Annual Statements Open main menu

INNOVATE Corp. - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

OR

 

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

Commission File No. 001-35210

 

 

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   54-1708481

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean, VA   22102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(703) 902-2800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   New York Stock Exchange

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

Contingent Value Rights

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants’ knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

     Accelerated filer   x 

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

     Smaller reporting company   ¨ 

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

The fair market value of the stock held by non-affiliates is $216,195,834 based on the sale price of the shares on June 30, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  x    No  ¨

As of March 14, 2013, 13,942,676 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001, were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to Stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item

  

Description

   Page  
   Part I   

1.

   Business      2   

1A.

   Risk Factors      23   

1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      41   

2.

   Properties      42   

3.

   Legal Proceedings      42   

4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      42   
   Part II   

5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      43   

6.

   Selected Financial Data      47   

7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      52   

7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      75   

8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      76   

9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      77   

9A.

   Controls and Procedures      77   

9B.

   Other Information      77   
   Part III   

10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      78   

11.

   Executive Compensation      78   

12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      78   

13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      78   

14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      79   
   Part IV   

15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule      80   

 

1


Table of Contents

PART I

Introductory Note

We are an integrated facilities-based communications services provider offering a portfolio of international and domestic voice, wireless, Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), data, colocation and data center services to customers located primarily in Canada and the United States. Our primary market is Canada, where we have deployed significant network infrastructure. We classify our services into three categories: Growth Services, Traditional Services and International Carrier Services (“ICS”). We provide these services from our three business units: North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data (previously known as “Data Center”) and ICS. Our two primary reportable operational segments are North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data.

Our focus is on expanding our Growth Services, which includes our broadband, VoIP, data, and data center services, to fulfill the demand for high quality, competitively priced communications and data center services. This demand is being driven, in part, by the explosion of data being generated on a daily basis, the globalization of the world’s economies, the global trend toward telecommunications deregulation and the migration of communications traffic to the Internet. We manage our Traditional Services, which includes our domestic and international long-distance voice, local landline, wireless, prepaid cards, and dial-up Internet services, for cash flow generation that we reinvest to develop and market our Growth Services, particularly in our primary market of Canada. We also provide our ICS voice termination services to other telecommunications carriers and resellers requiring IP or time-division multiplexing access.

PTGi was formed as a corporation under the laws of Delaware in 1994.

Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “PTGi,” means Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and “Primus,” the “Company,” “we” and “our” mean PTGi together with its subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

We are an integrated facilities-based communications services provider offering a portfolio of international and domestic voice, wireless, Internet, VoIP, data, colocation and data center services to customers located primarily in Canada and the United States. Our primary market is Canada, where we have deployed significant network infrastructure. We currently classify our services into three categories: Growth Services, Traditional Services and ICS. We provide these services from our three business units: North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data and ICS. Our two primary reportable operational segments are North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data.

Our focus is on expanding our Growth Services in our North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data business units. Within the North America Telecom unit, Growth Services include our broadband, VoIP and on-net Ethernet services. For our BLACKIRON Data unit, we are heavily focused on expansion of our colocation facilities, cloud computing and managed services. Both units fulfill the demand for high quality, competitively priced communications and data center services. This demand is being driven, in part, by the explosion of data being generated on a daily basis, the globalization of the world’s economies, the global trend toward telecommunications deregulation and the migration of communications traffic to the Internet. We manage our Traditional Services, which includes our domestic and international long-distance voice, local landline, wireless, prepaid cards, and dial-up Internet services, for cash flow generation that we reinvest to develop and market our Growth Services, particularly in our primary market of Canada. We also provide our ICS voice termination services to other telecommunications carriers and resellers requiring IP or time-division multiplexing access. However, as discussed below under “—Our Business Units—ICS—Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit,”

 

2


Table of Contents

the Company is currently pursuing a sale or other disposition or disposal of its ICS business unit, which no longer is a separate reportable business segment and has been classified as a discontinued operation as a result of being held for sale.

Through our increased investments in infrastructure and sales and marketing spending focused on our Growth Services, we believe that over time the growth in our revenue from Growth Services will exceed the decline in our revenue from Traditional Services, and that Growth Services will therefore increase as a percentage of our total retail revenue.

We target customers with significant telecommunications and data management needs, including small- and medium- sized enterprises (“SMEs”), enterprise organizations, multinational corporations, residential customers, and other telecommunication carriers and resellers. We provide services over our global, facilities-based network, and through our Canadian data centers which consists of:

 

   

8 data centers in 5 cities in Canada (Toronto, Ottawa, London, Edmonton, and Vancouver);

 

   

13 carrier-grade international gateway and domestic switching systems (the hardware/software devices that direct voice traffic across the network), Internet routers and media gateways in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region;

 

   

approximately 120 interconnection points to our network, or points of presence (“POPs”), within our service regions and other markets;

 

   

undersea and land-based fiber optic transmission line systems that we own or lease and that carry voice and data traffic across the network;

 

   

a global network that uses high-bandwidth IP networking; and

 

   

a global VoIP network based on routers and gateways with an open network architecture which connects our partners in over 150 countries.

Our Business Units

Within our three business units, North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data, and ICS, we offer our customers a wide range of products categorized, with respect to our North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data business units, by Growth Services and Traditional Services:

North America Telecom:

Growth Services:

 

   

VoIP services—Hosted IP-PBX, SIP Trunking, Residential Home Phone;

 

   

Carrier Grade Ethernet services over fiber and copper; and

 

   

Internet, including residential and business broadband services.

Traditional Services:

 

   

domestic and international long-distance voice services;

 

   

local landline services;

 

   

prepaid phone card services;

 

   

wireless Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services; and

 

3


Table of Contents
   

dial-up Internet services.

BLACKIRON Data:

Growth Services:

 

   

Colocation;

 

   

Cloud Computing—Public, Hybrid, Private;

 

   

Managed Services—System Admin, Storage, Security; and

 

   

Managed Networks.

Traditional Services:

 

   

Shared and dedicated server hosting.

ICS:

 

   

Internet-based protocol and time-division multiplexing ICS access and transport.

More specifically, our current ICS offerings combine products of Arbinet Corporation (“Arbinet”), which we acquired in February 2011, with our pre-existing international wholesale operations. Our ICS business unit provides domestic and international minute transport and termination services and targets a diverse customer base including Tier 1 international carriers, multi-national carriers, wireless providers, VoIP providers, cable companies and Internet service providers (“ISPs”). We, through our ICS offerings, are now the only major global provider to offer ICS customers the option to either acquire direct international connections through traditional interconnect arrangements or manage their access needs through the world’s leading online voice trading exchange—thexchange™ (the “Exchange”).

Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit

During the second quarter of 2012, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit. As a result, ICS is no longer a separate reportable business segment and has been classified as a discontinued operation. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments—Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit.”

Growth Opportunities

We continue to selectively target growth opportunities in areas of growing demand for telecommunications, including broadband, VoIP, data, and data hosting center services. In order to accomplish this objective, we have sought, and continue to seek to:

 

   

manage our Traditional Services business for cash flow generation and prudently reinvest that cash flow in additional sales and marketing spending to gain market share, develop innovative and differentiated services, expand coverage and capacity of our existing data center and network infrastructure to service new customers and to migrate existing customers onto our network;

 

   

prudently expand Growth Services through our enhanced sales and marketing programs in order to steadily improve net revenue and contribution from these Growth Services; and

 

   

make targeted and prudent investments in support systems intended to reduce customer churn and customer service costs.

 

4


Table of Contents

Strategy

Our objective is to continue to unlock the value intrinsic in the sum of our parts by building a scalable platform for growth, expanding margins and positive free cash flow by capturing existing and new consumer and SME opportunities in our primary market, and by evaluating our asset portfolio to invest in sustainable growth businesses and divest non-core assets. Key elements of the Company’s strategy to achieve this objective include:

 

   

Manage Traditional Services for Cash Flow and Reinvest in Growth Services. As the overall market shifts towards IP-based, wireless and broadband communications, the Company actively manages its profitable base of Traditional Services, such as long-distance voice and prepaid cards, to maximize free cash flow. This cash flow is then reinvested into the expansion of higher margin, on-network and high-ROI projects and services such as data centers, VoIP, data, and metro fiber services. Specifically, the Company is expanding its base of 8 data centers to meet the ongoing demand in Canada for high quality, competitively priced services; and is lighting metro fiber rings to position the company to leverage the 40,000 commercial customers it has with state-of-the-art high-capacity enterprise services. This overall strategy is enabling the Company to expand operating margins while funding substantial new growth initiatives that, in combination with strategic tuck-in acquisitions, should over time exceed the anticipated decline in revenue from Traditional Services.

 

   

Focus on Primary Market of Canada, Where the Company is an Established Alternative Telecom Provider. The Company is focused on investing in its primary market of Canada where the Company has the scalability, network and service offerings to effectively compete. The Company is also leveraging its scale in Canada to take advantage of the large market opportunity in the U.S. for next generation business voice and Residential VoIP services. The Primus brand name is well recognized nationally in Canada.

 

   

Bundle Traditional Voice Services with Growth Products to Increase Margins and Create Customer Loyalty. By bundling its traditional voice services with one or more of its local, broadband, VoIP, wireless, data and data center services and taking a prudent approach to sales and marketing investment, the Company seeks to increase net revenue per customer, enhance its profitability and improve its competitive ability to attract and retain additional new customers.

 

   

Leverage Network Infrastructure to Accelerate On-Net and Facilities-Based Services Growth. The Company has made significant capital investments in its global and local network infrastructure and actively targets customers it can serve through its own facilities (on-net) which provide higher margins, improved provisioning processes and better overall customer retention. By increasing the volume of voice and data traffic that the Company carries over its network, or through its ongoing initiatives of migrating existing customers on-net, the Company seeks to reduce operating costs as a percentage of revenue and introduce new products and services more efficiently through utilization of available network and data center facility infrastructure.

 

   

Use excess cash to opportunistically buy down debt. In September 2012, we repurchased $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, which will result in reduced interest expense. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments—Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes.”

 

   

Unlock Value Embedded in the Sum of the Parts. PTGi’s senior management team is focused on driving individual business unit performance and executing on its key initiatives in order to create a track record of consistency and free cash flow growth from operations. This ability to create value through performance is expected to enhance total enterprise value of our consolidated portfolio.

 

5


Table of Contents

2009 Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11

On March 16, 2009, PTGi and three of its non-operating holding company subsidiaries, Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc. (“PTHI”), Primus Telecommunications International, Inc. (“PTII”) and Primus Telecommunications IHC, Inc., (“IHC” and together with PTGi, PTHI and PTII, collectively, the “Holding Companies”) each filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) for reorganization relief (“Reorganization”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended (the “Bankruptcy Code”). None of PTGi’s operating companies, which at the time included operating companies in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Europe and Brazil, were included in the Bankruptcy Court filing. During the financial Reorganization of the Holding Companies, these operating units continued to manage and to operate their businesses normally.

A consensual plan of reorganization (the “Plan” or “Plan of Reorganization”) was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on June 12, 2009 (the “Confirmation Date”). On July 1, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), the Holding Companies consummated their Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code and the Plan became effective.

References to “Successor” or “Successor Company” show the operations of the reorganized Company from and including July 1, 2009. References to “Predecessor” or “Predecessor Company” refer to the operations of the Company prior to July 1, 2009, except for Predecessor’s July 1, 2009 statements of operations, which reflect only the effect of the plan adjustments and fresh-start accounting as of such date and do not reflect any operating results.

Divestiture of Primus Australia

PTGi and PTII, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi, entered into a definitive Equity Purchase Agreement, dated April 15, 2012 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd. (“M2”), an Australian telecommunications company, pursuant to which PTII agreed to sell to M2 100% of the outstanding equity of Primus Telecom Holdings Pty Ltd. (“Primus Australia”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PTII. On May 31, 2012, we completed this transaction.

The purchase price before adjustment was approximately $AUD 192.4 million (or approximately $USD 195.7 million giving effect to a currency hedge that the Company put in place in connection with the transaction). In connection with the closing of the transaction, approximately $USD 9.8 million (the “Retention Amount”) was retained from the purchase price and placed in escrow for a period of twelve months following the closing date of the transaction for purposes of satisfying potential indemnification claims asserted by M2 for breaches of PTII’s warranties in the Purchase Agreement. Subject to limited exceptions, PTII’s liability to M2 for indemnification for breaches of PTII’s warranties is subject to a survival period of twelve months after the closing date and is limited to the Retention Amount. The Purchase Agreement contains customary warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. PTGi also provided M2 with a guarantee of the performance of PTII’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was also subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company paid to M2 $USD 4.4 million upon finalization of the working capital adjustment. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

For additional detail regarding the impact of the divestiture of Primus Australia and related transactions on our liquidity and capital resources, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Important Long-Term Liquidity and Capital Structure Developments—Divestiture of Primus Australia and Subsequent Asset Sale Tender Offer.”

 

6


Table of Contents

Operating Segments

As a result of the sale of Primus Australia and the classification of our ICS business unit as held for sale, in 2012, we reorganized our remaining operating segments to better reflect our continuing operations. We currently have two reportable geographic segments, the United States and Canada, and three reportable operating segments, North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data and Other. See Note 14—“Operating Segment and Related Information” for an illustrative view of selected financial information with respect to these reportable segments for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. We have restated such reportable segment data for the prior periods presented to reflect the current organization of our reportable segments.

We operate our business segments through a corporate shared services model and through segment managers responsible for their respective business segments. We assess performance of and allocate resources to our segments, which are discussed in greater detail below.

North America Telecom

Our North America Telecom segment combines the retail telecom businesses in Canada and the United States.

Canadian Operations: Our Canadian operations represented 72.8% of our net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. We believe we are one of the largest alternative consumer service providers in Canada based on net revenue. We provide international and domestic long-distance voice, local, broadband, Ethernet, hosted-VoIP and wireless services to SMEs, residential customers and government agencies. We have sales and customer service offices in key cities throughout Canada, including Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, London, and Edmonton. We operate international gateway switching, infrastructure in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, London, Edmonton and Vancouver and a nationwide SS7 network with signal transfer points (“STPs”) in Vancouver and Toronto. We maintain POPs in all major cities in Canada, and have use of a nationwide integrated network backbone for our voice, data, Internet and private line services. Each of the 25 nodes on the backbone is equipped with synchronous optical networking (“SONET”) add/drop and IP equipment to provide a complete spectrum of voice and data communications products to our customers. Additionally, we operate next generation IP voice switches in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, London and Edmonton which provide on-net equal access coverage to an estimated 90% of the population of Canada. Together with and through a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) partner, we are co-located at 70 incumbent local exchange carriers (“ILECs”) central offices to provide DSL services, T1 access, network interconnection and local dial-tone. We operate a voice access network which consists of 99 POPs across the country, and we have built an on-net fiber network in downtown Ottawa that could reach more than 50 multi-tenant commercial buildings in the core. We market our services primarily through direct sales representatives to corporate and SME customers and Internet-based marketing, telemarketing, media advertising and independent agents targeting residential customers.

U.S. Operations: Our U.S. operations represented 14.3% of our net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the U.S., we provide international and domestic voice, data, business-class broadband, hosted IP-PBX, SIP trunking and VoIP services to SMEs and residential customers. Our sales personnel offer business customers voice, data and hosted IP-PBX services. See “—Sales and Marketing—Direct Sales Force.” To reach residential customers, we have advertised in national and regional newspapers, other publications and television channels which target expatriates to offer competitive rates for international and domestic telephone calls, and VoIP services. We also sell retail VoIP services through Web-based on-line interactive marketing. We utilize independent agents to reach and enhance sales to both business and residential customers. We maintain customer service centers in Florida, and also outsource selected customer service functions. We outsource our 24-hour global network management to a third party control center in India which monitors our global voice, Internet and data traffic. Additionally, we offer local and long-distance voice, and DSL services to SMEs in Puerto Rico. The focus continues to be on increased revenue, free cash flow and EBITDA, as well as customer service and customer growth.

 

7


Table of Contents

BLACKIRON Data

Our BLACKIRON Data segment contains the pure data center operations in Canada and operates as BLACKIRON Data ULC (“BLACKIRON”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi (“Primus Canada”). Our BLACKIRON Data operations represented 12.9% of our net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. BLACKIRON owns and operates a total of eight data centers in five major cities in Canada: two data centers in Ottawa, Ontario (totaling 14,800 potential max raised square feet), three data centers in Toronto, Ontario (totaling 36,400 potential max raised square feet), one data center in London, Ontario (totaling 30,000 potential max raised square feet), one data center in Edmonton, Alberta (totaling 8,400 potential max raised square feet), and one data center in Vancouver, British Columbia (totaling 2,200 potential max raised square feet), through which we offer colocation, cloud computing, managed services, storage, backup, and other value added services. We have an extensive relationship with carriers across Canada to provide fully managed connectivity for all of our customers to our state-of-the-art data centers. Our most recent build in Toronto is the first and only Uptime Institute certified for design and construction Tier 3 data center in Canada. We market our services primarily through a combination of direct sales and partner channel to mid-market, enterprise and government organizations.

Other

ICS. During the second quarter of 2012, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and as a result classified ICS as a discontinued operation. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2012. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations.

The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. Our ICS operations represented 41.6% of our net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our ICS business segment provides domestic and international minute transport and termination services and targets a diverse customer base including Tier 1 international carriers, multi-national carriers, wireless providers, VoIP providers, cable companies and ISPs.

Our European ICS operations are headquartered in London.

Australia. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2012. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

Brazil. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company sold its Brazilian segment. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2010, 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2010. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

 

8


Table of Contents

Europe. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company discontinued its Europe segment, which was also known as European retail operations and has presented the results of the Europe segment as discontinued operations and held for sale as of September 30, 2010. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2009. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

Network

General. We operate a global telecommunications network consisting of traditional and next-generation international gateway and domestic switches and related peripheral equipment, carrier-grade routers and switches for Internet and data services, data hosting and colocation centers, and undersea and trans-continental fiber optic cable systems. To ensure high-quality communications services, our network employs digital switching and fiber optic technologies, incorporates the use of SS7/C7 signaling and is supported by comprehensive network monitoring and technical support services.

Switching Systems. Our network makes use of 13 carrier-grade international gateway and domestic switch systems, Internet routers and media gateways in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Fiber Optic Cable Systems. We have purchased and leased undersea and land-based fiber optic cable transmission capacity to connect our various switching systems. We either lease lines on a term basis for a fixed cost or purchase economic interests in transmission capacity through minimum assignable ownership units or indefeasible rights of use to international traffic destinations.

Throughout the previous years we have purchased or acquired through acquisitions various oceanic fiber capacity and land-based capacity. This capacity along with leased fiber capacity allows our switching platforms in our operating units to be connected and pass voice and data traffic.

Foreign Carrier Agreements. In selected countries where competition with the traditional Post Telegraph and Telecommunications companies (“PTTs”) is limited, we have entered into foreign carrier agreements with PTTs or other service providers which permit us to provide traffic into and receive return traffic from these countries.

Network Management and Control. We own and operate network management control centers in Toronto, Canada; Herndon, Virginia; and London, England, which are used to monitor and control our switching systems, global data network, and other digital transmission equipment used in our network. Additional network monitoring, network management, and traffic management services are supported from our contingent Network Management Center located in Gurgaon, India. These network management control centers operate seven days per week and 24 hours per day.

Network for Data and Internet Services. We have built an Internet backbone network that enables our global network to carry Internet and data traffic for our business, residential, carrier and ISP customers. This network uses packet switched technology, including IP and ATM. This network allows us to offer to customers data and voice communications services, including dial-up, broadband and dedicated Internet access, hosting, e-commerce, managed VPN services and VoIP.

Data Centers. We offer world-class data center facilities with seven days per week and 24 hours per day customer access, onsite engineering support and help desk services; dedicated HVAC and environmental control systems; multi-stage fire suppression systems; uninterruptible power supply and backup generators; redundant data connections and services; routing and switching; shared and secure rack space; physical access technologies

 

9


Table of Contents

and practices; closed-circuit television and video security systems; and 24 x 7 building system and network monitoring. We have built the first and only Uptime Institute design and construction certified Tier 3 Data Center in Canada. This flagship Data Center is also LEED certified for significant environmental achievements.

Customers

Our residential customers are attracted to us because of competitive pricing as compared to traditional carriers and responsive customer service and support. We offer VoIP, broadband Internet access, local access, long-distance and wireless products to our residential customers in select markets. We are expanding our local and broadband offerings to additional markets and are focused on bundling them.

Our business sales and marketing efforts primarily target SMEs with data, voice, Internet and managed hosting needs. We also strategically target large multinational businesses and governments.

We compete for the business of other telecommunications carriers and resellers primarily on the basis of price, service quality and presence. Sales to other carriers and resellers help us to negotiate better termination costs for our retail business units and increase the utilization of our network, thereby reducing our fixed costs per minute of use, as well as permitting our network to be interconnected with other major carriers to provide global coverage.

No single customer accounted for greater than 10% of net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Sales and Marketing

We market our services through a variety of sales channels, as summarized below:

 

   

Direct Sales Force. Our direct sales force is focused on business customers, including multinational businesses and governmental organizations. They are engaged in generating new accounts and in the retention of current customers and cross selling products to current customers. A variety of products are utilized to maximize the customer’s lifecycle, based on the customer’s current product mix. Direct sales personnel are generally compensated with a base salary plus commissions. We have Canadian sales offices in Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and London. In addition, we maintain an international direct sales team which exclusively sells services to ICS customers including other telecommunications carriers and resellers.

 

   

Independent Sales Agents. We also sell our services through independent sales agents and representatives, who typically focus on SMEs and residential consumers. An agent receives commissions based on revenue generated by customers obtained for us by the agent. The agents are nonexclusive to us.

 

   

Telemarketing. We employ full-time and part-time inbound and outbound telemarketing sales personnel, and we selectively outsource certain telemarketing functions to supplement sales efforts targeted at residential and small business customers.

 

   

Direct Marketing. We use a variety of print, television and radio advertising to increase name recognition and generate new customers. We reach potential customers by advertising in newspapers and on select radio and television programs.

 

   

Web-based Marketing. We use a variety of Web-based tools, including search marketing, banner ads and pop-up windows to target Internet users who prefer to purchase and research their purchase decisions on-line.

 

   

Third Party Distribution Agreements and Affinity Channels. We attempt to achieve brand recognition through use of the “Primus®,” “BLACKIRON Data®,” “Lingo®” and “TELEGROUP®” registered

 

10


Table of Contents
 

trademarks and service marks and the “Primus,” “Primus TELECOMMUNICATIONS” and “iPrimus” trademarks and service marks. Through use of the Primus brand, we have been able to establish relationships to market our services through external retailers, manufacturers, affinity and preferred partnerships and programs. These relationships allow us to increase awareness of our services among customers and reduce the cost of customer acquisition.

Management Information and Billing Systems

We operate various management information, network and customer billing systems in our different operating subsidiaries to support the functions of network and traffic management, customer service and customer billing. For financial reporting, we consolidate information from each of our markets into a single database. For our billing requirements, we use several systems developed in-house as well as third party systems.

We believe that our financial reporting and billing systems are generally adequate to meet our business needs. However, in the future, we may determine that we need to invest additional capital to purchase hardware and software, license more specialized software and increase our capacity.

Competition

The telecommunications industry is highly competitive and significantly affected by regulatory changes, marketing and pricing decisions of the larger industry participants and the introduction of new services made possible by technological advances. These trends have resulted in, and we expect them to continue to result in, increasingly intense competition from other telecommunication service providers of voice and Internet and data based services, as discussed further below.

With respect to voice-based services, we believe that long-distance service providers compete on the basis of price, customer service, product quality and breadth and bundling of services offered. In each of our markets, we have numerous competitors including wireline, wireless, VoIP and cable competitors. We believe that competition in our markets will continue to increase. Prices for long-distance voice calls in the markets in which we compete have declined historically and are likely to continue to decrease. In addition, many of our competitors are significantly larger, have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, larger networks and more products for bundling.

