet's outstanding capital stock to
Sovernet's new Chief Executive Officer, subject to vesting requirements and
other restrictions.
·Choice Communications, LLC ("Choice
Communications" or "Choice"), is a provider of fixed wireless
broadband data and wireless digital television services, and dial‑up
Internet services to retail and business customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Choice is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
·Bermuda Digital Communications, Ltd.
("BDC"), the largest wireless voice and data communications service
provider in Bermuda, doing business under the name "Cellular One".
The Company acquired an equity interest in, and signed a management contract
with, BDC in 1998. The Company currently owns 43% of the equity of BDC.
ATN
provides management, technical, financial, regulatory, and marketing services
for its subsidiaries and affiliates and typically receives a management fee
equal to approximately 6% of their respective revenues. Management fees from
consolidated subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation. Management fees from
unconsolidated affiliates are included in "Other Income" in the
accompanying statements of operations.
In
the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed the sale of 3.84 million
shares of common stock at $19.00 per share in an underwritten public offering
(the "2006 Equity Offering"), consisting of the sale by the Company
of an aggregate of 2.64 million shares (2.4 million shares in
July 2006 and an additional 0.24 million shares purchased by the underwriters
as a part of their over‑allotment option in August 2006) and
1.2 million shares by our Chairman Cornelius B. Prior, Jr. and his related
entities. The net proceeds to the Company of this offering, which were
approximately $46.3 million, were used to repay a portion of the Company's
outstanding indebtedness, and will fund capital expenditures, acquisitions
and/or strategic investments and general corporate purposes. The Company did
not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of the selling stockholders.
2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its
majority‑owned subsidiaries and Commnet of Florida, LLC, which is
consolidated in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 46,
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation on
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" ("FIN No. 46") as
revised in December 2003 ("FIN No. 46R") since it was
determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of Commnet of Florida,
LLC.
Except
for the Company's investment in Commnet of Florida, LLC, the equity method of
accounting is used for the Company's investments in affiliated entities in
which the Company has at least a 20% ownership but does not have management
control. The Company accounts for investments of less than 20% for which the
Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the
operations by using the cost method of accounting.
On
March 31, 2006, the Company completed a 5‑for‑2 split of its
common stock which was effectuated as a stock dividend. ATN stockholders, as of
the record date, received three additional shares of common stock for every two
shares of common stock held on that date. The additional shares were
distributed to stockholders on March 31, 2006. The stockholders of the
Company also approved a proportional increase in the number of authorized
shares of common stock from 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 in May 2006. On
August 14, 2006, the Company amended its restated certificate of
incorporation to reflect this increase in the authorized shares of common
stock. Accordingly, the Company's dividend per share amount was reduced to
proportionately reflect the 5‑for‑2 split. The accompanying
financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock
split.
Reclassification to Statement of Cash Flows
The
Company revised its presentation in the statement of cash flows of dividends
received from Bermuda Digital Communications of $0.4 million and
$1.5 million for 2004 and 2005, respectively, to properly reflect the
dividends as an operating activity as they represented a return on the
Company's investment.
Use of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates relate to revenue
recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of the Company's
fixed and finite‑lived intangible assets, allocation of purchase price to
assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase business combinations, fair
value of indefinite‑live intangible assets, goodwill and income taxes.
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Adjustments of Prior Year Financial
Statements
During
2006, the Company identified errors related to certain assets, liabilities, and
expenses of the 2004 and 2005 consolidated financial statements and the
respective quarterly financial information.
Accordingly, the Company has adjusted the annual
2004 and 2005 consolidated financial statements and the quarterly financial
information for 2005 presented in this Annual Report.
The
Company's assessment of certain identified accounting errors resulted in the
following adjustments to previously reported periods:
Net
periodic pension costs were incorrectly reported in 2004 and 2005.The
Company determined that it had previously incorrectly recorded a greater amount
of expense relating to its obligations to the defined benefit pension plan of
its GT&T subsidiary than required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 87, "Employers Accounting For
Pensions". The Company
recorded as expense cash payments which were in excess of its net period
pension costs, and the difference should have been recorded as a pre‑paid
pension asset under the provisions of SFAS No. 87. Accordingly, the Company
underreported its net income for the periods presented. While these errors were
not material to such periods, correction of the accumulated errors would have
been material to the 2006 financial statements and, therefore, the Company has
adjusted its retained earnings as of January 1, 2004 for the cumulative
error as of December 31, 2003 and its general and administrative expenses
for the annual periods 2004 and 2005 as well as the quarterly financial
information for 2005.
The
adjusted financial statements for 2004 and 2005 include an increase in net
income of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The adjusted
financial information for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2005, June 30,
2005, September 30, 2005, and December 31, 2005 includes a decrease in
general and administrative expense of $0.1 million, respectively and a
negligible increase in net income for each period. The adjusted financial
statements as of December 31, 2004 include an increase in stockholders' equity
of $1.1 million and a decrease in total liabilities of $1.4 million. The adjusted
financial statements as of December 31, 2005 include an increase in
stockholders' equity of $1.3 million and a decrease in total liabilities of
$1.6 million.
None
of the items discussed above impacted reported revenues, cash balances or cash
flows.
The
following tables set forth the adjustments:
Summary of
Adjustments to
Operating Income, Net
Income, and Earnings per Share
(In thousands except
per share data)
Year ended
December 31,
Quarter ended
2004
2005
3/31/2005
6/30/2005
9/30/2005
12/31/2005
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
Operating Income‑ as
reported
$34,476
$36,992
$7,853
$7,983
$9,877
$11,279
Increase due to decrease in general and administrative expense................................................................................
736
437
109
109
109
110
Operating Income‑ as adjusted
$35,212
$37,429
$7,962
$8,092
$9,986
$11,389
Net Income‑ as reported
$12,117
$13,598
$3,046
$3,227
$4,432
$2,893
Increase in operating income....................
736
437
109
109
109
110
Increase in minority interest
expense................................................................................
(78)
(46)
(11)
(9)
(11)
(15)
Increase in income tax expense............
(346)
(206)
(51)
(49)
(51)
(55)
Total impact on net income...........................
312
185
47
51
47
40
Net Income‑ as adjusted
$12,429
$13,783
$3,093
$3,278
$4,479
$2,933
Basic net income per share‑
as reported...............................................................................
$0.96
$1.09
0.24
$0.26
$0.36
$0.23
Effect of adjustments to income............
0.03
0.02
0.01
—
—
0.01
Basic net income per share‑ as adjusted................................................................................
$0.99
$1.11
$0.25
$0.26
$0.36
$0.24
Fully diluted net income per
share‑ as reported......................................................................
$0.96
$1.09
$0.24
$0.26
$0.36
$0.23
Effect of adjustments to income............
0.03
0.01
0.01
—
—
—
Fully diluted net income per share‑ as adjusted.......................................................................
$0.99
$1.10
$0.25
$0.26
$0.36
$0.23
Summary of
Adjustments to
Assets and
Liabilities
(In thousands)
12/31/2004
12/31/2005
3/31/2005
6/30/2005
9/30/2005
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
Total assets‑ as reported
$176,374
$233,831
$177,822
$175,854
$234,225
Increase
in other assets................................
—
—
109
218
327
Total
assets‑ as adjusted
$176,374
$233,831
$177,931
$176,072
$234,552
Total
liabilities‑ as reported
$48,520
$96,181
$47,398
$43,124
$97,421
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.......................................
(2,572)
(3,009)
(2,572)
(2,572)
(2,572)
Increase
in deferred tax liabilities.............
1,209
1,414
1,260
1,311
1,362
Total
impact on liabilities..........................
(1,363)
(1,595)
(1,312)
(1,261)
(1,210)
Total
liabilities‑ as adjusted
$47,157
$94,586
$46,086
$41,863
$96,211
Minority interest‑ as reported
$19,722
$21,940
$20,623
$21,568
$22,732
Increase
in minority interests....................
273
319
285
297
309
Minority
interests‑ as adjusted
$19,995
$22,259
$20,908
$21,865
$23,041
Stockholders' equity‑ as reported
$108,132
$115,710
$109,801
$111,162
$114,072
Increase
in retained earnings......................
1,090
1,276
1,136
1,182
1,229
Stockholders'
equity‑ as adjusted
$109,222
$116,986
$110,937
$112,344
$115,301
The
financial statement line items impacted by these adjustments are summarized in
the following tables (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Impact of Adjustments
to
Operating Income, Net
Income, and Earnings per Share
(In thousands, except
per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2004
Year Ended December 31, 2005
As reported
As adjusted
As reported
As adjusted
General and administrative expenses...........................................
For
purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments
with a remaining maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be
cash equivalent. The Company places its cash and temporary investments with
banks and other institutions that it believes have a high credit quality. At
December 31, 2005 and 2006, the Company had deposits with banks in excess
of FDIC insured limits and a significant portion of its cash is on deposit with
non‑insured institutions such as corporate money market issuers. The
Company's cash and cash equivalents are not subject to any restriction. Due to
the timing of certain payments towards the end of 2005, as of December 31,
2005, the Company held none of its cash in Guyana dollars while holding
$4.6 million of cash in Guyana dollars as of December 31, 2006. While
there are risks associated with the conversion of Guyana dollars to U.S.
dollars due to limited liquidity in the Guyana foreign currency markets, it has
not prevented the Company from converting Guyana dollars into U.S. dollars within
a given three month period or from converting at a price that reasonably
approximates the reported exchange rate.
Marketable Securities
The
Company classifies marketable securities as available‑for‑sale in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." These securities are
carried at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a
component of other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Gains
or losses on securities sold are based on the specific identification method.
Materials and Supplies
Materials
and supplies primarily include customer premise equipment, cables, and poles at
GT&T and are carried at weighted average cost.
