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ATN International, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

OR

 

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

For the transition period from      to              

Commission File Number 001-12593

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

47-0728886
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

500 Cummings Center, Suite 2450
Beverly, Massachusetts
(Address of principal executive offices)

01915
(Zip Code)

(978619-1300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

ATNI

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company  

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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

As of November 4, 2020, the registrant had outstanding 15,898,477 shares of its common stock ($.01 par value).

1

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended September 30, 2020

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

3

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

4

Item 1

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

9

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

10

Item 2

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

31-58

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

58

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

58

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

59

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

59

Item 1A

Risk Factors

59

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

60

Item 6

Exhibits

61

SIGNATURES

62

CERTIFICATIONS

2

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (or the “Report”) contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other matters, our future financial performance and results of operations, including the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the economies of the markets we serve, our business and operations; expectations regarding future revenue, operating income, EBITDA and capital expenditures; the competitive environment in our key markets, demand for our services and industry trends; our liquidity; and management’s plans and strategy for the future. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future events or results.  Actual future events and results could differ materially from the events and results indicated in these statements as a result of many factors, including, among others, (1) the general performance of our operations, including operating margins, revenues, capital expenditures, and the future growth and retention of our major customers and subscriber base and consumer demand for solar power; (2) our ability to maintain favorable roaming arrangements, receive roaming traffic and satisfy the needs and demands of our major wireless customers; (3) our ability to efficiently and cost-effectively upgrade our networks and IT platforms to address rapid and significant technological changes in the telecommunications industry; (4) government regulation of our businesses, which may impact our FCC and other telecommunications licenses or our renewables businesses; (5) our reliance on a limited number of key suppliers and vendors for timely supply of equipment and services relating to our network infrastructure; (6) economic, political and other risks and opportunities facing our operations, including those resulting from the pandemic; (7) the loss of or an inability to recruit skilled personnel in our various jurisdictions, including key members of management; (8) our ability to expand and obtain funding for our renewable energy business; (9) our ability to find investment or acquisition or disposition opportunities that fit the strategic goals of the Company; (10) the occurrence of weather events and natural catastrophes; (11) increased competition; (12) the adequacy and expansion capabilities of our network capacity and customer service system to support our customer growth; (13) our continued access to capital and credit markets; and (14) the risk of currency fluctuation for those markets in which we operate. These and other additional factors that may cause actual future events and results to differ materially from the events and results indicated in the forward-looking statements above are set forth more fully under Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020, and the other reports we file from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation and has no intention to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors that may affect such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

In this Report, the words “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us” and “ATN” refer to ATN International, Inc. and its subsidiaries. This Report contains trademarks, service marks and trade names that are the property of, or licensed by, ATN and its subsidiaries.

Reference to dollars ($) refer to US dollars unless otherwise specifically indicated.

3

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

September 30, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

135,153

$

161,287

Restricted cash

 

1,072

 

1,071

Short-term investments

 

403

 

416

Accounts receivable, net of allowances for credit losses of $12.2 million and $12.7 million, respectively

 

43,471

 

35,904

Inventory, materials and supplies

 

5,127

 

5,253

Prepayments and other current assets

 

40,358

 

24,792

Total current assets

 

225,584

 

228,723

Fixed Assets:

Property, plant and equipment

 

1,297,519

 

1,237,555

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(708,091)

 

(631,974)

Net fixed assets

 

589,428

 

605,581

Telecommunication licenses, net

 

114,083

 

93,686

Goodwill

 

60,691

 

60,691

Customer relationships, net

 

6,266

 

7,441

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

64,294

 

68,763

Other assets

 

53,068

 

65,841

Total assets

$

1,113,414

$

1,130,726

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current portion of long-term debt

$

3,750

$

3,750

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

82,961

 

74,093

Dividends payable

 

2,725

 

2,721

Accrued taxes

 

7,921

 

8,517

Current portion of lease liabilities

10,902

11,406

Advance payments and deposits

 

24,603

 

19,182

Total current liabilities

 

132,862

 

119,669

Deferred income taxes

 

2,602

 

8,680

Lease liabilities, excluding current portion

53,543

56,164

Other liabilities

 

49,836

 

57,454

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

 

79,973

 

82,676

Total liabilities

 

318,816

 

324,643

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

ATN International, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 17,383,898 and 17,324,858 shares issued, respectively, 15,898,477 and 16,001,937 shares outstanding, respectively

 

172

 

172

Treasury stock, at cost; 1,485,421 and 1,322,921 shares, respectively

 

(59,456)

 

(51,129)

Additional paid-in capital

 

191,578

 

188,471

Retained earnings

 

540,119

 

541,890

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

(4,538)

 

(3,282)

Total ATN International, Inc. stockholders’ equity

 

667,875

 

676,122

Non-controlling interests

 

126,723

 

129,961

Total equity

 

794,598

 

806,083

Total liabilities and equity

$

1,113,414

$

1,130,726

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

Three months ended September 30, 

Nine months ended September 30, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

REVENUE:

Communication services

$

108,721

$

112,840

$

322,865

$

318,473

Other

 

3,018

 

2,776

 

8,878

 

8,164

Total revenue

 

111,739

 

115,616

 

331,743

 

326,637

OPERATING EXPENSES (excluding depreciation and amortization unless otherwise indicated):

Termination and access fees

 

26,979

 

27,622

 

83,562

 

83,440

Construction costs

390

390

Engineering and operations

 

18,127

 

20,095

 

53,983

 

58,234

Sales, marketing and customer service

 

9,344

 

9,785

 

28,220

 

29,048

General and administrative

 

25,735

 

25,110

 

75,413

 

75,518

Transaction-related charges

 

31

 

21

 

147

 

89

Depreciation and amortization

 

21,580

 

22,603

 

66,089

 

64,870

(Gain) Loss on disposition of long-lived assets

(4)

132

60

321

Total operating expenses

 

102,182

 

105,368

 

307,864

 

311,520

Income from operations

 

9,557

 

10,248

 

23,879

 

15,117

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest income

118

414

427

1,860

Interest expense

 

(1,361)

 

(1,298)

 

(4,091)

(3,843)

Other income (expense)

 

(2,031)

 

(2,686)

 

(4,341)

(2,755)

Other income (expense), net

 

(3,274)

 

(3,570)

 

(8,005)

 

(4,738)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

6,283

 

6,678

 

15,874

 

10,379

Income tax provisions

 

92

 

1,834

 

(1,057)

 

2,774

NET INCOME

 

6,191

 

4,844

 

16,931

 

7,605

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax expense of $0.2 million, $0.4 million, $0.8 million, $1.2 million, respectively.

 

(3,530)

 

(3,459)

 

(10,538)

 

(8,657)

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. STOCKHOLDERS

$

2,661

$

1,385

$

6,393

$

(1,052)

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. STOCKHOLDERS:

Basic

$

0.17

$

0.09

$

0.40

$

(0.07)

Diluted

$

0.17

$

0.09

$

0.40

$

(0.07)

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

Basic

 

15,962

 

16,000

 

15,946

 

15,984

Diluted

 

16,011

 

16,007

 

15,990

 

15,984

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK

$

0.17

$

0.17

$

0.51

$

0.51

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2020

    

2019

2020

2019

Net income

$

6,191

$

4,844

$

16,931

$

7,605

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

1,521

 

(1,194)

 

(1,113)

 

(694)

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

35

(38)

(143)

(211)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

1,556

 

(1,232)

 

(1,256)

 

(905)

Comprehensive income

 

7,747

 

3,612

 

15,675

 

6,700

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(3,530)

 

(3,459)

 

(10,538)

 

(8,657)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to ATN International, Inc.

$

4,217

$

153

$

5,137

$

(1,957)

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

Total

    

    

Treasury

Additional

Other

ATNI

Non-

Common

Stock,

Paid In

Retained

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

Stock

at cost

Capital

Earnings

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

 

Balance, June 30, 2020

$

172

$

(55,316)

$

189,785

$

540,183

$

(6,094)

$

668,730

$

128,913

$

797,643

Purchase of 80,754 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

(4,140)

(4,140)

(4,140)

Stock-based compensation

 

1,793

1,793

94

1,887

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.17 per common share)

 

(2,725)

(2,725)

(962)

(3,687)

Repurchase of non-controlling interests

(4,852)

(4,852)

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

2,661

2,661

3,530

6,191

Other comprehensive income

 

1,556

1,556

1,556

Total comprehensive income

 

4,217

 

3,530

 

7,747

Balance, September 30, 2020

$

172

$

(59,456)

$

191,578

$

540,119

$

(4,538)

$

667,875

$

126,723

$

794,598

Balance, June 30, 2019

$

172

$

(50,125)

$

185,112

$

555,806

$

(1,282)

$

689,683

$

128,858

$

818,541

Issuance of 2,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

62

62

62

Purchase of 8,542 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

(259)

(259)

(259)

Stock-based compensation

 

1,272

1,272

275

1,547

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.17 per common share)

 

(2,828)

(2,828)

(1,885)

(4,713)

Repurchase of non-controlling interests

(491)

(491)

Comprehensive income (loss):

Net income

 

1,385

1,385

3,459

4,844

Other comprehensive income

 

(1,232)

(1,232)

(1,232)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

153

 

3,459

 

3,612

Balance, September 30, 2019

$

172

$

(50,384)

$

186,446

$

554,363

$

(2,514)

$

688,083

$

130,216

$

818,299

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

Total

    

    

Treasury

Additional

Other

ATNI

Non-

Common

Stock,

Paid In

Retained

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

Stock

at cost

Capital

Earnings

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

$

172

$

(51,129)

$

188,471

$

541,890

$

(3,282)

$

676,122

$

129,961

$

806,083

Purchase of 161,500 shares of common stock

 

(8,327)

(8,327)

(8,327)

Stock-based compensation

 

4,419

4,419

189

4,608

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.51 per common share)

 

(8,164)

(8,164)

(6,514)

(14,678)

Repurchase of non-controlling interests

(1,312)

(1,312)

(7,451)

(8,763)

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

6,393

6,393

10,538

16,931

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,256)

(1,256)

(1,256)

Total comprehensive income

 

5,137

 

10,538

 

15,675

Balance, September 30, 2020

$

172

$

(59,456)

$

191,578

$

540,119

$

(4,538)

$

667,875

$

126,723

$

794,598

Balance, December 31, 2018

$

172

$

(48,547)

$

181,778

$

563,593

$

(1,609)

$

695,387

$

127,937

$

823,324

Issuance of 2,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

62

62

62

Purchase of 28,393 shares of common stock

 

(1,837)

(1,837)

(1,837)

Stock-based compensation

 

4,606

4,606

275

4,881

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.51 per common share)

 

(8,178)

(8,178)

(5,788)

(13,966)

Repurchase of non-controlling interests

(1,353)

(1,353)

Investments made by minority shareholders in consolidated affiliates

488

488

Comprehensive income (loss):

Net income (loss)

 

(1,052)

(1,052)

8,657

7,605

Other comprehensive income

 

(905)

(905)

(905)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,957)

 

8,657

 

6,700

Balance, September 30, 2019

$

172

$

(50,384)

$

186,446

$

554,363

$

(2,514)

$

688,083

$

130,216

$

818,299

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020

    

2019

    

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

16,931

$

7,605

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

66,089

 

64,870

Provision for doubtful accounts

4,452

 

3,796

Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs

395

 

420

Stock-based compensation

4,608

 

4,881

Deferred income taxes

(6,078)

 

(6,287)

Loss on equity investments

3,360

2,131

Loss on disposition of long-lived assets

60

321

Unrealized loss on foreign currency

449

233

Other non-cash activity

28

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

Accounts receivable

(12,189)

 

(10,193)

Materials and supplies, prepayments, and other current assets

(14,849)

 

(5,507)

Prepaid income taxes

2,038

 

5,158

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, advance payments and deposits and other current liabilities

7,382

 

6,324

Accrued taxes

(1,418)

 

(19,047)

Other assets

1,057

(2,041)

Other liabilities

(696)

 

4,155

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

71,591

 

56,847

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

 

(50,662)

 

(49,486)

Purchase of spectrum, including deposits

(20,396)

Purchases of strategic investments

(2,768)

(10,285)

Proceeds from strategic investments

11,969

Purchase of short-term investments

(116)

(8,028)

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

5,141

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(61,973)

 

(62,658)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid on common stock

 

(8,166)

 

(8,160)

Distributions to non-controlling interests

 

(6,503)

 

(5,760)

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

(1,096)

 

(1,340)

Principal repayments of term loan

 

(2,814)

 

(2,825)

Purchases of common stock – share based compensation

 

(1,733)

 

(1,607)

Purchases of common stock – share buyback

(6,589)

(162)

Repurchases of non-controlling interests

(8,763)

(1,353)

Investments made by minority shareholders in consolidated affiliates

 

 

488

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(35,664)

 

(20,719)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

(87)

 

(26)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

(26,133)

 

(26,556)

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

162,358

 

192,907

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period

$

136,225

$

166,351

Noncash investing activity:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

15,097

$

7,419

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

9

ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The Company is a holding company that, directly and through its subsidiaries, owns and operates telecommunications businesses in North America, the Caribbean and Bermuda as well as a renewable energy business in India. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1987, began trading publicly in 1991 and spun off more than half of its operations to stockholders in 1998. Since that time, the Company has engaged in many strategic acquisitions and investments to help grow its operations, using the cash generated from its established operating units to re-invest in its existing businesses, to make strategic investments in additional businesses, and to return cash to the Company’s investors. The Company has built, and seeks to maintain, resources to support its operating subsidiaries and to improve their customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction while maintaining optimal operating efficiencies. The Company looks for businesses that offer growth opportunities or potential strategic benefits, but require additional capital investment in order to execute on their business plans. The Company holds controlling positions with respect to some of its investments and non-controlling positions in others. The Company’s investments in earlier stage businesses frequently offer a product and service development component in addition to the prospect of generating returns on its invested capital.

The Company has identified three operating segments to manage and review its operations and to facilitate investor presentations of its results. These three operating segments are as follows:

International Telecom. The Company’s international telecom segment offers services to other telecom providers (“Carrier Services”), such as international long-distance, roaming from other carriers’ customers traveling into the Company’s retail markets, and transport and access services, as well as fixed internet and voice services and retail mobility services to customers in Bermuda, Guyana and the US Virgin Islands.  The Company also offers fixed video services in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. In addition, the international telecom segment offers managed information technology services to enterprise customers.

US Telecom. In the United States, the Company offers carrier services, including wholesale roaming services, site maintenance and the leasing of critical network infrastructure such as towers and transport facilities, as well as fixed and mobile communications services to the Company’s retail and enterprise customers in the Southwestern United States.

Renewable Energy. In India, the Company provides distributed generation solar power to corporate and industrial customers.