The following summaries contain more specific information on how regulatory and other industry trends have impacted competition for our voice and Internet and data based services in the geographic segments in which we operate:

Canada. The Canadian communications market is highly competitive and is dominated by a few established carriers whose marketing and pricing decisions have a significant impact on the other industry participants, including us. In residential markets, we compete with each of the incumbent telecommunications companies in their respective territories, of which the largest are those owned by BCE, Inc. (“Bell Canada”) in central Canada, and TELUS Corporation (“TELUS”) and MTS Allstream, Inc. (“MTS”) in western Canada, and the large cable companies, including Rogers Communications, Inc. (“Rogers”), Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw”), Cogeco Cable Inc. (“Cogeco”) and Vidéotron G.P. (“Vidéotron”), who have launched their own telecom service portfolios. We also compete against smaller resellers. In the highly competitive business market, we compete with Bell Canada and TELUS, who are both expanding beyond their traditional territories and competing with each other across the country, and with the national divisions of MTS, Rogers, Shaw and other smaller carriers, including Bragg Communications Inc., Cogeco and Vidéotron. Major wireless carriers are also a significant source of competition.

United States. In the U.S., which is among the most competitive and deregulated local and long-distance markets in the world, competition is based on pricing, customer service, network quality and the ability to

 

11


Table of Contents

provide value-added services and the bundling of services. AT&T, Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc. are the largest suppliers of local voice and long-distance services. Wireless carriers, of which AT&T and Verizon are now the largest, have gained significant ground, particularly in the domestic voice market, and VoIP cable-based service providers present a growing source of competition.

Internet and Data. The market for Internet services and data services is extremely competitive. We anticipate that competition will continue to intensify. Our current and prospective competitors offering these services include national, international, regional and local ISPs, Web hosting companies, local exchange carriers (“LECs”), cable television, direct broadcast satellite, wireless communications providers and on-line service providers. Many of these competitors have significantly greater resources, product portfolios, market presence and brand recognition than we do.

See Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Industry and Overall Business—We are substantially smaller than our major competitors, whose marketing and pricing decisions and relative size advantage could adversely affect our ability to attract and to retain customers and are likely to continue to cause significant pricing pressures that could adversely affect our net revenues, results of operations and financial condition” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Industry and Overall Business—Given strong competition in delivering individual and bundled local, wireless, broadband, DSL and VoIP services, we may not be able to operate successfully or expand these parts of our business,” for additional information regarding the risks associated with the intense competition that we face in the telecommunications industry.

Government Regulation

We are subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Local laws and regulations, and the interpretation of such laws and regulations, differ among those jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that (1) future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes will not have a material adverse effect on us; (2) domestic or international regulators or third parties will not raise material issues with regard to our compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations; or (3) regulatory activities will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Regulation of the telecommunications industry continues to change rapidly both domestically and globally. Privatization, deregulation, changes in regulation, consolidation, and technological change have had, and will continue to have, significant effects on competition in the industry. Over time we have become subject to increasing competition in all of the markets in which we operate, and we expect such increases in competitive pressure to continue. Although we believe that continuing deregulation with respect to portions of the telecommunications industry will create opportunities for firms such as us, there can be no assurance that deregulation and changes in regulation will be implemented in a manner that would benefit us.

The regulatory frameworks in certain jurisdictions in which we provide services are described below:

United States

In the U.S., our services are subject to the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), and other federal laws, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulations, and the applicable laws and regulations of the various states.

Certain of our services (our “telecommunications services”) constitute common carrier offerings subject to Title II of the Communications Act and associated FCC regulations and similar state laws. Among other things, these requirements impose an obligation to offer service on a nondiscriminatory basis at just and reasonable rates, and to obtain regulatory approval prior to withdrawing from the provision of regulated services, to any assignment of authorizations, or to any transfer of legal or actual control of the Company.

 

12


Table of Contents

Our interstate telecommunications services are subject to various specific common carrier telecommunications requirements set forth in the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules, including operating, reporting and fee requirements. Both federal and state regulatory agencies have broad authority to impose monetary and other penalties on us for violations of regulatory requirements.

International Service Regulation. The FCC has jurisdiction over common carrier services linking points in the U.S. to points in other countries. We provide such services. Providers of such international common carrier services must obtain authority from the FCC under Section 214 of the Communications Act. We have obtained the authorizations required to use, on a facilities and resale basis, various transmission media for the provision of international switched services and international private line services on a non-dominant carrier basis. The FCC is considering a number of possible changes to its rules governing international common carriers. We cannot predict how the FCC will resolve those issues or how its decisions will affect our international business. FCC rules permit non-dominant carriers such as us to offer some services on a detariffed basis, where competition can provide consumers with lower rates and choices among carriers and services.

On November 29, 2012, the FCC released an order removing the requirement for facilities-based U.S. carriers, like us, with operating agreements with dominant foreign carriers, to abide by the FCC’s International Settlements Policy by following uniform accounting rates, an even split in settlement rates, and proportionate return of traffic, for agreements with carriers on all remaining U.S.-international routes with the exception of Cuba , thereby allowing carriers to negotiate market-based arrangements on those routes The November 29, 2012 order also adopted a requirement for U.S. carriers to provide information about any above-benchmark settlement rates to the FCC on an as-needed basis in connection with an investigation or competition problems on selected routes or review of high consumer rates on either multiple or selected routes. We may take advantage of these more flexible arrangements with non-dominant foreign carriers, and the greater pricing flexibility that may result, but we may also face greater price competition from other international service carriers. We cannot predict the actions the FCC will take in the future or their potential effect on our international termination rates, costs, or revenues.

Domestic Service Regulation. With respect to our domestic U.S. telecommunications services, we are considered a non-dominant interstate carrier subject to regulation by the FCC. FCC rules provide us significant authority to initiate or expand our domestic interstate operations, but we are required to obtain FCC approval to assume control of another telecommunications carrier or its assets, to transfer control of our operations to another entity, or to discontinue service. We are also required to file various reports and pay various fees and assessments to the FCC and various state commissions. Among other things, interstate common carriers must offer service on a nondiscriminatory basis at just and reasonable rates. The FCC has jurisdiction to hear complaints regarding our compliance or non-compliance with these and other requirements of the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules, including, for example, alleged unauthorized changes in a customer’s preferred carrier. Among other regulations, we are also subject to the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (“CALEA”) and associated FCC regulations which require telecommunications carriers and VoIP providers to configure their networks to facilitate law enforcement authorities to perform electronic surveillance; to the FCC and Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) telemarketing requirements which set out the specific parameters for application of the Do-Not-Call Registry, requirements for telemarketing solicitation, and prohibition on outbound telemarketing in some circumstances; and to the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, which places certain restrictions on commercial electronic mail messages. We may be subject to enforcement actions including, but not limited to, fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties if we fail to comply with FCC or FTC regulations applicable to intrastate domestic telecommunications services and information services, telemarketing regulations, and related requirements.

Normally our long-distance customers, and the recipients of calls from our customers, do not connect directly to our network but, instead, are connected to our network by means of the local facilities of LECs, which impose regulated charges on us, called switched access charges, to originate and terminate calls over their local facilities.

 

13


Table of Contents

The FCC has adopted major changes to its rules regarding LEC access charges, which have created uncertainty concerning our termination and origination costs as well as possible competitive pressures affecting our retail pricing.

Interstate telecommunications carriers and VoIP providers are required to contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”). If the FCC or the Universal Service Fund Administrator were to determine that the USF reporting for the Company, including our subsidiaries Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (“PTI”) and Lingo, Inc. (“Lingo”), is not accurate or in compliance with FCC rules, we could be subject to additional contributions, as well as to monetary fines and penalties. In addition, the FCC is considering revising its USF mechanisms and the services considered when calculating the USF contribution. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or their potential effect on our USF contributions. Some changes to the USF under consideration by the FCC may affect certain entities more than others, and we may be disadvantaged as compared to our competitors as a result of FCC decisions regarding USF. In addition, the FCC may extend the obligation to contribute to the USF to certain services that we offer but that are not currently assessed USF contributions.

Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP services that permit subscribers to send calls to and receive calls from the traditional telephone network, known as interconnected VoIP services, are generally subject to the regulatory authority of the FCC. We offer such services. For many years the FCC has been considering whether to classify such services as “telecommunications services” or “information services” under the Communications Act. Information services are generally subject to less regulation than telecommunications services. However, the FCC has extended a number of regulatory obligations normally applicable to telecommunications services to VoIP services, irrespective of the lack of clarity regarding the classification of such services. These include the obligation to (1) contribute to the USF; (2) comply with CALEA; (3) comply with the FCC’s rules regarding protecting customer proprietary network information (“CPNI”); (4) provide enhanced 911 emergency (“E911”) services, and to disclose limitations on such services to end users; (5) permit customers to keep their telephone number when changing from one carrier to another; (6) deploy equipment and provide services that make reasonable accommodations for the needs of disabled persons; (7) pay a variety of regulatory fees; (8) notify customers of service disconnection under certain circumstances; (9) pay intercarrier compensation charges to other carriers for termination of VoIP calls; and (10) notify the FCC of service outages in certain circumstances. We cannot predict what other regulatory obligations, if any, will be imposed on our VoIP operations, nor can we predict whether the FCC will eventually classify VoIP as a telecommunications service and, if it does, what additional regulatory obligations, if any, the FCC would choose to impose on such services. The uncertainty regarding the regulatory obligations applicable to interconnected VoIP services presents a number of situations which could have a material negative impact on our operating costs and profitability. These potential regulatory developments include:

 

   

In 2005, the FCC ruled that “nomadic” interconnected VoIP services are interstate in nature, and, therefore, that nomadic VoIP providers are not subject to most state-level public utility/common carrier regulations. We believe that our own VoIP service is subject to this ruling. While several states have asserted jurisdiction over “fixed” interconnected VoIP services, none has yet attempted to regulate nomadic VoIP. That said, we cannot predict whether any individual states would make such an effort, nor can we predict the outcome of any such effort.

 

   

We believe that our VoIP network is in compliance with the requirements of CALEA. However, we cannot predict whether law enforcement or the FCC will agree in all cases, nor can we predict whether we may be subject to fines or penalties if we are found to be not in compliance with CALEA.

 

   

With respect to our VoIP-related 911 obligations, we have contracted with a third party provider that is a market leader in emergency 911 service solutions to provide these services. Our ability to expand our VoIP services in the future may depend on the ability of that provider to provide E911 access or any additional 911-related obligations the FCC may impose. At present, and similar to many other VoIP providers, for some of our customers we cannot offer VoIP E911 services that route emergency calls in a manner fully consistent with the FCC rules. We are addressing this issue with our VoIP E911

 

14


Table of Contents
 

solutions provider. The FCC may determine that our VoIP E911 solution for some of our customers does not satisfy the FCC’s requirements, in which case the FCC could require us to disconnect a significant number of our VoIP subscribers, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the FCC is considering whether it should impose additional VoIP E911 obligations on interconnected VoIP providers, including consideration of a requirement that interconnected VoIP providers automatically determine the physical location of their customer rather than allowing customers to manually register their location. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding, nor its impact on us, at this time.

 

   

The FCC’s CPNI rules, to which our VoIP operations are subject, are intended to protect customer information from unauthorized use or disclosure. We may be subject to enforcement actions including, but not limited to, fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties if we fail to comply with the CPNI obligations.

 

   

Section 255 of the Communications Act and associated FCC rulings require traditional phone providers and manufacturers of associated equipment to ensure that their equipment and services meet certain obligations regarding access by persons with disabilities. The FCC has extended those requirements to providers of interconnected VoIP services and to manufacturers of specially designed equipment used to provide those services. While we believe that we are in compliance with these requirements, the FCC might find us not to be in compliance, which could subject us to sanctions, including fines.

 

   

The FCC has also extended to VoIP providers the obligations of Section 225 of the Communications Act, which among other things requires contributing to the Telecommunications Relay Services fund, and the offering of 711 abbreviated dialing for access to relay services. We may be subject to enforcement actions including, but not limited to, fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties if we are not able to comply with them. For example, the FCC mandates that interconnected VoIP providers like us must transmit 711 calls to a relay center that facilitates the ability of speech- and hearing-impaired individuals to communicate. The FCC issued a temporary waiver of that requirement insofar as it requires such providers to transmit the 711 call to an “appropriate relay center,” meaning the relay center(s) serving the state in which the caller is geographically located or the relay center(s) corresponding to the caller’s last registered address. We may be subject to enforcement actions including, but not limited to, fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties if we are not able to comply with these new disability provisions.

 

   

The FCC now requires interconnected VoIP service providers like us to pay regulatory fees to the FCC.

 

   

On December 23, 2010, the FCC adopted an order that imposes “network neutrality” obligations on providers of fixed and wireless broadband Internet access services, with wireless providers subject to a more limited set of rules. Among other things, the rules: (1) require providers of consumer broadband Internet access to publicly disclose their network management practices and the performance and commercial terms of their broadband Internet access services; (2) prevent broadband Internet access providers from blocking lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices, subject to reasonable network management; and (3) prevent broadband Internet access providers from unreasonably discriminating in the transmission of lawful network traffic over a consumer’s broadband Internet access service. The FCC’s rules became effective on November 20, 2011. Several parties have appealed these rules to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. We cannot predict to what extent these or any other appeals may succeed, nor can we predict what impact these rules may have on our business at this time. If a broadband Internet access provider were to interfere with our products and services, such actions could result in loss of existing users and increased costs, and could impair our ability to attract new users, thereby harming our revenue and growth.

 

   

On November 18, 2011, the FCC released an order that adopted substantial reforms to the system under which service providers compensate each other for interstate, intrastate, and local traffic origination and termination services, including VoIP traffic that originates or terminates on the public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) (i.e., intercarrier compensation), and imposing new call signaling

 

15


Table of Contents
 

requirements on VoIP and other service providers. The FCC’s rules concerning charges for transmission of VoIP traffic could result in an increased cost to terminate the Company’s traffic absent specific agreements that provide the appropriate rate to be charged for such traffic when passed between us and other carriers. Specifically, for VoIP traffic that originates or terminates on the PSTN, the order established a transitional framework that: (1) establishes default intercarrier compensation rates for “toll” VoIP-PSTN traffic that are equal to interstate access rates applicable to non-VoIP traffic; (2) establishes default intercarrier compensation rates for other VoIP-PSTN traffic that will be the otherwise-applicable reciprocal compensation rates (i.e., local traffic); and (3) allows carriers to tariff these default charges in the relevant federal and state tariffs to be applied in the absence of an agreement for different intercarrier compensation. The rules also provided for a multiyear transition to a national “bill-and-keep” framework as the ultimate end state for all telecommunications traffic exchanged with a LEC. Under bill-and-keep, providers do not charge an originating carrier for terminating traffic and instead recover the costs of termination from their own customers. To the extent that the Company transmits traffic not subject to a specific intercarrier compensation arrangement and another provider were to assert that the traffic we exchange with them is subject to higher levels of compensation than we, or the third parties terminating our traffic to the PSTN, pay today (if any), our termination costs could initially increase, but ultimately would be reduced as the intercarrier compensation system transitions to a bill-and-keep framework.

 

   

The November 18, 2011 order also adopted rules to address “phantom traffic,” i.e., calls for which identifying information is missing or masked in ways that frustrate intercarrier billing. Specifically, the FCC’s rules require service providers that originate interstate or intrastate traffic on the PSTN, or that originate interstate or intrastate interconnected VoIP traffic destined for the PSTN, to transmit the telephone number associated with the calling party to the next provider in the call path. Intermediate providers must pass calling party number (“CPN”) or charge number (“CN”) signaling information they receive from other providers unaltered, to subsequent providers in the call path. While the Company believes that it is in compliance with this rule, to the extent that we pass traffic that does not have appropriate CPN or CN information, we could be subject to fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties.

 

   

On February 21, 2012, the FCC released an order applying the FCC’s service outage reporting rules to interconnected VoIP service providers. Under these new requirements, interconnected VoIP providers must submit electronically notifications to the FCC in the event of certain types of service outages and disruptions. The rules provide different reporting deadlines depending on the type and severity of the outage. We may be subject to enforcement actions including, but not limited to, fines, cease and desist orders, or other penalties if we are not able to comply with these new service outage reporting requirements.

State Regulation. Traditional long-distance calls for which the caller and recipient are both located in the same state are subject to regulation by that state. Our intrastate long-distance operations are therefore subject to various state laws and regulations, including, in most jurisdictions, certification and tariff filing requirements. PTI, our principal operating subsidiary in the U.S., maintains the necessary certificate and tariff approvals, to provide intrastate long-distance service in 49 states and Puerto Rico. PTI also maintains the necessary certificate to provide local services in Puerto Rico. Some states also require carriers to file periodic reports, pay various fees and surcharges, including universal service and 911 surcharges, and comply with service standards and consumer protection rules. States often require prior approval or notification for certain stock or asset transfers or, in several states, for the issuance of securities or debt or for name changes. As a certificated carrier, consumers may file complaints against us at the public service commissions. Certificates of authority can generally be conditioned, modified, cancelled, terminated, or revoked by state regulatory authorities for failure to comply with state law and/or rules, regulations and policies of the state regulatory authorities. Fines and other penalties also may be imposed for such violations. Public service commissions also regulate access charges and other pricing for telecommunications services within each state. The regional bell operating companies (“RBOCs”) and other

 

16


Table of Contents

LECs have been seeking reduction of state regulatory requirements, including greater pricing flexibility which, if granted, could subject us to increased price competition. We may also be required to contribute to USFs in some states.

State Transaction Taxes and Fees Applicable to VoIP Services in the United States. Prior to 2010, the Company determined that with limited exceptions there was no requirement to bill, collect and remit transaction-based state or local taxes (such as sales and use, excise, and utility user taxes), fees or surcharges on charges to our VoIP service customers. During 2010, we made a modification to the language in our customer agreements, and we determined that the Company may be required to bill, collect and remit certain transaction-based taxes. The Company began to bill and collect such taxes in 2010. In certain jurisdictions, there exists an immaterial amount of billed and collected taxes that have not been remitted, which the Company is in the process of remitting. In 2010, the FCC ruled that states may require interconnected VoIP service providers to contribute to state Universal Service Funds, and expressly deferred ruling on whether such providers must do so retroactively. We are continuing to assess the applicability of this ruling to our business and developing compliance plans. In limited jurisdictions, we determined we are required to collect such taxes and are currently billing and collecting these taxes from our customers. To the extent that we have collected taxes and fees and have not yet remitted such taxes and fees, we may be subject to fines and penalties and other claims. To the extent that we have not been collecting taxes and fees, we may be subject to retroactive liability for VoIP-specific taxes, fees and surcharges and, potentially, penalties and interest in a number of states, which may have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of our VoIP business.

Canada

We operate in Canada as a non-facilities based reseller and facilities-based carrier through Primus Canada, a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi. Separate from our operations as a reseller of telecommunications services in Canada, we operate carrier services through Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”), a wholly owned subsidiary that operates in most major urban areas across Canada. Prior to July 31, 2012, due to foreign ownership restrictions then in place, we owned a minority interest in Globility. However, as a result of changes to the Telecommunications Act (as amended, the “Canadian Telecommunications Act”) discussed below under “—Foreign Ownership Restrictions,” we were no longer restricted by foreign ownership requirements and so purchased the remaining interest in Globility on July 31, 2012. These operations are subject to differing regulations and operational considerations.

Through our reseller operations, we offer telecommunication services through the use of leased facilities and certain exempt transmission equipment. As a reseller, we are not subject to direct regulation by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”) pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (as amended, the “Canadian Telecommunications Act”). We may resell long-distance service, local telephone service, wireless service, Internet access and other telecommunication services without the regulation of our rates, prices or the requirement to file tariffs.

Our facilities-based carrier operations are permitted to own and operate transmission facilities and provide competitive local exchange services. Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, we operate as a telecommunications common carrier and are therefore subject to direct regulation by the CRTC. We may own and operate transmission facilities and provide local exchange services subject to certain regulatory and tariff requirements.

Regulation. The CRTC has issued various decisions and constructed certain frameworks that directly affect our obligations and operations as a non-facilities based reseller and facilities-based carrier.

The CRTC maintains a revenue-based contribution regime to support universal access. All telephone service providers, including us, are required to remit a percentage of eligible revenues to subsidize the provision of telephone service in high cost service areas. Decisions by the CRTC to increase the effectiveness of the framework have lowered our contribution expenses since the introduction of the revised regime in 2001.

 

17


Table of Contents

Pursuant to revisions to the CRTC Telecommunications Fees Regulations, we are required to contribute to the recovery of the telecommunication related regulatory costs of the CRTC. The applicable contribution amount is based on the total regulatory costs published by the CRTC and assessed based the percentage of our contribution-eligible revenues relative to the total contribution-eligible revenues of all eligible telecommunication service providers.

As required as part of our competitive local exchange service operations, we are required to contribute funding to the Canadian Numbering Administration Consortium Inc. to recover costs related to numbering administration.

We are required to hold a license to provide Basic International Telecommunications Services (a “BITS” license) pursuant to which we are subject to the requirements not to engage in anti-competitive conduct in relation to the provision of international telecommunications services and to observe the contribution regime described immediately above.

We operate as a local services reseller, both in reselling LEC local services and in the provision of local VoIP services interconnected with the public switched telephone network. As such, we are subject to a number of obligations that are passed on through our contractual arrangements with LECs from which we purchase services. These include:

 

   

Registration. We are required to be registered with the CRTC to provide these services.

 

   

The provision of 911 services. For fixed services such as our circuit-switched local services, we are required to provide the same standard of 911 service as the underlying LEC. For our VoIP services, however, which are considered to be “nomadic” by the CRTC, we are required to implement a solution under which the CRTC requires us to employ the zero-dialed emergency routing services provided by the ILEC in its serving territory in order to route 911 calls to an operator, who determines the caller’s location in the first instance. To date, the CRTC has declined to mandate nomadic VoIP 911 providers to implement 911 functionality equivalent to that required on circuit-switched local services. The CRTC has established additional safeguards intended to improve nomadic VoIP 911 service. It is also expected that the CRTC will continue to review and seek to mandate the implementation of nomadic VoIP 911 service that is equivalent to the 911 service provided on circuit-switched local services if feasible.

 

   

Customer notifications. Local VoIP providers are subject to stringent and detailed customer notification requirements regarding the limitations associated with their 911 services. These include warnings to be included in all of the providers’ print, online and broadcasting marketing materials.

 

   

Number portability. Although local voice resellers and VoIP providers must obtain their numbers from a LEC, they are subject to the requirement to permit porting out of local numbers.

 

   

Privacy safeguards. Local resellers are required to provide certain privacy safeguards, including the provision of the privacy indicator, automated universal per-call blocking of calling line identification and others. To the extent that VoIP providers are unable to provide these privacy safeguards, they are required to inform their customers of this fact.

 

   

Message Relay Service. All local resellers, including VoIP providers, are required to provide access to message relay service. This is to include both Teletypewriter Relay Service and, as of July 21, 2010, Internet Protocol Relay Service.

We also operate as a non-facilities based Internet service provider, both as a reseller of high speed Internet service and a digital subscriber line (“DSL”) provider. As such, we are subject to certain obligations passed on through our contractual arrangements with LECs from which we purchase services. These include:

 

   

Registration. We are required to be registered with the CRTC to provide these services.

 

18


Table of Contents
   

Disclosure. All Internet service providers are required to disclose the technological and economic traffic management practices that are applied to their Internet services.

In addition, we operate as a CLEC that provides local exchange services. These operations are subject to certain direct regulatory requirements and obligations set out by the CRTC. These include:

 

   

Registration. We are required to be registered with the CRTC to provide these services.

 

   

Tariffs. We are required to maintain tariffs that govern interconnection operations and agreements.

