SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003. |
o | 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: 0-19889
South Hertfordshire United Kingdom Fund, Ltd.
Colorado | 84-1145140 | |
State of organization | I.R.S. employer I.D.# |
NTL House, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UP, England
Address of principal executive office
011 44 1256 752000
Registrants telephone number
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes o No x
The number of limited partnership units of the registrant outstanding as of June 30, 2003 was 56,935.
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
INDEX
Page | |||||||
Number | |||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements |
|||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2003
(unaudited) and December 31, 2002 |
1 | ||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the |
|||||||
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
(unaudited) |
2 | ||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the |
|||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited) |
3 | ||||||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (unaudited) |
4 | ||||||
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations |
9 | ||||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
16 | ||||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures |
16 | ||||||
Risk Factors |
17 | ||||||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
|||||||
Item 5. Other Information |
24 | ||||||
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K |
24 | ||||||
SIGNATURES |
24 |
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
(unaudited) | (see Note) | |||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||
Fixed assets, net |
$ | 57,195,993 | $ | 58,877,094 | ||||||
Other assets |
49,587 | 96,570 | ||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 57,245,580 | $ | 58,973,664 | ||||||
Liabilities and Partners Deficit |
||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||
Accounts payable to affiliates and related parties |
$ | 62,146,691 | $ | 62,691,338 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
62,146,691 | 62,691,338 | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||||
Partners capital (deficit) |
||||||||||
General Partner
|
||||||||||
Contributed capital |
1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(536,551 | ) | (525,377 | ) | ||||||
(535,551 | ) | (524,377 | ) | |||||||
Limited Partners |
||||||||||
Contributed capital, net (56,935 units outstanding
at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002) |
48,817,997 | 48,817,997 | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(52,837,403 | ) | (51,731,154 | ) | ||||||
(4,019,406 | ) | (2,913,157 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated comprehensive loss |
(346,154 | ) | (280,140 | ) | ||||||
Total Partners deficit |
(4,901,111 | ) | (3,717,674 | ) | ||||||
Total liabilities and Partners deficit |
$ | 57,245,580 | $ | 58,973,664 | ||||||
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.
See accompanying notes.
1
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 8,087,525 | $ | 7,212,269 | $ | 15,930,219 | $ | 14,413,321 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses |
|||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of items shown below) |
(2,708,989 | ) | (2,680,064 | ) | (5,419,161 | ) | (5,604,395 | ) | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
(18,250 | ) | (38,056 | ) | (36,500 | ) | (107,362 | ) | |||||||||
Management fees and allocated overhead from
the General Partner |
(3,411,241 | ) | (3,084,218 | ) | (6,638,085 | ) | (5,969,412 | ) | |||||||||
Depreciation |
(1,935,869 | ) | (1,718,302 | ) | (3,979,999 | ) | (3,545,295 | ) | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
13,176 | (308,371 | ) | (143,526 | ) | (813,143 | ) | ||||||||||
Other expenses |
|||||||||||||||||
Interest payable to general partner and affiliates |
(447,488 | ) | (357,031 | ) | (881,361 | ) | (693,059 | ) | |||||||||
Other interest expense |
(24,284 | ) | (21,932 | ) | (48,324 | ) | (43,321 | ) | |||||||||
Exchange losses |
(74,913 | ) | (93,509 | ) | (44,212 | ) | (78,929 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss before minority interests |
(533,509 | ) | (780,843 | ) | (1,117,423 | ) | (1,628,452 | ) | |||||||||
Minority interests |
| 202,268 | | 451,601 | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
($533,509 | ) | ($578,575 | ) | ($1,117,423 | ) | ($1,176,851 | ) | |||||||||
Allocation of net loss |
|||||||||||||||||
General Partner |
($5,335 | ) | ($5,786 | ) | ($11,174 | ) | ($11,769 | ) | |||||||||
Limited Partners |
(528,174 | ) | (572,789 | ) | (1,106,249 | ) | (1,165,082 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss |
($533,509 | ) | ($578,575 | ) | ($1,117,423 | ) | ($1,176,851 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss per Limited Partnership unit |
($9.28 | ) | ($10.06 | ) | ($19.43 | ) | ($20.46 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average number of Limited Partnership
units outstanding |
56,935 | 56,935 | 56,935 | 56,935 | |||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
2
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Six months ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | ||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | |||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||
Net loss |
($1,117,423 | ) | ($1,176,851 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities |
||||||||||
Minority interests |
| (451,601 | ) | |||||||
Depreciation |
3,979,999 | 3,545,295 | ||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities |
||||||||||
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets |
48,324 | 74,571 | ||||||||
Decrease in accrued liabilities |
(2,103,280 | ) | (944,127 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
807,620 | 1,047,287 | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||
Purchase of fixed assets |
(807,620 | ) | (1,047,287 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(807,620 | ) | (1,047,287 | ) | ||||||
Movement in cash and cash equivalents |
| | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
| | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | | $ | | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |
||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | | $ | | ||||||
See accompanying notes.
3
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1 | Basis of Presentation |
We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP) generally accepted for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
We are a limited partnership that holds 66.7% of the shares of ntl (South Hertfordshire) Limited (NTL South Herts) principally engaged in the development, construction, management and operation of broadband communications networks for telephone, cable television and Internet services in the United Kingdom (UK). As a result of our ownership of 66.7% of the shares of NTL South Herts, for accounting purposes we have consolidated the results of NTL South Herts with our results. NTL South Herts is a 33.3% indirect investment of NTL Incorporated. NTL South Herts is reliant on the support of NTL Incorporated, the ultimate parent company of the General Partner, to continue its operations as a going concern. Throughout this report, NTL Incorporated together with its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to as NTL.
2 | NTLs Completed Restructuring |
On May 8, 2002, NTL Incorporated (then known as NTL Communications Corp.), the ultimate parent of our General Partner, NTL Europe, Inc. (then known as NTL Incorporated and the former parent company of NTL Communications Corp.) and certain of their subsidiaries filed a pre-arranged joint reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. We were not included in the Chapter 11 filing, nor was our operating subsidiary or the other operating subsidiaries of NTL Incorporated and NTL Europe, Inc. The Plan became effective on January 10, 2003, at which time NTL Incorporated, the indirect parent company of our General Partner, emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization.
