FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
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or
--
| | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________to__________
Commission file number: 001-11001
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FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 06-0619596
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
3 High Ridge Park
Stamford, Connecticut 06905
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(203) 614-5600
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
N/A
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(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See
definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer" and "smaller
reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No X
--- ---
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock as of October
31, 2008 was 311,315,997.
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index
Page No.
--------
Part I. Financial Information (Unaudited)
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 18
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 31
Controls and Procedures 32
Part II. Other Information
Legal Proceedings 33
Risk Factors 33
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 33
Exhibits 35
Signature 36
1
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
--------------------
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
------------------ ------------------
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 91,086 $ 226,466
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $35,707 and $32,748, respectively 223,203 234,762
Other current assets 55,510 62,926
------------------ ------------------
Total current assets 369,799 524,154
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,250,897 3,335,244
Goodwill, net 2,641,814 2,634,559
Other intangibles, net 405,304 547,735
Investments 22,561 21,191
Other assets 190,351 193,186
------------------ ------------------
Total assets $ 6,880,726 $ 7,256,069
================== ==================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt due within one year $ 3,842 $ 2,448
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 353,425 443,443
------------------ ------------------
Total current liabilities 357,267 445,891
Deferred income taxes 711,375 711,645
Other liabilities 347,275 363,737
Long-term debt 4,745,161 4,736,897
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.25 par value (600,000,000 authorized shares; 311,450,000
and 327,749,000 outstanding, respectively, and 349,456,000
issued at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007) 87,364 87,364
Additional paid-in capital 1,190,103 1,280,508
Retained earnings 3,865 14,001
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (75,774) (77,995)
Treasury stock (485,910) (305,979)
------------------ ------------------
Total shareholders' equity 719,648 997,899
------------------ ------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 6,880,726 $ 7,256,069
================== ==================
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007
($ in thousands, except for per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)
2008 2007
--------------- --------------
Revenue $ 557,871 $ 575,814
Operating expenses:
Network access expenses 52,478 56,566
Other operating expenses 203,496 215,266
Depreciation and amortization 137,656 138,057
--------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 393,630 409,889
--------------- --------------
Operating income 164,241 165,925
Investment and other income, net 1,302 7,172
Interest expense 90,333 95,158
--------------- --------------
Income before income taxes 75,210 77,939
Income tax expense 28,215 30,524
--------------- --------------
Net income available for common shareholders $ 46,995 $ 47,415
=============== ==============
Basic income per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.14
=============== ==============
Diluted income per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.14
=============== ==============
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007
($ in thousands, except for per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)
2008 2007
--------------- --------------
Revenue $1,689,626 $ 1,710,787
Operating expenses:
Network access expenses 167,025 161,641
Other operating expenses 609,093 617,921
Depreciation and amortization 422,986 400,700
--------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 1,199,104 1,180,262
--------------- --------------
Operating income 490,522 530,525
Investment and other income, net 6,460 10,672
Interest expense 271,903 287,771
--------------- --------------
Income before income taxes 225,079 253,426
Income tax expense 76,717 97,785
--------------- --------------
Net income available for common shareholders $ 148,362 $ 155,641
=============== ==============
Basic income per common share $ 0.46 $ 0.47
=============== ==============
Diluted income per common share $ 0.46 $ 0.47
=============== ==============
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
4
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 ($ and shares in
thousands, except for per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other Treasury Stock Total
------------------ Paid-In Retained Comprehensive -------------------- Shareholders'
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Equity
-------- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------ -------------
Balance January 1, 2007 343,956 $85,989 $1,207,399 $ 134,705 $ (81,899) (21,691) $ (288,162) $1,058,032
Stock plans - - (6,237) 667 - 1,824 25,399 19,829
Acquisition of Commonwealth 5,500 1,375 77,939 - - 12,640 168,121 247,435
Conversion of EPPICS - - (549) - - 291 3,888 3,339
Conversion of Commonwealth Notes - - 1,956 - - 2,508 34,775 36,731
Dividends on common stock of
$1.00 per share - - - (336,025) - - - (336,025)
Shares repurchased - - - - - (17,279) (250,000) (250,000)
Net income - - - 214,654 - - - 214,654
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax and
reclassifications adjustments - - - - 3,904 - - 3,904
-------- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------- -----------
Balance December 31, 2007 349,456 87,364 1,280,508 14,001 (77,995) (21,707) (305,979) 997,899
Stock plans - - (8,231) - - 1,100 15,601 7,370
Acquisition of Commonwealth - - 1 - - 2 31 32
Conversion of EPPICS - - (71) - - 49 636 565
Dividends on common stock of
$0.75 per share - - (82,104) (158,498) - - - (240,602)
Shares repurchased - - - - - (17,450) (196,199) (196,199)
Net income - - - 148,362 - - - 148,362
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax and
reclassifications adjustments - - - - 2,221 - - 2,221
-------- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------- -----------
Balance September 30, 2008 349,456 $87,364 $1,190,103 $ 3,865 $ (75,774) (38,006) $ (485,910) $ 719,648
======== ========= =========== ============ ============ ======== =========== ===========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
------------------ --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Net income $ 46,995 $ 47,415 $ 148,362 $ 155,641
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax and reclassifications
adjustments 1,387 (653) 2,221 2,491
------------------ ------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Total comprehensive income $ 48,382 $ 46,762 $ 150,583 $ 158,132
================== =================== ================== ===================
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
5
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)
2008 2007
---------------- ----------------
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income $ 148,362 $ 155,641
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 422,986 400,700
Stock based compensation expense 9,211 7,809
Loss on extinguishment of debt 6,290 20,186
Other non-cash adjustments (7,112) 12,605
Deferred income taxes (11,040) 54,124
Legal settlement - (7,905)
Change in accounts receivable 9,299 (5,581)
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities (74,059) (81,493)
Change in other current assets (6,847) (2,822)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 497,090 553,264
Cash flows provided from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures (204,199) (202,641)
Cash paid for Commonwealth (net of cash acquired) - (661,081)
Other assets (purchased) distributions received, net (2,104) 4,401
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used by investing activities (206,303) (859,321)
Cash flows provided from (used by) financing activities:
Long-term debt borrowings 135,000 950,000
Long-term debt payments (131,231) (945,466)
Settlement of interest rate swaps 15,521 -
Financing costs paid (857) (15,753)
Premium paid to retire debt (6,290) (16,160)
Issuance of common stock 1,382 13,349
Common stock repurchased (196,199) (219,111)
Dividends paid (240,602) (254,084)
Repayment of customer advances for construction (2,891) (386)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used by financing activities (426,167) (487,611)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (135,380) (793,668)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1, 226,466 1,041,106
---------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, $ 91,086 $ 247,438
================ ================
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 302,606 $ 295,463
Income taxes $ 70,174 $ 53,670
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps $ 7,909 $ 6,772
Conversion of EPPICS $ 565 $ 3,289
Conversion of Commonwealth Notes $ - $ 36,731
Shares issued for Commonwealth acquisition $ 32 $ 247,407
Acquired debt $ - $ 244,553
Other acquired liabilities $ - $ 111,089
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
6
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
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(a) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates:
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Frontier Communications Corporation (formerly Citizens Communications
Company through July 30, 2008) and its subsidiaries are referred to as
"we," "us," "our," or the "Company" in this report. Our unaudited
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (U.S. GAAP) and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Certain
reclassifications of balances previously reported have been made to
conform to the current presentation. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These
unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to
present fairly the results for the interim periods shown.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for allowance for
doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets,
depreciation and amortization, income taxes, purchase price
allocations, contingencies, the long-term incentive program, and
pension and other postretirement benefits, among others. Certain
information and footnote disclosures have been excluded and/or
condensed pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
regulations. The results of the interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the full year.
(b) Revenue Recognition:
--------------------
Revenue is recognized when services are provided or when products are
delivered to customers. Revenue that is billed in advance includes:
monthly recurring network access services, special access services and
monthly recurring local line charges. The unearned portion of this
revenue is initially deferred as a component of other liabilities on
our consolidated balance sheet and recognized in revenue over the
period that the services are provided. Revenue that is billed in
arrears includes: non-recurring network access services, switched
access services, non-recurring local services and long-distance
services. The earned but unbilled portion of this revenue is
recognized in revenue in our consolidated statements of operations and
accrued in accounts receivable in the period that the services are
provided. Excise taxes are recognized as a liability when billed.
Installation fees and their related direct and incremental costs are
initially deferred and recognized as revenue and expense over the
average term of a customer relationship. We recognize as current
period expense the portion of installation costs that exceeds
installation fee revenue.
The Company collects various taxes from its customers and subsequently
remits such funds to governmental authorities. Substantially all of
these taxes are recorded through the consolidated balance sheet and
presented on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations.
We also collect Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharges from customers
(primarily federal USF) which have been recorded on a gross basis in
our consolidated statements of operations and have been included in
revenue and other operating expenses at $9.6 million and $9.6 million
for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively,
and at $28.0 million and $26.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(c) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:
----------------------------------------------
We account for derivative instruments and hedging activities in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
as amended. SFAS No. 133, as amended, requires that all derivative
instruments, such as interest rate swaps, be recognized in the
financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the
purpose or intent of holding them.
As of December 31, 2007, we had interest rate swap arrangements
related to a portion of our fixed rate debt. These arrangements were
all terminated on January 15, 2008. These hedge strategies satisfied
the fair value hedging requirements of SFAS No. 133, as amended. As a
result, the appreciation in value of the swaps through the time of
7
termination is included in the consolidated balance sheet and is
recognized as lower interest expense over the duration of the
remaining life of the underlying debt.
(d) Goodwill and Other Intangibles:
-------------------------------
Intangibles represent the excess of purchase price over the fair value
of identifiable tangible net assets acquired. We undertake studies to
determine the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired and
allocate purchase prices to assets and liabilities, including
property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other identifiable
intangibles. We annually (during the fourth quarter) examine the
carrying value of our goodwill and trade name to determine whether
there are any impairment losses. We test for impairment at the
"operating segment" level, as that term is defined in SFAS No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets." The Company currently has
four "operating segments" which are aggregated into one reportable
segment.
SFAS No. 142 requires that intangible assets with estimated useful
lives be amortized over those lives and be reviewed for impairment in
accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal
of Long-Lived Assets" to determine whether any changes to these lives
are required. We periodically reassess the useful life of our
intangible assets to determine whether any changes to those lives are
required.