Regulatory Accounting
GT&T
accounts for costs in accordance with the accounting principles for regulated
enterprises prescribed by SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation." This accounting recognizes the economic
effects of rate regulation by recording cost and a return on investment as such
amounts are recovered through rates authorized by regulatory authorities.
Accordingly, under SFAS No. 71, fixed assets are depreciated over lives
approved by regulators, and certain costs and obligations are deferred based on
approvals received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in future
years.
Fixed Assets
The
Company's fixed assets are recorded at cost. Repairs and replacements of minor
items of property are charged to maintenance expense as incurred. The cost of
fixed assets in service and under construction includes an allocation of
indirect costs applicable to construction.
The
Company provides for depreciation using the straight‑line method
generally between 3 and 39 years. No gain or loss is recognized in
connection with ordinary retirements of depreciable property. With respect to
GT&T, as of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted new and generally
shorter lives in connection with a tariff application filed on
December 31, 1997 with the Guyana Public Utilities Commission
("PUC"). In February 2002, the PUC accepted these lives for
purposes of setting interim rates without expressly approving them, and ordered
GT&T not to change its depreciation rates in the future without the
approval of the PUC.
In
June 2001, the FASB approved SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations" (or SFAS No. 143). SFAS No. 143
establishes accounting standards for recognition and measurement of a liability
for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost. In
the case of GT&T, we have not provided for costs related to the removal of
tangible long‑lived assets because there are no obligations under any of
our leases or under any existing or enacted laws, statutes or ordinances or
elsewhere that would require us to incur costs related to the retirement of
those assets.
In
March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting
for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations" (or "FIN 47"). FIN
47 clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,"
refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which
the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that
may or may not be within the control of the entity. Accordingly, an entity is
required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset
retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably
estimated. Any uncertainty about the amount and/or timing of future settlement
should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient
information exists.. There was no impact as a result of the adoption of FIN 47
in December 2005 on our results of operations, financial position and cash
flows.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill
represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of net assets
acquired in purchase business combinations. In accordance with SFAS
No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets", goodwill and other indefinite‑lived
intangible assets (telecommunications licenses) are tested for impairment on an
annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the asset might be impaired. The carrying value of each reporting unit,
including goodwill assigned to that reporting unit, is compared to its fair
value. If the fair value of the reporting unit does not exceed the carrying
value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, an analysis is performed to
determine if an impairment charge should be recorded. The Company performed an
impairment test of its goodwill and licenses as of December 31, 2004, 2005
and 2006 and recorded a $1.6 million impairment charge to write‑down
its goodwill at Choice during 2004 as a result of the unfavorable business
climate within the industry and continued losses in the operations. No
impairment charge was recorded for either 2005 or 2006.
The
Company assesses the recoverability of FCC licenses using a discounted
cash flow valuation method. Management believes that FCC licenses have an
indefinite life based on historical ability to renew such licenses, that such
renewals may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost, and that the related
technology used is not expected to be replaced in the foreseeable future. If
the value of these assets was impaired by some factor, such as an adverse
change in the subsidiary's operating market, the Company may be required to
record an impairment charge. The realizability of FCC licenses is
evaluated annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
such assets might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of
the fair value of FCC licenses with their carrying amount on a license by
license basis.
Customer
relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
See
Note 6 for additional information on transactions relating to goodwill and
other intangible assets.
Long‑Lived Assets
In
accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal
of Long‑Lived Assets", the Company evaluates the carrying value of
long‑lived assets, including property and equipment, in relation to the
operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying
business whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when
estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than
their carrying amount. If an asset is deemed to be impaired, the amount of the
impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset's carrying value
as compared to its estimated fair value, based on management's assumptions and
projections. During 2004, the Company's assessment of its long‑lived
assets determined that an impairment charge of $1.7 million was required
to write down the carrying amount of certain assets at Atlantic Tele‑Center
(the Company's call center operation which was curtailed in early 2005) and at
the parent company to their estimated fair value, as these assets were
identified as being excess, obsolete or carried at values that may not have
been recoverable due to an adverse change in the extent to which these assets
were being utilized in the business. Management believes that the long‑lived
assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are appropriately valued
at December 31, 2005 and 2006. Management's estimate of the future cash
flows attributable to its long‑lived assets and the fair value of its
businesses involve significant uncertainty. Those estimates are based on
management's assumptions of future results, growth trends and industry
conditions. If those estimates are not met, the Company could have additional
impairment charges in the future, and the amounts may be material.
Minority Interests
Minority
interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations represent
minority stockholders' share of the income or loss of GT&T, Sovernet,
Commnet and Commnet's consolidated subsidiaries. The minority interests in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect the original investments by
the minority stockholders in these consolidated subsidiaries, along with their
proportional share of the earnings or losses, net of any distribution from the
consolidated subsidiaries.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an
amendment of SFAS Nos. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)". This statement, among
other things, requires that the Company recognizes the funded status of its
defined benefit pension in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 2006, with changes in the funded status recognized through
accumulated other comprehensive income in the year in which such changes occur.
The adoption of SFAS No. 158 had no effect on the Consolidated Statements
of Operations for any period presented.
Comprehensive
income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was the same
as net income.
The
following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss as
of December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended (in thousands):
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Final Balance at December 31, 2005....................................................................................................................
$—
Adoption of FAS 158................................................................................................................................................
Final
Balance at December 31, 2006....................................................................................................................
$(1,785)
As
of December 31, 2006, the defined benefit plan at GT&T was over‑funded
by $338,000.
Revenue Recognition
For
all of the Company's subsidiaries, in determining the appropriate amount of
revenue to recognize for a particular transaction, the Company applies the
criteria established by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 "Revenue
Recognition" ("SAB 104") and defers those items that do not meet
the recognition criteria and also relies on its past history of evidence with
each customer or carrier in estimating amounts for which revenue is not
recognized. However, due to the nature and timing of carrier settlements,
adjustments affecting revenue can and do occur in periods subsequent to the
period when the services were provided, billed and recorded as revenue.
Historically, the Company's accounts receivable and revenue reserves have been
sufficient to absorb any credits and bad debt write‑offs recorded in
subsequent periods.
GT&T.The
Company's GT&T subsidiary recognizes its wireless, local telephone and data
and international long distance revenues when earned, regardless of the period
in which they are billed. The Company applies the appropriate rate to minutes of
long distance traffic based upon the foreign carrier from which that traffic is
received. However, GT&T operates in a regulated industry, therefore its
pricing is subject to regulatory commission oversight. Such oversight could
result in changes to the amount it bills customers in current and future
periods.
GT&T
charges an activation fee to new wireless subscribers in Guyana and re‑activation
fees to subscribers in Guyana who allow their accounts to lapse. The Company
determined that the activation fees do not represent a separate unit of
accounting under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00‑21
"Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables"
("EITF 00‑21"). Accordingly, the Company's policy is to defer
those fees and recognize them ratably over the estimated customer relationship
period in accordance with SAB 104. To date, those fees have been immaterial to
both GT&T's and the Company's financial position and results of operations
for all periods presented.
Commnet.The
Company recognizes revenue from Commnet's roaming operations and other monthly
fees in the period the services are provided.
Sovernet.The
Company recognizes revenue from subscriptions to Sovernet's Internet services
on a monthly basis as the services are provided regardless of the period in
which they are billed. For Sovernet's wireline services revenue is recognized
as earned.
Choice.The
Company recognizes revenue from subscriptions to Choice's Internet, television
and other services monthly, as the services are provided, net of management's
best estimate of uncollectible accounts and regardless of the period in which
they are billed. Installation fees charged by Choice to customers subscribing
to cable and Internet services have also historically been immaterial to both
Choice's and the Company's financial position and results of operations. The
installation fee is intended to recover a portion of the costs associated with
the installation of cabling and related equipment at the customer location
required for that customer to receive Choice's monthly service offerings. The
Company determined that Choice's activation fees represent a separate unit of
accounting under EITF 00‑21. As such, the Company's policy is to
recognize these fees as revenue when the services are performed.
Income Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." The Company's provision for income taxes is comprised of a
current and deferred portion. The current income tax provision is calculated as
the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year.
The deferred income tax provision is calculated for the estimated future tax
effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards using expected
tax rates in effect in the years during which the differences are expected to
reverse.
The
Company does not provide for United States income taxes on earnings of
GT&T. While it is not the Company's intention to reinvest these earnings
permanently, foreign tax credits would largely eliminate any United States
taxes on such earnings or offset any foreign withholding taxes.
The
Company currently has significant deferred tax assets, resulting from tax
credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences. The Company provides
a valuation allowance against a portion of its deferred tax assets. In
assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management weighs the
positive and negative evidence to determine if it is more likely than not that
some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate
realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future
taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdiction. A decrease in the Company's
valuation allowance would result in an immediate material income tax benefit,
an increase in total assets and stockholder's equity and could have a
significant impact on earnings in future periods.
The
Company's estimate of the value of its tax reserves contains assumptions based
on past experiences and judgments about the interpretation of statutes, rules
and regulations by taxing
jurisdictions. It is possible that the ultimate
resolution of these matters may be greater or less than the amount that the
Company estimated. If payment of these amounts proves to be unnecessary, the
reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in
the period in which it is determined that the liabilities are no longer
necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate
assessment, a further charge to expense would result. Uncertainties are
recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 5, "Loss Contingencies."
In
July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN
48"), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation
of FASB Statement No. 109, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty
in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a
tax position in the Company's financial statements if that position is more
likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of
the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the
Company's 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in
accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 as the
material uncertain tax positions of the Company relate to the interpretation
and application of various income tax laws and rulings in Guyana.
Credit Concentrations and Significant
Customers
The
following table indicates the percentage of revenues generated from a single
customer that exceeds 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue in any of the
past three years:
No
other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenue in any of
the past three years.