Pursuant to the Plan, the entity formerly known as NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates were split into two separate groups, and NTL Incorporated and NTL Europe, Inc. each emerged as independent public companies. The entity formerly known as NTL Communications Corp. was renamed NTL Incorporated and became the holding company for the former NTL groups principal UK and Ireland assets and the ultimate parent company of our General Partner. Prior to consummation of the Plan, NTL Incorporated was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity then known as NTL Incorporated, which, pursuant to the Plan, was renamed NTL Europe, Inc. and which became the holding company for the former NTL groups continental European and certain other assets.
Background of Restructuring
Both the equity and debt capital markets experienced periods of significant volatility in 2001 and 2002, particularly for securities issued by telecommunications and technology companies. As a result, the ability of the former ultimate parent company of our General Partner, then known as NTL Incorporated (now NTL Europe, Inc.) and its subsidiaries to access those markets as well as its ability to obtain financing from its bank lenders and equipment suppliers became severely restricted. In addition, the former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries had no further funds available, or were unable to draw upon funds under its credit facilities. As a result of these factors, together with its substantial leverage, on January 31, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated announced that it had appointed professional advisors to advise on strategic and recapitalization alternatives to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt and put an appropriate capital structure in place for its business.
Promptly upon obtaining the requisite waivers from the lenders under its credit facilities, in March 2002, the former NTL Incorporated commenced negotiations with a steering committee of the unofficial committee of its bondholders and the committees legal and financial advisors.
4
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
The former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries failed to make interest payments on some of the outstanding notes starting on April 1, 2002. It also failed to declare or pay dividends on certain series of its outstanding preferred stock, owing to a lack of available surplus under Delaware law.
On April 16, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated announced that it and the unofficial committee of its public bondholders had reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive recapitalization of the former NTL group. To implement the proposed recapitalization plan, on May 8, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated and certain of its subsidiaries, including the current ultimate parent company of our General Partner, then known as NTL Communications Corp (now NTL Incorporated) (collectively, the Debtors) filed cases and a pre-arranged joint reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. In connection with the filing, some members of the unofficial creditors committee of bondholders entered into a credit facility agreement (referred to as the DIP facility) committing to provide a wholly-owned subsidiary of the current NTL Incorporated with up to $500 million in new debt financing (NTL (Delaware), Inc committed to provide up to an additional $130 million under the DIP facility).
As a result of the payment defaults as well as the voluntary filing under Chapter 11 by the Debtors on May 8, 2002, there was an event of default under all of the former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries credit facilities and the indentures governing all of their publicly traded debt, other than debt of NTL (Triangle) LLC.
The Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan on September 5, 2002. During the fall of 2002, the former NTL Incorporated negotiated with a group of lenders to enter into a new financing arrangement to repay the DIP facility, to repay certain obligations and to provide liquidity to NTL. The Plan became effective on January 10, 2003 (referred to as the Effective Date), at which time the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization. In connection with the Debtors emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, the current NTL Incorporated and certain of its subsidiaries issued $558.249 million aggregate principal face amount of 19% Senior Secured Notes due 2010 (the Exit Notes) on January 10, 2003. Initial purchasers of the Exit Notes also purchased 500,000 shares of the current NTL Incorporateds common stock on that date. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Exit Notes and such shares totaled $500 million. The proceeds were used in part to repay all amounts outstanding under the DIP facility (which was repaid on the Effective Date) and to purchase from NTL (Delaware), Inc a £90 million note of NTL (UK) Group Inc. and to repay certain other obligations. Also on January 10, 2003, NTL Incorporated and its lending banks amended its existing credit facilities.
3 | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), which requires variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if certain criteria are met. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 become effective for us during the third quarter of 2003. At June 30, 2003, we have no unconsolidated affiliates. Therefore, we do not expect the effectiveness of FIN 46 to impact our financial statements.
In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on EITF No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables (EITF 00-21). EITF 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF 00-21 will apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF 00-21 is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
5
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS No. 146 replaced EITF Issue No. 94-3 Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined is recognized at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on the results of our operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, effective for us on January 1, 2003. This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible fixed assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
4 | Comprehensive loss (unaudited) |
Comprehensive loss includes net loss as well as other comprehensive loss. Our other comprehensive loss consists of changes in cumulative translation adjustment. Comprehensive loss comprises (unaudited):
Three months ended | Six months ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
($533,509 | ) | ($578,575 | ) | ($1,117,423 | ) | ($1,176,851 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(103,291 | ) | 51,231 | (66,014 | ) | 16,529 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
($636,800 | ) | ($527,344 | ) | ($1,183,437 | ) | ($1,160,322 | ) | ||||||||
5 | Investment in subsidiary |
We are a limited partnership that holds 66.7% of the shares of NTL South Herts, which is principally engaged in the development, construction, management and operation of broadband communications networks for telephone, cable television and Internet services in the United Kingdom.
NTL South Herts is a United Kingdom corporation that owns and operates a cable television/telephony system in the South Hertfordshire franchise area, located adjacent to the northwest perimeter of Greater London, England (the South Herts System).
NTL South Herts is owned 33.3% by NTL (B) Limited, an indirect subsidiary of NTL Incorporated. The General Partner is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NTL Incorporated. The General Partner provides consulting services to us and may delegate some or all of the consulting services to NTL Incorporated or to other affiliates.
NTL Incorporated, through its subsidiaries and its interest in NTL South Herts, serves approximately 2.8 million residential cable television, internet and telephony customers as at June 30, 2003.
6
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
6 | Transactions with affiliated parties |
Consulting and Management Fees
We pay a consulting fee to an affiliate of the General Partner. During the construction phases of the South Herts System, this consulting fee was 2 per cent of construction costs. Since completion of construction of each portion of the system, the consulting fee for the completed portion has been 5 per cent of the gross revenues, excluding revenues from the sale of cable television/telephony systems. The consulting fee is calculated and payable monthly. We paid consulting fees for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 of $404,376 and $367,380 respectively. We paid consulting fees for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 of $796,510 and $741,612 respectively. These amounts were expensed in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for each period.
Distribution Ratios and Reimbursement
Any distributions made by us from cash flow (defined as cash receipts derived from routine operations, less debt principal and interest payments and cash expenses) are allocated 99 percent to the limited partners and 1 percent to the General Partner. Any distributions other than interest income on limited partner subscriptions earned prior to the acquisition of our first cable television system or from cash flow, such as from the sale or refinancing of a system or upon our dissolution, will be made as follows: 99 percent to the limited partners and 1 percent to the General Partner until any negative balances in the limited partners capital accounts are reduced to zero; 100 percent to the General Partner until any negative balance in its capital account is reduced to zero; 99 percent to the limited partners and 1 percent to the General Partner until the balance in the limited partners capital accounts is equal to their adjusted capital contribution plus a 12 percent return; 100 percent to the General Partner until the balance in its capital account is equal to its adjusted capital contribution, and any remaining income or gain shall be allocated 75 percent to the limited partners and 25 percent to the General Partner.