(2) Recent Accounting Literature and Changes in Accounting Principles:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounting for Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) reached
consensus on the guidance provided by Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No.
06-4, "Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit
Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements." The
guidance is applicable to endorsement split-dollar life insurance
arrangements, whereby the employer owns and controls the insurance
policies, that are associated with a postretirement benefit. EITF No. 06-4
requires that for a split-dollar life insurance arrangement within the
scope of the issue, an employer should recognize a liability for future
benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106 (if, in substance, a
postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion
(APB) No. 12 (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred
compensation contract) based on the substantive agreement with the
employee. EITF No. 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2007. Our adoption of the accounting requirements of EITF No.
06-4 in the first quarter of 2008 had no impact on our financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurements
-----------------------
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements,"
which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value,
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008,
the FASB amended SFAS No. 157 to defer the application of this standard to
nonfinancial assets and liabilities until 2009. The provisions of SFAS No.
157 related to financial assets and liabilities were effective as of the
beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. Our adoption of SFAS No. 157, as
amended, in the first quarter of 2008 had no impact on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows. We are still in the process
of evaluating this standard with respect to its effect on nonfinancial
assets and liabilities and therefore have not yet determined the impact
that it will have on our financial statements upon full adoption in 2009.
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities for which we have not applied the
provisions of SFAS No. 157 include those measured at fair value in
impairment testing and those initially measured at fair value in a business
combination.
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115," which permits entities to choose to measure many
financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions
of SFAS No. 159 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year.
Our adoption of SFAS No. 159 in the first quarter of 2008 had no impact
(not applicable) on our financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance
----------------------------------------------------------------
Arrangements
------------
In March 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue
No. 06-10, "Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life
Insurance Arrangements." EITF No. 06-10 provides guidance on an employers'
recognition of a liability and related compensation costs for collateral
assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit
8
to an employee that extends into postretirement periods, and the asset in
collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements. EITF No.
06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Our
adoption of the accounting requirements of EITF No. 06-10 in the first
quarter of 2008 had no impact on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Accounting for the Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards
------
In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF No. 06-11, "Accounting for the Income
Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards." EITF No. 06-11
provides that tax benefits associated with dividends on share-based payment
awards be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital. EITF No.
06-11 is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2007. The implementation of this standard in the first
quarter of 2008 had no material impact on our financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
Business Combinations
---------------------
In December 2007, the FASB revised SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations."
The revised statement, SFAS No. 141R, requires an acquiring entity to
recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction
at the acquisition date at fair value, to remeasure liabilities related to
contingent consideration at fair value in each subsequent reporting period
and to expense all acquisition related costs. The effective date of SFAS
No. 141R is for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on
or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or
after December 15, 2008. This standard does not impact our currently
reported results.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
-------------------------------------------------------------
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests
in Consolidated Financial Statements." SFAS No. 160 establishes
requirements for ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other
than the Company (sometimes called "minority interest") be clearly
identified, presented and disclosed in the consolidated statement of
financial position within shareholder equity, but separate from the
parent's equity. All changes in the parent's ownership interest are
required to be accounted for consistently as equity transactions and any
noncontrolling equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries must be
measured initially at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective, on a
prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.
However, presentation and disclosure requirements must be retrospectively
applied to comparative financial statements. The Company is currently
assessing the impact of SFAS No. 160 on its financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
---------------------------------------------------------
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles." This standard identifies the sources of
accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be
used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities
that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The effective date of SFAS
No. 162 is November 15, 2008. The Company does not believe that SFAS No.
162 will change its current practices and thereby will not impact the
preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
are Participating Securities
----------------------------
In June 2008, the FASB ratified FSP EITF 03-6-1, "Determining Whether
Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating
Securities." FSP EITF 03-6-1 addresses whether instruments granted in
share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to
vesting and, therefore, should be included in the earnings allocation in
computing earnings per share under the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is
effective, on a retrospective basis, for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within
those years. The Company has concluded that our outstanding non-vested
restricted stock is a participating security in accordance with FSP EITF
03-6-1 and that we will be required to adjust our previously reported basic
and diluted income per common share. The Company expects that our adoption
of FSP EITF 03-6-1 in the first quarter of 2009 will increase our weighted
average shares outstanding and may reduce our basic and diluted income per
common share from that previously reported.
(3) Acquisition of Commonwealth Telephone and Global Valley Networks:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
On March 8, 2007, we acquired Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc.
(Commonwealth or CTE) in a cash-and-stock taxable transaction, for a total
consideration of approximately $1.1 billion. We paid $804.1 million in cash
($663.7 million net, after cash acquired) and issued common stock with a
value of $247.4 million.
9
On October 31, 2007, we acquired Global Valley Networks, Inc. (GVN) and GVN
Services (GVS) through the purchase from Country Road Communications, LLC
of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Evans Telephone Holdings, Inc.,
the parent Company of GVN and GVS. The purchase price of $62.0 million was
paid with cash on hand.
We have accounted for the acquisitions of Commonwealth and GVN as purchases
under U.S. GAAP. Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets and
liabilities of Commonwealth and GVN are recorded as of their respective
acquisition dates, at their respective fair values, and consolidated with
those of Frontier. The reported consolidated financial condition of
Frontier as of September 30, 2008 reflects the final allocation of these
fair values for Commonwealth and GVN.
With respect to our acquisition of GVN, the purchase price has been
allocated based on fair values to the net tangible and intangible assets
acquired and liabilities assumed. The final allocation of the GVN purchase
price is as follows:
($ in thousands)
----------------
Allocation of purchase price:
Current assets $ 1,631
Property, plant and equipment 24,037
Goodwill 33,802
Other intangibles 7,250
Other assets 812
Current portion of debt (17)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (626)
Deferred income taxes (3,740)
Other liabilities (1,148)
-----------------
Total Purchase Price $ 62,001
=================
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the
combined results of operations of Frontier, Commonwealth and GVN as if the
acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2007. The historical results
of the Company include the results of Commonwealth from the date of its
acquisition on March 8, 2007, and GVN from the date of its acquisition on
October 31, 2007. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative
of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have
been had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of 2007. In
addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to
project the future financial position or operating results of Frontier
after completion of the acquisitions.
For the three For the nine
months ended months ended
September 30, 2007 September 30, 2007
--------------------- -------------------
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 579,710 $ 1,784,343
Operating income $ 166,318 $ 545,066
Net income available for common shareholders $ 45,731 $ 161,348
Basic income per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.49
Diluted income per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.48
10
(4) Accounts Receivable:
--------------------
The components of accounts receivable, net at September 30, 2008 and
December 31, 2007 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
---------------- September 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
----------------------- --------------------
End user $ 244,056 $ 244,592
Other 14,854 22,918
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (35,707) (32,748)
----------------------- --------------------
Accounts receivable, net $ 223,203 $ 234,762
======================= ====================
The Company maintains an allowance for estimated bad debts based on its
estimate of collectibility of its accounts receivable. Bad debt expense,
which is recorded as a reduction of revenue, was $8.1 million and $8.7
million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007,
respectively, and $23.7 million and $20.3 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(5) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net:
-----------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
is as follows:
($ in thousands)
---------------- September 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
--------------------- ---------------------
Property, plant and equipment $ 7,542,581 $ 7,375,297
Less: Accumulated depreciation (4,291,684) (4,040,053)
--------------------- ---------------------
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,250,897 $ 3,335,244
===================== =====================
Depreciation expense is principally based on the composite group method.
Depreciation expense was $92.8 million and $90.7 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $286.3 million
and $270.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
(6) Other Intangibles:
------------------
Other intangibles at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as
follows:
($ in thousands)
---------------- September 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
------------------------ ---------------------
Customer base $ 1,265,052 $ 1,271,085
Trade name 132,664 132,381
------------------------ ---------------------
Other intangibles 1,397,716 1,403,466
Less: Accumulated amortization (992,412) (855,731)
------------------------ ---------------------
Total other intangibles, net $ 405,304 $ 547,735
======================== =====================
Amortization expense was $44.9 million and $47.3 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $136.7 million
and $130.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008 is comprised of $31.6 million and $94.8 million,
respectively, for amortization associated with our "legacy" properties and
$13.3 million and $41.9 million, respectively, for intangible assets
(customer base and trade name) that were acquired in the Commonwealth and
GVN acquisitions.
11
(7) Long-Term Debt:
---------------
The activity in our long-term debt from December 31, 2007 to September 30,
2008 is as follows:
Nine months ended September 30, 2008
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Interest
Interest Rate* at
December 31, New Rate Conversion to September 30, September 30,
($ in thousands) 2007 Payments Borrowings Swap Common Stock 2008 2008
---------------- --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- -----------------------------
Rural Utilities Service
Loan Contracts $ 17,555 $ (707) $ - $ - $ - $ 16,848 6.07%
Senior Unsecured Debt 4,715,013 (130,524) 135,000 (7,909) - 4,711,580 7.69%
EPPICS 14,521 - - - (565) 13,956 5.00%
Industrial Development
Revenue Bonds 13,550 - - - - 13,550 6.31%
--------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT $ 4,760,639 $ (131,231) $ 135,000 $ (7,909) $ (565) $ 4,755,934 7.67%
=============== ============ ============= ============ =============== ==============
Less: Debt Discount (21,294) (6,931)
Less: Current Portion (2,448) (3,842)
--------------- --------------
$ 4,736,897 $ 4,745,161
=============== ==============
* Interest rate includes amortization of debt issuance costs, debt premiums or
discounts, and deferred gain on interest rate swap terminations. The interest
rates for Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts, Senior Unsecured Debt, and
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds represent a weighted average of multiple
issuances.
During the first nine months of 2008, we retired an aggregate principal
amount of $131.8 million of debt, consisting of $128.7 million of 9.25%
Senior Notes due 2011, $2.5 million of other senior unsecured debt and
rural utilities service loan contracts, and $0.6 million of 5% Company
Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities due 2036
(EPPICS).
On March 28, 2008, we borrowed $135.0 million under a senior unsecured term
loan facility that was established on March 10, 2008. The loan matures in
2013 and bears interest of 5.63% as of September 30, 2008 based on the
prime rate or LIBOR, at our election, plus a margin which varies depending
on our debt leverage ratio. We used the proceeds to repurchase, during the
first quarter of 2008, $128.7 million principal amount of our 9.25% Senior
Notes due 2011 and to pay for the $6.3 million of premium on early
retirement of these notes.
