UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2004 |
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: 0-32357
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 75-2890997 | |||||
(State or
other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||
5225 SOUTH LOOP 289, SUITE 120
LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79424
(Address of principal executive offices,
including zip code)
(806) 722-1100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Rights to purchase Series A Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share
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 NO
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES NO
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2004 was approximately $588,270,000.
As of February 28, 2005, approximately 141.8 million shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the registrant were issued and outstanding.
Portions of the registrant's proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders for its 2005 annual meeting are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||||
PART I | ||||||||||
ITEM 1. | BUSINESS | 2 | ||||||||
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES | 26 | ||||||||
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 26 | ||||||||
ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS | 29 | ||||||||
PART II | ||||||||||
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS | 30 | ||||||||
ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 31 | ||||||||
ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION | 32 | ||||||||
ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 56 | ||||||||
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA | 57 | ||||||||
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE | 58 | ||||||||
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 58 | ||||||||
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION | 58 | ||||||||
PART III | ||||||||||
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT | 58 | ||||||||
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 58 | ||||||||
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT | 59 | ||||||||
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS | 59 | ||||||||
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES | 59 | ||||||||
PART IV | ||||||||||
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE | 59 | ||||||||
SIGNATURES | 60 | |||||||||
PART I
THIS ANNUAL REPORT CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "could," "would," "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "project" or "continue" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this annual report on Form 10-K, including without limitation, the statements under "Item 1. Business" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and located elsewhere herein regarding our financial position and liquidity are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements also include:
• | forecasts of population growth in our territory; |
• | statements regarding our anticipated revenues, expense levels, liquidity and capital resources and operating losses; and |
• | statements regarding expectations or projections about markets in our territories. |
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors with respect to any such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, include, but are not limited to:
• | our dependence on our affiliation with Sprint; |
• | the ability of Sprint to alter the terms of our affiliation agreements with it, including fees paid or charged to us and other program requirements; |
• | our limited operating history and anticipation of future losses; |
• | our dependence on back office services, such as billing and customer care, provided by Sprint; |
• | inaccuracies in financial information provided by Sprint; |
• | potential fluctuations in our operating results; |
• | our ability to predict future customer growth, as well as other key operating metrics; |
• | changes or advances in technology; |
• | competition in the industry and markets in which we operate; |
• | subscriber credit quality; |
• | our ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; |
• | our potential need for additional capital or the need for refinancing existing indebtedness; |
• | our potential inability to expand our services and related products in the event of substantial increases in demand for these services and related products; |
• | our inability to predict the outcome of potentially material litigation; |
• | the potential impact of wireless local number portability ("WLNP"); |
• | changes in government regulation; |
• | future acquisitions; |
• | general economic and business conditions; and |
• | effects of mergers and consolidations within the wireless telecommunications industry and unexpected announcements or developments from others in the wireless telecommunications industry. |
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All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
For convenience in this annual report, unless indicated otherwise, "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Alamosa Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. "Alamosa Holdings" refers exclusively to Alamosa Holdings, Inc. "Sprint PCS" refers to Sprint Communications Company, L.P., Sprint Spectrum L.P. and WirelessCo, L.P. "Sprint" refers to Sprint Corporation and its affiliates, including Sprint PCS. Statements in this annual report regarding Sprint or Sprint PCS are derived from information contained in our agreements with Sprint, periodic reports and other documents filed by Sprint and Sprint Spectrum L.P. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or press releases issued by Sprint. A "PCS Affiliate of Sprint" is an entity whose sole or predominant business is operating (directly or through one or more subsidiaries) a personal communications service business pursuant to affiliation agreements with Sprint Spectrum L.P. and/or its affiliates, or their successors. "Sprint PCS products and services" refer to digital wireless personal communications services, including wireless voice and data services, and related retail products, including handsets, in any case, offered under the Sprint brand name.
References in this annual report on Form 10-K to us as a provider of wireless personal communications services or similar phrases generally refer to our building, owning and managing our portion of the PCS network of Sprint pursuant to our affiliation agreements with Sprint. Sprint holds the spectrum licenses and controls the network through its agreements with us.
All references contained in this annual report on Form 10-K to resident population ("POPs") are based on year-end 2000 population counts compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau adjusted for annual population growth rate estimates provided to us by Sprint.
Overview
We are the largest PCS Affiliate of Sprint in terms of subscribers. As of December 31, 2004, we had the exclusive right to provide wireless mobility communications network services under the Sprint brand name in a territory encompassing over 15.8 million residents primarily located in portions of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Washington and Oregon. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we generated $803 million in revenue, $130 million in cash flows from operating activities and reported a net loss of $17 million. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately 915,000 subscribers.
We launched Sprint wireless services in our first market in June 1999 and, as of December 31, 2004, operated in the 88 basic trading areas ("BTAs") assigned to us under our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS. At December 31, 2004, our network covered approximately 12.9 million POPs, or approximately 81% of the total POPs in our markets. The number of residents covered by our network does not represent the number of wireless subscribers that we serve or expect to serve in our territory. Sprint PCS, along with its PCS Affiliates, operates a 100% digital, 100% PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States with licenses to provide services to an area consisting of more than 280 million POPs. Like Sprint PCS, we utilize code division multiple access ("CDMA") technology across our portion of the PCS Network of Sprint.
On February 15, 2005 we completed our acquisition of AirGate PCS, Inc. ("AirGate"). AirGate is a PCS Affiliate of Sprint and has the right to provide wireless communications services under the Sprint brand name in its licensed territory, which includes most of the state of South Carolina, parts of North Carolina and the eastern Georgia cities of Augusta and Savannah. As of December 31, 2004, AirGate's licensed territory had a total population of 7.4 million residents, of which its network covered 6.1 million residents. As of December 31, 2004, AirGate had approximately 400,000 subscribers.
Subsequent to our acquisition of AirGate in February 2005, we have a licensed territory encompassing over 23 million residents. Within this territory, the combined company provides
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coverage to approximately 19 million POPs. Combined subscribers as of December 31, 2004 were approximately 1.3 million. The acquisition of AirGate will be accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations of AirGate will be included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
Our Background
Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. ("Alamosa (Delaware)") (formerly known as Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.) was formed in October 1999 to operate as a holding company and closed its initial public offering in February 2000. On December 14, 2000, Alamosa (Delaware) formed a new holding company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the new holding company, which was named Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.
We were formed in July 2000 to operate as a holding company. On February 14, 2001, Alamosa Sub I, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, merged with and into Alamosa PCS Holdings, with Alamosa PCS Holdings surviving the merger and becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. Each share of Alamosa PCS Holdings common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the merger was converted into the right to receive one share of our common stock.
During the first quarter of 2001, we completed acquisitions of three PCS Affiliates of Sprint. We acquired Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C. ("Roberts") and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC ("WOW") on February 14, 2001. We acquired Southwest PCS Holdings, Inc. ("Southwest PCS") on March 30, 2001.
Our Relationship with Sprint
Sprint PCS, along with its PCS Affiliates, operates the largest 100% digital, 100% PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States with licenses to provide services to an area consisting of more than 280 million residents. The PCS network of Sprint uses CDMA technology nationwide. Sprint directly operates its PCS network in major markets throughout the United States and has entered into independent agreements with various companies such as us, under which each has become a PCS Affiliate of Sprint and has agreed to construct and manage PCS networks in smaller metropolitan areas and along major highways designed to operate seamlessly with the nationwide PCS network of Sprint.
Pursuant to our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS, we agreed to provide network coverage to a minimum percentage of the POPs in our territory within specified time periods. We believe we are in compliance with our network build-out requirements and Sprint PCS' other program requirements. The build-out of our territory has significantly extended Sprint PCS wireless coverage in the Southwestern, Northwestern and Midwestern regions of the United States.
We believe that our affiliation with Sprint PCS allows us to offer high quality, branded wireless voice and data services for a lower cost and lower capital requirements than would otherwise be possible and to also benefit from Sprint PCS':
• | Marketing – We market Sprint PCS products and services through Sprint PCS' existing relationships with major national retailers under the highly recognizable Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names. |
• | National Network – Our subscribers can immediately access Sprint PCS' national network, which includes over 300 major metropolitan areas. |
• | Advanced Technology – We believe that the CDMA technology used in our network offers advantages in capacity and voice quality, as well as access to advanced features such as Sprint PCS' suite of "PCS Vision" products. |
• | Handset Availability and Pricing – Sprint PCS' purchasing leverage allows us to acquire handsets more quickly and at a lower cost than we could without our affiliation with Sprint. |
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• | National Reseller Agreements – We receive additional revenue as a result of Sprint PCS' relationships with wireless resellers, including Virgin Mobile and Qwest Wireless, when customers of those resellers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. |
Markets
We believe we operate in highly attractive markets. We believe our markets are attractive for a number of reasons:
• | Fewer Competitors Market-by-Market – Because we operate in less populated markets, we believe that we face fewer competitors in most markets in our territory than wireless providers that operate in more urban areas typically face. |
• | Proximity to Large U.S. Urban Centers – Our territory is located near or around several large U.S. urban centers, including Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Portland, St. Louis, San Antonio, Seattle, Tulsa and Wichita. This has led to a favorable ratio of wireless subscribers based outside of our territory using our portion of the PCS network of Sprint as compared to our subscribers using wireless communications networks outside our territory. |
• | Attractive Roaming and Travel Characteristics – Given the rural nature of many of our markets and our extensive coverage of the major and secondary highways in our markets, we have consistently received significant roaming revenue from wireless subscribers using our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. |
• | High Population Growth Markets – The overall population growth in our territory has been above the national average over the past five years. |
The following table lists the location, BTA number, megahertz ("MHz") of spectrum and estimated total residents for each of the BTAs that comprise our territory under our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS as of December 31, 2004. The number of estimated covered residents does not represent the number of wireless subscribers that we expect to be based in our territory.
LOCATION | BTA NO.(1) | MHZ OF SPECTRUM | ESTIMATED TOTAL POPs (2) |
ESTIMATED COVERED POPs (3) |
||||||||||||||
ARKANSAS | ||||||||||||||||||
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | 140 | 30 | 346,200 | |||||||||||||||
Fort Smith | 153 | 30 | 331,600 | |||||||||||||||
Little Rock (4) | 257 | 30 | 15,700 | |||||||||||||||
Russellville | 387 | 30 | 100,400 | |||||||||||||||
793,900 | 646,900 | |||||||||||||||||
ARIZONA | ||||||||||||||||||
Flagstaff | 144 | 30 | 119,700 | |||||||||||||||
Las Vegas, NV (Arizona side) (4) | 245 | 30 | 157,100 | |||||||||||||||
Prescott | 362 | 30 | 181,800 | |||||||||||||||
Phoenix (4) | 347 | 30 | 110,500 | |||||||||||||||
Sierra Vista-Douglas | 420 | 30 | 121,000 | |||||||||||||||
Tucson (4) | 447 | 30 | 2,000 | |||||||||||||||
Yuma | 486 | 30 | 169,900 | |||||||||||||||
862,000 | 658,600 | |||||||||||||||||
CALIFORNIA | ||||||||||||||||||
El Centro-Calexico | 124 | 30 | 151,500 | |||||||||||||||
San Diego (4) | 402 | 30 | 1,000 | |||||||||||||||
152,500 | 149,400 | |||||||||||||||||
COLORADO | ||||||||||||||||||
Colorado Springs (4) | 89 | 30 | 1,300 | |||||||||||||||
Farmington, NM-Durango, CO | 139 | 20 | 217,100 | |||||||||||||||
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LOCATION | BTA NO.(1) | MHZ OF SPECTRUM | ESTIMATED TOTAL POPs (2) |
ESTIMATED COVERED POPs (3) |
||||||||||||||
Grand Junction | 168 | 30 | 257,500 | |||||||||||||||
Pueblo | 366 | 30 | 320,100 | |||||||||||||||
796,000 | 464,300 | |||||||||||||||||
ILLINOIS | ||||||||||||||||||
Carbondale-Marion | 67 | 30 | 214,800 | 150,200 | ||||||||||||||
KANSAS | ||||||||||||||||||
Pittsburgh-Parsons | 349 | 30 | 92,100 | |||||||||||||||
Emporia | 129 | 30 | 47,900 | |||||||||||||||
Hutchinson (4) | 200 | 30 | 29,600 | |||||||||||||||
Manhattan-Junction City | 275 | 30 | 117,300 | |||||||||||||||
Salina | 396 | 30 | 143,800 | |||||||||||||||
430,700 | 274,400 | |||||||||||||||||
MINNESOTA | ||||||||||||||||||
La Crosse, WI-Winona, MN | 234 | 30 | 324,100 | |||||||||||||||
Minneapolis-St. Paul (4) | 298 | 30 | 85,200 | |||||||||||||||
409,300 | 259,200 | |||||||||||||||||
MISSOURI | ||||||||||||||||||
Cape Girardeau-Sikeston | 66 | 30 | 190,200 | |||||||||||||||
Columbia | 90 | 30 | 220,200 | |||||||||||||||
Jefferson City | 217 | 30 | 167,100 | |||||||||||||||
Kirksville | 230 | 30 | 57,400 | |||||||||||||||
Poplar Bluff | 355 | 30 | 154,500 | |||||||||||||||
Quincy, IL-Hannibal | 367 | 30 | 185,700 | |||||||||||||||
Rolla | 383 | 30 | 105,400 | |||||||||||||||
St. Joseph | 393 | 30 | 196,900 | |||||||||||||||
Sedalia | 414 | 30 | 80,500 | |||||||||||||||
Springfield | 428 | 30 | 682,400 | |||||||||||||||
West Plains | 470 | 30 | 78,300 | |||||||||||||||
Kansas City (4) | 226 | 30 | 16,700 | |||||||||||||||
2,135,300 | 1,580,100 | |||||||||||||||||
NEW MEXICO | ||||||||||||||||||
Albuquerque | 8 | 20 | 851,500 | |||||||||||||||
Carlsbad | 68 | 10 | 51,700 | |||||||||||||||
Clovis | 87 | 30 | 76,000 | |||||||||||||||
Gallup | 162 | 10 | 146,000 | |||||||||||||||
Hobbs | 191 | 30 | 55,500 | |||||||||||||||
Roswell | 386 | 10 | 82,300 | |||||||||||||||
Santa Fe | 407 | 20 | 225,900 | |||||||||||||||
Las Cruces | 244 | 10 | 258,400 | |||||||||||||||
1,747,300 | 1,482,800 | |||||||||||||||||
OKLAHOMA | ||||||||||||||||||
Joplin, MO-Miami | 220 | 30 | 251,000 | |||||||||||||||
Ada | 4 | 30 | 54,300 | |||||||||||||||
Ardmore | 19 | 30 | 91,500 | |||||||||||||||
Bartlesville | 31 | 30 | 49,100 | |||||||||||||||
Enid | 130 | 30 | 85,700 | |||||||||||||||
Lawton-Duncan | 248 | 30 | 181,300 | |||||||||||||||
McAlester | 267 | 30 | 55,100 | |||||||||||||||
Muskogee | 311 | 30 | 166,500 | |||||||||||||||
Oklahoma City (4) | 329 | 30 | 418,300 | |||||||||||||||
Ponca City | 354 | 30 | 49,800 | |||||||||||||||
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LOCATION | BTA NO.(1) | MHZ OF SPECTRUM | ESTIMATED TOTAL POPs (2) |
ESTIMATED COVERED POPs (3) |
||||||||||||||
Stillwater | 433 | 30 | 80,000 | |||||||||||||||
Tulsa (4) | 448 | 30 | 192,200 | |||||||||||||||
1,674,800 | 1,515,400 | |||||||||||||||||
OREGON | ||||||||||||||||||
Bend | 38 | 30 | 166,400 | |||||||||||||||
Coos Bay-North Bend | 97 | 30 | 84,700 | |||||||||||||||
Klamath Falls | 231 | 30 | 81,700 | |||||||||||||||
Medford-Grants Pass | 288 | 30 | 266,200 | |||||||||||||||
Portland (4) | 358 | 30 | 82,600 | |||||||||||||||
Roseburg | 385 | 30 | 101,200 | |||||||||||||||
Walla Walla, WA-Pendleton, OR | 460 | 30 | 178,600 | |||||||||||||||
961,400 | 733,000 | |||||||||||||||||
TEXAS | ||||||||||||||||||
Eagle Pass-Del Rio | 121 | 30 | 121,100 | |||||||||||||||
El Paso | 128 | 20 | 766,500 | |||||||||||||||
Laredo | 242 | 30 | 232,400 | |||||||||||||||
Wichita Falls | 473 | 30 | 224,000 | |||||||||||||||
Abilene | 3 | 30 | 263,500 | |||||||||||||||
Amarillo | 13 | 30 | 416,500 | |||||||||||||||
Big Spring | 40 | 30 | 36,100 | |||||||||||||||
Lubbock | 264 | 30 | 411,100 | |||||||||||||||
Midland | 296 | 30 | 122,000 | |||||||||||||||
Odessa | 327 | 30 | 210,000 | |||||||||||||||
San Angelo | 400 | 30 | 162,600 | |||||||||||||||
2,965,800 | 2,751,100 | |||||||||||||||||
WASHINGTON | ||||||||||||||||||
Kennewick-Pasco-Richland | 228 | 30 | 199,800 | |||||||||||||||
Wenatchee | 468 | 30 | 222,500 | |||||||||||||||
Yakima | 482 | 30 | 263,500 | |||||||||||||||
685,800 | 575,900 | |||||||||||||||||
WISCONSIN | ||||||||||||||||||
Appleton-Oshkosh | 18 | 20 | 461,200 | |||||||||||||||
Eau Claire | 123 | 30 | 197,400 | |||||||||||||||
Fond du Lac | 148 | 20 | 98,100 | |||||||||||||||
Green Bay | 173 | 20 | 362,600 | |||||||||||||||
Madison (4) | 272 | 20 | 147,100 | |||||||||||||||
Manitowoc | 276 | 20 | 83,100 | |||||||||||||||
Milwaukee (4) | 297 | 30 | 87,300 | |||||||||||||||
Sheboygan | 417 | 20 | 113,600 | |||||||||||||||
Stevens Point-Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids | 432 | 30 | 217,400 | |||||||||||||||
Wausau-Rhinelander | 466 | 30 | 247,700 | |||||||||||||||
2,015,500 | 1,633,500 | |||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 15,845,100 | 12,874,800 | ||||||||||||||||
(1) | BTA No. refers to the basic trading area number assigned to that market by the Federal Communications Commission (in alphabetical order by name) for the purposes of issuing licenses for wireless services. |
(2) | Estimated total POPs is based on estimates of 2000 population counts compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau adjusted by published population growth rate estimates provided to us by Sprint. |
(3) | Estimated covered POPs is based on our actual network coverage (neg 103db) using estimates of 2000 population counts compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau adjusted by published population growth rate estimates provided to us by Sprint. |
(4) | Total POPs and covered POPs for these markets reflect only those POPs contained in our licensed territory within the BTA, not the total POPs or covered POPs in the entire BTA. |
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Network Operations
The effective operation of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint requires:
• | public switched and long distance interconnection; |
• | the implementation of roaming arrangements; and |
• | the development of network monitoring systems. |
Our portion of the PCS network of Sprint connects to the public switched telephone network to facilitate the origination and termination of traffic between the wireless network and both local exchange and long distance carriers. Through our arrangements with Sprint and Sprint's arrangements with other wireless service providers, our subscribers have roaming capabilities on certain other PCS networks utilizing similar CDMA technology. We monitor our portion of the PCS network of Sprint during normal business hours. For after-hours monitoring, the PCS Network Operating Centers of Sprint provide 24 hours, seven days a week monitoring of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint and real-time notification to our designated personnel.
As of December 31, 2004, our portion of the PCS network of Sprint included 1,837 base stations and nine switching centers.
Products and Services
We offer wireless voice and data products and services throughout our territories under the Sprint brand name. Our services are typically designed to align with the service offerings of Sprint PCS and to integrate with the PCS network of Sprint. The PCS service packages we currently offer include the following:
100% Digital Wireless Network with Service Across the Country – We are part of the largest 100% digital wireless personal communications services network in the country. Our customers may access PCS services from Sprint throughout the PCS network of Sprint, which includes over 300 major metropolitan areas across the United States. Dual-band/dual-mode or tri-mode handsets allow roaming on other wireless networks where Sprint has roaming agreements.
Third Generation Services – We believe CDMA technology allows existing CDMA networks to be upgraded to the next generation in a timely and cost efficient manner. We, along with Sprint, launched third generation ("3G") capability in our markets in the third quarter of 2002 with the implementation of one time radio transmission technology or 1XRTT. This capability allows more efficient utilization of our network when voice calls are made using 3G-enabled handsets. It also provides enhanced data services. PCS Vision is Sprint's suite of products designed to utilize 3G services and allows our subscribers to use their PCS Vision-enabled devices to check e-mail, take and receive pictures, play games with full-color graphics and polyphonic sounds and browse the Internet wirelessly with speeds of up to 144 kilobits per-second with average throughput speeds in the range of 50-70 kilobits per second. Sprint has recently announced its plans to implement Evolution Data Only ("EvDO") technology in portions of its PCS network. EvDO is the next evolution in CDMA 3G technology which will allow for transmission of data at increased speeds. Implementation of EvDO is not a program requirement as defined in our agreements with Sprint and we intend to evaluate the results experienced by Sprint to determine the extent and timing of implementation of EvDO in our portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Clear Pay/Account Spending Limit – Under the PCS service plans of Sprint, customers who do not meet certain credit criteria can nevertheless select any plan offered subject to an account spending limit ("ASL") to control credit exposure. Prior to May 2001, these customers were required to make a deposit ranging from $125 to $200 that could be credited against future billings. In May 2001, the deposit requirement was eliminated on certain credit classes under the No Deposit ASL ("NDASL") program, which was subsequently renamed Clear Pay. From May 2001 to February 2002, a majority of our customer additions were under the Clear Pay/NDASL program. On February 24, 2002, we along with certain other PCS Affiliates of Sprint, reinstated the deposit requirement for certain credit classes that was in place prior to May 2001 in an effort to limit our exposure to bad debt relative to these
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credit classes. This new program is referred to as Clear Pay II and is not a national Sprint program. Since the implementation of Clear Pay II in February 2002 we initially experienced a decline in customer additions, but the volume of and credit quality of additions has improved.
Other Services – In addition to these services, we may also offer wireless local loop services in our territories, but only where Sprint is not a local exchange carrier. Wireless local loop is a wireless substitute for the landline-based telephones in homes and businesses. We also believe that new features and services will be developed on the PCS network of Sprint to take advantage of CDMA technology. Sprint conducts ongoing research and development to produce innovative services that are intended to give Sprint and PCS Affiliates of Sprint a competitive advantage. We may incur additional expenses in modifying our technology to provide these additional features and services.
Roaming
Sprint PCS Roaming – Sprint PCS roaming includes both inbound roaming, when Sprint wireless subscribers based outside of our territory use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint, and outbound roaming, when our subscribers use the PCS network of Sprint outside of our territory. We have a reciprocal per minute fee with Sprint for inbound and outbound Sprint PCS roaming. The reciprocal rate, which initially was 20 cents per minute, has been periodically reduced by Sprint and is currently 5.8 cents per minute. We have negotiated an agreement with Sprint whereby the rate is fixed at the current 5.8 cents per minute rate through December 31, 2006. Thereafter, the rate will be calculated based upon a predetermined formula specified in our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS. Our ratio of inbound to outbound roaming minutes with Sprint was approximately 1.16 to 1 in 2004 and is expected to decline to approximately 1 to 1 over time. Sprint PCS roaming revenue is not subject to the 8% affiliation fee that Sprint retains on revenues billed to subscribers based in our territory.
In addition to the reciprocal per minute fee for the Sprint PCS roaming discussed above, we also recognize roaming revenue and expense related to data usage from PCS Vision services when wireless subscribers are using such services outside of their home territory. We recognize revenue when a wireless subscriber based outside of our territory uses PCS Vision data services on our portion of the PCS network of Sprint, and we recognize expense when our subscribers use such services on the PCS network of Sprint outside of our territory. This roaming activity is settled on a per-kilobit ("Kb") basis at a rate that was initially set at $0.0055 per Kb through December 31, 2002. For 2003, this rate was $0.0014 per Kb. We have negotiated an agreement with Sprint PCS whereby the rate for 2004 was set at $0.0020 per Kb and the rate will remain at $0.0020 per Kb through December 31, 2006. Thereafter the rate will be calculated based upon a predetermined formula specified in our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS.
Non-Sprint PCS Roaming – Non-Sprint PCS roaming includes both inbound non-Sprint PCS roaming, when non-Sprint PCS subscribers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint, and outbound non-Sprint PCS roaming, when our subscribers use a non-Sprint PCS network. Sprint negotiates the roaming agreements with these other wireless service providers. These wireless service providers must pay fees for their subscribers' use of our network, and as part of our revenues, we are entitled to 92% of these fees. Currently, pursuant to our services agreements with Sprint PCS, Sprint bills these wireless service providers for these roaming fees and passes our portion of the fees to us. When another wireless service provider provides service to one of our subscribers, we pay outbound non-Sprint PCS roaming fees. Sprint PCS then bills our subscriber for use of that provider's network at rates specified in their contract and pays us 100% of this outbound non-Sprint PCS roaming revenue collected from that subscriber on a monthly basis. We bear the collection risk for all service.
Reseller Agreements – We also recognize revenue from subscribers of various wholesale resellers of personal communications services such as Virgin Mobile and Qwest Wireless when those subscribers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. These reseller agreements are negotiated by Sprint, and we receive a per-minute rate for each minute that the subscribers of these resellers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. These subscribers may be based within or outside our territory.
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Marketing Strategy
Our marketing strategy is to complement Sprint's national marketing strategies with techniques tailored to each of the specific markets in our territories.
Use Sprint's Brand – We feature exclusively and prominently the nationally recognized Sprint brand name in our marketing and sales efforts. From the customers' point of view, they use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint and the rest of the PCS network of Sprint as a unified national network.
Advertising and Promotions – Sprint promotes its products through the use of national as well as regional television, radio, print, outdoor and other advertising campaigns. In addition to Sprint's national advertising campaigns, we advertise and promote Sprint PCS products and services on a local level in our markets at our cost. We have the right to use any promotion or advertising materials developed by Sprint and only have to pay the incremental cost of using those materials, such as the cost of local radio and television advertisement placements, and material costs and incremental printing costs. We also benefit from any advertising or promotion of Sprint PCS products and services by third party retailers in our territory, such as RadioShack and Best Buy. We must pay the cost of specialized Sprint print advertising by third party retailers. Sprint also runs numerous promotional campaigns which provide customers with benefits such as additional features at the same rate, or free minutes or Kb of use for limited time periods. We offer these promotional campaigns to potential customers in our territories.
Sales Force with Local Presence – We have established local sales forces to execute our marketing strategy through our company-owned retail stores, local distributors, direct business-to-business contacts and other channels. Our marketing teams also participate in local clubs and civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Kiwanis.
Sales and Distribution
Our sales and distribution plan is designed to mirror Sprint's multiple channel sales and distribution plan and to enhance it through the development of local distribution channels. Key elements of our sales and distribution plan consist of the following:
Sprint Retail Stores – As of December 31, 2004, we operated 77 Sprint stores at various locations within our markets. These stores provide us with a local presence and visibility in the markets within our territory. Following the Sprint model, these stores are designed to facilitate retail sales, subscriber activation, bill collection and customer service. In addition to retail stores that we operate, we began to enter into agreements with exclusive agents in 2003 which operate Sprint stores in our territory to further expand our distribution channels. These "branded stores" function similarly to our company-operated stores but are operated by third parties. These third parties purchase equipment from us and resell it to the consumer, for which the third party receives compensation in the form of commissions. As of December 31, 2004, we had 72 of these branded stores operating in our territory.
National Third Party Retail Stores – Sprint has national distribution agreements with various national retailers such as RadioShack and Best Buy for such retailers to sell Sprint PCS products. These national agreements cover retailers' stores in our territory, and as of December 31, 2004, these retailers had approximately 499 locations in our territory.
Local Indirect Agents – We contract directly with local indirect retailers in our territory. These retailers are typically local businesses that have a presence in our markets. Local indirect agents purchase handsets and other PCS retail equipment from us and market PCS services from Sprint on our behalf. These local indirect agents may also market wireless telecommunications services provided by other carriers as well. We are responsible for managing this distribution channel and as of December 31, 2004 these local indirect agents had approximately 103 locations within our licensed territory. We compensate local indirect agents through commissions for subscriber activations.
Electronic Commerce – Sprint PCS maintains an Internet site, www.sprintpcs.com, which contains information on Sprint PCS products and services. A visitor to the Sprint PCS Internet site can order
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and pay for a handset and select a rate plan. Sprint wireless customers visiting the site can review the status of their account, including the number of minutes used in the current billing cycle. We recognize the revenues generated by wireless customers in our territories who purchase products and services over the Sprint PCS Internet site.
Distribution Mix – During 2004, our distribution mix approximated:
Sprint retail stores | 40 | % | ||||
National retailers | 25 | |||||
Local indirect agents (including branded stores) | 18 | |||||
Other | 17 | |||||
100 | % | |||||
Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonality because the wireless telecommunications industry is heavily dependent on calendar fourth quarter results. Among other things, the industry relies on higher customer additions and handset sales in the fourth quarter as compared to the other three fiscal quarters. A number of factors contribute to this trend, including:
• | the heavy reliance on retail distribution, which is dependent upon the year-end holiday shopping season; |
• | the timing of new product and service announcements and introductions; |
• | competitive pricing pressures; and |
• | aggressive marketing and promotions. |
Technology
General - In 1993, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") allocated the 1900 MHz frequency block of the radio spectrum for wireless personal communications services. Wireless personal communications services differ from original analog cellular telephone service principally in that wireless personal communications services systems operate at a higher frequency and employ advanced digital technology. Analog-based networks send signals in which the transmitted signal resembles the input signal, the caller's voice. Digital networks convert voice or data signals into a stream of digits that permit a single radio channel to carry multiple simultaneous transmissions. Digital networks also achieve greater frequency reuse than analog networks resulting in greater capacity than analog networks. This enhanced capacity, along with enhancements in digital protocols, allows digital-based wireless technologies, whether using wireless personal communications services or cellular frequencies, to offer new and enhanced services, including greater call privacy and more robust data transmission, such as facsimile, electronic mail and connecting notebook computers with computer/data networks.
Wireless digital signal transmission is accomplished through the use of various forms of frequency management technology or "air interface protocols." The FCC has not mandated a universal air interface protocol for wireless personal communications services networks. Digital wireless personal communications networks operate under one of three principal air interface protocols: CDMA, time division multiple access ("TDMA") or global system for mobile communications ("GSM"). TDMA and GSM communications are both time division multiple access networks but are incompatible with each other. CDMA is incompatible with both GSM and TDMA networks. Accordingly, a subscriber of a network that utilizes CDMA technology is unable to use a CDMA handset when traveling in an area not served by CDMA based wireless personal communications services operators, unless the customer carries a dual-band/dual-mode handset that permits the customer to use the analog cellular network in that area. The same issue would apply to users of TDMA or GSM networks. All of the wireless personal communications services operators now have dual-mode or tri-mode handsets
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available to their customers. Because digital networks do not cover all areas in the country, these handsets will remain necessary for segments of the subscriber base.
CDMA Technology – The PCS network of Sprint and the networks of PCS Affiliates of Sprint all use digital CDMA technology. We believe that CDMA provides important system performance benefits such as:
• | Greater capacity – We believe, based on studies by CDMA manufacturers and our experience since our inception, that CDMA networks can provide network capacity that is approximately seven to ten times greater than that of analog technology and approximately three times greater than TDMA and GSM digital networks. |
• | Privacy and security – CDMA technology combines a constantly changing coding scheme with a low power signal to enhance call security and privacy. |
• | Soft hand-off – CDMA networks transfer calls throughout the CDMA network using a technique referred to as a soft hand-off, which connects a mobile customer's call with a new base station while maintaining a connection with the base station currently in use. CDMA networks monitor the quality of the transmission received by multiple base stations simultaneously to select a better transmission path and to ensure that the network does not disconnect the call in one cell unless replaced by a stronger signal from another base station. Analog, TDMA and GSM networks use a hard hand-off and disconnect the call from the current base station as it connects with a new one without any simultaneous connection to both base stations. |
• | Simplified frequency planning – Frequency planning is the process used to analyze and test alternative patterns of frequency used within a wireless network to minimize interference and maximize capacity. Unlike TDMA- and GSM-based networks, CDMA-based networks can reuse the same subset of allocated frequencies in every cell, substantially reducing the need for costly frequency reuse patterning and constant frequency plan management. |
• | Longer battery life – Due to their greater efficiency in power consumption, CDMA handsets can provide longer standby time and more talk time availability when used in the digital mode than handsets using alternative digital or analog technologies. |
• | Efficient Migration Path – We believe that CDMA technology has an efficient and incremental migration path to next generation voice and data services. Unlike technologies that require essentially a replacement investment to upgrade, CDMA upgrades can be completed incrementally. The first step – conversion to 1XRTT – was completed in 2002 in approximately 96% of our covered territory for less than $3 per covered POP. Additional steps beyond 1XRTT, such as EvDO, can be taken as demand for more robust data services or need for additional capacity develops for similar capital investment levels. |
Competition
Competition in the wireless telecommunications industry is intense. We compete with a number of wireless service providers in our markets. We believe that our primary competition is with national and regional wireless providers such as ALLTEL, Cingular Wireless, Nextel Communications, Nextel Partners, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. While we compete with one or more wireless carriers in each of the markets in our territory, none of these wireless service providers provide services in all of the markets in our territory.