10

The following chart summarizes the operating activities of the Company’s principal subsidiaries, the segments in which the Company reports its revenue and the markets it served as of September 30, 2020:

Segment

   

Services

   

Markets

   

Tradenames

 

International Telecom

 

Mobility

 

Bermuda, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

 

GTT+, One, Viya

 

Fixed

 

Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

 

GTT+, One, Logic, Viya

Carrier Services

Bermuda, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

GTT+, One, Viya

Managed Services

Bermuda, Cayman Islands, US Virgin Islands, Guyana

Fireminds, One, Logic, Viya, GTT+

US Telecom

 

Mobility

 

United States (rural markets)

 

Commnet, Choice, Choice NTUA Wireless, WestNet, Geoverse

Fixed

United States

Commnet, Choice, Choice NTUA Wireless, Deploycom, WestNet

Carrier Services

United States

Commnet, Essextel

 

Managed Services

 

United States

 

Choice

Renewable Energy

Solar

India

Vibrant Energy

The Company actively evaluates potential acquisitions, investment opportunities and other strategic transactions, both domestic and international, that meet its return on investment and other criteria. In addition, the Company considers non-controlling investments in earlier stage businesses that it considers strategically relevant, and which may offer long-term growth potential for the Company, either individually, or as research and development businesses that can support the Company’s operating subsidiaries in new product and service development and offerings. The Company provides management, technical, financial, regulatory, and marketing services to its subsidiaries and typically receives a management fee equal to a percentage of their revenues which is eliminated in consolidation. For further information about the Company’s financial segments and geographical information about its operating revenues and assets, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a novel strain of coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19, as a pandemic, and the virus has now spread globally to over 200 countries and territories, including the United States and other countries in which the Company has substantial operations. The Company is continuing to monitor and assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its commercial operations, the safety of its employees and their families, its sales force and customers and any potential impact on the Company’s revenue in 2020.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis the Company evaluates estimates, judgments and methodologies. The Company assessed certain accounting matters and estimates that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information and estimates reasonably available to the Company and the unknown future impacts COVID-19 as of September 30, 2020 and through the date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, the Company’s allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and other long-lived assets, financial assets, valuation allowances for tax assets and revenue recognition. The Company assessed the impacts of COVID-19 on the consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, in particular the impacts on lines of revenues, operating expenses as well as the deferral and savings on other operating expenses and

11

capital expenditures. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, while the Company’s International Telecom segment experienced strengthened demand for both its mobile and fixed services, its carrier services revenue declined as a result of a reduction in roaming revenue due to pandemic-related travel and stay-at-home restrictions as compared to the same period of 2019. Such restrictions also resulted in decreased mobile and carrier services revenues within its US Telecom segment during the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019. However, in response to certain anticipated impacts, the Company was able to implement operating expense savings, particularly with respect to its International Telecom segment, that when coupled with Company-wide travel expense savings and capital expenditure deferrals, acted to offset much of the revenue loss or additional credit loss allowances caused by anticipated customer non-payment activity in the quarter. As a result, the Company’s assessment did not indicate that there was a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. However, the Company’s future assessments of the impacts of COVID-19 for the remainder of the year and into 2021or its ability to realize continued operational expense savings, as well as other factors, could result in material impacts to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods. For example, the local economies of many of the Company’s Caribbean markets are tourism-dependent and the decline in global travel activity resulting from COVID-19 may continue to impact its revenue and cash flows for certain services in these markets as the Company’s retail and enterprise customers may be unable to pay for services, and the Company’s international roaming revenue may decline as compared to last year. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity may differ from the Company management’s current estimates due to inherent uncertainties regarding the duration and further spread of the outbreak, its severity, actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent economic conditions normalize and more customary operating conditions resume.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, the Company believes such information and the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the periods described therein. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Results of interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries in which the Company holds controlling interests and certain entities which are consolidated in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities, since it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of these entities.

Presentation of Revenue

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company changed its presentation of revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the Selected Segment Financial Information tables. This change is intended to better align the Company’s financial performance with the views of management and industry competitors, and to facilitate a more constructive dialogue with the investment community.

Specifically, the previously disclosed revenue categories of wireless and wireline revenue are being represented as mobility, fixed and carrier services revenue within the Company’s segment information and are included within communications services revenue within its Statements of Operations. Managed services revenue, which was previously a component of wireline revenue, along with revenue from the Company’s Renewable Energy

12

operations, is now included in other revenue. Construction revenue is also included as a component of other revenue.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and subsequently issued related updates (“ASU 2016-02”), which provide comprehensive lease accounting guidance. The standard requires entities to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet as well as disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASC 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 utilizing the optional transition method with a cumulative adjustment on the date of adoption and not adjusting prior periods. Refer to Note 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). The standard: (a) expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, (b) aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and (c) includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019. There was not a material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”).  ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach on its January 1, 2020 effective date. Refer to Note 3 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.

3. REVENUE RECOGNITION AND RECEIVABLES

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The Company recognizes contract assets and liabilities on its balance sheet. Contract assets represent unbilled amounts typically resulting from retail wireless contracts with both a multiyear service period and a promotional discount. In these contracts the revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. The current portion of the contract asset is recorded in prepayments and other current assets and the noncurrent portion is included in other assets on the Company’s balance sheets.

Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Retail revenue for postpaid customers is generally billed one month in advance and recognized over the period that the corresponding service is rendered to customers. To the extent the service is not provided by the reporting date the amount is recognized as a contract liability. Prepaid service, including mobile voice and data services, sold to customers is recorded as deferred revenue prior to the commencement of services. Contract liabilities are recorded in advanced payments and deposits on the Company’s balance sheets.

In July 2019 and August 2020, the Company entered into a Network Build and Maintenance Agreement (the “FirstNet Agreement”) and First Amendment to that agreement with AT&T Mobility, LLC (“AT&T”), respectively, to build a portion of AT&T’s network for the First Responder Network Authority (“FirstNet”) as well as a commercial wireless network in or near the Company’s current operating area in the Southwestern United States (the “FirstNet Transaction”).  The transaction includes construction and service performance obligations. The Company allocated the transaction price of the FirstNet Agreement to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation in the contract. The standalone selling price is the estimated price the Company would charge for the good or service in a separate transaction with similar customers in similar circumstances.

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The Company has certain wholesale roaming agreements that contain stand ready performance obligations and management allocates transaction value to performance obligations based on the standalone selling price. The standalone selling price is the estimated price the Company would charge for the good or service with similar customers in similar circumstances. Management determined the performance obligations were obligations to make the service continuously available and will recognize revenue evenly over the service period.

Contract assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

$ Change

% Change

Contract asset – current

$

2,269

$

2,413

$

(144)

(6)

%

Contract asset – noncurrent

699

905

(206)

(23)

%

Contract liability – current

(16,338)

(15,044)

(1,294)

(9)

%

Contract liability – noncurrent

(2,486)

(5,450)

2,964

54

%

Net contract liability

$

(15,856)

$

(17,176)

$

1,320

8

%

The contract asset – current is included in prepayments and other current assets and the contract asset – noncurrent is included in other assets on the Company’s balance sheet. The contract liability – current is included in advance payments and deposits and the contract liability – noncurrent is included in other liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet. The decrease in the Company’s net contract liability was due to the timing of customer prepayments, contract billings, and the FirstNet Transaction. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $15.0 million related to its December 31, 2019 contract liability. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of the December 31, 2019 contract asset into revenue. The Company did not recognize any revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods.

Contract Acquisition Costs

The September 30, 2020 balance sheet includes current contract acquisition costs of $1.8 million in prepayments and other current assets and long term contract acquisition costs of $1.1 million in other assets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company amortized $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of contract acquisition cost.

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations of certain multiyear retail wireless contracts, which include a promotional discount, and the Company’s construction and service contracts. The transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations was $321 million and $241 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The Company expects to satisfy the majority of the remaining performance obligations and recognize the transaction price within 24 months and the remainder thereafter.

The Company has certain retail, wholesale, and renewable energy contracts where transaction price is allocated to remaining performance obligations. However, the Company omits these contracts from its disclosure by applying the right to invoice, one year or less, and wholly unsatisfied performance obligation practical expedients.

Disaggregation

The Company's revenue is presented on a disaggregated basis in Note 12 based on an evaluation of disclosures outside the financial statements, information regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision makers for evaluating the financial performance of operating segments and other information that is used for performance evaluation and resource allocations. This includes revenue from Communication Services and other revenue. Communication Services revenue is further disaggregated into mobility, fixed, carrier services, and other services. Other revenue is further

14

disaggregated into renewable energy, managed services and construction revenue. This disaggregation of revenue depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Receivables

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020. The standard requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses is based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach, however, there was no impact of adoption on retained earnings.

The standard impacted the Company’s calculation of credit losses from trade receivables. Historically, the Company recorded credit losses subsequent to the initial revenue transaction. After adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company will record an estimate of future credit losses in conjunction with the revenue transaction based on the information available including historical experience and management’s expectations of future conditions. Those estimates will be updated as additional information becomes available. Our allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of assets pooled together with similar risk characteristics. There is no significant impact to the Company’s operating results for the current period due to the adoption of this standard.

At September 30, 2020, the Company had gross accounts receivable of $55.7 million and an allowance for credit loss of $12.2 million. At January 1, 2020 the Company had gross accounts receivable of $48.6 million and an allowance for credit losses of $12.7 million. The Company monitors receivables through the use of historical operating data adjusted for expectation of future performance as appropriate. Activity in the allowance for credit losses is below:

    

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

Balance at January 1, 2020

 

$

12,724

Current period provision for expected losses

 

4,452

Write-offs charged against the allowance

 

(5,434)

Recoveries collected

466

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

12,208

4. LEASES

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, utilizing the optional transition method with a cumulative adjustment on the date of adoption. Under this approach, the guidance was applied to leases that had commenced as of January 1, 2019 with a cumulative effect adjustment as of that date and prior periods were not adjusted. Upon adoption, the Company recognized an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset of $70.8 million, a short-term lease liability of $8.2 million, and a long-term lease liability of $61.2 million. The adoption had no impact on retained earnings or other components of equity.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients. Under the package of practical expedients, for existing leases, the Company does not reassess: i) whether the arrangement contains a lease; ii) lease classification and; iii) initial direct costs.

The Company has operating and financing leases for towers, land, corporate offices, retail facilities, vehicles, and data transport capacity. The lease terms are generally between three and ten years, some of which include additional renewal options.

15

Supplemental lease information

The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

Three months ended September 30, 2020

Three months ended September 30, 2019

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

Operating lease cost:

Operating lease cost

$

4,152

$

3,627

$

12,228

$

11,294

Short-term lease cost

769

652

2,040

2,232

Variable lease cost

692

1,151

3,034

2,400

Total operating lease cost

$

5,613

$

5,430

$

17,302

$

15,926

Finance lease cost:

Amortization of right-of-use asset

$

534

$

570

$

1,628

$

1,749

Variable costs

198

244

655

802

Total finance lease cost

$

732

$

814

$

2,283

$

2,551

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid $9.1 million and $10.2 million, respectively, for operating lease liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $5.7 million and $7.3 million, respectively, of operating lease liabilities arising from ROU assets.

At September 30, 2020, finance leases with a cost of $25.2 million and accumulated amortization of $9.0 million were included in property, plant and equipment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company paid $0.6 million for finance lease liabilities and recorded $1.5 million of additional finance lease liabilities. At September 30, 2020, finance leases had a lease liability of $1.3 million of which, $0.3 million was current. At December 31, 2019, finance leases with a cost of $25.9 million and accumulated amortization of $9.4 million were included in property, plant and equipment.

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are noted in the table below:

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term

Operating leases

6.0 years

6.5 years

Financing leases

10.5 years

11.7 years

Weighted-average discount rate

Operating leases

5.0%

5.0%

Financing leases

3.3%

n/a

16

Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

Operating Leases

2020 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2020)

$

3,014

2021

15,761

2022

14,170

2023

11,789

2024

10,466

Thereafter

19,885

Total lease payments

75,085

Less imputed interest

(10,640)

Total

$

64,445

Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

Operating Leases

2020

$

14,526

2021

13,714

2022

12,787

2023

10,713

2024

9,671

Thereafter

18,354

Total lease payments

79,765

Less imputed interest

(12,195)

Total

$

67,570

As of September 30, 2020, the Company did not have any material operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced.

5. USE OF ESTIMATES

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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates relate to the allowance for credit losses, useful lives of the Company’s fixed and finite-lived intangible assets, allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, goodwill, assessing the impairment of assets, revenue, and income taxes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. See Note 1 for a discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on the use of these estimates.

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND INVESTMENTS

In accordance with the provisions of fair value accounting, a fair value measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability, and defines fair value based upon an exit price model.

17

The fair value measurement guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset and liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 assets and liabilities include money market funds, debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market.

Level 2

Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes corporate obligations and non-exchange traded derivative contracts.

Level 3

Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments and intangible assets that have been impaired whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

18

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2020

Significant Other

Quoted Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active Markets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

Certificates of deposit

$

$

380

$

$

380

Money market funds

2,450

2,450

Short term investments

403

403

Other investments

13,172

13,172

Interest rate swap

(189)

(189)

Total assets and liabilities measured at fair value

$

2,853

$

191

$

13,172

$

16,216

December 31, 2019

    

Significant Other

Quoted Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active Markets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

 

Certificates of deposit

$

$

380

$

$

380

Money market funds

2,329

2,329

Short term investments

416

416

Other investments

12,700

12,700

Interest rate swap

(56)

(56)

Total assets and liabilities measured at fair value

$

2,745

$

324

$

12,700

$

15,769

Certificate of Deposit

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, this asset class consisted of a time deposit at a financial institution denominated in US dollars. The asset class is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value was based on observable market data.

Money Market Funds

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, this asset class consisted of a money market portfolio that comprises Federal government and US Treasury securities. The asset class is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because its underlying investments are valued using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Short Term Investments and Commercial Paper

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, these asset classes consisted of short term foreign and US corporate bonds, equity securities, and commercial paper. Corporate bonds and commercial paper are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value is based on observable market data. Equity securities are classified within Level 1 because fair value is based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company held equity securities with a fair value of $0.1 million and $0.2 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Net income includes $0.1 million of losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. No gain or loss was recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Other Investments

In the first quarter of 2019, the Company made an investment in an early-stage venture through the acquisition of a convertible debt instrument. The Company elected to fair value the investment upon acquisition. At September 30, 2020, the fair value of the investment was $10.8 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,

19

the Company recorded $0.1 million of expense and $0.6 million of income, respectively, from changes in the fair value of the investment. The asset is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company used the income approach to fair value the investment and the inputs consisted of a discount rate calculated based on the investment attributes and the probability of potential future scenarios occurring.

In the third quarter of 2019, the Company made a $14.4 million investment in a renewable energy partnership, as a tax equity investor. The Company received an investment tax credit of $12.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 and will receive future cash distributions from the partnership’s operations. The Company elected the deferral method to account for the credit and elected the fair value option to account for the equity investment. The Company’s investment had a fair value of $2.4 million at September 30, 2020, and $2.5 million at December 31, 2019. The asset is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company used the income approach to fair value the investment and the inputs consisted of a discount rate and future cash flows calculated based on the investment attributes.