During the first quarter of 2007, we incurred and expensed approximately
$4.0 million of fees associated with the bridge loan facility established
to temporarily fund our acquisition of Commonwealth. On April 26, 2007, we
redeemed $495.2 million principal amount of our 7.625% Senior Notes due
2008 at a price of 103.041% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The debt
retirement generated a pre-tax loss on the early extinguishment of debt at
a premium of approximately $16.3 million in the second quarter of 2007 and
is included in investment and other income, net. As a result of this debt
redemption, we also terminated three interest rate swap agreements hedging
an aggregate $150.0 million notional amount of indebtedness. Payments on
the swap terminations of approximately $1.0 million were made in the second
quarter of 2007.
As of September 30, 2008, EPPICS representing a total principal amount of
$197.8 million have been converted into 15,967,465 shares of our common
stock. Approximately $3.5 million of EPPICS, which are convertible into
300,974 shares of our common stock, were outstanding at September 30, 2008.
The above table indicates $14.0 million of EPPICS outstanding at September
30, 2008, of which $10.5 million is debt of related parties for which the
Company has an offsetting receivable.
As of September 30, 2008, we had an available line of credit with six
financial institutions in the aggregate amount of $250.0 million.
Associated facility fees vary, depending on our debt leverage ratio, and
were 0.225% per annum as of September 30, 2008. The expiration date for
this $250.0 million five year revolving credit agreement is May 18, 2012.
During the term of the credit facility we may borrow, repay and reborrow
funds. The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes but
may not be used to fund dividend payments.
12
We are in compliance with all of our debt and credit facility covenants.
(8) Net Income Per Common Share:
----------------------------
The reconciliation of the net income per common share calculation for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, is
as follows:
For the three months For the nine months
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) ended September 30, ended September 30,
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net income used for basic and diluted earnings
----------------------------------------------
per common share:
-----------------
Total basic net income available for common
shareholders $ 46,995 $ 47,415 $ 148,362 $ 155,641
Effect of conversion of preferred securities
- EPPICS 30 31 92 120
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total diluted net income available for common
shareholders $ 47,025 $ 47,446 $ 148,454 $ 155,761
================ ================ ================ ===============
Basic earnings per common share:
--------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 312,997 334,128 319,869 332,397
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net income per share available for common
shareholders $ 0.15 $ 0.14 $ 0.46 $ 0.47
================ ================ ================ ===============
Diluted earnings per common share:
----------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 312,997 334,128 319,869 332,397
Effect of dilutive shares 411 651 456 1,007
Effect of conversion of preferred securities
- EPPICS 312 355 334 415
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 313,720 335,134 320,659 333,819
================ ================ ================ ===============
Net income per share available for common
shareholders $ 0.15 $ 0.14 $ 0.46 $ 0.47
================ ================ ================ ===============
Stock Options
-------------
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, options to purchase
1,962,000 and 2,450,000 shares (at exercise prices ranging from $11.79 to
$18.46) issuable under employee compensation plans were excluded from the
computation of diluted earnings per share (EPS) for those periods because
the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our
common stock and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. In
calculating diluted EPS we apply the treasury stock method and include
future unearned compensation as part of the assumed proceeds.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, options to purchase
1,825,000 and 1,244,000 shares (at exercise prices ranging from $15.02 to
$18.46) issuable under employee compensation plans were excluded from the
computation of diluted EPS for those periods because the exercise prices
were greater than the average market price of common shares and, therefore,
the effect would be antidilutive.
In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and
2007, restricted stock awards of 1,740,000 and 1,342,000 shares,
respectively, are excluded from our basic weighted average shares
outstanding and included in our dilutive shares until the shares are no
longer subject to restriction after the satisfaction of all specified
conditions.
EPPICS
------
As a result of our July 2004 dividend announcement with respect to our
common stock, our EPPICS began to convert into shares of our common stock.
As of September 30, 2008, approximately 99% of the EPPICS outstanding, or
about $197.8 million aggregate principal amount of EPPICS, have converted
into 15,967,465 shares of our common stock, including shares issued from
treasury.
13
We had 69,007 and 81,307 shares of potentially dilutive EPPICS at September
30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which were convertible into our common
stock at a 4.3615 to 1 ratio at an exercise price of $11.46 per share. If
all remaining EPPICS had been converted, we would have issued approximately
300,974 and 354,620 shares of our common stock as of September 30, 2008 and
2007, respectively. These securities have been included in the diluted
income per common share calculation for the periods ended September 30,
2008 and 2007.
Stock Units
-----------
At September 30, 2008 and 2007, we had 299,462 and 206,506 stock units,
respectively, issued under our Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Fee Equity
Plan (Deferred Fee Plan) and our Non-Employee Directors' Equity Incentive
Plan (Directors' Equity Plan). These securities have not been included in
the diluted income per share of common stock calculation because their
inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.
Share Repurchase Programs
-------------------------
In February 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to
$200.0 million of our common stock in public or private transactions over
the following twelve-month period. This share repurchase program commenced
on March 4, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, we had repurchased
approximately 17,450,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of
approximately $196.2 million. The $200.0 million share repurchase program
was completed on October 3, 2008.
(9) Stock Plans:
------------
At September 30, 2008, we had five stock-based compensation plans under
which grants have been made and awards remained outstanding. At September
30, 2008, there were 16,058,182 shares authorized for grant under these
plans and 4,191,983 shares available for grant. No further awards may be
granted under the Management Equity Incentive Plan (MEIP), the 1996 Equity
Incentive Plan (EIP) or the Deferred Fee Plan.
On March 17, 2008, the Company adopted the Long-Term Incentive Program
(LTIP). The LTIP is offered under the Company's Amended and Restated 2000
Equity Incentive Plan and covers the named executive officers and certain
other officers. The LTIP is designed to incent and reward the Company's
senior executives in the form of common stock if they achieve aggressive
growth goals for revenue and free cash flow over a three-year period (the
Measurement Period). For purposes of the LTIP, revenue is defined as the
Company's total revenues less regulatory revenues, and free cash flow is
defined as the Company's publicly reported free cash flow, adjusted to
reflect the Company as a full cash taxpayer during the Measurement Period.
The growth in these numbers will be measured from a 2007 base, which in the
case of free cash flow was also adjusted to reflect the Company as a full
cash taxpayer and for certain other items.
The following summary presents information regarding outstanding stock
options as of September 30, 2008 and changes during the nine months then
ended with regard to options under the MEIP and the EIPs:
Weighted Weighted
Shares Average Average Aggregate
Subject to Option Price Remaining Intrinsic
Option Per Share Life in Years Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 2008 3,955,000 $ 13.13 3.4 $ 5,727,000
Options granted - $ -
Options exercised (186,000) $ 7.43 $ 737,000
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed (57,000) $ 10.25
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2008 3,712,000 $ 13.46 2.7 $ 2,588,000
=================================================================
Exercisable at September 30, 2008 3,700,000 $ 13.46 2.7 $ 2,588,000
=================================================================
There were no options granted during the first nine months of 2008. Cash
received upon the exercise of options during the first nine months of 2008
totaled $1.4 million.
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first nine
months of 2007 was $5.9 million. The total intrinsic value of stock options
outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2007 was $9.2 million and $8.9
million, respectively. There were no options granted during the first nine
months of 2007. Cash received upon the exercise of options during the first
nine months of 2007 totaled $13.3 million.
14
The following summary presents information regarding unvested restricted
stock as of September 30, 2008 and changes during the nine months then
ended with regard to restricted stock under the MEIP and the EIPs:
Weighted
Average
Number of Grant Date Aggregate
Shares Fair Value Fair Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 2008 1,209,000 $ 14.06 $ 15,390,000
Restricted stock granted 886,000 $ 11.02 $ 10,183,000
Restricted stock vested (336,000) $ 13.95 $ 3,864,000
Restricted stock forfeited (19,000) $ 13.52 $ 214,000
----------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2008 1,740,000 $ 12.54 $ 20,008,000
==========================================================
For purposes of determining compensation expense, the fair value of each
restricted stock grant is estimated based on the average of the high and
low market price of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. Total
remaining unrecognized compensation cost associated with unvested
restricted stock awards at September 30, 2008 was $17.1 million and the
weighted average period over which this cost is expected to be recognized
is approximately three years.
The total fair value of shares granted and vested during the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 was approximately $10.1 million and $6.8 million,
respectively. The total fair value of unvested restricted stock at
September 30, 2007 was $19.2 million. The weighted average grant date fair
value of restricted shares granted during the nine months ended September
30, 2007 was $15.08. Shares granted during the first nine months of 2007
totaled 707,000.
(10) Segment Information:
--------------------
We operate in one reportable segment, Frontier. Frontier provides both
regulated and unregulated voice, data and video services to residential,
business and wholesale customers and is typically the incumbent provider in
its service areas.
As permitted by SFAS No. 131, we have utilized the aggregation criteria in
combining our operating segments because all of our Frontier properties
share similar economic characteristics, in that they provide the same
products and services to similar customers using comparable technologies in
all of the states in which we operate. The regulatory structure is
generally similar. Differences in the regulatory regime of a particular
state do not materially impact the economic characteristics or operating
results of a particular property.
(11) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:
----------------------------------------------
On January 15, 2008, we terminated all of our interest rate swap agreements
representing $400.0 million notional amount of indebtedness associated with
our Senior Notes due in 2011 and 2013. Cash proceeds on the swap
terminations of approximately $15.5 million were received in January 2008.
The related gain has been deferred on the consolidated balance sheet and is
being amortized into interest expense over the term of the associated debt.
We recognized $4.2 million of deferred gain during the first nine months of
2008 and anticipate recognizing $0.8 million during the fourth quarter of
2008.
As of January 16, 2008, we no longer have any derivative instruments. For
the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the interest expense resulting
from these interest rate swaps totaled approximately $2.8 million.