 

   

The Provision of 911 Services. We are required to provide 911 service equivalent to that provided by the ILEC.

 

   

Number Portability. We are required to permit the porting out of local numbers.

 

   

Agreements. We are required to enter into inter-carrier, interconnection agreements, 911 service, and other service agreements with other LECs.

 

   

Local Exchange Entry Obligations. We are required to satisfy certain pre and post entry obligations when entering a new serving area. These obligations include, for example, notice of intention, obtaining central office codes, completion of required interconnection agreements and notice of completion.

 

   

Contract Obligations with Other Providers. We are required to include certain regulatory obligations in our agreements with resellers, such as 911 obligations, as to subject them indirectly to regulations determined by the CRTC.

We are also subject to other obligations related to our operations. These include:

 

   

Compliance Filings. We are required to satisfy various compliance and reporting obligations to the CRTC.

 

   

Digital Network Service Restrictions. We are obligated to not partake in the simple resale of digital network services, which we use to access certain customers and interconnect the sites where we have located equipment.

 

   

Ownership and Control Filings. Pursuant to our operations as a telecommunications common carrier, we are required to attest that we satisfy the eligibility requirements to operate pursuant to the Telecommunications Act.

 

   

Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (“CCTS”). We are required to be a participating provider in the CCTS, a customer complaint resolution body.

We rely on certain leased facilities and services to provide telecommunications services. Some of these services and facilities are required to be made available on a wholesale basis by incumbent providers as the result of CRTC regulation. These services and facilities are also subject to other regulation and policies, such as direct rate regulation, that impacts the respective service and facility rates and availability. In addition, we are subject to certain indirect regulation that applies to all competitors that utilize these services and facilities.

Price Cap Framework. In a Price Cap decision issued in May 2002, the CRTC lowered the prices incumbent providers can charge competitors for a range of competitor services, i.e., certain facilities and services required by competitors to provide telecommunications services to their end-customers and mandated by the CRTC (see discussion of the new framework for ICS, below). The Price Cap formula set out in this decision required the ILECs to revise the rates of selected services (primarily local telecommunications services) yearly by the rate of inflation minus a productivity offset of 3.5%. The rates of other service groupings were “capped” and others were “uncapped” with upward pricing constraints. In a decision dated April 2007, the CRTC issued the parameters of the new Price Cap framework. The new Price Cap framework is similar to the previous framework in that rates

 

19


Table of Contents

for service groupings are “capped,” “uncapped” and subject to upward or downward pricing constraints. The productivity offset still applies to selected services. CRTC decided not to impose an expiry date for the current Price Cap framework. Accordingly, the current Price Cap framework continues to allow for certain savings on competitor services for resellers.

The Policy Direction. In 2005 the federal government appointed a Telecom Policy Review Panel to review Canada’s telecommunications policy framework. The Panel’s report was released in March of 2006. Following the release of the report, the federal government issued a Policy Direction to the CRTC on December 18, 2006 that required, among other things, that in exercising its powers and duties, it rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible. The Policy Direction has had an impact on CRTC decisions, including those described immediately below. The Policy Direction directs the CRTC to take into account the principles of technological and competitive neutrality, the potential for incumbents to exercise market power in the ICS and retail markets for the service in the absence of mandated access to ICS, and the impediments faced by new and existing carriers seeking to develop competing network facilities.

Wholesale and Essential Services. On March 3, 2008, the CRTC issued a decision revising the definition of an essential service and the classifications and pricing principles under which facilities-based carriers are to offer specified facilities and services on a wholesale basis to competitors at regulated rates. Under this revised regulatory framework for wholesale services and facilities, the CRTC has classified existing wholesale services and facilities into six categories: essential, conditional essential, conditional mandated non-essential, public good, interconnection, and non-essential subject to phase-out. Access to services classified as non-essential subject to phase-out is pursuant to negotiated commercial terms upon deregulations. More than a third of wholesale services have been deregulated as of 2012, including intra-exchange transport services which are used to interconnect our sites where we have located DSLAM equipment. The area likely to have the next-largest impact involves high-speed access to business services, which is to be deregulated in 2013. A further review of the framework is scheduled for 2014.

Negotiated Agreements for Wholesale Services. In a regulatory policy related to the new wholesale framework, dated January 2009, the CRTC determined that it would be appropriate to allow for negotiated agreements for certain services that were mandated pursuant to the wholesale framework (i.e., those services classified as “conditional essential” and “conditional mandated non-essential”). Accordingly, we now have the ability to purchase these services on a tariff basis or through a negotiated agreement.

Wholesale High-Speed Internet Access Services. In a decision dated August 2010, the CRTC upheld its decision to require the ILECs and cable companies to provide wholesale Internet access services at speeds equivalent to their retail offerings. This decision extended the requirement to the ILEC and cable companies’ Internet access services provided over next-generation facilities, such as fiber-to-the-node, where deployed.

Technological and Economic Traffic Management Practices. In a decision dated October 2009, the CRTC set out a framework to regulate the use of Internet traffic management practices by ISPs on both retail and wholesale Internet access services and facilitate reviews of such practices against that framework. For economic traffic management practices applied on retail services, such as usage-based billing, the CRTC required only continual disclosure of such practices. A more robust framework was set out for technological traffic management practices applied to retail services. This framework requires disclosure of implementation, implementation in a manner that addresses a defined purpose and a requirement to seek ex ante approval if the practice will control the content or influence the meaning or purpose of telecommunications. The CRTC also permitted incumbent providers to apply to implement economic traffic management practices on their wholesale Internet access services and implement technological traffic management practices on these services that are equivalent to those applied to their retail services. As a result of this decision, we may continue to utilize the traffic management practices that we have implemented on our retail Internet service that is provided via ILEC unbundled facilities obtained through arrangements with CLECs. However, our services provided via incumbent

 

20


Table of Contents

wholesale Internet access remain subject to potential technological and economic traffic management practices applied by the incumbent provider.

Economic Traffic Management Practices on Wholesale Internet Access Services. In November 2011, the CRTC approved a new capacity-based billing framework for incumbents seeking to apply economic traffic management practices on their residential wholesale Internet access services. The CRTC also permitted incumbents seeking to maintain flat-rate models to do so. In addition, the CRTC determined that business wholesale Internet access services will remain flat-rated and not subject to the new capacity-based billing framework. A CRTC decision on the final capacity and access rates and other matters related to framework is outstanding and will be released in the first quarter of 2013. While this new framework will require potential changes to the retail residential services that we provide using these services, it provides us with the ability to offer differentiated and innovative services. In addition, the retail Internet service that we provide through ILEC facilities obtained via strategic arrangements with CLECs will not be impacted by this new framework.

Competition. Long-distance competition has been in place in Canada since 1990 for long-distance resellers and since 1992 for facilities-based carriers. In June 1992, the CRTC issued Telecom Decision CRTC 92-12 requiring the ILECs to interconnect their networks with their facilities-based, as well as reseller, competitors. Since 1994, the ILECs have been required to provide “equal access,” which eliminated the need for customers of competitive long-distance providers to dial additional digits when placing long-distance calls. Bell Canada and TELUS are the two largest ILECs in Canada, with the former operating mainly in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec and the latter operating mainly in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. MTS Inc., the ILEC serving the Canadian province of Manitoba, acquired Allstream Inc. (formerly AT&T Canada Corp.) in 2004 and is now competing nationally as well. The other nationwide competitor, Call-Net Enterprises Inc., which operated as Sprint Canada, was acquired by Rogers in 2005. Cable companies, such as Rogers, Shaw and Vidéotron, launched their local telephone services in July 2005. Their local service is provided either via their cable network or acquired CLEC (i.e., Call-Net) or on a resold basis from an underlying LEC.

As markets become competitive, the Canadian Telecommunications Act permits the CRTC to forbear from regulating the rates and terms of service of Canadian carriers. The long-distance rates of Canadian ILECs have largely been forborne from regulation since 1997. The ILECs’ rates for retail Internet services were forborne from regulation in 1999. On April 6, 2006, the CRTC established a framework for forbearance in respect of local services by defining the geographic markets in which the CRTC will forbear from regulating as the criteria for deregulation are met, and by establishing these criteria. On April 4, 2007 the Governor-in-Council varied this framework by reducing the size of the geographic market in which the criteria are to be met and by relaxing the criteria to be met. As of 2011, approximately 82% of all residential local lines and 76% of commercial local lines in Canada have been deregulated.

The Competition Bureau issued an Information Bulletin on the Abuse of Dominance Provisions as applied to the Telecommunications Industry on June 6, 2008, in which the Bureau describes its approach in reviewing abuse of dominance complaints in telecommunications markets where the CRTC has forborne from regulating conduct.

On March 12, 2009, the Canadian Competition Act was amended to provide the Competition Tribunal with the power to order the payment of an administrative monetary penalty of up to 15 million Canadian dollars in cases of abuse of dominant position. Subject to any relevant defenses, these amendments apply to telecommunications service providers.

Foreign Ownership Restrictions. Under the Canadian Telecommunications Act and the Radiocommunication Act, and certain regulations promulgated thereunder (i.e., the Radiocommunication Regulations and the Canadian Telecommunications Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations), foreign ownership restrictions apply to telecommunications common carriers and radiocommunication carriers

 

21


Table of Contents

(“Canadian carriers”), a concept which includes, for example, CLECs and microwave license holders, but not to companies, such as resellers, that do not own or operate transmission facilities. Accordingly, resellers may be wholly foreign-owned and controlled.

In 2012, the Canadian Telecommunications Act was amended as to remove the foreign ownership restrictions for Canadian carriers that have total annual telecommunications revenues that are less than 10% of the total Canadian telecommunications service revenues as calculated by the CRTC (the “10% threshold”). Canadian carriers that operate pursuant to this exemption will be permitted to continue operating under the exemption if their revenues exceed the 10% threshold, provided the growth is organic. Canadian carriers that operate pursuant to this exemption are also subject to the obligation to report any acquisition of another Canadian carrier or its assets to the CRTC and are restricted from acquiring another Canadian carrier if revenues exceed the 10% threshold.

Other Canadian Interests

Following the amendments to the Canadian Telecommunications Act that loosened the foreign ownership restrictions for Canadian carriers, PTGi acquired 100% of the interest in Globility.

Employees

The following table summarizes the number of our employees as of December 31, 2012 by region:

 

     Total  

Canada

     696   

United States

     116   

Europe (International Carrier Services)

     22   
  

 

 

 

Total

     834   
  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012, 821 of these employees were full-time employees. We have never experienced a work stoppage.

Corporate Information

The Company’s executive offices are located at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102. The Company’s telephone number is (703) 902-2800. Our Internet address is www.ptgi.com. We make available free of charge through our Internet website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on our website is not a part of this Form 10-K.

The Company’s Common Stock

Our common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PTGI.”

 

22


Table of Contents
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A wide range of factors could materially affect our overall performance, the performance of our individual business segments and our results of operations, and therefore, an investment in us is subject to risks and uncertainties. In addition to factors affecting specific business operations and the financial results of those operations identified elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following factors, among others, could adversely affect our operations. While each risk is described separately below, some of these risks are interrelated and it is possible that certain risks could trigger the applicability of other risks described below. Also, the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that are currently deemed immaterial, could also potentially impair our overall performance, the performance of our individual business segments and our results of operations.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY AND OVERALL BUSINESS

Continuing global economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

The global economy and capital and credit markets have been experiencing exceptional turmoil and upheaval over the past several years. Many major economies worldwide entered significant economic recessions beginning in 2007 and continue to experience economic weakness, with the potential for another economic downturn to occur. Ongoing concerns about the systemic impact of potential long-term and widespread recession and potentially prolonged economic recovery, volatile energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability, cost and terms of credit, consumer and business confidence and demand, and substantially increased unemployment rates have all contributed to increased market volatility and diminished expectations for many established and emerging economies, including those in which we operate. These general economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations, results of operations and overall financial condition.

The availability, cost and terms of credit also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by illiquid markets and wider credit spreads. Concern about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically has led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce credit to businesses and consumers. These factors have led to a decrease in spending by businesses and consumers over the past several years, and a corresponding slowdown in global infrastructure spending. Continued uncertainty in the U.S. and international markets and economies and prolonged stagnation in business and consumer spending may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our customers, including our ability to access capital markets and obtain capital lease financing to meet liquidity needs.

There are uncertainties associated with our continued exploration and evaluation of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

On October 4, 2011, we announced that a Special Committee of PTGi’s Board of Directors was exploring and evaluating strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. As discussed above under Item 1, “Business—Divestiture of Primus Australia,” we sold all of the equity interests of Primus Australia to M2 in May 2012. Also, as discussed above under Item 1, “Business—Our Business Units—ICS—Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit,” in June 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors committed to dispose of, and is actively soliciting a sale or other disposition of, the Company’s ICS business unit. However, in addition to the sale of Primus Australia and the possible sale or other disposition or disposal of ICS, the Special Committee continues to explore and evaluate other strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, which may include (but may not be limited to) a sale, merger or other business combination, a recapitalization, a joint venture arrangement, the sale or spinoff of our assets or one or more of our business units, or the continued execution of our business plans. There is no set timetable for completion of the evaluation process, and we do not intend to provide updates or make any comments regarding the evaluation of strategic alternatives, unless our Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or otherwise deems disclosure appropriate.

Except as described above, there can be no assurance that any such transaction will be pursued or consummated. We may also incur substantial costs in connection with the pursuit of strategic alternatives which

 

23


Table of Contents

are not ultimately consummated. Also, there are risks inherent with the consummation of any such transaction, such as the risks that the expected enhancement of shareholder value may not be realized, that unexpected liabilities may result from such transaction and that the process of consummating or the effects of consummating such a transaction may cause interruption or slow down the operations of our existing or continuing businesses. See, for example, “—The sale of Primus Australia substantially reduced our revenue” and “—Risks Associated with the ICS Business—We may encounter difficulties and incur costs in pursuing the divestiture plan associated with our ICS business unit, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations” for a discussion of specific risks associated with the disposition of Primus Australia and the proposed disposition of ICS, respectively.

Strengthening of the United States Dollar (“USD”) against certain foreign currencies, including the Canadian dollar (“CAD”), reduces the amount of USDs generated from foreign currency payments from our foreign operating subsidiaries and may adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to service our debt.

A significant portion of our net revenue (about 86% for the year ended December 31, 2012) is derived from sales and operations outside the U.S. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the USD. Our foreign operating subsidiaries, including our largest operating subsidiaries in Canada, generate cash in their respective local currencies and fluctuations in exchange rates can have a material adverse impact on amounts of USDs transferred to U.S. parent entities. In the future, we expect to continue to derive a significant portion of our net operating cash flow from our operating subsidiaries outside the U.S., which is a substantial source for servicing our significant debt obligations at the parent entity level, as well as a source for making principal payments and paying corporate expenses. Changes in exchange rates have had and may have a significant, and potentially adverse, effect on our results of operations.

From December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009, the CAD increased by 11% relative to the USD, which had a positive impact on amounts of USDs transferred to U.S. parent entities. From December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010, the CAD increased by 5% relative to the USD. From December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, the CAD decreased by 1% relative to the USD. And from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, the CAD increased by 3% relative to the USD. Due to the large percentage of our operations conducted outside of the U.S., and the cash transfers from these foreign operating subsidiaries to the U.S. parent, a strengthening of the USD relative to the CAD could have an adverse impact on future results of operations and could adversely affect our ability to service our significant debt obligations and make principal payments at the parent entity level, and pay corporate expenses.

We historically have not engaged in hedging transactions. The exposure of our income from operations to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is reduced in part because a majority of the costs that we incur in connection with our foreign operations are also denominated in local currencies. In addition, the operations of affiliates and subsidiaries in foreign countries have been funded with investments and other advances denominated in foreign currencies. Historically, such investments and advances have been long-term in nature, and we accounted for any adjustments resulting from currency translation as a charge or credit to accumulate other comprehensive loss within the stockholders’ deficit section of our consolidated balance sheets.

We are substantially smaller than our major competitors, whose marketing and pricing decisions, and relative size advantage could adversely affect our ability to attract and to retain customers and are likely to continue to cause significant pricing pressures that could adversely affect our net revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

The local, long-distance, Internet, broadband, DSL, data and hosting and wireless telecommunications industry is significantly influenced by the marketing and pricing decisions of the larger business participants.

 

24


Table of Contents

Prices in the long-distance industry have continued to decline in recent years and, as competition continues to increase within each of our service segments and each of our product lines, we believe that prices are likely to continue to decrease. The most significant competitors in our primary markets include:

 

   

United States: AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., CenturyLink Inc., and other incumbent carriers, cable companies, including Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Cablevision Systems Corporation and Charter Communications, Inc., other competitive LECs, including PaeTec Communications, Inc., Time Warner Telecom Inc., XO Communications Services, Inc. and Frontier Communications Corp., independent VoIP providers, including Vonage Holdings Corp and Cbeyond, Inc., wireless carriers in the U.S., including Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T Inc., Sprint Corp., T-Mobile USA Inc., MetroPCS Communications, Inc. and Leap Wireless International, Inc., and Web-based companies, including Skype Technologies S.A. and Google Inc.;

 

   

Canada: TELUS, Bell Canada, MTS, Saskatchewan Telecommunications, wireless providers, including Rogers, TELUS, Bell Canada, Bragg Communications Inc., Cogeco, Quebecor Inc. and Shaw, cable companies, and other service providers and resellers including Globalive Communications Corp. in Canada.

Customers frequently change local, long-distance, wireless and broadband providers and ISPs in response to the offering of lower rates or promotional incentives, increasingly as a result of bundling of various services by competitors. Moreover, competitors’ VoIP and broadband product rollouts have added further customer choice and pricing pressure. As a result, customers generally can switch carriers and service offerings at their discretion with little notice to us. Competition in all of our markets is likely to remain intense, or increase in intensity and, as deregulatory influences affect markets outside the U.S., competition in non-U.S. markets is increasing to a level similar to the intense competition in the U.S.

The ICS business faces competition for its voice trading services from communication services providers’ traditional processes and new companies that may be able to create centralized trading solutions that replicate ICS’s voice trading platforms. The ICS business’ PrivateExchange and AssuredAxcess solutions may compete with communication services providers’ traditional processes, communication services providers themselves and potentially other companies that provide software and services to communication services providers. The ICS business faces competition for its data trading services from ISPs and Internet capacity resellers, and to a lesser extent, software-based, Internet infrastructure companies and Internet network service providers. These companies may be more effective in attracting voice traffic than the Exchange and Carrier Services offerings (“Carrier Services”).

Once communications services providers have established business relationships with competitors to the ICS business, it could be extremely difficult to convince them to utilize the Exchange or Carrier Services. These competitors may be able to develop services or processes that are superior to ICS’s services or processes, or that achieve greater industry acceptance. Where the ICS business competes with traditional processes, it may be particularly difficult to convince customers to utilize the Exchange or Carrier Services.

Since the Exchange provides full disclosure of prices offered by participating sellers on an anonymous basis, buyers may choose to purchase network capacity through the Exchange instead of sending traffic to their existing suppliers at pre-determined, and often higher, contract prices. If suppliers of communications capacity fear or determine that the price disclosure and spot market limit order mechanisms provided by the Exchange will “cannibalize” the greater profit-generating potential of their existing businesses, they may choose to withdraw from the Exchange. If participants withdraw from the Exchange in significant numbers, it could cause the Exchange to fail and materially harm the ICS business.

Many of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, larger networks, a broader portfolio of service offerings, greater control over network and transmission lines, stronger name recognition and customer loyalty, long-standing relationships with our

 

25


Table of Contents

target customers and lower debt-leverage ratios. As a result, our ability to attract and retain customers may be adversely affected. Many of our competitors enjoy economies of scale that result in low cost structures for transmission and related costs that could cause significant pricing pressures within the industry.

Several long-distance carriers in the U.S., and Canada and the major wireless carriers and cable companies have introduced pricing and product bundling strategies that provide for fixed, low rates or unlimited plans for domestic and international calls. This strategy could have a material adverse effect on our net revenue per minute, results of operations and financial condition if our pricing, which we set to remain competitive, is not offset by similar declines in our costs. We compete on the basis of price, particularly with respect to our sales to other carriers, and also on the basis of customer service and our ability to provide a variety of telecommunications products and services. If such price pressures and bundling strategies intensify, we may not be able to compete successfully in the future, may face quarterly revenue and operating results variability, and may have heightened difficulty in estimating future revenues or results.

The sale of Primus Australia substantially reduced our revenue.

As described above under Item 1, “Business—Divestiture of Primus Australia,” the Company divested its Australian operations pursuant to the sale of Primus Australia to M2, which transaction was consummated on May 31, 2012. Our Australian operations accounted for approximately $66.8 million, or 28.6%, of our net revenues, exclusive of the currency effect, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and approximately $254.9 million, or 27.2%, of our net revenues, exclusive of the currency effect, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Following the divestiture of Primus Australia, our ability to produce revenues will therefore be substantially reduced. There can be no assurance that the proceeds from the divestiture and the revenues and profits generated from the remaining operations of the Company, along with other capital that we have access to, will be adequate to sustain our business objectives.

Given strong competition in delivering individual and bundled local, wireless, broadband, DSL and VoIP services, we may not be able to operate successfully or expand these parts of our business.

We have accelerated initiatives to become an integrated wireline and broadband service provider in order to counter competitive pricing pressures initiated by large incumbent providers in certain of the principal markets where we operate and to stem the loss of certain of our wireline voice and Internet customers to our competitors’ bundled wireline, wireless and broadband service offerings. Our primary competitors include incumbent telecommunications providers, cable companies and other ISPs that have a significant presence in the relevant market or internationally. Many of these operators have substantially greater resources, capital and operational experience than we do. We are experiencing increased competition from traditional telecommunications carriers, cable companies and other new entrants that have expanded into the market for broadband, VoIP, Internet services, data and hosting and traditional voice services. In addition, regulatory developments may impair our ability to compete. Therefore, future operations involving these individual or bundled services may not succeed in the competitive environment, and we (1) may not be able to expand successfully; (2) may experience margin pressure; (3) may face quarterly revenue and operating results variability; (4) may have limited resources to develop and to market our new services; and (5) may have heightened difficulty in establishing future revenues or results. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will reverse revenue declines in our traditional long-distance voice and dial-up ISP services or maintain or increase revenues or be able to generate sufficient income from operations or net income in the future or on any predictable or timely basis.

Our positioning in the marketplace and intense domestic and international competition in these services places a significant strain on our resources, and if not managed effectively, could result in operational inefficiencies and other difficulties.

Our positioning in the marketplace to focus on Growth Services segments of the telecom market, including broadband, VoIP, data, and data center services may place a significant strain on our management, operational

 

26


Table of Contents

and financial resources and increase demand on our systems and controls. To manage our market positioning effectively, we must continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and controls, invest in critical network infrastructure to expand its coverage and capacity including the data centers expansion, maintain or improve our service quality levels, purchase and utilize other transmission facilities, evolve our support and billing systems and train and manage our employee base. If we inaccurately forecast the movement of traffic onto our network, we could have insufficient or excessive transmission facilities and disproportionate fixed expenses. As we proceed with our development, operational difficulties could arise from additional demand placed on customer provisioning and support, billing and management information systems, product delivery and fulfillment, support, sales and marketing, administrative resources, network infrastructure, maintenance and upgrading. For instance, we may encounter delays or cost-overruns or suffer other adverse consequences in implementing new systems when required.

We have experienced significant historical, and may experience significant future, operating losses and net losses, which may hinder our ability to meet our debt service or working capital requirements.

While we recognized net income of $27.9 million in 2012 (after taking into account $94.3 million of gain from the sale of discontinued operations, net of tax), we incurred a net loss of $38.7 million in 2011 and have incurred losses in prior periods. We cannot assure you that we will recognize net income in future periods. If we cannot generate net income or sufficient operating profitability, we may not be able to meet our debt service or working capital requirements.