The General Partner and its affiliates are entitled to reimbursement from NTL South Herts for direct and indirect expenses allocable to the operation of the South Herts System, and from us for direct and indirect expenses allocable to our operations, which include, but are not limited to, rent, supplies, telephone, travel, copying charges and salaries of any full or part-time employees. The General Partner believes that the methodology used in allocating these expenses is fair and reasonable. During the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, reimbursements made by NTL South Herts to the General Partner or its affiliates for any allocable direct and indirect expenses totaled $3,006,865 and $2,715,098 respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, reimbursements made by NTL South Herts to the General Partner or its affiliates for any allocable direct and indirect expenses totaled $5,841,575 and $5,227,800 respectively.
The General Partner and its affiliates may make advances to, and defer collection of fees and allocated expenses owed by us, although they are not required to do so. We are charged interest on such advances and deferred amounts at a rate equal to the General Partners or certain affiliates weighted average cost of all debt financing from unaffiliated entities. For the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, interest on deferred fees of $413,359 and $329,080 respectively, was charged by an affiliate of the General Partner, and the General Partner respectively, charged interest on advances of $34,129 and $27,951. For the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, interest on deferred fees of $814,048 and $638,763, respectively, was charged by an affiliate of the General Partner, and the General Partner, respectively, charged interest on advances of $67,312 and $54,296.
7
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
7 | Fixed assets |
Fixed assets consists of:
Estimated | June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
Useful Life | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Operating equipment |
3-40 years | $ | 121,230,405 | $ | 116,110,470 | |||||||
Other equipment |
3-50 years | 7,144,745 | 6,978,494 | |||||||||
Construction in progress |
| 1,129,834 | ||||||||||
128,375,150 | 124,218,798 | |||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(71,179,157 | ) | (65,341,704 | ) | ||||||||
$ | 57,195,993 | $ | 58,877,094 | |||||||||
We are currently evaluating the remaining useful economic lives of our fixed assets. We expect to adopt new lives when the evaluation is completed. At this time, we are unable to quantify the likely impact on our depreciation charge upon the adoption of the new lives.
8 | Commitments and contingent liabilities |
We had no significant contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of June 30, 2003.
We are involved in legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of the General Partner, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, results of our operations or liquidity.
8
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are a limited partnership that holds 66.7% of the shares of ntl (South Hertfordshire) Limited (NTL South Herts), which is principally engaged in the development, construction, management and operation of broadband communications networks for telephone, cable television and Internet services in the United Kingdom. NTL South Herts is a 33.3% indirect subsidiary of NTL Incorporated. Throughout this report, NTL Incorporated together with its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to as NTL.
NTLs Completed Restructuring
On May 8, 2002, NTL Incorporated (then known as NTL Communications Corp.), the ultimate parent of our General Partner, NTL Europe, Inc. (then known as NTL Incorporated and the former parent company of NTL Communications Corp.) and certain of their subsidiaries filed a pre-arranged joint reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. We were not included in the Chapter 11 filing, nor was our operating subsidiary or the other operating subsidiaries of NTL Incorporated and NTL Europe, Inc. The Plan became effective on January 10, 2003, at which time NTL Incorporated, the indirect parent company of our General Partner, emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization.
Pursuant to the Plan, the entity formerly known as NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates were split into two separate groups, and NTL Incorporated and NTL Europe, Inc. each emerged as independent public companies. The entity formerly known as NTL Communications Corp. was renamed NTL Incorporated and became the holding company for the former NTL groups principal UK and Ireland assets and the ultimate parent company of our General Partner. Prior to consummation of the Plan, NTL Incorporated was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity then known as NTL Incorporated, which, pursuant to the Plan, was renamed NTL Europe, Inc. and which became the holding company for the former NTL groups continental European and certain other assets.
Background of Restructuring
Both the equity and debt capital markets experienced periods of significant volatility in 2001 and 2002, particularly for securities issued by telecommunications and technology companies. As a result, the ability of the former ultimate parent company of our General Partner, then known as NTL Incorporated (now NTL Europe, Inc.) and its subsidiaries to access those markets as well as its ability to obtain financing from its bank lenders and equipment suppliers became severely restricted. In addition, the former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries had no further funds available, or were unable to draw upon funds under its credit facilities. As a result of these factors, together with its substantial leverage, on January 31, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated announced that it had appointed professional advisors to advise on strategic and recapitalization alternatives to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt and put an appropriate capital structure in place for its business.
Promptly upon obtaining the requisite waivers from the lenders under its credit facilities, in March 2002, the former NTL Incorporated commenced negotiations with a steering committee of the unofficial committee of its bondholders and the committees legal and financial advisors.
The former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries failed to make interest payments on some of the outstanding notes starting on April 1, 2002. It also failed to declare or pay dividends on certain series of its outstanding preferred stock, due to a lack of available surplus under Delaware law.
On April 16, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated announced that it and the unofficial committee of its public bondholders had reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive recapitalization of the former NTL group. To implement the proposed recapitalization plan, on May 8, 2002, the former NTL Incorporated and certain of its subsidiaries, including the current ultimate parent company of our General Partner, then known as NTL Communication (now NTL Incorporated) (collectively, the Debtors) filed cases and a pre-arranged joint reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. In connection with the filing, some members of the unofficial creditors committee of bondholders entered into a credit facility agreement (referred to as the DIP facility) committing to provide
9
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the current NTL Incorporated with up to $500 million in new debt financing (NTL (Delaware), Inc committed to provide up to an additional $130 million under the DIP facility).
As a result of the payment defaults as well as the voluntary filing under Chapter 11 by the Debtors on May 8, 2002, there was an event of default under all of the former NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries credit facilities and the indentures governing all of their publicly traded debt, other than debt of NTL (Triangle) LLC.
The Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan on September 5, 2002. During the fall of 2002, the former NTL Incorporated negotiated with a group of lenders to enter into a new financing arrangement to repay the DIP facility, to repay certain obligations and to provide liquidity to NTL. The Plan became effective on January 10, 2003 (referred to as the Effective Date), at which time the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization. In connection with the Debtors emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, the current NTL Incorporated and certain of its subsidiaries issued $558.249 million aggregate principal face amount of 19% Senior Secured Notes due 2010 (the Exit Notes) on January 10, 2003. Initial purchasers of the Exit Notes also purchased 500,000 shares of the current NTL Incorporateds common stock on that date. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Exit Notes and such shares totaled $500 million. The proceeds were used in part to repay all amounts outstanding under the DIP facility (which was repaid on the Effective Date) and to purchase from NTL (Delaware), Inc a £90 million note of NTL (UK) Group Inc. and to repay certain other obligations. Also on January 10, 2003, NTL Incorporated and its lending banks amended its existing credit facilities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our source of cash has been the net proceeds of our offerings of limited partnership interests. Historically, our principal uses of cash have been capital contributions to NTL South Herts in order to fund our proportionate share of the construction costs of the South Herts System. As of June 30, 2003, we had current liabilities of $2,854,417 due to NTL Group companies, and consolidated current liabilities of $62,146,689 due to NTL Group companies.
Accordingly, until such time as NTL South Herts begins to pay dividends on its ordinary shares (which is not expected in the foreseeable future) we will be required to fund our administrative expenses by additional issuances of limited partnership interests or from borrowings. It is unlikely that we will be able to sell debt or equity securities in the public markets at least in the short term or to obtain financing from commercial banks. Accordingly, we are dependent on NTL for funds to cover operating expenses, and will continue to be dependent upon NTL to meet our liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. We expect that cash from our operations will be utilized fully for the purchase of fixed assets in the twelve months from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.
Financing
On April 18, 1995, NTL South Herts entered into an agreement with two major banks to provide a £25,000,000 revolving and term loan credit facility agreement maturing on December 31, 2003 (the South Herts Credit Agreement). On October 18, 1996, £5,000,000 was cancelled and the facility reduced to £20,000,000.
The facility was repaid in full with funding from NTL on February 21, 2001. Thereafter, NTL South Herts is reliant upon the support of NTL to continue its operations as a going concern.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
In the six months ended June 30, 2003, we generated $807,620 from our operating activities ($1,047,287 in the six months ended June 30, 2002) and used it all to buy property and equipment. Our cash from operations has reduced because of the timing of payments we make to a subsidiary of NTL Incorporated in reimbursement of costs it incurs on our behalf.
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
Selected Operating Data
We set forth in the following table certain data concerning our franchise at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002:
June 30, | December 31 | |||||||
2003 | 2002 | |||||||
Homes passed (1) |
91,975 | 91,749 | ||||||
Homes marketed (2) |
91,975 | 91,749 | ||||||
Total customers |
32,573 | 32,018 | ||||||
Digital cable subscribers |
20,740 | 20,681 | ||||||
Analog cable subscribers |
4,491 | 5,023 | ||||||
Broadband internet subscribers |
8,767 | 5,741 | ||||||
Penetration (homes marketed) (3) |
35.4 | % | 34.9 | % | ||||
Annualized Churn (4) |
10.7 | % | 12.9 | % |
1. | Homes passed is the number of homes that have had ducting buried outside. | |
2. | Homes marketed is the number of homes for which the initial marketing phase (including door to door direct marketing) has been completed. | |
3. | Penetration rate is calculated by dividing the number of total customers by the number of homes marketed. | |
4. | Churn is the number of customers not continuing with any of our products expressed as a percentage of the total number of customers. |
Results of Operations
We provide a broad range of telecommunication services, including telephony, analog and digital television, Internet access and interactive services. We derive our revenue principally from monthly fees and usage charges. Our packaging and pricing are designed to encourage our customers to use multiple services such as dual telephone and broadband, dual telephone and television or triple telephone, television and Internet access.
The principal components of our expenses include (1) costs to connect our network to other networks (referred to as interconnection); (2) television programming costs; (3) payroll and other employee related costs; (4) repairs and maintenance; (5) facility related costs, such as rent, utilities and rates; (6) marketing and selling costs; and (7) provisions for doubtful accounts. Our expenses include certain costs that are charged by a subsidiary of NTL for the provision of network services and support, the use of NTLs national backbone telephony network for carriage of our telephony traffic, as well as the provision of technical infrastructure and network capacity by NTL for our subscription Internet service and digital cable services, the provision of corporate services, including finance, legal, human resources and facility services, and for the provision of IT services, including our use of the related IT equipment.
We continue to focus on improving our customer service and increasing our
service offering to customers in an effort to curtail and control churn. NTL is
in the process of integrating its various billing systems and customer
databases in an effort to improve one of the main tools they use to provide
customer service. This effort is at a relatively early stage although they
have continued to make progress through June 30, 2003. Although the new system
does not yet support NTLs full suite of services, NTL expects to complete the
project substantially by the third quarter of 2004. The total project cost is
estimated to be approximately £75.0 million, of which NTL has incurred £36.6
million through June 30, 2003. NTL cannot be certain that this project will be
successful. If the full integration is not successful, we could experience an
adverse effect on our customer service, our churn rate and our share of the
costs of maintaining these systems going forward. We could also experience
operational failures related to billing and collecting revenue from our
11
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED customers, which, depending upon on the severity of the failure, could have a
material adverse effect on our business.
Our plan
to control churn and to increase average revenue per customer
(referred to as ARPU) includes an increase in broadband services to our
existing customers. We believe that our triple play offering of telephony,
broadband access to the Internet and digital television will continue to prove
attractive to our existing customer base, which will result in higher ARPU as
revenues per existing customer increase. However, there is still significant
competition in our markets, through digital satellite and digital terrestrial
television and through alternative Internet access media, such as DSL offered
by BT. If in the future we are unable to charge the prices for these services
that we anticipate in our business plan in response to competition or if our
competition is able to attract our customers, our results of operations will be
adversely affected.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
We present below summarized consolidated financial information for the
three months ended June 30:
Table of Contents
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 30, | Increase (decrease) | |||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 8,087,525 | $ | 7,212,269 | 875,256 | 12.1 | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
(2,708,989 | ) | (2,680,064 | ) | 28,925 | 1.1 | ||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
(18,250 | ) | (38,056 | ) | (19,806 | ) | (52.0 | ) | ||||||||
Management fees and allocated overhead |
(3,411,241 | ) | (3,084,218 | ) | 327,023 | 10.6 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
(1,935,869 | ) | (1,718,302 | ) | 217,567 | 12.7 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
13,176 | (308,371 | ) | 321,547 | 104.3 | |||||||||||
Interest expense |
(24,284 | ) | (21,932 | ) | 2,352 | 10.7 | ||||||||||
Interest expense to affiliate |
(447,488 | ) | (357,031 | ) | 90,457 | 25.3 | ||||||||||
Exchange losses |
(74,913 | ) | (93,509 | ) | (18,596 | ) | (19.9 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss before minority interests |
(533,509 | ) | (780,843 | ) | (247,334 | ) | (31.7 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interests |
| 202,268 | (202,268 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss |
($533,509 | ) | ($578,575 | ) | (45,066 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||
We have increased our revenues through price increases and an increase in the number of broadband customers served by the South Herts System. At June 30, 2003, we served 8,767 broadband customers compared with 2,940 at June 30, 2002. We intend to drive the majority of revenue growth from increasing revenue from existing customers rather than through the addition of new customers. This allows us to achieve our revenue targets, have a lower capital requirement owing to fewer installations, and improve our results as we reduce costs.