We also face competition from resellers, which provide wireless services to customers but do not hold FCC licenses or own facilities. Instead, the resellers buy blocks of wireless telephone numbers and capacity from a licensed carrier and resell services through their own distribution network to the public. As described previously in this section, Virgin Wireless and Qwest Wireless have agreements with Sprint to act as resellers in our territory.
In addition, we compete with existing communications technologies, such as paging, enhanced specialized mobile radio service dispatch and conventional landline telephone companies, in our
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markets. Potential users of wireless personal communications services networks may find their communications needs satisfied by other current and developing technologies. One- or two-way paging or beeper services that feature voice messaging and data display as well as tone-only service may be adequate for potential customers who do not need to speak to the caller.
In the future, we expect to face increased competition from entities providing similar services using other communications technologies, including satellite-based telecommunications and wireless cable networks. While some of these technologies and services are currently operational, others are being developed or may be developed in the future.
Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources and larger subscriber bases than we do. In addition, some of our competitors may be able to offer regional coverage in areas not served by the PCS network of Sprint, or, because of their calling volumes or relationships with other wireless providers, may be able to offer regional roaming rates that are lower than those that we offer. Wireless personal communications services operators will likely compete with us in providing some or all of the services available through our network and may provide services that we do not. Additionally, we expect that existing cellular providers will continue to upgrade their systems to provide digital wireless communication services that are competitive with those offered by Sprint. Currently, there are six national wireless providers who are generally all present in major markets across the country. In January 2003, the FCC rule imposing limits on the amount of spectrum that can be held by one provider in a specific market was lifted, which may facilitate the consolidation of some national providers.
The FCC has mandated that wireless carriers provide for WLNP. WLNP allows subscribers to keep their wireless phone number when switching to a different service provider, which could make it easier for competing providers to market their services to our existing users. WLNP makes customer defections more likely, and we may be required to increase subsidies for product upgrades and/or reduce pricing to match competitors' initiatives in an effort to retain customers or replace those who switch to other carriers.
Over the past several years, the FCC has auctioned and will continue to auction large amounts of wireless spectrum that could be used to compete with PCS services from Sprint. Based upon increased competition, we anticipate that market prices for two-way wireless services generally will decline in the future. We will compete to attract and retain customers principally on the basis of:
• | the strength of the Sprint brand name, services and features; |
• | Sprint's nationwide network; |
• | our network coverage and reliability; and |
• | the benefits of CDMA technology. |
Our ability to compete successfully will also depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the industry, including:
• | new services and technologies that may be introduced; |
• | changes in consumer preferences; |
• | demographic trends; |
• | economic conditions; and |
• | discount pricing strategies by competitors. |
Intellectual Property
The Sprint diamond design logo is a service mark registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The service mark is owned by Sprint. We use the Sprint brand name, the Sprint diamond design logo and other service marks of Sprint in connection with marketing and providing wireless services within our territory. Under the terms of our trademark and service mark license agreements with Sprint, we do not pay a royalty fee for the use of the Sprint brand name and Sprint service marks.
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Except in certain instances and other than in connection with the national distribution agreements, Sprint has agreed not to grant to any other person a right or license to use the licensed marks in our territory. In all other instances, Sprint reserves the right to use the licensed marks in providing its services within or outside our territory.
Our trademark license and service mark agreements with Sprint contain numerous restrictions with respect to the use and modification of any of the licensed marks. See "Our Affiliation Agreements with Sprint — The Trademark and Service Mark License Agreements" for more information on this topic.
Environmental Compliance
Our environmental compliance expenditures primarily result from the operation of standby power generators for our telecommunications equipment and compliance with various environmental rules during network build-out and operations. The expenditures arise in connection with standards compliance or permits, which are usually related to generators, batteries or fuel storage. Our environmental compliance expenditures have not been material to our financial statements or to our operations and are not expected to be material in the future.
Employees
As of December 31, 2004, we employed 870 full-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Our Affiliation Agreements With Sprint
Each PCS Affiliate of Sprint enters into four major affiliation agreements with Sprint:
• | a management agreement; |
• | a services agreement; and |
• | two trademark and service mark license agreements with different Sprint entities. |
We entered into one set of these agreements for our markets in the Southwestern part of the United States and another set of these agreements for our markets in Wisconsin. Roberts entered into a set of these agreements for its markets in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri, which we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of Roberts. WOW entered into a set of these agreements for its markets in Washington and Oregon, which we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of WOW. Southwest PCS entered into a set of these agreements for its markets in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Arkansas, which we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of Southwest PCS. AirGate entered into a set of these agreements for its markets in South Carolina, parts of North Carolina, and the eastern Georgia cities of Augusta and Savannah, which we have assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate in 2005. Therefore, we now operate under six sets of affiliation agreements with Sprint. As used in this description, the term "operating subsidiaries" refers to each of our subsidiaries that have entered into affiliation agreements with Sprint. Except as described herein, the material terms of the affiliation agreements entered into by our operating subsidiaries, including the amendments we recently entered into with Sprint, are substantially identical and apply to all of our territories.
Under our affiliation agreements with Sprint, with the exception of the affiliation agreements for the territories we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we have the exclusive right to provide wireless mobility communications services using the 1900 MHz frequency block under the Sprint brand name in our territory. Under our affiliation agreements with Sprint for the territories we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we have the exclusive right to provide wireless mobility communications services without being limited to a specific spectrum of 1900 MHz. Sprint holds the spectrum licenses. Our affiliation agreements with Sprint require us to interface with the PCS network of Sprint by building our portion of the PCS network of Sprint to operate on the 10, 20 or 30 MHz of wireless personal communications services frequencies licensed to Sprint in the 1900 MHz range.
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A breach or event of termination, as the case may be, under any of our affiliation agreements with Sprint by one of our operating subsidiaries will also constitute a breach or event of termination, as the case may be, by all other operating subsidiaries of the same provision of the applicable affiliation agreement to which each operating subsidiary is a party. Each operating subsidiary only has the right to cure its breach and has no right to cure any breach or event of termination by another operating subsidiary.
The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our affiliation agreements with Sprint.
The Management Agreements - Under our management agreements with Sprint, we have agreed to:
• | own, construct and manage a wireless personal communications services network in our territory in compliance with FCC license requirements and other technical requirements contained in our management agreements; |
• | distribute Sprint PCS products and services; |
• | use Sprint's and our own distribution channels in our territory; |
• | conduct advertising and promotion activities in our territory; and |
• | manage that portion of the wireless customer base assigned to our territory. |
Sprint has the right to supervise our wireless personal communications services network operations and the right to unconditional access to our portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Exclusivity – We are designated as the only person or entity that can manage or operate a wireless mobility communications network using the 1900 MHz frequency block for Sprint in our territories, except for the territories which we acquired pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, where we are the only entity that can manage or operate a wireless mobility communications network without being limited to any particular spectrum. Sprint is prohibited from owning, operating, building or managing another wireless mobility communications network in our territory while our management agreements are in place and no event has occurred that would permit such agreements to terminate. Sprint is permitted to make national sales to companies in our territory and to permit resale of the Sprint PCS products and services in our territory.
Network Build-Out – Our management agreements specify the terms of the Sprint affiliation, including the required network build-out plan. We have agreed by specified dates to cover a specified percentage of the population within each of the markets that make up our territory. Our management agreements also require us to reimburse Sprint one-half of the microwave clearing costs for our territory. We believe we are in compliance with our network build-out requirements and Sprint's other program requirements.
If Sprint decides to expand the geographic size of the network coverage within our territory, Sprint must provide us with written notice of the proposed expansion.
Under our management agreements for our territories, with the exception of the management agreement we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of WOW, we have a 90-day right of first refusal to build-out the proposed expansion area. If we choose not to build-out the proposed area, then Sprint may build-out the area itself or allow another PCS Affiliate of Sprint to do so.
Under our management agreement for the territories we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of WOW, we have agreed to build-out any proposed expansion area. Sprint has agreed not to require coverage in our markets covered by this management agreement that exceeds the capacity and footprint parameters that Sprint has adopted for all its comparable markets. This management agreement also contains a mechanism for us to appeal to Sprint if the build-out is not economically advantageous for us. If we fail to build-out the proposed expansion area, Sprint has the termination rights described below under "Termination of Our Management Agreements."
Products and Services – Our management agreements identify the products and services that we can offer in our territory. These services include, but are not limited to, PCS consumer and business
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products and services from Sprint available as of the date of the agreements, or as modified by Sprint. We are allowed to sell wireless products and services that are not PCS products and services from Sprint if those additional products and services do not cause distribution channel conflicts or, in Sprint's sole determination, consumer confusion with Sprint PCS products and services. Under our management agreement for our Wisconsin markets, if Sprint begins to offer nationally a product or service that we already offer, then that product or service will be considered to be a Sprint PCS product or service.
We may also sell services such as specified types of long distance service, Internet access, handsets, and prepaid phone cards with Sprint and other PCS Affiliates of Sprint. If we decide to use third parties to provide these services, we must give Sprint an opportunity to provide the services on the same terms and conditions. We cannot offer wireless local loop services specifically designed for the competitive local exchange market in areas where Sprint owns the incumbent local exchange carrier unless we name the Sprint-owned local exchange carrier as the exclusive distributor or Sprint approves the terms and conditions.
National Sales Programs – We must participate in the Sprint wireless sales programs for sales to Sprint's corporate accounts and will pay the expenses and receive the compensation from Sprint relative to sales to customers of those accounts located in our territory. We must use Sprint's long distance service, which we can buy at the best prices offered to comparably situated Sprint wholesale customers. However, under our management agreements, except for the management agreement assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we may purchase private line capacity for call routing directly from Sprint, if we can obtain more favorable terms, and Sprint has agreed to provide us with such capacity at the best price offered to similarly situated third parties. Under our management agreements, we are prohibited from reselling long distance service to other carriers. However, except for the management agreement assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we may (i) transport long distance calls for customers, (ii) transport long distance calls for resellers when such resale is subject to FCC mandate or when Sprint chooses to make such resale available, or (iii) transport long distance calls for purposes of roaming.
Service Pricing, Roaming and Fees – We must offer PCS subscriber pricing plans from Sprint designated for regional or national offerings. We are permitted to establish our own local price plans for PCS products and services offered only in our territory, subject to Sprint's approval. We are entitled to receive a weekly fee from Sprint equal to 92% of net "billed revenues" related to customer activity less applicable write-offs. Outbound non-Sprint PCS roaming billed to subscribers based in our territory, proceeds from the sales of handsets and accessories and amounts collected with respect to taxes and proceeds from sales of our products and services are not considered "billed revenues." Billed revenues generally include all other customer account activity for Sprint PCS products and services in our territory, which includes such activities billed to, attributed to or otherwise reflected in customers' accounts. We are generally entitled to 100% of the proceeds from customers for equipment and accessories sold or leased by us and to 92% of any federal or state subsidies attributable to our territory or customers. Many Sprint wireless subscribers purchase bundled pricing plans that allow roaming anywhere on the nationwide PCS network of Sprint without incremental PCS roaming charges. However, we will earn Sprint PCS roaming revenue for every minute that a Sprint wireless subscriber from outside our territory enters our territory and uses our services, which is offset against amounts we owe as expenses for every minute that our subscribers use services outside our territory. The analog roaming rate onto a non-Sprint PCS provider's network is set under Sprint's third party roaming agreements.
Vendor Purchase Agreements – We may participate in discounted volume-based pricing on wireless-related products and warranties Sprint receives from its vendors. Sprint will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain for us the same prices as Sprint receives from its vendors.
Advertising and Promotions – Sprint uses national as well as regional television, radio, print, outdoor and other advertising campaigns to promote its products. We benefit from the national advertising at no additional cost to us. In addition to Sprint's national advertising campaigns, we advertise and promote PCS products and services from Sprint on a local level in our markets at our
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cost. We have the right to use any promotion or advertising materials developed by Sprint and only have to pay the incremental cost of using those materials, such as the cost of local radio and television advertisement placements and incremental printing costs. Sprint also runs numerous promotional campaigns which provide customers with benefits such as additional features at the same rate or free minutes of use for limited time periods. We offer these promotional campaigns to potential customers in our territory.
Program Requirements – We must comply with the Sprint program requirements for technical standards, customer service standards, roaming coverage and national and regional distribution and national accounts programs. Sprint can adjust the program requirements at any time. Under all management agreements, except for the management agreement assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we can decline to implement any change in the program requirements if the change will:
• | cause the combined peak negative cash flow of the operating subsidiaries to be an amount greater than 3% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value; |
• | when combined with all other changes in the program requirements that we and the operating subsidiaries agree to implement, within the prior 12 months, cause the combined peak negative cash flow of the operating subsidiaries to be an amount greater than 5% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value; |
• | cause a decrease in the forecasted 5-year discounted cash flow of the operating subsidiaries of more than 3% on a net present value basis; or |
• | when combined with all other changes in the program requirements that we and the operating subsidiaries agree to implement, within the prior 12 months, cause a decrease in the forecasted 5-year discounted cash flow of the operating subsidiaries of more than 5% on a net present value basis. |
Under the management agreement that we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we can decline to implement any "non-capital program requirement change" (as defined below) if the change will:
• | cause the combined peak negative cash flow of the operating subsidiary to be an amount greater than 3% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value; |
• | when combined with all other changes in the program requirements that we and the operating subsidiary agreed to or were required to implement, within the prior 12 months, cause the combined cumulative peak negative cash flow to be an amount greater than 5% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value; |
• | cause a decrease in the forecasted 5-year discounted cash flow of the operating subsidiary of more than 3% on a combined net present value basis; or |
• | when combined with all other changes in the program requirements that the operating subsidiary agreed to or was required to implement, within the prior 12 months, cause a decrease in Alamosa Holdings' forecasted 5-year discounted cash flow of more than 5% on a combined net present value basis. |
A "non-capital program requirement change" means a program requirement change that does not require us to make any capital expenditures in excess of 5% of the capital budget of the operating subsidiary as approved by its Board of Directors for the fiscal year in which the program requirement change is requested. These economic hurdles do not apply to changes to the trademark usage guidelines, the marketing communications guidelines and the Sprint national or regional distribution program requirements.
Under the management agreement that we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate, we may also decline to implement any change in any "capital program requirement" (as defined below), if the change will:
• | have a negative net present value applying a 5-year discounted cash flow model; |
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• | cause the combined peak negative cash flow of the operating subsidiary to be an amount greater than 3% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value; |
• | when combined with all other changes in the program requirements that we and the operating subsidiary agree to or were required to implement, within the prior 12 months, cause the combined cumulative peak negative cash flow of the operating subsidiary to be an amount greater than 5% of Alamosa Holdings' enterprise value. |
A "capital program requirement" change is a program requirement change that requires us to make a capital expenditure that is greater than 5% of the capital budget of the operating subsidiary as approved by its Board of Directors for the fiscal year in which the program requirement change is requested. The economic hurdles do not apply to changes to the trademark usage guidelines, the marketing communications guidelines and the Sprint national or regional distribution program requirements. However, we must implement a "capital program requirement" change if it is related to network capacity expansion due to a change in a service plan (if the cost will not exceed the economic hurdles for "non-capital program requirement change") or if the change is necessary to comply with required network performance standards.
Generally, for determining whether a program requirement change will adversely impact our operations, (i) the negative impact to the operating subsidiaries' cash flows from capital expenditures required to implement the program requirement change relative to cash benefits from the change during a comparable time period is compared to (ii) our "enterprise value," which the amendments to our affiliation agreements with Sprint define as the book value of its outstanding debt and preferred stock, in addition to the fair market value of our publicly traded equity, less cash.
Our management agreements set forth a dispute resolution process if Sprint believes that we do not have the right to decline to implement a change in the program requirements. In any event, we must implement a change in the program requirements if Sprint agrees to compensate us for amounts in excess of the criteria set forth above.
Notwithstanding the above, we have agreed to implement a change in program requirements if the adjustment relates to a pricing plan or roaming program and Sprint reasonably determines that the change must be implemented on an immediate basis to respond to competitive market forces. If the change would have exceeded one of the criteria set forth above, our management agreements provide for appropriate compensation from Sprint to the extent such criteria is exceeded.
Under our management agreements for our Wisconsin and Southwest territories, Sprint has agreed that it will use commercial reasonableness to adjust the Sprint retail store and customer service requirements for cities located within those territories that have a population of less than 100,000.
Non-Competition – We may not offer Sprint PCS products and services outside our territory without the prior written approval of Sprint. We may offer, market or promote telecommunications products and services within our territories only under the Sprint brand, our own brand, brands of our related parties or other products and services approved under our management agreements, except that no brand of a significant competitor of Sprint or its related parties may be used for those products and services. To the extent we have or will obtain licenses to provide wireless personal communications services outside our territory, we may not use the spectrum to offer Sprint PCS products and services without prior written consent from Sprint.
Inability to Use Non-Sprint Brand – We may not market, promote, advertise, distribute, lease or sell any of the Sprint PCS products and services on a non-branded, "private label" basis or under any brand, trademark or trade name other than the Sprint brand, except for sales to resellers or as otherwise permitted under the trademark and service mark license agreements.
Transfer of the PCS Network – In conjunction with the sale of its wireless PCS network, Sprint can sell, transfer or assign its wireless PCS network and any of its FCC licenses to a third party if the third party agrees to be bound by the terms of our management agreements and our services agreements.
Change in Control – Sprint must consent to any transaction pursuant to which we are no longer the "ultimate parent" of any of the operating subsidiaries, but this consent cannot be unreasonably withheld.
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Rights of First Refusal – Sprint has rights of first refusal to buy our assets upon a proposed sale of all or substantially all of our assets used in the operation of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Term – Each of our management agreements has an initial term of 20 years with three 10-year renewal options, which would lengthen each of our management agreements to a total term of 50 years. The three 10-year renewal terms are automatically effectuated unless either Sprint provides us or we provide Sprint with two years prior written notice to terminate the agreement or unless we are in material default of our obligations under such agreement.
Termination of Our Management Agreements – Our management agreements can be terminated as a result of the following events:
• | termination of Sprint's spectrum licenses; |
• | an uncured breach under our management agreements; |
• | our management agreements not complying with any applicable law in any material respect; or |
• | the termination of any of our trademark and service mark license agreements. |
If we have the right to terminate our management agreements because of an event of termination caused by Sprint, generally we may:
• | require Sprint to purchase all of our operating assets used in connection with our portion of the PCS network of Sprint for an amount equal to 80%, except that for the management agreement related to the former AirGate service area the amount is 88%, of our "entire business value" as defined below; |
• | in all areas in our territory where Sprint is the licensee for 20 MHz or more of the spectrum on the date it terminates our management agreements, require Sprint to assign to us, subject to governmental approval, up to 10 MHz of licensed spectrum for an amount equal to the greater of either the original cost to Sprint of the license plus any microwave clearing costs paid by Sprint or 9% of our "entire business value" (Sprint does not have 20 MHz in the former AirGate service area); or |
• | choose not to terminate our management agreements and sue Sprint for damages or submit the matter to arbitration. |
If Sprint has the right to terminate our management agreements because of an event of termination caused by us, generally Sprint may:
• | require us to sell our operating assets to Sprint for an amount equal to 72% of our "entire business value;" |
• | require us to purchase, subject to governmental approval, the licensed spectrum in our territory for an amount equal to the greater of either the original cost to Sprint of the license plus any microwave clearing costs paid by Sprint or 10% of our "entire business value;" |
• | take any action as Sprint deems necessary to cure the breach of our management agreements, including assuming responsibility for, and operating, our portion of the PCS network of Sprint; or |
• | not terminate our management agreements and sue us for damages or submit the matter to arbitration. |
Non-Renewal – If Sprint gives us timely notice that it does not intend to renew our management agreements, we may:
• | require Sprint to purchase all of our operating assets used in connection with our portion of the PCS network of Sprint for an amount equal to 80% of our "entire business value;" or |
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• | in all areas in our territory where Sprint is the licensee for 20 MHz or more of the spectrum on the date it terminates such management agreement, require Sprint to assign to us, subject to governmental approval, up to 10 MHz of licensed spectrum for an amount equal to the greater of either the original cost to Sprint of the license plus any microwave clearing costs paid by Sprint or 10% of our "entire business value." |
If we give Sprint timely notice of non-renewal, or we and Sprint both give notice of non-renewal, or any of our management agreements expire with neither party giving a written notice of non-renewal, or if any of our management agreements can be terminated for failure to comply with legal requirements or regulatory considerations, Sprint may:
• | purchase all of our operating assets, without further stockholder approval, for an amount equal to 80% of our "entire business value;" or |
• | require us to purchase, subject to governmental approval, the licensed spectrum in our territories for an amount equal to the greater of either the original cost to Sprint of the license plus any microwave clearing costs paid by Sprint or 10% of our "entire business value." |
Determination of Entire Business Value – If our "entire business value" is to be determined, Sprint and we will each select one independent appraiser and the two appraisers will select a third appraiser. The three appraisers will determine our "entire business value" on a going concern basis using the following principles:
• | the "entire business value" is based on the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the entire ongoing business; |
• | the entire business value will not be calculated in a manner that double counts the operating assets of one or more of our affiliates; |
• | then-current customary means of valuing a wireless telecommunications business will be used; |
• | the business is conducted under the Sprint brand and our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS; |
• | we own the spectrum and frequencies presently owned by Sprint and subject to our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS; and |
• | the valuation will not include any value for businesses not directly related to the PCS products and services from Sprint, and those businesses will not be included in the sale. |
Insurance – We are required to obtain and maintain with financially reputable insurers who are licensed to do business in all jurisdictions where any work is performed under our management agreements and who are reasonably acceptable to Sprint, workers' compensation insurance, commercial general liability insurance, business automobile insurance, umbrella excess liability insurance and "all risk" property insurance.
Indemnification – We have agreed to indemnify Sprint and its directors, employees and agents and related parties of Sprint and their directors, employees and agents against any and all claims against any of the foregoing arising from our violation of any law, a breach by us of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in our management agreements or any other agreement between us and Sprint, our ownership of the operating assets or the actions or the failure to act of anyone employed or hired by us in the performance of any work under such agreement, except that we will not be obligated to indemnify Sprint for any claims arising solely from the negligence or willful misconduct of Sprint. Sprint has agreed to indemnify us and our directors, employees and agents against all claims against any of the foregoing arising from Sprint's violation of any law and from Sprint's breach of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in our management agreements or any other agreement between us and Sprint, except Sprint will not be obligated to indemnify us for any claims arising solely from our negligence or willful misconduct.
Dispute Resolution – If the parties cannot resolve any dispute between themselves, either party to the agreement may continue to operate under the agreement and sue the other party for damages or seek other appropriate remedies as provided in the agreement.
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Most Favored Nation Clause – We generally have the right to amend our management agreements or services agreements to obtain the most favorable terms provided under a management agreement or services agreement between Sprint and a PCS Affiliate of Sprint similarly situated to us if, prior to December 31, 2006, Sprint amends the terms of any of those agreements to provide such terms. This right is only effective, however, if we agree to accept all the terms and conditions set forth in the other agreements and (i) those agreements were not amended with a PCS Affiliate of Sprint solely because the affiliate owns the spectrum on which its network operates (unless such PCS Affiliate of Sprint acquired the spectrum from Sprint after September 1, 2003(August 1, 2004 under our management agreement we assumed pursuant to our acquisition of AirGate)), (ii) the amendments to those agreements were not compelled by a law or regulation inapplicable to us, or (iii) the amendments to those agreements were not due to a change in a build-out plan. Our management agreements provide that a PCS Affiliate of Sprint similarly situated to us is one with three million or more covered POPs.
The Services Agreements
Our services agreements outline various back office services provided by Sprint and available to us for an additional fee. We have agreed to obtain certain services from Sprint until December 31, 2006. The services agreements set forth pricing terms and provide a process by which we and Sprint will renegotiate the fees paid to Sprint every three years, with the first pricing period ending on December 31, 2006. The prices currently in effect under our services agreements are effective until December 31, 2006. If we wish to obtain from a third party vendor a particular service that we currently obtain from Sprint under our services agreements, we may do so after December 31, 2006 or at the end of a subsequent three-year pricing period only if we provide Sprint with notice at least 120 days before the end of such pricing period, and, in any event, Sprint has a right of first refusal to provide the service on the same terms and conditions as the third party vendor.
Some of the services available under our services agreements include: billing, customer care, activation, credit card processing, handset logistics, voicemail, directory assistance, roaming, interconnection, pricing, long distance, handsets and clearinghouse for specified fees. We may develop an independent capability with respect to certain of the services we obtain from Sprint over time. Under our services agreements, Sprint may contract with third parties to provide expertise and services identical or similar to those to be made available or provided to us. We have agreed not to use the services performed by Sprint in connection with any other business or outside our territory. Sprint must give us nine months notice if it will no longer offer any service, and Sprint has agreed, in the event Sprint will discontinue a service that we wish to continue to receive, to use commercially reasonable efforts to help us provide the service ourself or find another vendor to provide the service and to facilitate any transition.
We have agreed with Sprint to indemnify each other as well as affiliates, officers, directors and employees for violations of law or the services agreements except for any liabilities resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of the person seeking to be indemnified or its representatives. Our services agreements also provide that no party will be liable to the other party for special, indirect, incidental, exemplary, consequential or punitive damages, or loss of profits arising from the relationship of the parties or the conduct of business under, or breach of, such services agreement except as may otherwise be required by the indemnification provisions. Our services agreements automatically terminate upon termination of our management agreements, and neither party may terminate the services agreements for any reason other than the termination of the management agreements.
The Trademark and Service Mark License Agreements
We have a non-transferable license to use, at no additional cost to us, the Sprint brand name and "diamond" symbol, and several other U.S. trademarks and service marks such as "The Clear Alternative to Cellular" and "Clear Across the Nation" on Sprint PCS products and services. We believe that the Sprint brand name and symbols enjoy a high degree of recognition, providing us an
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immediate benefit in the market place. Our use of the licensed marks is subject to our adherence to quality standards determined by Sprint and use of the licensed marks in a manner, which would not reflect adversely on the image of quality symbolized by the licensed marks. We have agreed to promptly notify Sprint of any infringement of any of the licensed marks within our territories of which we become aware and to provide assistance to Sprint in connection with Sprint's enforcement of its rights. We have agreed with Sprint that we will indemnify the other for losses incurred in connection with a material breach of the trademark license agreements between Sprint and us. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify Sprint from any loss suffered by reason of our use of the licensed marks or marketing, promotion, advertisement, distribution, lease or sale of any Sprint products and services other than losses arising solely out of our use of the licensed marks in compliance with certain guidelines.
Sprint can terminate our trademark and service mark license agreements if we file for bankruptcy or materially breach our agreement or if our management agreements are terminated. We can terminate our trademark and service mark license agreements upon Sprint's abandonment of the licensed marks or if Sprint files for bankruptcy or our management agreements are terminated. However, Sprint can assign its interests in the licensed marks to a third party if that third party agrees to be bound by the terms of our trademark and service mark license agreements.
Regulatory Environment
Regulation of the Wireless Telecommunications Industry
The FCC can have a substantial impact upon entities that manage wireless personal communications service systems and/or provide wireless personal communications services because the FCC regulates the licensing, construction, operation, acquisition and interconnection arrangements of wireless telecommunications systems in the United States.
The FCC has promulgated a series of rules, regulations and policies to, among other things:
• | grant or deny licenses for wireless personal communications service frequencies; |
• | grant or deny wireless personal communications service license renewals; |
• | rule on assignments and/or transfers of control of wireless personal communications service licenses; |
• | govern the interconnection of wireless personal communications service networks with other wireless and wireline service providers; |
• | establish access and universal service funding provisions; |
• | establish service requirements such as enhanced 911 service; |
• | impose fines and forfeitures for violations of any of the FCC's rules; |
• | regulate the technical standards of wireless personal communications services networks; and |
• | govern certain aspects of the relationships between carriers and customers, such as the use of personal information and number portability. |
Through rules that went into effect on January 1, 2003, the FCC eliminated its spectrum cap for Commercial Mobile Radio Services ("CMRS") which include broadband wireless personal communications services, cellular and specialized mobile radio ("SMR"). The cap previously had limited CMRS providers to 55 MHz in any geographic area. Effective as of February 14, 2005, the FCC eliminated its rule which prohibited a party from owning interests in both cellular networks in the same Rural Service Areas. The FCC had previously eliminated rules prohibiting similar combinations in Cellular Metropolitan Service Areas. With the elimination of these rules, the FCC now conducts a case-by-case analysis to determine whether any proposed CMRS spectrum combination would have an anticompetitive effect.
Transfers and Assignments of Wireless Personal Communications Services Licenses
The FCC must give prior approval to the assignment of, or transfers involving, substantial changes in ownership or control of a wireless personal communications service license. In 2004, the
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FCC modified its rules to significantly streamline its approval procedures for assignments and transfers of control of wireless licenses. Although these changes will shorten the time necessary to complete transactions involving wireless licenses, they retain public notice periods that offer an opportunity for filing opposition with the FCC. Non-controlling interests in an entity that holds a wireless personal communications service license or operates wireless personal communications service networks generally may be bought or sold without prior FCC approval. In addition, the FCC requires only post-consummation notification of pro forma assignments or transfers of control of commercial mobile radio service licenses.
The FCC has adopted rules that promote the development of secondary markets in spectrum usage rights. These rules enable a wide variety of providers of communications services to enter into flexible spectrum leasing arrangements with licenses in wireless radio services, including PCS. These rules are intended to promote increased facilities-based competition in wireless services and enable the development of additional and innovative services in rural areas.
Conditions of Wireless Personal Communications Services Licenses
All wireless personal communications service licenses are granted for ten-year terms conditioned upon timely compliance with the FCC's build-out requirements. Pursuant to the FCC's build-out requirements, all 30 MHz broadband wireless personal communications service licensees must construct facilities that offer coverage to one-third of the population in their licensed areas within five years and to two-thirds of the population in such areas within ten years, and all 10 MHz broadband wireless personal communications services licensees must construct facilities that offer coverage to at least one-quarter of the population in their licensed areas within five years or make a showing of "substantial service" within that five-year period.
If the build-out requirements are not met, wireless personal communications service licenses could be forfeited. The FCC also requires licensees to maintain control over their licenses. Our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS reflect management agreements that the parties believe meet the FCC requirements for licensee control of licensed spectrum.
If the FCC were to determine that our affiliation agreements with Sprint PCS need to be modified to increase the level of licensee control, we have agreed with Sprint to use our best efforts to modify the agreements to the extent necessary to cause the agreements to comply with applicable law and to preserve to the extent possible the economic arrangements set forth in the agreements. If the agreements cannot be so modified, the agreements may be terminated pursuant to their terms. The FCC could also impose monetary penalties on Sprint, and possibly revoke one or more of the Sprint licenses.
Wireless Personal Communications Services License Renewal
Wireless personal communications service licensees can renew their licenses for additional ten-year terms. Wireless personal communications service renewal applications are not subject to auctions. However, under the FCC's rules, third parties may oppose renewal applications and/or file competing applications. If one or more competing applications are filed, a renewal application will be subject to a comparative renewal hearing. The FCC's rules afford wireless personal communications services renewal applicants involved in comparative renewal hearings with a "renewal expectancy." The renewal expectancy is the most important comparative factor in a comparative renewal hearing and is applicable if the wireless personal communications service renewal applicant has:
• | provided "substantial service" during its license term; and |
• | substantially complied with all applicable laws and FCC rules and policies. |
The FCC's rules define "substantial service" in this context as service that is sound, favorable and substantially above the level of mediocre service that might minimally warrant renewal. The FCC's renewal expectancy and procedures make it very likely that Sprint will retain the wireless personal communications service licenses that we manage for the foreseeable future.
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Interconnection
The FCC has the authority to order interconnection between CMRS, providers and incumbent local exchange carriers. The FCC has ordered local exchange carriers to provide reciprocal compensation to commercial mobile radio service providers for the termination of traffic. Interconnection agreements are negotiated on a state-wide basis and are subject to state approval. In February 2005, the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in its Intercarrier Compensation Reform proceeding, seeking to replace the current system of intercarrier payments with one that would be technologically and competitively neutral toward services offered by wireline, wireless and Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") providers.
The FCC rules and rulings, as well as state proceedings, and a review by courts of such rules and rulings directly impact the nature and cost of the facilities necessary for interconnection of the PCS networks of Sprint with local, national and international telecommunications networks. They also determine the nature and amount of revenues that we and Sprint can receive for terminating calls originating on the networks of local exchange and other telecommunications carriers.