A deterioration in our relationships with facilities-based carriers could have a material adverse effect upon our business.

We primarily connect our customers’ telephone calls and data/Internet needs through transmission lines that we lease under a variety of arrangements with other facilities-based local, wireless, broadband, data and long-distance carriers. Many of these carriers are, or may become, our competitors. Our ability to maintain and expand our business depends on our ability to maintain favorable relationships with the facilities-based carriers from which we lease transmission lines. If our relationship with one or more of these carriers were to deteriorate or terminate, for any reason, it could have a material adverse effect upon our cost structure, service quality, network diversity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Uncertainties and risks associated with international markets and regulatory requirements could adversely impact our international operations.

We have significant international operations and, for the year ended December 31, 2012, derived about 86% of our net revenues by providing services outside of the U.S. We are smaller than the principal or incumbent telecommunications carriers that operate in each of the jurisdictions where we operate, including in international markets. In these markets, incumbent carriers: (1) are likely to modify and/or control access to, and pricing of, the local networks; (2) enjoy better brand recognition and brand and customer loyalty; (3) generally offer a wider range of products and services; and (4) have significant operational economies of scale, including a larger backbone network and longer term customer and supplier agreements on generally better prevailing terms. Moreover, the incumbent carriers may take many months to allow competitors, including us, to interconnect to their switches within our territory, and we are dependent upon their cooperation in migrating customers onto our network. There can be no assurance that we will be able to: (A) obtain the permits and operating licenses required for us to operate in the new service areas; (B) obtain access to local transmission facilities on economically acceptable terms; or (C) market services in international markets.

In addition, operating in international markets generally involves additional risks, including unexpected changes or uncertainties in regulatory requirements, taxes, tariffs, customs and duties. Given the nature of our operations and uncertainties in, or the absence of definitive regulations or interpretations concerning, the taxation of (including value added tax of) certain aspects of our business in certain international jurisdictions in which we

 

27


Table of Contents

conduct operations or derive taxable revenue (or may be construed by such authorities as conducting operations or deriving taxable revenue), we may become subject to assessments for taxes (which may include penalties and interest) which are either unexpected, or have not been accrued for in our historical results of operations or both. Such developments, in addition to the other uncertainties and risks described above, could have adverse consequences that might result in restatement of prior period results of operations and unanticipated liquidity demands. Additional operating risks and uncertainties in operating in international markets include trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, problems in collecting accounts receivable, political risks, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, restrictions and costs associated with the repatriation of funds, technology export and import restrictions, and seasonal reductions in business activity. Our ability to operate and grow our international operations successfully could be adversely impacted by these risks and uncertainties, particularly in light of the fact that we derive such a large percentage of our revenues from outside of the U.S.

The telecommunications industry is rapidly changing, and if we are not able to adjust our strategy and resources effectively in the future to meet changing market conditions, we may not be able to compete effectively.

The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly due to deregulation, privatization, consolidation, technological improvements, availability of alternative services such as wireless, broadband, DSL, Internet, VoIP, data and hosting and wireless broadband through use of the fixed wireless spectrum, and the globalization of the world’s economies. In addition, alternative services to traditional fixed wireline services, such as wireless, broadband Internet and VoIP services, are a substantial competitive threat. As the overall market for domestic and international long-distance and traditional local services continues to decline in favor of Internet-based, wireless, and broadband communications, revenue contribution from our Traditional Services has been consequently declining. If we do not adjust to meet changing market conditions or do not have adequate resources, we may not be able to compete effectively. The telecommunications industry is marked by the introduction of new product and service offerings and technological improvements. Achieving successful financial results will depend on our ability to anticipate, assess and adapt to rapid technological changes, and offer, on a timely and cost-effective basis, services, including the bundling of multiple services that meet evolving industry standards. If we do not anticipate, assess or adapt to such technological changes at a competitive price, maintain competitive services or obtain new technologies on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, our financial results may be materially and adversely affected.

The rapid enhancement of VoIP and Internet technology may result in increasing levels of traditional domestic and international voice long-distance traffic being transmitted over the Internet, as opposed to traditional telecommunication networks. As a result, competition is intense to switch customers to VoIP product offerings in the U.S. and internationally. Currently, there are significant capital investment savings and cost savings associated with carrying voice traffic employing VoIP technology, as compared to carrying calls over traditional networks. Thus, there exists the possibility that the price of traditional long-distance voice services will decrease in order to be competitive with VoIP. Our ability to retain our existing customer base and generate new customers effectively, either through our traditional network or our own VoIP offerings, may be adversely affected by accelerated competition arising as a result of VoIP initiatives, as well as regulatory developments that may impede our ability to compete, such as restrictions on access to broadband networks owned and operated by others and the requirements to provide E911 services. As competition intensifies as a result of deregulatory, market or technological developments, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

If we are not able to operate a cost-effective network, we may not be able to grow our business successfully.

Our long-term success depends on our ability to design, implement, operate, manage, maintain and upgrade a reliable and cost-effective network infrastructure, including data hosting centers. In addition, we rely on third party equipment and service vendors to enable us to expand and manage our global network and to provide local,

 

28


Table of Contents

broadband Internet, data and hosting and wireless services. If we fail to generate additional traffic on our network, if we experience technical or logistical impediments to our ability to develop necessary aspects of our network or to migrate traffic and customers onto our network, or if we experience difficulties with our third party providers, we may not achieve desired economies of scale or otherwise be successful in growing our business.

If we are not able to use and protect intellectual property domestically and internationally, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our ability to compete depends, in part, on our ability to use intellectual property in the U.S. and internationally. We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade secrets, licenses and other contractual arrangements to protect our intellectual property. We are subject to the risks of claims and litigation alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others and may need to litigate against others to protect our intellectual property rights. The telecommunications industry is subject to frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. Any such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources that could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and/or operations. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we would be successful in any such litigation.

We rely upon certain technology, including hardware and software, licensed from third parties. There can be no assurance that the technology licensed by us will continue to provide competitive features and functionality or that licenses for technology currently used by us or other technology that we may seek to license in the future will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The loss of, or our inability to maintain existing licenses, could result in shipment delays or reductions until equivalent technology or suitable alternative products could be developed, identified, licensed and integrated and could cause service disruption to our customers. Such delays or reductions in the aggregate could harm our business, and there can be no assurance that suitable alternative products would be available.

We also rely on indemnification provisions from third parties to protect against claims of infringement regarding the licensed technology, which indemnification could be affected by, among other things, the financial strength of the licensor. Furthermore, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country where we do business. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property or other licensed rights could harm our business and/or our ability to compete effectively.

The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The loss of the services of our Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer or other key personnel, or our inability to attract and retain additional key management, technical and sales personnel, could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition and results of operations.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At various times in the past, our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting have been determined not to be effective. If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, investor confidence in our business and the trading prices of our securities.

At various times in the past, in evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, our management identified control deficiencies in our controls and procedures in the areas of accounting for income taxes and for foreign currency transaction gain (loss), and management concluded in each case that the control deficiency in our internal controls over financial reporting constituted a material weakness. These deficiencies represented a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting on the basis that there was more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in our interim or annual financial statements

 

29


Table of Contents

could occur and would not be prevented or detected by our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our management has taken steps in each case to address the control deficiencies and has concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 and that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date. However, we cannot assure you that additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or deficiencies in the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures will not be identified in the future. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls, or any difficulties we encounter in their implementation, could result in additional material weaknesses, and cause us to fail to timely meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. The existence of a material weakness could result in future errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information.

Financial information for periods after July 1, 2009 will not be comparable to our financial information from periods before July 1, 2009 due to our Reorganization and the application of fresh-start accounting to our financial statements.

Upon the Holding Companies’ emergence from Chapter 11 on July 1, 2009, we adopted fresh-start accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 852, “Reorganizations” (“ASC 852”), pursuant to which our reorganization value, which represents the fair value of the entity before considering liabilities and approximates the amount a willing buyer would pay for the assets of the entity immediately after the Reorganization, has been allocated to the fair value of assets in conformity with ASC No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. We stated liabilities, other than deferred taxes, at a present value of amounts expected to be paid. The amount remaining after allocation of the reorganization value to the fair value of identified tangible and intangible assets is reflected as goodwill, which is subject to periodic evaluation for impairment. In addition, under fresh-start accounting, our accumulated deficit ($1.06 billion at June 30, 2009) has been eliminated. In addition to fresh-start accounting, our consolidated financial statements reflect all effects of the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization. Thus, our future consolidated balance sheets and consolidated condensed statements of operations data will not be comparable in many respects to our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated condensed statements of operations data for periods prior to our adoption of fresh-start accounting and prior to accounting for the effects of the Reorganization.

We may encounter difficulties and incur costs in pursuing the divestiture plan associated with our ICS business unit, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

As described above under Item 1, “Business—Our Business Units—ICS—Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit,” on June 28, 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors committed to dispose of and is actively soliciting a sale or other disposition of the Company’s ICS business unit. We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits we expect from the divestiture of our ICS business unit. There is no guarantee that the planned divestiture will occur or will not be significantly delayed, and there can be no assurance that analysts and investors will place greater value on the Company following any such divestiture. Completion of the plan of divestiture is also subject to a number of factors. Our divestiture plan may require a substantial amount of management, administrative and operational resources. These demands may distract our employees from the day-to-day operations of our other business units. If we are unable to successfully address any of these risks, our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

The members of the Exchange may not trade on the Exchange or utilize ICS’s other services due to, among other things, the lack of a liquid market, which may materially harm the ICS business. Volatility in

 

30


Table of Contents

trading volumes may have a significant adverse effect on the ICS business’ financial condition and operating results, which could have a negative impact on the amount we may realize from the planned sale of ICS.

Traditionally, communication services providers buy and sell network capacity in a direct, one-to-one process. The members may not trade on the Exchange unless it provides them with an active and liquid market. Liquidity depends on, among other things, the number of buyers and sellers and the number of competitively priced routes that actively trade on a particular communications route. ICS’s ability to increase the number of buyers that actively trade on the Exchange will depend on, among other things, the willingness and ability of prospective sellers to satisfy the quality criteria and price parameters imposed by prospective buyers and on the increased participation of competing sellers from which a buyer can choose in order to obtain favorable pricing, achieve cost savings and consistently gain access to the required quality services. ICS’s ability to increase the number of sellers that actively trade on the Exchange will depend upon the extent to which there are sufficient numbers of prospective buyers available to increase the likelihood that sellers will generate meaningful sales revenues. Alternatively, the members may not trade on the Exchange if they are not able to realize significant cost savings. This may also result in a decline in trading volume and liquidity of the Exchange. Trading volume is additionally impacted by the mix of hundreds of geographic markets traded on the Exchange. Each market has distinct characteristics, such as price and average call duration. Declines in the trading volume on the Exchange would result in lower revenues to ICS and would adversely affect ICS’s profitability because of ICS’s fixed cost structure.

If the Exchange continues to be an active, liquid market in which lower-priced alternatives are available to buyers, sellers may conclude that further development of the Exchange will erode their profits and they may stop offering communications capacity on the Exchange.

There have been adverse changes in the public and private equity and debt markets for communication services providers that have affected their ability to obtain financing or to fund capital expenditures. In some cases, the significant debt burden carried by certain communication services providers has adversely affected their ability to pay their outstanding balances with ICS and some of the members have filed for bankruptcy as a result of their debt burdens.

In certain instances, ICS offers its customers a fixed rate for specific markets for a set duration. ICS may assume the risk on the price of the minutes and ICS may not be able to secure the prices from sellers to ensure ICS does not lose money on the minutes purchased by the buyers. ICS could incur significant losses related to having a higher cost of minutes sold in relation to the price offered to the buyer of this service.

Any breach of security relating to confidential information of the members or customers could result in legal liability to ICS and a reduction in use of the Carrier Services or Exchange or cancellation of Arbinet’s services, any of which could materially harm ICS’s business.

Maintaining international operations will subject ICS to additional risks and uncertainties.

ICS maintains international operations, which will subject ICS to additional risks and uncertainties. ICS has established delivery points in New York City, London, Frankfurt, Miami and Hong Kong. Foreign operations are subject to a variety of additional risks that could have an adverse effect on ICS’s business, including:

 

   

difficulties in collecting accounts receivable and longer collection periods;

 

   

changing and conflicting regulatory requirements;

 

   

potentially adverse tax consequences;

 

   

tariffs and general export restrictions;

 

   

difficulties in integrating, staffing and managing foreign operations;

 

   

political instability;

 

31


Table of Contents
   

seasonal reductions in business activity during the summer months in Europe and certain other parts of the world;

 

   

the impact of local economic conditions and practices;

 

   

potential non-enforceability of ICS’s intellectual property and proprietary rights in foreign countries; and

 

   

fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

ICS’s inability to manage these risks effectively could result in increased costs and distractions and may adversely affect ICS’s business, financial condition and operating results, which could negatively impact the amount we may realize from the planned sale of ICS.

Any failure of ICS’s physical infrastructure, including undetected defects in technology, could lead to significant costs and disruptions that could reduce its revenue and harm its business reputation and financial results, which could negatively impact the amount we may realize from the planned sale of ICS.

ICS’s business depends on providing customers with highly reliable service. ICS must protect its infrastructure and any colocated equipment of the members located in ICS’s exchange delivery points, or EDPs. ICS’s EDPs, the technology and the services ICS provides are subject to failure resulting from numerous factors, including:

 

   

human error;

 

   

physical or electronic security breaches;

 

   

fire, earthquake, flood and other natural disasters;

 

   

water damage;

 

   

power loss; and

 

   

terrorism, sabotage and vandalism.

Problems at one or more of ICS’s EDPs, whether or not within ICS’s control, could result in service interruptions or significant equipment damage. Any loss of services, equipment damage or inability to terminate voice calls or supply Internet capacity could reduce the confidence of the members and customers and could consequently impair ICS’s ability to obtain and retain members and customers, which would adversely affect both ICS’s ability to generate revenues and its operating results.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR LIQUIDITY NEEDS, INDEBTEDNESS AND SECURITIES

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful.

Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of

 

32


Table of Contents

such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such disposition may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due.

We may not be able to repurchase the 10% Notes upon a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of certain change of control events specified in the indenture (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “10% Notes Indenture”) governing our 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “10% Notes”), our subsidiary that issued the 10% Notes will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding 10% Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus, without duplication, accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. However, it is possible that the issuer will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of all 10% Notes delivered by holders seeking to exercise their repurchase rights, particularly as that change of control may trigger a similar repurchase requirement for, or result in an event of a default under or the acceleration of, other indebtedness (or the instruments governing such indebtedness). Moreover, restrictions in the instruments governing our future indebtedness may not allow such repurchases. Any failure by the issuer to repurchase the 10% Notes upon a change of control would result in an event of default under the 10% Notes Indenture and may also constitute a cross-default on other indebtedness (or the instruments governing such indebtedness) existing at that time.

The 10% Notes Indenture contains significant operating and financial restrictions which may limit our ability and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to operate their businesses.

The 10% Notes Indenture contains significant operating and financial restrictions on PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries. These restrictions limit the ability of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares;

 

   

create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

 

   

pay dividends or make other equity distributions;

 

   

purchase or redeem capital stock;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

transfer or sell assets;

 

   

agree to restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us or the issuer;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our or the issuer’s assets; and

 

   

engage in transactions with affiliates.

These restrictions could limit the ability of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries to finance their future operations or capital needs, make acquisitions or pursue available business opportunities. PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries may be required to take action to reduce their debt or act in a manner contrary to their business objectives to satisfy these covenants. Events beyond the control of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries, including changes in economic and business conditions in the markets in which they operate, may affect their ability to do so. PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries may not be able to satisfy these covenants. A breach of any of the covenants in the 10% Notes Indenture could result in a default under the 10% Notes Indenture, which could lead to the debt under the 10% Notes Indenture becoming immediately due and payable and foreclosure on our assets that secure our obligations with respect to the 10% Notes. A default under the10% Notes Indenture could, in turn, result in a default under other debt instruments and result in other creditors accelerating the payment of other obligations and foreclosing on assets securing such obligations, if any. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial conditions and liquidity.

 

33


Table of Contents

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2012, we had $127.0 million of long-term obligations. Our substantial indebtedness has important consequences. For example, it:

 

   

limits our ability to borrow additional funds;

 

   

limits our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry;

 

   

increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

limits our ability to make strategic acquisitions;

 

   

requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities; and

 

   

places us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt.

Interest costs related to our debt are substantial and, as a result, the demands on our cash resources are significant. Our ability to make payments on our debt and to fund operations and planned capital expenditures will depend on our future results of operations and ability to generate cash. Our future results of operations are, to a certain extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

Despite current indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantial additional debt, which could exacerbate the risks described above.

We may incur additional debt in the future, including debt secured by the collateral that secures our 10% Notes, as well as other assets that do not secure such notes. Although the 10% Notes Indenture contains, and future indebtedness documents may contain, restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, those restrictions are, or may be, subject to a number of exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with those restrictions could be substantial. In addition, if we are able to designate some of the restricted subsidiaries under the 10% Notes Indenture as unrestricted subsidiaries, those unrestricted subsidiaries would be permitted to borrow beyond the limitations specified in such Indenture and engage in other activities in which restricted subsidiaries may not engage. If we incur any additional secured debt that ranks equally with the 10% Notes, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the 10% Notes in any proceeds distributed in connection with any bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or similar proceedings. Adding new debt to current debt levels could intensify the related risks that we now face.

There are no assurances that our common stock will remain listed on the NYSE.

On June 23, 2011, PTGi began to trade its common stock on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “PTGI.” At that time, trading of its common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol “PMUG” ceased. In order to maintain the listing of PTGi’s common stock on NYSE, we must comply with listing requirements with respect to, among other things, corporate governance, communications with shareholders and the trading price of PTGi’s common stock. Although we believe that we are currently in compliance with NYSE listing standards, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be in compliance in the future. If we fail to comply with these listing standards, NYSE could delist PTGi’s common stock. In the event of a delisting of PTGi’s common stock from NYSE, we cannot assure you that our common stock would be listed on an alternate stock exchange. Moreover, a delisting of PTGi’s common stock from NYSE could materially and adversely affect, among other things, the liquidity of PTGi’s common stock, the market price of PTGi’s common stock, and our access to capital markets.

 

34


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL RISKS RELATED TO REGULATION

We are subject to constantly changing regulation, both in the U.S. and abroad, including the imposition of fees and taxes, the potential adverse effects of which may have a material adverse impact on our competitive position, growth and financial performance.

Our operations are subject to constantly changing regulation. There can be no assurance that future regulatory changes will not have a material adverse effect on us, or that domestic, foreign or international regulators or third parties will not raise material issues with regard to our compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations, any of which could have a material adverse effect upon our competitive position, growth and financial performance. As a multinational telecommunications company, we are subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which we provide our services. Local laws and regulations, and the interpretation of such laws and regulations, differ significantly among the jurisdictions in which we operate. Enforcement and interpretations of these laws and regulations can be unpredictable and are often subject to the informal views of government officials. Potential future regulatory, judicial, legislative, and government policy changes in jurisdictions where we operate could have a material adverse effect on us. Many regulatory actions are underway or are being contemplated by governmental agencies, including the ongoing FCC initiative to promote expanded broadband services in the U.S. It is impossible to predict at this time what specific rules or requirements the FCC will propose or adopt, or how any such rules or requirements would affect our business or financial results.

The FCC or Congress in the United States and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, or Parliament in Canada may revise how companies like us contribute to certain federal programs that could increase our costs, reduce our profitability, or make our services less competitive in the communications marketplace.

In the U.S., the Communications Act and associated FCC regulations require that every provider of interstate telecommunications contribute, on an equitable and non-discriminatory basis, to federal universal service mechanisms established by the FCC, which affects our cost of providing services. At present, these contributions are calculated based on contributors’ interstate and international revenue derived from U.S. end users for telecommunications or telecommunications services, as those terms are defined under FCC regulations. The FCC has announced its intention to propose new rules regarding universal service contribution during 2012. These new proposals would likely affect most of our competitors, but not all of our competitors would be affected in the same way or to the same degree as we would be. It is impossible to predict the impact of these new proposals, if adopted, on our operations and financial results. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt any particular contribution methodology, nor can we predict the potential impact on our business at this time. A revised contribution methodology could increase our contribution obligation, including increasing our contribution disproportionately compared to some of our competitors. In such event, we may need to either raise the total amount of our consumer’s bills, potentially making us less competitive with other providers of communications services, or reduce our profit margins.

We are subject to similar contribution obligations in Canada. These obligations include percentage-of-revenue based contributions to subsidize the provision of telephone service in high cost service areas, percentage-of-revenue based contributions to fund CRTC telecommunications regulatory activities, and percentage-of-revenue based contributions to fund Canadian numbering resource administration. Any change to these regulations may increase or decrease our contribution obligations, operations and financial results.

In the U.S. and Canada, there is increasing regulation of VoIP service offerings. Increased regulation may increase our costs, reduce our profit margins, or make our services less competitive in the communications marketplace.

Increasingly, laws, regulations or rulings that apply to traditional telephone services are being extended to commerce and communications services that utilize Internet Protocol, including VoIP. The increasing growth of the VoIP market and popularity of VoIP products and services heighten the risk that governmental agencies will continue to increase the level of regulation applied to VoIP and the Internet.

 

35


Table of Contents

We are unable to predict the impact, if any, that future legislation, judicial decisions or regulations concerning Internet Protocol enabled products and services may have on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Regulation may be targeted towards, among other things, fees, charges, surcharges, and taxation of VoIP services, liability for information retrieved from or transmitted over the Internet, online content regulation, user privacy, data protection, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, filing requirements, consumer protection, public safety issues like E911, CALEA, the provision of online payment services, broadband residential Internet access, and the characteristics and quality of products and services, any of which could restrict our business or increase our cost of doing business. The rules that the FCC has already extended to interconnected VoIP providers include:

 

   

Rules with respect to the use of CPNI requiring VoIP providers to adhere to particular customer approval processes when using CPNI outside of pre-defined limits and when using CPNI for marketing purposes, and requiring VoIP providers to take certain steps to verify a customer’s identity before releasing any CPNI over the telephone or the Internet, and to report unauthorized disclosures of CPNI.

 

   

In April 2010, the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry regarding the possible establishment of a voluntary “cyber security” certification program. At present it is not possible to predict whether any new formal or informal requirements will arise from this proceeding or how any such requirements might affect our business.

 

   

The disability access requirements of Sections 225 and 255 of the Communications Act, which have been interpreted by the FCC to require interconnected VoIP providers to contribute to the telecommunications relay services fund and offer 711 abbreviated dialing access to relay services, and to ensure that VoIP services are accessible to persons with disabilities, if reasonably achievable. In August 2010, the FCC adopted a Further Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with respect to hearing aid compatibility requirements applicable to various services. In April 2012, the FCC released an order adopting technical standards governing hearing aid compatibility for mobile phones. We cannot predict at this time what additional hearing aid compatibility or other disability access requirements the FCC will establish, if any, or how any such new requirements may affect us.

 

   

Rules requiring VoIP providers to configure VoIP networks in a manner that facilitates lawful surveillance under CALEA.

 

   

Rules requiring VoIP providers to permit customers to retain their assigned telephone numbers when changing carriers including newly established requirements to process customer carrier changes on an expedited basis.

 

   

Rules requiring VoIP providers to provide access to E911 services on terms generally similar to those provided by traditional landline carriers.

 

   

In April 2010, the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry regarding the survivability of broadband infrastructure, including in the case of damage due to natural or human-caused disasters or public emergencies.

 

   

In December 2010, the FCC released a Notice of Inquiry regarding “Next Generation 9-1-1” service. On February 22, 2012, Congress enacted the Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act of 2012 as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Section 6509 of the Act directs the Commission to issue a report, within one year of enactment, containing recommendations for the legal and statutory framework for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services. The FCC has opened a proceeding to consider the recommendations to be made in the report. It is uncertain whether the FCC will adopt specific requirements arising from these proceedings or, if it does, how and whether any such requirements will affect us.