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
With
regard to GT&T operations, for which the U.S. dollar is the functional
currency, foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in
determining net income for the period in which the transaction is settled. At
each balance sheet date, balances denominated in foreign currency are adjusted
to reflect the current exchange rate.
During
2004, the value of the Guyana dollar declined from G$195 per one U.S. dollar to
G$205 per one U.S. dollar resulting in a foreign exchange gain of $988,000
recorded in the 2004 statement of operations. Included in the gain is $924,000
recorded as a result of GT&T's net liability position. During 2005 and
2006, the value of the Guyana dollar remained constant at G$205 to one U.S.
dollar.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The
Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2005 and 2006 include cash
and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and debt. The fair value of long‑term debt is established using a
discounted cash flow analysis. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, the
estimated fair values of all of the Company's financial instruments approximate
their carrying values.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159 ("SFAS 159"),
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities Including an
Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard is effective for periods beginning after
November 15, 2007, therefore, the Company will adopt the provisions of the
standard on January 1, 2008. SFAS 159 permits the Company to elect to
measure certain of its financial instruments at either historical cost or fair
value. The Company is in the process of determining what method it will choose
upon adoption and, once determined, the impact, if any, adoption will have on
the financial results or position of the Company.
Net Income Per Share
Net
income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share." Basic net income per share is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period and does not include any other potentially dilutive
securities. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potentially
dilutive securities using the treasury stock method.
At
December 31, 2006, the Company has two stock‑based employee
compensation plans (i) the 1998 Stock Option Plan and (ii) the 2005
Restricted Stock Plan. Both of these plans are more fully described in
Note 8.
There
were no potentially dilutive securities for the year ended December 31,
2004. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 the common shares
issued under the Company's 2005 Restricted Stock Plan and options issued under
the Company's 1998 Stock Option Plan were the only potentially dilutive
securities.
The
reconciliation from basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
is as follows (in thousands):
For the Year Ending December 31,
2004
2005
2006
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding.........................................................................
12,563
12,465
13,568
Unvested shares issued under the Company's 2005
Restricted Stock Plan............................
Diluted
weighted average common shares outstanding.....................................................................
12,563
12,488
13,672
Non‑Cash Share Based Compensation
Effective
January 1, 2006 the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the
modified prospective transition method, which required the application of the
accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company's
fiscal year 2006. Under this transition method, stock‑based compensation
expense recognized during 2006 includes stock options and restricted stock
shares granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based
on the grant‑date fair value estimated in accordance with the original
provisions of SFAS No. 123 and stock options and restricted stock shares
granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant‑date
fair value, estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 123(R). Because the Company was applying the fair value recognition
provisions of SFAS No. 123 prior to January 1, 2006 and was expensing
the estimated fair value of such
grants over the employees' requisite service
period, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) had no impact on the Company's
statements of operations for any of the years presented.
In
connection with the Company's 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Company issued
277,500 and 132,000 options to purchase common stock during 2005 and 2006,
respectively. The Company applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS
No. 123 and SFAS No. 123(R) and is expensing the fair value of such
grants over the vesting period of four years. Relating to these grants, the
Company recognized $24,000 and $361,000 of non‑cash share based
compensation expense during 2005 and 2006, respectively. See Note 8 for
assumptions used to calculate the fair value of the options granted.
Under
the Company's 2005 Restricted Stock Plan, the Company issued 71,250 and 17,500
shares of common stock during 2005 and 2006, respectively. These shares were
accounted for using the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) and are being
charged to income based upon their fair values over their vesting period of
three or four years. During 2005 and 2006, non‑cash equity‑based
compensation expense, related to the vesting of shares issued under the 2005
Restricted Stock Plan, was $395,000 and $344,000, respectively.
3.ACQUISITIONS
Commnet Wireless, LLC
On
September 15, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of 95% of the
equity of Commnet Wireless, LCC, a provider of roaming services in rural areas
of the United States. The aggregate purchase price was approximately
$59.3 million, which consisted of $58.7 million in cash and legal,
financial and other costs of $0.6 million. The acquisition was financed
through a credit facility as discussed in Note 7. The acquisition of
Commnet allows the Company to expand its emphasis on its wireless operations in
smaller, niche markets with a manageable competitive environment while
balancing its existing investments in the Caribbean.
The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and Commnet's results
of operations since September 15, 2005, the date of acquisition, have been
included in the financial statements of the Company for the year ended
December 31, 2005. The total purchase consideration was allocated to the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of
the date of acquisition as determined by management with the assistance of a
third‑party valuation firm. The excess of the purchase price over the
amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded
as goodwill. The value of the goodwill from this acquisition can be attributed
to a number of business factors including, but not limited to the reputation of
Commnet as a network builder and operator, the skills and experience of its
management and staff and the strategic position it holds in its marketplace. In
accordance with current accounting standards, the goodwill and licenses will
not be amortized and will be tested for impairment at least annually as
required by SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets". For tax purposes, the Company elected to step up the basis of
Commnet's assets to fair market value, and therefore, the goodwill and licenses
are deductible for tax purposes.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
Total
purchase consideration...................................................................................................................................................................
$59,255
Allocation of the purchase consideration:
Current assets, including cash of $1.9 million.................................................................................................................................
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates.............................................................................................................................................
2,615
Other investments.......................................................................................................................................................................................
Total assets acquired..................................................................................................................................................................................
67,439
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..............................................................................................................................................
(5,135)
Commitment to purchase additional interest in
Commnet of Florida.....................................................................................
Fair
value of liabilities assumed............................................................................................................................................................
(8,184)
$59,255
Investments
in unconsolidated affiliates of $2.6 million primarily represents
Commnet's 35.0% ownership of MoCelCo, LLC ("MoCelCo") which has
historically been accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In
January 2006, Commnet acquired the remaining 65.0% interest in MoCelCo for
$6.5 million.
Minority
interests represent minority members' interests in Commnet's majority owned
subsidiaries as well as a minority member's 5% interest in Commnet. As is more
fully described below, the Company acquired the minority member's 5% interest
in Commnet in January 2007.
As
part of the acquisition of Commnet the Company also acquired certain carrier
contracts which have remaining contractual lives of one to three years. There
is no renewal history of the contracts since none of these contracts have yet
to have been subject to renewal. Based upon a discounted cash flow valuation
through the current expiration dates of these contracts, the Company has
determined that the fair value of these contracts is insignificant and, has
therefore, not allocated any of the purchase price to them.
The
following table represents the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Commnet
as of December 31, 2006 (in thousands):
Total current assets.........................................................................................................................................................................................
$10,598
Long term assets other than goodwill.....................................................................................................................................................
Total
assets....................................................................................................................................................................................................
$85,310
Total current liabilities..................................................................................................................................................................................
Total
liabilities and minority interests................................................................................................................................................
16,831
Net
assets.......................................................................................................................................................................................................
$68,479
The
following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of operations of the
Company for the years ending December 31, 2004 and 2005 assuming that the
Commnet acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2004 (not including the
"2006 Commnet Acquisitions", as defined below):
Net income.....................................................................................................................................................................
$18,012
$17,657
Net income per basic share.......................................................................................................................................
$1.43
$1.42
Net income per diluted share...................................................................................................................................
$1.43
$1.41
The
Commnet acquisition was funded with cash on hand and borrowings on ATN's
revolving credit facility (see Note 7).
Additional Acquisitions Completed by Commnet
During
2006, Commnet completed the following four acquisitions (the "2006 Commnet
Acquisitions"):
On
January 1, 2006, Commnet completed two acquisitions of wireless roaming
networks located in Northeast Missouri and Central Arizona. Commnet acquired
the 65% of MoCelCo, LLC that it did not previously own for $6.5 million in
cash as well as all of the assets of a privately held network in Gila County,
Arizona, that it previously managed, for $1.7 million in cash. These two
acquisitions consisted of a cellular license, a PCS license and 22 GSM cell
sites.
In
July 2006, and in accordance with the Commnet merger agreement, the
Company, as required, purchased an additional 12.375% interest in Commnet of
Florida, LLC for $1.5 million. Subsequent to the investment, the Company
owns 49% of Commnet of Florida which is consolidated for financial reporting
purposes, under the provisions of FIN No. 46.
During
August 2006, Commnet acquired the remaining 20% of Excomm, LLC for
$1.5 million in cash. Excomm, LLC consists primarily of a cellular license
and cell sites.
The
January and August acquisitions were accounted for as asset purchases by the
Company. The total purchase consideration of $9.7 million was allocated to
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as
of the date of acquisition as determined by management. Included in
this allocation was $9.0 million attributable
to certain telecommunications licenses. In accordance with current accounting
standards, the licenses will not be amortized and will be tested for impairment
at least annually as required by SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets". For tax purposes, the Company elected to step up the
basis of these acquisitions' assets to fair market value and, therefore, the
licenses will be deductible for tax purposes.
The
2006 Commnet Acquisitions were funded with cash on hand and borrowings on ATN's
revolving credit facility (see Note 7).
Subsequent Acquisition of Minority Interest
in Commnet
In
connection with the Commnet merger agreement, the Company entered into a put
and call agreement with one of the prior owners and Chairman of Commnet, to
acquire the remaining 5% ownership interest. In January 2007, the Company
agreed to purchase this 5% ownership interest for $6.5 million and 21,000
shares of our common stock, (See note 15).
Sovernet, Inc.
On
February 10, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of
Sovernet, Inc., ("Sovernet") a facilities‑based provider
of communications services to business and residential customers in Vermont,
including bundled voice and high‑speed Internet access, as well as
traditional dial‑up Internet services. In connection with the
acquisition, ATN acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Sovernet for
approximately $13.2 million, including the repayment of approximately
$1.4 million in Sovernet debt and the payment of transaction expenses of
$0.5 million. At the closing of the transaction, the Company issued shares
of Sovernet's common stock amounting to 4% of Sovernet's outstanding capital
stock to Sovernet's new chief executive, subject to vesting requirements and
other restrictions. The Company recognized $116,000 of non‑cash
compensation expense during 2006 relating to the shares issued to Sovernet's
new chief executive. The Company funded the transaction through a combination
of cash on hand and borrowings under its existing credit facility (see
Note 7). The acquisition of Sovernet allows the Company to expand its
local telephone and data business into the under‑served, smaller markets
of Vermont and northern New England.