Other FCC Requirements
CMRS providers, including Sprint, are required to permit manual roaming on their networks. With manual roaming, any user whose mobile phone is technically capable of connecting with a carrier's system must be able to make a call by providing a credit card number or making some other arrangement for payment. Since October 2000, the FCC has been considering changes in its rules that may terminate the manual roaming requirement and may impose automatic roaming obligations, under which users with capable equipment would be permitted to originate or terminate calls without taking action other than turning on the mobile phone.
FCC rules require local exchange and CMRS providers to allow customers to change service providers without changing telephone numbers, which, for wireless service providers, is referred to as wireless local number portability or WLNP. FCC regulations currently require CMRS providers to implement WLNP nationwide, though some carriers have obtained temporary waivers. Under the FCC's WLNP regulations, CMRS providers must deliver calls from their networks to ported numbers anywhere in the country and contribute to the Local Number Portability Fund. We may be liable to Sprint for any penalties that Sprint may be subject to if we are unable to comply with the FCC's WLNP regulations within a reasonable period of time. Implementation of WLNP has required wireless personal communications service providers like us and Sprint to purchase more expensive switches and switch upgrades. However, it has also enabled existing cellular customers to change to wireless personal communications services without losing their existing wireless telephone numbers, which has made it easier for wireless personal communications service providers to market their services to existing cellular and wireline users. The existence of WLNP could adversely impact our business since it makes customer defections more likely and we may not be able to replace customers who have switched to other carriers.
FCC rules permit broadband wireless personal communications service and other CMRS providers to provide wireless local loop and other fixed services that would directly compete with the wireline services of local exchange carriers. This may create new markets and revenue opportunities for Sprint and its PCS Affiliates and other wireless providers.
FCC rules require broadband personal communications services and other CMRS providers to implement enhanced emergency 911 capabilities that provide the location of wireless 911 callers to "Public Safety Answering Points." Sprint has completed its PCS network upgrade to support enhanced 911 service, but actual availability of this service requires action by local governments. Some states and local governments have imposed fees on wireless carriers to support local implementation of the service. Carriers are generally able to pass these fees along to consumers. Emergency 911 services may afford wireless carriers substantial and attractive new service and marketing opportunities.
FCC rules include several measures designed to remove obstacles to competitive access to customers and facilities in commercial multiple tenant environments, including the following:
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• | Telecommunications carriers in commercial settings may not enter into exclusive contracts with building owners, including contracts that effectively restrict premises owners or their agents from permitting access to other telecommunications service providers; and |
• | Utilities, including LECs, must afford telecommunications carriers and cable service providers reasonable and nondiscriminatory access to poles, conduits and rights-of-way owned or controlled by the utility. |
The FCC has also issued a further notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on whether it should adopt additional rules in this area, including extending certain regulations to include residential as well as commercial buildings. The final result of this proceeding could affect the availability and pricing of sites for our antennae and those of our competitors.
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement
The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act ("CALEA"), enacted in 1994, requires wireless personal communications service and other telecommunications service providers to ensure that their facilities, equipment and services are able to comply with authorized electronic surveillance by federal, state and local law enforcement personnel. Wireless personal communications service providers were generally required to comply with the current industry CALEA capability standard, known as J-STD-025, by June 30, 2000, and with certain additional standards by September 30, 2001. Wireless personal communications service providers who sought extensions of compliance deadlines, including Sprint, are also required to implement a "packet-mode" capability by January 30, 2004, though the FCC has granted numerous additional extensions to this deadline. Providers had to meet various other capability requirements established by the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation as of June 30, 2002. Most wireless personal communications service providers are ineligible for federal reimbursement for the software and hardware upgrades necessary to comply with the CALEA capability and capacity requirements. On August 4, 2004, the FCC initiated a wide-ranging review of its CALEA regulations in response to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by various law enforcement agencies. In this proceeding, the FCC has proposed various changes to its CALEA requirements, some of which may increase the cost of compliance for Sprint and its PCS Affiliates. In sum, CALEA capability and capacity requirements are likely to impose some additional switching and network costs upon Sprint and its managers and PCS Affiliates and other wireless entities.
The USA Patriot Act of 2001 included certain provisions that enable law enforcement agencies and other branches of the government to more easily acquire records and information regarding certain uses of communications facilities from telecommunications carriers, including PCS carriers.
Other Federal Regulations
Sprint and its PCS Affiliates must bear the expense of compliance with FCC and Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding the siting, lighting and construction of transmitter towers and antennas. In addition, FCC environmental regulations may cause some of the Company's base station locations to become subject to the additional expense of regulation under the National Environmental Policy Act. The FCC is required to implement this Act by requiring service providers to meet land use and radio emissions standards.
Review of Universal Service Requirements
The FCC and certain states have established "universal service" programs to ensure that affordable, quality telecommunications services are available to all Americans. Sprint is required to contribute to the federal universal service program as well as existing state programs. The FCC has determined that Sprint's "contribution" to the federal universal service program is a variable percentage of "end-user telecommunications revenues." Although many states have adopted a similar assessment methodology, the states are free to calculate telecommunications service provider contributions in any manner they choose as long as the process is not inconsistent with the FCC's
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rules. Some wireless entities have received state commission designation as "eligible telecommunications carriers," enabling them to receive federal and state universal service support, and compete with wireline telephone companies for universal service revenue. Because we manage substantial rural areas for the PCS Division of Sprint, it is possible that we will receive revenues in the future from federal and state universal service support funds that are much greater than the reductions in our revenues due to universal service contributions paid by Sprint.
The FCC is investigating the type of regulation that it should apply to VoIP. In a November 2004 decision, the FCC concluded that at least one form of VoIP is an unregulated information service, rather than a telecommunications service, and as such is not subject to state regulation or universal service contributions. Currently VoIP providers do not generally compensate carriers for termination of calls on their networks through reciprocal compensation or access charges. Additional decisions by the FCC are expected to further clarify the regulatory status of VoIP offerings, which may affect their relationships with telecommunications carriers.
Partitioning/Disaggregation
FCC rules allow broadband wireless personal communications services licensees to partition their market areas and/or to disaggregate their assigned spectrum and to transfer partial market areas or spectrum assignments to eligible third parties. These rules may enable us to purchase wireless personal communications service spectrum from Sprint and other wireless personal communications services licensees as a supplement or alternative to the existing management arrangements.
Wireless Facilities Siting
States and localities are not permitted to regulate the placement of wireless facilities so as to "prohibit" the provision of wireless services or to "discriminate" among providers of those services. In addition, so long as a wireless system complies with the FCC's rules, states and localities are prohibited from using radio frequency health effects as a basis to regulate the placement, construction or operation of wireless facilities. These rules are designed to make it possible for Sprint and its managers and PCS Affiliates and other wireless entities to acquire necessary tower sites in the face of local zoning opposition and delays. In the fall of 2004, the FCC adopted measures in coordination with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. These provisions, known as the "Nationwide Programmatic Agreement" ("NPA"), were designed to ease the review process for wireless towers constructed near historic properties, but members of the wireless industry have complained to the FCC that the NPA actually increases unnecessary burdens for tower construction and gives undue authority to federally recognized Indian tribes and have also appealed the FCC's decision in federal court on jurisdictional grounds.
Equal Access
Wireless providers are not required to provide long distance carriers with equal access to wireless customers for the provision of toll services. This enables us and Sprint to generate additional revenues by reselling the toll services of Sprint PCS and other interexchange carriers from whom we can obtain favorable volume discounts. However, the FCC is authorized to require unblocked access to toll service providers subject to certain conditions.
State Regulation of Wireless Service
Section 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, preempts states from regulating the rates and entry of CMRS providers. Section 332 does not prohibit a state from regulating the other terms and conditions of commercial mobile services, including consumer billing information and practices, billing disputes and other consumer protection matters. Some states have proposed or adopted "Wireless Consumer Bill of Rights" requirements pursuant to this authority. These laws may add significant compliance costs in states where they are effective. To the extent Sprint and its PCS
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Affiliates provide fixed wireless service, we may be subject to additional state regulation. These standards and rulings have prevented states from delaying the entry of wireless personal communications services and other wireless carriers into their jurisdictions via certification and similar requirements, and from delaying or inhibiting aggressive or flexible wireless price competition after entry.
Interference Temperature
In November 2003, the FCC launched an inquiry aimed at establishing a new paradigm for the determination of interference to wireless services. Currently, interference measurements are based on transmitter operations. The proposed "interference temperature" would take into account interactions between transmitters and receivers, as well as all other elements of the radio frequency environment. One goal of this proceeding is to create opportunities for other transmitters, whether licensed or unlicensed, to operate in bands that are now exclusively reserved for licensees, such as the personal communications service frequencies used by Sprint. It is too early in this proceeding to determine what effect, if any, this inquiry by the FCC will have on our business.
Available Information
The Company's Internet address is www.alamosapcs.com. We make available free of charge through our web site our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. Information contained on the web site is not part of this report.
The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Our headquarters are located in Lubbock, Texas and we lease space in a number of locations, primarily for our retail stores, base stations and switching centers. As of December 31, 2004, we leased space for 64 retail stores, 13 kiosks and 9 switching centers. As of December 31, 2004, we leased space for the placement of 1,837 sites. 1,777 are located on towers or other structures owned by others. 60 of these sites are on towers or other structures owned by us. In cases where we own the structure, we typically lease the location where the structure is placed. We co-locate with other wireless service providers with respect to approximately 91% of our sites. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current operations and that additional leased space can be obtained if needed on commercially reasonable terms.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We have been named as a defendant in a number of purported securities class actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (In re Alamosa PCS Holdings Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, docket No. 01 Civ. 11235), arising out of our initial public offering (the "IPO"). Various underwriters of the IPO also are named as defendants in the actions. The action against us is one of more than 300 related class actions which have been consolidated and are pending in the same court. The complainants seek to recover damages and allege, among other things, that the registration statement and prospectus filed with the SEC for purposes of the IPO were false and misleading because they failed to disclose that the underwriters allegedly (i) solicited and received commissions from certain investors in exchange for allocating to them shares of common
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stock in connection with the IPO, and (ii) entered into agreements with their customers to allocate such stock to those customers in exchange for the customers agreeing to purchase additional Company shares in the aftermarket at pre-determined prices. On February 19, 2003, the Court granted motions by us and 115 other issuers to dismiss the claims under Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act which had been asserted against them. The Court denied the motions by us and virtually all of the other issuers to dismiss the claims asserted against them under Section 11 of the Securities Act. We maintain insurance coverage which may mitigate our exposure to loss in the event that this claim is not resolved in our favor.
The issuers in the IPO cases, including us, have reached an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs to settle the claims asserted by the plaintiffs against them. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the insurance carriers for the issuers will pay the plaintiffs the difference between $1 billion and all amounts which the plaintiffs recover from the underwriter defendants by way of settlement or judgment. Accordingly, no payment on behalf of the issuers under the proposed settlement will be made by the issuers themselves. The claims against the issuers will be dismissed, and the issuers and their officers and directors will receive releases from the plaintiffs. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the issuers will also assign to plaintiffs certain claims which they may have against the underwriters arising out of our IPO, and the issuers will also agree not to assert certain other claims which they may have against the underwriters, without plaintiffs' consent. The proposed settlement is subject to agreement among the parties on final settlement documents and the approval of the court. The court has issued a decision and order which preliminarily approves the settlement as to the issuers. A hearing date has been scheduled by the court for March 18, 2005 where they will approve the form and substance of a notice to be sent to class members describing the settlement and giving class members the opportunity to opt out of or object to the settlement. The court will also set a date for a fairness hearing which will likely take place later in 2005.
On January 23, 2001, our board of directors, in a unanimous decision, terminated the employment of Jerry Brantley, then President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. On April 29, 2002, Mr. Brantley initiated litigation against us and our Chairman, David E. Sharbutt in the District Court of Lubbock County, Texas, 22nd Judicial District, alleging wrongful termination. In the litigation, Mr. Brantley claimed, among other things, that our termination of his employment was without cause under his employment agreement rather than a termination for non-performance. As such, Mr. Brantley's claim sought money damages for (i) severance pay equal to one year's salary at the time of his termination, (ii) the value of certain unexercised stock options he owned at the time of his termination, (iii) an allegedly unpaid bonus and (iv) exemplary damages, as well as recovery of attorney's fees and costs. Mr. Brantley's claims against us and our CEO were resolved pursuant to a settlement agreement dated February 6, 2004. The settlement did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements or our operations.
On January 8, 2003, a claim was made against us by Southwest Antenna and Tower, Inc. ("SWAT") in the Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, State of New Mexico, for monies due on an open account. SWAT sought to recover approximately $2.0 million from us relating to work performed by SWAT during 2000 for Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., which was acquired by us in the first quarter of 2001. This claim was settled for $875,000 during the second quarter of 2003.
In November and December 2003 and January 2004, multiple lawsuits were filed against Alamosa Holdings and David E. Sharbutt, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Kendall W. Cowan, our Chief Financial Officer. Steven Richardson, our Chief Operating Officer, was also a named defendant in one of the lawsuits. Each claim is a purported class action filed on behalf of a putative class of persons who and/or entities that purchased Alamosa Holdings' securities between January 9, 2001 and June 13, 2002, inclusive, and seeks recovery of compensatory damages, fees and costs. Each lawsuit was filed in the United Stated District Court for the Northern District of Texas, in either the Lubbock Division or the Dallas Division. On February 27, 2004, the lawsuits were consolidated into one action pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division (Massachusetts State Guaranteed Annuity Fund, et. al. v. Alamosa Holdings, et. al., Civil
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Action No.: 5:03-cv-289-c). On March 4, 2004, the Court appointed the Massachusetts State Guaranteed Annuity Fund to serve as lead plaintiff and approved its selection of lead counsel for the consolidated action.
On May 18, 2004, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated complaint. The consolidated complaint names three of the original defendants (the Company, David Sharbutt and Kendall Cowan), drops one of the original defendants (Steven Richardson) and names two new defendants who are outside directors (Michael Roberts and Steven Roberts). The putative class period remains the same. The consolidated complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act. The consolidated complaint seeks recovery of compensatory damages, fees, costs, rescission or rescissory damages in connection with the Sections 11 and 15 claims, and injunctive relief and/or disgorgement in connection with defendants' alleged insider trading proceeds. At the end of the putative class period on June 13, 2002, we announced that our projection of net subscriber additions for the second quarter of 2002 would be less than previously projected. The consolidated complaint alleges, among other things, that we made false and misleading statements about subscriber additions during the putative class period. The consolidated complaint also alleges that our financial statements were false and misleading because we improperly recognized revenue and failed to record adequate allowances for uncollectible receivables. Our motion to dismiss is currently pending before the Court.
We believe that we and the other defendants have meritorious defenses to these claims and intend to vigorously defend this action. No discovery has been taken at this time, and the ultimate outcome is not currently predictable. There can be no assurance that the litigation will be resolved in our favor and an adverse resolution could adversely affect our financial condition.
On July 8 and 15, 2004, two shareholder derivative suits, each asserting identical allegations, were filed in State District Court in Dallas County, Texas on behalf of us against certain of our officers and directors: David E. Sharbutt, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kendall W. Cowan, our Chief Financial Officer, as well as other current and former members of our board of directors, including Scotty Hart, Michael V. Roberts, Ray M. Clapp, Jr., Schuyler B. Marshall, Thomas F. Riley, Jr., Steven C. Roberts, Jimmy R. White, Thomas B. Hyde and Tom M. Phelps. The suits also name us as a nominal defendant. On August 27, 2004, the lawsuits were consolidated into one action pending in State District Court in Dallas County, Texas (In re Alamosa Holdings, Inc. Derivative Litigation, cause No. 04-06286). On November 24, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated derivative petition. Based on allegations substantially similar to the federal shareholder action, the suits assert claims for defendants' alleged violations of state law, including breaches of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment that allegedly occurred between January 2001 and June 2002. The suits seek recovery of damages, fees, costs, equitable and/or injunctive remedies, and disgorgement of all profits, benefits and other compensation. The defendants' motion to stay this suit pending the outcome of the federal shareholder action and in the alternative, special exceptions to the consolidated derivative petition requesting dismissal of the action, are currently pending before the Court. No discovery has been taken at this time, and the ultimate outcome is not currently predictable.
By letter dated January 10, 2005, we received notice of request for arbitration by PVT Networks, Inc. pursuant to the Outsource Service Provider Agreement by and between PVT Networks, Inc. and us. The underlying dispute concerns a request by PVT to be reimbursed for certain costs and fees under the Outsource Service Provider Agreement. The amount of the claim appears to be for approximately $449,000. We intend to vigorously defend this arbitration.
On November 26, 2003, Core Group PC filed a claim against Alamosa PCS and four other PCS Affiliates of Sprint in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas alleging copyright infringement related to the designs used in Sprint retail stores. The complainant sought money damages and an injunction against Alamosa PCS' continued use of the alleged copyrighted designs. This claim was dismissed on June 4, 2004 with no adverse impact to us.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.
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PART II
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
Beginning February 3, 2000 through December 5, 2001, our common stock was traded on The Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "APCS." From December 6, 2001 through April 16, 2003, our common stock was traded on The New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "APS." From April 16, 2003 to March 12, 2004, our common stock was traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "ALMO." Since March 14, 2004, our common stock has returned to trading on Nasdaq under the symbol "APCS." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange, the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board and Nasdaq as applicable.
Price Range of Common Stock | ||||||||||
High | Low | |||||||||
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004: | ||||||||||
Fourth quarter | $ | 12.84 | $ | 7.54 | ||||||
Third quarter | $ | 8.91 | $ | 6.73 | ||||||
Second quarter | $ | 8.01 | $ | 5.71 | ||||||
First quarter | $ | 6.48 | $ | 4.01 | ||||||
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2003: | ||||||||||
Fourth quarter | $ | 4.30 | $ | 3.09 | ||||||
Third quarter | $ | 4.76 | $ | 1.52 | ||||||
Second quarter | $ | 1.95 | $ | 0.25 | ||||||
First quarter | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.30 | ||||||
On February 28, 2005, the last reported sales price of our common stock as reported on Nasdaq was $12.74 per share. On February 28, 2005, there were 320 holders of record of our common stock.
In connection with the completion of a debt exchange in reliance on Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, we issued 679,495 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of $250 per share, on November 10, 2003. These shares have not been registered with the SEC. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends of 7.5% of the $250 per share liquidation preference. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into our common stock at the option of the holder at a rate of $3.40 per share based on the liquidation preference of the preferred stock. Additionally, holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to participate in any dividends declared on our common stock based on the number of shares of common stock the preferred shares could be converted into immediately prior to the declaration of a common stock dividend.
As of December 31, 2004, 478,987 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we paid cash dividends of $10.6 million on shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. In order to reduce future cash dividend payments, we may from time to time take advantage of opportunities to retire outstanding shares of our Series B preferred stock, generally in privately negotiated transactions initiated by holders of Series B preferred stock, through exchanges for common shares or for a combination of common shares and cash. We intend to evaluate such exchange transaction opportunities, if any, in light of then-prevailing market conditions and other relevant factors. Such transactions could be effected with respect to a significant number of shares of Series B preferred stock and could have an adverse effect on the trading market for the Series B preferred stock.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Future dividends, if any,
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will be determined by our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditure plans, as well as other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant. In addition, the terms of the indentures governing our senior notes may limit our ability to pay dividends in the future.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The selected financial data presented below under the headings "Statement of Operations Data," "Per Share Data," and "Balance Sheet Data" have been derived from the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and the related statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and the notes thereto, as applicable. All dollar amounts are in thousands with the exception of per share amounts.
The acquisitions of Roberts, WOW and Southwest PCS took place on February 14, February 14 and March 30, 2001, respectively. These acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting such that the results of operations for the acquired entities are included in our consolidated operating results from the respective date of acquisition. The acquisition of AirGate that was closed on February 15, 2005 is not included in our consolidated operating results.
It is important that you also read "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and the financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000, and the related notes.
For the year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December
31, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
December 31, 2002 |
December 31, 2001 |
December 31, 2000 |
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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenues | $ | 555,711 | $ | 452,396 | $ | 391,927 | $ | 231,145 | $ | 56,154 | ||||||||||||
Roaming and wholesale revenues | 214,230 | 150,772 | 139,843 | 99,213 | 17,346 | |||||||||||||||||
Service revenues | 769,941 | 603,168 | 531,770 | 330,358 | 73,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Product sales | 33,159 | 27,882 | 23,922 | 26,781 | 9,201 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues: | 803,100 | 631,050 | 555,692 | 357,139 | 82,701 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of service and operations | 383,287 | 317,215 | 343,468 | 237,843 | 55,701 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of products sold | 76,183 | 59,651 | 50,974 | 53,911 | 20,524 | |||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expense | 140,833 | 112,626 | 119,059 | 110,052 | 45,407 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expense | 22,762 | 16,257 | 15,243 | 13,853 | 9,538 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 104,775 | 110,495 | 105,121 | 94,722 | 12,530 | |||||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill (2) | — | — | 291,635 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Impairment of property and equipment (3) | 3,730 | 2,243 | 1,194 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Terminated merger and acquisition costs | — | — | — | — | 2,247 | |||||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensation | 386 | 536 | 29 | (916 | ) | 5,651 | ||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 731,956 | 619,023 | 926,723 | 509,465 | 151,598 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 71,144 | 12,027 | (371,031 | ) | (152,326 | ) | (68,897 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instrument | (305 | ) | 2,858 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | (13,101 | ) | — | — | (5,472 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||
Debt exchange expenses | — | (8,694 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income | 1,474 | 948 | 3,459 | 11,664 | 14,483 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (75,739 | ) | (99,914 | ) | (102,863 | ) | (81,730 | ) | (25,775 | ) | ||||||||||||
Loss before income tax | (16,527 | ) | (92,775 | ) | (470,435 | ) | (227,864 | ) | (80,189 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (741 | ) | 17,929 | 67,086 | 80,441 | — | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (17,268 | ) | (74,846 | ) | (403,349 | ) | (147,423 | ) | (80,189 | ) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividend | (10,321 | ) | (1,770 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | (6,600 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (34,189 | ) | $ | (76,616 | ) | $ | (403,349 | ) | $ | (147,423 | ) | $ | (80,189 | ) | |||||||
PER SHARE DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted (1) | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (4.33 | ) | $ | (1.69 | ) | $ | (1.33 | ) | |||||||
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For the year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December
31, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
December 31, 2002 |
December 31, 2001 |
December 31, 2000 |
||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 106,226,231 | 94,088,853 | 93,048,883 | 87,077,350 | 60,198,390 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends per share of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
OTHER DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of subscribers at end of period | 915,000 | 727,000 | 622,000 | 503,000 | 133,000 | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE SHEET DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 129,917 | $ | 99,644 | $ | 61,737 | $ | 104,672 | $ | 141,768 | ||||||||||||
Short term investments | 50,418 | — | — | 1,300 | 1,600 | |||||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 441,808 | 434,840 | 458,946 | 455,695 | 228,983 | |||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 1,176,105 | 1,105,970 | 1,174,406 | 1,598,408 | 458,650 | |||||||||||||||||
Short-term debt | 110 | 481 | 1,064 | 596 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 739,890 | 665,236 | 870,217 | 826,352 | 264,843 | |||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 910,282 | 815,659 | 1,039,768 | 1,060,422 | 327,252 | |||||||||||||||||
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock (4) | 161,148 | 228,606 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Equity | 104,675 | 61,705 | 134,638 | 537,986 | 131,398 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) | Diluted weighted average shares outstanding excludes the common shares issuable on the exercise of stock options as well as common shares issuable upon the conversion of mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock because inclusion of such would have been antidilutive. Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 exclude 200,000, 400,000 and 800,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock awarded to officers during 2002 that were not vested as of the end of each respective year. |
(2) | In the third quarter of 2002 we recorded an impairment charge of $291,635 as a result of our first annual impairment testing of goodwill as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142. As of December 31, 2004 the carrying value of goodwill had been reduced to zero. |
(3) | Impairment of property and equipment in 2004 and 2003 relates to the abandonment of certain network equipment that had become technologically obsolete. Impairment of property and equipment in 2002 relates to our decision to close a switching center and abandon the site. The net carrying value of leasehold improvements related to the abandoned site was charged as an impairment loss. |
(4) | 679,495 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with a liquidation preference of $250 per share were issued in connection with a debt exchange completed in November 2003. This preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder into shares of common stock and is mandatorily redeemable in July 2013. As of December 31, 2004, 478,987 shares were outstanding. As of December 31, 2003, 679,495 shares were outstanding. |
ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION. |
Forward Looking Information
You should read the following discussion and analysis when you read the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form 10-K beginning on page F-1. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of factors including, but not limited to, those under "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Risk Factors" and "This Annual Report Contains Forward-Looking Statements."
Definitions of Operating Metrics
We discuss the following operating metrics relating to our business in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" section:
• | ARPU, or average monthly revenue per user, is a measure used to determine the average |
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monthly subscriber revenue earned for subscribers based in our territory. This measure is calculated by dividing subscriber revenues in our consolidated statement of operations by our average daily subscribers during the period divided by the number of months in the period. |
• | Average monthly churn is used to measure the rate at which subscribers based in our territory deactivate service on a voluntary or involuntary basis. We calculate average monthly churn based on the number of subscribers deactivated during the period (net of transfers out of our service area and those who deactivated within 30 days of activation) as a percentage of our average daily subscriber base during the period divided by the number of months during the period. |
• | Licensed POPs represent the number of residents (usually expressed in millions) in our territory in which we have an exclusive right to provide wireless mobility communications services under the Sprint brand name. The number of residents located in our territory does not represent the number of wireless subscribers that we serve or expect to serve in our territory. |
• | Covered POPs represent the number of residents (usually expressed in millions) covered by our portion of the PCS network of Sprint in our territory. The number of residents covered by our network does not represent the number of wireless subscribers that we serve or expect to serve in our territory. |
General
As a PCS Affiliate of Sprint, we have the exclusive right to provide wireless mobility communications services under the Sprint brand name in our licensed territory. We own and are responsible for building, operating and managing the portion of the PCS network of Sprint located in our territory. We offer national plans designed by Sprint as well as local plans tailored to our market demographics. Our portion of the PCS network of Sprint is designed to offer a seamless connection with the 100% digital PCS nationwide wireless network of Sprint. We market Sprint PCS products and services through a number of distribution outlets located in our territory, including our own retail stores, major national distributors and local third party distributors. At December 31, 2004, we had total licensed POPs of over 15.8 million, covered POPs of approximately 12.9 million and total subscribers of approximately 915,000.
We recognize revenues from our subscribers for the provision of wireless telecommunications services, proceeds from the sales of handsets and accessories through channels controlled by us and fees from Sprint and other wireless service providers and resellers when their customers roam onto our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. Sprint retains 8% of all service revenue collected from our subscribers (not including products sales and roaming charges billed to our subscribers) and all fees collected from other wireless service providers and resellers when their customers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. We report the amount retained by Sprint as an operating expense. In addition, Sprint bills our subscribers for taxes, handset insurance, equipment and Universal Service Fund charges and other surcharges which we do not record. Sprint collects these amounts from the subscribers and remits them to the appropriate entity.
As part of our affiliation agreements with Sprint, we have contracted with Sprint to provide back office services such as customer activation, handset logistics, billing, customer care and network monitoring services. We initially elected to delegate the performance of these services to Sprint to take advantage of their economies of scale, to accelerate our build-out and market launches and to lower our initial capital requirements. We continue to contract with Sprint for these services today and are obligated to continue using Sprint to provide these services through December 31, 2006. The cost for these services is primarily on a per-subscriber or per-transaction basis and is recorded as an operating expense.
Critical Accounting Policies
The fundamental objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that allows a reader to comprehend the business activities of an entity. To aid in that understanding, we have
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identified our "critical accounting policies." These policies have the potential to have a more significant impact on our consolidated financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.
Allowance for doubtful accounts – Estimates are used in determining our allowance for doubtful accounts and are based on our historical collection experience, current trends, credit policy, a percentage of our accounts receivable by aging category and expectations of future bad debts based on current collection activities. In determining the allowance, we consider historical write-offs of our receivables as well as historical changes in our credit policies. We also look at current trends in the credit quality of our customer base.
Revenue recognition – We record equipment revenue for the sale of handsets and accessories to customers in our retail stores and to local resellers in our territories. We do not record equipment revenue on handsets and accessories purchased by our customers from national resellers or directly from Sprint. Our customers pay an activation fee when they initiate service. In the past, we deferred this activation fee in all cases and recorded the activation fee revenue over the estimated average life of our customers which ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on credit class and based on our past experience. Effective July 1, 2003, we adopted the accounting provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Abstract No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." Accordingly, beginning July 1, 2003, we allocate amounts charged to customers at the point of sale between the sale of handsets and other equipment and the sale of wireless telecommunication services in those transactions taking place in distribution channels that we directly control. Activation fees charged in transactions outside of our directly controlled distribution channels continue to be deferred and amortized over the average life of the subscriber base.
We recognize revenue from our customers as they use the service. Additionally, we provide a reduction of recorded revenue for billing adjustments and billing corrections.
The cost of handsets sold generally exceeds the retail sales price, as it is common in our industry to subsidize the price of handsets for competitive reasons. For handsets sold through channels controlled by Sprint that are activated by a subscriber in our territory, we reimburse Sprint for the amount of subsidy incurred by them in connection with the sale of these handsets. This reimbursement paid to Sprint is reflected in our selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Accounting for goodwill and intangible assets – In connection with our acquisitions of Roberts, WOW and Southwest PCS in the first quarter of 2001, we recorded certain intangible assets including both identifiable intangibles and goodwill. Identifiable intangibles consisted of the Sprint agreements and the respective subscriber bases in place at the time of acquisition. The intangible assets related to the Sprint agreements are being amortized on a straight line basis over the remaining original term of the underlying Sprint agreements or approximately 17.6 years. The subscriber base intangible asset was being amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated life of the acquired subscribers or approximately 3 years. The subscriber base intangible asset became fully amortized in the first quarter of 2004. We purchased the rights to additional territory from Sprint in September 2004 which resulted in the recognition of an intangible asset related to the rights under the Sprint agreement. This intangible asset is being amortized over the remaining original term of the related Sprint agreement or approximately 14 years.
We adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 primarily addresses the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their initial recognition. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 (i) prohibit the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (ii) require that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested annually for impairment (and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired), (iii) require that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill and (iv) remove the forty-year
33
limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives. As of December 31, 2001, we had recorded $15.9 million in accumulated amortization of goodwill. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the amortization of goodwill was discontinued. In connection with our annual impairment testing related to goodwill as of July 31, 2002, we determined that goodwill was impaired and recorded an impairment charge in the third quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to zero.
Long-lived asset recovery – Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property, equipment and finite-lived intangibles, comprised approximately 73 percent of our total assets at December 31, 2004. Changes in technology or in our intended use of these assets may cause the estimated period of use or the value of these assets to change. In addition, changes in general industry conditions could cause the value of certain of these assets to change. We monitor the appropriateness of the estimated useful lives of these assets. Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable, we review the respective assets for impairment. The impairment of goodwill recorded in 2002 and the trends in the wireless telecommunications industry that drove our decision to launch a debt exchange offer in September 2003 were deemed to be "triggering events" requiring impairment testing of our other long-lived assets under SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." In performing this test, assets were grouped according to identifiable cash flow streams and the undiscounted cash flow over the life of the asset group was compared to the carrying value of the asset group. We determined that we had one asset grouping related to cash flows generated by our subscriber base, which included all of our assets. The life of this asset group for purposes of these impairment tests was assumed to be ten years. No impairment was indicated as a result of these tests. Estimates and assumptions used in both estimating the useful life and evaluating potential impairment issues require a significant amount of judgment.
Operating leases – Operating leases and related leasehold improvement costs are accounted for based on the provisions of SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." We have a significant number of leases primarily associated with towers and other locations on which we install our network equipment. These leases are considered operating leases and the monthly rentals are expensed as incurred while any capital expenditures associated with preparing the site for our use are capitalized and depreciated. These capital expenditures are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the economic life of the respective assets. Additionally, certain of these operating leases contain rent escalation provisions over the term of the respective leases. For those leases with escalation provisions, the periodic rental expense is recorded on a straight line basis over the lease term. The lease term and the economic life of the related assets are generally the same term.
Income taxes – We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, we utilize an asset and liability approach to accounting for income taxes, wherein deferred taxes are provided for book and tax basis differences for assets and liabilities. In the event differences exist between the book and tax basis of our assets and liabilities that result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets is made. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of deferred tax assets for which there is sufficient uncertainty regarding our ability to recognize the benefits of those assets in future years.
The net deferred tax asset was fully reserved through December 31, 2000 because of uncertainty regarding our ability to recognize the benefit of the asset in future years. In connection with the acquisitions in 2001, a significant deferred tax liability was recorded related to intangibles. The reversal of the timing differences which gave rise to the deferred tax liability will allow us to benefit from the deferred tax asset. As such, the valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset was reduced in 2001 to account for the expected benefit to be realized. We continue to evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefits of deferred tax items. During 2003, we reinstated a valuation allowance to reflect the deferred tax assets at the amounts expected to be realized. The valuation allowance was further increased in 2004 to reflect the deferred tax assets at the amounts expected to be realized. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the need for and adequacy of the valuation allowance based upon the expected realizability of our deferred tax assets and adjust the amount of such
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allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are the latest forecast of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences.