The Company also holds investments in equity securities consisting of non-controlling investments in privately held companies. These investments, over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are without readily determinable fair values. The investments are measured at cost, less any impairment, adjusted for observable price changes of similar investments of the same issuer. Fair value is not estimated for these investments if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have an effect on the fair value of the investment. The carrying value of the investments was $1.3 million at September 30, 2020 and $2.1 million at December 31, 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2020 the Company recorded a loss of $0.8 million as the result of an observable price change in the investments. These investments are included with other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Equity Method Investments

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company increased its ownership in one investment of a privately held company to approximately 24% of the outstanding voting equity through an additional $2.8 million investment. With this investment the Company obtained the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee and began accounting for the investment under the equity method of accounting including the recording of its share of the investee’s earnings or losses. The carrying value of the investment was $17.0 million and $15.5 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The value increased $1.5 million from the December 31, 2019 balance due to an additional investment of $2.8 million, $1.5 million of the Company’s share of investee losses, and currency gains of $0.2 million. The investment is included with other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Other Fair Value Disclosures

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the relatively short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The fair value of the interest rate swap is measured using Level 2 inputs.

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs. At September 30, 2020, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $84.2 million and its book value was $83.7 million. At December 31, 2019, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $86.9 million and its book value was $86.4 million.

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

On April 10, 2019, the Company entered into a credit facility, with CoBank, ACB and a syndicate of other lenders (the “2019 Credit Facility”).  The 2019 Credit Facility provides for a $200 million revolving credit facility that includes up to (i) $75 million for standby or trade letters of credit and (ii) $10 million under a swingline sub-facility.  Approximately $16.0 million of performance and standby letters of credit have been issued and remain outstanding and undrawn as of September 30, 2020.  The 2019 Credit Facility matures on April 10, 2024.

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Amounts borrowed under the 2019 Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%. Swingline loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is equal to the higher of (i) 1.00% plus the higher of (x) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month and (y) the LIBOR for an interest period of one week; (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility) plus 0.50% per annum; and (iii) the Prime Rate (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility). The applicable margin is determined based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility). Under the terms of the 2019 Credit Facility, we must also pay a fee ranging from 0.150% to 0.375% of the average daily unused portion of the 2019 Credit Facility over each calendar quarter.

  

 The 2019 Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including a financial covenant that imposes a maximum ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA as well as covenants limiting additional indebtedness, liens, guaranties, mergers and consolidations, substantial asset sales, investments and loans, sale and leasebacks, transactions with affiliates and fundamental changes.  The Company’s investments in “unrestricted” subsidiaries and certain dividend payments to the Company’s stockholders are not limited unless the Total Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.0.   The Total Net Leverage Ratio is measured each fiscal quarter and is required to be less than or equal to 2.75 to 1.0.   In the event of a Qualifying Acquisition (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility), the Total Net Leverage Ratio increases to 3.25 to 1.0 for the subsequent three fiscal quarters. 

The 2019 Credit Facility also provides for the incurrence by the Company of incremental term loan facilities, when combined with increases to revolving loan commitments, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200 million (the “Accordion”).  Amounts borrowed under the Accordion are also subject to proforma compliance with a net leverage ratio financial covenant.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants, had no outstanding borrowings and, net of the $16.0 million of outstanding performance letters of credit, had $184.0 million of availability under the 2019 Credit Facility.

FirstNet Receivables Credit Facility

On March 26, 2020, Commnet Finance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Commnet Wireless, entered into a receivables credit facility with the Company, Commnet Wireless, and CoBank, ACB (the “Receivables Credit Facility”).

 

The Receivables Credit Facility provides for a senior secured delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75 million and the proceeds may be used to acquire certain receivables from Commnet Wireless.  The receivables to be financed and sold under the Receivables Credit Facility, which provide the loan security, relate to the obligations of AT&T under the FirstNet Agreement.  The delayed draw period will expire on December 31, 2021.

The maturity date for each loan will be set by CoBank and will match the weighted average maturity of the receivables financed.

Interest on the loans accrues at a rate based on (i) the LIBOR plus 2.50%, (ii) a base rate plus 1.50% or (iii) a fixed annual interest rate to be quoted by CoBank

  

The Receivables Credit Facility contains customary events of termination, representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Receivables Credit Facility.

       

Viya Debt

The Company, and certain of its subsidiaries, have entered into a $60.0 million loan agreement (the “Viya Debt”) with Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”).  The Viya Debt agreement contains customary

21

representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sale of assets and liens) and a financial covenant that limits the maximum ratio of indebtedness to annual operating cash flow to 3.5 to 1.0 (the “Net Leverage Ratio”).  This covenant is tested on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year.  Interest is paid quarterly at a fixed rate of 4.0% and principal repayment is not required until maturity on July 1, 2026.  Prepayment of the Viya Debt may be subject to a fee under certain circumstances.  The debt is secured by certain assets of the Company’s Viya subsidiaries and is guaranteed by the Company.  With RTFC’s consent, the Company funded the restoration of Viya’s network, following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, through an intercompany loan arrangement with a $75.0 million limit.  The Company was not in compliance with the Net Leverage Ratio covenant for the year ending December 31, 2019 and received a waiver from the RTFC on February 26, 2020. 

The Company paid a fee of $0.9 million in 2016 to lock in the interest rate at 4% per annum over the term of the Viya Debt.  The fee was recorded as a reduction to the Viya Debt carrying amount and is being amortized over the life of the loan. 

As of September 30, 2020, $60.0 million of the Viya Debt remained outstanding and $0.5 million of the rate lock fee was unamortized.

One Communications Debt

The Company has an outstanding loan from HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited (the “One Communications Debt”) which is scheduled to mature on May 22, 2022 and bears interest at the one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 2.5% to 2.75%, paid quarterly.

The One Communications Debt contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on additional debt, guarantees, sale of assets and liens) and financial covenants, tested annually as of and for the twelve months ended December 31st, that limit the ratio of tangible net worth to long term debt and total net debt to EBITDA and require a minimum debt service coverage ratio (as defined in the One Communications Debt agreement).  The Company was in compliance with its covenants as of December 31, 2019.

 

As a condition of the One Communications Debt, the Company was required to enter into a hedging arrangement with a notional amount equal to at least 30% of the outstanding loan balance and a term corresponding to the term of the One Communications Debt.  As such, the Company entered into an amortizing interest rate swap that has been designated as a cash flow hedge, which had an original notional amount of $11.0 million, has an interest rate of 1.874%, and expires in March 2022.  As of September 30, 2020, the swap had an unamortized notional amount of $7.6 million.

  

The Company capitalized $0.3 million of fees associated with the One Communications Debt which are being amortized over the life of the debt and are recorded as a reduction to the debt carrying amount.   

 

As of September 30, 2020, $24.3 million of the One Communications Debt was outstanding and $0.1 million of the capitalized fees remained unamortized.

8. GOVERNMENT GRANTS

The Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) is a subsidy program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). USF funds are disbursed to telecommunication providers through four programs: the High Cost Program; Low Income Program (“Lifeline Program”); Schools and Libraries Program (“E-Rate Program”); and Rural Health Care Program. The Company participates in the High Cost Program, Lifeline Program, E-Rate Program, and Rural Health Care Support Program as further described below. All of these funding programs are subject to certain operational and reporting compliance requirements. The Company believes it is in compliance with all applicable requirements.

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During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded $4.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of revenue from the High Cost Program in its International Telecom segment. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $4.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of revenue from the High Cost Program in its International Telecom segment. Also, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of High Cost Program revenue in its US Telecom segment. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of High Cost Program revenue in its US Telecom segment. The Company is subject to certain operational, reporting and construction requirements as a result of this funding, and the Company believes that it is in compliance with all of these requirements.

In August 2018, the Company was awarded $79.9 million over 10 years under the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction. The Company is required to provide fixed broadband and voice services to certain eligible areas in the United States. The Company is subject to operational and reporting requirements under the program and the Company expects to incur additional capital expenditures to comply with these requirements. The Company determined the award is a revenue grant, and as a result the Company will record the funding as revenue upon receipt. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded $1.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively, of revenue from the Connect America Fund Phase II program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $1.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of revenue from the program, as funding began in the second quarter of 2019.

The Company also receives construction grants to build network connectivity for eligible communities.  The funding is used to reimburse construction costs and is distributed upon completion of a project.  As of September 30, 2020, the Company has been awarded approximately $16.8 million of grants with construction completion obligations beginning in June 2020.  Once these projects are constructed, the Company is obligated to provide service to the participants. The Company receives funds upon construction completion and is in various stages of constructing the networks. The Company did not receive any funds during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During 2019, the Company received $5.4 million, of which $3.1 million was a reimbursement of capital expenditures and $2.3 million offset operating activities. The Company expects to meet all requirements associated with these grants.

The Company also receives funding to provide discounted telecommunication services to eligible customers under the E-Rate Program, Lifeline Program, and Rural Health Care Support Program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded revenue of $2.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in the aggregate from these programs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded revenue of $1.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, in the aggregate from these programs. The Company is subject to certain operational and reporting requirements under the above mentioned programs and it believes that it is in compliance with all of these requirements.

Tribal Bidding Credit

As part of the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, the FCC implemented a tribal lands bidding credit to encourage deployment of wireless services utilizing 600 MHz spectrum on the lands of federally recognized tribes.  The Company received a bidding credit of $7.4 million under this program in 2018.  A portion of these funds will be used to offset network capital costs and a portion will be used to offset the costs of supporting the networks.  The Company’s current estimate is that it will use $5.4 million to offset capital costs, consequently reducing future depreciation expense and $2.0 million to offset the cost of supporting the network which will reduce future operating expense.  Through September 30, 2020, the Company has spent $5.1 million on capital expenditures and has recorded $0.1 million in offsets to the cost of supporting the network. The credits are subject to certain requirements, including deploying service by January 2021 and meeting minimum coverage metrics.  If the requirements are not met the funds may be subject to claw back provisions.  The Company currently expects to comply with all applicable requirements related to these funds.

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CBRS Auction

During the third quarter of 2020, the Company participated in the FCC’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) auction for Priority Access Licenses (PALs). These PALs are licensed on a county-by-county basis and are awarded for a 10-year renewable term. The Company bid on and was awarded PALs located strategically throughout the United States and made an investment of approximately $20.4 million. In connection with the awarded licenses, the Company will have to achieve certain CBRS spectrum build out obligations. The Company currently expects to comply with all applicable requirements related to these licenses.

9. RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension and noncontributory defined medical, dental, vision, and life benefit plans for eligible employees in its International Telecom segment who meet certain eligibility criteria.

The Company recorded the net periodic benefit cost identified below (in thousands):

Three months ended

    

September 30, 2020

    

September 30, 2019

Pension benefits

Postretirement benefits

Pension benefits

Postretirement benefits

Operating expense

Service cost

$

(164)

$

32

$

447

$

37

Non-operating expense

Interest cost

603

45

841

40

Expected return on plan assets

 

(414)

 

(1,263)

 

Actuarial (gain)/ loss

(7)

(15)

7

(17)

Net periodic pension expense

$

18

$

62

$

32

$

60

Nine months ended

September 30, 2020

    

September 30, 2019

Pension benefits

Postretirement benefits

Pension benefits

Postretirement benefits

Operating expense

Service cost

$

682

$

96

$

1,342

$

111

Non-operating expense

Interest cost

2,361

135

2,524

120

Expected return on plan assets

 

(2,730)

 

 

(3,790)

 

Actuarial (gain)/ loss

(21)

(45)

22

(51)

Net periodic pension expense

$

292

$

186

$

98

$

180

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company began the process of winding up one of its pension plans. At December 31, 2019 this plan had assets of $15.1 million and a projected benefit obligation of $15.6 million.

The Company was not required to make contributions to its pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. However, the Company periodically evaluates whether to make discretionary contributions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company contributed $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, to its pension plans. The Company funds its postretirement benefit plans as claims are made.

 

24

10. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 1.5% and 27.5%, respectively.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. federal government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act, among other things, allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily impacted by the following items: (i) the remeasurement of a forecasted domestic loss at a higher tax rate due to carryback provisions as provided by the CARES Act, (ii) the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates along with the exclusion of losses in India where the Company cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a) and, (iii) discrete items including a $0.4 million expense for interest on unrecognized tax positions, a $0.2 million expense to record a valuation allowance against an investment write-off which cannot be currently benefitted for tax, and a $0.6 million benefit (net) related to the utilization of losses at a higher tax rate as allowed by the CARES Act.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates along with the exclusion of losses in the US Virgin Islands and India where the Company cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a), in addition to the following discrete items: (i) a $1.3 million deferred tax benefit related to an investment tax credit, and (ii) a $0.5 million net interest expense on unrecognized tax positions.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was (6.7%) and 26.7%, respectively.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily impacted by the following items: (i) the remeasurement of a forecasted domestic loss at a higher tax rate due to carryback provisions as provided by the CARES Act, (ii) the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates along with the exclusion of losses in India where the Company cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a) and, (iii) discrete items including a $2.9 million benefit from the reversal of an unrecognized tax position due to statute expiration, a $1.4 million expense for interest on unrecognized tax positions, a $0.6 million expense to record a valuation allowance against investment write-downs which cannot be benefitted for tax purposes, and a $1.0 million benefit (net) related to the utilization of losses at a higher rate as allowed by the CARES Act.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates along with the exclusion of losses in the US Virgin Islands and India where the Company cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30 36(a), in addition to the following discrete items: (i) a $1.3 million deferred tax benefit related to an investment tax credit, and (ii) a $0.5 million benefit from the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to an intercompany debt restructure.

The Company’s effective tax rate is based upon estimated income before provision for income taxes for the year, composition of the income in different countries, and adjustments, if any, in the applicable quarterly periods for potential tax consequences, benefits and/or resolutions of tax contingencies. The Company’s consolidated tax rate will continue to be impacted by any transactional or one-time items in the future and the mix of income in any given year generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could materially differ from the Company’s accrued positions as a result of uncertain and complex application of tax law and regulations. Additionally, the recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits include estimates and judgment by management. Accordingly, the Company could record additional provisions or benefits for US federal, state, and foreign tax matters in future periods as new information becomes available.

25

11. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

For each of the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the calculations of basic and diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding do not include 5,000 shares relating to stock options as the effects of those options were anti-dilutive.

For each of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the calculations of basic and diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding do not include 5,000 and 38,564 shares, respectively, relating to stock options as the effects of those options were anti-dilutive.

26

12. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has the following three reportable and operating segments: i) International Telecom, ii) US Telecom, and iii) Renewable Energy.