 

   

Rules requiring VoIP providers to pay regulatory fees based on reported interstate and international revenues, including universal service fees.

 

   

Rules requiring VoIP providers to provide notice to customers of discontinuance of service in some circumstances.

 

36


Table of Contents
   

Rules that extend outage reporting requirements to interconnected VoIP providers.

 

   

In July 2011, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on proposed rules designed to assist consumers in detecting and preventing the placement of unauthorized charges on their telephone bills, an unlawful practice commonly referred to as “cramming.” On April, 27, 2012, the FCC released an Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing rules governing cramming. The FCC found that the record in the proceeding did not demonstrate a need for rules to address cramming for VoIP customers at this time, but requested comment on any developments concerning cramming for VoIP customers. At this time we cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt cramming rules applicable to VoIP or other services, nor can we predict its potential impact on our business.

 

   

In November 2011, the FCC released an Order requiring VoIP providers to pay intercarrier compensation for the exchange of PSTN-VoIP traffic, the reduction of default payment rates, and the provision of signaling information with VoIP calls. The Order broadly reforms the system of default rates that apply to payments between regulated service providers going forward, but does not resolve past disputes. To the extent that another provider were to assert that the traffic we exchange with them is subject to higher levels of compensation than we, or the third parties terminating our traffic to the PSTN, pay today (if any), our termination costs could initially increase, but ultimately will be reduced as the intercarrier compensation system transitions to bill-and-keep. We cannot predict the full impact of the FCC’s Order at this time.

In Canada the CRTC has extended rules to interconnected VoIP providers that are similar to certain of those described above for the U.S., which rules are also subject to change from time to time.

We may become subject to increased obligations with regard to accessibility obligations for people with disabilities and more of our service offerings may become subject to disabilities access obligations.

In October 2011, the FCC ruled that VoIP services are subject to Sections 255 and 716 of the Act regarding requirements to ensure that people with disabilities have access to certain services. As such, VoIP providers and other providers of advanced communications services (and manufacturers of equipment used for such services) must ensure that their services and products are accessible to people with disabilities, unless it is not achievable to do so. The FCC also established recordkeeping, certification, and enforcement provisions related to the disability access provisions it adopted. If and to the extent that we are determined to be out of compliance with the FCC’s disability access requirements, we may be subject to fines, penalties, cease and desist orders prohibiting us from providing service on the federal and state levels or any combination of the foregoing. The FCC’s review of disability access related requirements remains ongoing, and at this time, we cannot predict whether we will be subject to additional accessibility requirements.

In Canada, we are subject to certain regulatory obligations related to the accommodation of people with disabilities. These obligations include, for example, the provision of materials in alternative formats, the provision of relay services and requirements related to website format and content. If and to the extent that we are determined to be out of compliance with these obligations, we may be subject to orders to comply and/or revocation of registrations that permit our operation.

Other international governmental regulation could limit our ability to provide our services, make them more expensive and may have a material adverse impact on our competitive position, growth and financial performance.

Our international operations are also subject to regulatory risks, including the risk that regulations in some jurisdictions will prohibit us from providing our services cost-effectively or at all, which could limit our growth. We cannot make assurances that these conditions will not have a material effect on our revenues and growth in the future. International regulatory considerations that affect or limit our business include general changes in access charges and contribution payments that could adversely affect our cost of providing long-distance, wireless, broadband, VoIP, local and other services.

 

37


Table of Contents

Any adverse developments implicating the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We may be exposed to significant liability resulting from our noncompliance with FCC orders regarding E911 services.

As of November 2005, FCC rules require VoIP providers interconnected to the public switched telephone network to provide E911 service in a manner similar to traditional wireline carriers. Like many interconnected VoIP providers, Lingo, a subsidiary of ours which sells such services, was able to meet this deadline for some but not all of its customers. We sought a waiver from the FCC asking for additional time to complete deploying our E911 service. The FCC has not yet addressed our waiver petition. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 99% of our Lingo customers were equipped with E911 service as required by the FCC’s rules. If and to the extent that we are determined to be out of compliance with the FCC order regarding E911 services we may be subject to fines, penalties and cease and desist orders prohibiting Lingo from providing service on the federal and state levels or any combination of the foregoing.

The FCC rules also require interconnected VoIP providers to distribute stickers and labels informing customers of the limitations on their emergency services as compared with traditional landline E911 service, as well as to notify and obtain affirmative acknowledgement from customers that they are aware of those limitations. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau released an order providing that the Enforcement Bureau will not pursue enforcement against interconnected VoIP providers that have received affirmative acknowledgement from at least 90% of their subscribers. We have received affirmative acknowledgement from substantially all of our customers, and, therefore, believe that we have effectively satisfied this requirement.

We may be exposed to significant liability based on the differences between our E911 services and those delivered by traditional providers of telephony services.

Lingo’s current E911 services, like those offered by other providers of VoIP services, are more limited than the 911 services offered by traditional wireline telephone companies. These limitations may cause significant delays, or even failures, in callers’ receipt of emergency assistance. Despite the fact that we have notified our customers and received affirmative acknowledgement from substantially all of our customers that they understand the differences between the access Lingo provides to emergency services as compared to those available through traditional wireline telephony providers, affected parties may attempt to hold us responsible for any loss, damage, personal injury or death suffered as a result of certain failures to comply with the FCC-mandated E911 service for interconnected VoIP providers. Our resulting liability could be significant.

Since 2008, interconnected VoIP providers and others involved in handling 911 calls have been afforded the same liability protections as mobile or wired telephone service providers when handling 911 calls. However, the applicability of the liability protection to 911 calling services that do not conform to the FCC’s VoIP E911 rules is unclear. As such, to the extent our services do not comply with the FCC’s VoIP E911 requirements we may still face significant and material liability due to failures of our E911 service to function properly. We may be similarly exposed to liability in Canada in connection with emergency services associated with our VoIP services. A description of our regulatory obligations associated with our VoIP services in Canada is set forth under Item 1, “Business—Government Regulation—Canada.”

The FCC in the United States and the CRTC in Canada may impose additional E911 obligations on VoIP providers, like us, that may increase our cost, decrease our profits, or make our services less competitive with other providers of calling services.

The FCC is considering a number of changes regarding the applicability of E911 requirements to VoIP providers like us and has sought comment on whether nomadic interconnected VoIP providers should be required to offer automatic location information of their users without customers providing location information. The FCC

 

38


Table of Contents

also sought comment on (i) how far it can extend E911 obligations to other types of companies including device manufacturers, software developers and others, (ii) whether to apply the FCC’s 911 rules to “outbound-only” interconnected VoIP services (i.e., services that support outbound calls to the PSTN but not inbound voice calling from the PSTN); (iii) whether to develop a framework for ensuring that all covered VoIP providers can provide automatic location information for VoIP 911 calls; (iv) whether to revise the FCC’s definition of interconnected VoIP service; and (v) whether any amendment of the definition of interconnected VoIP service should be limited to 911 purposes, or should apply more broadly to other contexts.

The FCC is also considering whether E911 obligations should apply to other IP-enabled services.

At this time we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings nor can we predict their potential impact on our business.

The CRTC has announced a review of the 911 service framework in Canada. This proceeding commenced in December 2012 and will review the 911 service frameworks for all telecommunication services, including wireline, wireless and VoIP. At this time we cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding nor can we predict its potential impact on our business. Any change to the 911 regulations applicable to our operations may increase our obligations and impact our operations and financial results.

Uncertainty regarding the rates we pay to interconnected telecommunications carriers in the U.S. may affect our profitability and increase the retail price of our service.

In November 2011, the FCC adopted a major reform of the rules governing payments between telecommunications carriers for the exchange of traffic that is necessary to complete long-distance telephone calls to the traditional telephone network. Under the new rules, LECs generally are prohibited from increasing their rates for termination and origination of long-distance calls (except for the origination charges of smaller telephone companies serving less than 2% of all telephone lines in the U.S.). Starting July 1, 2012, all LECs were required to reduce their charges for terminating in-state toll calls to the extent they are higher than the comparable charges for interstate calls, and after July 1, 2013, the charges for terminating in-state toll calls must be no higher than those for interstate calls. Starting July 1, 2014, LECs will be required to further reduce the rates for terminating both interstate and in-state long-distance calls in a series of steps until (in most cases) the rates are reduced to zero effective July 1, 2018. Charges for outgoing calls originated by U.S. customers are not required to be reduced, except for certain dedicated transport charges which are subject to the reductions described above, although the FCC is conducting a further rulemaking proceeding in which it will consider possible reductions to originating charges. The FCC’s decision is subject to petitions for reconsideration as well as multiple petitions for judicial review, which could result in changes in either the transition schedule or the ultimate elimination of terminating charges. Because of the continuing proceedings both at the FCC and in the courts, we face ongoing uncertainty as to our future costs for both originating and terminating telephone calls in the U.S. Further, we face uncertainty as to whether and how our competitors will adjust their retail prices in response to changes in the cost of call termination, which may affect our own pricing and profit margins.

We may not be able to comply with recent FCC requirements regarding the transfer of telephone numbers to other providers when customers change providers.

In 2008, the FCC clarified that interconnected VoIP providers, such as us, are subject to its rules regarding transferring the telephone numbers of customers that choose to obtain service from other providers, including both interconnected VoIP providers and traditional carriers. In 2009, the FCC released an order that reduces the amount of time within which voice service providers must transfer a telephone number to a new provider. We, along with other VoIP providers, are now required to transfer telephone numbers on the shortened timeframe. We rely on our underlying, third party carriers to comply with these rules. Our underlying, third party carriers are currently in compliance with the FCC’s rules and we expect that they will remain in compliance. But should our underlying carriers fail to comply with the FCC rules, we may be subject to fines, penalties, or cease and desist orders.

 

39


Table of Contents

States in the U.S. may subject our service to state USF obligations.

Several states have attempted to require nomadic interconnected VoIP providers to contribute to state USFs. One state, Nebraska, engaged in litigation with a provider of interconnected VoIP services similar to us. On July 16, 2009, Kansas and Nebraska filed a petition with the FCC requesting a declaratory ruling that states are not preempted from requiring nomadic interconnected VoIP providers to contribute to state USFs. The petition also sought a retroactive rule finding that states have been able to collect such contributions for an uncertain time period. On November 5, 2010, the FCC released an order granting the petition in part, clarifying that on a prospective basis states may extend USF contribution requirements to cover intrastate revenues of nomadic VoIP providers, so long as the state’s particular requirements do not conflict with federal law or policies. We cannot predict which states may seek to impose such contributions on us. Decisions by states to collect state USF contributions may result in increased state regulation of our service and increased costs associated with our services, which may lead to either lower profits or a less competitively priced service. Typically, state USF fees would be passed on to consumers. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of individual state decisions or the impact such decisions might have on our business.

We may become subject to U.S. state or Canadian provincial regulation for certain service offerings.

A number of states have adopted the position that offerings by VoIP companies like us are subject to state regulation. These states generally base their jurisdiction to regulate such offerings based on whether a VoIP company is able to determine the beginning and end points of communications and whether such communications occur entirely within the boundaries of the respective state. We believe that the FCC has preempted states from regulating VoIP offerings. We cannot predict how this issue will be resolved or its impact on our business at this time but we could be subject to increased costs, reduced profitability, and fines or penalties.

Our operations in Canada are subject to Federal regulation. However, certain provinces have issued consumer protection legislation that seeks to apply to telecommunication services and operations. The validity of provincial regulations on a federally regulated service has not been tested or challenged by parties to date. We cannot predict how this issue will be resolved or its impact on our business at this time but we could be subject to increased costs, reduced profitability, and fines or penalties under provincial legislation.

Access to the Internet is required by us and our users in order to offer our services. If Internet access providers or other companies involved in handling Internet traffic are able to block, degrade or charge us so that we cannot offer quality services, we could incur additional costs or lose customers.

Our service offerings require that customers have access to broadband Internet access at a sufficient bandwidth in order to support call quality and other related services. We and our customers rely on service providers that have significant market power in the broadband Internet access marketplace including incumbent providers of wireline telephone services, cable companies and wireless companies. It is possible that some of these providers could take measures to degrade or disrupt our services, or increase the cost to us or our users to obtain access to certain levels of bandwidth necessary to make our service offerings.

On December 23, 2010, the FCC adopted an order that imposes “network neutrality” rules on providers of fixed and wireless broadband Internet access services, with wireless providers subject to a more limited set of rules. Among other things, the rules: (1) require providers of consumer broadband Internet access to publicly disclose their network management practices and the performance and commercial terms of their broadband Internet access services; (2) prevent broadband Internet access providers from blocking lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices, subject to reasonable network management; and (3) prevent broadband Internet access providers from unreasonably discriminating in the transmission of lawful network traffic over a consumer’s broadband Internet access service. While the substance of the rules and the process used by the FCC in adopting the rules differs from the FCC’s previous Internet policy principles that were called into question by the D.C. Circuit, questions remain concerning the FCC’s ability to adopt rules governing the

 

40


Table of Contents

conduct of fixed and wireless broadband Internet access providers. The FCC’s rules became effective on November 20, 2011. Several parties have appealed these rules to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. We cannot predict to what extent these or any other appeals may succeed, nor can we predict what impact these rules may have on our business at this time. If an Internet access provider were to interfere with access to our products and services, such actions could result in a loss of existing users and increased costs, and could impair our ability to attract new users, thereby harming our revenue and growth.

We are subject to the requirements of the Federal Trade Commission’s new “Red Flag” identity theft rules.

We must comply with Section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (“FACTA”) and rules of the FTC that require “creditors” to develop and effectuate written internal programs to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with their accounts. The rules became effective on January 1, 2011, and we may be deemed to be a “creditor” as defined in the FACTA to the extent that we use consumer reports in connection with providing service to customers, or provide information to debt collectors or consumer reporting agencies.

On December 6, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission published an interim final rule that narrows the circumstances under which creditors are covered by the Red Flag Rule. The interim final rule amends the definition of ‘‘creditor’’ in the Red Flag Rule to clarify that a creditor is covered only if, in the ordinary course of business, it regularly obtains or uses consumer reports in connection with a credit transaction, furnishes information to consumer reporting agencies in connection with a credit transaction, or advances funds to or on behalf of a person, in certain cases. The FTC accepted public comment on the interim final rule until February 11, 2013, at which point such interim rule became effective.

We are taking steps to ensure compliance with the FTC’s rules, but if and to the extent that we are determined to be out of compliance with the rules we may be subject to fines, penalties, compliance orders or any combination of the foregoing.

Uncertainty regarding the rates we pay to incumbent telecommunications carriers in Canada may affect our profitability and the retail price of our service.

In 2008, the CRTC issued a decision that relieved the incumbent telecommunications carriers of the obligation to provide certain regulated wholesale services classified as non-essential subject to phase-out. Access to services classified as non-essential subject to phase-out is pursuant to negotiated commercial terms upon deregulation. More than a third of wholesale services have been deregulated as of 2012, including intra-exchange transport services which are used to interconnect our sites where we have located DSLAM equipment. The area likely to have the next-largest impact involves high-speed access to business services, which is to be deregulated in 2013. A further review of the framework and the continued regulation of wholesale services that remain regulated is scheduled to commence in 2014 but may commence earlier, including in 2013. In addition, a decision on the final regulated rates that will apply to the capacity-based billing framework for wholesale Internet access services approved in November 2011 is outstanding.

Accordingly, we face certain uncertainty and risks related to the ability to establish favorable negotiated agreements with the incumbents for wholesale services that have been and will be deregulated and in relation to any changes to the regulated rates for services that remain regulated. We also face uncertainty as to whether and how our competitors will adjust their retail prices in response to changes to regulated rates or favorable negotiated agreements, which may affect our own pricing and profit margins.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

41


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We currently lease our corporate headquarters facility, which is located in McLean, Virginia. Additionally, we lease administrative, technical and sales office space, as well as space for our switches and data centers, in various locations in the countries in which we operate. This space is used in each of our BLACKIRON Data and North America Telecom reportable operating segments. Our European ICS operations are headquartered in London. As of December 31, 2012, total leased space in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as other countries in which we operate, approximates 418,750 square feet and the total annual lease costs are approximately $13.7 million. The operating leases expire at various times, with the longest commitment expiring in 2023. We believe that our present administrative and sales office facilities are adequate for our anticipated operations and that similar space can be obtained readily as needed, and we further believe that the current leased facilities are adequate to house existing communications equipment.

We own substantially all of our communications equipment required for our business. However, certain communications equipment which includes network switches and transmission lines are leased through operating leases, capital leases and vendor financing agreements. Our net property and equipment was $65.3 million and $152.2 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 10% Notes and related guarantees are secured by a pledge of and first lien security interest in (subject to certain exceptions) substantially all of the assets of PTHI, a wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi and the issuer of the 10% Notes, and the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi. See Note 4—“Property and Equipment,” for additional detail regarding our property and equipment.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Each of these matters is inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company does not believe that any of these pending claims and legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Termination of 10% Notes Indenture Litigation

On September 17, 2012, PTHI consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes. In connection with this repurchase, the sellers of the 10% Notes, representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 10% Notes, consented to amendments of the 10% Notes Indenture to remove substantially all of the restrictive and reporting covenants under the 10% Notes Indenture, as well as certain events of default and related provisions, which amendments were memorialized in a Supplemental Indenture to the 10% Notes Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2012 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”).

Also on September 17, 2012, certain holders of 10% Notes (the “Plaintiffs”) commenced that certain action (the “Litigation”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court”) under the caption Whitebox Advisors, LLC and River Ridge Master Fund Ltd. v. Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc., Civil Action No. 7871-VCG, which alleged that the First Supplemental Indenture was entered into in breach of certain covenants in the 10% Notes Indenture. In connection with the Note Exchange, which is discussed in greater detail below under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments—Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes,” the Plaintiffs agreed to file and, on November 14, 2012, filed with the Court, a notice of dismissal with prejudice with respect to the Litigation.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

42


Table of Contents

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock

PTGi common stock issued and outstanding on and after July 1, 2009 (the “New Common Stock”) traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol “PMUG” between July 1, 2009 and June 23, 2011, and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “PTGI” on June 23, 2011. Shares of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to July 1, 2009 (the “Old Common Stock”) traded on the over-the-counter market, both through listings on the OTC Bulletin Board and in the National Quotation Bureau “Pink Sheets.” The ticker symbol “PRTL” was assigned to our Old Common Stock for over-the-counter quotations. On June 30, 2009, all shares of our outstanding Old Common Stock were cancelled pursuant to the terms of our Plan of Reorganization, and 9,600,000 shares of New Common Stock were issued. We have no continuing obligations with respect to the Old Common Stock.

The following table provides the high and low sale prices for PTGi’s New Common Stock as reported by the NYSE or the OTC Bulletin Board, as applicable, for each quarterly period for the last two fiscal years.

 

     New Common Stock  

Period

   High      Low  

2012

     

1st Quarter

   $ 16.13       $ 12.25   

2nd Quarter

   $ 17.63       $ 14.30   

3rd Quarter

   $ 17.08       $ 14.08   

4th Quarter

   $ 15.29       $ 10.50   

2011

     

1st Quarter

   $ 15.75       $ 12.50   

2nd Quarter

   $ 15.65       $ 13.50   

3rd Quarter

   $ 15.17       $ 9.55   

4th Quarter

   $ 13.21       $ 10.09   

Holders of Common Stock

As of February 28, 2013, PTGi had thirteen holders of record of its common stock. This number does not include stockholders for whom shares were held in “nominee” or “street” name.

Dividends

During 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors declared three special cash dividends (the “Dividends”) with respect to PTGi’s issued and outstanding common stock, as presented in the following table (Total Dividend amounts presented in thousands):

 

     Special Cash Dividend Per Share  
     $1.00      $2.50      $0.50  

Declaration Date

     June 20, 2012         November 14, 2012         December 11, 2012   

Holders of Record Date

     July 2, 2012         November 27, 2012         December 21, 2012   

Payment Date

     July 16, 2012         December 11, 2012         December 28, 2012   

Total Dividend

   $ 13,804       $ 34,551       $ 6,910   

 

43


Table of Contents

The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, our capital requirements and financial condition. The 10% Notes Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to make certain restricted payments, including the payment of cash dividends with respect to PTGi’s common stock. See Note 6—“Long-Term Obligations” to our consolidated financial statements for more detail concerning our 10% Notes. Moreover, dividends may be restricted by other arrangements entered into in the future by us.

Class A and B Warrants

In July 2009, PTGi issued (A) Class A warrants (the “Class A Warrants”) to purchase shares of PTGi’s common stock, which are divided into three separate series (Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Warrants), each of which series consists of 1,000,000 warrants to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,000,000 shares of PTGi common stock; and (B) Class B warrants (the “Class B Warrants” and, together with the Class A Warrants, the “Warrants”) to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,500,000 shares of PTGi common stock. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, PTGi entered into a Warrant Agreement for each of the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants, in each case with Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (successor-in-interest to StockTrans, Inc.), as warrant agent. The original exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was $12.22 per share; (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was $16.53 per share; (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was $20.50 per share; and (iv) the Class B Warrants was $26.01 per share. The Warrants have a five-year term and will expire on July 1, 2014. A holder may exercise Warrants by paying the applicable exercise price in cash. In addition, a holder may exercise Warrants on a cashless basis in connection with a change of control (as defined in each of the Class A and Class B Warrant Agreement), in connection with a transaction pursuant to an effective registration statement covering the sale of PTGi common stock underlying such Warrants, or if the exercise occurs on a date when the daily volume-weighted average price of PTGi common stock for the immediately preceding 10 trading days exceeds 150% of the exercise price applicable to such Warrants. The Warrants are freely transferrable by the holder thereof.

Antidilution adjustment provisions in each of the Class A Warrant Agreement and Class B Warrant Agreement provide that the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants will be adjusted in connection with any dividend or distribution of PTGi common stock, assets or cash (other than any regular cash dividend not to exceed in any fiscal year 45% of the consolidated net income of the Company), or any subdivision or combination of the PTGi common stock. In addition, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants are also subject to adjustment in connection with any issuance, grant or sale to any person of (A) rights, warrants, options, exchangeable securities or convertible securities entitling such person to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant, subject to certain exceptions, or (B) shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant. Additionally, if any transaction or event occurs in which all or substantially all of the outstanding PTGi common stock is converted into, exchanged for, or the holders thereof are otherwise entitled to receive on account thereof stock, other securities, cash or assets (each, a “Fundamental Change Transaction”) the holder of each Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Change Transaction shall have the right to receive upon exercise of the applicable Warrant the kind and amount of stock, other securities, cash and/or assets that such holder would have received if such Warrant had been exercised.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the Warrant Agreements, such that (A) the exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted downward to $8.91, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted downward to $12.05, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted downward to $14.93, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted downward to $18.96; and (B) after taking into account exercised Warrants, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of (i) the

 

44


Table of Contents

Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,370,658, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,372,293, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,372,293, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted upward to 2,058,438.

Contingent Value Rights

In July 2009, PTGi issued contingent value rights (the “CVRs”), which allow holders to receive shares of PTGi common stock (subject to adjustment as described below, the “CVR Shares”) in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. The CVRs may not be transferred by the holder thereof except in certain limited circumstances. Subject to the terms of the CVR Agreement governing the CVRs, holders of CVRs will receive their pro rata share of the CVR Shares if certain conditions are satisfied. A distribution of CVR Shares is required to be made by PTGi if, as of any determination date (as described in the paragraph below), PTGi’s equity value (assuming cash exercise in full on such date of in-the-money warrants and options of PTGi) divided by the sum of the number of shares of PTGi common stock then issued and outstanding plus the number of shares of PTGi common stock underlying warrants, options and similar securities of PTGi (other than CVRs) that are then in-the-money exceeds the CVR strike price (subject to adjustment as described below, the “CVR Strike Price”) in an original amount of $35.95. The aggregate number of such shares of PTGi common stock is referred to as the “Applicable Shares;” and the per share amount of any such excess over the CVR Strike Price is referred to as the “Excess Equity Value Per Share.” If such a distribution is required, the number of CVR Shares to be distributed by PTGi equals the product of Excess Equity Value Per Share multiplied by the number of Applicable Shares divided by the CVR Strike Price. Such product of Excess Equity Value Per Share and the number of Applicable Shares is referred to as the “Excess Equity Value.”