Reliance on the timeliness and accuracy of data received from Sprint – We place significant reliance on Sprint as a service provider in terms of the timeliness and accuracy of financial and statistical data related to customers based in our service territory that we receive on a periodic basis from Sprint. We make significant estimates in terms of cash flows, revenue, cost of service, selling and marketing costs and the adequacy of our allowance for uncollectible accounts based on this data we receive from Sprint. We obtain assurance as to the accuracy of this data through analytic review and reliance on the service auditor report on Sprint's internal control processes prepared by Sprint's external service auditor. Inaccurate or incomplete data from Sprint could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Unless otherwise indicated, amounts stated in dollars in this description are in thousands.
For the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
Subscriber growth and key performance indicators – We had total subscribers of approximately 915,000 at December 31, 2004 compared to approximately 727,000 at December 31, 2003. This growth of approximately 188,000 subscribers or 26 percent compares to 17 percent growth in 2003. The increase in the rate of growth from 2003 to 2004 is due to an increase in our distribution channels, primarily in our own Sprint retail stores and branded dealers in our territory as well as overall growth in the wireless telecommunications industry as compared to 2003.
Average monthly churn for 2004 was approximately 2.3 percent compared to approximately 2.7 percent for 2003. Increases in churn negatively impact our operations as we incur significant up front costs in acquiring customers.
Service Revenues – Service revenues consist of revenues from our subscribers and roaming and wholesale revenue earned when subscribers from other carriers or resellers of PCS service use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Subscriber revenue consists of payments received from our subscribers for monthly service under their service plans. Subscriber revenue also includes amortization of deferred activation fees and charges for the use of various features, including PCS Vision, the wireless web and voice activated dialing. Subscriber revenues were $555,711 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $452,396 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase of 23 percent was primarily due to the 26 percent increase in our subscriber base discussed above. Base ARPU (without roaming) remained consistent in 2004 at $57 compared to $56 in 2003.
Roaming and wholesale revenue is comprised of revenue from Sprint and other PCS subscribers based outside of our territory that roam onto our portion of the PCS network of Sprint as well as revenue from resellers of PCS service whose subscribers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Roaming revenue was $186,815 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $146,446 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase of 28 percent was primarily due to a 35 percent increase in inbound roaming minutes to 2.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to 1.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2003. The percentage increase in revenue was less than the percentage increase in minutes due to declining rates from carriers other than Sprint. We have a reciprocal roaming rate arrangement with Sprint pursuant to which per-minute charges for inbound and outbound roaming related to Sprint subscribers are identical. This rate has been 5.8 cents per minute since January 1, 2003. The November 2003 amendments to our affiliation agreements with Sprint (as amended in March 2004) that became effective on December 1, 2003 after the completion of our debt exchange, fixed our reciprocal roaming rate with Sprint at 5.8 cents per minute until
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December 31, 2006. We are currently a net receiver of roaming with Sprint, meaning that the minute volume from other Sprint subscribers roaming onto our network is greater than the minute volume from our subscribers roaming onto other portions of the PCS network of Sprint. The ratio of inbound to outbound Sprint roaming minutes was 1.16 to 1 for the year ended December 31, 2004. We have experienced a significant increase in the volume of inbound roaming traffic from PCS providers other than Sprint. This traffic is settled at rates separately negotiated by Sprint on our behalf with the other PCS providers and has declined in some cases during 2004 compared to 2003.
Wholesale revenue was $27,415 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $4,326 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase of 534 percent was due to the addition of revenue related to subscribers of another PCS carrier with whom Sprint entered into an agreement to allow those subscribers to use the PCS network of Sprint on a wholesale basis. As a result, all minutes of use for those subscribers in their home areas as well as when roaming are on the PCS network of Sprint.
Product sales and cost of products sold – We record revenue from the sale of handsets and accessories, net of an allowance for returns, as product sales. Product sales revenue and costs of products sold are recorded for all products that are sold through our retail stores as well as those sold to our local indirect agents. The cost of handsets sold generally exceeds the retail sales price as we subsidize the price of handsets for competitive reasons. Sprint's handset return policy allows customers to return their handsets for a full refund within 14 days of purchase. When handsets are returned to us, we may be able to reissue the handsets to customers at little additional cost to us. However, when handsets are returned to Sprint for refurbishing, we receive a credit from Sprint, which is less than the amount we originally paid for the handset.
Product sales revenue for 2004 was $33,159 compared to $27,882 in 2003. Cost of products sold for 2004 was $76,183 compared to $59,651 for 2003. As such, the subsidy on handsets sold through our retail and local indirect channels was $43,024 in 2004 and $31,769 in 2003. The increase in subsidies of $11,255 in 2004 is primarily due to an increase in the number of activations through our retail and local indirect channels of approximately 69,711. In addition to the increase in the number of activations, we also experienced an increase in subsidies through the retail and indirect channels relating to existing subscribers upgrading their handsets in 2004.
Cost of service and operations (excluding non-cash compensation) – Cost of service and operations includes the costs of operating our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. These costs include items such as tower leases and maintenance as well as backhaul costs, which are costs associated with transporting wireless calls across our portion of the PCS network of Sprint to another carrier's network. In addition, cost of service and operations includes outbound roaming costs, long distance charges, the fees we pay to Sprint for our 8 percent affiliation fee, back office services such as billing and customer care as well as our provision for estimated uncollectible accounts. Expenses of $383,287 in 2004 were 21 percent higher than the $317,215 incurred in 2003. The increase in expenses in 2004 was due to the increased volume of traffic carried on our network. Total minutes of use on our network were 9.3 billion minutes in 2004 compared to 6.2 billion minutes in 2003 for an increase in traffic of 51 percent. The increase in costs was lower relative to the increase in traffic due to the leverage we experience in spreading our fixed network operating costs over a larger volume of activity.
Selling and marketing expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) – Selling and marketing expenses include advertising, promotion, sales commissions and expenses related to our distribution channels including our retail store expenses. In addition, we reimburse Sprint for the subsidy on handsets sold through national retail stores due to the fact that these retailers purchase their handsets from Sprint. This subsidy is recorded as a selling and marketing expense. Total selling and marketing expenses of $140,833 in 2004 were 25 percent higher than the $112,626 incurred in 2003 due to an increase in variable costs resulting from increases in gross activations in 2004 as compared to 2003.
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) – General and administrative expenses include corporate costs and expenses such as administration and finance. General and administrative expenses of $22,762 in 2004 were 40 percent higher than the $16,257 incurred in 2003. The increase in 2004 has been the result of increased professional fees being driven
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by various efforts undertaken in preparing for the reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, additional legal fees incurred in defense of class action lawsuits brought late in 2003 and in 2004 as well as additional personnel costs.
Depreciation and amortization – Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation of our property and equipment as well as amortization of intangibles. Depreciation of our property and equipment is calculated on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets and totaled $72,685 in 2004 as compared to $70,428 in 2003. This increase of 3 percent is due to the increase in depreciable costs as a result of our capital expenditures in 2004.
Amortization expense relates to intangible assets recorded related to the agreements with Sprint and the customer base acquired in connection with purchase transactions. Amortization expense of $32,090 in 2004 was 20 percent less than the $40,067 in 2003. The decrease in 2004 is due to the fact that the intangible asset related to the subscriber base acquired became fully amortized in the first quarter of 2004.
Impairment of property and equipment – We recorded impairments of property and equipment of $3,730 in 2004 compared to $2,243 in 2003. Impairments recorded in both periods primarily relate to the abandonment of certain network equipment that had become technologically obsolete.
Non-cash compensation – Non-cash compensation expense of $386 in 2004 was 28 percent less than the $536 in 2003.
Non-cash compensation expense includes $81 and $149 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to the vesting of 200,000 and 400,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock that were awarded to our officers in 2002. Non-cash compensation expense includes $305 and $387 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to 37,480 and 202,554 shares of common stock granted to members of our board of directors. The compensation expense recorded related to these shares was based on the fair market value of common stock on the date of each grant.
Operating income – Our operating income for 2004 was $71,144 compared to $12,027 for 2003. This increase in income is primarily attributable to the leverage we are beginning to experience in spreading our fixed costs over a larger base of subscribers and growth in inbound roaming revenue from other PCS carriers.
Gain (loss) on derivative instrument – The Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock that was issued in November 2003 contains an early call option which allows us to repurchase the preferred stock at a premium beginning in the fourth year after the shares were issued. Based on the provisions of SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," the derivative instrument related to this early call option has been separated from the value of the preferred stock and recorded separately in our consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of this option are reflected in earnings each period. The loss in 2004 of $305 and the gain in 2003 of $2,858, represent the net change in the fair value of this option after taking into account the conversion of 200,658 shares of preferred stock during 2004.
Loss on debt extinguishment – The loss on debt extinguishment of $13,101 recorded in 2004 relates to the repayment and termination of our senior secured credit facility in January 2004. The loss is comprised of $12,565 in net deferred loan fees related to the terminated credit facility plus the recognition of $536 in other comprehensive loss related to derivative instruments used for hedging interest rate risk on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.
Debt exchange expenses – Debt exchange expenses recorded in 2003 consist of professional fees and transaction costs associated with the debt exchange that was completed in November 2003 that were allocated to the new notes issued in the exchange and were expensed in accordance with the accounting provisions of SFAS No. 15, "Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings." Because the debt exchange was considered a troubled debt restructuring under the provisions of SFAS No. 15, transaction costs associated with the granting of an equity interest to the holders of the notes were recorded as a reduction in the fair value of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued in the debt exchange. The remaining transaction costs were expensed. We had no such debt exchange expenses in 2004.
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Interest and other income – Interest and other income represents amounts earned on the investment of excess cash including restricted cash and short term investments. Income of $1,474 in 2004 was 55 percent higher than the $948 earned in 2003. The increase in 2004 is primarily due to the fact that during 2004, the Board of Directors approved a change in the Company's investment policy to extend the allowable weighted average maturity of investments from the 90 days allowed previously to 270 days. The extension in allowable maturity allowed the Company to invest in higher yielding short term investments.
Interest expense – Interest expense for 2004 and 2003 included non-cash interest of $25,723 and $37,402, respectively, related to the accretion of senior discount notes, the amortization of debt issuance costs and changes in the fair value of hedge instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The decrease in total interest expense to $75,739 from $99,914 in 2003 is due to the decreased level of debt after the debt exchange completed in November 2003 coupled with a lower interest rate on senior notes issued in November 2003 and January 2004.
For the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
Subscriber growth and key performance indicators – We had total subscribers of approximately 727,000 at December 31, 2003 compared to approximately 622,000 at December 31, 2002. This growth of approximately 105,000 subscribers or 17 percent compares to 24 percent growth in 2002. The decline in the rate of growth from 2002 to 2003 is due to a larger subscriber base and the fact that overall growth in the wireless telecommunications industry declined in 2003 as compared to 2002.
Average monthly churn for 2003 was approximately 2.7 percent compared to approximately 3.4 percent for 2002. Average monthly churn in 2002 was the highest we have experienced since inception due to a significant number of involuntary deactivations of subscribers for non-payment resulting from the significant number of sub-prime credit quality customers we and Sprint had taken on during 2001 in connection with the Clear Pay program. We and certain other PCS Affiliates of Sprint modified the Clear Pay program in February 2002 and began to see the benefits of decreased involuntary deactivations in the fourth quarter of 2002 that continued into 2003.
Service Revenues – Subscriber revenues were $452,396 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $391,927 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of 15 percent was primarily due to the 17 percent increase in our subscriber base discussed above. Base ARPU (without roaming) decreased in 2003 to $56 compared to $58 in 2002. This decrease was attributable to plans with larger buckets of minutes being offered in 2003 compared to 2002 as a result of the increased level of competition in the marketplace resulting in lower overage revenue from customers exceeding their plan minutes.
Roaming revenue was $146,446 for 2003 compared to $139,843 for 2002. This increase of 5 percent was primarily due to a 55 percent increase in inbound roaming minutes to 1.7 billion for 2003 compared to 1.1 billion for 2002. The percentage increase in revenue in 2003 was less than the percentage increase in minutes due to declining rates from carriers other than Sprint. The reciprocal roaming rate with Sprint was 5.8 cents per minute in both 2003 and 2002.
Wholesale revenue was $4,326 for 2003 compared to $0 for 2002. This increase was due to the addition of revenue related to subscribers of another PCS carrier with whom Sprint entered into an agreement to allow those subscribers to use the PCS network of Sprint on a wholesale basis.
Product sales and cost of products sold – Product sales revenue for 2003 was $27,882 compared to $23,922 for 2002. Cost of products sold for 2003 was $59,651 compared to $50,974 for 2002. As such the subsidy on handsets sold through our retail and local indirect channels was $31,769 in 2003 and $27,052 in 2002. The increase in subsidies is due to increased promotional efforts in terms of rebates on handsets and equipment offered in response to increased competition in the marketplace.
Cost of service and operations (excluding non-cash compensation) – Costs of service and operations of $317,215 in 2003 were 8 percent lower than the $343,468 incurred in 2002. This decrease in cost is primarily attributable to a reduction in bad debt expense in 2003 to $13,451 compared to $40,285 in
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2002 as we began to see the benefit of reinstating deposit requirements on subscribers in certain credit categories in the form of reduced involuntary deactivations of subscribers for non-payment and resulting decreases in writeoffs.
Selling and marketing expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) – Selling and marketing expenses of $112,626 in 2003 were 5 percent lower than the $119,059 incurred in 2002 due to a decrease of approximately 25,000 total subscriber activations during 2003 as compared to 2002.
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) – General and administrative expenses of $16,257 in 2003 were 7 percent higher than the $15,243 incurred in 2002. The primary causes for this increase were increased professional fees being driven by various efforts undertaken in 2003 in beginning to prepare for the reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Depreciation and amortization – Depreciation expense totaled $70,428 in 2003 as compared to $64,702 in 2002. This increase of 9 percent is due to the increase in depreciable costs as a result of our capital expenditures in 2003.
Amortization expense of $40,067 in 2003 was consistent with the $40,419 in 2002.
Impairment of property and equipment – In 2003 we recorded impairments of property and equipment totaling $2,243 primarily related to the abandonment of certain network equipment that had become technologically obsolete. In 2002 we recorded impairments of property and equipment totaling $1,194 primarily related to a switching facility that was closed and abandoned.
Non-cash compensation – Non-cash compensation expense of $149 and $29 in 2003 and 2002, respectively relates to shares of restricted stock that were awarded to our officers in 2002. Certain of our officers received a total of 800,000 shares of restricted stock in 2002 at a discount to market price that will vest over a three-year period. Compensation expense related to the difference between the market price of the stock and the price the officers paid for the stock will be recognized over the vesting period during which the restrictions lapse. Additionally, in 2003 we recorded non-cash compensation of $387 related to 202,554 shares of common stock granted to directors as compensation for their directorship. The compensation expense recorded related to these shares was based on the fair market value of common stock on the date of each grant.
Operating income (loss) – Our operating income for 2003 was $12,027 compared to a loss of $371,031 for 2002. This increase in income is primarily attributable to the fact that we recognized a $291,635 impairment of goodwill in 2002. The remaining improvement is primarily attributable to the leverage we are beginning to experience in spreading our fixed costs over a larger base of subscribers and growth in inbound roaming revenue from other PCS carriers.
Gain on derivative instrument – The gain of $2,858 for 2003 represents the increase in the fair value of the derivative associated with the early redemption option on shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock from the time the shares were issued through December 31, 2003.
Debt exchange expenses – Debt exchange expenses recorded in 2003 of $8,694 consist of professional fees and transaction costs associated with the debt exchange that was completed in November 2003 that were allocated to the new notes issued in the exchange and were expensed in accordance with the accounting provisions of SFAS No. 15. We had no such debt exchange expenses in 2002.
Interest and other income – Interest and other income represents amounts earned on the investment of excess cash including restricted cash. Income of $948 in 2003 was 73 percent less than the $3,459 earned in 2002 due to declining interest rates and the fact that excess cash and investments, including restricted cash, were liquidated during 2002 and 2003 in connection with funding our capital expenditures, cash interest payments on senior notes and operating cash flow losses.
Interest expense – Interest expense for 2003 and 2002 included non-cash interest of $37,402 and $36,773, respectively, related to the accretion of senior discount notes, the amortization of debt issuance costs and changes in the fair value of hedge instruments that do not qualify for hedge
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accounting treatment. The decrease in total interest expense to $99,914 from $102,863 in 2002 is due to the decreased level of debt after the debt exchange completed in November 2003.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes." As of December 31, 2000, the net deferred tax asset consisted primarily of temporary differences related to the treatment of organizational costs, unearned compensation, interest expense and net operating loss carry forwards. The net deferred tax asset was fully offset by a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2000 because there was sufficient uncertainty as to whether we would recognize the benefit of those deferred taxes in future periods. In connection with the acquisitions completed in 2001, we recorded significant deferred tax liabilities due to differences in the book and tax basis of the net assets acquired, particularly intangible assets.
The reversal of the timing differences which gave rise to these deferred tax liabilities allowed us to realize the benefit of timing differences which gave rise to the deferred tax asset. As a result, we released the valuation allowance during the second quarter of 2001. Prior to 2001, all deferred tax benefit had been fully offset by an increase in the valuation allowance such that there was no financial statement impact with respect to income taxes. With the reduction of the valuation allowance in 2001, we began to reflect a deferred tax benefit in our consolidated statement of operations. During 2003, we reinstated a valuation allowance to reflect the deferred tax assets at the amounts expected to be realized. The valuation allowance was further increased in 2004 to reflect the deferred tax assets at the amounts expected to be realized. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the need for and adequacy of the valuation allowance based on the expected realizability of our deferred tax assets and adjust the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are the latest forecast of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences.
Cash Flows
Operating activities – Operating cash flows increased $74,772 in 2004 and increased $81,939 in 2003. The 2004 increase is primarily due to our increased income before non-cash items in 2004 of $66,754 coupled with working capital changes of $8,018. The 2003 increase is primarily due to our decreased loss before non-cash items in 2003 of $73,151 coupled with working capital changes of $8,788.
Investing activities – Our investing cash flows were negative $134,432 in 2004 compared to negative $1,256 in 2003. Our cash capital expenditures for 2004 were $83,989 compared to $38,625 in 2003 due to more cell sites built in 2004 as we expanded the coverage of our territory in 2004. Additionally, the decrease in restricted cash related to amounts used to make cash interest payments on our senior notes was $1 in 2004 and $34,724 in 2003.
Our investing cash flows were negative $1,256 in 2003 compared to negative $27,658 in 2002. Our cash capital expenditures for 2003 were $38,625 compared to $89,476 in 2002 due to fewer cell sites built in 2003 as we completed the coverage of our territory in 2002. Additionally, the decrease in restricted cash related to amounts used to make cash interest payments on our senior notes was $34,724 in 2003 and $59,968 in 2002.
Financing activities – Our financing cash flows increased in 2004 to $34,571 from negative $16,199 in 2003. In 2004, we received net proceeds from an offering of senior notes of approximately $242 million which were used to permanently repay $200 million in borrowings outstanding under our senior secured credit facility. We paid cash dividends on preferred stock in 2004 of $10,595 and received proceeds from issuances of stock to our employee stock purchase plan as well as exercises of stock options totaling $4,179. Our negative financing cash flows in 2003 were attributable to costs incurred in connection with a debt restructuring completed in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Our financing cash flows decreased in 2003 to a negative $16,199 from $11,300 in 2002. Our financing cash flows in 2002 primarily consisted of $12,838 in borrowings under our senior secured
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credit facility. Our negative financing cash flows in 2003 were attributable to costs incurred in connection with a debt restructuring completed in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity – Since inception, we have financed our operations through capital contributions from our owners, debt financing and proceeds generated from public offerings of our common stock. The proceeds from these transactions have been used to fund the build-out of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint, subscriber acquisition costs and working capital.
While we have incurred significant net losses since inception and incurred negative cash flows from operating activities through 2002, we generated approximately $130 million and $55 million of cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In November 2003, we completed a debt exchange that provided for approximately $238 million of principal debt reduction.
As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $130 million of cash on hand as well as $50 million in short term investments which we believe will be sufficient to fund expected capital expenditures and to cover our working capital and debt service requirements (including dividends on preferred stock) for at least the next 12 months.
We completed the acquisition of another PCS Affiliate of Sprint in February 2005. In connection with that acquisition, stockholders of the acquired entity will receive cash consideration of $100 million.
Our future liquidity will be dependent on a number of factors influencing our projections of operating cash flows, including those related to subscriber growth, ARPU, average monthly churn and costs to acquire subscribers. Should actual results differ significantly from these assumptions, our liquidity position could be adversely affected and we could be in a position that would require us to raise additional capital, which may or may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all, and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our intended business objectives.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that would have a current or future effect on the financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual Obligations
Our future contractual obligations related to long-term debt, capital lease obligations, and non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2004 are reflected in the table below.
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less
than One year |
1 – 3 Years |
4 –
5 Years |
After 5 Years |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (fully accreted) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 490,587 | $ | 263,925 | $ | 754,512 | ||||||||||||
Cash interest | 63,000 | 238,303 | 106,988 | 23,340 | 431,631 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations | 196 | 464 | 276 | 324 | 1,260 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating leases | 36,049 | 110,870 | 61,779 | 31,670 | 240,368 | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 99,245 | $ | 349,637 | $ | 659,630 | $ | 319,259 | $ | 1,427,771 | |||||||||||||
Description of our Indebtedness
12% senior discount notes due 2009 – In connection with the completion of our debt exchange in November 2003, we issued approximately $191 million in aggregate original issue amount of the 12% senior discount notes. The outstanding principal amount of the 12% senior discount notes will accrete
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at 12%, compounded semi-annually, to approximately $233.3 million at July 31, 2005. Thereafter, cash interest on the outstanding principal amount will be payable semi-annually at 12% beginning on January 31, 2006 and continuing through maturity on July 31, 2009. The 12% senior discount notes are unsecured.
11% senior notes due 2010 – In connection with the completion of our debt exchange in November 2003, we issued $250.8 million in aggregate principal amount of the 11% senior notes. Cash interest on the outstanding principal amount of the 11% senior notes is payable semiannually at 11% beginning on January 31, 2004 and continuing through maturity on July 31, 2010. The 11% senior notes are unsecured.
12 7/8% senior discount notes due 2010 – As a result of our debt exchange, approximately $6.3 million in accreted principal amount of our 12 7/8% senior discount notes remain outstanding at December 31, 2004. These notes will accrete to their full principal amount at maturity of $6.4 million on February 15, 2005, and thereafter cash interest on the outstanding principal amount will be payable semiannually at 12 7/8% beginning on August 15, 2005 and continuing through maturity on February 15, 2010. The 12 7/8% senior discount notes are unsecured.
12½% senior notes due 2011 – As a result of our debt exchange, approximately $11.6 million in aggregate principal amount of our 12½% senior notes remain outstanding. Cash interest on the outstanding principal amount of these notes is payable semiannually at 12½% through maturity on February 1, 2011. The 12½% senior notes are unsecured.
13 5/8% senior notes due 2011 – As a result of our debt exchange, approximately $2.3 million in aggregate principal amount of our 13 5/8% senior notes remain outstanding. Cash interest on the outstanding principal amount of these notes is payable semiannually at 13 5/8% through maturity on August 15, 2011. The 13 5/8% senior notes are unsecured.
8½% senior notes due 2012 – In January 2004, we issued $250 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8½% senior notes due 2012. Cash interest on the outstanding principal amount of these notes is payable semiannually at 8½%, beginning on July 31, 2004, through maturity on January 31, 2012. We used the proceeds from this issuance to repay and terminate outstanding borrowings under the senior secured credit facility with the remainder available for general corporate purposes.
Inflation
We believe that inflation has not had a significant impact in the past and is not likely to have a significant impact in the foreseeable future on our results of operations.
Future Trends That May Affect Operating Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources
During 2002 and 2003, we experienced overall declining net subscriber growth compared to previous periods. This trend was attributable to increased competition and slowing aggregate subscriber growth in the wireless telecommunications industry. Although we have experienced improvement in subscriber growth in 2004, we are continuing to incur net losses as we continue to add subscribers, which requires a significant up-front investment to acquire those subscribers. If net subscriber growth does not continue to improve, it will lengthen the amount of time it will take for us to reach a sufficient number of subscribers to achieve profitability.
We may experience a higher average monthly churn rate than we are currently anticipating. Our average monthly churn for 2004 was 2.3 percent compared to 2.7 percent for 2003 and 3.4 percent for 2002. The rate of churn experienced in 2002 was the highest that we have experienced on an annual basis since the inception of the Company. Although churn has declined over the past two years, we expect that in the near term churn could increase as a result of the implementation of the FCC's WLNP mandate in all of our markets during 2004. Through the end of 2004, we have not experienced a material impact to churn related to WLNP with respect to the markets in which we operate. If average monthly churn increases over the long-term, we would lose the cash flows attributable to those customers and have greater than projected losses.
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We may incur significant handset subsidy costs for existing customers who upgrade to a new handset. As our customer base matures and technological advances in our services take place, more existing customers will begin to upgrade to new handsets to take advantage of these services. We have limited historical experience regarding the rate at which existing customers upgrade their handsets and if more customers upgrade than we are currently anticipating, it could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisition of AirGate in February 2005. If we are unable to effectively operate the territories acquired in connection with the acquisition of AirGate, our expected synergies and results of operations of AirGate may not be realized which could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows.
We may not be able to access the credit or equity markets for additional capital if the liquidity discussed above is not sufficient for the cash needs of our business. We continually evaluate options for additional sources of capital to supplement our liquidity position and maintain maximum financial flexibility. If the need for additional capital arises due to our actual results differing significantly from our business plan or for any other reason, we may be unable to raise additional capital.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," which is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be valued at fair value on the date of grant, and to be expensed over the applicable vesting period. Pro forma disclosures of the income statement effects of share-based payments is no longer an alternative. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for all stock-based awards granted on or after July 1, 2005. In addition, companies must also recognize compensation expense related to any awards that are not fully vested as of July 1, 2005. Compensation expense for the unvested awards will be measured based on the fair value of the awards previously calculated in developing the pro forma disclosures in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) to our consolidated results of operations.
RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Our Business, Strategy and Operations
We may not be able to sustain our planned growth or obtain sufficient revenue to achieve and sustain profitability.
During 2002 and 2003, we experienced overall declining net subscriber growth compared to periods prior to 2002. This trend was attributable to increased competition and slowing aggregate subscriber growth in the wireless telecommunications industry. We are currently experiencing net losses as we continue to add subscribers, which requires a significant up-front investment to acquire those subscribers. Although we experienced an increase in subscriber growth in 2004, if net subscriber growth does not continue to improve or declines for an extended period of time, it may lengthen the amount of time it will take for us to reach a sufficient number of subscribers to achieve profitability.
We may not achieve or sustain operating profitability or positive cash flows, which may result in a drop in our stock price.
We have a limited operating history and have incurred significant losses to date. Our future operating profitability and cash flows from operating activities will depend upon many factors, including, among others, our ability to market Sprint PCS products and services, achieve projected market penetration and manage subscriber turnover rates. We will have to dedicate a substantial portion of any future cash flows from operations to make interest and principal payments on our consolidated debt, which will reduce funds available for other purposes. If we do not maintain positive cash flows from operations, or if our operating cash flows are insufficient to cover our debt obligations in the future, we may be unable to conduct our business in an effective or competitive manner. As a result, our stock price could fall and our stockholders could lose all or part of their investment.
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If we receive less revenues or incur more fees than we anticipate for PCS roaming from Sprint, our results of operations may be negatively affected.
We are paid a fee from Sprint or a PCS Affiliate of Sprint for every minute that Sprint's or that affiliate's subscribers use our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. Similarly, we pay a fee to Sprint or another PCS Affiliate of Sprint for every minute that our subscribers use the PCS network of Sprint outside our territory. Sprint PCS subscribers based in our territory may spend more time in other PCS coverage areas than we anticipate, and wireless customers from outside our territory may spend less time in our territory or may use our services less than we anticipate. As a result, we may receive less Sprint PCS roaming revenue and/or have to pay more in Sprint PCS roaming fees than we collect in Sprint PCS roaming revenue. Our ratio of inbound to outbound roaming minutes with Sprint PCS was approximately 1.16 to 1 in 2004. We expect this ratio to decline to approximately 1 to 1 over time.
We are a consumer business and a recession in the United States involving significantly lowered consumer spending could negatively affect our results of operations.
Our primary customer base is individual consumers, and in the event that the economic downturn that the United States and other countries have recently experienced becomes more pronounced or lasts longer than currently expected and spending by individual consumers drops significantly, our business may be negatively affected.
Roaming and wholesale revenue from subscribers of wireless communications providers other than Sprint PCS and PCS Affiliates of Sprint may decline in the future.
We derive a significant amount of roaming and wholesale revenue from wireless communications providers other than Sprint and PCS Affiliates of Sprint for permitting their subscribers to roam on or use on a wholesale basis our portion of the PCS network of Sprint when they are in our territory. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 30% of our roaming and wholesale revenue was attributable to revenue derived from these other wireless communications providers. We do not have agreements directly with these providers. Instead, we rely on roaming or wholesale arrangements that Sprint has negotiated. If the rates offered by Sprint are not attractive, these other wireless communications providers may decide to build-out their own networks in our territory or enter into roaming arrangements with our competitors who also already have networks in our territory. The loss of all or a significant portion of this revenue would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Our roaming arrangements may not be competitive with other wireless service providers, which may restrict our ability to attract and retain customers and thus may adversely affect our operations.
We do not have agreements directly with other wireless service providers for roaming coverage outside our territory. Instead, we rely on roaming arrangements that Sprint has negotiated with other wireless service providers for coverage in these areas. Some risks related to these arrangements are as follows:
• | the arrangements may not benefit us in the same manner that they benefit Sprint; |
• | the quality of the service provided by another provider during a roaming call may not approximate the quality of the service provided by Sprint; |
• | the price of a roaming call may not be competitive with prices charged by other wireless companies for roaming calls; |
• | customers must end a call in progress and initiate a new call when leaving the PCS network of Sprint and entering another wireless network; |
• | Sprint wireless customers may not be able to use advanced PCS features from Sprint, such as PCS Vision, while roaming; |
• | Sprint or the carriers providing the service may not be able to provide us with accurate billing information on a timely basis; and |
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• | If Sprint wireless customers are not able to have a similar wireless experience as when they are on the PCS network of Sprint, we may lose current subscribers and Sprint PCS products and services may be less attractive to potential new customers. |
The technology that we use may become obsolete, which would limit our ability to compete effectively within the wireless telecommunications industry.
The wireless telecommunications industry is experiencing significant technological change. We employ CDMA digital technology, the digital wireless communications technology selected by Sprint and certain other carriers for their nationwide networks. Other carriers employ other technologies, such as TDMA, GSM and iDEN, for their nationwide networks. If another technology becomes the preferred industry standard, we would be at a competitive disadvantage and competitive pressures may require Sprint to change its digital technology, which in turn could require us to make changes to our network at substantial costs. We may be unable to respond to these pressures and implement new technology on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost.
Unauthorized use of, or interference with, our portion of the PCS network of Sprint could disrupt our service and increase our costs.
We may incur costs associated with the unauthorized use of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint, including administrative and capital costs associated with detecting, monitoring and reducing the incidence of fraud. Fraudulent use of our portion of the PCS network of Sprint may impact interconnection costs, capacity costs, administrative costs, fraud prevention costs and payments to other carriers for fraudulent roaming. In addition, some of our border markets are susceptible to uncertainties related to areas not governed by the FCC. For example, unauthorized microwave radio signals near the border in Mexico could disrupt our service in the United States.
Potential acquisitions may require us to incur substantial additional debt and integrate new technologies, operations and services, which may be costly and time consuming.
We intend to continually evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of businesses that are intended to complement or extend our existing operations. If we acquire additional businesses, we may encounter difficulties that may be costly and time-consuming and slow our growth. For example, we may have to:
• | assume and/or incur substantial additional debt to finance the acquisitions and fund the ongoing operations of the acquired companies; |
• | integrate new operations with our existing operations; or |
• | divert the attention of our management from other business concerns. |
If we lose the right to install our equipment on wireless towers or are unable to renew expiring leases for wireless towers on favorable terms or at all, our business and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Substantially all of our base stations are installed on leased tower facilities that are shared with one or more other wireless service providers. In addition, a large portion of these leased tower sites are owned by a few tower companies. If a master agreement with one of these tower companies were to terminate, or if one of these tower companies were unable to support the use of its tower sites by us, we would have to find new sites or may be required to rebuild the affected portion of our network. In addition, the concentration of our tower leases with a limited number of tower companies could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition if any of our operating subsidiaries is unable to renew its expiring leases with these tower companies either on favorable terms or at all. If any of the tower leasing companies that we do business with should experience severe financial difficulties, or file for bankruptcy protection, our ability to use our towers could be adversely affected. That, in turn, would adversely affect our revenues and financial condition if a material number of towers were involved.