The following tables provide information for each operating segment (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

21,406

$

2,432

$

$

$

23,838

Fixed

57,364

 

5,419

 

 

 

62,783

Carrier Services

1,851

19,852

21,703

Other

 

397

397

Total Communication Services Revenue

 

81,018

27,703

108,721

Other

Renewable Energy

1,177

1,177

Managed Services

1,447

1,447

Construction

394

394

Total Other Revenue

1,447

394

1,177

3,018

Total Revenue

82,465

28,097

1,177

111,739

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,671

 

5,729

 

491

 

1,689

 

21,580

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

29

 

 

66

 

1,792

 

1,887

Operating income (loss)

 

16,024

 

2,218

 

(98)

 

(8,587)

 

9,557

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

    

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

21,364

$

2,601

$

$

$

23,965

Fixed

55,845

 

4,304

 

 

 

60,149

Carrier Services

2,403

25,988

28,391

Other

 

335

335

Total Communication Services Revenue

 

79,947

32,893

112,840

Other

Renewable Energy

1,438

1,438

Managed Services

1,338

1,338

Total Other Revenue

1,338

1,438

2,776

Total Revenue

81,285

32,893

1,438

115,616

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,089

5,770

1,016

1,728

 

22,603

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

285

1,263

 

1,548

Operating income (loss)

 

10,867

7,912

(714)

(7,817)

 

10,248

27

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

60,604

$

7,203

$

$

$

67,807

Fixed

172,420

 

15,181

 

 

 

187,601

Carrier Services

5,392

60,779

66,171

Other

 

1,286

1,286

Total Communication Services Revenue

 

239,702

83,163

322,865

Other

Renewable Energy

3,373

3,373

Managed Services

5,111

5,111

Construction

 

394

394

Total Other Revenue

5,111

394

3,373

8,878

Total Revenue

244,813

83,557

3,373

331,743

Depreciation and amortization

 

42,120

17,331

1,590

5,048

 

66,089

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

20

197

4,391

 

4,608

Operating income (loss)

 

44,119

6,241

(1,175)

(25,306)

 

23,879

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

62,766

$

8,095

$

$

$

70,861

Fixed

166,925

 

9,885

 

 

 

176,810

Carrier Services

6,970

62,820

69,790

Other

 

1,012

1,012

Total Communication Services Revenue

 

237,673

80,800

318,473

Other

Renewable Energy

4,376

4,376

Managed Services

3,788

3,788

Total Other Revenue

3,788

4,376

8,164

Total Revenue

241,461

80,800

4,376

326,637

Depreciation and amortization

 

40,709

16,919

2,269

4,973

 

64,870

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

306

4,575

 

4,881

Operating income (loss)

 

35,802

5,927

(750)

(25,862)

 

15,117

(1)Corporate and Other items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments

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Selected balance sheet data for each of the Company’s segments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consists of the following (in thousands):

    

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

September 30, 2020

Cash, Cash equivalents, and Investments

$

67,701

$

25,177

$

22,376

$

20,302

$

135,556

Total current assets

124,515

59,801

25,290

15,978

225,584

Fixed assets, net

452,303

77,017

45,773

14,335

589,428

Goodwill

 

25,421

 

35,270

 

 

60,691

Total assets

 

664,307

 

233,288

 

71,757

 

144,062

1,113,414

Total current liabilities

71,254

36,898

909

23,801

132,862

Total debt

83,723

83,723

December 31, 2019

Cash, Cash equivalents, and Investments

$

43,125

$

38,240

$

25,054

$

55,284

$

161,703

Total current assets

91,497

54,207

27,534

55,485

228,723

Fixed assets, net

466,523

69,184

48,421

21,453

605,581

Goodwill

 

25,421

 

35,270

 

 

60,691

Total assets

 

647,228

 

222,356

 

76,723

 

184,419

1,130,726

Total current liabilities

77,644

24,905

2,745

14,375

119,669

Total debt

86,426

86,426

Capital Expenditures

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Nine months ended September 30, 

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

2020

$

28,439

$

17,254

$

2,116

$

2,853

$

50,662

2019

8,533

33,159

2,183

5,611

49,486

(1)Corporate and other items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Regulatory and Litigation Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory and legal proceedings and other claims arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve claims for damages and taxes that are substantial in amount. The Company believes that, except for the items discussed below, for which the Company is currently unable to predict the final outcome, the disposition of proceedings currently pending will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In 1990, the Company’s Guyana subsidiary, GTT, was awarded a license to provide domestic and international voice and data services in Guyana on an exclusive basis until December 2030. Since 2001, the Government of Guyana has stated its intention to introduce additional competition into Guyana’s telecommunications sector. In connection therewith, the Company and GTT met on several occasions with officials of the Government of Guyana to discuss potential modifications of GTT’s exclusivity and other rights under the existing agreement and license. On October 5, 2020, the Prime Minister of Guyana formally implemented telecommunications legislation previously passed by the Guyana Parliament in 2016 that introduces material changes to many features of Guyana’s existing telecommunications regulatory regime with the intention of creating a more competitive market. At that time, the Company was issued a new license to provide domestic and international voice and data services and mobile services in Guyana, and two of its competitors were issued service licenses as well. The terms and conditions of the licenses have not yet been made

29

public. While the Company has requested details of its competitors licenses, such information has not been made available by the Guyana Telecommunications Authority, and the Company is not yet able to ascertain whether the licenses issued to its competitors permit competitors to provide services that have been subject to GTT’s exclusive rights contained in its 1990 license

On October 23, 2020, the Government of Guyana brought into effect new telecommunications regulations called for by the telecommunications legislation. The regulations include new requirements on the market as a whole and the Company’s operations, administrative reporting and service requirements. There can be no assurance that these regulations will be effectively implemented, or that they will be administered in a fair and transparent manner. Under these circumstances, there can be no assurance that the Company’s discussions with the Government of Guyana will resume or be concluded, or that such discussions will satisfactorily address the Company’s contractual exclusivity rights. Although the Company believes that it would be entitled to damages or other compensation for any involuntary termination of its contractual exclusivity rights, it cannot guarantee that it would prevail in a proceeding to enforce its rights.

Historically, GTT has been subject to other long-standing litigation proceedings and disputes in Guyana that have not yet been resolved. The Company believes that none of these additional proceedings would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

In a letter dated September 8, 2006, the National Frequency Management Unit (“NFMU”) agreed that total spectrum fees in Guyana should not increase for the years 2006 and 2007. However, that letter implied that spectrum fees in 2008 and onward may be increased beyond the amount GTT agreed to with the Government of Guyana. GTT has objected to the NFMU’s proposed action and reiterated its position that an increase in fees prior to development of an acceptable methodology would violate the Government’s prior agreement. In 2011, GTT paid the NFMU $2.6 million representing payments in full for 2008, 2009 and 2010. However, by letter dated November 23, 2011, the NFMU stated that it did not concur with GTT’s inference that the amount was payment in full for the specified years as it was NFMU’s continued opinion that the final calculation for spectrum fees was not agreed upon and was still an outstanding issue. By further letter dated November 24, 2011, the NFMU further rejected a proposal that was previously submitted jointly by GTT and another communications provider that outlined a recommended methodology for the calculation of these fees. The NFMU stated that it would prepare its own recommendation for consideration by the Minister of Telecommunications, who would decide the matter. GTT has paid undisputed spectrum fees according to the methodology used for its 2011 payments, and has reserved amounts payable according to this methodology. There have been limited further discussions on this subject and GTT has not had the opportunity to review any recommendation made by the NFMU to the Minister.

On May 8, 2009, a GTT competitor, Digicel, filed a lawsuit in Guyana challenging the legality of GTT’s exclusive license rights under Guyana’s constitution and GTT intervened in the suit in order to oppose Digicel’s claims. The case remains pending. The Company believes that any legal challenge to GTT’s exclusive license rights granted in 1990 is without merit and the Company intends to defend vigorously against such legal challenge.

GTT has filed several lawsuits in the High Court of Guyana asserting that, despite its denials, Digicel is engaged in international bypass in violation of GTT’s exclusive license rights, the interconnection agreement between the parties, and the laws of Guyana. GTT is seeking injunctive relief to stop the illegal bypass activity and monetary damages. Digicel filed counterclaims alleging that GTT has violated the terms of the interconnection agreement and Guyana laws. These suits, filed in 2010 and 2012, have been consolidated with Digicel’s constitutional challenge described above. Prior to the declaration of COVID-19 related travel and business restrictions in Guyana, the consolidated cases were scheduled to proceed to trial in 2020. GTT expects to resume the litigation following the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions and intends to prosecute these matters vigorously; however, the Company cannot accurately predict at this time when the consolidated suit will go to trial.

GTT is also involved in several legal claims regarding its tax filings with the Guyana Revenue Authority dating back to 1991 regarding the deductibility of intercompany advisory fees as well as other tax assessments. The Company maintains that any liability GTT might be found to have with respect to the disputed tax assessments that the Guyana

30

Revenue Authority has alleged total $44.1 million, would be offset in part by the amounts necessary to ensure that GTT’s return on investment was no less than 15% per annum for the relevant periods. The Company believes that some adverse outcome is probable and has accordingly accrued $5.0 million as of September 30, 2020 for these matters.

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Changes in Guyana Telecommunications Legislation

On October 5, 2020, the Prime Minister of Guyana formally implemented telecommunications legislation previously passed by the Guyana Parliament in 2016 that introduces material changes to many features of Guyana’s existing telecommunications regulatory regime with the intention of creating a more competitive market. See Note 13 for additional details.

Increase in the ownership of One Communications, Ltd.

In October 2020, the Company completed a transaction to increase its equity ownership in One Communications, its subsidiary based in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Subsequent to the private transaction, which involved the Company’s acquisition of equity from another shareholder for cash, the Company owns approximately 70% of One Communications.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations that follows is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements herein and the accompanying notes thereto, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020, the “2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), and in particular, the information set forth therein under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Overview

We are a holding company that, directly and through our subsidiaries, owns and operates telecommunications businesses in North America, the Caribbean and Bermuda as well as a renewable energy business in India. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1987, began trading publicly in 1991 and spun off more than a half of our operations to stockholders in 1998. Since that time, we have engaged in many strategic acquisitions and investments to help grow our operations using the cash generated from our established operating units to re-invest in our existing businesses, to make strategic investments in additional businesses and to return cash to our investors. We have built, and seek to maintain, resources to support our operating subsidiaries and to improve their customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction while maintaining optimal operating efficiencies. We look for businesses that offer growth opportunities or potential strategic benefits but require additional capital investment in order to execute on their business plans. We hold controlling positions with respect to some of our investments and non-controlling positions in others. Our investments in earlier stage businesses frequently offer a product and service development component in addition to the prospect of generating returns on our invested capital. For a discussion of the risks involved in our investment strategy, see “Risk Factors—We are actively evaluating investment, acquisition and other strategic opportunities, which may affect our long-term growth prospects.” in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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We review our operations in three operating segments to facilitate both our internal and investor presentations of our results. These three operating segments are as follows:

International Telecom. Our international telecom segment offers services to other telecom providers (“Carrier Services”), such as international long-distance, roaming from other carriers’ customers traveling into our retail markets, and transport and access services, as well as fixed internet and voice services and retail mobility services to customers in Bermuda, Guyana and the US Virgin Islands.  We also offer fixed video services in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. In addition, the international telecom segment offers managed information technology services to enterprise customers.

US Telecom. In the United States, we offer carrier services, including wholesale roaming services, site maintenance and the leasing of critical network infrastructure such as towers and transport facilities, as well as fixed and mobile communications services to our retail and enterprise customers in the Southwestern United States.

Renewable Energy. In India, we provide distributed generation solar power to corporate and industrial customers.

The following chart summarizes the operating activities of our principal subsidiaries, the segments in which we report our revenue and the markets we served as of September 30, 2020:

Segment

   

Services

   

Markets

   

Tradenames

 

International Telecom

 

Mobility

 

Bermuda, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

 

GTT+, One, Viya

 

Fixed

 

Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

 

GTT+, One, Logic, Viya

Carrier Services

Bermuda, Guyana, US Virgin Islands

GTT+, One, Viya

Managed Services

Bermuda, Cayman Islands, US Virgin Islands, Guyana

Fireminds, One, Logic, Viya, GTT+

US Telecom

 

Mobility

 

United States (rural markets)

 

Commnet, Choice, Choice NTUA Wireless, WestNet, Geoverse

Fixed

United States

Commnet, Choice, Choice NTUA Wireless, Deploycom, WestNet

Carrier Services

United States

Commnet, Essextel

 

Managed Services

 

United States

 

Choice

Renewable Energy

Solar

India

Vibrant Energy

We actively evaluate potential acquisitions, investment opportunities and other strategic transactions, both domestic and international, that meet our return on investment and other criteria. In addition, we consider non-controlling investments in earlier stage businesses that we consider strategically relevant, and which may offer long-term growth potential for us, either individually, or as research and development businesses that can support our operating subsidiaries in new product and service development and offerings. We provide management, technical, financial, regulatory, and marketing services to our subsidiaries and typically receive a management fee equal to a percentage of their revenues, which is eliminated in consolidation. For further information about our financial segments and geographical information about our operating revenues and assets see Notes 1 and 12 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

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COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a novel strain of coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19, as a pandemic, and the virus has now spread globally to over 200 countries and territories, including the United States and other countries in which we have substantial operations. We are continuing to monitor and assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our commercial operations, the safety of our employees and their families, our sales force and customers and any potential impact on our revenue in 2020.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis we evaluate estimates, judgments and methodologies. We assessed certain accounting matters and estimates that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information and estimates reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts COVID-19 as of September 30, 2020 and through the date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of our goodwill and other long-lived assets, financial assets, valuation allowances for tax assets and revenue recognition. We assessed the impacts of COVID-19 on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, in particular the impacts on lines of revenues, operating expenses as well as the deferral and savings on other operating expenses and capital expenditures. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, while our International Telecom segment experienced strengthened demand for both its mobile and fixed services, its carrier services revenue declined as a result of a reduction in roaming revenue due to pandemic-related travel and stay-at-home restrictions as compared to the same period of 2019. Such restrictions also resulted in decreased mobile and carrier services revenues within our US Telecom segment during the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019. However, in response to certain anticipated impacts, we were able to implement operating expense savings, particularly with respect to our International Telecom segment, that when coupled with Company-wide travel expense savings and capital expenditure deferrals, acted to offset much of the revenue loss or additional credit loss allowances caused by anticipated customer non-payment activity in the quarter. As a result, our assessment did not indicate that there was a material impact to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. However, our future assessments of the impacts of COVID-19 for the remainder of the year and into 2021 or our ability to realize continued operational expense savings, as well as other factors, could result in material impacts to our consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods. For example, the local economies of many of our Caribbean markets are tourism-dependent and the decline in global travel activity resulting from COVID-19 may continue to impact our revenue and cash flows for certain services in these markets as our retail and enterprise customers may be unable to pay for services, and our international roaming revenue may decline as compared to last year. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity may differ from our management’s current estimates due to inherent uncertainties regarding the duration and further spread of the outbreak, its severity, actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent economic conditions normalize and more customary operating conditions resume.

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Presentation of Revenue

Effective January 1, 2020, we changed our presentation of revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the Selected Segment Financial Information tables. This change is intended to better align our financial performance with the views of management and industry competitors, and to facilitate a more constructive dialogue with the investment community.

Specifically, the previously disclosed revenue categories of wireless and wireline revenue are being represented as mobility, fixed and carrier services revenue within our segment information and are included within communications services revenue within our Statements of Operations. Managed services revenue, which was previously a component of wireline revenue, is now included in other revenue along with revenue from our Renewable Energy operations.