PTGi will determine if and to the extent a distribution of CVR Shares is required (i) on January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing on the first such date (but in no event later than July 1, 2013) on which data is available to confirm that PTGi’s adjusted EBITDA for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters is equal to at least $100 million, and (ii) upon the occurrence of certain change of control transactions involving the Company. Distributions of CVR Shares (if any) will be made within 45 calendar days of a determination by PTGi that a distribution is required.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no distribution of CVR Shares is required to be made by PTGi unless Excess Equity Value exceeds $1 million as of any determination date.

Antidilution adjustment provisions in the CVR Agreement provide that the maximum number of CVR Shares and the CVR Strike Price will be adjusted from time to time in connection with any stock dividend or distribution, or subdivision, split, combination, reclassification or recapitalization of the PTGi common stock. In addition, if PTGi distributes to holders of its common stock any of its assets (including but not limited to cash), securities or rights to purchase securities of PTGi (other than any regular cash dividend not to exceed in any fiscal year 45% of the consolidated net income of the Company for the immediately preceding fiscal year), then the number of CVR Shares will be increased and the CVR Strike Price will be decreased, in each case pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement. Additionally, in case of any reclassification, merger, consolidation, capital reorganization or other change in the capital stock of PTGi (other than in connection with certain change of control transactions involving the Company) in which all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of PTGi common stock are converted into or exchanged for stock, other securities or other property, PTGi shall make appropriate provision so that the holders of CVRs shall thereafter be entitled to receive, at such time such holder would have otherwise been entitled to receive a distribution under the CVR Agreement, the kind and amount of stock and other securities and property having a value substantially equivalent to the value of PTGi common stock that the holders of CVRs would have been entitled to receive in connection with a distribution of CVR Shares immediately prior to such reclassification, merger, consolidation, reorganization or other change in the capital stock of PTGi at a CVR Strike Price that, in each case, is reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of PTGi after consultation with an independent valuation advisor to preserve, to the extent practicable, the intrinsic value of such CVR immediately prior to such event.

 

45


Table of Contents

The CVRs will expire and the CVR Agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (1) the date upon which no further CVR Shares are available for distribution, (2) the consummation of certain change of control transactions (subject to any potential distribution of CVR Shares as a result thereof), and (3) July 1, 2019.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the CVR Agreement, such that (A) the CVR Strike Price was adjusted downward to $26.20 and (B) the maximum number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward to 3,657,157.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no unregistered sales of our equity securities in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   Total Number
of  Shares
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid Per  Share
     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased

Under the Plans
or programs
(in millions)
 

Shares purchased in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations (1)

  

     

October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

November 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     —         $ —           —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares purchased under a stock repurchase program (2)

 

        

October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $  14.6   

November 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ 14.6   

December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ 14.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         —         $ —           —         $ 14.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Upon vesting of restricted stock units awarded by PTGi to employees, PTGi withholds shares to cover employees’ tax withholding obligations, other than for employees who have chosen to satisfy their tax withholding requirements in the form of a cash payment. The table above reflects shares of common stock withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations during the year ended December 31, 2012.
(2) On August 8, 2011, PTGi’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $15 million of its common stock through August 8, 2013. Under the stock repurchase program, PTGi may repurchase common stock from time to time in the open-market, privately negotiated transactions or block trades. During the year ended December 31, 2012, PTGi did not purchase shares of common stock in connection with our stock repurchase program.

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total returns during the period from July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012 of our common stock to the Standard & Poor’s Midcap 400 Index and the iShares S&P Global Telecommunications Sector Index Fund. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on July 1, 2009 in the common stock of the Company and the indices and assumes that all dividends were reinvested. The reorganized company’s New Common Stock began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board on July 1, 2009, and on the NYSE on June 23, 2011. The company’s Old Common Stock, which was actively traded prior to July 1, 2009, does not provide meaningful comparison and the performance of the Old Common Stock has not been provided.

 

46


Table of Contents

 

LOGO

 

    July 1,
2009
    December 31,
2009
    December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2011
    December 31,
2012
 

Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. (PTGI)

  $ 100.00      $ 143.75      $ 312.50      $ 316.50      $ 370.81   

Standard & Poor’s Midcap 400 Index (^MID)

  $ 100.00      $ 124.38      $ 155.29      $ 150.48      $ 174.66   

iShares S&P Global Telecommunications Sector Index Fund (IXP)

  $ 100.00      $ 115.67      $ 129.10      $ 130.31      $ 140.02   

The performance graph will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by means of any general statement incorporating by reference this Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that PTGi specifically incorporates such information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with (i) Item 7 entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” (ii) our consolidated audited annual financial statements and the notes thereto, each of which are contained in Item 8 entitled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and (iii) the information described below under “—Discontinued Operations.”

As of July 1, 2009, the Company adopted fresh-start accounting in accordance with ASC 852. The adoption of fresh-start accounting resulted in the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the financial statements on or prior to July 1, 2009 are not comparable with the financial statements for periods after July 1, 2009. The consolidated condensed statements of operations and any references to “Successor” or “Successor Company” for the six months ended December 31, 2009, show the operations of the reorganized Company from and including July 1, 2009, the Effective Date, through December 31, 2009. References to “Predecessor” or “Predecessor Company” refer to the operations of the Company prior to July 1, 2009, except for Predecessor’s July 1, 2009 statements of operations which reflect only the effect of the plan adjustments and fresh-start accounting as of such date and do not reflect any operating results.

 

47


Table of Contents

In accordance with ASC 805, the preliminary allocation of the reorganization value is subject to additional adjustment until the Company has completed its analysis, but not to exceed one year after emergence from bankruptcy, to provide the Company with the time to complete the valuation of its assets and liabilities. The final determination of the fair value of individual assets and liabilities and the final allocation of the reorganization value was finalized during the first six months of 2010.

Discontinued Operations

Australia and ICS. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment. Additionally, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and as a result classified ICS as a discontinued operation. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2012. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations.

Brazil. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company sold its Brazilian segment. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2010, 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2010. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations.

Europe. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company discontinued its European segment, which was also known as European retail operations and has presented the results of the European segment as discontinued operations and held for sale as of September 30, 2010. As a result, the Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2009 and 2008 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2009. Accordingly, revenue, costs, and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income, or loss, as applicable, from discontinued operations.

 

48


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Successor          Predecessor  
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
    Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2009
         Six Months
Ended
July 1,
2009
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
 

NET REVENUE

  $ 260,554      $ 291,386      $ 282,017      $ 147,936          $ 144,015      $ 349,017   

OPERATING EXPENSES

               

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation included below)

    125,263        143,347        134,892        65,592            63,276        160,517   

Selling, general and administrative

    102,760        110,711        113,008        58,092            57,309        144,504   

Depreciation and amortization

    31,023        35,371        40,177        22,304            6,918        15,584   

(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

    171        (12,948     (196     11            (123     (6,036

Asset impairment expense

    10,000        —          —          —              —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    269,217        276,481        287,881        145,999            127,380        314,569   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

    (8,663     14,905        (5,864     1,937            16,635        34,448   

INTEREST EXPENSE

    (23,934     (30,811     (35,331     (16,977         (13,694     (53,043

ACCRETION (AMORTIZATION) ON DEBT PREMIUM/DISCOUNT, net

    (201     (213     (183     (3         189        583   

GAIN (LOSS) ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OR RESTRUCTURING OF DEBT

    (21,682     (7,346     164        (4,146         —          36,872   

GAIN (LOSS) FROM CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS VALUATION

    1,292        2,902        (13,737     (2,804         —          —     

INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net

    86        1,265        (167     177            82        618   

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAIN (LOSS)

    2,739        (2,426     6,570        19,544            20,379        (46,348
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE REORGANIZATION ITEMS AND INCOME TAXES

    (50,363     (21,724     (48,548     (2,272         23,591        (26,870

REORGANIZATION ITEMS, net

    —          —          1        (2,220         402,007        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    (50,363     (21,724     (48,547     (4,492         425,598        (26,870

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)

    4,518        (1,282     6,515        9,927            (4,074     1,432   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    (45,845     (23,006     (42,032     5,435            421,524        (25,438

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

    (20,551     (5,482     19,914        1,740            49,347        3,566   

GAIN (LOSS) FROM SALE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

    94,265        (4,781     2,926        (110         251        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    27,869        (33,269     (19,192     7,065            471,122        (21,872

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

    18        (5,461     105        (333         32        (3,159
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

  $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087   $ 6,732          $ 471,154      $ (25,031
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

               

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31   $ 0.53          $ 2.95      $ (0.20

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    (1.48     (0.42     2.05        0.18            0.35        0.02   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

    6.81        (0.37     0.30        (0.01         —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96   $ 0.70          $ 3.30      $ (0.18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

               

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31   $ 0.52          $ 2.43      $ (0.20

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    (1.48     (0.42     2.05        0.18            0.29        0.02   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

    6.81        (0.37     0.30        (0.01         —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96   $ 0.69          $ 2.72      $ (0.18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

49


Table of Contents
    Successor          Predecessor  
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
    Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2009
         Six Months
Ended
July 1,
2009
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

               

Basic

    13,844        12,994        9,721        9,600            142,695        142,643   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

    13,844        12,994        9,721        9,800            173,117        142,643   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE

    4.09        —          —          —              —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

               

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

  $ (45,827   $ (28,467   $ (41,927   $ 5,102          $ 421,556      $ (28,597

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (20,551     (5,482     19,914        1,740            49,347        3,566   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

    94,265        (4,781     2,926        (110         251        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087   $ 6,732          $ 471,154      $ (25,031
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

50


Table of Contents

Balance Sheet Data:

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
     As of December 31,           As of December 31,  

(in thousands)

   2012      2011      2010      2009           2008  

Total assets

   $ 301,190       $ 543,824       $ 514,459       $ 558,914           $ 330,444   

Total long-term obligations (including current portion)

   $ 127,112       $ 247,762       $ 243,891       $ 257,516           $ 604,837   

Total liabilities

   $ 232,687       $ 442,118       $ 431,425       $ 459,005           $ 789,169   

Total Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ 68,503       $ 101,706       $ 83,034       $ 99,909           $ (461,539

Discontinued Operations Data:

 

    Successor          Predecessor  
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
    Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2009
         Six Months
Ended
July 1,
2009
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Net revenue

  $ 417,671      $ 723,244      $ 520,435      $ 276,397          $ 247,502      $ 550,696   

Operating expenses

    428,902        725,885        515,013        275,202            237,041        547,096   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

    (11,231     (2,641     5,422        1,195            10,461        3,600   

Interest expense

    (513     (1,772     (169     (346         (441     (846

Interest income and other income (expense)

    285        (908     512        149            334        2,718   

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

    (2,750     (336     9,708        (1,160         741        (837

Reorganization items

    —          —          —          1,786            38,086        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

    (14,209     (5,657     15,473        1,624            49,181        4,635   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (6,342     175        4,441        116            166        (1,069
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $ (20,551   $ (5,482   $ 19,914      $ 1,740          $ 49,347      $ 3,566   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the information in our consolidated annual audited financial statements and the notes thereto, each of which are contained in Item 8 entitled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial information incorporated by reference herein. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” section as well as the section below entitled “—Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Introduction and Overview of Operations

We are an integrated facilities-based communications services provider offering a portfolio of international and domestic voice, wireless, Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), data, colocation and data center services to customers located primarily in Canada and the United States. Our primary market is Canada, where we have deployed significant network infrastructure. We classify our services into three categories: Growth Services, Traditional Services and International Carrier Services (“ICS”). We provide these services from our three business units: North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data (previously known as “Data Center”) and ICS. Our two primary reportable operational segments are North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data.

Our focus is on expanding our Growth Services in our North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data business units. Within the North America Telecom unit, Growth Services include our broadband, VoIP and on-net Ethernet services. For our BLACKIRON Data unit, we are heavily focused on expansion of our collocation facilities, cloud computing and managed services. Both units fulfill the demand for high quality, competitively priced communications and data center services. This demand is being driven, in part, by the explosion of data being generated on a daily basis, the globalization of the world’s economies, the global trend toward telecommunications deregulation and the migration of communications traffic to the Internet. We manage our Traditional Services, which includes our domestic and international long-distance voice, local landline, wireless, prepaid cards, and dial-up Internet services, for cash flow generation that we reinvest to develop and market our Growth Services, particularly in our primary market of Canada. We also provide our ICS voice termination services to other telecommunications carriers and resellers requiring IP or time-division multiplexing access. However, as discussed below under “—Recent Developments—Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit,” the Company is currently pursuing a sale or other disposition or disposal of its ICS segment, which no longer is a separate reportable business segment and has been classified as a discontinued operation as a result of being held for sale.

Generally, we price our services competitively with the major carriers and service providers operating in our principal service regions. We seek to generate net revenue through sales and marketing efforts focused on customers with significant communications needs, including small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”), multinational corporations, residential customers, and other telecommunications carriers and resellers.

Industry trends have shown that the overall market for domestic and international long-distance voice, prepaid cards and dial-up Internet services has declined in favor of Internet-based, wireless and broadband communications. Our challenge concerning net revenue in recent years has been to overcome declines in long-distance voice minutes of use per customer as more customers are using wireless devices and the Internet as alternatives to the use of wireline phones. Also, product substitution (e.g., wireless/Internet for fixed line voice) has resulted in revenue declines in our long-distance voice services. Additionally, we believe that because deregulatory influences have begun to affect telecommunications markets outside the United States, the deregulatory trend is resulting in greater competition from the existing wireline and wireless competitors and from more recent entrants, such as cable companies and VoIP companies, which could continue to affect

 

52


Table of Contents

adversely our net revenue per minute, as well as minutes of use. More recently, adverse global economic conditions have resulted in a contraction of spending by business and residential customers generally which, we believe, has had an adverse effect on our net revenues.

In order to manage our network transmission costs, we pursue a flexible approach with respect to the management of our network capacity. In most instances, we (1) optimize the cost of traffic by using the least expensive cost routing, (2) negotiate lower variable usage-based costs with domestic and foreign service providers, (3) negotiate additional and lower cost foreign carrier agreements with the foreign incumbent carriers and others, and (4) continue to expand or reduce the capacity of our network when traffic volumes justify such actions.

Our overall margin may fluctuate based on the relative volumes of international versus domestic long-distance services; prepaid services versus traditional post-paid voice services; Internet, VoIP and data services versus fixed line voice services; the amount of services that are resold; and the proportion of traffic carried on our network versus resale of other carriers’ services. Our margin is also affected by customer transfer and migration fees. We generally pay a charge to install and transfer a new customer onto our network and to migrate broadband and local customers. However, installing and migrating customers to our network infrastructure enables us to increase our margin on such services as compared to resale of services using other carriers’ networks.

Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of salaries and benefits, commissions, occupancy costs, sales and marketing expenses, advertising, professional fees, and other administrative costs. All selling, general and administrative expenses are expensed when incurred. Emphasis on cost containment and the shift of expenditures from non-revenue producing expenses to sales and marketing expenses has been heightened since growth in net revenue has been under pressure.

Recent Developments

Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes

On September 17, 2012, Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc. (“PTHI”), a subsidiary of PTGi, consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “10% Notes”) for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes. In connection with this repurchase, the sellers of the 10% Notes, representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 10% Notes, consented to amendments of the indenture governing the 10% Notes (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “10% Notes Indenture”) to remove substantially all of the restrictive and reporting covenants under the 10% Notes Indenture, as well as certain events of default and related provisions. PTHI, each of the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, entered into a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2012 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), to memorialize such 10% Notes Indenture amendments.

On November 14, 2012, PTHI consummated the exchange (the “Note Exchange”) of $79.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $86.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017 (the “10% Exchange Notes”), which were newly issued pursuant to the Second Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) to the 10% Notes Indenture. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012. The 10% Exchange Notes accrue interest from November 14, 2012 and are guaranteed by the same entities, including PTGi, that guarantee the 10% Notes. The terms of the 10% Exchange Notes are substantially similar to those governing the 10% Notes, which are described in greater detail below under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Important Long-Term Liquidity and Capital Structure Developments—Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes,” except that the applicable redemption

 

53


Table of Contents

price of the 10% Exchange Notes at any time such notes are redeemed is 100.00% of the principal amount of such 10% Exchange Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Unless the context dictates otherwise, all references herein to the “10% Notes” include the 10% Exchange Notes.

In connection with the Note Exchange, the participating noteholders consented to amendments to the 10% Notes Indenture contained in, and PTGi and the guarantors of the 10% Notes agreed to enter into, that certain Second Supplemental Indenture and First Amendment to Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2012 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”), by and among PTHI, the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee. Among other things, the Second Supplemental Indenture (i) reinstated substantially all of the events of default, restrictive and reporting covenants and related provisions and definitions of the 10% Notes Indenture that were eliminated by the First Supplemental Indenture, with certain amendments thereto to establish a new $50,000,000 restricted payment basket and to permit the incurrence of certain additional parity lien debt, (ii) established the 10% Exchange Notes issuable under the 10% Notes Indenture, (iii) authorized the Note Exchange and (iv) made certain other changes in the 10% Notes Indenture that are of a technical or conforming nature, including the amendment and restatement of certain provisions, the addition of certain definitions and the amendment of certain cross-references.

The participating noteholders also agreed to file and, on November 14, 2012, filed with the Court, a notice of dismissal with prejudice with respect to that certain Litigation commenced on September 17, 2012, as discussed in greater detail in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings—Termination of 10% Notes Indenture Litigation.”

On December 19, 2012, PTHI consummated a second note exchange of $23.8 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $25.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012.

Dividends

During 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors declared and paid three special cash dividends (referred to herein as the “Dividends”) with respect to PTGi’s issued and outstanding common stock, as discussed in greater detail in Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividends.”

Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit

On June 28, 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit. As a result of holding the ICS business unit out for sale, such business unit has been classified as a discontinued operation. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations” to the notes to our consolidated annual audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition to the possible sale or other disposition or disposal of ICS, the Special Committee continues to explore and evaluate other strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, which may include (but may not be limited to) a sale, merger or other business combination, a recapitalization, a joint venture arrangement, the sale or spinoff of our assets or one or more of our business units, or the continued execution of our business plans. There is no set timetable for completion of the evaluation process, and we do not intend to provide updates or make any comments regarding the evaluation of strategic alternatives, unless our Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or otherwise deems disclosure appropriate.

Divestiture of Primus Australia

PTGi and Primus Telecommunications International, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi (“PTII”), entered into a definitive Equity Purchase Agreement, dated April 15, 2012 (the “Purchase Agreement”),

 

54


Table of Contents

with M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd. (“M2”), an Australian telecommunications company, pursuant to which PTII agreed to sell to M2 100% of the outstanding equity of Primus Telecom Holdings Pty Ltd. (“Primus Australia”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PTII. On May 31, 2012, we completed this transaction.

The purchase price before adjustment was approximately $AUD 192.4 million (or approximately $USD 195.7 million giving effect to a currency hedge that the Company put in place in connection with the transaction). In connection with the closing of the transaction, approximately $USD 9.8 million (the “Retention Amount”) was retained from the purchase price and placed in escrow for a period of twelve months following the closing date of the transaction for purposes of satisfying potential indemnification claims asserted by M2 for breaches of PTII’s warranties in the Purchase Agreement. Subject to limited exceptions, PTII’s liability to M2 for indemnification for breaches of PTII’s warranties is subject to a survival period of twelve months after the closing date and is limited to the Retention Amount. The Purchase Agreement contains customary warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. PTGi also provided M2 with a guarantee of the performance of PTII’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was also subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company paid to M2 $USD 4.4 million upon finalization of the working capital adjustment. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

For additional detail regarding the impact of the divestiture of Primus Australia and related transactions on our liquidity and capital resources, see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Important Long-Term Liquidity and Capital Structure Developments—Divestiture of Primus Australia and Subsequent Asset Sale Tender Offer.”

Reclassification of BLACKIRON Data Costs

In order to conform to industry best practices, certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to our BLACKIRON Data operating segment were reclassified to cost of revenue as part of the Company’s new operating segment structure discussed in Note 14—“Operating Segment and Related Information” to the notes to our consolidated annual audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency can have a major impact on our financial results. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 86% of our net revenue was derived from sales and operations outside the U.S. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the United States dollar. The local currency of each country is the functional currency for each of our respective entities operating in that country. In the future, we expect to continue to derive the majority of our net revenue and incur a significant portion of our operating costs from outside the U.S., and therefore changes in exchange rates have had and may continue to have a significant, and potentially adverse, effect on our results of operations. Our risk of loss regarding foreign currency exchange rates is caused primarily by fluctuations in the following exchange rates: US Dollar (“USD”)/Canadian dollar (“CAD”), USD/British pound sterling (“GBP”), and USD/Euro (“EUR”). Due to the large percentage of our revenue derived outside of the U.S., changes in the USD relative to one or more of the foregoing currencies could have an adverse impact on our future results of operations. In addition, prior to the sale of the Company’s Australia operations during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012, we also experienced risk of loss regarding foreign currency exchange rates due to fluctuations in the USD/Australian dollar (“AUD”) exchange rate. We have agreements with certain subsidiaries for repayment of a portion of the investments and advances made to these subsidiaries. As we anticipate repayment in the foreseeable future, we recognize the unrealized gains and losses in foreign currency transaction gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations. The exposure of our income from operations to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is reduced in part because a majority of the costs that we incur in connection with our foreign operations are also denominated in local currencies.

We are exposed to financial statement gains and losses as a result of translating the operating results and financial position of our international subsidiaries. We translate the local currency statements of operations of our

 

55


Table of Contents

foreign subsidiaries into USD using the average exchange rate during the reporting period. Changes in foreign exchange rates affect the reported profits and losses and cash flows of our international subsidiaries and may distort comparisons from year to year. By way of example, when the USD strengthens compared to the CAD, there could be a negative or positive effect on the reported results for our Canadian operating segment, depending upon whether the business in our Canadian operating segment is operating profitably or at a loss. It takes more profits in CAD to generate the same amount of profits in USD and a greater loss in CAD to generate the same amount of loss in USD. The opposite is also true. For instance, when the USD weakens against the CAD, there is a positive effect on reported profits and a negative effect on the reported losses for our Canadian operating segment.

In the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, the USD was stronger on average as compared to the CAD, GBP and EUR; the USD was weaker on average as compared to the AUD. In the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, the USD was weaker on average as compared to the CAD, AUD, GBP and EUR. The following tables demonstrate the impact of currency fluctuations on our net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

Net Revenue by Location, including Discontinued Operations—in USD (in thousands)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
                        2012 vs 2011     2011 vs 2010  
    2012     2011      2010      Variance $     Variance%     Variance $     Variance%  

Canada

  $ 223,301      $ 246,612       $ 231,185       $ (23,311     -9.5   $ 15,427        6.7

Australia

    114,860        286,462         276,614         (171,602     -59.9     9,848        3.6

United Kingdom

    202,196        273,053         93,440         (70,857     -25.9     179,613        192.2

Europe (1) , (2)

    (149     87         60,617         (236     -271.3     (60,530     -99.9

Brazil (2)

    —          25,457         27,686         (25,457     -100.0     (2,229     -8.1

Net Revenue by Location, including Discontinued Operations—in Local Currencies (in thousands)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
                        2012 vs 2011     2011 vs 2010  
    2012     2011      2010      Variance $     Variance%     Variance $     Variance%  

Canada (in CAD)

  $ 223,190      $ 243,656       $ 238,229       $ (20,466     -8.4   $ 5,427        2.3

Australia (in AUD)

    110,408        277,461         301,324         (167,053     -60.2     (23,863     -7.9

United Kingdom (in GBP)

    127,726        170,124         60,619         (42,398     -24.9     109,505        180.6

Europe (1) , (2) (in EUR)

    (76     64         45,518         (140     -218.8     (45,454     -99.9

Brazil (2) (in BRL)

    —          42,049         48,908         (42,049     -100.0     (6,859     -14.0

 

(1) Europe includes only subsidiaries whose functional currency is the EUR.
(2) Table includes revenues from discontinued operations which are subject to currency risk.