Costs of goods sold have increased owing to the rise in our revenues.
We have made savings in selling, general and administrative costs through negotiated reductions in investor relations costs and insurance.
Management fees and allocated overhead to us from the General Partner have increased owing to our increased revenues. Management fees and allocated overhead are charged as a percentage of our revenues.
Depreciation charge has increased as a result of further purchases of fixed assets. We are currently evaluating the remaining useful economic lives of our fixed assets. We expect to adopt new lives when the evaluation is completed. At this time, we are unable to quantify the likely impact on our depreciation charge upon the adoption of the new lives.
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
We incur interest on deferred charges paid on our behalf by the General Partner. The increase in interest expense is owing to the increase in the level of unpaid management fee as well as foreign exchange movements.
The change in exchange losses is primarily attributable to fluctuations in the valuation of the US Dollar on certain of our assets and transactions, which are denominated in UK Pounds Sterling. Our results of operations will continue to be affected by exchange rate fluctuations.
At June 30, 2003 NTL South Herts liabilities exceeded its assets. We have not recognized the resulting minority interest asset since such an asset is not recoverable. Under UK law, the shareholders of a UK limited company are protected from the companys liabilities.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
We present below summarized consolidated financial information for the six months ended June 30:
Six months ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 30, | Increase (decrease) | |||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 15,930,219 | $ | 14,413,321 | 1,516,898 | 10.5 | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
(5,419,161 | ) | (5,604,395 | ) | (185,234 | ) | (3.3 | ) | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
(36,500 | ) | (107,362 | ) | (70,862 | ) | (66.0 | ) | ||||||||
Management fees and allocated overhead |
(6,638,085 | ) | (5,969,412 | ) | 668,673 | 11.2 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
(3,979,999 | ) | (3,545,295 | ) | 434,704 | 12.3 | ||||||||||
Operating loss |
(143,526 | ) | (813,143 | ) | (669,617 | ) | (82.3 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(48,324 | ) | (43,321 | ) | 5,003 | 11.5 | ||||||||||
Interest expense to affiliate |
(881,361 | ) | (693,059 | ) | 188,302 | 27.2 | ||||||||||
Exchange losses |
(44,212 | ) | (78,929 | ) | (34,717 | ) | (44.0 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss before minority interests |
(1,117,423 | ) | (1,628,452 | ) | (511,029 | ) | (31.4 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interests |
| 451,601 | (451,601 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss |
($1,117,423 | ) | ($1,176,851 | ) | (59,428 | ) | (5.0 | ) | ||||||||
We have increased our revenues through price increases and an increase in the number of broadband customers served by the South Herts System. At June 30, 2003, we served 8,767 broadband customers compared with 2,940 at June 30, 2002. We intend to drive the majority of revenue growth from increasing revenue from existing customers rather than through the addition of new customers. This allows us to achieve our revenue targets, have a lower capital requirement owing to fewer installations, and improve our results as we reduce costs.
Costs of goods sold have reduced owing to the benefits we have gained from the efficiencies and cost reductions achieved by NTL.
We have made savings in selling, general and administrative costs through negotiated reductions in investor relations costs and insurance.
Management fees and allocated overhead to us from the General Partner have increased owing to our increased revenues. Management fees and allocated overhead are charged as a percentage of our revenues.
Depreciation charge has increased as a result of further purchases of fixed assets. We are currently evaluating the remaining useful economic lives of our fixed assets. We expect to adopt new lives when the evaluation is completed. At this time, we are unable to quantify the likely impact on our depreciation charge upon the adoption of the new lives.
13
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
We incur interest on deferred charges paid on our behalf by the General Partner. The increase in interest expense is owing to the increase in the level of unpaid management fee as well as foreign exchange movements.
The change in exchange losses is primarily attributable to fluctuations in the valuation of the US Dollar on certain of our assets and transactions, which are denominated in UK Pounds Sterling. Our results of operations will continue to be affected by exchange rate fluctuations.
At June 30, 2003 NTL South Herts liabilities exceeded its assets. We have not recognized the resulting minority interest asset since such an asset is not recoverable. Under UK law, the shareholders of a UK limited company are protected from the companys liabilities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No.149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), which requires variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if certain criteria are met. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 become effective for us during the third quarter of 2003. At June 30, 2003, we have no unconsolidated affiliates. Therefore, we do not expect the effectiveness of FIN 46 to impact our financial statements.
In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on EITF No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables (EITF 00-21). EITF 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF 00-21 will apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF 00-21 is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS No. 146 replaced EITF Issue No. 94-3 Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined is recognized at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on the results of our operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, effective for us on January 1, 2003. This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible fixed assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
14
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, the words, believe, anticipate, should, intend, plan, will, expects, estimates, projects, positioned, strategy, and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those contemplated, projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted, whether expressed or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, those set forth under the caption Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q as well as: the impact of our organizational restructuring and integration actions; our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations; potential adverse developments with respect to our liquidity or results of operations; our ability to fund and execute our business plan; our ability to attract, retain and compensate key executives and associates; our ability to attract and retain customers; general economic and business conditions; technological developments; our ability to continue to design networks, install facilities, obtain and maintain any required governmental licenses or approvals and finance construction and development, all in a timely manner at reasonable costs and on satisfactory terms and conditions; assumptions about customer acceptance, churn rates, overall market penetration and competition from providers of alternative services; the impact of new business opportunities requiring significant up-front investment; and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in factors affecting such statements.
15
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The functional currency of NTL South Herts is UK pounds sterling and all revenue and significantly all costs are incurred in UK pounds sterling. We report in US dollars. Therefore, we are exposed to fluctuations in the UK pound sterling US dollar exchange rate. The aggregate potential loss from a hypothetical one percent fall in the UK£/US$ exchange rate is $9,364 for the six months ended June 30, 2003.