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The loss of the officers and skilled employees upon whom we depend to operate our business could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business is managed by a small number of executive officers. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to retain these executive officers and to attract and retain other highly qualified technical and management personnel. We may not be successful in retaining key personnel or in attracting and retaining other highly qualified technical and management personnel. The loss of the officers and skilled employees upon whom we depend to operate our business could adversely affect our results of operations.
Risks Related to Acquisitions
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of AirGate completed in 2005.
The success of our merger with AirGate will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities, economies of scale and other benefits from combining our business with AirGate's business. To realize the anticipated benefits of this combination, our management team must develop strategies and implement a business plan that will:
• | effectively manage the networks and markets of AirGate and Alamosa; |
• | effectively manage the marketing and sales of the services of AirGate and Alamosa; |
• | successfully retain and attract key employees of the combined company, including management, during a period of transition and in light of the competitive employment market; and |
• | maintain adequate focus on existing businesses and operations while working to integrate the two companies. |
If we do not realize economies of scale and other anticipated benefits as a result of the merger, the value of our common stock may decline.
Risks Related to the Relationship with Sprint
Our ability to conduct our business would be severely restricted if Sprint PCS terminates our affiliation agreements with it.
Our relationship with Sprint is governed by our affiliation agreements with Sprint. Since we do not own any licenses to operate a wireless network, our business depends on the continued effectiveness of these affiliation agreements. However, Sprint may be able to terminate our affiliation agreements with it if we materially breach the terms of the agreements. These terms include operational and network requirements that are extremely technical and detailed and apply to each retail store, cell site and switch site. Many of these operational and network requirements can be changed by Sprint, in certain cases, with little notice. As a result, we may not always be in compliance with all requirements of our affiliation agreements with Sprint. Sprint conducts periodic audits of compliance with various aspects of its program guidelines and identifies issues it believes need to be addressed. There may be substantial costs associated with remedying any non-compliance, and such costs may adversely affect our operating results and cash flows. If Sprint terminates or fails to renew our affiliation agreements or fails to perform its obligations under those agreements, our ability to conduct business would be severely restricted.
If we materially breach our affiliation agreements with Sprint, Sprint may have the right to purchase our operating assets at a discount to market value.
Our affiliation agreements with Sprint require that we provide network coverage to a minimum network coverage area within specified time frames and that we meet and maintain Sprint's technical and customer service requirements. We believe we are in compliance with our network build-out requirements and Sprint's other program requirements. A failure by us to meet any expanded build-out requirements for any one of the individual markets in our territory, or a failure to complete
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our current network build-out requirements according to our expected time frame, or to meet Sprint's technical or customer service requirements contained in the affiliation agreements would constitute a material breach of the agreements, which could lead to their termination by Sprint. We may amend our affiliation agreements with Sprint in the future to expand our network coverage. Our affiliation agreements with Sprint provide that upon the occurrence of an event of termination caused by our breach of such agreements, Sprint has the right to, among other things, purchase our operating assets and for a price equal to 72% of our "entire business value." See "Business—Our Affiliation Agreements with Sprint" for a description of how we calculate our entire business value.
Sprint may make decisions that could increase our expenses and/or our capital expenditure requirements, reduce our revenues or make our affiliate relationships with Sprint less advantageous than expected.
Under our affiliation agreements with Sprint, Sprint has a substantial amount of control over factors that significantly affect the conduct of our business. Accordingly, up to newly established limits set forth in the amendments to our affiliation agreements with Sprint executed in 2003 and 2004, Sprint may make decisions that adversely affect our business, such as the following:
• | Sprint prices its national calling plans based on its own objectives and could set price levels or change other characteristics of its plans in a way that may not be economically sufficient for our business; and |
• | Sprint may alter its network and technical requirements or request that we build-out additional areas within our territory, which could result in increased equipment and build-out costs or in Sprint building out that area itself or assigning it to another PCS Affiliate of Sprint. |
Certain provisions of our affiliation agreements with Sprint may diminish our value and restrict the sale of our business.
Under specific circumstances, Sprint may purchase our operating assets or capital stock at a discount. In addition, Sprint must consent to any transaction pursuant to which Alamosa Holdings is no longer the "ultimate parent" of any of our operating subsidiaries party to the affiliation agreements with Sprint and must consent to any assignment by us of our affiliation agreements with it. Sprint also has a right of first refusal if we decide to sell our operating assets to a third party. We are also subject to a number of restrictions on the transfer of our business, including a prohibition on the sale of our operating assets to competitors of Sprint. These restrictions and other restrictions contained in our affiliation agreements with Sprint, restrict our ability to sell our business, may reduce the value a buyer would be willing to pay for our business and may reduce our "entire business value."
Problems experienced by Sprint with its internal support systems could lead to customer dissatisfaction or increase our costs.
We rely on Sprint's internal support systems, including customer care, billing and back office support. As Sprint has expanded, its internal support systems have been subject to increased demand and, in some cases, suffered a degradation in service. We cannot assure you that Sprint will be able to successfully add system capacity or that its internal support systems will be adequate. It is likely that problems with Sprint's internal support systems could cause:
• | delays or problems in our operations or services; |
• | delays or difficulty in gaining access to customer and financial information; |
• | a loss of customers; and |
• | an increase in the costs of customer care, billing and back office services after the expiration of our contractually fixed rates on December 31, 2006. |
Should Sprint fail to deliver timely and accurate information, this may lead to adverse short-term decisions and inaccurate assumptions in our business plan. It could also adversely affect our cash flow because Sprint collects our receivables and sends us a net amount that is based on the financial information it produces for us.
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Our costs for internal support systems may increase if Sprint terminates all or part of our services agreements with it.
The costs for the services provided by Sprint under our service agreements with Sprint related to billing, customer care and other back-office functions for the year ended December 31, 2004 was approximately $70 million. Since we incur these costs on a per subscriber basis, we expect the aggregate costs for such services to increase as the number of our subscribers increases. Sprint may terminate any service provided under such agreements upon nine months prior written notice, but if we would like to continue receiving such service, Sprint has agreed that it will assist us in developing that function internally or locating a third-party vendor that will provide that service. Although Sprint has agreed in such an event to reimburse us for expenses we incur in transitioning to any service internally or to a third-party, if Sprint terminates a service for which we have not developed or are unable to develop a cost-effective alternative, our operating costs may increase beyond our expectations and our operations may be interrupted or restricted. We do not currently have a contingency plan if Sprint terminates a service we currently receive from it.
If Sprint does not maintain control over its licensed spectrum, the affiliation agreements with Sprint may be terminated.
Sprint, not us, owns the licenses necessary to provide wireless services in our territory. The FCC requires that licensees like Sprint maintain control of their licensed systems and not delegate control to third party operators or managers without the FCC's consent. Our affiliation agreements with Sprint reflect an arrangement that the parties believe meets the FCC requirements for licensee control of licensed spectrum. However, if the FCC were to determine that any of our affiliation agreements with Sprint needs to be modified to increase the level of licensee control, we have agreed with Sprint to use our best efforts to modify the agreements to comply with applicable law. If we cannot agree with Sprint to modify the agreements, those agreements may be terminated. If the agreements are terminated, we would no longer be a part of the PCS network of Sprint and we would not be able to conduct our business.
The FCC may fail to renew the Sprint wireless licenses under certain circumstances, which would prevent us from providing wireless services.
Sprint's wireless licenses are subject to renewal and revocation by the FCC. The Sprint wireless licenses in our territory will expire in 2005 or 2007 but may be renewed for additional ten-year terms. The FCC has adopted specific standards that apply to wireless personal communications services license renewals. Any failure by Sprint or us to comply with these standards could result in the nonrenewal of the Sprint licenses for our territory. Additionally, if Sprint does not demonstrate to the FCC that Sprint has met the construction requirements for each of its wireless personal communications services licenses, it can lose those licenses. If Sprint loses its licenses in our territory for any of these reasons, we and our subsidiaries would not be able to provide wireless services without obtaining rights to other licenses. If Sprint loses its licenses in another territory, Sprint or the applicable PCS Affiliate of Sprint would not be able to provide wireless services without obtaining rights to other licenses and our ability to offer nationwide calling plans would be diminished and the cost of providing these plans could increase significantly.
We rely on Sprint for a substantial amount of our financial information. If that information is not accurate, the investment community could lose confidence in us.
Under our affiliation agreements with Sprint, Sprint performs our billing, manages our accounts receivable and provides a substantial amount of financial data that impact our accounts. We use that information to record our financial results and to prepare our financial statements. If we later find errors in that information, we may be required to restate our financial statements. If that occurs with respect to us or any other PCS Affiliate of Sprint, investors and securities analysts may lose confidence in us.
If Sprint does not succeed, our business may not succeed.
If Sprint has a significant disruption to its business plan or network, fails to operate its business in an efficient manner, or suffers a weakening of its brand name, our operations and profitability would
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likely be negatively impacted. If Sprint should have significant financial problems, including bankruptcy, our business would suffer material adverse consequences, which could include termination or revision of our affiliation agreements with Sprint. We currently have no reason to believe that Sprint will have significant financial problems, including bankruptcy.
If other PCS Affiliates of Sprint have financial difficulties, the PCS network of Sprint could be disrupted.
The national PCS network of Sprint is a combination of networks. The large metropolitan areas are owned and operated by Sprint, and the areas in between them are operated by PCS Affiliates of Sprint, all of which are independent companies like us. We believe that most, if not all, of these companies have incurred substantial debt to pay the large cost of building out their networks. If other PCS Affiliates of Sprint experience financial difficulties, the PCS network of Sprint could be disrupted in the territories of those PCS Affiliates of Sprint. Material disruptions in the PCS network of Sprint could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain subscribers. If the affiliation agreements of those PCS Affiliates of Sprint are like ours, Sprint would have the right to step in and operate the affected territory. However, this right could be delayed or hindered by legal proceedings, including any bankruptcy proceeding related to the affected PCS Affiliate of Sprint. Certain PCS Affiliates of Sprint have declared bankruptcy, some alleging that Sprint violated its agreements with the PCS Affiliate, and others have experienced financial difficulties. In each case, we believe that there has been no material disruption of the PCS network of Sprint to date.
We may have difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply of certain handsets from Sprint, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We depend on our relationship with Sprint to obtain handsets and other wireless devices. Sprint orders handsets and other wireless devices from various manufacturers. We could have difficulty obtaining specific types of handsets in a timely manner if:
• | Sprint does not adequately project the need for handsets for itself, its PCS Affiliates and its other third party distribution channels, particularly in transition to new technologies such as 3G technology; |
• | Sprint gives preference to other distribution channels; |
• | We do not adequately project our need for handsets or other wireless devices; |
• | Sprint modifies its handset logistics and delivery plan in a manner that restricts or delays our access to handsets; or |
• | There is an adverse development in the relationship between Sprint and its suppliers or vendors. |
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could disrupt our customer service and/or result in a decrease in our subscribers, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
The recently announced merger of Sprint and Nextel Communications, Inc. could have an impact on our affiliation agreements with Sprint.
On December 15, 2004, Sprint Corporation and Nextel Communications, Inc. announced that their boards of directors unanimously approved a definitive agreement for a merger of equals. Nextel Communications currently operates a wireless mobility communications network in certain territories in which we and AirGate also provide digital wireless mobility communications network services under the Sprint or affiliated brands.
We and Sprint have had only very preliminary communications regarding the potential impact on us of the pending Sprint-Nextel transaction. We believe that, based on currently available information, and assuming that no changes are effected with respect to Sprint's agreements with us and AirGate, Sprint could be in violation of the exclusivity provisions of AirGate's agreements with Sprint upon completion of the Sprint-Nextel transaction and Sprint could be in violation of the exclusivity provisions of our agreements with Sprint at some point following completion of the Sprint-Nextel transaction.
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Sprint's agreements with us and AirGate provide for specific remedies in the event of a material violation by Sprint of such agreements if not cured within an applicable time period. Neither we nor any of our executives have made any definitive determination as to the impact on the value to us or our business of any of such remedies or whether any such remedy would be more or less favorable to us or our shareholders than are our existing arrangements with Sprint or any possible renegotiated arrangements with Sprint.
We are committed to working with Sprint to reach mutually agreeable arrangements with respect to these matters. However, there can be no assurances that we and Sprint will be able to reach mutually acceptable arrangements or as to the terms of any such arrangements or the likely impact on us of any such arrangement.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our financial health.
We are highly leveraged. As of December 31, 2004, our total outstanding debt, including capital lease obligations and excluding unused commitments made by lenders, was approximately $740 million. In addition, we had 478,987 shares of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock outstanding with a liquidation preference of $250 per share or $120 million in the aggregate that would be required to be redeemed by us on July 31, 2013 assuming the shares were not converted into common stock prior to that date. As of December 31, 2004, such indebtedness and preferred stock redemption obligations represent approximately 85% of our total capitalization, which includes total outstanding debt, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and stockholders' equity as presented in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004. The indentures governing our existing senior notes permit us and our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness subject to certain limitations. Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health by, among other things:
• | increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic conditions; |
• | limiting our ability to obtain any additional financing we may need to operate, develop and expand our business; |
• | requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flows from operations to service our debt, which reduces the funds available for operations and future business opportunities; and |
• | potentially making us more highly leveraged than our competitors, which could potentially decrease our ability to compete in our industry. |
The ability to make payments on our debt will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to general economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which we cannot control. If the cash flows from our operating activities is insufficient to service our debt obligations, we may take actions, such as delaying or reducing capital expenditures, attempting to restructure or refinance our debt, selling assets or operations or seeking additional equity capital.
The terms of our debt place restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, which may limit our operating flexibility.
The indentures governing our senior notes impose material operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries. These restrictions, subject in certain cases to ordinary course of business and other exceptions, may limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to engage in some transactions, including the following:
• | incurring additional debt or in the case of our guarantor subsidiaries, issuing capital stock to a third party; |
• | paying dividends, redeeming capital stock or making other restricted payments or investments; |
• | creating liens on assets; |
• | merging, consolidating or disposing of assets; |
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• | repurchasing our common stock; |
• | entering into transactions with affiliates; |
• | placing restrictions on the ability of guarantor subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to Alamosa Delaware, which is the issuer of our publicly traded debt; and |
• | changing lines of business. |
These restrictions could limit our ability to obtain debt financing, repurchase stock, refinance or pay principal or interest on our outstanding debt, complete acquisitions for cash or debt, or react to changes in our operating environment. Any future debt that we incur may contain similar or more restrictive covenants.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Future sales or the possibility of future sales of a substantial amount of our common stock may depress the market price of our common stock.
Future sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices and the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of our equity securities. Currently we have approximately 115 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding. We have in the past issued shares of our common stock in connection with acquisitions and may issue shares of our common stock from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions and investments. In the event any such acquisition or investment is significant, the number of shares that we may issue may in turn be significant. In addition, we may also grant registration rights covering those shares in connection with any such acquisitions and investments.
In connection with the debt exchange completed in November 2003, we issued 679,495 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to noteholders who tendered their notes in the exchange. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 50 million shares of common stock at the option of the holder. These preferred shares can be converted at any time prior to July 31, 2013 at which point we will be required to redeem all outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred stock for $250 per share. Shares of common stock issued in connection with the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that may discourage a change of control transaction or make removal of members of the board of directors more difficult.
Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing a change in control of us or making removal of members of the Board of Directors more difficult. These provisions include the following:
• | a classified board, with each board member serving a three-year term; |
• | no authorization for stockholders to call a special meeting; |
• | no ability of stockholders to remove directors without cause; |
• | prohibition of action by written consent of stockholders; and |
• | advance notice for nomination of directors and for stockholder proposals. |
These provisions, among others, may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, even though a change in ownership might be economically beneficial to us and our stockholders.
The price of our common stock may be volatile, and this may adversely affect our stockholders.
The market price of telecommunications and technology stocks recently have experienced volatility. The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond our control:
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• | quarterly variations in our operating results; |
• | operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors; |
• | changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors; |
• | changes in our relationship with Sprint; |
• | changes in laws and regulations; |
• | announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us; |
• | changes in market valuations of telecommunications and other PCS companies, including Sprint and PCS Affiliates of Sprint; |
• | announcements of technological innovations or new services by us or our competitors; |
• | announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
• | announcements by Sprint concerning developments or changes in its business, financial condition or results of operations, or in its expectations as to future financial performance; |
• | actual or potential defaults by us under any of our agreements; |
• | actual or potential defaults in bank covenants by Sprint or PCS Affiliates of Sprint, which may result in a perception that we are unable to comply with our bank covenants; |
• | changes in results of operations, market valuations and investor perceptions of Sprint, PCS Affiliates of Sprint or of other companies in the telecommunications industry in general and the wireless industry in particular, including our competitors; |
• | additions or departures of key personnel; |
• | release of transfer restrictions on our outstanding shares of common stock or sales of additional shares of our common stock; and |
• | general stock market price and volume fluctuations. |
Risks Related to the Wireless Personal Communications Services Industry
We may continue to experience a high rate of subscriber turnover, which would adversely affect our financial performance.
The wireless personal communications services industry in general, and Sprint and its PCS Affiliates in particular, have experienced a higher rate of subscriber turnover, commonly known as churn. We believe this higher churn rate has resulted from Sprint's programs for marketing its services to sub-prime credit quality subscribers, Sprint's relatively less established subscriber base and Sprint's focus on adding subscribers from the consumer segment of industry rather than business subscribers.
Due to, among other things, significant competition in our industry and general economic conditions, our future churn rate may be higher than our historical rate. Factors that may contribute to higher churn include:
• | inability or unwillingness of subscribers to pay, which results in involuntary deactivations, which accounted for approximately 34% of our deactivations in the year ended December 31, 2004; |
• | subscriber mix and credit class, particularly sub-prime credit subscribers, which accounted for approximately 36% of our gross subscriber additions for the year ended December 31, 2004 and account for approximately 25% of our subscriber base as of December 31, 2004; |
• | the number of Sprint PCS subscribers based in our territory that receive our services under a contract, consisting of approximately 87% of Sprint PCS subscribers based in our territory as |
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of December 31, 2004; of these subscribers under contracts, approximately 91% were under contracts with original contract terms of two years or longer; |
• | the attractiveness of our competitors' products, services and pricing; |
• | network performance and coverage relative to our competitors; |
• | customer service; |
• | any increased prices for services in the future; and |
• | any future changes by us in the products and services we offer, especially to the Clear Pay program. |
An additional factor that may contribute to a higher churn rate is the implementation of the FCC's WLNP requirement. The FCC regulations relating to WLNP enable wireless subscribers to keep their telephone numbers when switching to another carrier. As of May 24, 2004, all covered CMRS providers, including broadband PCS, cellular and certain SMR licensees, must allow customers to retain, subject to certain geographic limitations, their existing telephone number when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another. The overall impact of this mandate is uncertain. We anticipate that the WLNP mandate will impose increased operating costs on all CMRS providers, including us, and may result in higher churn rates and subscriber acquisition and retention costs.
A high rate of subscriber turnover could adversely affect our competitive position, liquidity, financial position, results of operations and our costs of, or losses incurred in, obtaining new subscribers, especially because we subsidize some of the costs of initial purchases of handsets by subscribers.
Regulation by government agencies and taxing authorities may increase our costs of providing service or require us to change our services.
Our operations and those of Sprint may be subject to varying degrees of regulation by the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state and local regulatory agencies and legislative bodies. Adverse decisions or regulations of these regulatory bodies could negatively impact Sprint's operations and our costs of doing business. For example, changes in tax laws or the interpretation of existing tax laws by state and local authorities could subject us to increased income, sales, gross receipts or other tax costs or require us to alter the structure of our current relationship with Sprint.
Concerns over health risks posed by the use of wireless handsets may reduce the consumer demand for our services.
Media reports have suggested that radio frequency emissions from wireless handsets may:
• | be linked to various health problems resulting from continued or excessive use, including cancer; |
• | interfere with various electronic medical devices, including hearing aids and pacemakers; and |
• | cause explosions if used while fueling an automobile. |
Widespread concerns over radio frequency emissions may expose us to potential litigation, discourage the use of wireless handsets or result in additional regulation imposing restrictions or increasing requirements on the location and operation of cell sites or the use or design of wireless handsets. Any resulting decrease in demand for these services or increase in the cost of complying with additional regulations could impair our ability to profitably operate our business.
Significant competition in the wireless communications services industry may result in our competitors offering new services or lower prices, which could prevent us from operating profitably and may cause prices for our services to continue to decline in the future.
Competition in the wireless telecommunications industry is intense. Competition has caused, and we anticipate that competition will continue to cause the market prices for two-way wireless products
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and services to decline. Our ability to compete will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the wireless telecommunications industry. While we try to maintain and grow our ARPU, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. If prices for our services continue to decline, it could adversely affect our ability to grow revenue, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our results of operations.
Our dependence on Sprint to develop competitive products and services and the requirement that we obtain Sprint's consent for our subsidiaries to sell non-Sprint approved equipment may limit our ability to keep pace with our competitors on the introduction of new products, services and equipment. Some of our competitors are larger than us, possess greater resources and more extensive coverage areas, and may market other services, such as landline telephone service, cable television and Internet access, along with their wireless communications services. In addition, we may be at a competitive disadvantage since we may be more highly leveraged than some of our competitors.
Market saturation could limit or decrease our rate of new subscriber additions.
Intense competition in the wireless communications industry could cause prices for wireless products and services to continue to decline. If prices drop, then our rate of net subscriber additions will take on greater significance in improving our financial condition and results of operations. However, as our and our competitors' penetration rates in our markets increase over time, our rate of adding net subscribers could decrease. If this decrease were to happen, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Alternative technologies and current uncertainties in the wireless market may reduce demand for PCS products and services.
The wireless communications industry is experiencing significant technological change, as evidenced by the increasing pace of digital upgrades in existing analog wireless systems, evolving industry standards, ongoing improvements in the capacity and quality of digital technology, shorter development cycles for new products and enhancements and changes in end-user requirements and preferences. Technological advances and industry changes could cause the technology used on our network to become obsolete. We rely on Sprint for research and development efforts with respect to Sprint PCS products and services and with respect to the technology used on our portion of the PCS network of Sprint. Sprint may not be able to respond to such changes and implement new technology on a timely basis, or at an acceptable cost.
If Sprint is unable to keep pace with these technological changes or changes in the wireless communications market, the technology used on our network or our business strategy may become obsolete. In addition, other carriers are in the process of completing, or have completed, upgrades to 1xRTT, or other 3G technologies. 3G technology provides high-speed, always-on Internet connectivity and high-quality video and audio.
We also face competition from paging, dispatch and conventional mobile radio operations, enhanced specialized mobile radio, called ESMR, and mobile satellite service. In addition, future FCC regulation or Congressional legislation may create additional spectrum allocations that would have the effect of adding new entrants (and thus additional competitors) into the mobile telecommunications market.
Regulation by government or potential litigation relating to the use of wireless phones while driving could adversely affect our results of operations.
Some studies have indicated that some aspects of using wireless phones while driving may impair drivers' attention in certain circumstances, making accidents more likely. These concerns could lead to litigation relating to accidents, deaths or serious bodily injuries, or to new restrictions or regulations on wireless phone use, any of which also could have material adverse effects on our results of operations. A number of U.S. states and local governments are considering or have recently enacted legislation that would restrict or prohibit the use of a wireless handset while driving a vehicle or, alternatively, require the use of a hands-free telephone. Legislation and new restrictions or government regulations that restrict or prohibit wireless phone use could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We do not engage in commodity futures trading activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies that could expose us to market risk.
We have been subject to some interest rate risk on our senior secured borrowings and could be subject to interest rate risk on any future floating rate financing.
General hedging policies – We have entered into interest rate swap and collar agreements to manage our exposure to interest rate changes in the past. We seek to minimize counterparty credit risk through stringent credit approval and review processes, the selection of only the most creditworthy counterparties, continual review and monitoring of all counterparties and through legal review of contracts. We also control exposure to market risk by regularly monitoring changes in interest rate positions under normal and stress conditions to ensure that they do not exceed established limits. Our derivative transactions are used for hedging purposes only and comply with board-approved policies. Senior management receives frequent status updates of all outstanding derivative positions.
Interest rate risk management – Our interest rate risk management program focuses on minimizing exposure to interest rate movements, setting an optimal mixture of floating- and fixed-rate debt. We utilized interest rate swaps and collars to adjust our risk profile relative to any floating rate debt. We have no floating rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2004.
The following table presents the estimated future outstanding long-term debt at the end of each year and future required annual principal payments for each year then ended associated with the senior discount notes, senior notes and capital leases based on our projected level of long-term indebtedness:
Years Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Rate Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 7/8% senior discount notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 7/8% senior discount notes (2) | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 12.875 | % | 12.875 | % | 12.875 | % | 12.875 | % | 12.875 | % | 12.875 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
12% senior discount notes (2) | $ | 233 | $ | 233 | $ | 233 | $ | 233 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 12.000 | % | 12.000 | % | 12.000 | % | 12.000 | % | 12.000 | % | 12.000 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 233 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
12½% senior notes | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 12.500 | % | 12.500 | % | 12.500 | % | 12.500 | % | 12.500 | % | 12.500 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 12 | |||||||||||||||
13 5/8% senior notes | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 13.625 | % | 13.625 | % | 13.625 | % | 13.625 | % | 13.625 | % | 13.625 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2 | |||||||||||||||
11% senior notes | $ | 251 | $ | 251 | $ | 251 | $ | 251 | $ | 251 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 251 | |||||||||||||||
8½% senior notes | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate | 8.500 | % | 8.500 | % | 8.500 | % | 8.500 | % | 8.500 | % | 8.500 | % | |||||||||||||||
Principal payments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 250 | |||||||||||||||
Capital leases | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total minimum lease payments (1) | $ | 1.064 | $ | .888 | $ | .744 | $ | .600 | $ | .445 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Average Interest Rate | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | 11.000 | % | |||||||||||||||
Annual lease payments | $ | .196 | $ | .176 | $ | .144 | $ | .145 | $ | .154 | $ | .445 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | These amounts represent the estimated minimum annual payments due under our estimated capital lease obligations for the periods presented. |
(2) | Interest will accrete on the 12 7/8% senior discount notes through February 2005 and on the 12% senior discount notes through July 31, 2005 at which time the notes will begin to require cash payments of interest. |
55
Our primary market risk exposure relates to:
• | the interest rate risk on long-term and short-term borrowings; and |
• | our ability to refinance our senior discount notes at maturity at market rates. |
The 12 7/8% senior discount notes have a carrying value of $6.3 million and a fair value which approximates $6.9 million. The 12% senior discount notes have a carrying value of $218.0 million and a fair value which approximates $253.1 million. The 12½% senior notes have a carrying value of $11.6 million and a fair value which approximates $13.1 million. The 13 5/8% senior notes have a carrying value of $2.3 million and a fair value which approximates $2.3 million. The 11% senior notes have a carrying value of $250.9 million and a fair value which approximates $295.4 million. The 8½% senior notes have a carrying value of $250.0 million and a fair value which approximates $273.1 million.
As a condition to the senior secured credit facility, we were required to maintain one or more interest rate protection agreements in an amount equal to a portion of the total debt under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2004, we had terminated all interest rate protection agreements. We do not hold or issue financial or derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. While we cannot predict our ability to refinance existing debt or the impact that interest rate movements will have on our existing debt, we continue to evaluate our financial position on an ongoing basis.
At December 31, 2003, we had entered into the following interest rate swaps (dollars in thousands):
Instrument | Notional | Term | Fair Value | |||||||||||
4.9475% Interest rate swap | $ | 21,690 | 3 years | $ | (413 | ) | ||||||||
4.9350% Interest rate swap | $ | 28,340 | 3 years | (443 | ) | |||||||||
$ | (856 | ) | ||||||||||||
These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges such that the fair value was recorded as a liability in the December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value (net of tax) shown as a component of other comprehensive income. The swaps were terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the senior secured credit facility.
We also entered into an interest rate collar as of December 31, 2003 (dollars in thousands) with the following terms:
Notional | Maturity | Cap Strike Price | Floor Strike Price | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
$28,340 | 5/15/04 | 7.00 | % | 4.12 | % | $ | (419 | ) | ||||||||||
This collar did not receive hedge accounting treatment such that the fair value was reflected as a liability in the December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet and the change in fair value has been reflected as an adjustment to interest expense. The collar was terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the senior secured credit facility.
In addition to the swaps and collar discussed above, we purchased an interest rate cap in February 2002 with a notional amount of $5,000 and a strike price of 7.00%. This cap did not receive hedge accounting treatment and the fair value reflected in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2003 was zero. This cap was terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the senior secured credit facility.
These fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of considerable judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our financial statements required by this item are submitted as a separate section of this annual report on Form 10-K. See "Financial Statements," commencing on page F-1 hereof.
56
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. |
(b) | Management's Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. |
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, which appears on page F-2 is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) | Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our fiscal fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. |
Management is responsible for all of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting relating to functions outsourced to a third party and including the controls over the information flow to and from the third party service organization. We are also responsible for assessing the internal control over financial reporting over the outsourced operations. We place reliance on Sprint to adequately design its internal controls with respect to the processes established to provide financial information and other information to us and the other PCS Affiliates of Sprint. To address this issue, Sprint engages its independent auditors to perform a periodic evaluation of these controls and to provide a "Report on Controls Placed in Operation and Tests of Operating Effectiveness for Affiliates" under guidance provided in Statement of Auditing Standards No. 70. This report is provided annually to us and we have placed reliance on this SAS 70 report.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Information called for by Item 10 of Form 10-K is set forth under the headings "Election of Directors of Alamosa," "Code of Ethics and Business Conduct" and "Executive Officers" in our proxy statement for our 2005 annual meeting of stockholders (the "Proxy Statement"), which is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to disclosure of delinquent Form 3, 4 and 5 filers is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the heading "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information called for by Item 11 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading "Executive Officers and Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
57
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
Information called for by Item 12 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference. Information set forth under the heading "Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans" in the Proxy Statement is also incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Information called for by Item 13 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
Information called for by Item 14 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading "Principal Accounting Fees and Services" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE.