Critical Accounting Policies

To aid in the understanding of our financial reporting, our most critical accounting policies are described below. These policies have the potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue—Net revenue is derived from carrying a mix of business, residential and carrier long-distance traffic, data and Internet traffic, and also from the provision of local, data center and wireless services. For voice and international carrier services VoIP, net revenue is earned based on the

 

56


Table of Contents

number of minutes during a call and is recorded upon completion of a call, adjusted for allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received through our network switches. Customized software has been designed to track the information from the switch and analyze the call detail records against stored detailed information about revenue rates. This software provides us the ability to do a timely and accurate analysis of revenue earned in a period. Separate prepaid services software is used to track additional information related to prepaid service usage such as activation date, monthly usage amounts, fees and charges, and expiration date. Revenue on these prepaid services is recognized as service is provided until expiration, when all unused minutes, which are no longer available to the customers, are recognized as revenue.

Net revenue is also earned on a fixed monthly fee basis for unlimited local and long-distance plans and for the provision of data/Internet (including retail VoIP) and hosting services. Data/Internet and hosting services include monthly fees collected for the provision of dedicated and dial-up access at various speeds and bandwidths and colocation services. These fees are recognized as access and colocation is provided on a monthly basis. Additionally, service activation and installation fees are deferred and amortized over the longer of the average customer life or the contract term. We record payments received in advance for prepaid services and services to be provided under contractual agreements, such as Internet broadband and dial-up access, as deferred revenue until such related services are provided.

Net revenue represents gross revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable—Determining our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable requires significant estimates. Due to the large number of customers that we serve, it is impractical to review the creditworthiness of each of our customers, although a credit review is performed for larger carrier and retail business customers. We consider a number of factors in determining the proper level of the allowance, including historical collection experience, current economic trends, the aging of the accounts receivable portfolio and changes in the creditworthiness of our customers. Systems to detect fraudulent call activity are in place within our network, but if these systems fail to identify such activity, we may realize a higher degree of uncollectible accounts.

Cost of Revenue—Cost of revenue is comprised primarily of costs incurred from other domestic and foreign telecommunications carriers to originate, transport and terminate calls. The majority of our cost of revenue is variable, based upon the number of minutes of use, with transmission and termination costs being the most significant expense. Call activity is tracked and analyzed with customized software that analyzes the traffic flowing through our network switches and calculates the variable cost of revenue with predetermined contractual rates. If the domestic or foreign telecommunications carriers have tracked and invoiced the volume of minutes at levels different than what our activity shows or have invoiced at different rates, we will dispute the charges invoiced. There is no guarantee that we will prevail in such disputes. We use significant estimates to determine the level of success in dispute resolution and consider past historical experience, basis of disputes, financial status, and current relationships with vendors and aging of prior disputes in quantifying our estimates.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held and Used)—We review long-lived assets whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In making such evaluations, we compare the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying amount of the assets. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we are required to make estimates of the fair value of the long-lived assets in order to calculate the impairment loss equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the assets.

We make significant assumptions and estimates in this process regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as determining asset groups and estimating future cash flows, remaining useful lives, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting undiscounted cash flows are projected over an extended period of time,

 

57


Table of Contents

which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While we believe that our estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the long-lived assets.

We have concluded that we have one asset group: the network. This is due to the nature of our telecommunications network which utilizes all of the POPs, switches, cables and various other components throughout the network to seamlessly form the telecommunications gateway over which our products and services are carried for any given customer’s phone call or data or Internet transmission. Furthermore, outflows to many of the external network providers are not separately assignable to revenue inflows for any phone call or service plan.

We make assumptions about the remaining useful life of our long-lived assets. The assumptions are based on the average life of our historical capital asset additions, our historical asset purchase trend and the fact that our primary assets, our network switches, have an 8-year life. Because of the nature of our industry, we also assume that the technology changes in the industry render all equipment obsolete with no salvage value after their useful lives. In certain circumstances in which the underlying assets could be leased for an additional period of time, we have included such estimated cash flows in our estimate. We derive future cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans, which include consideration of industry trends, competitive actions, technology changes, regulatory actions, available financial resources for marketing and capital expenditures and changes in its underlying cost structure.

The estimate of the appropriate discount rate to be used to apply the present value technique in determining fair value was our weighted average cost of capital which is based on the effective rate of our long-term debt obligations at the current market values as well as the current volatility and trading value of our common stock.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)—In conjunction with our commitment to dispose of our ICS business, we have classified the net assets of ICS as held for sale and are required to measure them at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

We make significant assumptions and estimates in the process of determining fair value regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as estimating future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While we believe that our estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the net assets of ICS.

We evaluated the carrying value of ICS in the second quarter of 2012 which resulted in it being higher than its fair value less costs to sell by $10.3 million and have attributed such adjustment to the long-lived assets of ICS. As the adjustment is related to ICS, it is classified within Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax on the consolidated statements of operations. We performed the same analysis as of December 31, 2012 and determined that the fair value less costs to sell exceeded the carrying value and therefore no additional write-down was required.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Under ASC No. 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC No. 360, “Property Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).

Goodwill impairment is tested at least annually (October 1st) or when factors indicate potential impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit.

Step 1 is a screen for potential impairment pursuant to which the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair values of each reporting unit by a combination of

 

58


Table of Contents

(i) estimation of the discounted cash flows of each of the reporting units based on projected earnings in the future (the income approach) and (ii) a comparative analysis of revenue and EBITDA multiples of public companies in similar markets (the market approach). If there is a deficiency (the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), a Step 2 test is required.

Step 2 measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined; i.e., through an allocation of the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

We also may utilize the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows us to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

Our reporting units in 2011 were Australia, Canada and US/ICS. In May 2012, we sold our Australian reporting unit, and our reporting units were Canada and US/ICS. Subsequent to classifying ICS as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012, the remaining reporting units are Canada and US.

Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires various assumptions including projections of future cash flows, perpetual growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on our assessment of a number of factors, including the reporting unit’s recent performance against budget, performance in the market that the reporting unit serves, and industry and general economic data from third party sources. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in those future cash flows. Changes to the underlying businesses could affect the future cash flows, which in turn could affect the fair value of the reporting unit.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of certain trade names. Such indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test shall consist of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of certain trade names and customer relationships. These finite lived intangible assets are amortized based on their useful lives. Such assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360, wherein impairment is recognized and measured only if there are events and circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded if after determining that it is not recoverable, the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.

In addition to the foregoing, we review our goodwill and intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The factors that we consider important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include, but are not limited to: a significant decline in the market value of our common stock or debt securities for a sustained period; a material adverse change in economic, financial market, industry or sector trends; a material failure to achieve operating results relative to historical levels or projected future levels; and significant changes in operations or business strategy.

We considered our commitment to dispose of our ICS business and the classification of its net assets as held for sale as a triggering event and tested the goodwill of our US/ICS reporting unit for impairment in June 2012.

 

59


Table of Contents

Although Step 1 failed, the implied goodwill calculated in Step 2 was sufficient to cover the recorded goodwill and no impairment charge was recorded. As of the most recent annual test conducted on October 1, 2012 of the US reporting unit, the Step 1 test resulted in the fair value exceeding the carrying value. However, we recorded impairment charges of $10.0 million related to our other indefinite-lived intangible asset, our US trade name, “Primus Telecommunications”. This impairment along with an analysis, as well as the remaining carrying values by reporting unit of the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are disclosed in Note 5—“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Income Taxes—We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of transactions and events. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. If necessary, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to an amount that is determined to be more likely than not recoverable. We must make significant estimates and assumptions about future taxable income and future tax consequences when determining the amount of the valuation allowance. The additional guidance provided by ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. Expected outcomes of current or anticipated tax examinations, refund claims and tax-related litigation and estimates regarding additional tax liability (including interest and penalties thereon) or refunds resulting therefrom will be recorded based on the guidance provided by ASC 740 to the extent applicable.

At present, our subsidiaries in the major jurisdictions in which we operate have significant deferred tax assets resulting from tax loss carryforwards. These deferred tax assets are fully offset with valuation allowances. The appropriateness and amount of these valuation allowances are based on our assumptions about the future taxable income of each affiliate or available tax planning strategies. If our assumptions have significantly underestimated future taxable income with respect to a particular affiliate, all or part of the valuation allowance for the affiliate would be reversed and additional income could result.

Financial Presentation Background

In the following presentations and narratives within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we compare, pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure rules, the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010.

We also present detailed changes in results, excluding currency impacts, since a large portion of our revenues is derived outside of the U.S., and currency changes can influence or mask underlying changes in foreign operating unit performance. For purposes of calculating constant currency rates between periods in connection with presentations that describe changes in values “excluding currency effects” herein, we have taken results from foreign operations for a given year (that were computed in accordance with US GAAP using local currency) and converted such amounts utilizing the same USD to applicable local currency exchange rates that were used for purposes of calculating corresponding preceding period US GAAP presentations. We believe that the comparison of the combined financial results provides management and investors with a meaningful analysis of our performance and trends for comparative purposes. In addition, it should be noted that the application of fresh-start accounting will have a significant non-cash impact on our future results of operations, but will have no impact on the underlying cash flows of the Company.

Discontinued Operations

2012 Developments—During the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment. Additionally, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and as a result classified ICS as a discontinued operation. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit.

 

60


Table of Contents

2011 Developments—During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company sold its Brazilian segment.

2010 Developments—During the third quarter of 2010, the Company discontinued its European segment, which was also known as European retail operations and has presented the results of the European segment as discontinued operations and held for sale as of September 30, 2010. The Company did not retrospectively adjust its 2009 consolidated balance sheet, as held for sale criteria was not met until the third quarter of 2010. As such, financial information for the European segment will appear, as applicable, where balance sheet information is presented for fiscal year 2009.

As a result of these events, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods presented reflect the Brazilian, Australian and ICS business units and European retail operations as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income or loss (where applicable) from discontinued operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities and removed from the specific line items on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net revenue

   $ 417,671      $ 723,244      $ 520,435   

Operating expenses

     428,902        725,885        515,013   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     (11,231     (2,641     5,422   

Interest expense

     (513     (1,772     (169

Interest income and other income (expense)

     285        (908     512   

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     (2,750     (336     9,708   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

     (14,209     (5,657     15,473   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (6,342     175        4,441   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ (20,551   $ (5,482   $ 19,914   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

61


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 reflects all the items included in consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net revenue:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

NET REVENUE

     100.0     100.0     100.0

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation included below)

     48.1     49.2     47.8

Selling, general and administrative

     39.4     38.0     40.1

Depreciation and amortization

     11.9     12.1     14.2

(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

     0.1     -4.4     -0.1

Asset impairment expense

     3.8     0.0     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     103.3     94.9     102.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     -3.3     5.1     -2.0

INTEREST EXPENSE

     -9.2     -10.6     -12.5

ACCRETION (AMORTIZATION) ON DEBT PREMIUM/DISCOUNT, net

     -0.1     -0.1     -0.1

GAIN (LOSS) ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OR RESTRUCTURING OF DEBT

     -8.3     -2.5     0.1

GAIN (LOSS) FROM CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS VALUATION

     0.5     1.0     -4.9

INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     0.0     0.4     -0.1

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAIN (LOSS)

     1.1     -0.8     2.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE REORGANIZATION ITEMS AND INCOME TAXES

     -19.3     -7.5     -17.2

REORGANIZATION ITEMS, net

     0.0     0.0     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     -19.3     -7.5     -17.2

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)

     1.7     -0.4     2.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     -17.6     -7.9     -14.9

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

     -7.9     -1.9     7.1

GAIN (LOSS) FROM SALE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

     36.2     -1.6     1.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     10.7     -11.4     -6.8

The following information reflects net revenue by product line for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except percentages) and is provided for informational purposes and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     Net Revenue      % of Total     Net Revenue      % of Total     Net Revenue      % of Total  

Retail Voice

   $ 156,515         60.1   $ 191,226         65.6   $ 188,289         66.8

Data/Internet

     72,717         27.9     68,881         23.6     62,688         22.2

Retail VoIP

     31,322         12.0     31,279         10.8     31,040         11.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 260,554         100.0   $ 291,386         100.0   $ 282,017         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

62


Table of Contents

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011

Net revenue: Net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $28.2 million, or 9.7%, to $263.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $291.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for a decrease of $2.6 million, net revenue decreased $30.8 million to $260.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $291.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

    Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended     Year-over-Year           Years Ended  
    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011                 December 31, 2012  

(in thousands)

  Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
    Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
    Variance     Variance %     Currency

Effect

    Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 34,058        12.9   $ 30,791        10.6   $ 3,267        10.6   $ (324   $ 33,734        12.9

North America Telecom

    229,115        87.1     260,023        89.2     (30,908     -11.9     (2,295     226,820        87.1

Other

    —          0.0     572        0.2     (572     -100.0     —          —          0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Revenue

  $ 263,173        100.0   $ 291,386        100.0   $ (28,213     -9.7   $ (2,619   $ 260,554        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $3.3 million, or 10.6%, to $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The net revenue increase is primarily due to continued growth in colocation, network connectivity and managed/cloud services. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for a $0.3 million decrease, net revenue increased $3.0 million to $33.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $30.9 million, or 11.9%, to $229.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $260.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The net revenue decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease of $14.4 million in retail voice services, a decrease of $7.0 million in local services, a decrease of $5.3 million in prepaid services, a decrease of $4.4 million in other services, a decrease of $1.2 million in wireless services, and a decrease of $0.6 million in data and hosting services offset, in part, by an increase of $1.8 million in Internet services and an increase of $0.2 million in VoIP services. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for a $2.3 million decrease, net revenue decreased $33.2 million to $226.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $260.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Cost of revenue: Cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $16.6 million to $126.7 million, or 48.1% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $143.3 million, or 49.2% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $1.4 million decrease, cost of revenue decreased $18.0 million to $125.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $143.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

    Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended     Year-over-Year           Years Ended  
    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011                 December 31, 2012  

(in thousands)

  Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
    Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
    Variance     Variance %     Currency
Effect
    Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 15,107        44.4   $ 12,823        41.6   $ 2,284        17.8   $ (127   $ 14,980        44.4

North America Telecom

    111,562        48.7     130,524        50.2     (18,962     -14.5     (1,279     110,283        48.6

Other

    —          0.0     —          0.0     —          0.0     —          —          0.0
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Cost of Revenue

  $ 126,669        48.1   $ 143,347        49.2   $ (16,678     -11.6   $ (1,406   $ 125,263        48.1
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

63


Table of Contents

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $2.3 million to $15.1 million, or 44.4% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $12.8 million, or 41.6% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in net revenue of $3.3 million as well as increases in occupancy and salaries due to expansion. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.1 million decrease, cost of revenue increased $2.2 million to $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $18.9 million to $111.6 million, or 48.7% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $130.5 million, or 50.2% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in net revenue of $30.9 million. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $1.3 million decrease, cost of revenue decreased $20.2 million to $110.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $130.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $7.2 million to $103.5 million, or 39.3% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $110.7 million, or 38.0% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.7 million decrease, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $7.9 million to $102.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $110.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

     Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended                 Years Ended  
    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011     Year-over-Year           December 31, 2012  

(in thousands)

  SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
    SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
    Variance     Variance %     Currency
Effect
    SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 5,801        17.0   $ 5,525        17.9   $ 276        5.0   $ (59   $ 5,742        17.0

North America Telecom

    73,063        31.9     84,162        32.4     (11,099     -13.2     (710     72,353        31.9

Other

    —          0.0     890        155.6     (890     -100.0     —          —          0.0

Corporate

    24,665        0.0     20,134        0.0     4,531        22.5     —          24,665        0.0
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total SG&A

  $ 103,529        39.3   $ 110,711        38.0   $ (7,182     -6.5   $ (769   $ 102,760        39.4
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data selling, general and administrative expense, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $0.3 million to $5.8 million, or 17.0% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $5.5 million, or 17.9% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $0.3 million in salaries and benefits. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.1 million decrease, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million to $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom selling, general and administrative expense, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $11.1 million to $73.1 million, or 31.9% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $84.2 million, or 32.4% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011. In general, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expense was attributable to cost saving efforts that involved payroll reductions, decreases in revenue based commissions and advertising spend. Specifically, the decrease is attributable to a decrease of $3.5 million in advertising expenses, a decrease of $2.1 million in sales and marketing expenses, a decrease of $2.0 million in salaries and benefits, a decrease of $2.0 million in general and administrative expenses, a decrease of $1.0 million in occupancy expenses, and a decrease of $0.5 million in professional fees. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.7 million decrease, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $11.8 million to $72.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $84.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

64


Table of Contents

Corporate: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense increased $4.5 million to $24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is attributable to an increase of $2.8 million in salaries and benefits, an increase of $1.6 million in general and administrative expenses, and an increase of $0.4 million in professional fees offset, in part, by a decrease of $0.3 million in travel and entertainment expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense: Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4.4 million to $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease is attributable to a decrease in the amortization of our Canadian customer list intangible asset. This intangible asset is amortized over a useful life that corresponds to the diminishing projected cash flows in the fresh start valuation model so future amortization expense will continue to decline.

Asset impairment expense: Asset impairment expense increased $10.0 million to $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from zero for the year ended December 31, 2011 as a result of an impairment related to our US trade name, “Primus Telecommunications”.

Interest expense and accretion (amortization) on debt premium/discount, net: Interest expense and accretion (amortization) on debt premium/discount, net decreased $6.9 million to $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was due to exchanging our prior higher rate debt for the 10% Notes in July 2011, as well as the repurchase of a portion of the outstanding 10% Notes in September 2012. See Note 6—“Long-Term Obligations” to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Gain (loss) from contingent value rights valuation: The gain from the change in fair value of the contingent value rights decreased $1.6 million to a gain of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from a gain of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates based on a pricing model and are correlated to and reflective of our common stock trends. As the fair value of our common stock increases/decreases, the fair value of the contingent value rights increases/decreases and a loss/gain from contingent rights valuation is recorded.

Interest income and other income (expense), net: Interest income and other income (expense), net decreased $1.2 million to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss): Foreign currency transaction loss decreased $5.1 million to a gain of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from a loss of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The gains and losses are attributable to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on intercompany debt balances and on receivables and payables denominated in a currency other than the subsidiaries’ functional currency. We incurred a foreign currency transaction gain on the intercompany payable balances that our Canadian subsidiaries have with our US subsidiaries due to an increase in the exchange rate in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the prior year when we incurred a loss due to a decrease in the exchange rate in the third quarter of 2011.

Income tax benefit (expense): Income tax benefit (expense) is a $4.5 million benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to a $1.3 million expense for the year ended December 31, 2011. The benefit includes a benefit from the release of a liability on our US trade name, “Primus Telecommunications” and certain ASC 740 liabilities as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations, partially offset by expenses consisting of a provision for foreign income taxes and foreign withholding tax on intercompany interest.

 

65


Table of Contents

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010

Net revenue: Net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $0.8 million, or 0.3%, to $281.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $282.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for an increase of $10.2 million, net revenue increased $9.4 million to $291.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $282.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

    Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended     Year-over-Year           Years Ended  
    December 31, 2011     December 31, 2010                       December 31, 2011  

(in thousands)

  Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
    Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
    Variance     Variance %     Currency
Effect
    Net
Revenue
    % of
Total
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 29,572        10.5   $ 27,068        9.6   $ 2,504        9.3   $ 1,219      $ 30,791        10.6

North America Telecom

    251,067        89.3     254,841        90.4     (3,774     -1.5     8,956        260,023        89.2

Other

    564        0.2     108        0.0     456        422.2     8        572        0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Revenue

  $ 281,203        100.0   $ 282,017        100.0   $ (814     -0.3   $ 10,183      $ 291,386        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $2.5 million, or 9.3%, to $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $27.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for a $1.2 million increase, net revenue increased $3.7 million to $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $27.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom net revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $3.8 million, or 1.5%, to $251.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $254.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The net revenue decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease of $13.6 million in retail voice services, a decrease of $6.9 million in prepaid services, a decrease of $2.1 million in local services, a decrease of $0.7 million in wireless services, a decrease of $0.3 million in VoIP services, and a decrease of $0.2 million in data and hosting services offset, in part, by an increase of $18.9 million in other services and an increase of $1.1 million in Internet services. Inclusive of the currency effect which accounted for a $9.0 million increase, net revenue increased $5.2 million to $260.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $254.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Cost of revenue: Cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $3.3 million to $138.2 million, or 49.2% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $134.9 million, or 47.8% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $5.1 million increase, cost of revenue increased $8.4 million to $143.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $134.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

    Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended     Year-over-Year           Years Ended  
    December 31, 2011     December 31, 2010                       December 31, 2011  

(in thousands)

  Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
    Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
    Variance     Variance %     Currency
Effect
    Cost of
Revenue
    % of
Net
Revenue
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 12,327        41.7   $ 11,457        42.3   $ 870        7.6   $ 496      $ 12,823        41.6

North America Telecom

    125,888        50.1     123,435        48.4     2,453        2.0     4,636        130,524        50.2

Other

    —          0.0     —          0.0     —          0.0     —          —          0.0
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Cost of Revenue

  $ 138,215        49.2   $ 134,892        47.8   $ 3,323        2.5   $ 5,132      $ 143,347        49.2
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

66


Table of Contents

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $0.9 million to $12.3 million, or 41.7% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $11.4 million, or 42.3% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in net revenue of $2.5 million. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.5 million increase, cost of revenue increased $1.4 million to $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom cost of revenue, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $2.5 million to $125.9 million, or 50.1% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $123.4 million, or 48.4% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $15.6 million in other services, an increase of $1.6 million in Internet services, and an increase of $0.4 million in VoIP services offset, in part, by a decrease of $7.0 million in local services, a decrease of $4.3 million in prepaid services, a decrease of $3.3 million in retail voice services, a decrease of $0.3 million in data and hosting services, and a decrease of $0.2 million in wireless services. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $4.6 million increase, cost of revenue increased $7.1 million to $130.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $123.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $5.3 million to $107.7 million, or 38.3% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $113.0 million, or 40.1% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $3.0 million increase, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.3 million to $110.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $113.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

    Exclusive of Currency Effect           Inclusive of
Currency Effect
 
    Years Ended     Year-over-Year           Years Ended  
    December 31, 2011     December 31, 2010                       December 31, 2011  

(in thousands)

  SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
    SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
    Variance     Variance %     Currency
Effect
    SG&A     % of
Net
Revenue
 

BLACKIRON Data

  $ 5,303        17.9   $ 4,996        18.5   $ 307        6.1   $ 222      $ 5,525        17.9

North America Telecom

    81,415        32.4     88,839        34.9     (7,424     -8.4     2,747        84,162        32.4

Other

    877        155.5     1,594        1475.9     (717     -45.0     13        890        155.6

Corporate

    20,134        0.0     17,579        0.0     2,555        14.5     —          20,134        0.0
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total SG&A

  $ 107,729        38.3   $ 113,008        40.1   $ (5,279     -4.7   $ 2,982      $ 110,711        38.0
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

BLACKIRON Data: BLACKIRON Data selling, general and administrative expense, exclusive of the currency effect, increased $0.3 million to $5.3 million, or 17.9% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $5.0 million, or 18.5% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $0.2 million in salaries and benefits and $0.1 million in advertising expenses. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $0.2 million increase, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

North America Telecom: North America Telecom selling, general and administrative expense, exclusive of the currency effect, decreased $7.4 million to $81.4 million, or 32.4% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $88.8 million, or 34.9% of net revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease is attributable to a decrease of $2.4 million in sales and marketing expenses, a decrease of $2.2 million in general and administrative expenses, a decrease of $1.7 million in salaries and benefits, a decrease of $1.0 million in occupancy expenses, and a decrease of $0.7 million in professional fees offset, in part, by an increase

 

67


Table of Contents

of $0.6 million in advertising expenses. Inclusive of the currency effect, which accounted for a $2.7 million increase, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4.7 million to $84.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $88.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Corporate: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense increased $2.6 million to $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $17.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase is attributable to an increase of $1.4 million in salaries and benefits, an increase of $0.6 million in professional fees, an increase of $0.5 million in travel and entertainment expenses, and an increase of $0.2 million in occupancy expenses offset, in part, by a decrease of $0.1 million in general and administrative expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense: Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4.8 million to $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily the result of certain assets revalued at the time of fresh-start accounting and depreciated over a one year life which ended on June 30, 2010.