FirstNet Agreement

In July 2019 and August 2020, we entered into a Network Build and Maintenance Agreement (the “FirstNet Agreement”) and First Amendment to that agreement with AT&T Mobility, LLC (“AT&T”), respectively, to build a portion of AT&T’s network for the First Responder Network Authority (“FirstNet”) as well as a commercial wireless network in or near our current operating area in the Southwestern United States (the “FirstNet Transaction”).  Pursuant to the FirstNet Agreement and subject to certain limitations contained therein, all cell sites must be completed and accepted within a specified period of time.  We expect to recognize construction revenue of approximately $80 million to $85 million through 2021 that will be mainly offset by construction costs as sites are completed. Revenues from construction are expected to have minimal impact on operating income. The network build portion of the FirstNet Agreement has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic but the overall timing of the build schedule has been delayed. Subject to ongoing delays caused by COVID-19 related restrictions, we currently expect construction revenues to continue through 2021.

Following acceptance of a cell site, AT&T will own the cell site and we will assign to AT&T any third-party tower lease applicable to such cell site.  If the cell site is located on a communications tower we own, AT&T will pay us pursuant to a separate lease agreement for an initial term of eight years. In addition to building the network, we will provide ongoing equipment and site maintenance and high capacity transport to and from these cell sites for an initial term ending 2029. 

AT&T will continue to use our wholesale domestic mobility network for roaming services at a fixed rate per site during the construction period until such time as the cell site is transferred to AT&T.  Thereafter, revenue from the maintenance, leasing and transport services provided to AT&T is expected to generally offset revenue from wholesale mobility roaming services.  We began receiving revenue from the FirstNet Transaction in the third quarter of 2019 and expect overall operating income contributions from the FirstNet Transaction to have a relatively steady impact from 2020 onwards.

For more information about the risks to our business with respect to our FirstNet Agreement, see “Risks Related to our US Telecom Segment – we may not be able to timely and effectively meet our obligations to AT&T related to our partnership with the First Responder Network Authority” in Part I, Item 1A of our 2019 Annual Report Form 10-K.

See Sources of Cash below for a discussion regarding our March 26, 2020 credit agreement providing the ability to finance the assets built under the FirstNet Agreement.

Universal Service Fund

The Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) is a subsidy program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). USF funds are disbursed to telecommunication providers through four programs: the High Cost Program; Low Income Program (“Lifeline Program”); Schools and Libraries Program (“E-Rate Program”); and Rural Health Care Program. We participate in the High Cost Program, Lifeline Program, E-Rate Program, and Rural Health

34

Care Support Program as further described below. All of these funding programs are subject to certain operational and reporting compliance requirements. We believe that we are in compliance with all applicable requirements.

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, we recorded $4.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of revenue from the High Cost Program in our International Telecom segment. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, we recorded $4.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of revenue from the High Cost Program in our International Telecom segment. Also, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, we recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of High Cost Program revenue in our US Telecom segment. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, we recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million of High Cost Program revenue in our US Telecom segment. We are subject to certain operational, reporting and construction requirements as a result of this funding, and we believe that we are in compliance with all of these requirements.

In August 2018, we were awarded $79.9 million over 10 years under the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction. The funding began in the second quarter of 2019 and we are required to provide fixed broadband and voice services to certain eligible areas in the United States. We are subject to operational and reporting requirements under the program and we expect to incur additional capital expenditures to comply with these requirements. We determined the award is a revenue grant, and as a result we will record the funding as revenue upon receipt. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, we recorded $1.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively, from the Connect America Fund Phase II program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded $1.9 million and $3.4 million of revenue from the program, respectively, as funding began in the second quarter of 2019.

We also receive construction grants to build network connectivity for eligible communities.  The funding is used to reimburse construction costs and is distributed upon completion of a project.  As of September 30, 2020, we have been awarded approximately $16.8 million of grants with construction completion obligations beginning in June 2020.  Once these projects are constructed, we are obligated to provide service to the participants. We receive funds upon construction completion and are in various stages of constructing the networks. We did not receive any funds during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During 2019, we received $5.4 million, of which $3.1 million was a reimbursement of capital expenditures and $2.3 million offset operating activities. We expect to meet all requirements associated with these grants.

We also receive funding to provide discounted telecommunication services to eligible customers under the E-Rate Program, Lifeline Program, and Rural Health Care Support Program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded revenue of $2.2 million, and $6.6 million, respectively, in the aggregate from these programs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded revenue of $1.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, in the aggregate from these programs. We are subject to certain operational and reporting requirements under the above mentioned programs and we believe that we are in compliance with all of these requirements.

Tribal Bidding Credit

As part of the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, the FCC implemented a tribal lands bidding credit to encourage deployment of wireless services utilizing 600 MHz spectrum on the lands of federally recognized tribes.  We received a bidding credit of $7.4 million under this program in 2018.  A portion of these funds will be used to offset network capital costs and a portion will be used to offset the costs of supporting the networks.  Our current estimate is that we will use $5.4 million to offset capital costs and, consequently, reduce future depreciation expense and $2.0 million to offset the cost of supporting the network which will reduce future operating expense.  Through September 30, 2020, we have spent $5.1 million on capital expenditures and have recorded $0.1 million in offsets to the cost of supporting the network. The credits are subject to certain requirements, including deploying service by January 2021 and meeting minimum coverage metrics.  If the requirements are not met the funds may be subject to claw back provisions.  We currently expect to comply with all applicable requirements related to these funds.

CBRS Auction

35

In September 2020, we secured approximately 1,500 licenses as part of the FCC’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service auction.  These licenses are awarded for an initial ten year period and are subject to meeting a substantial performance requirement by the end of the initial term. We currently expect to comply with all applicable requirements related to these licenses.

Selected Segment Financial Information

The following represents selected segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

21,406

$

2,432

$

$

$

23,838

Fixed

 

57,364

 

5,419

 

 

 

62,783

Carrier Services

1,851

19,852

21,703

Other

 

397

 

 

 

 

397

Total Communication Services Revenue

81,018

27,703

108,721

Other

Renewable Energy

1,177

1,177

Managed Services

1,447

1,447

Construction

394

394

Total Other Revenue

1,447

394

1,177

3,018

Total Revenue

82,465

28,097

1,177

111,739

Operating income (loss)

 

16,024

 

2,218

 

(98)

 

(8,587)

 

9,557

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

21,364

$

2,601

$

$

$

23,965

Fixed

 

55,845

 

4,304

 

 

 

60,149

Carrier Services

2,403

25,988

28,391

Other

 

335

 

 

 

 

335

Total Communication Services Revenue

79,947

32,893

112,840

Other

Renewable Energy

1,438

1,438

Managed Services

1,338

1,338

Total Other Revenue

1,338

1,438

2,776

Total Revenue

81,285

32,893

1,438

115,616

Operating income (loss)

 

10,867

 

7,912

 

(714)

 

(7,817)

 

10,248

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(1) Reconciling items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments

A quarter-to-date comparison of our segment results is as follows:

International Telecom.  Revenues within our International Telecom segment increased $1.2 million, or 1.5%, to $82.5 million from $81.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, due to increases in fixed broadband revenues partially offset by lower carrier services revenues related to reduced roaming revenues as a result of the impact of COVID-19 related travel and stay-at-home restrictions.

Operating expenses within our International Telecom segment decreased by $3.9 million, or 5.5%, to $66.5 million from $70.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in contract labor, site maintenance and facility utilities as a result of the impact of COVID-19 and the result of cost efficiency initiatives.

As a result, our International Telecom segment’s operating income increased $5.1 million, or 46.8%, to $16.0 million from $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

US Telecom.  Revenue within our US Telecom segment decreased by $4.8 million, or 14.6%, to $28.1 million from $32.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in carrier services revenue as a result of restructured contracts with carriers.

Operating expenses within our US Telecom segment increased $0.9 million, or 3.6%, to $25.9 million from $25.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of additional expenses, such as transport and construction costs, being incurred in connection with the FirstNet Transaction and the operating costs of our in-building mobility business.

As a result of the above, our US Telecom segment’s operating income decreased $5.7 million, or 72.2%, to $2.2 million from $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Renewable Energy.  Revenue within our Renewable Energy segment decreased $0.2 million, or 14.3%, to $1.2 million from $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 and reduced professional fees.

Operating expenses within our Renewable Energy segment decreased by $0.8 million, or 38.1%, to $1.3 million from $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 due to decreased site maintenance expenses.

 

As a result of the above, our Renewable Energy segment’s operating income increased by $0.6 million to a loss of $0.1 million compared to a loss of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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The following represents a year over year discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Amount of

Percent

 

September 30, 

Increase

Increase

 

2020

2019

(Decrease)

(Decrease)

 

REVENUE:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Communication services

$

108,721

$

112,840

$

(4,119)

 

(3.7)

%  

Other

 

3,018

 

2,776

 

242

 

8.7

Total revenue

 

111,739

 

115,616

 

(3,877)

 

(3.4)

OPERATING EXPENSES (excluding depreciation and amortization unless otherwise indicated):

Termination and access fees

 

26,979

 

27,622

 

(643)

 

(2.3)

Construction costs

390

390

100.0

Engineering and operations

 

18,127

 

20,095

 

(1,968)

 

(9.8)

Sales, marketing and customer services

 

9,344

 

9,785

 

(441)

 

(4.5)

General and administrative

 

25,735

 

25,110

 

625

 

2.5

Transaction-related charges

 

31

 

21

 

10

 

47.6

Depreciation and amortization

 

21,580

 

22,603

 

(1,023)

 

(4.5)

(Gain) Loss on disposition of long-lived assets

(4)

132

(136)

 

(103.0)

Total operating expenses

 

102,182

 

105,368

 

(3,186)

 

(3.0)

Income from operations

 

9,557

 

10,248

 

(691)

 

(6.7)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

 

118

 

414

 

(296)

 

(71.5)

Interest expense

(1,361)

(1,298)

60

 

4.9

Other income (expense)

 

(2,031)

 

(2,686)

 

(655)

 

(24.4)

Other expense, net

 

(3,274)

 

(3,570)

 

(296)

 

(8.3)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

6,283

 

6,678

 

(395)

 

(5.9)

Income tax expense

 

92

 

1,834

 

(1,742)

 

(95.0)

NET INCOME

 

6,191

 

4,844

 

1,347

 

27.8

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax:

 

(3,530)

 

(3,459)

 

(71)

 

(2.1)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. STOCKHOLDERS

$

2,661

$

1,385

$

1,276

 

92.1

%

Communications services revenue

Mobility revenue. Our mobility revenue consists of retail revenue generated within both our International Telecom and US Telecom segments by providing mobile voice and data services over our wireless networks and the sale of related equipment such as handsets and other accessories to our subscribers.

Mobility revenue decreased by $0.2 million, or 0.8%, to $23.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $24.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in mobility revenue, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, mobility revenue remained consistent at $21.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The impact of COVID-19’s travel and stay-at-home restrictions were offset by the benefits of ongoing sales and marketing initiatives which resulted in an increase in demand and subscribers for our mobility services.

US Telecom. Mobility revenue within our US Telecom segment decreased by $0.2 million, or 7.7%, to $2.4 million from $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease is related to a decrease in subscribers within our retail mobility operations which was primarily related to the impact of COVID-19.

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We expect that mobility revenue within both our International and US Telecom segments may continue to decline if the COVID-19 related travel restrictions continue for an extended period of time or become more severe resulting in significant business interruptions and retail store closures.

Fixed communications revenue. Fixed communications revenue is primarily generated by internet, voice, and video service revenues provided to retail and enterprise customers over our wireline networks. Fixed revenue within our US Telecom segment also includes revenue from the Connect America Fund Phase II program award.

Fixed communications revenue increased by $2.7 million, or 4.5%, to $62.8 million from $60.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net increase in fixed communications revenue, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, fixed communications revenue increased by $1.6 million, or 2.9%, to $57.4 million from $55.8 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in fixed broadband subscribers and usage in order to enable remote working and better connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from certain enterprise customers, such as hotels, which were impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

US Telecom. Fixed communications revenue within our US Telecom segment increased by $1.1 million, or 25.6%, to $5.4 million from $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This increase was related to an increase in usage to support remote working and better connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect that fixed revenue within our International Telecom segment may decline as a result of the response, such as long delays in the return of tourism activity, to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could result in significant business interruptions that might impact our customers’ ability to pay for our services. Fixed revenue may also decline in many of our international markets as a result of a decline in video revenues due to subscribers using alternative methods to receive video content.

We expect that fixed revenue within the US Telecom segment may also decline as a result of our customers’ inability to pay for our services if the COVID-19 related travel restrictions continue for an extended period of time or become more severe. However, those declines may be partially offset by the fixed nature of our federal support contracts, such as the Connect America Fund Phase II program award, which are expected to provide steady and predictable revenues.

Carrier Services revenue. Carrier services revenue is generated by both our International Telecom and US Telecom segments. Within our International Telecom segment, carrier services revenue includes international long-distance services, roaming revenues generated by other carriers’ customers roaming into our retail markets, transport services and access services provided to other telecommunications carriers. Within our US Telecom segment, carrier services revenue includes services provided under the FirstNet Transaction, wholesale roaming revenues, the provision of network switching services, tower lease revenue and other services provided to carriers.

Carrier services revenue decreased by $6.7 million, or 23.6%, to $21.7 million from $28.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, carrier services revenue decreased by $0.5 million, or 20.8%, to $1.9 million from $2.4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of decreased roaming revenues within most of our International Telecom markets as a result of the travel and stay-at-home restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19.
US Telecom. Carrier services revenue within our US Telecom segment decreased by $6.1 million, or 23.5%, to $19.9 million from $26.0 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively,

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primarily as a result of the 2020 restructuring of carrier contracts which eliminated the seasonality of revenue recorded under the previous agreement.

Within our International Telecom segment, we expect that carrier services revenue may continue to decline if the COVID-19 related travel restrictions continue for an extended period of time or become more severe.

Also within our International Telecom segment, we expect that carrier services revenue from our international long-distance business in Guyana will continue to decrease as consumers seek to use alternative technology services to place calls. In addition, such revenue may decline as the result of the implementation, by the Government of Guyana, of recently-passed legislation which terminates our right to be the exclusive provider of domestic fixed and international long-distance service in Guyana. While the loss of our exclusive rights may cause an immediate reduction in our carrier services revenue, the complete impact of the new legislation to our operations will not be fully known until the Government of Guyana make the terms and conditions of licenses, issued to two of our competitors, available to us. Over the longer term, such declines may be offset by increased revenue from broadband services to consumers and enterprises in Guyana, an increase in regulated local calling rates in Guyana or possible economic growth within that country. See Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

The most significant competitive factor we face within our US Telecom segment is the extent to which our carrier customers in our wholesale mobility business choose to roam on our networks and lease our tower space and transport (“backhaul”) services or elect to build or acquire their own infrastructure in a market, reducing or eliminating their need for our services in those markets. We also face competition from other providers of such shared infrastructure solutions. In the past, we have entered into buildout projects with existing carrier customers to help these customers accelerate the buildout of a given area in exchange for the carrier’s agreement to lease us spectrum in that area and enter into a contract with specific pricing and terms. Historically, these arrangements have differed from our FirstNet Transaction and have typically included a purchase right in favor of the carrier to purchase that portion of the network for a predetermined price, depending on when the right to purchase is exercised.

During the construction phase of the FirstNet Transaction, we expect carrier services revenue to remain consistent and then decrease over time as the result of continued reduced contractual rates and imposed revenue caps. We believe that maintaining roaming and other carrier services favorable to our carrier customers allows us to preserve revenue for a longer period of time while creating the potential for long-lived shared infrastructure solutions for carriers in areas they may consider to be non-strategic. 