15
(12) Investment and Other Income, Net:
---------------------------------
The components of investment and other income, net are as follows:
For the three months For the nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
--------------------------------- ----------------------------------
($ in thousands) 2008 2007 2008 2007
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Interest and dividend income $ 1,147 $ 5,696 $ 7,675 $ 28,666
Bridge loan fee - - - (4,026)
Premium on debt repurchases - - (6,290) (18,217)
Gains on expiration/settlement of
customer advances, net 945 355 3,828 1,423
Equity earnings/minority interest
in joint ventures, net (48) 119 2,060 697
Other, net (742) 1,002 (813) 2,129
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total investment and other
income, net $ 1,302 $ 7,172 $ 6,460 $ 10,672
=============== ================ ================ ================
(13) Retirement Plans:
-----------------
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost:
Pension Benefits
---------------------------------------------------------
For the three months For the nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
($ in thousands)
----------------
Components of net periodic benefit cost
---------------------------------------
Service cost $ 1,384 $ 2,121 $ 4,622 $ 6,884
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 13,584 12,901 39,334 37,946
Expected return on plan assets (16,274) (17,247) (48,982) (50,028)
Amortization of prior service cost and unrecognized
net obligation (63) (208) (191) (155)
Amortization of unrecognized loss 2,155 750 4,699 6,556
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Net periodic benefit cost/(income) $ 786 $ (1,683) $ (518) $ 1,203
============= ============ ============= ============
Other Postretirement Benefits
---------------------------------------------------------
For the three months For the nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
($ in thousands)
----------------
Components of net periodic benefit cost
---------------------------------------
Service cost $ 73 $ 92 $ 371 $ 442
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 2,885 2,909 8,369 7,335
Expected return on plan assets (135) (36) (379) (544)
Amortization of prior service cost and transition
obligation (1,941) (2,420) (5,809) (5,314)
Amortization of unrecognized loss 1,569 1,828 4,377 4,189
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,451 $ 2,373 $ 6,929 $ 6,108
============= ============ ============= ============
We expect that our 2008 pension and other postretirement benefit expenses
will be between $8.0 million and $11.0 million, and that no contribution
will be required to be made by us to the pension plan in 2008.
As a result of negative investment returns and ongoing benefit payments,
the Company's pension plan assets have declined from $821.5 million at
December 31, 2007 to $680.2 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of
$142.3 million, or 17%. While the decline in pension plan assets will not
impact our current operations, liquidity or cash flows in 2008, if the drop
in 2008 asset value is not recovered by December 31, 2008 we expect that
our pension expense will increase in 2009 and we may be required to make a
cash contribution to the pension plan in 2009.
16
(14) Commitments and Contingencies:
------------------------------
We anticipate capital expenditures of approximately $295.0 million to
$305.0 million for 2008. Although we from time to time make short-term
purchasing commitments to vendors with respect to these expenditures, we
generally do not enter into firm, written contracts for such activities.
Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing LP, filed suit against us for patent
infringement on June 8, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Delaware. Katz Technology alleges that, by operating automated telephone
systems, including customer service systems, that allow our customers to
utilize telephone calling cards, order internet, DSL, and dial-up services,
and perform a variety of account related tasks such as billing and
payments, we have infringed thirteen of Katz Technology's patents and
continue to infringe three of Katz Technology's patents. Katz Technology
seeks unspecified damages resulting from our alleged infringement, as well
as a permanent injunction enjoining us from continuing the alleged
infringement. Katz Technology subsequently filed a tag-along notice with
the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation, notifying them of this
action and its relatedness to In re Katz Interactive Dial Processing Patent
Litigation (MDL No. 1816), pending in the Central District of California
before Judge R. Gary Klausner. The Judicial Panel on Multi-District
Litigation has transferred the case to the Central District of California.
In January 2008, we received notice of the accused services and 40 asserted
claims from Katz Technology. The case is now in the discovery phase and
interrogatories have been served and answered. The parties have engaged in
settlement discussions but have not reached agreement. In the event that we
are not able to settle, we intend to vigorously defend against this
lawsuit.
We are party to various other legal proceedings arising in the normal
course of our business. The outcome of individual matters is not
predictable. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of all such
matters, after considering insurance coverage, will not have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or our
cash flows.
We sold all of our utility businesses as of April 1, 2004. However, we have
retained a potential payment obligation associated with our previous
electric utility activities in the State of Vermont. The Vermont Joint
Owners (VJO), a consortium of 14 Vermont utilities, including us, entered
into a purchase power agreement with Hydro-Quebec in 1987. The agreement
contains "step-up" provisions that state that if any VJO member defaults on
its purchase obligation under the contract to purchase power from
Hydro-Quebec, then the other VJO participants will assume responsibility
for the defaulting party's share on a pro-rata basis. Our pro-rata share of
the purchase power obligation is 10%. If any member of the VJO defaults on
its obligations under the Hydro-Quebec agreement, then the remaining
members of the VJO, including us, may be required to pay for a
substantially larger share of the VJO's total power purchase obligation for
the remainder of the agreement (which runs through 2015). Paragraph 13 of
FIN No. 45 requires that we disclose "the maximum potential amount of
future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make
under the guarantee." Paragraph 13 also states that we must make such
disclosure "... even if the likelihood of the guarantor's having to make
any payments under the guarantee is remote..." As noted above, our
obligation only arises as a result of default by another VJO member, such
as upon bankruptcy. Therefore, to satisfy the "maximum potential amount"
disclosure requirement we must assume that all members of the VJO
simultaneously default, a highly unlikely scenario given that the two
members of the VJO that have the largest potential payment obligations are
publicly traded with credit ratings equal to or superior to ours, and that
all VJO members are regulated utility providers with regulated cost
recovery. Despite the remote chance that such an event could occur, or that
the State of Vermont could or would allow such an event, assuming that all
the members of the VJO defaulted on January 1, 2008 and remained in default
for the duration of the contract (another 8 years), we estimate that our
undiscounted purchase obligation for 2008 through 2015 would be
approximately $1.1 billion. In such a scenario the Company would then own
the power and could seek to recover its costs. We would do this by seeking
to recover our costs from the defaulting members and/or reselling the power
to other utility providers or the northeast power grid. There is an active
market for the sale of power. We could potentially lose money if we were
unable to sell the power at cost. We caution that we cannot predict with
any degree of certainty any potential outcome.
17
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
of Operations
-------------
Forward-Looking Statements
--------------------------
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Statements that
are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect" and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
(including oral representations) are only predictions or statements of current
plans, which we review continuously. Forward-looking statements may differ from
actual future results due to, but not limited to, and our future results may be
materially affected by, any of the following possibilities:
* Reductions in the number of our access lines and High-Speed Internet
subscribers;
* The effects of competition from cable, wireless and other wireline
carriers (through voice over internet protocol (VOIP) or otherwise);
* The effects of greater than anticipated competition requiring new
pricing, marketing strategies or new product offerings and the risk
that we will not respond on a timely or profitable basis;
* The effects of changes in both general and local economic conditions
on the markets we serve, which can impact demand for our products and
services, customer purchasing decisions, collectability of revenue and
required levels of capital expenditures related to new construction of
residences and businesses;
* Our ability to effectively manage service quality;
* Our ability to successfully introduce new product offerings, including
our ability to offer bundled service packages on terms that are both
profitable to us and attractive to our customers;
* Our ability to sell enhanced and data services in order to offset
ongoing declines in revenue from local services, switched access
services and subsidies;
* Changes in accounting policies or practices adopted voluntarily or as
required by generally accepted accounting principles or regulators;
* The effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications
industry as a result of federal and state legislation and regulation,
including potential changes in state rate of return limitations on our
earnings, access charges and subsidy payments, and regulatory network
upgrade and reliability requirements;
* Our ability to effectively manage our operations, operating expenses
and capital expenditures, to pay dividends and to reduce or refinance
our debt;
* Adverse changes in the credit markets and/or in the ratings given to
our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations,
which could limit or restrict the availability and/or increase the
cost of financing;
* The effects of bankruptcies in the telecommunications industry, which
could result in potential bad debts;
* The effects of technological changes and competition on our capital
expenditures and product and service offerings, including the lack of
assurance that our ongoing network improvements will be sufficient to
meet or exceed the capabilities and quality of competing networks;
* The effects of increased medical, retiree and pension expenses and
related funding requirements;
* Changes in income tax rates, tax laws, regulations or rulings, and/or
federal or state tax assessments;
18
* Further declines in the value of our pension plan assets, which could
require us to make contributions to the pension plan in 2009;
* The effects of state regulatory cash management policies on our
ability to transfer cash among our subsidiaries and to the parent
company;
* Our ability to successfully renegotiate union contracts expiring in
the remainder of 2008 and in 2009;
* Our ability to pay a $1.00 per common share dividend annually, which
may be affected by our cash flow from operations, amount of capital
expenditures, debt service requirements, cash paid for income taxes
(which will increase in 2009) and our liquidity;
* The effects of significantly increased cash taxes in 2008 and 2009;
* The effects of any unfavorable outcome with respect to any of our
current or future legal, governmental or regulatory proceedings,
audits or disputes; and
* The possible impact of adverse changes in political or other external
factors over which we have no control, including hurricanes and other
severe weather.
Any of the foregoing events, or other events, could cause financial information
to vary from management's forward-looking statements included in this report.
You should consider these important factors, as well as the risks set forth
under Item 1A. "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007, in evaluating any statement in this report on Form 10-Q
or otherwise made by us or on our behalf. The following information is unaudited
and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
related notes included in this report. We have no obligation to update or revise
these forward-looking statements.
Overview
--------
We are a full-service communications provider and one of the largest exchange
telephone carriers in the country. On March 8, 2007, we completed the
acquisition of Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., which included a small
competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) component. This acquisition expanded
our presence in Pennsylvania and strengthened our position as a leading
full-service communications provider to rural markets. On October 31, 2007, we
completed the acquisition of Global Valley Networks, Inc. and GVN Services which
expanded our presence in California and also strengthened our rural position. As
of September 30, 2008, we operated in 24 states with 5,790 employees.
Competition in the telecommunications industry is intense and increasing. We
experience competition from many telecommunications service providers, including
cable operators, wireless carriers, voice over internet protocol (VOIP)
providers, long distance providers, competitive local exchange carriers,
internet providers and other wireline carriers. We believe that as of September
30, 2008, approximately 65% of the households in our territories have VOIP as an
available service option from cable operators. We also believe that competition
will continue to intensify in 2009 and may result in reduced revenues. Our
business experienced erosion in access lines and switched access minutes in the
first nine months of 2008 primarily as a result of competition and business
downsizing. We also experienced a reduction in revenue for the first nine months
of 2008 as compared to 2007.