(a) | The following documents are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K: |
1. | Financial Statements |
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Period from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2004, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. | Financial Statement Schedule |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule
Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
3. | See the Exhibit Index following the signature pages hereto |
58
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC. |
By: | /s/ David E. Sharbutt |
David E. Sharbutt Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: March 2, 2005 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 thereunto, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME | TITLE | DATE | ||
/s/ David E. Sharbutt | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
March 2, 2005 | ||
David E. Sharbutt | ||||
/s/ Kendall W. Cowan | Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | March 2, 2005 | ||
Kendall W. Cowan | ||||
/s/ Ray M. Clapp, Jr. | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Ray M. Clapp, Jr. | ||||
/s/ Scotty Hart | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Scotty Hart | ||||
/s/ Allen T. McInnes | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Allen T. McInnes | ||||
/s/ Schuyler B. Marshall | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Schuyler B. Marshall | ||||
/s/ John F. Otto | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
John F. Otto | ||||
/s/ Thomas F. Riley, Jr. | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Thomas F. Riley, Jr. | ||||
/s/ Michael V. Roberts | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Michael V. Roberts | ||||
/s/ Steven C. Roberts | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Steven C. Roberts | ||||
/s/ Jimmy R. White | Director | March 2, 2005 | ||
Jimmy R. White | ||||
59
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February 14, 2001 (SEC File No. 000-32357) of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February 14, 2001 (SEC File No. 000-32357) of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
3.3 | Certificate of the Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
3.4 | Certificate of the Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.1 | Specimen Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 1.3 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February 14, 2001 (SEC File No. 000-32357) of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.2 | Form of Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, by and among Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-93499) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.3 | Form of Global Note relating to the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-93499) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.4 | Indenture for 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of January 31, 2001, by and among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.5 | Form of Global Note relating to the 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.6 | First Supplemental Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of January 31, 2001, among Alamosa Finance, LLC, Alamosa Limited, LLC, Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (on behalf of itself and the Existing Subsidiary Guarantors) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.), as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.7 | First Supplemental Indenture for 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of February 14, 2001, among Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., Roberts Wireless Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, Alamosa Holdings, LLC, Alamosa Properties, L.P., Alamosa (Wisconsin) Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless Licenses, LLC, Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (on behalf of itself and the Existing Subsidiary Guarantors) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
60
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
4.8 | Second Supplemental Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of February 14, 2001, among Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., Roberts Wireless Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, Alamosa Holdings, LLC, Alamosa Properties, L.P., Alamosa (Wisconsin) Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless Properties, LLC, Washington Oregon Wireless Licenses, LLC, Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (on behalf of itself and the Existing Subsidiary Guarantors) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.), as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.9 | Registration Rights Agreement, relating to 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of January 24, 2001, by and among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., TD Securities (USA) Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, First Union Securities, Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., filed as Exhibit 4.9 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.10 | Rights Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and between Alamosa Holdings, Inc. and Mellon Investors Services LLC, as Rights Agent, including the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock attached as Exhibit 1 thereto and the form of Rights Certificate attached as Exhibit 2 thereto, filed as Exhibit 1.4 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February 14, 2001 (Registration No. 000-32357) of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.11 | Third Supplemental Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of March 30, 2001, among SWLP, L.L.C., SWGP, L.L.C., Southwest PCS, L.P., Southwest PCS Properties, LLC, Southwest PCS Licenses, LLC, Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (on behalf of itself and the Existing Subsidiary Guarantors) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.12 | Second Supplemental Indenture for 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of March 30, 2001, among SWLP, L.L.C., SWGP, L.L.C., Southwest PCS, L.P., Southwest PCS Properties, LLC, Southwest PCS Licenses, LLC, Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (on behalf of itself and the Existing Subsidiary Guarantors) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.13 | Indenture for 13 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, dated August 15, 2001, among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated August 28, 2001 (Registration No. 333-68538) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.14 | Form of Global Note relating to the 13 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, filed as Exhibit 4.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated August 28, 2001 (Registration No. 333-68538) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.15 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 7, 2001, by and among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., TD Securities (USA) Inc., First Union Securities, Inc., and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., relating to the 13 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, filed as Exhibit 4.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated August 28, 2001 (Registration No. 333-68538) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.16 | Indenture for 11% Senior Notes due 2010, dated as of November 10, 2003, among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
61
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
4.17 | Global Note relating to the 11% Senior Notes due 2010, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.18 | Indenture for 12% Senior Discount Notes due 2009, dated as of November 10, 2003, among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.19 | Global Note relating to the 12% Senior Discount Notes due 2009, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.20 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of September 11, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.21 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture for 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of October 29, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.22 | Third Supplemental Indenture for 12½% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of September 11, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.23 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture for 12½% Senior Discount Notes due 2011, dated as of October 29, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.24 | First Supplemental Indenture for 13 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of September 11, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.9 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.25 | Second Supplemental Indenture for 13 5/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2011, dated as of October 29, 2003, among Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.10 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.26 | Indenture for 8½% Senior Notes due 2012, dated as of January 20, 2004, among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.26 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.27 | Form of Global Note relating to the 8½% Senior Notes due 2012, filed as Exhibit 4.27 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
62
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
4.28 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2004, by and among Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., the Guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, UBS Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc., relating to the 8½% Senior Notes due 2012, filed as Exhibit 4.28 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.29 | Indenture, dated as of February 20, 2004, by AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated February 26, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.30 | Form of Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2009 (included in Exhibit 4.29) | |||||
4.31 | Form of Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, dated January 14, 2004 (File No. 333-109165) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.32 | Form of Pledge Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, dated January 14, 2004 (File No. 333-109165) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.33 | Form of Intercreditor Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.34 | Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2004, by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated October 29, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.35 | Form of Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2009 (included in Exhibit 4.29) | |||||
4.36 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 25, 2004, by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto, Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated October 29, 2004, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.37 | Form of Pledge Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated October 29, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.38 | Form of Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated October 29, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.39 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 25, 2005, by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated February 18, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.40 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 15, 2005, by and among A-Co. Merger Sub, Inc., AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated February 18, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.41 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 25, 2005, by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated February 18, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.42 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 15, 2005, by and among A-Co. Merger Sub, Inc., AirGate PCS, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated February 18, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
63
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
4.43 | Form of Warrant Agreement for warrants issued in units offering, filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated on September 23, 1999 (File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
4.44 | Form of Warrant issued in units offering (included in Exhibit 4.43) | |||||
4.45 | Form of unit (included in Exhibit 4.43) | |||||
4.46 | Warrant Agreement dated as of July 12, 2000 by and between iPCS, Inc. and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by iPCS, Inc. on October 10, 2000, as amended on December 1, 2001 (SEC File No. 333-47688)), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.1 | CDMA 1900 SprintCom Additional Affiliate Agreement dated as of December 21, 1998, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Northern Telecom, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.2 | Amendment No. 1 to DMS-MTX Cellular Supply Agreement dated as of January 12, 1999, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Northern Telecom Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.3 | Amendment No. 2 to DMS-MTX Cellular Supply Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1999, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Northern Telecom Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.4 | Amendment No. 3 to DMS-MTX Cellular Supply Agreement, dated as of August 11, 1999, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Northern Telecom Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated December 23, 1999 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.5 | Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), as amended by Addendum I, dated as of December 6, 1999 by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P., WirelessCo, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.6 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement (Wisconsin,) dated as of December 6, 1999, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.7 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of December 6, 1999, by and between Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.8 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of December 6, 1999, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated February 2, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
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10.9 | Engineering Service Contract, System Design and Construction Inspection, dated as of July 27, 1998, as amended, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Hicks & Ragland Engineering Co., Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated December 23, 1999 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.10 | Master Site Development and Lease Agreement, as amended, dated as of August 1998, by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Specialty Capital Services, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated December 23, 1999 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.11 | Sprint PCS Management Agreement, as amended by Addendum I, dated as of December 23, 1999, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Cox Communications PCS, L.P., Cox CPS License, LLC, SprintCom, Inc. and Alamosa PCS, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated January 19, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.12 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of December 23, 1999, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P. and Alamosa PCS, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated January 19, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.13 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of December 23, 1999, by and between Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa PCS, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated January 19, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.14 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of December 23, 1999, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P. and Alamosa PCS, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.25 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated January 19, 2000 (Registration No. 333-89995), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.15 | Amendment No. 4 to DMS-MTX Cellular Supply Agreement by and between Alamosa PCS, LLC and Nortel Networks Inc. (successor in interest to Northern Telecom Inc.) effective as of February 8, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.) for the year ended December 31, 1999, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.16 | Amended and Restated Master Design Build Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2000, by and between Texas Telecommunications, LP and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership and SBA Towers, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-K of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. (formerly Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc.) for the year ended December 31, 1999, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.17 | Addendum II to Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of February 3, 2000 and effective as of February 8, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
65
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10.18 | Addendum III to Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of April 25, 2000 and effective as of March 15, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.28 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.19 | Addendum IV to Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of June 23, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.29 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.20 | Addendum V to Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of February 14, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.21 | Addendum II to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2000 and effective as of February 8, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Cox Communications PCS, L.P., Cox PCS License, LLC, Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Texas Telecommunications, LP (successor in interest to Alamosa PCS, LLC), filed as Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.22 | Addendum III to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2000 and effective as of March 15, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Cox Communications PCS, L.P., Cox PCS License, LLC, Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Texas Telecommunications, LP (successor in interest to Alamosa PCS, LLC), filed as Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.23 | Addendum IV to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2000, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company, L.P., and Texas Telecommunications, LP, filed as Exhibit 10.33 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.24 | Addendum V to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of January 8, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Cox Communications PCS, L.P., Cox PCS License, LLC, Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Texas Telecommunications, LP, filed as Exhibit 10.34 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.25 | Addendum VI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Texas Telecommunications, LP, filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.26 | Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of June 8, 1998, as amended by Addenda I – VIII between Sprint Spectrum L.P., SprintCom, Inc. and Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.36 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.27 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of June 8, 1998, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.28 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of June 8, 1998, between Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.38 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
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10.29 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of June 8, 1998, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.39 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.30 | Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of January 25, 1999, as amended by Addenda I – III, between Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.40 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.31 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of January 25, 1999, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.41 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.32 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of January 25, 1999, between Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.42 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.33 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of January 25, 1999, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.42 to Form 10-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.34+ | Amended and Restated 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, dated January 10, 2003 (Registration No. 333- 102460) of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.35+ | Amended and Restated Alamosa Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.61 to the Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.36 | Addendum VI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement (Wisconsin), dated as of March 30, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.37 | Addendum VII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Texas Telecommunications LP, filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.38 | Addendum IX to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Roberts Wireless Communications, filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.39 | Addendum IV to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2001, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.48 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
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10.40 | Sprint PCS Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated March 30, 2001, as amended by Addendum IV, by and between Sprint Spectrum, L.P., SprintCom, Inc., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company, L.P., and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.41 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated July 10, 1998, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.50 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.42 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated July 10, 1998, between Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.51 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.43 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated July 10, 1998, between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated May 9, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60572) of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.44 | Addendum VI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.45 | Addendum X to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Texas Telecommunications LP, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.46 | Addendum V to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.47 | Addendum IX to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.48 | Addendum X to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Missouri, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.49 | Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Alamosa Holdings, Inc., Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., Alamosa Missouri, LLC, Southwest PCS, L.P., Washington Oregon Wireless LLC, Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership and Texas Telecommunications LP, Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
68
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10.50+ | Amendment to the Amended and Restated Alamosa Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-Q of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.51 | Addendum VII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated March 26, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.61 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated April 19, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.52 | Addendum XI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated March 26, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Texas Telecommunications LP, filed as Exhibit 10.62 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated April 19, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.53 | Addendum VI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated March 26, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., SprintCom, Inc., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.63 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated April 19, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.54 | Addendum X to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated March 26, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.64 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated April 19, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.55 | Addendum XI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated March 26, 2004 by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Missouri, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.65 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated April 19, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.56+ | Second Amended and Restated Alamosa Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan filed as Exhibit 10.39 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.57 | Addendum VIII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated June 14, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Washington Oregon Wireless, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.65 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.58 | Addendum XII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated June 14, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Texas Telecommunications LP, filed as Exhibit 10.66 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.59 | Addendum VII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated June 14, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., SprintCom, Inc., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Southwest PCS, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.67 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
69
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10.60 | Addendum XI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated June 14, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Wisconsin Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.68 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.61 | Addendum XII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated June 14, 2004 by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., WirelessCo, L.P., Sprint Communications Company L.P. and Alamosa Missouri, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.69 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated July 14, 2004 (Registration No. 333-114592), of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.62+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa Holdings, Inc. and David E. Sharbutt, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated December 30, 2004, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.63+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa and Kendall Cowan filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated December 30, 2004, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.64+ | Form of Executive Stock Option Agreement under Alamosa's Amended and Restated 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated December 30, 2004, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.65+ | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Alamosa's Amended and Restated 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated December 30, 2004, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.66+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa and Margaret Z. Couch, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated January 6, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.67+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa and Anthony Sabatino, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated January 6, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.68+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa and Loyd I. Rinehart, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated January 6, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.69+ | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Alamosa and Steven Richardson, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the current report on Form 8-K of Alamosa Holdings, Inc., dated January 6, 2005, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.70 | Sprint PCS Management Agreement and Addenda I-III thereto, by and between SprintCom, Inc. and AirGate Wireless, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated June 15, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.71 | Assignment of Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Sprint Spectrum Services Agreement and Trademark and Service Mark Agreement from AirGate Wireless, L.L.C. to AirGate Wireless, Inc., dated as of November 20, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated August 9, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) by AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.72 | Addendum IV to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of August 26, 1999 by and among SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company, L.P., Sprint Spectrum L.P. and AirGate PCS, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1.2 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
70
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10.73 | Addendum V to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2000 by and among SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company, L.P. and AirGate PCS, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1.3 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.74 | Addendum VI to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2000 by and among SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company, L.P., Sprint Spectrum L.P. and AirGate PCS, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2000 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.75 | Addendum VII to Sprint PCS Management Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2004 by and among SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company, L.P., Sprint Spectrum L.P. and AirGate PCS, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc., dated September 14, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.76 | Schedule of Definitions to Sprint PCS Management Agreement by and among SprintCom, Inc. and AirGate Wireless, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AirGate PCS, Inc., for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.77 | Sprint PCS Services Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1998, by and between Sprint Spectrum L.P. and AirGate Wireless, L.L.C., filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated June 15, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.78 | Sprint Spectrum Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated June 15, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.79 | Sprint Trademark and Service Mark License Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated June 15, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.80 | Sales Agency Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2001 between Sprint Communications Company L.P. and AirGate PCS, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the annual report on Form 10-K/A of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.81 | Master Site Agreement, dated as of August 6, 1998, by and between AirGate PCS, Inc. and BellSouth Carolinas PCS, L.P. and BellSouth Personal Communications, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated June 15, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.82 | Notice to AirGate PCS, Inc. of an assignment of sublease, dated as of September 20, 1999, by and between BellSouth Cellular Corp. and Crown Castle South Inc., given pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Master Site Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.5.1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (SEC File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.83 | Master Tower Space Reservation and License Agreement, dated as of February 19, 1999, by and between AGW Leasing Company, Inc. and American Tower, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.5.2 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.84 | Master Antenna Site Lease No. J50, dated as of July 20, 1999 between Pinnacle Towers Inc. and AGW Leasing Company, filed as Exhibit 10.5.3 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
71
EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT TITLE | |||||
10.85 | Commercial Real Estate Lease, dated as of August 7, 1998 between AirGate PCS, Inc. and Perry Company of Columbia, Inc. to lease a warehouse facility, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, dated July 12, 1999 (SEC File Nos. 333-79189-02 and 333-79189-01)) of AirGate PCS, Inc., which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.86 | Lease Agreement, dated as of August 25, 1999 between Robert W. Bruce, Camperdown Company, Inc. and AGW Leasing Company, Inc. to lease office/warehouse space in Greenville, South Carolina, filed as Exhibit 10.7.1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2000 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.87 | Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2002 by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., AirGate Service Company, Inc., iPCS, Inc. and iPCS Wireless, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AirGate PSC, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 000-27455)), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.88 | First Amendment to Services Agreement dated February 21, 2003 by and among AirGate Service Company, Inc., AirGate PCS, Inc., iPCS Wireless, Inc. and iPCS, Inc, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AirGate PCS, Inc., for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.89 | Technology License Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2002, by and among AirGate PCS, Inc., AGW Leasing Company, Inc., AirGate Service Company, Inc., AirGate Network Services, Inc., iPCS, Inc., iPCS Wireless, Inc. and iPCS Equipment, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AirGate PCS, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
10.90 | Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, dated as of September 10, 2004, by and among Sprint Spectrum L.P., SprintCom, Inc., Sprint Communications Company L.P., and WirelessCo, L.P., AirGate, AGW Leasing Company, Inc., AirGate Network Services, LLC, and AirGate Service Company, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of AirGate PCS, Inc. dated September 14, 2004 (File No. 000-27455), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference. | |||||
21.1 * | Subsidiaries of the Registrant. | |||||
23.1 * | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | |||||
31.1 * | Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
31.2 * | Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
32.1 * | Certification of CEO 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 CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
+ | Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan. |
* | Exhibit is filed herewith. |
72
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting | F-2 | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-3 | |||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 | F-5 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 | F-6 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the period from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2004 | F-7 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 | F-8 | |||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-9 | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule | F-41 | |||||
Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | F-42 | |||||
F-1
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based upon criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Based on our assessment, management determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004 based on the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
/s/ David Sharbutt |
David
Sharbutt Chief Executive Officer |
/s/ Kendall Cowan |
Kendall
Cowan Chief Financial Officer |
March 2, 2005
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Alamosa Holdings, Inc.:
We have completed an integrated audit of Alamosa Holdings, Inc.'s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide
F-3
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 2, 2005
F-4
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in
thousands, except share
amounts)
December 31, | ||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 129,917 | $ | 99,644 | ||||||
Restricted cash | — | 1 | ||||||||
Short term investments | 50,418 | — | ||||||||
Customer accounts receivable, net | 44,687 | 28,034 | ||||||||
Receivable from Sprint | 24,809 | 22,947 | ||||||||
Interest receivable | 216 | — | ||||||||
Inventory | 9,136 | 7,309 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 13,170 | 9,763 | ||||||||
Deferred customer acquisition costs | 6,337 | 8,060 | ||||||||
Deferred tax asset | 4,230 | 4,572 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 282,920 | 180,330 | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 441,808 | 434,840 | ||||||||
Debt issuance costs, net | 9,086 | 14,366 | ||||||||
Early redemption option on preferred stock | 21,387 | 21,687 | ||||||||
Intangible assets, net | 416,716 | 448,354 | ||||||||
Other noncurrent assets | 4,188 | 6,393 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,176,105 | $ | 1,105,970 | ||||||
LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 24,692 | $ | 25,522 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 43,916 | 37,325 | ||||||||
Payable to Sprint | 35,852 | 34,341 | ||||||||
Interest payable | 21,076 | 5,353 | ||||||||
Deferred revenue | 22,549 | 22,742 | ||||||||
Current installments of capital leases | 110 | 481 | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | 148,195 | 125,764 | ||||||||
Long term liabilities: | ||||||||||
Capital lease obligations | 749 | 812 | ||||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 5,835 | 8,693 | ||||||||
Deferred tax liability | 16,362 | 15,966 | ||||||||
Senior secured debt | — | 200,000 | ||||||||
Senior notes | 739,141 | 464,424 | ||||||||
Total long term liabilities | 762,087 | 689,895 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | 910,282 | 815,659 | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 20) | — | — | ||||||||
Mandatorily Redeemable convertible preferred stock: | ||||||||||
Series B preferred stock, $0.01 par value and $250.00 redemption value; 750,000 shares authorized; 478,987 and 679,495 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 161,148 | 228,606 | ||||||||
Series C preferred stock, $0.01 par value and $250.00 redemption value; 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued | — | — | ||||||||
Total redeemable convertible preferred stock | 161,148 | 228,606 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 8,750,000 shares authorized; no shares issued | — | — | ||||||||
Common stock,
$.01 par value; 290,000,000 shares authorized; 114,895,245 and 95,401,557 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
1,149 | 954 | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 860,425 | 800,992 | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (756,834 | ) | (739,566 | ) | ||||||
Unearned compensation | (65 | ) | (145 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | (530 | ) | |||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 104,675 | 61,705 | ||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 1,176,105 | $ | 1,105,970 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in
thousands, except per share
amounts)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenues | $ | 555,711 | $ | 452,396 | $ | 391,927 | ||||||||
Roaming and wholesale revenues | 214,230 | 150,772 | 139,843 | |||||||||||
Service revenues | 769,941 | 603,168 | 531,770 | |||||||||||
Product sales | 33,159 | 27,882 | 23,922 | |||||||||||
Total revenue | 803,100 | 631,050 | 555,692 | |||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Cost of service and operation (excluding non-cash compensation of $8, $14, and $4 for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively) | 383,287 | 317,215 | 343,468 | |||||||||||
Cost of products sold | 76,183 | 59,651 | 50,974 | |||||||||||
Selling and marketing (excluding non-cash compensation of $8, $14, and $4 for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively) | 140,833 | 112,626 | 119,059 | |||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation of $370, $508, and $21 for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively) | 22,762 | 16,257 | 15,243 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 104,775 | 110,495 | 105,121 | |||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill | — | — | 291,635 | |||||||||||
Impairment of property and equipment | 3,730 | 2,243 | 1,194 | |||||||||||
Non-cash compensation | 386 | 536 | 29 | |||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 731,956 | 619,023 | 926,723 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 71,144 | 12,027 | (371,031 | ) | ||||||||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instrument | (305 | ) | 2,858 | — | ||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | (13,101 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Debt exchange expenses | — | (8,694 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Interest and other income | 1,474 | 948 | 3,459 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | (75,739 | ) | (99,914 | ) | (102,863 | ) | ||||||||
Loss before income tax (expense) benefit | (16,527 | ) | (92,775 | ) | (470,435 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (741 | ) | 17,929 | 67,086 | ||||||||||
Net loss | (17,268 | ) | (74,846 | ) | (403,349 | ) | ||||||||
Preferred stock dividend | (10,321 | ) | (1,770 | ) | — | |||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | (6,600 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (34,189 | ) | $ | (76,616 | ) | $ | (403,349 | ) | |||||
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (4.33 | ) | |||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 106,226,231 | 94,088,853 | 93,048,883 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts )
FOR THE PERIOD
FROM DECEMBER 31, 2001 TO DECEMBER 31,
2004
Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Unearned Compensation |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2001 | — | — | 92,786,497 | 927 | 799,366 | (261,371 | ) | — | (936 | ) | 537,986 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (403,349 | ) | (403,349 | ) | (403,349 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
change in fair value of derivative instruments qualifying as cash
flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $376 |
(614 | ) | (614 | ) | (614 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | $ | (403,963 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to employee stock purchase plan |
585,191 | 6 | 570 | 576 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 250 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted shares awarded to officers | 800,000 | 8 | 323 | (323 | ) | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unearned Compensation | 29 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2002 | — | — | 94,171,938 | 942 | 800,260 | (664,720 | ) | (294 | ) | (1,550 | ) | 134,638 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (74,846 | ) | (74,846 | ) | (74,846 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
change in fair value of derivative instruments qualifying as cash
flow hedges, net of tax expense of $631 |
1,020 | 1,020 | 1,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | $ | (73,826 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to employee stock purchase plan |
997,325 | 10 | 339 | 349 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 29,740 | — | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares awarded to directors | 202,554 | 2 | 385 | 387 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock issued in debt exchange | 679,495 | 228,606 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unearned compensation | 149 | 149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2003 | 679,495 | 228,606 | 95,401,557 | 954 | 800,992 | (739,566 | ) | (145 | ) | (530 | ) | 61,705 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (17,268 | ) | (17,268 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termination of derivative instruments Qualifying as cash flow hedges | 530 | 530 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to employee stock purchase plan |
2,001,807 | 20 | 958 | 978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,829,832 | 18 | 3,183 | 3,201 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrestricted shares awarded to directors | 1,480 | 1 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted shares awarded to directors | 36,000 | — | 300 | (300 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization
of unearned compensation |
380 | 380 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock issued in debt exchange | 150 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of preferred stock | (200,658 | ) | (67,509 | ) | 15,624,569 | 156 | 73,678 | 73,834 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (12,091 | ) | (12,091 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | (6,600 | ) | (6,600 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2004 | 478,987 | $ | 161,148 | 114,895,245 | $ | 1,149 | $ | 860,425 | $ | (756,834 | ) | $ | (65 | ) | $ | -- | $ | 104,675 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in
thousands)
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (17,268 | ) | $ | (74,846 | ) | $ | (403,349 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensation | 386 | 536 | 29 | ||||||||||||
Non-cash interest expense (benefit) on derivative instruments | 6 | (693 | ) | 464 | |||||||||||
Non-cash accretion of asset retirement obligation | 187 | 565 | — | ||||||||||||
Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments | 305 | (2,858 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Provision for bad debts | 12,827 | 13,451 | 40,285 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 72,685 | 70,428 | 64,702 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 32,090 | 40,067 | 40,419 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of financing costs included in interest expense | 948 | 4,270 | 4,259 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of discounted interest | — | 329 | 395 | ||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | 13,101 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | 741 | (17,929 | ) | (67,086 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest accreted on discount notes | 24,769 | 33,496 | 31,655 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of property and equipment | 3,730 | 2,243 | 1,194 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill | — | — | 291,635 | ||||||||||||
Debt exchange expense | — | 8,694 | — | ||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in, net of effects from acquisitions: | |||||||||||||||
Receivables | (31,558 | ) | (2,957 | ) | (45,236 | ) | |||||||||
Inventory | (1,827 | ) | 101 | (2,608 | ) | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 521 | (1,862 | ) | (6,440 | ) | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in, net of effects from acquisitions: | |||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 18,491 | (17,673 | ) | 23,105 | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 130,134 | 55,362 | (26,577 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets | 427 | 2,645 | 451 | ||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (83,989 | ) | (38,625 | ) | (89,476 | ) | |||||||||
Purchase of intangible asset | (453 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net change in short term investments | (50,418 | ) | — | 1,300 | |||||||||||
Change in restricted cash | 1 | 34,724 | 59,968 | ||||||||||||
Other | — | — | 99 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (134,432 | ) | (1,256 | ) | (27,658 | ) | |||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes | 250,000 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Repayments of borrowings under senior secured debt | (200,000 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Debt issuance costs capitalized | (8,236 | ) | (2,329 | ) | (1,351 | ) | |||||||||
Debt exchange expenses | — | (8,694 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (10,595 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | (276 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Stock options exercised | 3,201 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued to employee stock purchase plan | 978 | 349 | 576 | ||||||||||||
Payments on capital leases | (501 | ) | (1,077 | ) | (773 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds from restricted stock | — | — | 8 | ||||||||||||
Borrowings under senior secured debt | — | — | 12,838 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock issuance costs | — | (4,352 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Payment of fractional notes in debt exchange | — | (104 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 34,571 | (16,199 | ) | 11,300 | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 30,273 | 37,907 | (42,935 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 99,644 | 61,737 | 104,672 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 129,917 | $ | 99,644 | $ | 61,737 | |||||||||
Supplemental disclosure - cash paid for interest | $ | 34,291 | $ | 79,401 | $ | 70,890 | |||||||||
Supplemental disclosure - cash paid for income taxes | $ | 230 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||||||
Capitalized lease obligations incurred | $ | 67 | $ | 73 | $ | 613 | |||||||||
Change in accounts payable for purchase of property and equipment | (458 | ) | 11,387 | (20,450 | ) | ||||||||||
Asset retirement obligations capitalized | 212 | 1,248 | — | ||||||||||||
Non-cash additions of property and equipment | 1,246 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock issued in debt exchange | 51 | 214,129 | — | ||||||||||||
Early redemption option on preferred stock | — | 18,829 | — | ||||||||||||
Conversion of preferred stock | 67,509 | — | — | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Alamosa Holdings, Inc. ("Alamosa Holdings") is a PCS Affiliate of Sprint with the exclusive right to provide wireless personal communications service under the Sprint brand name in a territory encompassing approximately 15.8 million residents as of December 31, 2004. Alamosa Holdings was formed in July 2000. Alamosa Holdings is a holding company and through its subsidiaries provides wireless personal communications services, commonly referred to as PCS, in the Southwestern, Northwestern and Midwestern United States. Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. ("Alamosa (Delaware)"), a subsidiary of Alamosa Holdings, was formed in October 1999 under the name "Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc." to operate as a holding company in anticipation of its initial public offering. On February 3, 2000, Alamosa (Delaware) completed its initial public offering. Immediately prior to the initial public offering, shares of Alamosa (Delaware) were exchanged for Alamosa PCS LLC's ("Alamosa LLC") membership interests, and Alamosa LLC became wholly owned by Alamosa (Delaware). Alamosa Holdings and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to in these consolidated financial statements as the "Company."
On December 14, 2000, Alamosa (Delaware) formed a new holding company pursuant to Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In that transaction, each share of Alamosa (Delaware) was converted into one share of the new holding company, and the former public company, which was renamed "Alamosa (Delaware), Inc." became a wholly owned subsidiary of the new holding company, which was renamed "Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc."
On February 14, 2001, Alamosa Holdings became the new public holding company of Alamosa PCS Holdings, Inc. ("Alamosa PCS Holdings") and its subsidiaries pursuant to a reorganization transaction in which a wholly owned subsidiary of Alamosa Holdings was merged with and into Alamosa PCS Holdings. As a result of this reorganization, Alamosa PCS Holdings became a wholly owned subsidiary of Alamosa Holdings, and each share of Alamosa PCS Holdings common stock was converted into one share of Alamosa Holdings common stock. Alamosa Holdings' common stock is quoted on Nasdaq under the symbol "APCS."
2. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since inception, the Company has financed its operations through capital contributions from owners, through debt financing and through proceeds generated from public offerings of common stock. The proceeds from these transactions have been used to fund the build-out of the Company's portion of the PCS network of Sprint, subscriber acquisition costs and working capital.
While the Company has incurred substantial net losses since inception and incurred negative cash flows from operating activities through 2002, the Company generated approximately $130 million and $55 million of cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In November 2003, the Company completed a debt exchange, as described in Note 10, that provided for approximately $238 million of principal debt reduction.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $130 million in cash and cash equivalents as well as $50 million in short term investments and believes that this cash on hand plus the additional liquidity that it expects to generate from operations will be sufficient to fund expected capital expenditures and to cover its working capital and debt service requirements (including dividends on preferred stock) for at least the next 12 months.
As discussed in Note 22, the Company completed the acquisition of another PCS Affiliate of Sprint in February 2005. In connection with that acquisition, stockholders of the acquired entity will receive cash consideration of $100 million.
The Company's future liquidity will be dependent on a number of factors influencing its projections of operating cash flows, including those related to subscriber growth, average revenue per
F-9
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
user, average monthly churn and costs to acquire subscribers. Should actual results differ significantly from these assumptions, the Company's liquidity position could be adversely affected and it could be in a position that would require it to raise additional capital, which may or may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to achieve its intended business objectives.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market funds, and commercial paper with minimal interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Short-term investments – The Company invests in highly liquid debt instruments with strong credit ratings. Commercial paper investments with a maturity greater than three months, but less than one year, at the time of purchase are considered to be short-term investments. The carrying amount of the investments approximates fair value due to their short maturity. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with certain financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company's investment strategy.
Inventory – Inventory consists of handsets and related accessories. Inventories purchased for resale are carried at the lower of cost or market using the first-in first-out method. Market is determined using replacement cost which is consistent with industry practices. The Company also performs an analysis to identify obsolete or excess handset inventory for models that are no longer manufactured or are technologically obsolete and records a reserve, as appropriate.
Restricted cash – Restricted cash was held in escrow to secure payment on certain of the Company's debt obligations. The escrow requirements were fulfilled during 2003 and the remaining $1 in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2003 was used in connection with the first semi-annual interest payment on senior notes in 2004.
Property and equipment – Property and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred to design and construct the wireless network in a market are classified as construction in progress. When the wireless network for a particular market is completed and placed into service, the related costs begin to be depreciated. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. When depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in income. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of the assets.
Asset lives are as follows:
Buildings | 10 years | |||||
Network equipment | 5-10 years | |||||
Vehicles | 5 years | |||||
Furniture and office equipment | 7-10 years | |||||
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
F-10
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of the wireless network. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and will be amortized over the asset's estimated useful life. No interest costs were capitalized during 2004 or 2003. During 2002, approximately $265 in interest costs were capitalized. The remaining unamortized balance of capitalized interest was approximately $1,536 as of December 31, 2004.
Microwave relocation includes costs and the related obligation incurred to relocate incumbent microwave frequencies in the Company's service area. Microwave relocation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years beginning upon commencement of services in respective markets. The amortization of microwave relocation costs was approximately $275, $275 and $287 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Software costs – In accordance with Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," certain costs related to the development or purchase of internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. During fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company capitalized approximately $440, $16 and $838, respectively, in software costs under SOP 98-1, which are being amortized over a five-year life. The Company amortized computer software costs of approximately $781, $749 and $720 during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Advertising costs – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses totaled approximately $28,131, $21,669 and $26,574 during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Income taxes – The Company presents income taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 uses an asset and liability approach to account for income taxes, wherein deferred taxes are provided for book and tax basis differences for assets and liabilities. In the event differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets is required. A valuation allowance is provided for a portion or all of the deferred tax assets when there is sufficient uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to recognize the benefits of the assets in future years. See Note 14.
Revenue recognition – The Company recognizes revenue as services are performed. Sprint handles the Company's billings and collections and retains 8% of billed service revenues from the Company's subscribers and from non-Sprint wireless subscribers who use the Company's portion of the PCS network of Sprint. The amount retained by Sprint is recorded in Cost of Service and Operations. Revenues generated from the sale of handsets and accessories and from roaming services provided to Sprint wireless customers who are not based in the Company's territories are not subject to the 8% charge.
Prior to July 1, 2003, the Company deferred all customer activation fee revenue and an equal amount of customer acquisition related expenses. These deferred amounts were amortized over a three or one-year period depending on the credit class of the respective customer, which approximates the average life of that customer.
Effective July 1, 2003, the Company adopted the accounting provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Abstract No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." Beginning July 1, 2003, the Company began to allocate amounts charged to customers at the point of activation between the sale of handsets and other equipment and the sale of wireless telecommunications services in those transactions taking place in distribution channels that are directly controlled by the Company. The amounts charged at the point of activation typically consist of the activation fee and the retail price of the equipment sold. This allocation resulted in approximately
F-11
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
$3,016 and $1,642 in activation fees being allocated to the sale of handsets and other equipment for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company deferred $5,392, $8,300 and $11,846, respectively, of activation fee revenue and customer acquisition related expense. Amortization of deferred activation fee revenue and customer acquisition related expense was $9,100, $8,970 and $7,920 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2004, $3,622 of the remaining deferral was classified as long-term.
Sprint and other PCS Affiliates of Sprint, pay the Company a roaming fee for each minute that a Sprint wireless subscriber based outside of the Company's territories roams on the Company's portion of the PCS network of Sprint. Revenue from these services is recognized as the services are performed. Similarly, the Company pays roaming fees to Sprint and other PCS Affiliates of Sprint, when the Company's subscribers roam on the PCS network of Sprint outside of the Company's territories. These costs are recorded as a cost of service when incurred.
Product revenues, consisting of proceeds from sales of handsets and accessories, are recorded net of an allowance for sales returns. The allowance is estimated based on Sprint's handset return policy that allows customers to return handsets for a full refund within 14 days of purchase. When handsets are returned to the Company, the Company may be able to reissue the handsets to customers at little additional cost. However, when handsets are returned to Sprint for refurbishing, the Company will receive a credit from Sprint, which will be less than the amount the Company originally paid for the handset. The cost of products sold includes the total cost of accessories and handsets sold through the Company's retail stores (including sales to local indirect retailers). The cost of handsets generally exceeds the retail sales price because the Company subsidizes the price of handsets for competitive reasons. For handsets sold through national indirect retailers (such as Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc.) and other channels controlled by Sprint, the Company reimburses Sprint for the subsidy incurred on such handsets activated within the Company's territory and this cost is reflected in selling and marketing expenses.