Other communications services revenue. Other communications services revenue includes miscellaneous services that our operations within our International Telecom segment provide to retail subscribers. Other communications revenues increased to $0.4 million from $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Other revenue

Renewable energy revenue. Renewable energy revenue includes the generation of power through Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) from our solar plants in India.  Our PPAs, which are typically priced at or below local retail electricity rates and allow our customers to secure electricity at predictable and stable prices over the duration of their long-term contracts, provide us with high-quality contracted cash flows.

Renewable energy revenue decreased by $0.2 million, or 14.3%, to $1.2 million from $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily due to pandemic-related delays and restrictions.

We believe that our renewable energy revenue may decline in future periods if COVID-19 related restrictions require the reduction or limited usage by our customers of their facilities thereby reducing demand for the generation of power from our commercial customers for the duration of such restrictions. Thereafter we believe our renewable energy revenue should stabilize as we continue to operate our solar plants in accordance with our long term PPAs.

Managed services revenue. Managed services revenue is generated primarily in our International Telecom segment and includes network, application, infrastructure, and hosting services.

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Managed services revenue increased by $0.1 million, or 7.7%, to $1.4 million from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in consulting services and equipment sales.

We expect that managed services revenue may decline if the COVID-19 related travel restrictions continue for an extended period of time or become more severe resulting in significant business interruptions to our customers.

Construction revenue. Construction revenue represents revenue generated within our US Telecom segment for the construction of network cell sites related to the FirstNet Agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized $0.4 million of construction revenue for our first two sites under this agreement and expect such revenue to total $80 million to $85 million through the project’s expected completion in late 2021.

Operating expenses

Termination and access fee expenses.  Termination and access fee expenses are charges that we incur for voice and data transport circuits (in particular, the circuits between our mobility sites and our switches), internet capacity, video programming costs, other access fees we pay to terminate our calls, telecommunication spectrum fees and direct costs associated with our managed services and technology business and our renewable energy operations.  Termination and access fees also include bad debt reserves and the cost of handsets and customer resale equipment incurred by our retail businesses.

Termination and access fees decreased by $0.6 million, or 2.3%, to $27.0 million from $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net decrease in termination and access fees, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, termination and access fees decreased by $1.0 million, or 5.4%, to $17.4 million from $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Termination and access fees decreased within all of our markets within this segment as a result of a decrease in video programming costs and a reduction in roaming charges and equipment sales as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

US Telecom. Termination and access fees within our US Telecom segment increased by $0.4 million, or 4.4%, to $9.5 million from $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in data transport costs incurred in connection with the FirstNet Transaction partially offset by decreases in wholesale roaming expenses, which were reduced, as a result of the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions on the ability of our customers to travel to other carriers’ markets, and a decrease in the cost of equipment sales which were also impacted by COVID-19.

We expect that termination and access fee expenses may increase within all of our segments due to an expected increase in roaming and other termination costs when the COVID-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Within the US Telecom segment, our performance under the FirstNet Transaction is also anticipated to contribute to an increase in termination and access fee expenses during the construction phase which is expected to conclude in late 2021.

Construction costs. Construction costs include the expenses incurred in generating the construction revenue associated with our FirstNet Agreement. Construction costs, all of which are incurred within our US Telecom segment, were $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Engineering and operations expenses.  Engineering and operations expenses include the expenses associated with developing, operating, upgrading and supporting our telecommunications networks and renewable energy operations, including the salaries and benefits paid to employees directly involved in the development and operation of those businesses.

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Engineering and operations expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 9.8%, to $18.1 million from $20.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net decrease in engineering and operations expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, engineering and operations expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 12.3%, to $14.3 million from $16.3 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was recognized within substantially all of our international markets as a result of certain cost reduction measures and cost efficiency initiatives and the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions which resulted in reduced travel and facility costs.

US Telecom. Engineering and operations expenses increased within our US Telecom segment by $0.1 million, or 2.7%, to $3.8 million from $3.7 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily in order to support the construction phase of the FirstNet. This increase was partially offset by certain cost reduction programs and a reduction in travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

`

Corporate Overhead. Engineering and operations expenses within our corporate overhead remained consistent at $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

We expect that engineering and operations expenses may increase when the COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted. We expect engineering and operating expenses to continue to increase in our US Telecom segment during the construction phase of the FirstNet Transaction which we expect to continue through 2021.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses include salaries and benefits we pay to sales personnel, customer service expenses, sales commissions and the costs associated with the development and implementation of our promotion and marketing campaigns.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $0.5 million, or 4.5%, to $9.3 million from $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net decrease in sales and marketing expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, our sales and marketing expenses decreased by $0.8 million, or 9.8%, to $7.4 million from $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was incurred within all of our international markets primarily as a result of a reduction in advertising and promotions as well as the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

US Telecom. Sales and marketing expenses increased within our US Telecom segment by $0.3 million, or 18.8%, to $1.9 million from $1.6 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of increased spending in the retail business within our US mobility operations and within our in-building mobility business.

We expect that sales and marketing expenses may increase when COVID-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Within our US Telecom segment, sales and marketing expenses may also continue to increase as a result of the expansion of our in-building mobility business.

General and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expenses include salaries, benefits and related costs for general corporate functions including executive management, finance and administration, legal and regulatory, facilities, information technology and human resources. General and administrative expenses also include internal costs associated with our performance of due-diligence in connection with acquisition activities.

General and administrative expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 2.5%, to $25.7 million from $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net increase in general and administrative expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. General and administrative expenses increased within our International Telecom segment by $0.3 million, or 2.2%, to $13.7 million from $13.4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase was the result of increased expenditures in information

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technology to further enhance our network security partially offset by the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions which resulted in a reduction in travel costs.
US Telecom. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.1 million, or 2.1%, to $4.6 million from $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of certain cost reduction measures and the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions, which reduced travel costs within our US mobility business, partially offset by an increase in expenditures for information technology and an increase within our in-building mobility network business to support its expanding operations.

Renewable Energy. General and administrative expenses within our Renewable Energy segment decreased by $0.2 million, or 20.0%, to $0.8 million from $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of reduced professional fees and the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions which resulted in a reduction in travel costs.

Corporate Overhead. General and administrative expenses within our corporate overhead increased by $0.8 million, or 13.6%, to $6.7 million from $5.9 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily related to an increase in information technology expenditures to further enhance our network security.

General and administrative expenses within all of our segments may increase as the COVID-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Within our US Telecom segment, we also expect to incur additional general and administrative expenses to support our in-building mobility network operations. In addition, we expect general and administrative expenses within our corporate overhead to increase as we work to further enhance our network security.

Transaction-related charges.  Transaction-related charges include the external costs, such as legal, tax, accounting and consulting fees, directly associated with acquisition and disposition-related activities, which are expensed as incurred. Transaction-related charges do not include internal costs, such as employee salary and travel-related expenses, incurred in connection with acquisitions or dispositions or any integration-related costs.

We incurred a nominal amount of transaction related charges during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 Depreciation and amortization expenses.  Depreciation and amortization expenses represent the depreciation and amortization charges we record on our property and equipment and on certain intangible assets.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by $1.0 million, or 4.5%, to $21.6 million from $22.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses, within our segments, consisted primarily of the following:

International Telecom. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased within our International Telecom segment by $0.4 million, or 2.8%, to $13.7 million from $14.1 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was recognized within some of our international markets as a result of certain assets becoming fully depreciated in recent quarters.

US Telecom. Depreciation and amortization remained consistent at $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, primarily as a result of additional depreciation being recognized for recent upgrades within our US mobility businesses offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated in recent quarters.
Renewable Energy. Depreciation and amortization expenses within our Renewable Energy segment decreased by $0.5 million, or 50.0%, to $0.5 million from $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of certain assets within this segment becoming full depreciated during recent quarters.

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Corporate Overhead. Depreciation and amortization expenses remained consistent at $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 primarily as a result of certain shared services assets being placed into service throughout 2019 partially offset by the effect of certain assets becoming fully depreciated in recent quarters.

We expect depreciation expense to increase as we acquire tangible assets to expand or upgrade our telecommunications networks and expand our solar power generating assets.

Loss on disposition of long-lived assets.   During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a loss on the disposition of long-lived assets of $0.1 million on the disposition of long-lived assets as a result of the disposal of miscellaneous assets within our US mobility and renewable energy operations. 

Interest income. Interest income represents interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short term investment balances.

Interest income decreased $0.3 million, or 71.5%, to $0.1 million from $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of a reduction in the balances of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments resulting in reduced returns in addition to reduced return rates.

Interest expense.   We incur interest expense on the Viya Debt and the One Communications Debt as well as commitment fees, letter of credit fees and the amortization of debt issuance costs on our 2019 Credit Facility. Beginning on March 26, 2020, we also began incurring interest expense, related to the amortization of debt issuance costs, on the Receivables Credit Facility (as defined below). Interest expense increased by $0.1 million, or 4.9%, to $1.4 million from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of the amortization of debt issuance costs on the Receivables Credit Facility.

We expect interest expense to increase in future periods as a result of the Receivables Credit Facility.

Other expenses.  Other expenses represents miscellaneous non-operational income earned and expenses incurred.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, other expenses was $2.0 million which was primarily related to losses from non-controlling equity investments.

For the three months ended September 30, 2019, other expenses was $2.7 million, primarily related to a $2.1 million write down of a previously acquired non-controlling equity investment and $0.8 million relating to a net loss on foreign currency transactions.  These expenses were partially offset by $0.1 million of income recognized in connection with some of our employee benefit plans.

Income taxes.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 1.5% and 27.5%, respectively.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. federal government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”).  The CARES Act, among other things, allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily impacted by the following items: (i) the remeasurement of a forecasted domestic loss at a higher tax rate due to carryback provisions as provided by the CARES Act, (ii) the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate along with the exclusion of losses in India where we cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a) and, (iii) discrete items including a $0.4 million expense for interest on unrecognized tax positions, a $0.2 million expense to record a valuation allowance against an investment write-off which cannot be currently benefitted for tax, and a $0.6 benefit (net) related to the utilization of losses at a higher tax rate as allowed by the CARES Act.

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The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate along with the exclusion of losses in the US Virgin Islands and India where we cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a), in addition to the following discrete items: (i) a $1.3 million deferred tax benefit related to an investment tax credit, and (ii) a $0.5 million net interest expense on unrecognized tax positions.

Our effective tax rate is based upon estimated income before provision for income taxes for the year, composition of the income in different countries, and adjustments, if any, in the applicable quarterly periods for potential tax consequences, benefits and/or resolutions of tax contingencies. Our consolidated tax rate will continue to be impacted by any transactional or one-time items in the future and the mix of income in any given year generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate. While we believe we have adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could materially differ from our accrued positions as a result of uncertain and complex applications of tax law and regulations. Additionally, the recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits include estimates and judgment by management. Accordingly, we could record additional provisions or benefits for US federal, state, and foreign tax matters in future periods as new information becomes available.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax.  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax reflected an allocation of $3.5 million of income generated by our less than wholly owned subsidiaries for each of the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Changes in net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax increased by $0.6 million, or 27.3%, to $2.8 million from $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in profitability at our less than wholly owned subsidiaries partially offset by the increase in our ownership in some of those subsidiaries.

US Telecom. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax decreased by $0.5 million, or 38.5%, to $0.8 million from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of decreased profitability at certain less than wholly owned subsidiaries within our US mobility retail operations.

Net income attributable to ATN International, Inc. stockholders.  Net income attributable to ATN International, Inc. stockholders was $2.7 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

On a per diluted share basis, net income was $0.17 and $0.09 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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Selected Segment Financial Information

The following represents selected segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

60,604

$

7,203

$

$

$

67,807

Fixed

 

172,420

 

15,181

 

 

 

187,601

Carrier Services

5,392

60,779

66,171

Other

 

1,286

 

 

 

 

1,286

Total Communication Services Revenue

239,702

83,163

322,865

Other

Renewable Energy

3,373

3,373

Managed Services

5,111

5,111

Construction

394

394

Total Other Revenue

5,111

394

3,373

8,878

Total Revenue

244,813

83,557

3,373

331,743

Operating income (loss)

 

44,119

 

6,241

 

(1,175)

 

(25,306)

 

23,879

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

Revenue

Communication Services

Mobility

$

62,766

$

8,095

$

$

$

70,861

Fixed

 

166,925

 

9,885

 

 

 

176,810

Carrier Services

6,970

62,820

69,790

Other

 

1,012

 

 

 

 

1,012

Total Communication Services Revenue

237,673

80,800

318,473

Other

Renewable Energy

4,376

4,376

Managed Services

3,788

3,788

Total Other Revenue

3,788

4,376

8,164

Total Revenue

241,461

80,800

4,376

326,637

Operating income (loss)

 

35,802

 

5,927

 

(750)

 

(25,862)

 

15,117

(1)Reconciling items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments

A year-to-date comparison of our segment results is as follows:

International Telecom.  Revenues within our International Telecom segment increased $3.3 million, or 1.4%, to $244.8 million from $241.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of an increase in broadband services in many of our international telecom markets which more than offset the impact of the

46

reduction in carrier services and mobility services (including handset sale revenues) due to COVID-19 related travel and stay-at-home restrictions.

Operating expenses within our International Telecom segment decreased by $5.0 million, or 2.4%, to $200.7 million from $205.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The decrease was primarily the result of the impact of COVID-19 and other cost reduction measures which reduced roaming, advertising, contract labor and facility costs throughout all of our markets within this segment.

As a result, our International Telecom segment’s operating income increased $8.3 million, or 23.2%, to $44.1 million from $35.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

US Telecom.  Revenue within our US Telecom segment increased by $2.8 million, or 3.5%, to $83.6 million from $80.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in fixed revenues including broadband services and funding from the Connect America Fund Phase II program as well as construction revenue from the FirstNet Transaction.

Operating expenses within our US Telecom segment increased $2.5 million, or 3.3%, to $77.4 million from $74.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of additional expenses being incurred in connection with the FirstNet Transaction partially offset by the impact of COVID-19.

As a result of the above, our US Telecom segment’s operating income increased $0.3 million, or 5.1%, to $6.2 million from $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Renewable Energy.  Revenue within our Renewable Energy segment decreased $1.0 million, or 22.7%, to $3.4 million from $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of a decrease in production as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

Operating expenses within our Renewable Energy segment decreased by $0.6 million, or 11.5%, to $4.6 million from $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 due to increased site maintenance expenses.