The
acquisition of Sovernet was accounted for using the purchase method and
Sovernet's results of operations since February 10, 2006, the date of
acquisition, have been included in the financial statements of the Company. The
total purchase consideration was allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of
acquisition as determined by management. Included in this allocation was
$5.0 million attributable to Sovernet's relationships with its existing
customers as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over
the amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been
recorded as goodwill. The Company originally recorded $8.1 million of
goodwill in connection with the acquisition of Sovernet. However, such amount
was reduced by $1.7 million (net of tax) during 2006 as a result of the
Company's recording of certain transactions which related to a pre‑acquisition
period. The value of the goodwill from this acquisition can be attributed to a
number of business factors including, but not limited, to the reputation of
Sovernet as a retail provider of Internet and telephone services as well as a
network operator, Sovernet's reputation for customer care, the skills and
experience of its management and staff and the strategic position it holds in
its marketplace. In accordance with current accounting standards, the goodwill
will not be amortized and will be tested for impairment at least annually as
required by SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets". The customer relationships will be amortized, on an accelerated
basis, over the expected period during which their economic benefits are to be
realized over a period of approximately
5 years. For tax purposes, the goodwill and amortization of the customer
relationships are not be deductible.
Bermuda Digital Communications, Ltd.
On
July 17, 1998, the Company acquired a 30% equity interest, plus warrants,
in BDC for $1.0 million in cash. This investment is accounted for under
the equity method of accounting. During 2000, the Company purchased additional
shares in BDC for $1.2 million through the exercise of all remaining stock
warrants and through direct purchases from BDC. As of December 31, 2006,
the Company had a 43% equity interest in BDC.
The
Company has recorded cumulative equity in earnings of BDC of
$12.7 million. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006,
the Company recorded equity in earnings of BDC of $2.6 million,
$2.9 million and $2.5 million respectively, which are included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations as equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates, and management fees of approximately
$1.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which
are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as other
income. The Company received dividends of $0.6 million, $1.5 million and
$1.7 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
In
July 2008, BDC has the option, subject to the provisions of the Bermuda
Companies Act, to purchase from the Company all, but not less than all, of the
BDC shares owned by the Company. If exercised, such sale is to be at a purchase
price equal to the fair market value of such shares as determined by investment
banks selected by the parties, or if such banks disagree, by a third investment
bank. Also in July 2008, the initial term of the Company's management
contract with BDC may be terminated. The Company does not expect to have the
management contract renewed.
4.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, accounts receivable consist of the
following (in thousands):
2005
2006
Subscribers, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $440 and $471 in 2005 and 2006, respectively...........................................................................................................................................................
$5,598
$6,807
Connecting carriers, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $579 and $903 in 2005 and 2006, respectively..................................................................................................................................................
Total
accounts receivable, net.....................................................................................................................................
$15,613
$20,510
5.FIXED ASSETS
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, property, plant, and equipment consist of
the following (in thousands):
Furniture
and fixtures.......................................................................................................
5‑10
495
595
Total plant in service....................................................................................................
198,934
231,726
Construction
in progress.................................................................................................
5,363
5,280
Total
property, plant, and equipment......................................................................
$204,297
$237,006
Depreciation
and amortization of fixed assets using the straight‑line method over the
assets estimated useful life for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005
and 2006 was $14,730, $17,110 and $22,979, respectively.
6.INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and Telecommunications Licenses
During
2004, in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets", the Company performed its annual impairment
test of goodwill at its Choice subsidiary and determined that such goodwill was
impaired as of December 31, 2004 as the carrying value of the goodwill
exceeded its fair value as of that date. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the
carrying value of its goodwill and recorded a $1.6 million impairment
charge at its Choice subsidiary as a result of the unfavorable business climate
within the industry and continued losses in the operations.
During
2005, the Company acquired 95% of Commnet. The total purchase consideration was
allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated
fair values as of the date of acquisition, as determined by management and,
with respect to certain identified intangible assets, by management with the
assistance of a third‑party valuation firm. Included in the identified
intangible assets were telecommunications licenses that were determined to have
an estimated fair value of $11.2 million. Also in connection with the
acquisition of Commnet, the Company recorded goodwill of $29.0 million
which represented the excess of the purchase price over the amounts allocated
to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The value of the goodwill from this
acquisition can be attributed to a number of business factors including, but
not limited to, the reputation of Commnet as a network builder and operator,
the skills and experience of its management and staff and the strategic
position it holds in its marketplace.
During
2006, the Company completed the 2006 Commnet Acquisitions. The purchase
consideration paid in connection with the completion of the 2006 Commnet
Acquisitions was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at
their estimated fair values, as determined by management, as of the date of
acquisition. Included in this allocation was $9.0 million attributable to
certain telecommunications licenses.
Also
during 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of Sovernet. The total
purchase consideration was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition as
determined by management. The excess of the purchase price over the amounts
allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill.
The Company originally recorded $8.1 million of goodwill in connection
with the acquisition of Sovernet. However, such amount was reduced by
$1.7 million (net of tax) during 2006 as a result of the Company's
recording of certain transactions which related to a pre‑acquisition
period. The value of the goodwill from this acquisition can be attributed to a
number of business factors including, but not limited to, the reputation of
Sovernet as a retail provider of Internet and telephone services as well as a
network operator, Sovernet's reputation for customer care, the skills and
experience of its management and staff and the strategic position it holds in
its marketplace.
The
Company evaluated the carrying value of the goodwill and licenses as of December 31,
2005 and 2006 and determined that these assets were not impaired since their
fair values exceeded their carrying values.
The
changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three years ended
December 31, 2006 were as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2003................................................................................................................................................................
$1,593
Write off of impaired goodwill...............................................................................................................................................................
(1,593)
Balance at December 31, 2004............................................................................................................................................................
—
Acquisition of Commnet..........................................................................................................................................................................
29,031
Balance at December 31, 2005............................................................................................................................................................
29,031
Adjustments to Commnet goodwill.....................................................................................................................................................
144
Acquisition of Sovernet, including deferred
taxes of $1,817.......................................................................................................
8,065
Pre‑acquisition Sovernet transactions, net
of deferred taxes of $1,105
(1,657)
Balance at December 31, 2006............................................................................................................................................................
$35,583
Customer Relationships
Included
in the allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the
Sovernet acquisition was $5.0 million attributable to Sovernet's
relationships with its existing customers as of the date of acquisition. The
customer relationships are being amortized, on an accelerated basis, over the
expected period during which their economic benefits are to be realized. The
Company recorded approximately $1.5 million of amortization during 2006.
Future
amortization of Sovernet's customer relationships is as follows:
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, long‑term debt consists of the
following (in thousands):
2005
2006
Note payable to CoBank, ACB by ATN under a $50
million term loan......................................................
$50,000
$50,000
Line of Credit, payable to CoBank under a $20
million revolving credit facility......................................
4,000
—
Note
payable to U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. by ATN under a $2.5 million
equipment financing agreement.................................................................................................................................
1,750
—
55,750
50,000
Less
current portion...........................................................................................................................................................
165
—
Total
long term debt.........................................................................................................................................................
$55,585
$50,000
On
September 15, 2005, ATN, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement with
CoBank, ACB (the "CoBank Credit Agreement"). The CoBank Credit
Agreement provides a $50 million term loan (the "Term Loan") and
a $20 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver
Facility") and is collateralized by, among other things, a pledge of all
of the GT&T stock owned by ATN. The Term Loan has principal repayments deferred
until the maturity of the loan on October 31, 2010. Interest on the Term
Loan is payable on a quarterly basis at a fixed annual interest rate of 5.85%,
net of any patronage payments received by the Company from the bank. Amounts
outstanding under the Revolver Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to (at
the Company's option): (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.50%
or (ii) a variable rate of interest as defined within the Revolver
Facility plus 1%.
ATN
used the proceeds from the $50 million Term Loan, drew $7.0 million
from the Revolver Facility and used $12.1 million of its existing cash on
hand in order to acquire 95% of the outstanding equity of Commnet (totaling
approximately $59.3 million, including transaction fees) and to repay
$10.0 million of outstanding debt under ATN's previous credit facility
with Banco Popular (the "Banco Credit Facility").
During
December 2005, the Company repaid $3.0 million of the amounts drawn
from the Revolver Facility.
During
2006, the Company drew $22.0 million from the Revolver Facility in order
to partially fund the 2006 Commnet Acquisitions as well as the acquisition of
Sovernet and repaid all amounts
outstanding with the proceeds of the 2006 Equity
Offering which was completed during the third quarter of 2006.
The
CoBank Credit Agreements contain certain affirmative and negative covenants on
behalf of ATN and its subsidiaries (including Commnet) that are typical for
loan facilities of this type. Among other things, these covenants restrict
ATN's ability to incur additional debt in the future or to incur liens on its
property. ATN has also agreed to maintain certain financial ratios under the
facilities, including a total leverage ratio (debt to EBITDA) of two to one or
less; a debt service coverage ratio (EBITDA to debt service) of three to one or
more; an equity to assets ratio of 0.4 to one or more; and a specified leverage
ratio for Commnet that changes over time. As of December 31, 2006, the
Company was in compliance with the covenants of the CoBank Credit Facilities.
In
December 2001, ATN entered into a $2.5 million financing agreement
with U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc., which was collateralized by
property of ATN and its subsidiaries. The loan was repaid in full during 2006
with the proceeds of the sale of the collateralized property.