We have no debt other than amounts due to affiliates. Consequently, we have little interest rate risk. As of June 30, 2003, we had approximately $62.1 million due to affiliates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of the Directors of the General Partner who serve as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of NTL Incorporated*, the indirect parent of the General Partner, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 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 Directors of the General Partner have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
(b) Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
* | We have no Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. Barclay Knapp and Scott E. Schubert are Directors of Fawnspring Limited, our General Partner, and are Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of NTL Incorporated, the indirect parent of Fawnspring Limited. |
16
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
RISK FACTORS
The following risk factors concern both our business and, in most cases, NTLs business generally. Because we rely on NTL and its subsidiaries, those risks are pertinent to us.
We have historically relied on NTL and its subsidiaries to meet our funding needs. NTLs business is capital intensive and it has historically incurred losses and generated negative cash flows and there can be no assurance that NTL will be profitable in the future or that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet our cash flow needs, fund its working capital and capital expenditures and to meet its obligations under its existing debt instruments.
We do not generate sufficient cash flow from our operations to fund our operational expenses and interest payments. We have historically met our cash requirements through debt or equity from NTL Incorporated and other subsidiaries of NTL Incorporated. Thus, we are dependent on NTLs financial health for our own.
NTLs business is very capital intensive and has always required significant amounts of cash. Historically, construction, operating expenditures and interest costs have resulted in negative cash flow. NTL has also incurred and expects to continue to incur substantial losses. NTL cannot be certain that it will achieve or sustain profitability in the future. Failure to achieve profitability could diminish NTLs ability to meet our cash flow needs, sustain operations, meet financial covenants, obtain additional required funds and make required payments on any indebtedness it has incurred or may incur.
NTL had net losses for the six months ended June 30, 2003 of $537.2 million, and for the years ended December 31:
| 2002: $2,375.8 million | ||
| 2001: $11,837.0 million (including an asset impairment charge of $8,160.6 million) | ||
| 2000: $2,388.1 million | ||
| 1999: $716.5 million | ||
| 1998: $534.6 million |
As of December 31, 2002, NTLs accumulated deficit was $18.6 billion.
Moreover, NTL currently expects that it will require between £5.0 million and £15.0 million to fund its working capital including debt service and capital expenditures, net of cash from operations, in the twelve months from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. NTL believes that its cash and cash equivalents on hand of $594.0 million as of June 30, 2003 will be sufficient for its cash requirements during the twelve months from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.
In addition, beginning in 2005, a series of principal payments will come due on NTLs existing debt instruments as they approach their respective maturity dates. NTLs ability to make these payments and meet our cash flow needs and its other ongoing funding requirements is dependent upon a number of factors, including NTLs existing cash balances, the cash flow generated by its operating subsidiaries, and its ability to obtain additional financing in the future. Failure to achieve profitability or maintain or achieve various other financial performance levels could in the future diminish NTLs ability to meet our cash flow needs, sustain operations, meet financial covenants, obtain additional funds, and make required payments on its indebtedness.
We are operationally completely integrated into NTL and thus are reliant on NTLs management entirely for our business.
Because we are operated as a fully integrated part of NTL, we are entirely dependant upon NTLs management to manage our business. Thus, the success or lack of success of NTLs management team as a whole will be directly
17
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
correlated to our success or failure. If there is a material adverse effect on NTLs business as a whole, it is likely we would experience such a material adverse effect as well.
NTLs substantial leverage could adversely affect its financial health.
NTL is, and, for the foreseeable future will continue to be, highly leveraged. As of June 30, 2003, the accreted value of NTLs total long-term indebtedness less unamortized discount of $6,487.7 million represents 72.3% of its total capitalization.
NTLs substantial indebtedness, coupled with the relatively high effective interest rate on its Exit Notes, could adversely affect its financial health by, among other things:
| increasing its vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic conditions or increases in prevailing interest rates particularly for any borrowings at variable interest rates, | ||
| limiting its ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, and | ||
| requiring it to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to service its debt, which reduces the funds available for operations and future business opportunities. |
NTL Incorporated is subject to restrictive debt covenants pursuant to its indebtedness.
As part of the implementation of the Plan, NTL Incorporated issued $558.249 million principal amount of Exit Notes to certain of its creditors under the terms of an indenture. In addition, it amended the terms of its existing Senior Credit Facility and Working Capital Credit Facility.
The indentures governing NTL Incorporateds outstanding notes, including its Exit Notes, among other things, significantly restrict and, in some cases, prohibit its ability and the ability of most of its subsidiaries to:
| incur additional debt; | ||
| create or incur liens; | ||
| pay dividends or make other equity distributions; | ||
| purchase or redeem share capital; | ||
| create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts by its subsidiaries; | ||
| make investments; | ||
| sell assets; | ||
| issue or sell share capital of certain subsidiaries; | ||
| engage in transactions with affiliates; and | ||
| effect a merger or consolidation of, or sell all or substantially all of its assets. |
Similar restrictive covenants are contained in the Senior Credit Facility and Working Capital Credit Facility that are applicable to NTL Incorporated and most of its subsidiaries. In addition, under its credit facilities, NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries must comply with certain financial covenants specifying various financial performance levels that they are required to meet. In the event they were to fail to meet any of these covenant and were unable to cure such breach or otherwise renegotiate such covenants, the lenders under those facilities would have significant rights to seize control of
18
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
most of NTLs assets. Such a default, or a breach of any of the other obligations in the indenture governing the Exit Notes, could also trigger a default under the Exit Notes.
The covenants in NTL Incorporateds credit facilities and the indentures governing its outstanding notes and any future debt may significantly restrict NTLs future operations. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of any event of default under the indentures governing NTL Incorporateds notes, credit facilities or the agreements governing any other debt of its subsidiaries, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under such indentures, credit facilities or agreements, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If those lenders accelerate the payment of those amounts, there can be no assurance that the assets of NTL Incorporated and its subsidiaries will be sufficient to repay in full those amounts.
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid technological changes and we cannot predict the effect of any changes on our businesses.
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in technology and the effect of technological changes on our businesses cannot be predicted. Our core offerings may become outdated due to technological breakthroughs rendering our products out of date.
We are subject to significant competition in each of our business areas and we expect that competition will intensify if we are unable to compete successfully, our financial conditions and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We face significant competition from established and new competitors in each of our businesses. In particular, in two of our three key lines of business telephony and television the markets are dominated by our competitors (BT and BSkyB, respectively), who have very large market shares and generally have less financial and operating constraints than we do. Moreover, we may also be required to reduce prices if our competitors reduce prices, or as a result of any other downward pressure on prices for telecommunications services, which could have an adverse effect on us.