 

As a result of the above, our Renewable Energy segment’s operating loss increased by $0.4 million, or 50.0%, to a loss of $1.2 million compared to a loss of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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The following represents a year over year discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

Nine Months Ended

Amount of

Percent

 

September 30, 

Increase

Increase

 

2020

2019

(Decrease)

(Decrease)

 

    

REVENUE:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Communication services

$

322,865

$

318,473

$

4,392

 

1.4

%  

Other

 

8,878

 

8,164

 

714

 

8.7

Total revenue

331,743

326,637

5,106

 

1.6

OPERATING EXPENSES (excluding depreciation and amortization unless otherwise indicated):

Termination and access fees

83,562

83,440

122

 

0.1

Construction costs

390

390

100.0

Engineering and operations

53,983

58,234

(4,251)

 

(7.3)

Sales, marketing and customer services

28,220

29,048

(828)

 

(2.9)

General and administrative

75,413

75,518

(105)

 

(0.1)

Transaction-related charges

147

89

58

 

65.2

Depreciation and amortization

66,089

64,870

1,219

 

1.9

Loss on disposition of long-lived assets

60

321

(261)

 

(81.3)

Total operating expenses

307,864

311,520

(3,656)

 

(1.2)

Income from operations

23,879

15,117

8,762

 

58.0

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

427

1,860

(1,433)

 

(77.0)

Interest expense

(4,091)

(3,843)

(248)

 

(6.5)

Other expense

(4,341)

(2,755)

(1,586)

 

(57.6)

Other expense, net

(8,005)

(4,738)

(3,267)

 

(69.0)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

15,874

 

10,379

 

5,495

 

52.9

Income tax expense

 

(1,057)

 

2,774

 

(3,831)

 

(138.1)

NET INCOME

 

16,931

 

7,605

 

9,326

 

122.6

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax:

 

(10,538)

 

(8,657)

 

(1,881)

 

(21.7)

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATN INTERNATIONAL, INC. STOCKHOLDERS

$

6,393

$

(1,052)

$

7,445

 

707.7

%  

Communications services

Mobility revenue. Mobility revenue decreased by $3.1 million, or 4.4%, to $67.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $70.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in mobility revenue, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, mobility revenue decreased by $2.2 million, or 3.5%, to $60.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $62.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The impact of COVID-19’s travel and stay-at-home restrictions resulted in a decrease in our voice and data services as well as our equipment sales.

US Telecom. Mobility revenue within our US Telecom segment decreased by $0.9 million, or 11.1%, to $7.2 million from $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease is related to a decrease in subscribers within our retail mobility operations which was primarily related to the impact of COVID-19.

Fixed communications revenue. Fixed communications revenue increased by $10.8 million, or 6.1%, to $187.6 million from $176.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net increase in fixed communications revenue, within our segments, consisted of the following:

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International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, fixed communications revenue increased by $5.5 million, or 3.3%, to $172.4 million from $166.9 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in fixed broadband services in order to enable remote working and better connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from certain enterprise customers, such as hotels, which were impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

US Telecom. Fixed communications revenue within our US Telecom segment increased by $5.3 million, or 53.5%, to $15.2 million from $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This increase was related to an increase in usage to support remote working and better connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as an increase related to the Connect America Fund Phase II program award which began during the latter half of the second quarter of 2019 and an increase in subscribers.

Carrier Services revenue. Carrier services revenue decreased by $3.6 million, or 5.2%, to $66.2 million from $69.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, carrier services revenue decreased by $1.6 million, or 22.9%, to $5.4 million from $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of decreased roaming revenues within most of our International Telecom markets as a result of the travel and stay-at-home restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19.
US Telecom. Carrier services revenue within our US Telecom segment decreased by $2.0 million, or 3.2%, to $60.8 million from $62.8 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of increased revenues in connection with the FirstNet Transaction.

Other communications services revenue. Other communications services revenue increased to $1.3 million from $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Other revenue

Renewable energy revenue. Renewable energy revenue decreased by $1.0 million, or 22.7%, to $3.4 million from $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of a decreases in production as a result of the impact of COVID-19. 

Managed services revenue. Managed services revenue increased by 1.3 million, or 34.2%, to $5.1 million from $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in consulting services and equipment sales.

Construction revenue. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized $0.4 million of construction revenue in connection with the FirstNet Transaction.

Operating expenses

Termination and access fee expenses.  Termination and access fees increased by $0.2 million, or 0.2%, to $83.6 million from $83.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net increase in termination and access fees, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, termination and access fees increased by $0.2 million, or 0.4%, to $54.2 million from $54.0 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Increases within termination and access fees included the increase in bad debt expense within all of our international telecom markets. In addition, our US Virgin Islands operations incurred an increase in variable termination and access fees that were not incurred during 2019 as a result of the impact of

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Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our managed information technology services business also incurred an increase of termination and access fees as a result of an increase in the volume and cost of its equipment sales. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in the cost of retail equipment sales as many of our retail stores were closed during much of 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

US Telecom. Termination and access fees within our US Telecom segment decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.3%, to $29.1 million from $29.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was primarily a result of decreases in our wholesale long-distance voice services businesses partially offset by an increase in data transport costs in connection with the FirstNet Transaction.
Renewable Energy. Termination and access fees within our Renewable Energy segment decreased $0.3 million, or 75.0%, to $0.1 million from $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Construction costs. Construction costs, all of which are incurred within our US Telecom segment, were $0.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and were incurred in connection with the FirstNet Transaction.

Engineering and operations expenses.  Engineering and operations expenses decreased by $4.2 million, or 7.3%, to $54.0 million from $58.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net decrease in engineering and operations expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, engineering and operations expenses decreased by $4.9 million, or 10.5%, to $41.9 million from $46.8 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was recognized within all of our international markets as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a reduction in contract labor, site repairs and maintenance, travel and facility costs, such as utilities.

US Telecom. Engineering and operations expenses increased within our US Telecom segment by $0.9 million, or 8.3%, to $11.8 million from $10.9 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily in order to support the construction phase of the FirstNet Transaction and our expanding in-building mobility business. This increase was partially offset by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a reduction in contract labor, site repairs and maintenance, travel and facility costs, such as utilities.

Corporate Overhead. Engineering and operations expenses within our corporate overhead decreased by $0.3 million, or 50.0%, to $0.3 million from $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $0.8 million, or 2.9%, to $28.2 million from $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net decrease in net sales and marketing expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Within our International Telecom segment, our sales and marketing expenses decreased by $2.6 million, or 10.4%, to $22.4 million from $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This decrease was incurred within all of our international markets primarily as a result of a reduction in advertising and promotions and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

US Telecom. Sales and marketing expenses increased within our US Telecom segment by $1.7 million, or 41.5%, to $5.8 million from $4.1 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of increased spending in our retail business within our US mobility operations and within our expanding in-building mobility business. These increases were partially offset by the impact of COVID-19.

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General and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.1%, to $75.4 million from $75.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net decrease in general and administrative expenses, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. General and administrative expenses increased within our International Telecom segment by $0.8 million, or 2.0%, to $40.0 million from $39.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase was the result of increased expenditures in information technology to further enhance our network security partially offset by the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions which resulted in a reduction in travel and facility costs, such as utilities.

US Telecom. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 4.4%, to $13.0 million from $13.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of certain cost reduction measures within our US mobility business and the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions on travel partially offset by an increase within our in-building mobility network business to support its expanding operations.

Renewable Energy. General and administrative expenses within our Renewable Energy segment increased by $0.4 million, or 17.4%, to $2.7 million from $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of the recent expansion of operations partially offset by the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions on travel.

Corporate Overhead. General and administrative expenses within our corporate overhead decreased by $0.7 million, or 3.4%, to $19.7 million from $20.4 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily related to certain cost reduction measures and the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by an increase in information technology expenditures to further enhance our network security.

Transaction-related charges.  We incurred $0.1 million of transaction-related charges during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 Depreciation and amortization expenses.  Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 1.9%, to $66.1 million from $64.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net increase in depreciation and amortization expenses, within our segments, consisted primarily of the following:

International Telecom. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased within our International Telecom segment by $1.4 million, or 3.4%, to $42.1 million from $40.7 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This increase was recognized throughout most of our international markets as a result of recent upgrades and expansions to this segment’s network assets including resiliency enhancements in the US Virgin Islands which were impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

US Telecom. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased within our US Telecom segment by $0.5 million, or 3.0%, to $17.4 million from $16.9 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of capital expenditures within our US mobility businesses.
Renewable Energy. Depreciation and amortization expenses within our Renewable Energy segment decreased $0.7 million, or 30.4%, to $1.6 million from $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of certain assets becoming fully depreciated in recent periods.

Corporate Overhead. Depreciation and amortization expenses remained consistent at $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Loss on disposition of long-lived assets.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded a loss on the disposition of long-lived assets of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, primarily as a result of the disposal of miscellaneous assets within our US mobility and renewable energy operations. 

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Interest income. Interest income decreased $1.5 million to $0.4 million from $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of a reduction in the balances of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as well as our return on those balances.

Interest expense.   Interest expense increased by $0.3 million, or 6.5%, to $4.1 million from $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the Receivables Credit Facility.

Other expenses.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, other expenses was $4.3 million which was primarily related to $3.4 million of losses related to non-controlling investments and $1.2 million relating to net losses on foreign currency transactions.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, other expense was  $2.8 million which was primarily related to a $2.1 million write down of a non-controlling equity investment and $0.8 million relating to a net loss on foreign currency transactions.  

Income taxes. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was (6.7%) and 26.7%, respectively.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily impacted by the following items: (i) the remeasurement of a forecasted domestic loss at a higher tax rate due to carryback provisions as provided by the CARES Act, (ii) the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate along with the exclusion of losses in India where we cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a) and, (iii) discrete items including a $2.9 million benefit from the reversal of an unrecognized tax position due to statute expiration, a $1.4 million expense for interest on unrecognized tax positions, a $0.6 million expense to record a valuation allowance against investment write-downs which cannot be benefitted for tax purposes, and a $1.0 million benefit (net) related to the utilization of losses at a higher rate as allowed by the CARES Act.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate along with the exclusion of losses in the US Virgin Islands and India where we cannot benefit from those losses as required by ASC 740-270-30-36(a), in addition to the following discrete items: (i) a $1.3 million deferred tax benefit related to an investment tax credit, and (ii) a $0.5 million benefit from the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to an intercompany debt restructure.

Our effective tax rate is based upon estimated income before provision for income taxes for the year, composition of the income in different countries, and adjustments, if any, in the applicable quarterly periods for potential tax consequences, benefits and/or resolutions of tax contingencies. Our consolidated tax rate will continue to be impacted by any transactional or one-time items in the future and the mix of income in any given year generated among the jurisdictions in which we operate. While we believe we have adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could materially differ from our accrued positions as a result of uncertain and complex applications of tax law and regulations. Additionally, the recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits include estimates and judgment by management. Accordingly, we could record additional provisions or benefits for US federal, state, and foreign tax matters in future periods as new information becomes available.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax.  Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax reflected an allocation of $10.5 million and $8.7 million of income generated by our less than wholly owned subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, an increase of $1.9 million, or 21.7%. Changes in net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax, within our segments, consisted of the following:

International Telecom. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax increased by $1.0 million, or 14.7%, to $7.8 million from $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of an increase in profitability at certain less than wholly owned subsidiaries partially offset by an increase in our ownership in some of those subsidiaries.

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US Telecom. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax increased by $1.0 million, or 52.6%, to $2.9 million from $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily as a result of increased profitability at certain less than wholly owned subsidiaries within our US mobility retail operations.

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ATN International, Inc. stockholders.  Net income (loss) attributable to ATN International, Inc. stockholders was income of $6.4 million and a loss of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

On a per diluted share basis, net income (loss) was income of $0.40 and a loss of $0.07 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Regulatory and Tax Issues

We are involved in a number of regulatory and tax proceedings. A material and adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and future operations.  For a discussion of ongoing proceedings, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report. 

Tax Reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, has resulted in significant changes to the US corporate income tax system and the US Virgin Islands mirror code which replaces “United States” with “US Virgin Islands” throughout the Internal Revenue Code. The Tax Act transitions international taxation from a worldwide system to a modified territorial system and includes two base erosion prevention measures on non-US earnings, which has the effect of subjecting certain earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to US taxation as global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”), eliminates the deduction of certain payments made to related foreign corporations, and imposes a minimum tax if greater than regular tax under the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”). These changes became effective beginning in 2018 but did not have an impact on us in the initial year or 2019. Based on our forecasted income for 2020, we are not currently projecting a GILTI inclusion. We do not expect we will be subject to BEAT and therefore have not included any tax impacts of BEAT in our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits NOL carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. Certain provisions of the CARES Act impact our income tax provision computations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Historically, we have met our operational liquidity needs through a combination of cash-on-hand and internally generated funds and have funded capital expenditures and acquisitions with a combination of internally generated funds, cash-on-hand, proceeds from dispositions, borrowings under our credit facilities and seller financings. We believe our current cash, cash equivalents, short term investments and availability under our current credit facility will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for at least the next twelve months for working capital needs and capital expenditures. 

Uses of Cash

Acquisitions and investments.  Historically, we have funded our acquisitions with a combination of cash-on-hand, borrowings under our credit facilities and seller financings. 

We continue to explore opportunities to expand our telecommunications and our international renewable energy businesses or acquire new businesses and telecommunications licenses in the United States, the Caribbean and

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elsewhere. Such acquisitions, including acquisitions of renewable energy assets, may require external financing. While there can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms we will be able to acquire any such businesses or licenses or make such investments, such acquisitions may be accomplished through the issuance of shares of our capital stock, payment of cash or incurrence of additional debt. From time to time, we may raise capital ahead of any definitive use of proceeds to allow us to move more quickly and opportunistically if an attractive investment materializes.

As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $136.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Of this amount, $61.0 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries and is indefinitely invested outside the United States. In addition, we had approximately $83.7 million of debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, as of September 30, 2020. How and when we deploy our balance sheet capacity will figure prominently in our longer-term growth prospects and stockholder returns.

Cash used in investing activities. Cash used in investing activities was $62.0 million and $62.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of $0.7 million was primarily related to the 2020 cash usage of $20.4 million for the acquisition of telecommunications licenses, partially offset by a $19.5 million reduction in cash used for strategic investments, a $2.8 million reduction in cash used for short-term investments and a $1.2 million reduction in capital expenditures.

 Cash used in financing activities.   Cash used in financing activities was $35.7 million and $20.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The increase in cash used for financing activities of $15.0 million was primarily related to a $0.7 million increase in the distributions made to minority shareholders, a $7.4 million increase in cash used to acquire non-controlling interests in our less than wholly owned subsidiaries and a $6.4 million increase in cash used for the repurchase of our common stock under the 2016 Repurchase Plan.

Working Capital.  Historically, we have internally funded our working capital needs. Pursuant to the FirstNet Agreement, which we entered into during July 2019, AT&T has the option to repay construction costs, with interest, over an eight year period. To fund the working capital needs created by AT&T’s option to extend its payment terms, we completed the Receivables Credit Facility, as discussed below, on March 26, 2020.