Future
maturities of long‑term debt at December 31, 2006 are as follows (in
thousands):
In
the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed the sale of 3.84 million
shares of common stock at $19.00 per share in an underwritten public offering,
consisting of the sale by the Company of an aggregate of 2.64 million
shares (2.4 million shares in July 2006 and an additional 240,000
shares purchased by the underwriters as a part of their over‑allotment
option in August 2006) and 1.2 million shares by the Company's
Chairman Cornelius B. Prior, Jr. and his related entities. The net proceeds to
the Company of this offering, which were approximately $46.3 million, were
used to repay a portion of the Company's outstanding indebtedness, and will
fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and/or strategic investments and
general corporate purposes. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the
sale of shares of the selling stockholders.
Stock Split
On
March 8, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved
a 5‑for‑2 split of its common stock. The stock split, which was
effected in the form of a stock dividend, entitled all ATN stockholders of
record as of the close of business on March 20, 2006 to receive three
additional shares of common stock for every two shares of common stock held on
that date. The additional shares were distributed to stockholders on
March 31, 2006. The Board also approved a proportional increase in the
number of authorized shares of common stock from 20,000,000 to 50,000,000
shares. The accompanying financial statements have been retroactively adjusted
to reflect the stock split.
Common Stock
The
Company has paid quarterly dividends on its common stock since
January 1999. The following table sets forth the quarterly dividends per
share declared by the Company over the past three fiscal years ended
December 31, 2006:
During
2005, the Company's Board of Directors approved the 2005 Atlantic Tele‑Network
Restricted Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Restricted Stock Plan")
which provides for the issuance of up to 625,000 shares of the Company's common
stock to eligible employees. The Company values the issued shares based upon
the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of issuance and
amortizes such cost over the vesting period.
During
2005, the Company granted 71,250 shares under the Restricted Stock Plan all of
which vest over a three‑year period and recognized $395,000 of
compensation expense within its statement of operations.
During
2006, the Company granted 17,500 shares under the Restricted Stock Plan of
which 7,500 shares vest over a three‑year period while 10,000 shares vest
over a four‑year period. During 2006, the Company recognized $344,000 of
compensation expense within its statement of operations.
Of
the 88,750 shares granted under the Restricted Stock Plan to date, the Company
has repurchased 26,945 shares from the recipients (see further discussion
below). None of the remaining 61,672 shares which represent deferred
compensation of $510,000 were vested as of December 31, 2006 but those
shares will vest between January 2007 and May 2010. In total, the
weighted average vesting period of the unvested shares issued under the Restricted
Stock Plan approximates one year.
Treasury Stock
In
2004, the Company repurchased 25,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate
cost of approximately $331,000 or an average price of $13.22 per share. The
Company reissued 34,735 shares from treasury to directors under the board of
directors' remuneration plan.
In
2005, the Company repurchased 50,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate
cost of approximately $586,000 or an average price of $11.72. The Company
reissued 6,842 shares from treasury to directors under the board of directors'
remuneration plan and 12,500 shares in connection with a private sale for
$160,000 or $12.80 per share, the fair value of the shares at the date of the
transaction. Also in 2005, the Company repurchased 23,612 shares issued to
management under the Company's 2005 Restricted Stock Plan for approximately
$290,000 or $12.28 per share, the fair value of the shares as of the date of
the vesting and repurchase of these shares. The Company recognized a tax
benefit of approximately $102,000 in connection with the vesting and repurchase
of these shares. In addition, the Company repurchased 64,650 shares from the
Chairman of the Company as is more fully described in Note 12.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During
2006, the Company reissued 9,084 shares from treasury to directors under the
board of directors' remuneration plan. Also during 2006, the Company
repurchased 3,333 shares issued to management under the Company's 2005 Restricted
Stock Plan for approximately $85,000 or $25.63 per share, the fair value of the
shares as of the date of the vesting and repurchase of the shares. The Company
recognized a tax benefit of approximately $30,000 in connection with the
vesting and repurchase of these shares.
Board of Directors' Remuneration Plan
Directors
who are not officers or employees of the Company have the option under a
director's remuneration plan ("Directors' Plan"), adopted by the
Board of Directors in 1999, of electing to receive either 50% or 100% of their
annual retainer in the form of Company common stock on a deferred basis. While
the Board of Directors has reserved 625,000 shares of common stock to be
granted under the Directors' Plan, the Company has historically issued such
shares from its treasury. For purposes of these elections, such stock is valued
at the mean between the high and low reported sales prices of such stock in the
last trading day in the month preceding the date of the election. Directors'
annual retainers relate to their terms of office that run from one annual
stockholders' meeting to the next. The following table shows for each of the
three calendar years the aggregate amounts of annual retainer which
participating directors have elected to take in stock units under the Directors
Plan and the number of stock units allocated to them under the Plan:
Term of Office
Total
Annual Retainer
Paid in Stock Units
Number of
Stock Units
2004‑2005
$60,000
4,845
2005‑2006
—
—
2006‑2007
$60,000
2,628
Because
of a change in certain tax laws, the Company did not allow directors to elect
to receive any portion of their retainer in stock delivered on a deferred basis
during their 2005‑2006 term of office.
Stock Options
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the
modified prospective transition method, which required the application of the
accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company's
fiscal year 2006. Under this transition method, stock‑based compensation
expense recognized during 2006 includes stock options and restricted stock
shares granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based
on the grant‑date fair value estimated in accordance with the original
provisions of SFAS No. 123 and stock options and restricted stock shares
granted or modified subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant‑date
fair value, estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 123(R). Because the Company was applying the fair value recognition
provisions of SFAS No. 123 prior to January 1, 2006 and was expensing
the estimated fair value of such grants over the employees' requisite service
period, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) had no impact on the Company's
statements of operations for any of the years presented.
In
1998, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1998 Stock Option Plan and
reserved 625,000 shares of common stock for options to be granted under the
option plan. The options have terms of either seven or ten years and vest annually
and ratably over a period of four years.
The
following table summarizes stock option activity under the plan:
Number of
Options
Weighted
Avg. Exercise
Price
Weighted
Avg. Fair
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2003...................................................................
Outstanding
at December 31, 2006...................................................................
365,750
18.47
4.91
For
options that were exercised during 2006, the Company received proceeds of
$735,000 and realized a tax benefit of $186,000.
The
365,750 options outstanding as of December 31, 2006 represent
$1.4 million in deferred compensation charges which will be recognized
over a weighted average of 3.2 years. Such options have the following
characteristics:
Number of
Options
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
Weighted Avg.
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in Years)
Unexercisable:
208,125
$16.80
8.9
85,000
18.70
6.7
35,000
25.63
9.4
12,000
28.40
6.9
Total Unexercisable..............................................................
The
estimated fair value of the options issued during 2005 and 2006 were determined
using a Black Scholes option pricing model, based on the following assumptions:
During
2005 and 2006, the Company recognized $24,000 and $361,000, respectively, of
non‑cash equity based stock compensation expense relating to the granting
of stock options.
9.INCOME TAXES
The
following is a reconciliation from the tax computed at statutory income tax
rates to the Company's income tax expense for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2005, and 2006 (in thousands):
2004
2005
2006
Tax computed at statutory U.S. federal income
tax rates........................................................
$12,431
$12,486
$18,048
Guyanese income taxes in excess of statutory
U.S. tax rates................................................
Temporary differences not currently deductible
for tax...............................................................................
146
157
Capital loss carryforward.......................................................................................................................................
1,750
1,750
Valuation allowance on capital loss carryforward.........................................................................................
Valuation allowance on foreign tax credit
carryforwards............................................................................
(5,852)
(11,616)
Net operating losses—state...................................................................................................................................
139
245
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards..............................................................................................
618
—
$6,571
$6,253
Deferred tax liabilities:
Differences between book and tax basis of fixed
assets..............................................................................
Net deferred tax liabilities.........................................................................................................................................
$7,883
$12,871
The
change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31,
2006 was an increase of $5.8 million, primarily due to the uncertainty
regarding the realization of certain foreign tax credits. The Company has
approximately $16.9 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, which
expire from 2011 through 2016.
The
Company does not provide for United States income taxes on earnings of
GT&T. While it is not the Company's intention to reinvest these earnings
permanently, foreign tax credits would largely eliminate any United States
taxes on such earnings or offset any foreign withholding taxes.
10.RETIREMENT PLANS
On
December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure
provisions of SFAS No. 158. SFAS No. 158 requires that the Company
recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension plan at GT&T,
as further described below, on its consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2006, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other
comprehensive income, net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other
comprehensive income at adoption represents the net unrecognized actuarial
losses and unrecognized prior service costs and credits, which were previously
netted against the plans' funded status in our consolidated balance sheets
pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 87, "Employer's Accounting for
Pension" and SFAS No. 106. These amounts will be subsequently
recognized as net periodic (benefit) cost pursuant to our accounting policy for
amortizing such amounts. Actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent
periods and are not recognized as net periodic (benefit) cost in the same
periods will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. These
gains and losses will be subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic
(benefit) cost on the same basis as the amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income at the adoption of SFAS No. 158.
The
incremental effects of adopting SFAS No. 158 on the Company's consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 2006 are presented in the following table
(in thousands).
Pre‑SFAS No. 158
Effect of
adopting
SFAS No. 158
As reported at
December 31,
2006
Other assets..........................................................................
$827
$338
$1,165
Deferred income taxes......................................................
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income................................................................................
—
(1,785)
(1,785)
The
Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for eligible
employees of GT&T who meet certain age and employment criteria.
Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed for
service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. The
Company's funding policy is to contribute to the plan such amounts as are
actuarially determined to meet funding requirements. The benefits are based on
the participants' average salary or hourly wages during the last three years of
employment and credited service years.
The
weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations for the pension
plan are as follows as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006:
Expected long term return on plan assets..................................................................................................................