In addition, BSkyB has access to various movie and sports programming content, with which they create some of the most popular pay TV channels in the UK. We carry several of those channels on our systems. Although there are competing channel providers, the position of programming supplier to NTL undoubtedly is an advantage to BSkyB, not only because the Sky brand is a feature of our cable TV service, but also because we are dependant upon the supply of these Sky premium channels allowing BSkyB to influence pricing and bundling. Thus far, regulators have not disturbed the pricing arrangements imposed on us by BSkyB.
If we are unable to compete successfully, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
NTL remains subject to the risks of successfully integrating the acquisitions through which it has historically grown its business. In particular, NTL is in the process of integrating its various billing and operation platforms if it does not complete this integration, NTL could experience an adverse effect on its customer service, churn rate and operating costs.
NTL has historically grown its business through acquisitions. This has resulted in its exposure to the risk of failing to successfully integrate those acquisitions, in particular, workforce, management, network and systems. A significant result of NTLs growth through acquisitions is that it has inherited a variety of distinct billing and customer service systems from various companies that it has acquired. NTL is in the process of integrating its various billing systems and customer databases in an effort to improve one of the main tools it uses to provide customer service; however, it does not as yet have an integrated billing and operational platform. There can be no assurance that this integration project will be successful. If the full integration of NTLs billing and customer service systems is not successful, NTL could experience an adverse effect on its customer service, churn rate and costs of maintaining these systems going forward. NTL could also experience operational failures related to billing and collecting revenue from its customers, which, depending on the severity of the failure, could have a material adverse effect on its business.
Moreover, the integration process has involved a number of internal reorganizations of NTLs business as NTL continues to strive for better performance. These reorganizations have typically involved, among other things, the termination of employees made redundant as a result of the process. It is likely these internal reorganizations have
19
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
negatively impacted employee morale. However, the results of the recent employee survey indicated that an increasing number of employees are proud to work for NTL and would recommend NTL as an employer. Negative effects on employee morale can have a negative effect on NTLs operations generally.
One of NTLs key strategies is to control customer churn. However there can be no assurance that NTL will successfully accomplish this or that its churn rate will not increase.
In order to control churn in the future, NTL aims to improve customer service. This improvement will be difficult to obtain without an integrated billing system and a customer database across NTLs entire network. If the integration of NTLs various billing systems is not successful, it could experience an adverse effect on customer service and, in turn, its churn rate.
NTL plans to increase its customer base and revenue generating units (referred to in this quarterly report as RGUs) in 2003. If demand for NTLs products and services is greater than anticipated, its customer service call centers could experience a higher than expected volume of calls. If customer service suffered as a result, it could contribute to churn. NTLs business plan also includes the migration of its customers from analog to digital service. The migration process could also increase churn levels.
NTLs ability to control churn could also be adversely affected by the availability of competing services in the UK, such as the digital satellite and digital terrestrial television services offered by BSkyB and the BBC, and telephone, Internet and broadband services offered by BT. BT and BSkyB have regularly launched strong direct and indirect win-back campaigns to entice NTLs customers to churn and move to these competing services.
Another part of our strategy to control churn is to increase take up of broadband services by our existing customers. If this increased level of take up does not materialize we may have difficulties in controlling churn levels, which would adversely impact our results of operations.
NTLs prospects will depend in part on its ability to control its costs while maintaining and improving service levels.
NTLs prospects will depend in part on its ability to control costs and operate more efficiently, while maintaining and improving existing service levels. In particular, in order to reduce costs we are in the process of negotiating with several of our vendors for better terms under existing and future agreements. We cannot be certain that such negotiations will conclude successfully.
Failure to market broadband successfully to NTLs existing customer base will adversely impact NTLs revenue and results of operations.
A significant component of NTLs strategy is to market broadband products successfully to its existing consumer customer base. NTL believes that its triple play offering of telephony, broadband access to the Internet and digital television will prove attractive to its existing customer base and allow it to increase its average revenue per user. However, NTL faces significant competition in these markets, through digital satellite and digital terrestrial television and through alternative Internet access media, such as the DSL service offered by BT and Freeserve. Additionally, some of NTLs competitors have substantially greater financial and technical resources than NTL does. If NTL is unable to charge the prices for broadband services that are anticipated in its business plan in response to competition or if NTLs competition offers a better product to its customers, NTLs results of operations will be adversely affected.
Our actual results of operations and financial condition may differ from our reported results of operations and financial condition due to the use of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions impact, among others, the following: the amount of uncollectible accounts receivable, the amount to be paid to terminate certain agreements included in restructuring costs, the amount to be paid for other liabilities, estimates related to the amount of costs to be capitalized in connection with the
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
construction and installation of our network and facilities and estimates related to the value of long-lived assets and goodwill.
NTL is dependent upon a small number of key personnel.
A small number of key executive officers manage NTLs businesses. The loss of one or more of these executive officers could have a material adverse effect on NTL. NTL believes that its future success will depend in large part on its continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. Although NTL has entered into employment contracts with all of its executive officers, those contracts cannot prevent such individuals from resigning. If an individual does resign, he or she is bound by certain non-compete clauses which may or may not discourage the individual from leaving.
NTLs principal businesses are subject to government regulation, including pricing regulation, and changes in current regulations may adversely affect it.
NTLs principal business activities are regulated and supervised by various governmental bodies. Changes in laws, regulations or governmental policy or the interpretations of those laws or regulations affecting our activities and those of NTLs competitors, such as licensing requirements, changes in price regulation and deregulation of interconnection arrangements, could have a material adverse effect on NTL.
NTL is also subject to regulatory initiatives of the European Commission. Changes in EU Directives may reduce NTLs range of programming and increase the costs of purchasing television programming or require NTL to provide access to our cable network infrastructure to other service providers, which could have a material adverse effect on NTL.
NTL is dependent upon many critical systems and processes, many of which are dependent upon hardware that is concentrated in a small number of locations. If a catastrophe were to occur at one or more of those locations, it could have a material adverse effect on NTLs business.