The communications industry is undergoing significant changes. The market is
extremely competitive, resulting in lower prices. In addition, the recent severe
contraction in the global financial markets may be impacting consumer behavior
to reduce household expenditures by not purchasing our services and/or by
discontinuing our services. These trends are likely to continue and result in a
challenging revenue environment. These factors could also result in increased
delinquencies and bankruptcies and, therefore, affect our ability to collect
money owed to us by customers.
We employ a number of strategies to combat the competitive pressures noted
above. Our strategies are focused in the following areas: customer retention,
upgrading and up-selling services to our existing customer base, new customer
growth, win backs and new product deployment.
19
We hope to achieve our customer retention goals by bundling services around the
local access line and providing exemplary customer service. Bundled services
include High-Speed Internet, unlimited long distance calling, enhanced telephone
features and video offerings. We tailor these services to the needs of our
residential and business customers in the markets we serve and continually
evaluate the introduction of new and complementary products and services, which
can also be purchased separately. Customer retention is also enhanced by
offering 1, 2 and 3 year price protection plans where customers commit to a term
in exchange for predictable pricing and/or promotional offers. Additionally, we
are focused on enhancing the customer experience as we believe exceptional
customer service will differentiate us from our competition. Our commitment to
providing exemplary customer service is demonstrated by the expansion of our
customer services hours, shorter scheduling windows for in-home appointments and
the implementation of call reminders and follow-up calls for service
appointments. In addition, due to a recent realignment and restructuring of
approximately 70 local area markets, those markets are now operated by local
managers with responsibility for the customer experience in those markets as
well as the financial results.
We utilize targeted and innovative promotions to sell new customers moving into
our territory, win back previously lost customers, upgrade and up-sell a variety
of service offerings including High-Speed Internet, video, and enhanced long
distance and feature packages in order to maximize the average revenue per
access line (wallet share) paid to Frontier. We intend to continue to offer such
promotions to drive sales and may offer additional promotions in the future.
Lastly, we are focused on introducing a number of new products that our
customers desire including wireless data, internet portal advertising and the
"Frontier Peace of Mind" product suite. This last category is a suite of
products aimed at managing the total communications and personal computing
experience for our customers. The Peace of Mind product and services are
designed to provide value and simplicity to meet our customers' ever changing
needs. The Peace of Mind product and services suite includes services such as an
in home, full install of our high-speed product, two hour appointment windows
for the installation, hard drive back-up services, enhanced help desk PC support
and inside wire maintenance. We offer our Peace of Mind services both to our
customers and to other users inside and outside of our service territories.
Although we are optimistic about the opportunities provided by each of these
initiatives, we can provide no assurance about their long term profitability or
impact on revenue.
We believe that the combination of offering multiple products and services to
our customers pursuant to price protection programs, billing them on a single
bill, providing superior customer service, and being active in our local
communities will make our customers more loyal to us, and will help us generate
new, and retain existing, customer revenue.
Revenues from data and internet services such as High-Speed Internet continue to
increase as a percentage of our total revenues and revenues from services such
as local line and access charges (including federal and state subsidies) are
decreasing as a percentage of our total revenues. The decreasing revenue from
historical sources, along with the potential for increasing operating costs,
could cause our profitability and our cash generated by operations to decrease.
20
a) Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------
As of September 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents aggregating $91.1
million. Our primary source of funds continued to be cash generated from
operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we used cash flow from
operations, incremental borrowing and cash and cash equivalents to fund capital
expenditures, dividends, interest payments, debt repayments and stock
repurchases.
We believe our operating cash flows, existing cash balances, and credit facility
will be adequate to finance our working capital requirements, fund capital
expenditures, make required debt payments through 2009, pay taxes, pay dividends
to our stockholders in accordance with our dividend policy and support our
short-term and long-term operating strategies. However, a number of factors,
including but not limited to, increased cash taxes, losses of access lines,
increases in competition, lower subsidy and access revenues and the impact of
the current economic environment are expected to reduce our cash generated by
operations. In addition, although we believe, based on information available to
us, that the financial institutions syndicated under our credit facility would
be able to fulfill their commitments, given the current economic environment and
the recent severe contraction in the global financial markets, this could change
in the future. Further, the current credit market turmoil and our
below-investment grade credit ratings may make it more difficult and expensive
to refinance our maturing debt, although we do not have any significant
maturities until 2011. We have approximately $1.0 million of debt maturing
during the last three months of 2008 and approximately $3.9 million and $7.2
million of debt maturing in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
-----------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities declined $56.2 million, or 10%, for the
nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared with the prior year period. The
decline resulted from a drop in operating income, as adjusted for non-cash
items, lower investment income and an increase in current income tax
expenditures. These declines were partially offset by increased collections of
accounts receivable and other changes in working capital that positively
impacted our cash position as compared to the prior year.
We paid $70.2 million in cash taxes during the first nine months of 2008 and
expect to pay approximately $80.0 million to $90.0 million for the full year of
2008. Our cash tax estimate reflects the currently estimated impact of the
"Economic Stimulus Act of 2008." We expect that our cash taxes will increase
further in 2009.
Cash Flow used by Investing Activities
--------------------------------------
Acquisitions
------------
On March 8, 2007, we acquired Commonwealth in a cash-and-stock taxable
transaction, for a total consideration of approximately $1.1 billion. We paid
$804.1 million in cash ($663.7 million net, after cash acquired) and issued
common stock with a value of $247.4 million.
On October 31, 2007, we acquired Global Valley Networks, Inc. and GVN Services
for a total cash consideration of $62.0 million.
Capital Expenditures
--------------------
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our capital expenditures were
$204.2 million. We continue to closely scrutinize all of our capital projects,
emphasize return on investment and focus our capital expenditures on areas and
services that have the greatest opportunities with respect to revenue growth and
cost reduction. We anticipate capital expenditures of approximately $295.0
million to $305.0 million for 2008.
Cash Flow used by Financing Activities
--------------------------------------
Debt Reduction
--------------
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we retired an aggregate principal
amount of $131.8 million of debt, consisting of $128.7 million principal amount
of our 9.25% Senior Notes due 2011, $2.5 million of other senior unsecured debt
and rural utilities service loan contracts, and $0.6 million of 5% Company
Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities (EPPICS) that
were converted into our common stock.
21
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we retired an aggregate principal
amount of $966.6 million of debt, including $3.3 million of EPPICS and $17.8
million of 3.25% Commonwealth convertible notes that were converted into our
common stock. On April 26, 2007, we redeemed $495.2 million principal amount of
our 7.625% Senior Notes due 2008 at a price of 103.041% plus accrued and unpaid
interest. During the first quarter of 2007, we temporarily borrowed and repaid
$200.0 million utilized to temporarily fund the acquisition of Commonwealth, and
we paid down the $35.0 million Commonwealth credit facility. Through September
30, 2007, we retired $183.3 million face amount of Commonwealth convertible
notes for which we paid $165.4 million in cash and $36.7 million in common
stock. We also paid down $44.6 million of industrial development revenue bonds
and $4.1 million of rural utilities service loan contracts.
We may from time to time repurchase our debt in the open market, through tender
offers, exchanges of debt securities, by exercising rights to call or in
privately negotiated transactions. We may also exchange existing debt for newly
issued debt obligations.
Issuance of Debt Securities
---------------------------
On March 28, 2008, we borrowed $135.0 million under a senior unsecured term loan
facility that was established on March 10, 2008. The loan matures in 2013 and
bears interest of 5.63% as of September 30, 2008 based on the prime rate or
LIBOR, at our election, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt
leverage ratio. We used the proceeds to repurchase, during the first quarter of
2008, $128.7 million principal amount of our 9.25% Senior Notes due 2011 and to
pay for the $6.3 million of premium on early retirement of these notes.
On March 23, 2007, we issued in a private placement an aggregate $300.0 million
principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2015 and $450.0 million principal
amount of 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019. Proceeds from the sale were used to pay
down $200.0 million principal amount of indebtedness incurred on March 8, 2007
under a bridge loan facility in connection with the acquisition of Commonwealth
and redeem, on April 26, 2007, $495.2 million principal amount of our 7.625%
Senior Notes due 2008 at a price of 103.041% plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In the second quarter of 2007, we completed an exchange offer (to publicly
register the debt) for the $750.0 million in total of private placement notes
described above, in addition to the $400.0 million principal amount of 7.875%
Senior Notes due 2027 issued in a private placement on December 22, 2006, for
registered notes.
EPPICS
------
As of September 30, 2008, EPPICS representing a total principal amount of $197.8
million have been converted into 15,967,465 shares of our common stock, and a
total of $3.5 million remains outstanding to third parties. Our long-term debt
footnote indicates $14.0 million of EPPICS outstanding at September 30, 2008, of
which $10.5 million is debt of related parties for which we have an offsetting
receivable.
Interest Rate Management
------------------------
In order to manage our interest expense, we had entered into interest rate swap
agreements. Under the terms of these agreements, we made semi-annual, floating
rate interest payments based on six month LIBOR and received a fixed rate on the
notional amount. The underlying variable rate on these swaps was set either in
advance or in arrears.
The notional amounts of fixed-rate indebtedness hedged as of December 31, 2007
were $400.0 million. Such contracts required us to pay variable rates of
interest (estimated average pay rates of approximately 8.54% as of December 31,
2007) and receive fixed rates of interest (average receive rate of 8.50% as of
December 31, 2007). All swaps were accounted for under SFAS No. 133 (as amended)
as fair value hedges. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the interest
expense resulting from these interest rate swaps totaled approximately $2.8
million.
On January 15, 2008, we terminated all of our interest rate swap agreements
representing $400.0 million notional amount of indebtedness associated with our
Senior Notes due in 2011 and 2013. Cash proceeds on the swap terminations of
approximately $15.5 million were received in January 2008. The related gain has
been deferred on the consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized into
interest expense over the term of the associated debt.
Credit Facilities
-----------------
As of September 30, 2008, we had available lines of credit with six financial
institutions in the aggregate amount of $250.0 million. Associated facility fees
vary, depending on our debt leverage ratio, and were 0.225% per annum as of
September 30, 2008. The expiration date for this $250.0 million five year
revolving credit agreement is May 18, 2012. During the term of the credit
facility we may borrow, repay and reborrow funds. The credit facility is
available for general corporate purposes but may not be used to fund dividend
payments. Although we believe, based on information available to us, that the
financial institutions syndicated under our credit facility would be able to
fulfill their commitments, given the current economic environment and the recent
severe contraction in the global financial markets, this could change in the
future.