Capital expenditures.  Historically, a significant use of our cash has been for capital expenditures to expand and upgrade our telecommunications networks and to expand our renewable energy operations.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we spent approximately $50.7 million and $49.5 million, respectively, on capital expenditures. The following notes our capital expenditures, by operating segment, for these periods (in thousands):

Capital Expenditures

    

    

    

    

    

International

US

Renewable

Corporate and

Nine months ended September 30, 

Telecom

Telecom

Energy

Other (1)

Consolidated

2020

$

28,439

$

17,254

$

2,116

$

2,853

$

50,662

2019

8,533

33,159

2,183

5,611

49,486

(1)Corporate and other items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments

We are continuing to invest in our telecommunication networks along with our operating and business support systems in many of our markets.  Such investments include the upgrade and expansion of both our mobility and fixed telecommunications networks as well as our service delivery platforms. We expect full year 2020 capital expenditures to be lower than the originally forecasted amounts within the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect full year 2020 capital expenditures in International Telecom to be between $35 million and $40 million. In the US Telecom segment, we expect full year 2020 capital expenditures to be approximately $30 million as we continue to build sites and backhaul to support the FirstNet Transaction.

 We expect to fund our capital expenditures primarily from our current cash balances and cash generated from operations but may secure additional financing to support renewable energy capital expenditures in India.

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 Income taxes.  We have historically used cash-on-hand to make payments for income taxes.  Our policy is to allocate capital where we believe we will get the best returns, which has been to indefinitely reinvest the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. As we continue to reinvest our remaining foreign earnings, no additional provision for income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

Dividends.  We use cash-on-hand to make dividend payments to our stockholders when declared by our Board of Directors. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, our Board of Directors declared $2.7 million of dividends to our stockholders which includes a $0.17 per share dividend declared on September 17, 2020 and paid on October 9, 2020. We have declared quarterly dividends for the last 88 fiscal quarters.

Stock Repurchase Plan. On September 19, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of our common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the “2016 Repurchase Plan”).  We repurchased $4.1 million and $6.6 million of our common stock under the 2016 Repurchase Plan during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. We repurchased $0.2 million of our common stock under the 2016 Repurchase Plan during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2020, we have $30.9 million authorized and available for share repurchases under the 2016 Repurchase Plan.

Sources of Cash

Total liquidity.  As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $136.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash which represents a decrease of $26.2 million from the December 31, 2019 balance of $162.4 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to $50.7 million used for capital expenditures, $20.4 million used to acquire telecommunications licenses, $8.8 million to repurchase certain non-controlling ownership interests ,$8.2 million used for dividends paid on our common stock, $6.6 million used for the repurchase of our common stock as a part of the 2016 Repurchase Plan, $6.5 million used for distributions to our minority shareholders, $2.8 million used for strategic investments, $2.8 million used to repay principal on our debt, $1.7 million used for the repurchase of our common stock from employees in order to satisfy their tax obligations and $1.1 million used to complete the Receivables Credit Facility.  These amounts were partially offset by cash provided by our operations of $71.6 million, which included $10.1 million used for construction costs associated with the FirstNet Agreement, and $12.0 million in tax refunds.

 

Cash provided by operations.  Cash provided by operating activities was $71.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $56.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  The increase was primarily related to a $9.3 million increase in net income and a $4.5 million change in working capital.

  

Credit facility.  On April 10, 2019, we entered into the 2019 Credit Facility, with CoBank, ACB and a syndicate of other lenders.  The 2019 Credit Facility provides for a $200 million revolving credit facility that includes (i) up to $75 million for standby or trade letters of credit and (ii) up to $10 million under a swingline sub-facility.  Approximately $16.0 million of performance letters of credit have been issued and remain outstanding and undrawn as of September 30, 2020.  The 2019 Credit Facility matures on April 10, 2024.

Amounts borrowed under the 2019 Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%.  Swingline loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is equal to the higher of (i) 1.00% plus the higher of (x) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month and (y) the LIBOR for an interest period of one week; (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility) plus 0.50% per annum; and (iii) the Prime Rate (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility). The applicable margin is determined based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility). Under the terms of the 2019 Credit Facility, we must also pay a fee ranging from 0.150% to 0.375% of the average daily unused portion of the 2019 Credit Facility over each calendar quarter.

  

 The 2019 Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including a financial covenant that imposes a maximum ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA as well as covenants limiting additional indebtedness, liens, guaranties, mergers and consolidations, substantial asset sales, investments and loans, sale and

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leasebacks, transactions with affiliates and fundamental changes.  Our investments in “unrestricted” subsidiaries and certain dividend payments to our stockholders are not limited unless the Total Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.0.   The Total Net Leverage Ratio is measured each fiscal quarter and is required to be less than or equal to 2.75 to 1.0.   In the event of a Qualifying Acquisition (as defined in the 2019 Credit Facility), the Total Net Leverage Ratio increases to 3.25 to 1.0 for the subsequent three fiscal quarters. 

The 2019 Credit Facility also provides for the incurrence by us of incremental term loan facilities, when combined with increases to revolving loan commitments, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200 million (the “Accordion”).  Amounts borrowed under the Accordion are also subject to proforma compliance with a net leverage ratio financial covenant.

As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants, had no outstanding borrowings and, net of the $16.0 million of outstanding performance letters of credit, and had $184.0 million of availability under the 2019 Credit Facility.

FirstNet Receivables Credit Facility

On March 26, 2020, Commnet Finance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Commnet Wireless, entered into receivables credit facility with the Company, Commnet Wireless, and CoBank, ACB (the “Receivables Credit Facility”).

 

The Receivables Credit Facility provides for a senior secured delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75 million and the proceeds may be used to acquire certain receivables from Commnet Wireless.  The receivables to be financed and sold under the Receivables Credit Facility, which provide the loan security, relate to the obligations of AT&T under the FirstNet Agreement. The delayed draw period will expire on December 31, 2021.

The maturity date for each loan will be set by CoBank and will match the weighted average maturity of the certain receivables financed.

Interest on the loans accrues at a rate based on (i) the LIBOR plus 2.50%, (ii) a base rate plus 1.50% or (iii) a fixed annual interest rate to be quoted by CoBank

  

The Receivables Credit Facility contains customary events of termination, representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type.

As of September 30, 2020, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Receivables Credit Facility.

                

Viya Debt

We, and certain of our subsidiaries, have entered into a $60.0 million loan agreement (the “Viya Debt”) with Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”).  The Viya Debt agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sale of assets and liens) and a financial covenant that limits the maximum ratio of indebtedness to annual operating cash flow to 3.5 to 1.0 (the “Net Leverage Ratio”).  This covenant is tested on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year.  Interest is paid quarterly at a fixed rate of 4.0% and principal repayment is not required until maturity on July 1, 2026.  Prepayment of the Viya Debt may be subject to a fee under certain circumstances.  The debt is secured by certain assets of our Viya subsidiaries and is guaranteed by us.   With RTFC’s consent, we funded the restoration of Viya’s network, following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, through an intercompany loan arrangement with a $75.0 million limit.  We were not in compliance with the Net Leverage Ratio covenant of the Viya Debt agreement for the year ending December 31, 2019 and received a waiver from the RTFC on February 26, 2020. 

We paid a fee of $­­­­­0.9 million in 2016 to lock the interest rate at 4% per annum over the term of the Viya Debt. The fee was recorded as a reduction to the Viya Debt carrying amount and is being amortized over the life of the loan. 

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As of September 30, 2020, $60.0 million of the Viya Debt remained outstanding and $0.5 million of the rate lock fee was unamortized.

One Communications Debt

We have an outstanding loan from HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited (the “One Communications Debt”) which is scheduled to mature on May 22, 2022 and bears interest at the one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 2.5% to 2.75%, paid quarterly.

The One Communications Debt contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sale of assets and liens) and financial covenants, tested annually as of and for the twelve months ended December 31st, that limit the ratio of tangible net worth to long term debt and total net debt to EBITDA and require a minimum debt service coverage ratio (as defined in the One Communications Debt agreement).  We were in compliance with our covenants as of December 31, 2019

 

As a condition of the One Communications Debt, we were required to enter into a hedging arrangement with a notional amount equal to at least 30% of the outstanding loan balance and a term corresponding to the term of the One Communications Debt.  As such, we entered into an amortizing interest rate swap that has been designated as a cash flow hedge, which had an original notional amount of $11.0 million, has an interest rate of 1.874%, and expires in March 2022.  As of September 30, 2020, the swap had an unamortized notional amount of $7.6 million.

  

We capitalized $0.3 million of fees associated with the One Communications Debt which are being amortized over the life of the debt and are recorded as a reduction to the debt carrying amount.   

 

As of September 30, 2020, $­­­­­24.3 million of the One Communications Debt was outstanding and $0.1 million of the capitalized fees remained unamortized.

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity

Internally generated funds. The key factors affecting our internally generated funds are demand for our services, competition, regulatory developments, economic conditions in the markets where we operate our businesses and industry trends within the telecommunications and renewable energy industries. 

 

Restrictions under Credit Facility.  Our 2019 Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting additional indebtedness, liens, guaranties, mergers and consolidations, substantial asset sales, investments and loans, sale and leasebacks, transactions with affiliates and fundamental changes.

 

In addition, the 2019 Credit Facility contains a financial covenant that imposes a maximum ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the 2019 Credit Facility.

 

Capital markets.  Our ability to raise funds in the capital markets depends on, among other things, general economic conditions, the conditions of the telecommunications and renewable energy industries, our financial performance, the state of the capital markets and our compliance with SEC requirements for the offering of securities. On May 12, 2020, we filed a “universal” shelf registration statement with the SEC, which automatically became effective upon filing. This filing registered potential future offerings of our securities.

Foreign Currency

We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies, primarily the Indian Rupee and the Guyana Dollar, to US Dollars at the appropriate rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying value of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet. Income statement accounts are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from a reporting entity’s functional currency must first be remeasured from the applicable currency to the legal entity’s functional currency. The effect of this remeasurement

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process is reported in other income within our income statement. During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded a nominal amount and $0.8 million, respectively, in losses on foreign currency transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of losses on foreign currency transactions. We will continue to assess the impact of our exposure to both the Indian Rupee and the Guyana Dollar.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our consolidated operations in any of the periods presented in this Report.

 

We have based our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We base our estimates on our operating experience and on various conditions existing in the market and we believe them to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Translation and Remeasurement.  We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies, primarily the Indian Rupee and the Guyana Dollar, to US Dollars at the appropriate rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying value of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet. Income statement accounts are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year.  

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from a reporting entity’s functional currency must first be remeasured from the applicable currency to the legal entity’s functional currency. The effect of this remeasurement process is reported in other income on our income statement.

 

Employee Benefit Plan. We sponsor pension and other postretirement benefit plans for employees of certain subsidiaries.  Net periodic pension expense is recognized in our income statement. We recognize a pension or other postretirement plan’s funded status as either an asset or liability in our consolidated balance sheet.  Actuarial gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and amortized through other income in subsequent periods.

Interest Rate Sensitivity.    As of September 30, 2020, we had $16.8 million of variable rate debt outstanding, which is subject to fluctuations in interest rates.  Our interest expense may be affected by changes in interest rates.  We believe that a 10% increase in the interest rates on our variable rate debt would have an immaterial impact on our Financial Statements.  We may have additional exposure to fluctuations in interest rates if we again borrow amounts under our revolver loan within our 2019 Credit Facility.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2020. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is

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accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2020, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 13 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020. The risks described herein and in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, are not the only risks facing our Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.  

Our operations in Guyana are subject to significant political and regulatory risk.

 

Since 1991, our subsidiary Guyana Telephone and Telegraph, Ltd. (“GTT”) has operated in Guyana pursuant to a license from the Government of Guyana to be the exclusive provider of domestic fixed and international voice and data services. That license from the Government of Guyana included an initial term ending in December 2010, which was renewable at our sole option for an additional 20-year term. In November 2009, we notified the Government of Guyana of our election to renew our exclusive license for an additional 20-year term expiring in 2030. On December 15, 2010, we received correspondence from the Government of Guyana indicating that our license had been renewed until such time that new legislation was enacted to expand competition within the sector.

Since 2001, the Government of Guyana has stated its intention to introduce additional competition into Guyana’s telecommunications sector. In connection therewith, we and GTT met with officials of the Government of Guyana on several occasions to discuss potential modifications of GTT’s exclusivity and other rights under the existing agreement and license. On October 5, 2020, the Prime Minister of Guyana formally implemented telecommunications legislation previously passed by the Guyana Parliament in 2016 that introduces material changes to many features of Guyana’s existing telecommunications regulatory regime with the intention of creating a more competitive market. At that time, we were issued a new license to provide domestic and international voice and data services and mobile services in Guyana, and two of our competitors were issued service licenses as well. While we have requested details of our competitors’ licenses, such information has not been made public by the Guyana Telecommunications Authority, and we are not yet able to ascertain whether the licenses issued to our competitors permit competitors to provide services that have been subject to GTT’s exclusive rights contained in its 1990 license.

On October 23, 2020, the Government of Guyana also brought into effect new telecommunications regulations called for by the telecommunications legislation. The regulations include new requirements on the market as a whole and our operations, administrative reporting and service requirements. There can be no assurance that these regulations

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will be effectively implemented, or that they will be administered in a fair and transparent manner. We believe our existing, exclusive license continues to be valid unless and until such time as we enter into an alternative arrangement with the Government, however, under these circumstances, there can be no assurance that our discussions with the Government of Guyana will resume or be concluded, or that such discussions will satisfactorily address our contractual exclusivity rights. Although we believe that we would be entitled to damages or other compensation for any involuntary termination of our contractual exclusivity rights, we cannot guarantee that we would prevail in a proceeding to enforce our rights.

A loss of exclusivity on international voice and data service would result in a reduction in international call traffic and as a result, a loss in that portion of our wireline revenue. Any modification, early termination or other revocation of the exclusive domestic fixed and international voice and data license could materially adversely affect our revenues and profits and diminish the value of our investment in Guyana. Any additional regulatory requirements that may be imposed on GTT’s operations may create administrative burdens or limitations on GTT’s ability to effectively compete in Guyana, and could materially adversely affect our revenues and profits in Guyana.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On September 19, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of our common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the “2016 Repurchase Plan”).  We have $30.9 million available to be repurchased under that plan as of September 30, 2020.

The following table reflects the repurchases by us of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2020:

    

    

    

    

(d)

 

Maximum

 

Number (or

 

(c)

Approximate

 

(b)

Total Number of

Dollar Value) of

 

(a)

Average

Shares Purchased

Shares that May

 

Total Number

Price

as Part of Publicly

be Purchased

 

of Shares

Paid per

Announced Plans

Under the Plans or

 

Period

Purchased

Share

or Programs

Programs

 

July 1, 2020 — July 31, 2020

 

$

$

35,078,237

August 1, 2020 — August 31, 2020

 

35,078,237

September 1, 2020 — September 30, 2020

 

80,754

51.27

80,754

30,938,016

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Item 6. Exhibits:

10.1*#

First Amendment to Network Build and Maintenance Agreement dated as of 6th day of August, 2020 and effective as of the 1st day of July, 2020 by and between Commnet Wireless, LLC and AT&T Mobility LLC.

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**

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

32.2**

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

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data file (formatted as Inline XBRL and embedded within Exhibit 101).

* Filed herewith.

** The certifications furnished in Exhibit 32.1 and Exhibit 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Report and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates them by reference.

# Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ATN International, Inc.

Date: November 4, 2020

/s/ Michael T. Prior

Michael T. Prior

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 4, 2020

/s/ Justin D. Benincasa

Justin D. Benincasa

Chief Financial Officer

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