8.0%
8.0%
8.0%
The
expected long‑term rate of return on pension plan assets was determined
based on several factors including input from pension investment consultants,
projected long‑term returns of equity and bond indices in Guyana and the
United States, and historical returns over the life of the related obligations
of the fund. GT&T, in conjunction with its pension investment consultants,
reviews its asset allocation periodically and rebalances its investments when
appropriate in an effort to earn the expected long‑term returns. The
Company will continue to evaluate its long‑term rate of return
assumptions at least annually and will adjust them as necessary.
Changes
during the year in the projected benefit obligations and in the fair value of
plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 (in
thousands):
2005
2006
Projected benefit obligations:
Balance at beginning of year:...........................................................................................................................................
Service cost.............................................................................................................................................................................
Actuarial loss (gain).............................................................................................................................................................
(12)
582
Balance at end of year.........................................................................................................................................................
$6,963
$8,204
Plan assets:
Balance at beginning of year:...........................................................................................................................................
Actual return on plan assets..............................................................................................................................................
755
351
Company contributions......................................................................................................................................................
Balance at end of year.........................................................................................................................................................
$7,345
$8,542
The
plan's weighted‑average asset allocations at December 31, 2005 and
2006, by asset category are as follows:
GT&T's
investment policy for its pension assets is to have a reasonably balanced
investment approach, with a long‑term bias toward debt investments.
GT&T's strategy allocates plan assets among equity, debt and other assets
in both Guyana and the United States to achieve long‑term returns without
significant risk to principal. The fund is prohibited under Guyana law from
investing in the equity, debt or other securities of the employer, its
subsidiaries or associates of the employer or any company of which the employer
is a subsidiary or an associate. Furthermore, the plan must invest between 70%‑80%
of its total plan assets within Guyana.
The
pre‑paid pension costs recognized in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets as other assets are as follows as of December 31, 2005 and
2006 (in thousands):
Unrecognized prior service cost.................................................................................................................................................
2,559
—
Unrecognized net actuarial loss..................................................................................................................................................
68
—
Pre‑paid asset recognized in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets
$3,009
$338
Amounts
recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets consist of (in
thousands):
As of December 31,
2005
2006
Other assets....................................................................................................................................................................
$3,009
$338
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
tax...................................................................................
Amounts
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Net actuarial loss..........................................................................................................................................................................................
$(3,312)
Prior service cost..........................................................................................................................................................................................
(56)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, pre‑tax
$(3,368)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
tax...................................................................................................................
$(1,785)
Components
of the plan's net periodic pension cost are as follows for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 (in thousands):
2004
2005
2006
Service cost.......................................................................................................................................................
Expected return on plan assets....................................................................................................................
(399)
(526)
(620)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss...................................................................................
186
132
99
Amortization of prior service costs...........................................................................................................
11
11
11
Net periodic pension cost.............................................................................................................................
$634
$475
$329
For
2007 the Company expects to contribute approximately $650,000 to its pension
plan and amortize $140,000 of unrecognized net actuarial loss and $11,000 of
prior service costs.
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
following estimated pension benefits, which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten (10) years as
indicated below (in thousands):
The
Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory and legal
proceedings and other claims arising in the ordinary course of business, some
of which involve claims for damages and taxes that are substantial in amount.
The Company believes that, except for the items discussed below, for which the
Company is currently unable to predict the final outcome, the disposition of
proceedings currently pending will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
Regulatory
The
Company's Guyana subsidiary, GT&T, is subject to regulation in Guyana under
the provisions of its license and under the Guyana Public Utilities Commission
Act of 1999 and the Guyana Telecommunications Act of 1990. GT&T also has
certain significant rights and obligations under the agreement pursuant to
which the Company acquired its interest in GT&T in 1991 and because of the
large volume of traffic that GT&T has with the United States, GT&T can
be significantly affected by orders of U.S. regulatory agencies.
In
a letter dated September 8, 2006, the NFMU agreed that GT&T's total
spectrum fees should not increase for the years 2006 and 2007. However, that
letter implied that spectrum fees in 2008 and onward may be increased beyond
the amount agreed between GT&T and the Government. GT&T restated its
position in a September 14, 2006 letter to the Government that, by
agreement with the Government, spectrum fees should be capped until the NFMU
develops a fee methodology.
On
January 2, 2007, a value added tax ("VAT") of 16% on imports and
other goods and services went into effect in Guyana. GT&T successfully argued
that its contract with the Government of Guyana provides for exemption in
certain cases from payment of consumption tax and import duties, including the
VAT. However, the VAT replaced the telephone tax of 10% and broadened the
applicability to include, for example, rentals and leases. Historically, the
telephone tax applied only to usage. In December 2006, the Guyana Revenue
Authority ("GRA") expressed its opinion to GT&T that the VAT
applied to GT&T's pre‑paid phone cards at the time a GT&T
customer purchases the card. GT&T believes that the VAT should apply in the
same manner as the telephone tax that the VAT replaced, that is, at the time a
pre‑paid customer initiates a call. This interpretation conforms to past
practice of the Government and GT&T's accounting practice, which does not
recognize the pre‑paid revenue until
a call is initiated by the pre‑paid
customer. GT&T is seeking to confirm its belief with the GRA. Although the
VAT's effects are uncertain at this time, it may have a material adverse affect
on GT&T's financial condition or results of operations.
On
January 15, 2007, the PUC issued a ruling that fixed floor and ceiling
rates for both the pre‑paid and the post‑paid cellular services
offered by GT&T and its competition. In addition, the PUC ordered the
companies to implement per‑second billing as opposed to the pre‑existing
practice of per‑minute billing. Although GT&T will be permitted to
match its competition's rates, any reduction of rates and the implementation of
per‑second billing may have a material adverse effect on GT&T's
financial condition or results of operations.
In
October 1997, the PUC ordered GT&T to increase the number of telephone
lines in service to a total of 69,278 lines by the end of 1998; 89,054 lines by
the end of 1999; and 102,126 lines by the end of 2000; to allocate and connect
an additional 9,331 telephone lines before the end of 1998; and to provide to
subscribers who request them facilities for call diversion, call waiting,
reminder call, and three‑way calling by the end of 1998. In issuing this
order, the PUC did not hear evidence or make any findings on the cost of
providing these lines and services, the adjustment in telephone rates that may
be necessary to give GT&T a fair return on its investment, or the ways and
means of financing the requirements of the PUC's order. GT&T has appealed
the PUC's order to the Guyana Court of Appeal, and that appeal is still
pending. No stay currently exists against this order.
In
July 2004, the FCC released an order revising the spectrum band plan
applicable to the Broadband Radio Service and Educational Broadband Service.
These are the spectrum bands through which Choice operates its video and
broadband data services. The new rules restructure these spectrum bands and could
impact Choice customers and operations. Choice objected to the new rules and
requested an opportunity to opt‑out of the new band plan. In
April 2006, the FCC released orders clarifying the rules and their
applicability. Although the FCC declined to adopt an opt‑out provision,
it stated that it will consider requests for waiver of the new band plan
requirements on a case‑by‑case basis and described the
circumstances under which waivers would be granted. We believe that the FCC
would favorably consider Choice's request for a waiver.
In
a separate proceeding in September 2005, the FCC released an order
reallocating to Advanced Wireless Services ("AWS") another spectrum
band used by Choice for its broadband data service. In September 2006, the
FCC completed an auction of the AWS spectrum to new licensees. As a result,
Choice will be required to relocate certain operations to different spectrum,
which may result in a reduction of the amount of overall spectrum available to
Choice. However, Choice believes any disruption to its operations by relocating
to accommodate new AWS licensees will be mitigated by the FCC's relocation and
compensation rules which specify a mandatory, multi‑year negotiation
period and relocation to comparable facilities with the costs borne by the
party precipitating the move. Furthermore, Choice has mitigated or eliminated
the possibility of a net reduction of its spectrum due to the reallocation to
AWS by obtaining an additional 24 MHz of spectrum from the FCC.
In
August 2006 the Bermuda Ministry of Telecommunications and E‑Commerce
proposed a new regulatory framework for the telecommunications industry. The
proposal contemplates converting existing service‑specific licenses to
licenses that permit any company to offer any type of service. At this time we
do not know whether the outcome of this proposal will be positive or negative
for BDC.
Litigation
In
Bermuda, our BDC affiliate is subject to Bermuda's Telecommunications Act 1986,
as amended. In November 2005, the Minister of Telecommunications and
Technology directed BDC to cease offering
certain data services through its "Bull"
branded wireless modem. BDC challenged the directive in Bermuda court claiming
that the directive contravenes BDC's license to provide data services and BDC's
long history of providing data services. On June 6, 2006, the court ruled
in favor of BDC. The ministry filed an appeal which is scheduled to be heard in
June 2007.
Upon
the acquisition of GT&T in January 1991, ATN entered into an agreement
with the government of Guyana to significantly expand GT&T's existing
facilities and telecommunications operations and to improve service within a
three‑year period pursuant to an expansion and service improvement plan
(the "Plan"). The government agreed to permit rate increases in the
event of currency devaluation within the three‑year period, but GT&T
was unable to get timely increases when the Guyanese currency suffered a sharp
decline in March 1991. The Plan was modified in certain respects, and the
date for completion of the Plan was extended to February 1995. Since 1995,
the PUC has had pending a proceeding initiated by the minister of
telecommunications of Guyana with regard to the failure of GT&T to complete
the Plan by February 1995. The PUC last held hearings on this matter in
1998. It is GT&T's position that its failure to receive timely rate
increases in compensation for the devaluation of currency in 1991 provides
legal justification for GT&T's delay in completing the Plan. If the PUC
were to find that GT&T was not excused from fulfilling the terms of the
Plan by February 1995, GT&T could be subject to monetary penalties,
cancellation of its license, or other action by the PUC or the government that
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and prospects.
The requirements of the Plan were substantially completed more than four years
ago. GT&T believes that its obligations have been fulfilled and it has
continued to aggressively develop the telecommunications infrastructure in all
areas including landline, wireless and data.