22
Covenants
---------
The terms and conditions contained in our indentures and credit facility
agreements include the timely payment of principal and interest when due, the
maintenance of our corporate existence, keeping proper books and records in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, restrictions on the allowance of liens on our assets,
and restrictions on asset sales and transfers, mergers and other changes in
corporate control. We currently have no restrictions on the payment of dividends
either by contract, rule or regulation, other than those imposed by the Delaware
General Corporation Law. However, we would be restricted under our credit
facilities from declaring dividends if an event of default has occurred and is
continuing at the time or will result from the dividend declaration.
Our $200.0 million term loan facility with the Rural Telephone Finance
Cooperative (RTFC), that matures in 2011, contains a maximum leverage ratio
covenant. Under the leverage ratio covenant, we are required to maintain a ratio
of (i) total indebtedness minus cash and cash equivalents in excess of $50.0
million to (ii) consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) over
the last four quarters no greater than 4.00 to 1.
Our $250.0 million credit facility, and our $150.0 million and $135.0 million
senior unsecured term loans, each contain a maximum leverage ratio covenant.
Under the leverage ratio covenant, we are required to maintain a ratio of (i)
total indebtedness minus cash and cash equivalents in excess of $50.0 million to
(ii) consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the agreements) over the last
four quarters no greater than 4.50 to 1. Although all of these facilities are
unsecured, they will be equally and ratably secured by certain liens and equally
and ratably guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries if we issue debt that is
secured or guaranteed.
Our credit facilities and certain indentures for our senior unsecured debt
obligations limit our ability to create liens or merge or consolidate with other
companies and our subsidiaries' ability to borrow funds, subject to important
exceptions and qualifications.
We are in compliance with all of our debt and credit facility covenants.
Proceeds from the Sale of Equity Securities
-------------------------------------------
We receive proceeds from the issuance of our common stock upon the exercise of
options pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we received approximately $1.4 million and
$13.3 million, respectively, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
Share Repurchase Programs
-------------------------
In February 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to
$200.0 million of our common stock in public or private transactions over the
following twelve month period. This share repurchase program commenced on March
4, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, we had repurchased approximately 17,450,000
shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $196.2 million.
The $200.0 million share repurchase program was completed on October 3, 2008.
In February 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to
$250.0 million of our common stock in public or private transactions over the
following twelve month period. This share repurchase program commenced on March
19, 2007 and was completed on October 15, 2007. During 2007, we repurchased
17,279,600 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $250.0 million.
Dividends
---------
We expect to pay regular quarterly dividends. Our ability to fund a regular
quarterly dividend will be impacted by our ability to generate cash from
operations. The declarations and payment of future dividends will be at the
discretion of our Board of Directors, and will depend upon many factors,
including our financial condition, results of operations, growth prospects,
funding requirements, applicable law, restrictions in our credit facilities and
other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
23
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
------------------------------
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations
or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to
have a material current or future effect upon our financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
------------------------------------------
We review all significant estimates affecting our consolidated financial
statements on a recurring basis and record the effect of any necessary
adjustment prior to their publication. Uncertainties with respect to such
estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial
statements; accordingly, it is possible that actual results could differ from
those estimates and changes to estimates could occur in the near term. The
preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements, the disclosure of the contingent assets
and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period. Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for allowance
for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets,
depreciation and amortization, pension and other postretirement benefits, the
long-term incentive program, income taxes, contingencies and purchase price
allocations, among others.
Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical
accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and our
Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosures relating to such estimates.
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and
estimates from the information provided in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
New Accounting Pronouncements
-----------------------------
The following new accounting standards were adopted by the Company in the first
quarter of 2008 without any material financial statement impact. All of these
standards are more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements.
* Accounting for Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(EITF No. 06-4)
---------------
* Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), as amended
--------------------------------------------------
* The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities -
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159)
---------------------------------------------------------------
* Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrangements (EITF No. 06-10)
-----------------------------
* Accounting for the Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment Awards (EITF No. 06-11)
-------------------------------
The following new accounting standards that will be adopted by the Company in
2008 and 2009 are currently being evaluated by the Company.
* Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141R)
-------------------------------------
* Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No. 160)
--------
* The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
162)
----
* Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions are Participating Securities (FSP EITF 03-6-1)
-----------------------------------------------------------
24
(b) Results of Operations
---------------------
REVENUE
Revenue is generated primarily through the provision of local, network access,
long distance, and data and internet services. Such services are provided
through either a monthly recurring fee or a fee based on usage at a tariffed
rate and revenue recognition is not dependent upon significant judgments by
management, with the exception of a determination of a provision for
uncollectible amounts.
Consolidated revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$17.9 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year period. Consolidated
revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $21.2 million as
compared with the prior year period. Excluding the additional revenue due to the
CTE and GVN acquisitions, revenue decreased $80.9 million during the first nine
months of 2008, or 5%, as compared with the prior period. During the first
quarter of 2007, we had a significant favorable settlement of a carrier dispute
that resulted in a favorable one-time impact to our revenue of $38.7 million.
Excluding the additional revenue due to the one-time favorable settlement in the
first quarter of 2007 and the additional revenue due to the CTE and GVN
acquisitions, our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 would
have declined $42.2 million, or 3%, as compared to the first nine months of
2007. This decline is a result of lower local services revenue, subsidy revenue
and switched access revenue, partially offset by a $32.5 million, or 9%,
increase in data and internet services revenue, each as described in more detail
below.
Change in the number of our access lines is one factor that is important to our
revenue and profitability. We have lost access lines primarily because of
competition, changing consumer behavior (including wireless substitution),
economic conditions, changing technology and by some customers disconnecting
second lines when they add High-Speed Internet or cable modem service. We lost
approximately 132,700 access lines during the nine months ended September 30,
2008, but added approximately 49,100 High-Speed Internet subscribers during this
same period.
While access lines are an important metric to gauge certain revenue trends, it
is not necessarily the best or only measure to evaluate the business. Management
believes that understanding the different components of revenue is most
important. For this reason, presented on page 28 is a revenue breakdown that
categorizes revenue into customer revenue and regulatory revenue (switched and
subsidy revenue). Despite the decline in access lines, our customer revenue,
which is all revenue except switched access and subsidy, has declined by less
than 1 percent. The average monthly customer revenue per access line has
improved and resulted in an increased wallet share, primarily from residential
customers. We expect to continue to lose access lines but to increase High-Speed
Internet subscribers during the remainder of 2008. A continued loss of access
lines, combined with increased competition and the other factors discussed
herein may cause our revenue, profitability and cash flows to decrease in the
last quarter of 2008 and in 2009.
Our historical results include the results of operations of Commonwealth from
the date of its acquisition on March 8, 2007 and of GVN from the date of its
acquisition on October 31, 2007. The financial tables below include a
comparative analysis of our results of operations on a historical basis for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, including the results
of our acquisitions.
REVENUE
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
--------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
----------------
2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
---------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------
Local services $ 210,749 $ 224,978 $ (14,229) -6% $ 642,610 $ 655,785 $ (13,175) -2%
Data and internet
services 154,047 140,205 13,842 10% 451,684 396,472 55,212 14%
Access services 99,555 113,127 (13,572) -12% 308,376 365,580 (57,204) -16%
Long distance services 46,395 47,732 (1,337) -3% 139,760 135,213 4,547 3%
Directory services 28,126 28,342 (216) -1% 85,824 85,676 148 0%
Other 18,999 21,430 (2,431) -11% 61,372 72,061 (10,689) -15%
---------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
$ 557,871 $ 575,814 $ (17,943) -3% $ 1,689,626 $ 1,710,787 $ (21,161) -1%
========== ========== ============ ============ =========== ==========
25
Local Services
Local services revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$14.2 million, or 6%, as compared with the prior year period. The loss of access
lines accounted for $10.9 million of the decline in local services revenue.
Enhanced services revenue decreased $1.5 million, as discussed below.
Local services revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$13.2 million, as compared with the prior year period. Local services revenue
increased $20.4 million as a result of the CTE and GVN acquisitions and
decreased $33.6 million for our legacy Frontier operations, primarily due to the
continued loss of access lines. Enhanced services revenue, excluding the impact
of the CTE and GVN acquisitions, decreased $3.5 million, as compared with the
prior year period, primarily due to a decline in access lines and a shift in
customers purchasing our unlimited voice communications packages instead of
individual features.
Economic conditions and/or increasing competition could make it more difficult
to sell our packages and bundles and cause us to increase our promotions and/or
lower our prices for those products and services, which would adversely affect
our revenue, profitability and cash flow.
Data and Internet Services
Data and internet services revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008
increased $13.8 million, or 10%, as compared with the prior year period,
primarily due to growth in data and High-Speed Internet customers.
Data and internet services revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
increased $55.2 million, or 14%, as compared with the prior year period. Data
and internet services revenue increased $22.8 million as a result of the CTE and
GVN acquisitions and another $32.4 million due to the overall growth in data and
High-Speed Internet customers. The number of the Company's High-Speed Internet
subscribers has increased by more than 74,700, or 15%, since September 30, 2007.
Data and internet services also includes revenue from data transmission services
to other carriers and high-volume commercial customers with dedicated
high-capacity internet and ethernet circuits. Revenue from these dedicated
high-capacity circuits increased $12.4 million, as compared with the prior year
period, primarily due to growth in the number of those circuits.
Access Services
Access services revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$13.6 million, or 12%, as compared with the prior year period. Switched access
revenue of $70.0 million decreased $9.6 million, as compared with the prior year
period, primarily due to the impact of a decline in minutes of use related to
access line losses and the displacement of minutes of use by wireless, email and
other communications services. Access services revenue includes subsidy payments
we receive from federal and state agencies. Subsidy revenue of $29.6 million
decreased $4.0 million, due to lower receipts under the Federal High Cost Fund
program resulting from our reduced cost structure and an increase in the
program's National Average Cost per Local Loop (NACPL) used by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate funds among all recipients. Third
quarter 2008 subsidy revenue was negatively impacted by $2.5 million in
unfavorable adjustments resulting from audits of the Federal High Cost Fund
program.
Access services revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$57.2 million, or 16%, as compared with the prior year period. Access services
revenue increased $8.2 million as a result of the CTE and GVN acquisitions.