Goodwill and intangible assets – Goodwill and other intangible assets have been recorded in connection with acquisitions. Identifiable intangibles consisted of the Sprint agreements and the respective subscriber bases in place at the time of acquisition. The intangible assets related to the Sprint agreements are being amortized on a straight line basis over the remaining original term of the underlying Sprint agreements or approximately 17.6 years. The subscriber base intangible asset was amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated life of the acquired subscribers or approximately 3 years and became fully amortized in 2004.
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 primarily addresses the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their initial recognition. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 (i) prohibit the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (ii) require that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested annually for impairment (and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired), (iii) require that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill and (iv) remove the forty-year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had recorded $15.9 million in accumulated amortization of goodwill. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 the amortization of goodwill was discontinued. As discussed in Note 7, in connection with the first annual impairment testing of goodwill as of July 31, 2002 the Company recorded an impairment charge of $291,635 which represented the entire carrying value of goodwill at the time and the Company has no recorded goodwill at December 31, 2004.
F-12
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Impairment of long-lived assets – If facts or circumstances indicate the possibility of impairment of long-lived assets, including intangibles, the Company will prepare a projection of future operating cash flows, undiscounted and without interest. If based on this projection, the Company does not expect to recover its carrying cost, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value will be recognized in operating income.
Stock based compensation – The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. The Company has implemented the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." See Note 18.
For fixed stock options granted under these plans, the exercise price of the option equals or exceeds the market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, the Company does not record compensation expense for any of the fixed stock options granted.
The following table illustrates the effects on net loss and net loss per share had the Company applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to its stock-based employee compensation plans:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||
Net loss - as reported | $ | (17,268 | ) | $ | (74,846 | ) | $ | (403,349 | ) | ||||||
Add: stock-based employee compensation included in reported Net loss, net of related tax | 386 | 536 | 29 | ||||||||||||
Deduct: stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method, net of related tax effects | (10,507 | ) | (8,603 | ) | (5,861 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss | (27,389 | ) | (82,913 | ) | (409,181 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (10,321 | ) | (1,770 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | (6,600 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders - pro forma | $ | (44,310 | ) | $ | (84,683 | ) | $ | (409,181 | ) | ||||||
Net loss per share - as reported | |||||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (4.33 | ) | ||||||
Net loss per share - pro forma | |||||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.42 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (4.40 | ) | ||||||
The pro forma amounts presented above may not be representative of the future effects on reported net loss and net loss per share, since the pro forma compensation expense is allocated over the periods in which options become exercisable, and new option awards may be granted each year.
Earnings (loss) per share – Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders for each period by the weighted-average outstanding number of common shares. No conversion of common stock equivalents has been assumed in the calculations since the effect would be antidilutive (see Note 13). As a result, the number of weighted-average outstanding common shares as well as the amount of net loss per share are the same for basic and diluted net loss per share calculations for all periods presented.
F-13
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Use of estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period. The most significant of such estimates include:
• | Allowance for uncollectible accounts; |
• | Estimated customer life in terms of amortization of deferred revenue and direct costs of acquisition; |
• | Lease terms for operating and capital leases; |
• | Useful lives of property and equipment; |
• | Likelihood of realizing benefits associated with temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets; and |
• | Impairment of long-lived assets. |
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of risk – The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in accounts with financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company monitors the financial stability of these institutions regularly and management does not believe there is significant credit risk associated with deposits in excess of federally insured amounts.
The Company relies on Sprint to provide certain back-office functions such as billing and customer care, activation of new subscribers, handset logistics and technology development. Should Sprint be unable to provide these services, the Company could be negatively impacted. See Note 15.
Derivative financial instruments – The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging specific exposures as part of its risk management program and holds all derivatives for purposes other than trading. Historically, the Company's use of such instruments has been limited to interest rate swaps and collars. The Company uses hedge accounting as prescribed in SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" with respect to its interest rate swaps. As such, the fair values of these arrangements were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value being reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
The interest rate collar arrangement did not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133 and as such, the fair value of the respective asset and liability was recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with any change during the period being reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.
All interest rate swaps and collars were terminated in 2004 and settled in cash. Remaining accumulated other comprehensive loss was recognized in earnings upon settlement of the derivative instruments.
In addition to the hedging derivatives discussed above, the Company has a derivative instrument related to the early redemption feature in the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock as discussed in Note 11. This derivative is recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet with any change during the period being reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.
Reclassification – Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the results of operations or stockholders' equity as previously reported.
F-14
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Effects of recent accounting pronouncements – In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment", which is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be valued at fair value on the date of grant, and to be expensed over the applicable vesting period. Pro forma disclosures of the income statement effects of share-based payments is no longer an alternative. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for all stock-based awards granted on or after July 1, 2005. In addition, companies must also recognize compensation expense related to any awards that are not fully vested as of July 1, 2005. Compensation expense for the unvested awards will be measure based on the fair value of the awards previously calculated in developing the pro forma disclosures in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) to its consolidated results of operations.
4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Customer accounts receivable – Customer accounts receivable represent amounts owed to the Company by subscribers for PCS service. Customer accounts receivable do not bear interest.
The amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets are net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $5,728 and $5,983 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Estimates are used in determining the allowance for uncollectible accounts and are based on the Company's historical collection experience, current trends, credit policy, a percentage of accounts receivable by aging category and expectations of future bad debts based on current collection activities. In determining the allowance, the Company considers historical write-offs of its receivables as well as historical changes in its credit policies. The Company also takes into consideration current trends in the credit quality of its customer base.
The following table presents the changes in the allowance for uncollectible accounts during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 5,983 | $ | 8,451 | $ | 5,892 | |||||||||
Provision for bad debts | 12,827 | 13,451 | 40,285 | ||||||||||||
Write-offs, net of recoveries | (13,082 | ) | (15,919 | ) | (37,726 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | 5,728 | $ | 5,983 | $ | 8,451 | |||||||||
Receivable from Sprint – Receivable from Sprint in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consists of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||
Net roaming receivable | $ | 20,948 | $ | 13,071 | ||||||||||
Accrued service revenue | 2,910 | 2,584 | ||||||||||||
Service fee refund | — | 6,418 | ||||||||||||
Other amounts due from Sprint | 951 | 874 | ||||||||||||
$ | 24,809 | $ | 22,947 | |||||||||||
Net roaming receivable includes net travel revenue due from Sprint related to PCS subscribers based outside of the Company's licensed territory who utilize the Company's portion of the PCS
F-15
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
network of Sprint. The net roaming receivable is net of amounts owed to Sprint related to the Company's subscribers who utilize the PCS network of Sprint outside of the Company's licensed territory. In addition, net roaming receivable also includes amounts due from Sprint which have been collected from other PCS providers and wholesale customers for their subscribers' usage of the Company's portion of the PCS network of Sprint.
Accrued service revenue receivable represents the Company's estimate of airtime usage charges that have been earned but not billed at the end of the period.
Service fee refund due from Sprint at December 31, 2003 related to a refund of fees paid to Sprint for services such as billing and customer care. Under the previous agreements with Sprint, these fees were determined at the beginning of each year based on estimated costs and were adjusted based on actual costs incurred by Sprint in providing the respective services. This process changed effective December 1, 2003 under the new agreements with Sprint as discussed in Note 15.
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||
Land and buildings | $ | 12,608 | $ | 12,131 | ||||||||||
Network equipment | 637,607 | 572,058 | ||||||||||||
Vehicles | 2,290 | 1,835 | ||||||||||||
Furniture and office equipment | 17,304 | 18,118 | ||||||||||||
669,809 | 604,142 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (245,092 | ) | (187,032 | ) | ||||||||||
Subtotal | 424,717 | 417,110 | ||||||||||||
Microwave relocation costs | 5,630 | 5,713 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | (1,349 | ) | (1,074 | ) | ||||||||||
Subtotal | 4,281 | 4,639 | ||||||||||||
Construction in progress: | ||||||||||||||
Network equipment | 11,717 | 11,338 | ||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements | 1,093 | 1,753 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 12,810 | 13,091 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 441,808 | $ | 434,840 | ||||||||||
During the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded $3,730 and $2,243, respectively, in impairments of property and equipment. Impairments were primarily related to the abandonment of certain network equipment that had become technologically obsolete.
F-16
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
6. DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS
The Company defers direct costs associated with the issuance of long term debt as well as the execution of amendments to loan agreements. These costs are charged to interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. The following table summarizes the activity with respect to debt issuance costs for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1 | $ | 14,366 | $ | 33,351 | $ | 36,654 | ||||||||||||||||
Costs deferred | 8,236 | 2,329 | 1,351 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amount charged to interest expense | (948 | ) | (4,599 | ) | (4,654 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Costs charged in debt extinguishments | (12,565 | ) | (17,949 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Troubled debt restructuring | (3 | ) | 1,234 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31 | $ | 9,086 | $ | 14,366 | $ | 33,351 | ||||||||||||||||
The costs charged in debt extinguishments in 2004 relate to the portion of deferred loan costs attributable to the Senior Secured Credit Facility that was terminated in 2004 as discussed in Note 9. The costs charged in debt extinguishments in 2003 relate to the portion of deferred loan costs attributable to notes that were tendered in connection with the November 2003 debt exchange discussed in Note 10. This amount was considered in determining the net excess of fair value given to noteholders over the carrying value of debt exchanged (including deferred loan costs) which represents the $1,234 identified as troubled debt restructuring in the above table. The deferred costs associated with the troubled debt restructuring were reduced in 2004 due to a private exchange transaction.
7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In connection with acquisitions completed during 2001, the Company allocated portions of the respective purchase prices to identifiable intangible assets consisting of (i) the value of the Sprint agreements in place at the acquired companies and (ii) the value of the subscriber base in place at the acquired companies. In addition to the identifiable intangibles, goodwill was recorded in the amount by which the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired including identified intangibles.
The value assigned to the Sprint agreements is being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining original terms of the agreements that were in place at the time of acquisition or approximately 17.6 years. The value assigned to the subscriber bases acquired was amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the acquired subscribers or approximately 3 years and became fully amortized during 2004.
In September 2004, the Company purchased the rights to additional territory from Sprint in connection with an amendment of one of its management agreements. The purchase price of $467 consisted of $14 allocated to purchased equipment and $453 allocated to the value of the Sprint agreement associated with the territory acquired. The intangible asset related to the Sprint agreement will be amortized over the remaining original term of the Sprint agreement at the time of purchase or approximately 14 years.
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 primarily addresses the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their initial recognition. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 (i) prohibit the
F-17
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (ii) require that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested annually for impairment (and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value may be impaired), (iii) require that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill and (iv) remove the forty year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had recorded $15.9 million in accumulated amortization of goodwill. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 the amortization of goodwill was discontinued. A purchase price allocation adjustment of $1,718 was recorded in the first quarter of 2002 which reduced goodwill by that amount.
SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested annually for impairment using a two-step process. The first step is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of reporting units to their carrying value and, upon adoption, must be measured as of the beginning of the fiscal year. As of January 1, 2002, the results of the first step indicated no potential impairment of the Company's goodwill. The Company will perform this assessment annually and the first such assessment was done as of July 31, 2002.
The annual assessment as of July 31, 2002 was performed with the assistance of a nationally recognized appraisal firm. In performing the evaluation, the appraisal firm used information from various sources including, but not limited to, current stock price, transactions involving similar companies, the business plan prepared by management and current and past operating results of the Company. The appraisal firm used a combination of the guideline transaction approach, the discounted cash flow approach and the public price approach to determine the fair value of the Company which had been determined to be the single reporting unit. The guideline transaction approach used a sample of recent wireless service provider transactions to determine an average price per POP and price per customer. The discounted cash flow approach used the projected discounted future cash flows and residual values of the Company to determine the indicated value of invested capital. The public price approach was based on the market price for the Company's publicly traded equity securities along with an estimated premium for control. This was combined with the carrying value of the Company's debt securities to arrive at the indicated value of invested capital. The results of this valuation indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying amount.
Based on the indicated impairment resulting from this valuation, the Company proceeded to the second step of the annual impairment testing which involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its identifiable assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination where the purchase price is considered to be the fair value of the reporting unit. Any unallocated purchase price is considered to be the implied fair value of goodwill. The second step of this impairment test indicated that goodwill had no value and an impairment charge of $291,635 was recorded in the third quarter of 2002. This impairment charge is included as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.
The impairment of goodwill discussed above was deemed to be a "triggering event" requiring impairment testing of the Company's other long-lived assets, including intangibles, under SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." In performing this test, assets are grouped according to identifiable cash flow streams and the undiscounted cash flow over the life of the asset group is compared to the carrying value of the asset group. No additional impairment was recorded as a result of this test.
The trends in the wireless telecommunications industry that drove the Company's decision to launch an exchange offer for its publicly traded debt in 2003 as discussed in Note 10 were deemed to be a "triggering event" again requiring impairment testing of the Company's other long-lived assets, including intangibles. No impairment was recorded as a result of this test.
F-18
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of:
December
31, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
|||||||||||||
Goodwill | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Intangible assets: | ||||||||||||||
Sprint affiliation and other agreements | $ | 532,653 | $ | 532,200 | ||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | (115,937 | ) | (85,692 | ) | ||||||||||
Subtotal | 416,716 | 446,508 | ||||||||||||
Subscriber base acquired | 29,500 | 29,500 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | (29,500 | ) | (27,654 | ) | ||||||||||
Subtotal | — | 1,846 | ||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net | $ | 416,716 | $ | 448,354 | ||||||||||
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $32,090, $40,067 and $40,419 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Aggregate amortization expense relative to intangible assets for the periods shown will be as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
2005 | $ | 30,266 | ||||
2006 | 30,266 | |||||
2007 | 30,266 | |||||
2008 | 30,266 | |||||
2009 | 30,266 | |||||
Thereafter | 265,386 | |||||
$ | 416,716 | |||||
8. LEASES
Operating leases – The Company has various operating leases, primarily related to rentals of tower sites and offices. These leases have original terms that range from 5 to 10 years with one or more renewal options upon the expiration of the original term. The leases generally provide for annual rent escalation based on pre-determined amounts or percentages. The estimated increases in rent are being recognized over the term of the leases using the straight-line method. The lease term has been determined according to the provisions of SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases" and includes renewals in cases where renewals have been determined to be reasonably assured. Leasehold improvements associated with operating leases are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their useful life or the respective lease term.
F-19
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Rental expense under operating leases was $37,702, $33,358 and $33,520 for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2004, the aggregate minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases for the periods shown are as follows:
Years: | ||||||
2005 | $ | 36,049 | ||||
2006 | 36,628 | |||||
2007 | 37,121 | |||||
2008 | 37,121 | |||||
2009 | 34,621 | |||||
Thereafter | 58,828 | |||||
Total | $ | 240,368 | ||||
Capital leases – Capital leases consist of leases for rental of retail space and switch usage. The net present value of the leases was $859 and $1,293 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and was included in property and equipment. Accumulated depreciation related to the assets recorded under these leases was $1,118 and $812 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At December 31, 2004 the future payments under capital lease obligations, less imputed interest, are as follows:
Years: | ||||||
2005 | $ | 196 | ||||
2006 | 176 | |||||
2007 | 144 | |||||
2008 | 145 | |||||
2009 | 154 | |||||
Thereafter | 445 | |||||
Total minimum lease payments | 1,260 | |||||
Less: imputed interest | (401 | ) | ||||
Present value of minimum lease payments | 859 | |||||
Less: current installments | (110 | ) | ||||
Long-term capital lease obligations at December 31, 2004 | $ | 749 | ||||
Asset Retirement Obligations – For the Company's leased telecommunications facilities, primarily consisting of cell sites and switch site operating leases and operating leases for retail and office space, the Company has adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," as of January 1, 2003. The obligations associated with the Company's operating leases primarily relate to the restoration of the leased sites to specified conditions described in the respective lease agreements. For purposes of determining the amounts recorded as asset retirement obligations associated with the respective leases, the Company has estimated the costs by type of lease to be incurred upon the termination of the lease for restoration costs, as adjusted for expected inflation. These costs have been discounted back to the origination of the lease using an appropriate discount rate to determine the amount of obligation to be recorded upon the inception of the lease. The liability is accreted up to the expected settlement amount over the life of the lease using the effective interest method. A corresponding asset is recorded at the inception of the lease in the same amount as the asset retirement obligation. This asset is depreciated using the same method and life of similar network assets or leasehold improvements. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003, the
F-20
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
accretion of asset retirement obligations through December 31, 2002 was recorded in the amount of $402. Additionally, the accumulated depreciation of the related assets of $364 was recorded at that time.
The following table illustrates the activity with respect to asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
For the years ended | ||||||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||
Balance January 1 | $ | 1,813 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Initial liability recorded upon adoption of SFAS No. 143 | — | 1,213 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated accretion recorded upon adoption of SFAS No. 143 | — | 402 | ||||||||||||
Initial obligation recorded during the year | 212 | 35 | ||||||||||||
Obligations settled during the year | — | — | ||||||||||||
Accretion of obligation during the year | 187 | 163 | ||||||||||||
Impact of revision in estimates | — | — | ||||||||||||
Balance December 31 | $ | 2,212 | $ | 1,813 | ||||||||||
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||
Senior Notes: | ||||||||||||||
12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes, net of discount | $ | 6,293 | $ | 5,556 | ||||||||||
12% Senior Discount Notes, net of discount | 218,028 | 193,995 | ||||||||||||
12½% Senior Notes | 11,600 | 11,600 | ||||||||||||
13 5/8% Senior Notes | 2,325 | 2,475 | ||||||||||||
11% Senior Notes | 250,895 | 250,798 | ||||||||||||
8½% Senior Notes | 250,000 | — | ||||||||||||
Total Senior Notes | 739,141 | 464,424 | ||||||||||||
Senior Secured Credit Facility | — | 200,000 | ||||||||||||
Total Debt | 739,141 | 664,424 | ||||||||||||
Less current maturities | — | — | ||||||||||||
Long term debt, excluding current maturities | $ | 739,141 | $ | 664,424 | ||||||||||
F-21
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
SENIOR NOTES
12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes – The 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes were issued in December 1999, mature February 15, 2010, carry a coupon rate of 12 7/8% and provide for interest deferral through February 15, 2005. The 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes will accrete to their $6,389 face amount by February 8, 2005, after which, interest will be paid in cash semiannually.
12% Senior Discount Notes – The 12% Senior Discount Notes were issued in November 2003 in connection with the debt exchange discussed in Note 10. The 12% Senior Discount Notes mature July 31, 2009, carry a coupon rate of 12% and provide for interest deferral through July 31, 2005. The 12% Senior Discount Notes will accrete to their $233 million face amount by July 31, 2005, after which, interest will be paid in cash semiannually.
12½% Senior Notes – The 12½% Senior Notes were issued in January 2001, mature February 1, 2011 and carry a coupon rate of 12½%, payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1.
13 5/8% Senior Notes – The 13 5/8% Senior Notes were issued in August 2001, mature August 15, 2011 and carry a coupon rate of 13 5/8% payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15.
11% Senior Notes – The 11% Senior Notes were issued in November 2003 in connection with the debt exchange discussed in Note 10. The 11% Senior Notes mature July 31, 2010 and carry a coupon rate of 11%, payable semiannually on January 31 and July 31.
8½% Senior Notes – The 8½% Senior Notes were issued in January 2004, mature January 31, 2012 and carry a coupon rate of 8½% payable semiannually on January 31 and July 31. The proceeds of these notes were used to permanently repay the Company's senior secured credit facility in January 2004 as discussed herein and for general corporate purposes.
Significant terms of the senior notes include:
• | Ranking – The senior unsecured obligations of Alamosa (Delaware) are equal in right of payment to all future senior debt of Alamosa (Delaware) and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated debt of Alamosa (Delaware). |
• | Guarantees – The senior unsecured obligations will rank equally with all existing and future senior debt and senior to all existing and future subordinated debt. The obligations are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior subordinated, unsecured basis, by all the existing and any future restricted subsidiaries of Alamosa (Delaware) with the exception of Alamosa Delaware Operations, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alamosa (Delaware). Additionally, the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes, the 12½% Senior Notes and the 13 5/8% Senior Notes are also guaranteed by the Company. The financial statements of Alamosa (Delaware), Inc. and financial information related to its guarantor subsidiaries are included in Alamosa (Delaware)'s Form 10-K. |
• | Optional Redemption – The Company may use net proceeds of an equity offering to redeem up to 35% of the accreted value of the senior notes through the dates and at the redemption prices below. |
Option Through | Redemption Price | |||||||||||||
12% Senior Discount Notes | July 31, 2006 | 112.000 | % | |||||||||||
11% Senior Notes | July 31, 2007 | 111.000 | % | |||||||||||
8½% Senior Notes | January 31, 2007 | 108.500 | % | |||||||||||
F-22
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Additionally, the senior unsecured obligations contain call options as follows:
Redemption Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes |
12% Senior Discount Notes |
12½% Senior Notes |
13 5/8% Senior Notes |
11% Senior Notes |
8½% Senior Notes |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ending February 15, |
Year Ending July 31, |
Year Ending January 31, |
Year Ending August 15, |
Year
Ending July 31, |
Year Ending January 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 106.438 | % | 106.000 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 104.292 | % | 103.000 | % | 106.250 | % | 106.813 | % | 105.500 | % | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 102.146 | % | 101.500 | % | 104.167 | % | 104.542 | % | 102.750 | % | 104.250 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | 102.083 | % | 102.271 | % | 101.375 | % | 102.125 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | 100.000 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
• | Change of Control – Upon a change of control as defined by the respective offerings, the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the accreted value for the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes and 12% Senior Discount Notes and 101% of the face amount for the 12½% Senior Notes, 13 5/8% Senior Notes, 11% Senior Notes and 8½% Senior Notes. |
• | Restrictive Covenants – The indentures governing the 12% senior discount notes, the 11% senior notes and the 8½% senior notes contain covenants that, among other things and subject to important exceptions, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional debt, issue preferred stock, pay dividends, redeem capital stock or make other restricted payments or investments as defined by the indentures, create liens on assets, merge, consolidate or dispose of assets, or enter into transactions with affiliates and change lines of business. The indentures contain cross-default provisions relative to other material indebtedness. The indentures governing the 12 7/8% senior discount notes, the 12½% senior notes and the 11 5/8% senior notes, contain no covenant protection with the exception of the restriction on asset sales. |
• | Security Agreement – Concurrently with the closing of the 12½% Senior Notes, Alamosa (Delaware) deposited $59.0 million with the collateral agent, to secure on a pro rata basis the payment obligations of Alamosa (Delaware) under the 12½% Senior Notes and the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes. The amount deposited in the security account, together with the proceeds from the investment thereof, will be sufficient to pay when due the first four interest payments on the 12½% Senior Notes. Funds will be released from the security account to make interest payments on the 12½% Senior Notes or the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes as they become due, so long as there does not exist an event of default with respect to the 12½% Senior Notes or the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes. Approximately $39.1 million of the proceeds of the 13 5/8% Notes Offering were similarly used to establish a security account to secure on a pro rata basis the payment obligations under the 13 5/8% Senior Notes, the 12½% Senior Notes and the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes. As of December 31, 2004, all of these escrowed funds had been used for interest payments. |
F-23
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
SENIOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS
Senior Secured Credit Facility – On February 14, 2001, Alamosa Holdings, Alamosa (Delaware) and Alamosa Holdings, LLC, as borrower, entered into a $280 million senior secured credit facility (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility") with Citicorp USA, as administrative agent and collateral agent; Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc., as syndication agent; EDC as co-documentation agent; First Union National Bank, as documentation agent, and a syndicate of banking and financial institutions. On March 30, 2001, the Senior Secured Credit Facility was amended to increase the facility to $333 million in relation to the acquisition of Southwest. The Senior Secured Credit Facility was again amended in August 2001 concurrent with the issuance of the 13 5/8% Senior Notes to reduce the maximum borrowing to $225 million consisting of a 7-year senior secured 12-month delayed draw term loan facility of $200 million and a 7-year senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25 million.
The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under this facility at December 31, 2004 was 4.69%. Alamosa Holdings, LLC was also required to pay quarterly in arrears a commitment fee on the unfunded portion of the commitment of each lender. The Company entered into derivative hedging instruments to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk associated with borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility as discussed in Note 19.
As of December 31, 2003, Alamosa Holdings, LLC had drawn $200 million under the term portion of the Senior Secured Credit Facility. In connection with the issuance of the 8½% Senior Notes discussed above, a portion of the proceeds from that issuance was used to permanently repay the advances outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the facility was terminated in January 2004.
10. DEBT EXCHANGE
In an effort to proactively manage its capital structure and align it with operating trends in the wireless telecommunications industry, the Company launched an offer to exchange its publicly traded debt on September 12, 2003. The offer, as amended on October 15, 2003 (as so amended, the "Exchange Offer"), sought to exchange all of the Company's existing 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes, 12½% Senior Notes and 13 5/8% Senior Notes for a combination of new notes and convertible Alamosa Holdings preferred stock. The Exchange Offer was successful and closed on November 10, 2003.
Holders of the 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2010 (the "Discount Notes") who tendered their Discount Notes received, for each $1 accreted amount of the Discount Notes tendered, as of the expiration of the Exchange Offer, (1) $0.65 in original issue amount of new 12% Senior Discount Notes due 2009 (the "New Discount Notes") and (2) one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Alamosa Holdings with a liquidation preference of $250 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
Holders of the 12½% Senior Notes due 2011 and the 13 5/8% Senior Notes due 2010 (collectively, the "Old Cash Pay Notes" and, together with the Discount Notes, the "Old Notes") who tendered their Old Cash Pay Notes received, for each $1 principal amount of the Old Cash Pay Notes tendered, (1) $0.65 in principal amount of new 11% Senior Notes due 2010 (the "New Cash Pay Notes" and together with the New Discount Notes, the "New Notes") and (2) one share of Preferred Stock.
Fractional shares of Preferred Stock were not issued under the Exchange Offer and New Notes were issued only in denominations that are integral multiples of $1. With respect to any holder of Old Notes who would otherwise have received a fractional share of Preferred Stock or New Notes in an amount that was not an integral multiple of $1, the Company substituted a cash payment equal to the liquidation preference allocable to the fractional share of Preferred Stock or the amount by which the amount of New Notes was reduced. The total of these fractional payments was $104.
F-24
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Upon the expiration and closing of the exchange Offer on November 10, 2003, the Company had received tenders from existing noteholders amounting to $343.6 million or 98 percent of the Discount Notes, $238.4 million or 95 percent of the 12½% Senior Notes and $147.5 million or 98 percent of the 13 5/8% Senior Notes. The consummation of the Exchange Offer was accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 15, "Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings." In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 15, the New Notes and Preferred Stock were recorded at fair value. The excess of the fair value of the New Notes and Preferred Stock over the carrying value of the existing debt tendered by noteholders of $1,234 has been recorded in debt issuance costs and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the New Notes due to the fact that the total cash flows associated with the New Notes exceeds the carrying value of the Old Notes. The net excess fair value of consideration of $1,234 discussed herein is comprised of debt issuance costs related to the notes that were tendered in the amount of $17,949 reduced by deferred future cash interest payments on the New Notes in the amount of $16,715. The net amount is included in debt issuance costs in the consolidated balance sheet and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense related to the New Notes over the life of the New Notes using the effective interest method.
In contemplation of the Exchange Offer, Alamosa (Delaware), on September 11, 2003, amended the terms of the respective indentures governing its existing 12 7/8% Senior Discount Notes, 12½% Senior Notes and 13 5/8% Senior Notes to add Alamosa Holdings as a guarantor under the indentures. The Company further amended the indentures governing these notes on October 29, 2003, after receiving the requisite consents from the holders of the notes, to eliminate substantially all covenant protection under such indentures.
11. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
In connection with the debt exchange completed in November 2003, as discussed in Note 10, the Company issued 679,495 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to noteholders who tendered their notes in the exchange. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at an annual rate of 7½% of the $250 per share liquidation preference. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of each January, April, July and October. Until July 31, 2008, the Company has the option to pay dividends in (1) cash, (2) shares of Alamosa Holdings Series C Preferred Stock, (3) shares of Alamosa Holdings common stock or (4) a combination thereof. After July 31, 2008, all dividends are payable in cash only. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to participate in any dividends declared on Alamosa Holdings common stock based on the number of common shares the Series B Preferred Stock could be converted into immediately prior to the declaration of the common stock dividend. The Series C Preferred Stock has essentially the same terms as the Series B Preferred Stock with the exception of the conversion rate, as discussed below.
Each share of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock is convertible at the holder's option and at any time into shares of Alamosa Holdings Common Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible at $3.40 per share and the Series C Preferred Stock is convertible at $4.25 per share.
Beginning on the third anniversary of the date of original issuance of the Series B or Series C Preferred Stock, the Company has the option to redeem outstanding preferred shares for cash. The initial redemption price is 125 percent of the $250 per share liquidation preference, reduced by 5 percent annually thereafter until 2011 after which time the redemption price remains at 100 percent. All outstanding Series B and Series C Preferred Stock must be redeemed by the Company on July 31, 2013.
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," this option to redeem outstanding preferred shares for cash
F-25
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
represents a derivative instrument that must be bifurcated and accounted for separately as the early redemption could potentially double a holder's return on the preferred shares. As a result, an asset was recorded in connection with this early redemption option in November 2003 in the amount of $18.8 million which represented the fair value of the option upon the issuance of the preferred shares as determined by an independent valuation professional. This derivative is adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period with any change in fair value being reflected in earnings for the period. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of this option was $21.4 million and $21.7 million, respectively.
The Series B Preferred Stock was recorded at fair value as of the date of issuance or approximately $325 per share, less a portion of the costs incurred in connection with the debt exchange of approximately $4.4 million plus the value assigned to the early redemption option discussed previously. The costs allocated to the Series B Preferred Stock were determined based on the relative fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock to the total fair value of consideration given to the tendering noteholders. In determining the $325 per share fair value of Series B Preferred Stock, the Company engaged the services of an independent valuation professional who used customary methodologies common in the valuation of such instruments to arrive at the fair value.
In May 2004, the Company completed a private exchange transaction with a holder of the 13 5/8% Senior Notes. Pursuant to the transaction, the holder delivered to the Company an aggregate of $150 principal amount of the 13 5/8% Senior Notes in exchange for a newly issued $97 in principal amount of the 11% Senior Notes and 150 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2004, holders of 200,658 shares of Series B Preferred Stock exercised their conversion option or exchanged shares of Series B Preferred Stock with the Company and were granted 15,624,569 shares of Alamosa Holdings common stock in the aggregate valued at $4.58 per share at the time of conversion or exchange. In connection with the conversions or exchanges during the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company paid premiums to certain holders in the form of 197,700 shares of preferred stock in connection with private exchange transactions to induce such conversions. Cash premiums totaled $276 and premiums in the form of additional shares of common stock amounted to 870,310 shares valued at $6,324.
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company paid $10,595 in cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock.
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 8,750,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value, of which no shares are issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004. The Company is authorized to issue 290,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value of which 114,895,245 shares are issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders for each period by the weighted average outstanding common shares. No conversion of common stock equivalents has been assumed in the calculation since the effect would be antidilutive. As a result, the number of weighted-average outstanding common shares as well as the amount of net loss per share are the same for basic and diluted net loss per share calculations for all periods presented. Common stock equivalents excluded from diluted net loss per share calculations consisted of options to purchase 9.7 million, 9.2 million and 7.9 million shares of common stock for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
F-26
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
Shares issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock totaling 35,219,632 and 49,962,868 common shares at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, have been excluded from diluted net loss per share calculations as their effect would be antidilutive. The Series B Preferred Stock is a participating security, such that in the event a dividend is declared or paid on the common stock, the Company must simultaneously declare and pay a dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock as if the Series B Preferred Stock had been converted into common stock. EITF 03-06, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128," requires that undistributed earnings be allocated to participating securities as if all earnings were distributed. The Company's accounting policy requires the use of the two-class method for its participating securities for earnings per share calculations. The Series B Preferred Stock is considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share under the "if-converted" method, if dilutive.
In 2002, the Company awarded 800,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $0.41 per share to officers. These shares vest over a three-year period. Unvested restricted stock issued to officers totaling 200,000 shares, 400,000 shares and 800,000 shares at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively have been excluded from the number of weighted-average outstanding common shares for the respective periods as these shares are contingently returnable to the Company in the event the vesting requirements are not met. As these shares vest, they are included in the number of weighted-average outstanding common shares.
14. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of the following:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||||||
U.S. Federal | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Foreign | — | — | — | |||||||||||
State | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Total current expense | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Deferred: | ||||||||||||||
U.S. Federal | (3,554 | ) | (17,432 | ) | (58,938 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign | — | — | — | |||||||||||
State | 4,295 | (497 | ) | (8,148 | ) | |||||||||
Total deferred expense (benefit) | 741 | (17,929 | ) | (67,086 | ) | |||||||||
Total income taxes expense (benefit) | $ | 741 | $ | (17,929 | ) | $ | (67,086 | ) | ||||||
F-27
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
December 31, | ||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 185,958 | $ | 183,011 | ||||||
Original issue discount | 44,445 | 40,928 | ||||||||
Non-cash compensation | (393 | ) | 1,770 | |||||||
Start-up expenses | — | 153 | ||||||||
Deferred rent | 1,458 | 1,628 | ||||||||
Bad debt allowance | 2,372 | 2,340 | ||||||||
Capitalized loan costs | 3,667 | 1,670 | ||||||||
Cancellation of indebtedness | 5,530 | 6,201 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | 275 | ||||||||
Other | 4,644 | 1,570 | ||||||||
Gross deferred tax assets | 247,681 | 239,546 | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||||
Intangible assets | 158,264 | 166,339 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 68,276 | 57,395 | ||||||||
Early redemption option on preferred stock | 8,126 | 8,046 | ||||||||
Other | 7,168 | 3,351 | ||||||||
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | 5,847 | 4,415 | ||||||||
Valuation allowance | (17,979 | ) | (15,809 | ) | ||||||
Deferred tax balance | $ | (12,132 | ) | $ | (11,394 | ) | ||||
The net deferred tax asset was fully reserved as of December 31, 2000 because of uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to recognize the benefit of the asset in future years. In connection with acquisitions closed in 2001, a significant deferred tax liability was recorded. The reversal of the timing differences which gave rise to the deferred tax liability allowed the Company to benefit from the deferred tax assets. As such, the valuation allowance was released in 2001 with a corresponding reduction to goodwill associated with the acquisitions. The valuation allowance was restored in 2003 and increased in 2004 by $2,170 as the Company has adjusted the valuation allowance to reflect deferred tax assets at the amounts expected to be realized. If and when the valuation allowance is released, approximately $2,000 of such valuation allowance will be released to additional paid-in capital.
F-28
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
The provision for income taxes is different than the amount computed using the applicable statutory federal income tax rate due to the differences summarized below:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate | (35.00 | )% | (35.00 | )% | (35.00 | )% | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment | — | % | — | % | 21.70 | % | ||||||||
Disallowed interest on high yield discount obligations | 17.62 | 0.85 | 0.10 | |||||||||||
Other permanent differences | 0.47 | 0.06 | 0.01 | |||||||||||
State taxes | (3.84 | ) | (2.88 | ) | (1.13 | ) | ||||||||
Valuation allowance | 25.56 | 17.04 | — | |||||||||||
Other | (0.33 | ) | 0.60 | 0.06 | ||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 4.48 | % | (19.33 | )% | (14.26 | )% | ||||||||
As of December 31, 2004, the Company has available federal net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $487 million which expire beginning in 2020. In addition, the Company has available state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $306 million which expire beginning in 2005. Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be limited by ownership changes which could occur in the future.
15. SPRINT AGREEMENTS
In accordance with the Company's affiliation agreements with Sprint, Sprint provides the company various services including billing, customer care, collections and inventory logistics. In addition, Sprint bills the Company for various pass-through items such as commissions to national retail merchants, handset subsidies on handsets activated in the Company's territory but not sold by the Company and long distance charges.
In 2003, the Company executed amendments to its affiliation agreements with Sprint. The amendments, among other things, established fixed per subscriber costs for services that the Company purchases from Sprint through December 31, 2006 in the form of two new fees. The amendments created a new combined service bureau fee, which consolidates numerous fees that were previously settled separately, for back office services such as billing and customer care. The combined service bureau fee was initially set at $7.70 per average subscriber per month through December 31, 2006 and is recorded in costs of services and operations in the consolidated statement of operations. The amendments also created a new per-activation fee, which consolidates numerous fees that were previously settled separately, for marketing services, such as subscriber activation and handset logistics. The per-activation fee was initially calculated as a percentage of certain of Sprint PCS' selling and marketing expenses and was to be applied to the actual number of gross subscriber activations the Company experiences on a monthly basis through December 31, 2006. The per-activation fee is recorded in selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
In March 2004, the Company exercised its rights under a most favored nations clause in the Sprint agreements to implement the terms of an agreement entered into between Sprint and another PCS Affiliate of Sprint. As a result, the Company entered into new amendments that increased the per activation fee and decreased the price to the Company on purchases of handsets and accessories. Additionally, the March 2004 amendments increased the reciprocal roaming rate for data services from $0.0014 per Kb to $0.0020 per Kb and extended the fixed reciprocal rates for voice and data roaming through December 31, 2006. In June 2004, the Company further amended its agreements with Sprint to (1) reduce the combined service bureau fee from $7.70 to $7.00 per average subscriber per month
F-29
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
and (2) change the per activation fee from a percentage of certain of Sprint PCS' selling and marketing expenses to a fixed rate of $23.00 per activation.
In addition to the new fees, the amendments changed the methodology used for settling cash received from subscribers. Historically, actual weekly cash receipts were passed through to the Company by Sprint based on a calculation of an estimate of the portion of that cash related to the Company's activity. Under the new methodology, the Company receives its portion of billed revenue (net of an 8% affiliation fee) less actual written off accounts in the month subsequent to billing regardless of when Sprint collects the cash from the subscriber. The provisions of the amendments became effective on December 1, 2003 and the Company has the right to evaluate subsequent amendments to the affiliation agreements of other similarly situated PCS Affiliates of Sprint and adopt the provisions of those amendments if the Company elects to do so.
Expenses reflected in the consolidated statements of operations related to the Sprint affiliation agreements are:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
Cost of service and operation | $ | 276,239 | $ | 217,531 | $ | 219,866 | ||||||||
Cost of products sold | 76,183 | 59,651 | 50,974 | |||||||||||
Selling and marketing | 57,691 | 46,294 | 46,132 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 410,113 | $ | 323,476 | $ | 316,972 | ||||||||
In connection with the billing services provided to the Company by Sprint, the Company relies on Sprint to provide information as to monthly billing activity relative to all subscriber revenues. In addition, Sprint provides the information utilized for the settlement of all roaming revenue.
The Company relies upon Sprint as a service provider to provide accurate information for the settlement of revenue and expense items. The Company makes estimates used in connection with the preparation of financial statements based on the financial and statistical information provided by Sprint. The Company assesses the accuracy of this information through analytic review and reliance on the service auditor report on Sprint's internal control processes prepared by Sprint's external service auditor.
On December 15, 2004, Sprint Corporation and Nextel Communications, Inc. announced that their boards of directors unanimously approved a definitive agreement for a merger of equals. Nextel Communications currently operates a wireless mobility communications network in certain territories in which the Company also provides digital wireless mobility communications network services under the Sprint or affiliated brands.
The Company and Sprint have had only very preliminary communications regarding the potential impact on the Company of the pending Sprint-Nextel transaction. The Company believes that, based on currently available information, and assuming that no changes are effected with respect to Sprint's agreements with the Company, Sprint could be in violation of the exclusivity provisions of certain of the Company's agreements with Sprint upon completion of the Sprint-Nextel transaction and Sprint could be in violation of the exclusivity provisions of the other agreements with Sprint at some point following completion of the Sprint-Nextel transaction.
Sprint's agreements with the Company provide for specific remedies in the event of a material violation by Sprint of such agreements if not cured within an applicable time period. Neither we nor any of our executives have made any definitive determination as to the impact on the value to us or
F-30
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
our business of any of such remedies or whether any such remedy would be more or less favorable to us or our shareholders than our existing arrangements with Sprint or any possible renegotiated arrangement with Sprint.
The Company is committed to working with Sprint to reach mutually agreeable arrangements with respect to these matters. However, there can be no assurances that the Company and Sprint will be able to reach mutually acceptable arrangements or as to the terms of any such arrangements or the likely impact on the Company of any such arrangement.
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Agreements with Tech Telephone Company – The Company entered into a telecommunications service agreement with Tech Telephone Company Limited Partnership ("TechTel") to install and provide telecommunications lines between Sprint PCS and the Company's Lubbock-based operations and between the Company's Lubbock-based operations and other markets. TechTel was a limited partnership whose general partner was an entity controlled by the CEO of the Company. The original term of the agreement is three years, but the agreement automatically renews upon expiration for additional successive 30-day terms by either party. The Company has also entered into a distribution agreement with TechTel, authorizing it to become a third party distributor of Sprint PCS products and services for the Company in Lubbock, Texas. The total amount paid under these contracts was $601, $902 and $1,157 during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The amounts included in accounts payable relative to these contracts were $1 and $89 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. TechTel was sold to an unrelated third party in October 2002.
Agreements with Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts
In connection with the acquisition of Roberts, the Company entered into a number of arrangements with Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts and certain companies affiliated with them as described in more detail below. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts became directors of the Company in February 2001.
Joint Venture Development Agreement – On October 30, 2000, the Company entered into a joint venture development agreement with Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts. Pursuant to the agreement, if either Mr. Michael V. Roberts or Mr. Steven C. Roberts undertakes an international telecommunications business venture and desires for the Company to be involved in that project, then before either Mr. Michael V. Roberts or Mr. Steven C. Roberts enters into a letter of intent or binding agreement of any nature with another person regarding the project, they must give the Company written notice. The Company has 60 days to notify them of its desire to participate in the project. During such 60-day period, the Company has the exclusive right with respect to the project. Promptly after the Company gives a notice of participation, the Company and either Mr. Michael V. Roberts or Mr. Steven C. Roberts must form a project entity and execute an agreement setting forth the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions for the purpose, ownership, management, financing and operation of the project. Unless the Company and either Mr. Michael V. Roberts or Mr. Steven C. Roberts agree to a different arrangement, the Company will have a 50% interest in each project entity and will have full managerial control of each project entity. Except as described above, neither the Company nor Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts is obligated to bring to the other any opportunity to participate in a project or any activity, domestic or international.
Consulting Agreements – On January 29, 2001, the Company entered into five-year consulting agreements with each of Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts. The consulting agreements provide each of them with an annual compensation of $125, which is paid monthly.
Right of First Negotiation Agreement – On February 14, 2001, the Company entered into a right of first negotiation agreement with Roberts Tower which grants Roberts Tower a right to negotiate tower
F-31
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
leases on a "build-to-suit" basis with the Company's present and future territory. During the term of the agreement, whenever the Company or one of its subsidiaries is required to "build-to-suit" communications towers within the present or future territories in which the Company operates, the Company must notify Roberts Tower and Roberts Tower will have the exclusive right for a period of 30 days to negotiate with the company to provide such towers. After such 30-day period, if the Company has not reached an agreement with Roberts Tower, the Company may obtain such tower sites from other third parties. The term of this agreement is five years.
Resale Agreement – On February 14, 2001, the Company entered into a resale agreement with Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts which permits Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts to buy air time at a discount for resale on a basis no less favorable than any other similar agreement to which the Company may be a party. Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts may resell such airtime anywhere such resales are permitted under applicable law. Any arrangement between the Company and Messrs. Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts for resales and use of air time will be subject to all required approvals of Sprint, Sprint Spectrum and Sprint PCS and/or any other applicable Sprint entities.
Master Lease Agreement – On February 14, 2001, Roberts and Roberts Tower entered into a master lease agreement which provides for the lease from Roberts Tower by Roberts of certain buildings, towers, tanks and/or improvements thereon for the purpose of installing, operating and maintaining communications facilities and services thereon. The initial term of the master lease agreement expires in February 2006, and Roberts has the right to extend the initial term of the lease for four additional terms of five years each. The agreement provides for monthly payments aggregating to approximately $17 per tower per year at inception, subject to an annual adjustment of 4% per annum. Roberts subsequently assigned all of its right, title and interest in the master lease agreement to its wholly owned subsidiary, Alamosa Missouri Properties, LLC (formerly Roberts Wireless Properties, L.L.C). During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, $3,037, $2,785 and $2,688, respectively, in rental expense was recorded under this agreement.
In addition to the specific agreements discussed above, the Company paid $194, $287 and $346 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to Roberts Tower for other items including the lease of retail space and switching facility space.
Other related party transactions – On December 28, 1998, the Company entered into a long-term agreement to lease space for a retail store in Lubbock, Texas with Lubbock HLH, Ltd., principally owned by one of the Company's directors and the general manager of South Plains Advance Communications & Electronics, Inc. ("SPACE"). SPACE is a stockholder of the Company. This lease has a term of 15 years and provides for monthly payments subject to adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index on the first day of the sixth lease year and on the first day of the eleventh lease year. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, $115, $110 and $110 per year, respectively, in rental expense was recorded in connection with this lease. No amount was payable at December 31, 2004. In addition to rental, $26, $24 and $20 was paid to Lubbock HLH, Ltd. in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively for taxes and other expenses related to the leased property.
17. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Effective July 1, 2000, the Company formed the Alamosa PCS Contributions Savings Plan ("Company Plan"), a defined contribution employee savings plan sponsored by the Company under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company made contributions of $1,174, $653 and $1,058, respectively to the Company Plan.
In connection with the acquisition of Washington Oregon Wireless ("WOW") in 2001, employees who were formerly employees of WOW continued to participate in the Washington Oregon Wireless
F-32
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
401(k) Savings & Investment Plan, a defined contribution employee savings plan sponsored by the Company under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company made contributions of $36 to the WOW plan. Effective December 31, 2002 the WOW plan was merged into the Company Plan.
Effective March 1, 2001, the Company adopted the Alamosa Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). The ESPP provides that eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of their earnings towards the purchase of Company common stock. The employee per share purchase price is 85% of the fair market value of Company shares on (i) the offering date or (ii) the exercise date, whichever is lower. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, shares totaling 2,001,807, 997,325 and 585,191, respectively, were issued in connection with purchases by employees under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, 274,971 and 1,876,778 shares were reserved for issuance under the ESPP.
18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") effective November 12, 1999, which provides for the granting of either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Alamosa Holdings' common stock and for other stock-based awards to officers, directors and key employees for the direction and management of the Company and to non-employee consultants and independent contractors. At December 31, 2004, options to purchase 3,246,150 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Plan. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors administers the Plan and determines grant prices and vesting periods. Generally, the options under the Plan vest in varying increments over a three to five-year period, expire ten years from the date of grant and are issued at exercise prices no less than 100% of the fair market value of common stock at the time of the grant.
The Company applies APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretation, in accounting for its employee stock options. All options granted under the plan during 2004, 2003 and 2002 had no intrinsic value as the exercise price was equal to or greater than the fair market value on the date of grant, accordingly no non-cash compensation was recorded in 2004, 2003 or 2002 related to options.
The weighted-average fair value for stock options granted during 2004 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant ("at the money") was $5.34 per share. The weighted-average fair value for stock options granted during 2004 with an exercise price greater than the fair market value at the date of grant ("out of the money") was $4.49 per share. The weighted-average fair value for all stock options granted in 2003 was $1.86 per share. The weighted-average fair value for stock options granted at the money during 2002 was $1.85 per share. The weighted-average fair value for stock options granted out of the money during 2002 was $0.23 per share. The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||
Expected volatility | 128 | % | 130 | % | 106 | % | ||||||||
Risk-free rate of return | 3.15 | % | 2.50 | % | 3.00 | % | ||||||||
Expected life | 4.00 years | 4.00 years | 4.00 years | |||||||||||
F-33
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
The following summarizes activity under the Company's stock option plans:
Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year End December 31, | Year End December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options
outstanding at beginning of the period |
9,192,434 | 7,868,495 | 5,505,878 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 11.12 | $ | 16.55 | |||||||||||||||||
Granted: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the money | 2,465,486 | 1,665,230 | 1,370,195 | 8.12 | 2.32 | 2.57 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Out of the money | 1,000 | — | 1,500,046 | 7.20 | — | 0.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (1,829,832 | ) | (29,740 | ) | (250 | ) | 1.75 | 0.27 | 3.90 | |||||||||||||||||
Canceled/forfeited | (89,756 | ) | (311,551 | ) | (507,374 | ) | 8.35 | 12.56 | 15.20 | |||||||||||||||||
Options
outstanding at the end of the period |
9,739,332 | 9,192,434 | 7,868,495 | $ | 10.63 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 11.12 | |||||||||||||||||
Options exercisable at
end of the period |
8,007,460 | 7,014,075 | 4,216,112 | $ | 11.45 | $ | 10.75 | $ | 14.66 | |||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes information for stock options at December 31, 2004:
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Range
of Exercise Prices |
Number of Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Remaining Contractual Life |
Number
of Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.23 | 0.23 | 67,001 | $ | 0.23 | 7.8 | 67,001 | $ | 0.23 | |||||||||||||||||
0.36 | 0.53 | 1,206,658 | 0.38 | 7.8 | 1,198,605 | 0.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||
0.57 | 0.84 | 282,111 | 0.67 | 8.2 | 117,887 | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||
0.96 | 1.41 | 152,815 | 1.19 | 8.1 | 85,335 | 1.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
1.53 | 1.53 | 24,000 | 1.53 | 8.5 | 24,000 | 1.53 | ||||||||||||||||||||
3.10 | 4.01 | 830,598 | 3.69 | 8.8 | 815,314 | 3.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||
4.99 | 7.45 | 1,973,726 | 6.67 | 9.0 | 612,275 | 5.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||
7.64 | 10.75 | 135,776 | 9.23 | 7.4 | 99,976 | 9.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
12.31 | 18.44 | 4,917,647 | 16.62 | 4.5 | 4,860,047 | 16.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||
18.79 | 26.25 | 130,000 | 22.51 | 5.6 | 112,000 | 22.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||
28.50 | 28.50 | 19,000 | 28.50 | 5.3 | 15,200 | 28.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.23 | 28.50 | 9,739,332 | $ | 10.63 | 6.4 | 8,007,460 | $ | 11.45 | |||||||||||||||||
F-34
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
19. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items.
The carrying amount of the Senior Secured Credit Facility approximates fair value at December 31, 2003 because the interest rate changes with market interest rates.
Selected information related to the Company's senior notes is as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||||||
Book value | $ | 739,141 | $ | 464,424 | ||||||
Fair value | 844,053 | 501,413 | ||||||||
Net unrecognized loss | $ | (104,912 | ) | $ | (36,989 | ) | ||||
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities," effective January 1, 2001. This statement requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are either recognized in earnings or are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
In order to manage interest costs and exposure to changing interest rates, the Company entered into interest rate hedges to hedge exposure to variable interest rates on a portion of the Senior Secured Credit Facility. At December 31, 2003, the Company had entered into the following interest rate swaps.
Instrument | Notional | Term | Fair Value | |||||||||||
4.9475% Interest rate swap | $ | 21,690 | 3 years | $ | (413 | ) | ||||||||
4.9350% Interest rate swap | $ | 28,340 | 3 years | (443 | ) | |||||||||
$ | (856 | ) | ||||||||||||
These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges such that the fair value was recorded as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value (net of tax) shown as a component of other comprehensive income. The swaps were terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility as discussed in Note 9.
The Company also maintained an interest rate collar with the following terms:
Notional | Maturity | Cap Strike Price | Floor Strike Price | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
$ | 28,340 | 5/15/2004 | 7.00 | % | 4.12 | % | $ | (419 | ) | |||||||||
This collar did not receive hedge accounting treatment such that the fair value was reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet and the change in fair value was reflected as an adjustment to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003. The collar was terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility as discussed in Note 9.
Approximately $0, $2,680 and $2,188 in settlements under the above hedging instruments are included in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
In addition to the swaps and collar discussed above, the Company purchased an interest rate cap in February 2002 with a notional amount of $5,000 and a strike price of 7.00%. This cap did not receive hedge accounting treatment. This cap was terminated in January 2004 upon the termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility as discussed in Note 9.
F-35
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
As discussed in Note 11, a derivative instrument was recorded in November 2003 in connection with the early redemption option on the Series B Preferred Stock. This derivative is recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004.
These fair value estimates were obtained from the institutions the Company entered into the agreements with and are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of considerable judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Employment agreements – The Company is a party to employment agreements, effective October 1, 2002, and amended as of January 1, 2005, with its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). The CEO's agreement will expire on September 30, 2007 and entitles the CEO to receive an annual base salary of $425. The agreement also provides that so long as he serves on the Company's board of directors, he will serve as Chairman of the Board. The CFO's agreement will expire on December 31, 2006 and entitles him to receive an annual base salary of $400. The CEO and CFO are eligible to receive an annual performance-based bonus with an initial target of $340 and $280, respectively. The executives are entitled to participate in any long-term incentive plans the Company establishes, including Alamosa Holdings' Amended and Restated 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP").
Additionally, the agreements provide for annual option grants, contingent upon continued employment. The CEO's agreement provides for the grant of options to purchase 80,000 shares, 64,000 shares and 51,200 shares in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The CFO's agreement provides for the grant of options to purchase 50,000 shares and 40,000 shares in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
The agreements entitle the executives to $5,000 in term life insurance coverage, reimbursement for reasonable business expenses, a car allowance, reimbursement for approved club dues, reimbursement for an annual physical exam up to $5, and financial planning services up to $10 per annum. The executives may participate in any incentive, retirement, life, medical, disability and other benefit plans available to the Company's other executives with comparable responsibilities, subject to the terms of those programs.
Upon termination of employment by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason, within thirty days after the date of termination, the Company will provide the terminated executive a lump-sum severance payment equal to the sum of : (i) one year's base salary; (ii) the higher of (x) the executive's target bonus or (y) the average annual bonus the executive earned over the two preceding years (the "Bonus"); and (iii) a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination. If such termination occurs within twelve months following a change in control, the terminated executive is instead entitled to three times his base salary and Bonus, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination. In either case, the terminated executive will also receive continuing welfare and fringe benefits for one year following termination of his employment and all restricted stock and options granted to the executive under the agreement will become vested and exercisable.
The Company entered into employment agreements on October 1, 2002; as amended January 1, 2005 with its Chief Integration Officer ("CIO"), Chief Technology Officer ("CTO"), and Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance ("SVP"). The Company entered into an employment agreement on December 1, 2002; as amended January 1, 2005 with its Chief Operating Officer ("COO"). The CIO's agreement will expire on December 31, 2005. The agreements with the CTO, SVP and COO will expire on December 31, 2006.
These agreements provide for annual grants of options to purchase 186,000 shares of Company common stock during 2005 and 2006. Additionally, the agreements entitle the executives to be
F-36
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
reimbursed for reasonable business expenses, reimbursement for approved club dues, a car allowance and reimbursement for an annual physical exam. They may participate in any incentive, retirement, life, medical, disability and other benefit plans available to the Company's other executives with comparable responsibilities, subject to the terms of those programs.
Upon termination of employment by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason, within thirty days after the date of termination, the Company will provide the terminated executive a lump-sum severance payment equal to the sum of : (i) one year's base salary; (ii) the higher of (x) the executive's target bonus or (y) the executive's Bonus; and (iii) a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination. If such termination occurs within twelve months following a change in control, the terminated executive is instead entitled to receive two times base salary and Bonus, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination. In either case, the terminated executive will also receive continuing welfare and fringe benefits for one year and all restricted stock and options granted to the executive under the agreement will become vested and exercisable.
The agreements contain non-compete and non-solicitation provisions effective for (i) two years following termination of employment without cause or for good reason within one year following a change in control or (ii) one year following termination of employment in any other circumstances.
Litigation – The Company has been named as a defendant in a number of purported securities class actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, arising out of its initial public offering (the "IPO"). Various underwriters of the IPO also are named as defendants in the actions. The action against the Company is one of more than 300 related class actions which have been consolidated and are pending in the same court. The complainants seek to recover damages and allege, among other things, that the registration statement and prospectus filed with the SEC for purposes of the IPO were false and misleading because they failed to disclose that the underwriters allegedly (i) solicited and received commissions from certain investors in exchange for allocating to them shares of common stock in connection with the IPO, and (ii) entered into agreements with their customers to allocate such stock to those customers in exchange for the customers agreeing to purchase additional Company shares in the aftermarket at pre-determined prices. On February 19, 2003, the Court granted motions by the Company and 115 other issuers to dismiss the claims under Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act which had been asserted against them. The Court denied the motions by the Company and virtually all of the other issuers to dismiss the claims asserted against them under Section 11 of the Securities Act. The Company maintains insurance coverage which may mitigate its exposure to loss in the event that this claim is not resolved in the Company's favor.
The issuers in the IPO cases, including the Company, have reached an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs to settle the claims asserted by the plaintiffs against them. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the insurance carriers for the issuers will pay the plaintiffs the difference between $1 billion and all amounts which the plaintiffs recover from the underwriter defendants by way of settlement or judgment. Accordingly, no payment on behalf of the issuers under the proposed settlement will be made by the issuers themselves. The claims against the issuers will be dismissed, and the issuers and their officers and directors will receive releases from the plaintiffs. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the issuers will also assign to plaintiffs certain claims which they may have against the underwriters arising out of the issuers IPOs, and the issuers will also agree not to assert certain other claims which they may have against the underwriters, without plaintiffs' consent. The proposed settlement is subject to agreement among the parties on final settlement documents and the approval of the court. The court has issued a decision and order which preliminarily approves the settlement as to the issuers. A hearing date has been scheduled by the court for March 18, 2005 where they will approve the form and substance of a notice to be sent to
F-37
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
class members describing the settlement and giving class members the opportunity to opt out of or object to the settlement. The court will also set a date for a fairness hearing which will likely take place later in 2005.
On January 23, 2001, the Company's board of directors, in a unanimous decision, terminated the employment of Jerry Brantley, then President and COO of the Company. On April 29, 2002, Mr. Brantley initiated litigation against the Company and the Chairman of the Company, David E. Sharbutt in the District Court of Lubbock County, Texas, 22nd Judicial District, alleging wrongful termination. In the litigation, Mr. Brantley claimed, among other things, that the Company's termination of his employment was without cause under his employment agreement rather than a termination for non-performance. As such, Mr. Brantley's claim sought money damages for (i) severance pay equal to one year's salary at the time of his termination, (ii) the value of certain unexercised stock options he owned at the time of his termination, (iii) an allegedly unpaid bonus and (iv) exemplary damages, as well as recovery of attorneys' fees and costs. Mr. Brantley's claims against the Company and its CEO were resolved pursuant to a settlement agreement dated February 6, 2004. The settlement did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements or operations.
On January 8, 2003 a claim was made against the Company by Southwest Antenna and Tower, Inc. ("SWAT") in the Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, State of New Mexico, for monies due on an open account. SWAT sought to recover approximately $2.0 million from the Company relative to work performed by SWAT during 2000 for Roberts Wireless Communications, LLC which was acquired by the Company in the first quarter of 2001. This claim was settled for $875 during the second quarter of 2003.
In November and December 2003 and January 2004, multiple lawsuits were filed against Alamosa Holdings and David E. Sharbutt, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as well as Kendall W. Cowan, the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Steven Richardson, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, was also a named defendant in one of the lawsuits. Each claim is a purported class action filed on behalf of a putative class of persons who and/or entities that purchased Alamosa Holdings' securities between January 9, 2001 and June 13, 2002, inclusive, and seeks recovery of compensatory damages, fees and costs. Each lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, in either the Lubbock Division or the Dallas Division. On February 27, 2004, the lawsuits were consolidated into one action pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division. On March 4, 2004, the Court appointed the Massachusetts State Guaranteed Annuity Fund to serve as lead plaintiff and approved its selection of lead counsel for the consolidated action.
On May 18, 2004, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated complaint. The consolidated complaint names three of the original defendants (the Company, David Sharbutt and Kendall Cowan), drops one of the original defendants (Steven Richardson) and names two new defendants who are outside directors (Michael Roberts and Steven Roberts). The putative class period remains the same. The consolidated complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act. The consolidated complaint seeks recovery of compensatory damages, fees, costs, rescission or rescissory damages in connection with the Sections 11 and 15 claims, and injunctive relief and/or disgorgement in connection with defendants' alleged insider trading proceeds. At the end of the putative class period on June 13, 2002, the Company announced that its projection of net subscriber additions for the second quarter of 2002 would be less than previously projected. The consolidated complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company made false and misleading statements about subscriber additions during the putative class period. The consolidated complaint also alleges that the Company's financial statements were
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ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
false and misleading because we improperly recognized revenue and failed to record adequate allowances for uncollectible receivables. The Company's motion to dismiss is currently pending before the Court.
The Company believes that it and the other defendants have meritorious defenses to these claims and intend to vigorously defend this action. No discovery has been taken at this time, and the ultimate outcome is not currently predictable. There can be no assurance that the litigation will be resolved in the defendants' favor and an adverse resolution could adversely affect the Company's financial condition.
On July 8 and 15, 2004, two shareholder derivative suits, each asserting identical allegations, were filed in State District Court in Dallas County, Texas on behalf of the Company against certain of its officers and directors: David E. Sharbutt, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kendall W. Cowan, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, as well as other current and former members of the Company's board of directors, including Scotty Hart, Michael V. Roberts, Ray M. Clapp, Jr., Schuyler B. Marshall, Thomas F. Riley, Jr., Steven C. Roberts, Jimmy R. White, Thomas B. Hyde and Tom M. Phelps. The suits also name the Company as a nominal defendant. On August 27, 2004, the lawsuits were consolidated into one action pending in State District Court in Dallas County, Texas. On November 24, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated derivative petition. Based on allegations substantially similar to the federal shareholder action, the suits assert claims for defendants' alleged violations of state law, including breaches of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment that allegedly occurred between January 2001 and June 2002. The suits seek recovery of damages, fees, costs, equitable and/or injunctive remedies, and disgorgement of all profits, benefits and other compensation. The defendants' motion to stay this suit pending the outcome of the federal shareholder action and in the alternative, special exceptions to the consolidated derivative petition requesting dismissal of the action, are currently pending before the Court. No discovery has been taken at this time, and the ultimate outcome is not currently predictable.
By letter dated January 10, 2005, the Company received notice of request for arbitration by PVT Networks, Inc. pursuant to the Outsource Service Provider Agreement by and between PVT Networks, Inc. and the Company. The underlying dispute concerns a request by PVT to be reimbursed for certain costs and fees under the Outsource Service Provider Agreement. The amount of the claim appears to be for approximately $449. The Company intends to vigorously defend this arbitration.
On November 26, 2003, Core Group PC filed a claim against Alamosa PCS and four other PCS Affiliates of Sprint in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas alleging copyright infringement related to the designs used in Sprint retail stores. The complainant sought money damages and an injunction against Alamosa PCS' continued use of the alleged copyrighted designs. This claim was dismissed on June 4, 2004 with no adverse impact to the Company.
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except as
noted)
21. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The quarterly results of operations (unaudited) for 2003 and 2004 by quarter are as follows:
Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
2003: | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 141,108 | $ | 155,394 | $ | 166,390 | $ | 168,158 | |||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (10,147 | ) | 2,559 | 3,376 | 16,239 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | (30,531 | ) | (18,663 | ) | (17,510 | ) | (8,142 | ) | |||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (1,770 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Basic
and diluted net loss per share |
(0.33 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||
2004: | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | 176,690 | 193,329 | 211,366 | 221,715 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income | 6,265 | 20,191 | 19,812 | 24,876 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (12,548 | ) | (10,706 | ) | 2,168 | 3,818 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (3,220 | ) | (2,576 | ) | (2,282 | ) | (2,243 | ) | |||||||||||
Preferred stock conversion premium | — | (6,441 | ) | (160 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Basic
and diluted net earnings (loss) per share |
(0.17 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.00 | ) | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On December 7, 2004, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, A-Co Merger Sub, Inc., entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with AirGate PCS, Inc. ("AirGate") providing for the merger of AirGate with and into A-Co Merger Sub, Inc. In the Merger, each share of AirGate common stock will be exchanged for 2.87 shares of Alamosa Holdings, Inc. common stock. AirGate stockholders were given the option of electing cash consideration up to an aggregate of $100 million. The transaction was closed on February 15, 2005 after sufficient votes were received from the stockholders of both Alamosa and AirGate. The total consideration in connection with the merger consisted of approximately 26 million shares of Alamosa Holdings common stock valued at approximately $334 million and $100 million in cash consideration as well as assumption of liabilities of AirGate of approximately $388 million for a total purchase price of approximately $822 million. The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase and total purchase price will be allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The Company is in the process of obtaining third party valuations of the acquired assets to facilitate the purchase price allocation.
F-40
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON
FINANCIAL
STATEMENT SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Alamosa Holdings, Inc.:
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management's assessment of the effectiveness of Alamosa Holdings, Inc.'s (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 2, 2005 appearing in this 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 2, 2005
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SCHEDULE II
ALAMOSA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 31, 2002 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2004 (in
thousands)
Classification | Balance
at Beginning of Period |
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses |
Additions Charged to Other Accounts |
Deductions | Balance
at End of Period |
|||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 5,892 | $ | 40,285 | $ | — | $ | (37,726 | ) | $ | 8,451 | |||||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 8,451 | $ | 13,451 | $ | — | $ | (15,919 | ) | $ | 5,983 | |||||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance | — | 15,809 | — | — | 15,809 | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 5,983 | $ | 12,827 | $ | — | $ | (13,082 | ) | $ | 5,728 | |||||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance | 15,809 | 2,170 | — | — | 17,979 | |||||||||||||||||
This schedule should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto that appear in this annual report on Form 10-K.
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