GT&T
is contesting income tax assessments of approximately $7.3 million that it
has received from the commissioner of Inland Revenue for the years 1991‑1996
based on the disallowance as a deduction for income tax purposes of five‑sixths
of the advisory fees payable by GT&T to the Company. The deductibility of
these advisory fees was upheld for one of these years by a decision of the High
Court in August 1995. The Guyana Commission of Inland Revenue has filed a
High Court Writ seeking an order setting aside that decision on the grounds
that the Commissioner did not have a proper hearing. GT&T has contested
that Writ. The assessments for the other years are being held in abeyance
pending decision on the Writ and GT&T motions to strike. Subsequent to
December 31, 2001, GT&T received assessments for the years 1997‑2000
in the aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 million raising the same
issues. GT&T expects that proceedings on these assessments will also be
held in abeyance pending the Court's decision.
In
November 1997, GT&T received assessments of the current equivalent of
approximately $9.7 million from the commissioner of Inland Revenue for
taxes for the years 1991 through 1996. It is GT&T's understanding that these
assessments stem from an audit that the Guyana High Court stayed before it was
completed. Apparently, because the audit was cut short as a result of the High
Court's order, GT&T did not receive notice of, and an opportunity to
respond to, the proposed assessments as is the customary practice in Guyana,
and substantially all of the issues raised in the assessments appear to be
based on mistaken facts. GT&T has applied to the Guyana High Court for an
order prohibiting the commissioner of Inland Revenue from enforcing the
assessments on the grounds that the origin of the audit and the failure to give
GT&T notice of, and opportunity to respond to, the proposed assessments
violated Guyanese law. The Guyana High Court has issued an order effectively prohibiting
any action on the assessments pending the determination by the High Court of
the merits of GT&T's application.
Should
GT&T be held liable for any of the above tax liabilities, totaling
$23.5 million, the Company believes that the government of Guyana would be
obligated to reimburse GT&T for any
amounts that would reduce GT&T's return on
investment to less than 15% per annum for the relevant periods.
In
early 2000, Inet Communications, Inc., an Internet service provider in
Guyana, and the Guyana Consumers Association filed a suit in the High Court
against the Attorney General of Guyana and GT&T. The suit claims that
GT&T is not entitled to rate increases based on the agreement between the
Government of Guyana and ATN and that the Civil Law of Guyana prohibits what is
referred to as GT&T's monopoly. Inet's motion was struck down for non‑appearance
of counsel. However, Inet's counsel has applied for the matter to be restored.
The Court has not yet taken action on Inet's application.
In
July 2002 an individual sued the Attorney General of Guyana in the Guyana
courts asking, among other things, for a declaration that the section of the
Company's 1990 contract with the Government of Guyana granting to GT&T an
exclusive right to operate a telecommunications system in Guyana was null and
void as contrary to law and to the Constitution of Guyana. GT&T has joined
the suit to contest these claims and this proceeding remains pending. In 2001,
the Government of Guyana announced its intention to introduce competition into
Guyana's telecommunications sector in contravention of the terms of GT&T's
license. The Company believes that the termination of the exclusivity
provisions of GT&T's license would require appropriate compensation to
GT&T and a rebalancing of rates so that the rates for each service
represent the real economic cost of such services. The Company also believes
that the government is considering shifting from rate of return regulation to
incentive rate‑cap regulation. In February 2002, GT&T began negotiations
with the Government on these issues and all other outstanding issues between
GT&T and the Government of Guyana. GT&T has not had formal discussions
with Government officials regarding rate regulation or the introduction of
additional competition since the second quarter of 2002. The President of
Guyana has publicly stated that competition in the wireline and long distance
sectors are key objectives of his administration. In recent informal
discussions with GT&T, senior Guyanese officials indicated an interest in
re‑starting negotiations regarding the exclusivity terms of GT&T's
license, as well as other outstanding issues, such as certain tax matters.
Although no schedule has been agreed to, we expect negotiations to restart as
early as mid‑2007.
Lease Commitments and Other Obligations
The
Company leases approximately 72,000 square feet for its operations centers and
administrative offices as well as certain tower sites under non‑cancelable
operating leases. The Company's obligation for payments under these leases is
as follows at December 31, 2006 (in thousands):
Total
Obligations Under Operating Leases........................................................................................................................................
$11,117
Rent
expense for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 was $885,000, $1,600,000 and $3,900,000,
respectively.
12.RELATED‑PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In
2001, the Company wrote‑down its investment in ATN‑Haiti, curtailed
the operations and funding of both ATN‑Haiti and Transnet S.A. and began
exploring strategic alternatives for the use or disposition of the remaining
assets. In May 2006, the Board authorized management to enter into
discussions to sell at fair value, subject to review and final approval by the
audit committee, the remaining assets of ATN‑Haiti and Transnet S.A.,
consisting of an office building and 13 tower sites located in Haiti, to the
Company's Executive Chairman, who is also the father of the Company's President
and Chief Executive Officer. The impact of the remaining activities of ATN‑Haiti
and Transnet S.A. on our 2002 through 2006 results of operations was
insignificant. This transaction is subject to the negotiation of a definitive
agreement and the review and final approval of the audit committee. The net
book value of the Haiti assets was approximately $670,000 as of
December 31, 2006.
In
March 2000, Wireless World (now operating as Choice Communications)
acquired the assets and business of Antilles Wireless for consideration of
606,060 shares of ATN common stock and $1.5 million in cash. The Executive
Chairman of the Company owned the entire equity interest in Antilles Wireless.
In accordance with certain provisions of the purchase agreement, the Chairman
of the Board was required, effective December 31, 2004, to return
approximately $858,000, including accrued interest to ATN, as the financial
performance of Antilles Wireless fell below expected levels specified in the
agreement. Payment was made in March 2005 in the form of shares, (64,650)
of the Company's common stock. The Company recorded the repayment as an equity
contribution as of December 31, 2004.
During
the period March through June 2001, the Company acquired a significant
minority interest in LighTrade for $5,000,000. The son of the Chairman of the
Board of the Company was an officer of LighTrade, and over a year prior to the
Company's investment the Chairman had personally invested $100,000 in
LighTrade. The decision to invest in LighTrade was made by a unanimous vote of
the Company's directors after disclosure of the above facts, which were not a
factor in the board's decision to make the investment. In July 2001, the
Chairman made a collateralized loan of $500,000 to LighTrade, and the Company
made collateralized loans to LighTrade of $250,000 in August 2001 and
$320,000 in January 2002. These loans enabled LighTrade to obtain a
$5,000,000 equity investment by an unaffiliated investor. In
December 2004, the Company deemed the loans to be uncollectible and wrote
them off.
13.INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The
Company manages and evaluates its operations in five segments of which four are
considered material for separate disclosure under SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures About Segments of and Enterprise Related Information."
Those four segments are: i) Integrated Telephony‑ International,
which generates all of its revenues in Guyana and has all of its assets located
in Guyana ("GT&T"), ii) Integrated Telephony‑
Domestic, which generates all of its revenues and has all of its assets located
in the United States ("Sovernet"), iii) Wireless Television and
Data, which generates all of its revenues in and has all of its assets located
in the U.S Virgin Islands ("Choice"), and iv) Rural Cellular,
which, as a result of the acquisition of Commnet, generates all of its revenues
in the United States and has all of its assets located in the United States
("Commnet"). The operating segments are managed separately because
each offers different services and serves different markets. The accounting
policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in
Note 2.
The
following tables provide information for each operating segment (in thousands):
Income taxes.................................................................
20,050
980
(2,556)
5,502
1,562
—
25,538
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax...........................................................................................
—
—
—
(6)
24,495
(22,022)
2,467
Net income (loss)....................................................
19,363
1,347
(6,390)
7,700
26,504
(25,024)
23,500
Segment Assets
Integrated Telephony
As of December 31,
International
Domestic
Wireless
Television
and Data
Rural
Wireless
Corporate
Eliminations
Consolidated
2005.............................................
$127,305
$—
$13,091
$70,254
$141,633
$(118,452)
$233,831
2006.............................................
142,670
20,821
12,061
85,310
186,865
(145,113)
302,614
Total
assets for the Rural Wireless and Integrated Telephony‑Domestic segments
include $29.2 million and $6.4 million of goodwill as of December 31,
2006. As of December 31, 2005 the Rural Wireless segment included
$29.0 million of goodwill within its assets.
As
of December 31, 2005, the Company had provided Bridge International
Communications Services, Inc., ("Bridge") an early stage
facilities‑based provider of wholesale international long distance
services using Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") technology, with
$2.3 million of financing including $1.8 million of cash advances
under a Convertible Secured Note Purchase Agreement as well as $500,000 of
support for the funding of receivables and operating expenses. During the
fourth quarter of 2005, the Company established a reserve of $2.1 million
against the amounts due from Bridge as Bridge has had difficulty closing
contracts for its primary business line of managed network services. During
2006, the Company reserved for the remaining $0.2 million due from Bridge
as the collectibility of the outstanding balances was determined to be unlikely.
15.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Acquisition of Minority Interest in Commnet
In
connection with the Commnet merger agreement, the Company entered into a put
and call agreement with the 5% minority shareholder of Commnet to acquire the
remaining 5% ownership interest. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company
was obligated to acquire the remaining 5% ownership interest from the minority
member between April 15, 2007 and October 15, 2007. The purchase
price was determined on a fixed multiple to a predefined earnings number based
on Commnet's financial results during the 12 month period prior to the
exercise of the put and call. The Company reached an agreement with the
minority shareholder in January 2007 in advance of this date to purchase
his ownership interest for $6.5 million and 21,000 shares of the Company's
common stock.
16.QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Following
is a summary of the Company's quarterly results of operations for the years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 (in thousands):
2005 Consolidated
for the Three Months Ended
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Total revenues.....................................................................................................