NTLs business is dependent on many sophisticated critical systems, which support all of the various aspects of its operations from its network to its billing and customer service systems. The hardware supporting a large number of critical systems is housed in a relatively small number of locations. If one or more of these locations were to be subject to fire, natural disaster, terrorism, power loss, or other catastrophe, it could have a material adverse effect on and cause irreparable harm to NTLs business. NTL is currently studying ways to improve its disaster recovery to prevent or mitigate such a potential failure. However, despite any disaster recovery, security and service continuity protection measures NTL has or may in the future undertake, there can be no assurance that these measures will be sufficient. In addition, although NTL builds its network in resilient rings to ensure the continuity of network availability in the event of any damage to its underground fibers, should any ring be cut twice in different locations, it is likely that no transmission signals will be able to pass, which could cause significant damage to NTLs business. This is especially so in relation to NTLs Sirius undersea ring connecting the UK to the Republic of Ireland: any simultaneous cut of the Northern and Southern routes would isolate NTLs Irish networks from its UK networks for an extended period.
NTL does not insure the underground portion of our cable network.
NTL obtains insurance of the type and in the amounts that it believes are customary for similar companies. Consistent with this practice, NTL does not insure the underground portion of its cable network. Substantially all of NTLs cable network is constructed underground. Any catastrophe that affects NTLs underground cable network could result in substantial uninsured losses.
We and NTL are subject to currency risk because we obtained significant financing and may in the future obtain additional financing in U.S. dollars but generally generate revenues and incur expenses in pounds sterling and Euros.
We and NTL encounter currency exchange rate risks because we generate revenues and incur construction and operating expenses in pounds sterling and Euros while we pay interest and principal obligations with respect to a significant amount of our existing indebtedness in U.S. dollars. There can be no assurance that any hedging transactions we might enter into will be successful or that shifts in the currency exchange rates will not have a material adverse effect
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
on us. For example, to the extent that the pound sterling declines in value against the U.S. dollar, and we have not fully hedged against such declines, the effective cost of servicing our U.S. dollar debt will be higher and we will incur currency losses.
NTLs broadcast services and carrier telecommunications businesses are dependent upon ITV and other contracts.
NTLs broadcast services business has contracts for the provision of television broadcasting transmission services with the ITV national network of 15 affiliated television stations, Channel 4/S4C and Channel 5. The majority of the prices that NTL may charge these companies for transmission services are subject to regulation by the Office of the Director of Telecommunications (referred to in this quarterly report as OFTEL). Although, historically, the ITV companies and Channel 4/S4C have renewed their contracts with NTL, there can be no assurance that they will do so upon expiration of the current contracts, that they will not negotiate terms for provision of transmission services by NTL on a basis less favorable to it or that they would not seek to obtain from third parties a portion of the transmission services that NTL currently provides.
Other contracts important to NTLs broadcast services business include a contract for the provision of communication services to the Metropolitan Police. This contract is subject to renewal and there can be no assurance that the renewal will be on the same basis, or that the Metropolitan Police will not seek other parties to provide the services.
NTLs carrier services and mobile business has a contract with Orange plc for the design, build and operation of elements of its mobile network. The minimum term of this contract is scheduled to expire in 2006 and there can be no assurance that it will be renewed.
In addition, NTLs carrier services and mobile business currently has a contract with Vodafone for the supply of mobile transmission services, including core inter-switch and backhaul network capacity. This contract is scheduled to terminate in October 2004 and there are no present indications that it will be renewed.
The loss of any one of these contracts could have a material adverse effect on the relevant NTL business division.
NTLs broadcast services business is dependent upon site sharing arrangements with its principal competitor.
As a result of, among other factors, a natural shortage of potential transmission sites and the difficulties in obtaining planning permission for erection of further masts, Crown Castle U.K. Ltd. and NTL have made arrangements to share a large number of tower sites. There can be no assurance that the site sharing arrangements will not be terminated. Termination of the site sharing arrangements would have a material adverse effect on NTL.
Under the present arrangements for analog broadcast services, one of the parties is the owner, lessor or licensor of each site and the other party is entitled to request a license to use specified facilities at that site. Each site license granted pursuant to the site sharing agreement is for an initial period expiring on December 31, 2005, subject to title to the site and to the continuation in force of the site sharing agreement. Each site sharing agreement provides that, if requested by the sharing party, it will be extended for further periods. Either party may terminate the agreement by giving 5 years written notice until December 31, 2005 or at any date, which is a date 10 years or a multiple of 10 years after December 31, 2005. With respect to digital broadcast services, NTL and Crown Castle U.K. Ltd. are negotiating a formal arrangement pending finalization of a separate digital site sharing agreement which is envisaged to be on terms similar to the existing analog site sharing agreement. Presently the parties are operating under an informal arrangement pending finalization of the formal arrangement. Although NTL believes that such formalization will be concluded successfully, it cannot be certain of that conclusion.
Some provisions of the agreements governing the indebtedness of NTL Incorporated, us and our respective subsidiaries, certain provisions of our respective certificates of incorporation and NTL Incorporateds stockholder rights plan could delay or prevent transactions involving a change of control of us or NTL Incorporated.
We and NTL Incorporated may, under some circumstances involving a change of control, be obligated to offer to repurchase substantially all of our respective outstanding notes, and repay other indebtedness (including bank facilities).
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
There can be no assurance that we or NTL Incorporated, as the case may be, will have available financial resources necessary to repurchase such notes or indebtedness in those circumstances.
If NTL Incorporated cannot repurchase and repay this indebtedness in the event of a change of control, the failure to do so would constitute an event of default under the indentures and agreements under which that indebtedness was incurred and could result in a cross-default under other indebtedness. The threat of this could have the effect of delaying or preventing transactions involving a change of control of NTL Incorporated, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices, and may limit the ability of its stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interest.
NTL Incorporateds stockholder rights plan and certain provisions of its certificate of incorporation may have the effect, alone or in combination with each other or with the existence of authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock, of preventing or making more difficult transactions involving a change of control of NTL Incorporated. Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation may have a similar effect with respect to a change of control involving us.
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SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LIMITED
(A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On August 12, 2003, NTL Incorporated announced that Barclay Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer has decided to step down from this current role. Simon Duffy, who is currently NTLs Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer effective as of close of business on August 15, 2003.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
a) | Exhibits |
31 | Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | ||
32 | Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
b) | Reports on Form 8-K | ||
None |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED KINGDOM FUND, LTD. | ||
a Colorado limited partnership | ||
BY: FAWNSPRING LIMITED | ||
its General Partner | ||
BY: /s/ Barclay Knapp | ||
|
||
Barclay Knapp | ||
Director | ||
August 13, 2003 | ||
BY: /s/ Scott E. Schubert | ||
|
||
Scott E. Schubert | ||
Director | ||
August 13, 2003 |
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