Switched access revenue, excluding the impact of the CTE and GVN acquisitions,
of $174.4 million decreased $48.8 million, primarily due to the first quarter
2007 settlement of a carrier dispute resulting in a favorable impact on our
revenue of $38.7 million (a one-time event) and the impact of a decline in
minutes of use related to access line losses. Excluding the impact of that
one-time favorable settlement in the first nine months of 2007, our switched
access revenue for the first nine months of 2008 would have declined by $10.1
million, or 5%, from the comparable period in 2007. Subsidy revenue, excluding
the impact of the CTE and GVN acquisitions, of $77.2 million decreased $16.5
million, primarily due to lower receipts under the Federal High Cost Fund
program resulting from our reduced cost structure and an increase in the
program's NACPL.
Many factors may lead to further increases in the NACPL, thereby resulting in
decreases in our federal subsidy revenue in the future. The FCC and state
regulators are currently considering a number of proposals for changing the
manner in which eligibility for federal subsidies is determined as well as the
amounts of such subsidies. On May 1, 2008 the FCC issued an order to cap
Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Companies (CETC) receipts from the high
cost Federal Universal Service Fund. While this order will have no impact on our
current receipt levels, we believe this is a positive first step to limit the
rapid growth of the fund. The CETC cap will remain in place until the FCC takes
additional steps towards needed reform.
26
The FCC is considering proposals that may significantly change interstate,
intrastate and local intercarrier compensation and revisions to the Federal
Universal Service funding and disbursement mechanisms. When and how these
proposed changes will be addressed are unknown and, accordingly, we are unable
to predict the impact of future changes on our results of operations. However,
future reductions in our subsidy and access revenues will directly affect our
profitability and cash flows as those regulatory revenues do not have associated
variable expenses.
Certain states have open proceedings to address reform to access charges and
other intercarrier compensation. We cannot predict when or how these matters
will be decided nor the effect on our subsidy or access revenues. In addition,
we have been approached by, and/or are involved in formal state proceedings
with, various carriers seeking reductions in intrastate access rates in certain
states.
Long Distance Services
Long distance services revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008
decreased $1.3 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year period, primarily
due to lower average revenue per minute of use, as discussed below.
Long distance services revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
increased $4.5 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year period, as a
result of $6.8 million in additional long distance services revenue from the CTE
and GVN acquisitions. We have actively marketed a package of unlimited long
distance minutes with our digital phone and state unlimited bundled service
offerings. The sale of our digital phone and state unlimited products, and their
associated unlimited minutes, has resulted in an increase in long distance
customers, and the minutes used by these customers. This has lowered our overall
average rate per minute billed.
Our long distance minutes of use increased by 15% during the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months of 2007. Our long distance
services revenue has remained relatively unchanged, but may decrease in the
future due to lower rates and/or minutes of use. Competing services such as
wireless, VOIP and cable telephony are resulting in a loss of customers, minutes
of use and further declines in the rates we charge our customers. We expect
these factors will continue to adversely affect our long distance revenue during
the remainder of 2008 and in 2009.
Directory Services
Directory services revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2008 was relatively unchanged as compared with the prior year periods.
Other
Other revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$2.4 million, or 11%, and $10.7 million, or 15%, as compared with the prior year
periods, primarily due to higher bad debt expenses, fewer equipment sales and
decreased "bill and collect" fee revenue.
27
OTHER FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
As of As of %
September 30, 2008 September 30, 2007 Change
-------------------- ------------------- ----------------
Access lines:
Residential 1,484,809 1,617,916 -8%
Business 811,651 842,666 -4%
-------------------- -------------------
Total access lines 2,296,460 2,460,582 -7%
-------------------- -------------------
High-Speed Internet (HSI)
subscribers 571,946 497,241 15%
Video subscribers 112,350 86,446 30%
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
Revenue:
Residential $ 238,684 $ 247,890 $ (9,206) -4% $ 719,679 $ 718,218 $ 1,461 0%
Business 219,632 214,797 4,835 2% 661,571 626,989 34,582 6%
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------- -----------
Total customer revenue 458,316 462,687 (4,371) -1% 1,381,250 1,345,207 36,043 3%
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------- -----------
Regulatory (Access
Services) 99,555 113,127 (13,572) -12% 308,376 365,580 (57,204) -16%
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------- -----------
Total revenue $ 557,871 $ 575,814 $ (17,943) -3% $ 1,689,626 $1,710,787 $ (21,161) -1%
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------- -----------
Switched access minutes of
us (in millions) 2,522 2,711 -7% 7,663 7,987 -4%
Average monthly total
revenue per access line $ 80.20 $ 77.33 4% $ 82.85 (2) $ 79.30 (1) 4%
Average monthly customer
revenue per access line $ 65.89 $ 62.14 6% $ 68.44 (2) $ 64.47 (2) 6%
(1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the calculation excludes CTE
and GVN data and excludes the $38.7 million favorable one-time impact from
the first quarter 2007 settlement of a switched access dispute. The amount
is $81.37 with the $38.7 million favorable one-time impact from the
settlement.
(2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the calculations
exclude CTE and GVN data.
NETWORK ACCESS EXPENSES
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
----------------
2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
---------- --------- -------------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------
Network access $ 52,478 $ 56,566 $ (4,088) -7% $ 167,025 $ 161,641 $ 5,384 3%
Network access expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$4.1 million, or 7%, as compared with the prior year period, primarily due to
decreasing rates and more efficient circuit routing for our long distance and
data products.
Network access expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased
$5.4 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year period, as a result of $9.5
million in additional network access expenses due to the CTE and GVN
acquisitions, partially offset by the cost savings, as described above.
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
---------------- 2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
----------- ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Wage and benefit expenses $ 98,548 $100,965 $ (2,417) -2% $294,011 $301,293 $ (7,282) -2%
Severance and early
retirement costs 227 12,098 (11,871) -98% 3,598 13,874 (10,276) -74%
Stock based compensation 3,047 2,364 683 29% 9,211 7,809 1,402 18%
All other operating
expenses 101,674 99,839 1,835 2% 302,273 294,945 7,328 2%
----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
$203,496 $215,266 $ (11,770) -5% $609,093 $617,921 $ (8,828) -1%
=========== =========== ============= =========== ========== ============
28
Wage and benefit expenses
Wage and benefit expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008
decreased $2.4 million, or 2%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily
due to headcount reductions and associated decreases in compensation and benefit
expenses attributable to the integration of the back office, customer service
and administrative support functions of the CTE and GVN operations acquired in
2007.
Wage and benefit expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased
$7.3 million, or 2%, as compared with the prior year period, primarily due to
headcount reductions and associated decreases in compensation and benefit
expenses from the integration of functions, as described above.
Included in wage and benefit expenses is pension and other postretirement
benefit expenses. These costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and
2007 were approximately $6.4 million and $7.3 million, respectively. Based on
current assumptions and plan asset values, we estimate that our 2008 pension and
other postretirement benefit expenses will be approximately $8.0 million to
$11.0 million and that no contribution will be made by us to our pension plan in
2008.
As a result of negative investment returns and ongoing benefit payments, the
Company's pension plan assets have declined from $821.5 million at December 31,
2007 to $680.2 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $142.3 million, or
17%. While the decline in pension plan assets will not impact our current
operations, liquidity or cash flows in 2008, if the drop in 2008 asset value is
not recovered by December 31, 2008 we expect that our pension expense will
increase in 2009 and we may be required to make a cash contribution to the
pension plan in 2009.
Severance and early retirement costs
Severance and early retirement costs for the three months ended September 30,
2008 decreased $11.9 million as compared with the prior year period, primarily
due to a third quarter charge in 2007 of approximately $12.1 million related to
initiatives to enhance customer service, streamline operations and reduce costs.
Approximately 120 positions were eliminated as part of that initiative, most of
which were filled by new employees at our remaining call centers. In addition,
approximately 50 field operations employees agreed to participate in an early
retirement program and another 30 employees from a variety of functions left the
Company.
Severance and early retirement costs for the nine months ended September 30,
2008 decreased $10.3 million as compared with the prior year period, primarily
due to the third quarter 2007 charge of $12.1 million, as described above,
partially offset by charges recorded in the first half of 2008 related to
employee early retirements and terminations for 42 Rochester, New York
employees.
Stock based compensation
Stock based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased
$0.7 million, or 29%, as compared with the prior year period, due to costs
associated with the recently adopted long-term incentive program.
Stock based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased
$1.4 million, or 18%, as compared with the prior year period, due to costs
associated with the recently adopted long-term incentive program, partially
offset by reduced costs associated with stock units and stock options.
All other operating expenses
All other operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008
increased $1.8 million, or 2%, as compared with the prior year period and $7.3
million, or 2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared with
the prior year period. The increase for the nine month period was primarily due
to the additional expenses of $10.8 million resulting from the CTE and GVN
acquisitions, as 2008 includes nine months of expenses for CTE and GVN while
2007 includes approximately seven months for CTE and no costs for GVN.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
--------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
---------------- 2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
--------- --------- ------------- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Depreciation expense $ 92,793 $ 90,709 $ 2,084 2% $ 286,305 $ 270,642 $ 15,663 6%
Amortization expense 44,863 47,348 (2,485) -5% 136,681 130,058 6,623 5%
--------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ---------
$ 137,656 $138,057 $ (401) 0% $ 422,986 $ 400,700 $ 22,286 6%
========= ========= ============= ============ ========== =========
29
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30,
2008 decreased $0.4 million as compared to the prior year period. Depreciation
and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased
$22.3 million, or 6%, as compared with the prior year period. Our 2007
acquisitions of CTE and GVN accounted for an increase of $26.9 million in
depreciation and amortization expense. All other depreciation and amortization
expense decreased $4.6 million, primarily due to a declining net asset base for
our legacy Frontier properties, partially offset by changes in the remaining
useful lives of certain assets. An independent study updating the estimated
remaining useful lives of our plant assets is performed annually. We have
adopted the lives proposed in the study effective October 1, 2008. Our
"composite depreciation rate" increased from 5.5% to 5.6% as a result of the
study. We anticipate depreciation expense of approximately $375.0 million to
$380.0 million and amortization expense of $180.0 million to $185.0 million for
2008.
INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME, NET/INTEREST EXPENSE/INCOME TAX EXPENSE
For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
--------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
---------------- 2008 2007 $ Change % Change 2008 2007 $ Change % Change
--------- --------- -------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Investment and
other income, net $ 1,302 $ 7,172 $ (5,870) -82% $ 6,460 $ 10,672 $ (4,212) -39%
Interest expense $ 90,333 $ 95,158 $ (4,825) -5% $ 271,903 $ 287,771 $ (15,868) -6%
Income tax expense $ 28,215 $ 30,524 $ (2,309) -8% $ 76,717 $ 97,785 $ (21,068) -22%
Investment and other income, net
Investment and other income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2008
decreased $5.9 million, or 82%, as compared with the prior year period,
primarily due to a decrease in our investable cash balance.
Investment and other income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
decreased $4.2 million, or 39%, as compared with the prior year period,
primarily due to a decrease of $21.0 million in income from short-term
investments of cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by a reduction in the
loss on retirement of debt of $11.9 million and the $4.0 million expense of a
bridge loan fee recorded during the first quarter of 2007.
Our average cash balance was $181.0 million and $686.1 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $4.8
million, or 5%, as compared with the prior year period, primarily due to the
amortization of the deferred gain associated with the termination of our
interest rate swap agreements and slightly lower average interest rates. Our
average debt outstanding was $4,756.7 million and $4,760.1 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $15.9
million, or 6%, as compared with the prior year period, primarily due to the
amortization of the deferred gain associated with the termination of our
interest rate swap agreements and retirement of related debt during the first
quarter of 2008, along with slightly lower average debt levels. Our average debt
outstanding was $4,758.1 million and $4,853.0 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our composite average borrowing rate
as of September 30, 2008 as compared with the prior year was 34 basis points
lower, decreasing from 8.01% to 7.67%.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
decreased $2.3 million, or 8%, and $21.1 million, or 22%, respectively, as
compared with the prior year periods, primarily due to changes in taxable income
and the reduction in income tax expense of $7.5 million recorded in the second
quarter of 2008 that resulted from the expiration of certain statute of
limitations on April 15, 2008, as discussed below. The effective tax rate for
the first nine months of 2008 was 34.1% as compared with 38.6% for the first
nine months of 2007. Our cash taxes paid for the nine months ended September 30,
2008 were $70.2 million, an increase of $16.5 million from the first nine months
of 2007. We expect to pay approximately $80 million to $90 million for the full
year of 2008. Our 2008 cash tax estimate reflects the currently estimated impact
of the "Economic Stimulus Act of 2008."
30
As a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations on April 15,
2008, the liabilities on our books as of December 31, 2007 related to uncertain
tax positions recorded under FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48 were reduced by
$16.2 million in the second quarter of 2008. This reduction lowered income tax
expense by $7.5 million, goodwill by $3.0 million and deferred income tax assets
by $5.7 million during the second quarter of 2008.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
----------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure of primary market risks and how they are managed
We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations
due to ongoing investing and funding activities, including those associated with
our pension assets. Market risk refers to the potential change in fair value of
a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates and equity
prices. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments, derivative commodity
instruments or other financial instruments for trading purposes. As a result, we
do not undertake any specific actions to cover our exposure to market risks, and
we are not party to any market risk management agreements other than in the
normal course of business. Our primary market risk exposures are interest rate
risk and equity price risk as follows:
Interest Rate Exposure
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to
the interest-bearing portion of our investment portfolio. Our long-term debt as
of September 30, 2008 was approximately 94% fixed rate debt with minimal
exposure to interest rate changes after the termination of our remaining
interest rate swap agreements on January 15, 2008.
Our objectives in managing our interest rate risk are to limit the impact of
interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall
borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, all but $281.7 million of our
borrowings at September 30, 2008 have fixed interest rates. Consequently, we
have limited material future earnings or cash flow exposures from changes in
interest rates on our long-term debt. An adverse change in interest rates would
increase the amount that we pay on our variable obligations and could result in
fluctuations in the fair value of our fixed rate obligations. Based upon our
overall interest rate exposure at September 30, 2008, a near-term change in
interest rates would not materially affect our consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
On January 15, 2008, we terminated all of our interest rate swap agreements
representing $400.0 million notional amount of indebtedness associated with our
Senior Notes due in 2011 and 2013. Cash proceeds on the swap terminations of
approximately $15.5 million were received in January 2008. The related gain has
been deferred on the consolidated balance sheet, and is being amortized into
interest expense over the term of the associated debt.
Sensitivity analysis of interest rate exposure
At September 30, 2008, the fair value of our long-term debt was estimated to be
approximately $4.0 billion, based on our overall weighted average borrowing rate
of 7.67% and our overall weighted average maturity of approximately 12 years.
There has been no material change in the weighted average maturity applicable to
our obligations since December 31, 2007.
Equity Price Exposure
Our exposure to market risks for changes in security prices as of September 30,
2008 is limited to our pension assets. We have no other security investments of
any material amount.
During 2008, the diminished availability of credit and liquidity in the United
States and throughout the global financial system has resulted in substantial
volatility in financial markets and the banking system. These and other economic
events have had an adverse impact on investment portfolios.
As a result of negative investment returns and ongoing benefit payments, the
Company's pension plan assets have declined from $821.5 million at December 31,
2007 to $680.2 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $142.3 million, or
17%. While the decline in pension plan assets will not impact our current
operations, liquidity or cash flows in 2008, if the drop in 2008 asset value is
not recovered by December 31, 2008 we expect that our pension expense will
increase in 2009 and we may be required to make a cash contribution to the
pension plan in 2009.
31
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
-----------------------
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation
of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, regarding the effectiveness of the design and operation of
our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded, as of the
end of the period covered by this report, September 30, 2008, that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting
We reviewed our internal control over financial reporting at September 30, 2008.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting
identified in an evaluation thereof that occurred during the third fiscal
quarter of 2008 that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially
affect our internal control over financial reporting.
32
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
-----------------
There have been no material changes to our legal proceedings from the
information provided in Item 3. Legal Proceedings included in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, except as set forth below:
Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing LP, filed suit against us for patent
infringement on June 8, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Delaware. Katz Technology alleges that, by operating automated telephone
systems, including customer service systems, that allow our customers to utilize
telephone calling cards, order internet, DSL, and dial-up services, and perform
a variety of account related tasks such as billing and payments, we have
infringed thirteen of Katz Technology's patents and continue to infringe three
of Katz Technology's patents. Katz Technology seeks unspecified damages
resulting from our alleged infringement, as well as a permanent injunction
enjoining us from continuing the alleged infringement. Katz Technology
subsequently filed a tag-along notice with the Judicial Panel on Multi-District
Litigation, notifying them of this action and its relatedness to In re Katz
Interactive Dial Processing Patent Litigation (MDL No. 1816), pending in the
Central District of California before Judge R. Gary Klausner. The Judicial Panel
on Multi-District Litigation has transferred the case to the Central District of
California. In January 2008, we received notice of the accused services and 40
asserted claims from Katz Technology. The case is now in the discovery phase and
interrogatories have been served and answered. The parties have engaged in
settlement discussions but have not reached agreement. In the event that we are
not able to settle, we intend to vigorously defend against this lawsuit.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
------------
Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to our risk
factors from the information provided in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The recent severe contraction in the global financial markets may have an impact
on our business and financial condition
Diminished availability of credit and liquidity due to the recent severe
contraction in the global financial markets may impact the financial health of
the Company's customers, vendors and partners, which in turn may negatively
impact the Company's revenues and operating expenses.
As a result of negative investment returns and ongoing benefit payments, the
Company's pension plan assets have declined from $821.5 million at December 31,
2007 to $680.2 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $142.3 million, or
17%. While the decline in pension plan assets will not impact our current
operations, liquidity or cash flows in 2008, if the drop in 2008 asset value is
not recovered by December 31, 2008 we expect that our pension expense will
increase in 2009 and we may be required to make a cash contribution to the
pension plan in 2009.
The Company has significant debt maturities in 2011 when approximately $1.1
billion of our debt matures. Historically, the Company has refinanced its debt
obligations well in advance of scheduled maturities. Given the current credit
environment, our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted and our
cost of borrowing may be materially higher than previous debt issuances.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
-----------------------------------------------------------
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended
September 30, 2008.
33
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Maximum
Approximate
Dollar Value of
(c) Total Number of Shares that May
(a) Total Shares Purchased as Yet Be Purchased
Number of (b) Average Part of Publicly Under the Plans of
Period Shares Price Paid Announced Plans or Programs (in
Purchased per Share Programs millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 1, 2008 to July 31, 2008
Share Repurchase Program (1) 2,892,409 $ 11.46 13,275,933 $ 54.3
Employee Transactions (2) 2,147 $ 11.48 N/A N/A
August 1, 2008 to August 31, 2008
Share Repurchase Program (1) 2,071,506 $ 12.08 15,347,439 $ 29.3
Employee Transactions (2) - $ - N/A N/A
September 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008
Share Repurchase Program (1) 2,103,200 $ 12.07 17,450,639 $ 3.8
Employee Transactions (2) 1,209 $ 12.29 N/A N/A
Totals July 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008
Share Repurchase Program (1) 7,067,115 $ 11.82 17,450,639 $ 3.8
Employee Transactions (2) 3,356 $ 11.77 N/A N/A
(1) In February 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to
$200.0 million of our common stock in public or private transactions over
the following twelve-month period. This share repurchase program commenced
on March 4, 2008 and was completed on October 3, 2008.
(2) Includes restricted shares withheld (under the terms of grants under
employee stock compensation plans) to offset minimum tax withholding
obligations that occur upon the vesting of restricted shares. The Company's
stock compensation plans provide that the value of shares withheld shall be
the average of the high and low price of the Company's common stock on the
date the relevant transaction occurs.
34
Item 6. Exhibits
--------
a) Exhibits:
10.1 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 2, 2008,
among Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., Commonwealth
Telephone Enterprises of Delaware, Inc., Frontier Communications
Corporation (formerly Citizens Communications Company) and The
Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as
Trustee, to the Indenture, dated July 18, 2003, between
Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc. and the Trustee.
10.2 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 2, 2008,
among Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., Commonwealth
Telephone Enterprises of Delaware, Inc., Frontier Communications
Corporation (formerly Citizens Communications Company) and The
Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as
Trustee, to the Indenture, dated August 3, 2005, between
Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc. and the Trustee.
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
35
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURE
---------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Robert J. Larson
---------------------------
Robert J. Larson
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: November 10, 2008
36