Income from operations...................................................................................
7,962
8,092
9,986
11,389
Other
income (expense), net...........................................................................
520
422
380
(2,640)(1)
Income before income taxes, minority interests
and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate..........................................................
8,482
8,514
10,366
8,749
Income
taxes........................................................................................................
5,067
5,076
5,652
5,212
Income before minority interests and equity in
earnings of unconsolidated affiliate.................................................................................
3,415
3,438
4,714
3,537
Minority interests, net of tax.........................................................................
(912)
(956)
(1,129)
(1,367)
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net of tax....................
590
796
894
763
Net
income...........................................................................................................
$3,093
$3,278
$4,479
$2,933
Earnings
per share (basic)................................................................................
$0.25
$0.26
$0.36
$0.24
Earnings
per share (diluted)............................................................................
$0.25
$0.26
$0.36
$0.23
(1)Includes
a reserve of $2.1 million against the amounts due from Bridge.
2006 Consolidated
for the Three Months Ended
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Total revenues.....................................................................................................
Income from operations...................................................................................
11,573
12,032
14,865
14,516
Other
income (expense), net...........................................................................
(388)
(498)
(377)
(159)
Income before income taxes, minority interests
and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate..........................................................
11,185
11,534
14,488
14,357
Income
taxes........................................................................................................
6,465
6,225
6,286
6,562
Income before minority interests and equity in
earnings of unconsolidated affiliate.................................................................................
4,720
5,309
8,202
7,795
Minority interests, net of tax.........................................................................
(1,097)
(1,210)
(1,307)
(1,379)
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net of tax....................
466
836
708
457
Net
income...........................................................................................................
$4,089
$4,935
$7,603
$6,873
Earnings
per share (basic)................................................................................
$0.33
$0.40
$0.53
$0.47
Earnings
per share (diluted)............................................................................
$0.33
$0.39
$0.53
$0.47
See
Note 2, "Adjustments of Prior Year Financial Statements" for impact
of net periodic pension costs being incorrectly reported in 2005.
SCHEDULE II
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Amounts In
Thousands)
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Net
Charge
Offs
Balance
at End
of Period
YEAR ENDED, December 31, 2004
Description:
Valuation allowance on foreign tax credit
carryforwards...........................
—
472
—
472
Allowance
for doubtful accounts.......................................................................
3,168
1,019
3,143(a)
1,044
$3,168
$1,491
$3,143
$1,516
YEAR ENDED, December 31, 2005
Description:
Valuation allowance on foreign tax credit
carryforwards...........................
$472
$5,380
$—
$5,852
Allowance
for doubtful accounts.......................................................................
1,044
661
690
1,015
$1,516
$6,041
$690
$6,867
YEAR ENDED, December 31, 2006
Description:
Valuation allowance on foreign tax credit
carryforwards...........................
$5,852
$5,764
$—
$11,616
Allowance
for doubtful accounts.......................................................................
1,015
888
529
1,374
$6,867
$6,652
$529
$12,990
(a)Net
charge‑offs in 2004 include the reversal of approximately
$1.7 million in reserves to recognize revenue as the Company collected
several significantly past due accounts for which it had previously provided
reserves. Charge‑offs also include $0.94 million to write‑off
significantly aged accounts at Call Home Telecom. The majority of these amounts
had been reserved for during 2003.
EXHIBIT INDEX
to Form 10‑K
for the Year Ended December 31, 2006
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S‑8 (File No. 333‑62416)
filed June 6, 2001).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc., as filed
with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 14, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q
(File No. 001‑12593) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006 filed
August 14, 2006).
3.3
By‑Laws of Atlantic Tele‑Network,
Inc., as amended and restated on March 7, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‑K
(File No. 001‑12593) for the year ended December 31, 2005
filed March 31, 2006).
10.1
1998 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.L to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‑K
(File No. 001‑12593) for the year ended December 31, 1999
filed March 29, 2000).
10.2
Amendments to the 1998 Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.M to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10‑K (File No. 001‑12593) for the year ended
December 31, 1999 filed March 29, 2000).
10.3
Director's Remuneration Plan as amended as of
November 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S‑8 (File No. 333‑62416) filed
June 6, 2001).
10.4
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S‑8 (File No. 333‑62416) filed June 6, 2001).
10.5
2005 Restricted Stock and Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S‑8 (File No. 333‑62416) filed May 24, 2005).
10.6
Offer Letter by and between Atlantic Tele‑Network,
Inc. and Justin D. Benicasa, dated April 24, 2006.
10.7
Agreement between the Government of the Co‑Operative
Republic of Guyana and Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc., dated June 18, 1990
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10‑Q (File No. 001‑12593) for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2006 filed on May 15, 2006).
21
Subsidiaries of Atlantic Tele‑Network,
Inc.
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm‑PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
pursuant to Rule 13a‑14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Rule 302 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
pursuant to Rule 13a‑14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Rule 302 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Principal 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 Principal Financial Officer
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 10.6
[LOGO]
April 24, 2006
Justin D. Benincasa
Dear Justin:
We
are pleased to offer you the position of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
of Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (the "Company"). The offer is
subject to formal approval by our Board of Directors as this is an executive
officer position. If accepted by you and approved by the Board, you will report
to the Chief Executive Officer.
We
would hope that you would be able to start by May 8 at the latest.
Ideally, you would be able to attend our executive planning meeting in Stone
Mountain, Georgia on May 4th and 5th, and would
therefore have an earlier start date. If that is not possible, please let me
know as I know it is short notice.
Your
initial salary will be $210,000 per year, payable bi-weekly. In addition, you
will be eligible for a performance bonus of up to 50% of your base salary
(pro-rated in the first year). In your first year, 50% of your bonus will be
based on Company performance (net income and EBITDA) and 50% will be based on
meeting some personal year-end objectives that we will jointly agree upon in
June.
Subject
to board approval, you will also be issued 10,000 shares of restricted stock
options to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company's common stock, both with
four-year proportional annual vesting. The options will carry a ten-year term
and an exercise price equal to fair market value on the date of grant. The
Compensation Committee next meets on May 16 and these grants would be on
the agenda.
You
are also eligible to participate in the Employees Savings Trust, which
currently provides for a Company annual contribution (regardless of employee
contribution) to a 401(k) account of an amount equal to approximately 12% of
your annual salary, subject to the terms of that plan including an initial
eligibility requirement of six months employment. The plan is also subject to
modification or termination by the Company, at its discretion. (We have
considered recently paying a portion of the Company contribution in shares of
stock of the Company but no decision has been made in that regard).
As
a Company employee, and following the probationary period set forth in the
relevant plan, you will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, life
insurance, and disability benefits as described in a summary of benefits we
will send to you separately. The premiums for these benefits currently are paid
100% by the Company and you may add your spouse or immediate family, although
our expectation is that the Company will be moving towards requiring some
employee co-pay of premiums to defray some of our rising health expenses. You
will earn vacation at the rate of four weeks per year accrued month, although
accommodation can be made if you would like to take a longer vacation sooner. A
copy of the current Atlantic Tele-Network Employee Manual will be provided to
you after your start date and you are expected to sign and return a form
acknowledging you have read and understood the Company's policies.
If
you accept this offer, you will be an employee-at-will, which means that either
you or the Company are free to terminate the employment relationship at any
time with or without cause.
By
joining the Company you are agreeing not to engage in any competitive work
during your employment or within six months after leaving its employment,
voluntarily or involuntarily. For the
purposes of this document, competitive work is
defined as performing work for, or directly benefiting competitors of the
Company or any of our subsidiaries or affiliates.
I
very much look forward to working with you. Please call me with any questions
on 978-745-8106.
Sincerely,
/s/ Michael T. Prior
Michael T. Prior
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
I accept the above employment offer and confirm a
start date of May 3, 2006.
/s/ Justin D. Benincasa
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES OF
ATLANTIC TELE‑NETWORK, INC.
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited................................................................................
Chama Wireless, LLC...........................................................................................................................................
United States
Commnet Four Corners, LLC............................................................................................................................
United States
Commnet of Missouri, LLC..............................................................................................................................
Commnet of California, LLC.............................................................................................................................
United States
Elbert County Wireless, LLC.............................................................................................................................
CONSENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We
hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
on Form S-3 (No. 333-133103) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333‑62416
and 333-125179) of Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. of our report dated
March 20, 2007 relating to the financial statements, financial statement
schedule, management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 21, 2007
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a‑14(a)
OR RULE 15d‑14(a),
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO
RULE 302 OF THE
SARBANES‑OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Michael T. Prior, certify that:
1.I
have reviewed this annual report on Form 10‑K of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.;
2.Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The
registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a‑15(e) and 15d‑15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a‑15(f) and
15d‑15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The
registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All
significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
b)Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
Dated:
March 21, 2007
/s/ Michael T. Prior
Michael T. Prior
President and Chief
Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a‑14(a)
OR RULE 15d‑14(a),
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO
RULE 302 OF THE
SARBANES‑OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Justin D. Benincasa, certify that:
1.I
have reviewed this annual report on Form 10‑K of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.;
2.Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The
registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a‑15(e) and 15d‑15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a‑15(f) and
15d‑15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The
registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All
significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and
b)Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
Dated:
March 21, 2007
/s/ Justin D. Benincasa
Justin D. Benincasa
Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION
1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO
SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES‑OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In
connection with the annual report on Form 10‑K of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
(the "Company") for the period ending December 31, 2006 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
"Report"), I, Michael T. Prior, President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant
to § 906 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.the
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.the
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
Dated:
March 21, 2007
/s/ Michael T. Prior
Michael T. Prior
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION
1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO
SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES‑OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In
connection with the annual report on Form 10‑K of Atlantic Tele‑Network, Inc.
(the "Company") for the period ending December 31, 2006 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
"Report"), I, Justin D. Benincasa, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as
adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.the
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.the
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.