Interest expense and accretion (amortization) on debt premium/discount, net: Interest expense and accretion (amortization) on debt premium/discount, net decreased $4.5 million to $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $35.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was due to the redemption of $24.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 14 1/4% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes in April 2011 and exchanging our prior higher rate debt for the 10% Notes in July 2011.

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt: Gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt was a loss of $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to professional fees incurred as a result of the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation, as compared to a gain of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Gain (loss) from contingent value rights valuation: The loss from the change in fair value of the contingent value rights decreased $16.6 million to a $2.9 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2011 from a $13.7 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2010. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates based on a pricing model and are correlated to and reflective of our common stock trends. As the fair value of our common stock increases/decreases, the fair value of the contingent value rights increases/decreases and a loss/gain from contingent rights valuation is recorded.

Interest income and other income (expense), net: Interest income and other income (expense), net increased $1.5 million to $1.3 million in income for the year ended December 31, 2011 from a $0.2 million expense for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss): Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) decreased $9.0 million to a loss of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from a gain of $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The gains and losses are attributable to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on intercompany debt balances and on receivables and payables denominated in a currency other than the subsidiaries’ functional currency. We incurred a foreign currency transaction loss on the intercompany payable balances that our Canadian subsidiaries have with our US subsidiaries due to a decrease in the exchange rate in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the prior year when we incurred a gain due to an increase in the exchange rate in the first and second quarters of 2010.

Income tax benefit (expense): Income tax benefit (expense) is a $1.3 million expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to a $6.5 million benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010. The benefit includes expenses consisting of foreign withholding tax on intercompany interest, the release of certain ASC 740 liabilities as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations and charges for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740. The foreign tax expense was offset by a significant benefit from the release of valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 7—“Income Taxes,” to our consolidated annual audited financial statements for further detail.

 

68


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Important Long-Term Liquidity and Capital Structure Developments:

Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes

On September 17, 2012, PTHI consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes. In connection with this repurchase, the sellers of the 10% Notes, representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 10% Notes, consented to amendments of the 10% Notes Indenture to remove substantially all of the restrictive and reporting covenants under the 10% Notes Indenture, as well as certain events of default and related provisions, which were memorialized in the First Supplemental Indenture to the 10% Notes Indenture.

On November 14, 2012, PTHI consummated the Note Exchange of $79.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $86.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes, which were newly issued pursuant to the Second Supplemental Indenture to the 10% Notes Indenture. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012. The 10% Exchange Notes accrue interest from November 14, 2012 and are guaranteed by the same entities, including PTGi, that guarantee the 10% Notes. The terms of the 10% Exchange Notes are substantially similar to those governing the 10% Notes, which are described in greater detail below under “—Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes,” except that the applicable redemption price of the 10% Exchange Notes at any time such notes are redeemed is 100.00% of the principal amount of such 10% Exchange Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Unless the context dictates otherwise, all references herein to the “10% Notes” include the 10% Exchange Notes.

In connection with the Note Exchange, the participating noteholders consented to amendments to the 10% Notes Indenture contained in, and PTGi and the guarantors of the 10% Notes agreed to enter into, the Second Supplemental Indenture, the terms of which are described in greater detail above under “—Recent Developments—Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes.”

On December 19, 2012, PTHI consummated a second note exchange of $23.8 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $25.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012.

Divestiture of Primus Australia and Subsequent Asset Sale Tender Offer

On May 31, 2012, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the outstanding equity of Primus Australia to M2 pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price before adjustment was approximately $AUD 192.4 million (or approximately $USD 195.7 million giving effect to a currency hedge that the Company put in place in connection with the transaction). See “—Recent Developments—Divestiture of Primus Australia” for additional detail regarding this transaction.

This transaction was approved by PTGi’s Board of Directors and the Special Committee of the Board of Directors previously established to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. Following the consummation of the transaction, the Special Committee continues to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives, which may include (but may not be limited to) a sale, merger or other business combination involving the Company, a recapitalization of the Company, a joint venture arrangement, the sale or spinoff of other Company assets or one or more of its other business units, or the continued execution of the Company’s business plans. The Company has not set a timetable for completion of the Special Committee’s evaluation process or, except as described above with respect to Primus Australia and below with respect to ICS, made a decision to pursue any particular course of action or transaction, and there can be no assurance that any transaction will be pursued or completed.

 

69


Table of Contents

On June 20, 2012, PTHI commenced an offer to purchase (the “Offer to Purchase”) up to $183,300,000 aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of 10% Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted in the Offer to Purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the settlement date for the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase expired on July 19, 2012. No 10% Notes were tendered pursuant to the Offer to Purchase.

The Offer to Purchase was required by the 10% Notes Indenture as a result of the sale of the Company’s Australia segment and the receipt of proceeds therefrom. The 10% Notes Indenture required PTHI to make the Offer to Purchase using the Excess Proceeds (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) from this transaction, which constituted an “Asset Sale” under the 10% Notes Indenture. The Company determined that the Excess Proceeds from this transaction equaled $183.3 million (the “Offer Amount”).

Pursuant to the 10% Notes Indenture, because no 10% Notes were tendered in the Offer to Purchase (and thus no Excess Proceeds were used to purchase 10% Notes), (i) the Company could thereafter use all Excess Proceeds that were the subject of the Offer to Purchase (i.e., the Offer Amount) for general corporate purposes not otherwise prohibited by the 10% Notes Indenture and (ii) the amount of Excess Proceeds for purposes of the 10% Notes Indenture was reset at zero.

Pursuit of Divestiture of ICS Business Unit

In connection with the Special Committee’s continued evaluation of strategic alternatives discussed above, on June 28, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of such business unit. As a result of holding the ICS business unit out for sale, such business unit has been classified as a discontinued operation and its held for sale assets and liabilities have been removed from the specific line items on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations” to the notes to our consolidated annual audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes

On July 7, 2011, in connection with the consummation of the private (i) exchange offers (the “Exchange Offers”) for any and all outstanding Units representing the 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the “13% Notes”) issued by PTHI and Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. (“Primus Canada”), and the 14 1/4% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2013 (the “14 1/4% Notes”) issued by Primus Telecommunications IHC, Inc., (ii) consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) to amend the indenture governing the 13% Notes and release the collateral securing the 13% Notes, and (iii) related transactions, PTHI issued $240.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes. An aggregate of $228.6 million in principal amount of 10% Notes was issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers, and PTHI issued an additional $11.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes for cash, the proceeds of which were used to redeem all 14 1/4% Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offers and thereby discharge all of our obligations with respect to the 14 1/4% Notes. In connection with the Exchange Offers, the Company also incurred $6.9 million of third party costs which are included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the consolidated statements of operations.

The 10% Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 10% Notes will mature on April 15, 2017.

The 10% Notes and related guarantees are secured by a pledge of and first lien security interest in (subject to certain exceptions) substantially all of the assets of PTHI and the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi (the “Guarantors”), including a first-priority pledge of all of the capital stock held by PTHI, the Guarantors and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of each non-U.S. subsidiary and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company is limited to 65% of the capital stock of such subsidiary).

 

70


Table of Contents

The 10% Notes rank senior in right of payment to existing and future subordinated indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank junior to any priority lien obligations entered into by PTHI or the Guarantors in accordance with the 10% Notes Indenture.

Prior to March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes at the redemption premium of 110% of the principal amount of the 10% Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings. Prior to March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem some or all of the 10% Notes at a make-whole premium as set forth in the 10% Notes Indenture. On or after March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem some or all of the 10% Notes at a premium that will decrease over time as set forth in the 10% Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As discussed above under “—Repurchase of a Majority of 10% Notes and Subsequent Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes,” the redemption premiums described in this paragraph apply to the 10% Notes but not the 10% Exchange Notes, for which the applicable redemption premium is in all cases 100% of the principal amount of such notes redeemed.

Upon the occurrence of certain Changes of Control (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) with respect to the Company, PTHI must give holders of the 10% Notes an opportunity to sell their 10% Notes to PTHI at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of such 10% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. If PTGi or any of its restricted subsidiaries consummates certain Asset Sales (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) and does not choose to use all of the net proceeds of such Asset Sale for specified purposes, PTHI may be required to use the remaining net proceeds from such Asset Sale (which are defined as “Excess Proceeds” under the 10% Notes Indenture) to offer to repurchase the 10% Notes using such Excess Proceeds at a purchase price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The 10% Notes Indenture contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of each of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of PTGi’s capital stock or make other restricted payments; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise convey certain assets; (v) create certain liens; (vi) designate future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (vii) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; and (viii) enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The 10% Notes Indenture contains other customary terms, including, but not limited to, events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all of the then outstanding 10% Notes to be due and payable immediately.

Changes in Cash Flows

Our principal liquidity requirements arise from cash used in operating activities, purchases of network equipment, including switches, related transmission equipment and capacity, development of back-office systems, expansion of data center facilities, interest and principal payments on outstanding debt and other obligations and income taxes. We have financed our growth and operations to date through public offerings and private placements of debt and equity securities, vendor financing, capital lease financing and other financing arrangements.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, net income, net of non-cash operating activity, provided $28.6 million of cash. Other major drivers included a decrease in accounts receivable of $16.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses, deferred revenue, other current liabilities and other liabilities, net of $9.4 million, a decrease in accounts payable of $8.4 million and a decrease in accrued interest of $3.9 million.

 

71


Table of Contents

Net cash provided by operating activities was $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net income, net of non-cash operating activity, provided $56.0 million of cash. In addition, cash was increased by increases in accrued interest of $3.7 million and accrued income taxes of $3.3 million, as well as decreases in other assets of $3.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we used $9.7 million to reduce our accounts payable, $4.3 million to reduce our accrued interconnection costs and $9.8 million to reduce our accrued expenses, deferred revenue, other current liabilities and other liabilities, net.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $149.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012 included $183.1 million of net proceeds from the sale of Primus Australia, partially offset by $31.7 million of capital expenditures and $1.7 million used in the acquisition of businesses.

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2011 included $31.5 million of capital expenditures and was primarily offset by $14.2 million from the sale of fixed wireless spectrum licenses by Globility, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary. In addition, net cash used in investing activities was offset by $9.5 million provided by the acquisition of businesses, $1.5 million from the sale of a business and $4.1 million from the sale of marketable securities.

Net cash used in financing activities was $191.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012 included $119.0 million used to repurchase a portion of the 10% Notes, $55.4 million used to pay the special cash Dividends to our shareholders, $13.5 million used to pay fees related to the repurchase of a portion of the 10% Notes, the subsequent November and December note exchanges for a portion of the 10% Notes and the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation, $1.7 million used to reduce the principal amounts outstanding on capital leases and $1.7 million used to satisfy the tax obligations for shares issued under share-based compensation arrangements, partially offset by $0.1 million in proceeds from the sale of common stock.

Net cash used in financing activities was $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, $33.3 million was used to reduce the principal amounts outstanding on capital leases, leased fiber capacity, financing facilities and other long-term obligations, net of proceeds, $4.9 million was used to pay fees related to the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation, $1.2 million was paid to a noncontrolling interest and $0.4 million was used to buy treasury stock. In addition, $1.1 million was provided by proceeds from the sale of common stock.

Short—and Long-Term Liquidity Considerations and Risks; Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2012, we had $23.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our debt service requirements, other fixed obligations (such as capital leases, vendor financing and other long-term obligations), and other cash needs for our operations for at least the next twelve months.

As of December 31, 2012, we have $7.9 million in future minimum purchase obligations, $56.3 million in future operating lease payments and $127.8 million of indebtedness.

 

72


Table of Contents

The obligations set forth in the table below reflect the contractual payments of principal and interest that existed as of December 31, 2012:

 

     Payments Due By Period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3 years     3-5 years     More
than 5
years
 

13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016

   $ 3,652      $ 312      $ 624      $ 2,716      $ —     

10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

     18,403        1,269        2,538        14,596        —     

10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017

     162,377        10,383        22,518        129,476        —     

Capital Leases and Other

     110        73        37        —          —     

Operating Leases

     56,284        12,560        17,320        12,122        14,282   

Purchase Obligations

     7,876        4,244        3,632        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Minimum Principal & Interest Payments

     248,702        28,841        46,669        158,910        14,282   

Less: Amount Representing Interest

     (56,759     (11,970     (25,683     (19,106     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 191,943      $ 16,871      $ 20,986      $ 139,804      $ 14,282   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We have contractual obligations to utilize network facilities from certain carriers with terms greater than one year. We generally do not purchase or commit to purchase quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within the contract term.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of our “New Accounting Pronouncements,” refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Related Party Transactions

For a discussion of our “Related Party Transactions,” refer to Note 13—“Related Parties” to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains or incorporates a number of “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on current expectations, and are not strictly historical statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “if,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “future,” “forward,” “potential,” “estimate,” “opportunity,” “goal,” “objective,” “growth,” “outcome,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “strategy,” “provide,” “commitment,” “result,” “seek,” “pursue,” “ongoing,” “include” or in the negative of such terms or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements inherently involve certain risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of performance, results, or the creation of shareholder value, although they are based on our current plans or assessments which we believe to be reasonable as of the date hereof.

Factors or risks that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results we anticipate include, but are not limited to:

 

   

continuing uncertain global economic conditions;

 

   

significant changes in the competitive environment, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the effect of competition in our markets, including our pricing policies;

 

73


Table of Contents
   

uncertainties from our announcement of our exploration and evaluation of strategic alternatives that may enhance shareholder value or our ability to complete any transactions arising out of that evaluation, including the pursuit of a divestiture of our ICS business unit;

 

   

our possible inability to generate sufficient liquidity, margins, earnings per share, cash flow and working capital;

 

   

our ability to attract and retain customers;

 

   

our expectations regarding increased competition, pricing pressures, and declining usage patterns in our traditional products;

 

   

the effectiveness and profitability of our growth products and bundled service offerings, the pace and cost of customer migration onto our networks, and the successful network platform migration to reduce costs and increase efficiencies;

 

   

volatility in the volume and mix of trading activity on the Exchange;

 

   

strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, which may reduce the amount of U.S. dollars generated from foreign operating subsidiaries and adversely affect our ability to service our significant debt obligations and pay corporate expenses;

 

   

our compliance with complex laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally;

 

   

further changes in the telecommunications or Internet industry, including rapid technological, regulatory and pricing changes in our principal markets;

 

   

our liquidity and possible inability to service our substantial indebtedness;

 

   

an occurrence of a default or event of default under our indentures;

 

   

our expectations regarding the timing, extent and effectiveness of our cost reduction initiatives and management’s ability to moderate or control discretionary spending;

 

   

management’s plans, goals, forecasts, expectations, guidance, objectives, strategies, and timing for future operations, acquisitions, synergies, asset dispositions, fixed asset and goodwill impairment charges, tax and withholding expense, selling, general and administrative expenses, product plans, performance and results;

 

   

management’s assessment of market factors and competitive developments, including pricing actions and regulatory rulings;

 

   

our possible inability to raise additional capital when needed, on attractive terms, or at all; and

 

   

our possible inability to hire and retain qualified executive management, sales, technical and other personnel.

Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also affect our business, financial condition and results. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the estimated or projected results will be realized. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date hereof. Subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so.

 

74


Table of Contents
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risk exposures relate to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Foreign currency exchange rates—Foreign currency can have a major impact on our financial results. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 86% of our net revenue was derived from sales and operations outside the U.S. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the United States dollar. The local currency of each country is the functional currency for each of our respective entities operating in that country. In the future, we expect to continue to derive the majority of our net revenue and incur a significant portion of our operating costs from outside the U.S., and therefore changes in exchange rates have had and may continue to have a significant, and potentially adverse, effect on our results of operations. Our risk of loss regarding foreign currency exchange rates is caused primarily by fluctuations in the following exchange rates: USD/CAD, USD/GBP, and USD/EUR. Due to the large percentage of our revenue derived outside of the U.S., changes in the USD relative to one or more of the foregoing currencies could have an adverse impact on our future results of operations. In addition, prior to the sale of Primus Australia during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012, we also experienced risk of loss regarding foreign currency exchange rates due to fluctuations in the USD/Australian dollar (“AUD”) exchange rate. We have agreements with certain subsidiaries for repayment of a portion of the investments and advances made to these subsidiaries. As we anticipate repayment in the foreseeable future, we recognize the unrealized gains and losses in foreign currency transaction gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations. The exposure of our income from operations to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is reduced in part because a majority of the costs that we incur in connection with our foreign operations are also denominated in local currencies.

We historically have not engaged in hedging transactions. However, in connection with the divestiture of Primus Australia, we entered into a cash flow hedging agreement to mitigate the movements in the AUD versus the USD between the announcement date of the sale to the closing date of the sale, which occurred on May 31, 2012.

We are exposed to financial statement gains and losses as a result of translating the operating results and financial position of our international subsidiaries. We translate the local currency statements of operations of our foreign subsidiaries into USD using the average exchange rate during the reporting period. Changes in foreign exchange rates affect the reported profits and losses and cash flows of our international subsidiaries and may distort comparisons from year to year. By way of example, when the USD strengthens compared to the CAD, there could be a negative or positive effect on the reported results for our Canadian operating segment, depending upon whether the business in our Canadian operating segment is operating profitably or at a loss. It takes more profits in CAD to generate the same amount of profits in USD and a greater loss in CAD to generate the same amount of loss in USD. The opposite is also true. For instance, when the USD weakens against the CAD, there is a positive effect on reported profits and a negative effect on the reported losses for our Canadian operating segment.

In the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, the USD was stronger on average as compared to the CAD, GBP and EUR; the USD was weaker on average as compared to the AUD. As a result, the revenue of our subsidiaries whose local currency is CAD, AUD, GBP and EUR increased (decreased) (8.4%), (60.2%), (24.9%) and (218.8%), respectively, in their local currencies compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, and increased (decreased) (9.5%), (59.9%), (25.9%) and (271.3%), respectively, in USD.

In the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, the USD was weaker on average as compared to the CAD, AUD, GBP and EUR. As a result, the revenue of our subsidiaries whose local currency is CAD, AUD, GBP, and EUR increased (decreased) 2.3%, (7.9%), 180.6% and (99.9%), respectively, in their local currencies compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, and increased (decreased) 6.7%, 3.6%, 192.2% and (99.9%), respectively, in USD.

 

75


Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     F-2   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

     F-3   

Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-7   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

     F-8   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-9   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-10   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-11   

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-1   

 

76


Table of Contents
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Disclosure controls and procedures mean our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 appears on page F-2 and is incorporated herein by reference. The report of BDO on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control.

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

On March 11, 2013, the Compensation Committee reevaluated Mr. Aquino’s 2012 STIP cash award to be awarded pursuant to his Employment Agreement. Upon the completion of such reevaluation, the Compensation Committee increased the amount of such award from $1,680,000 to $2,145,000, with 50% of such award vesting in March 2013 and 50% of such award vesting in March 2014 and in each case subject to the terms and conditions of such award.

 

77


Table of Contents

PART III

Certain of the information required by Part III will be provided in our definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders, which definitive proxy statement will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 2013 (“2013 Proxy Statement”), and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information relating to our directors is set forth under the caption entitled “Election of Directors” in our 2013 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to our executive officers is set forth in our 2013 Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Officers, Directors and Key Employees” and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth in our 2013 Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to our Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert is set forth in our 2013 Proxy Statement under the Caption “Board Committees” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees, including the chief executive officer, senior financial officers and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is a statement of business practices and principles of behavior that support our commitment to conducting business while maintaining the highest standards of business conduct and ethics. Our Code of Ethics covers topics including, but not limited to, compliance resources, conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, rules and regulations, internal reporting of violations and accountability for adherence to the Code. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.ptgi.com. Any amendment of the Code of Ethics or any waiver of its provisions for a director, executive officer or senior financial officer must be approved by the Board of Directors. We will publicly disclose any such waivers or amendments pursuant to applicable SEC and the NYSE regulations.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information regarding compensation of our officers and directors is set forth under the caption entitled “Executive Compensation” in our 2013 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information regarding ownership of certain of our securities is set forth under the captions entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” in our 2013 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions with us is set forth under the caption entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our 2013 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

78


Table of Contents
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the caption entitled “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our 2013 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

79


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

a) Financial Statements and Schedules

The financial statements as set forth under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated herein.

 

Financial Statement Schedules:

   Page  

(II) Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-1   

All other financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.

b) Exhibit listing

The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 10, 2010 by and among Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (“PTGi”), PTG Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi (“Merger Sub”), and Arbinet Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Arbinet”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 12, 2010) (File No. 000-29092).
  2.2    Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 14, 2010, by and among PTGi, Merger Sub and Arbinet (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 15, 2010) ( File No. 000-29092).
  2.3    Equity Purchase Agreement, dated April 15, 2012, by and among M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd,, Primus Telecommunications International, Inc. and PTGi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 19, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  3.1    Second Amended and Restated By-laws of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 27, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  3.2    Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to PTGi’s Form 8-A, filed on June 20, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.1    Specimen of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to PTGI’s Form 8-A, filed on June 20, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.2    Class A Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2009, by and between PTGi and StockTrans, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2009) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.3    Class B Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2009, by and between PTGi and StockTrans, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2009) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.4    Contingent Value Rights Distribution Agreement of PTGi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PTGi’s Form 8-A, filed on July 1, 2009) (File No. 000-29092).

 

80


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  4.5.1    Indenture, dated as of December 22, 2009, by and among Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc. (“PTHI”), Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. (“Primus Canada”), the Guarantors party thereto, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, U.S. Bank National Association, as U.S. Collateral Trustee, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Canadian Collateral Trustee, relating to Units, each Unit comprised of $653.85 principal amount of 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 issued by PTHI and $346.15 principal amount of 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 issued by Primus Canada (“13% Notes”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 24, 2009) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.5.2    Form of Unit comprised of $653.85 principal amount of 13% Notes issued by PTHI and $346.15 principal amount of 13% Notes issued by Primus Canada (included in Exhibit 4.5.1) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.5.3    Form of 13% Note issued by PTHI (included in Exhibit 4.5.1) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.5.4    Form of 13% Note issued by Primus Canada (included in Exhibit 4.5.1) (File No. 000-29092).
  4.5.5    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 5, 2011, by and among PTHI, Primus Canada, the guarantors named therein, The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, U.S. Bank National Association, as U.S. collateral trustee, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Canadian collateral trustee, supplementing the 13% Notes Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 8, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.6.1    Indenture, dated as of July 7, 2011, by and among PTHI, as Issuer, the guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee, relating to the 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (“10% Notes”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 8, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.6.2    Form of 10% Note issued by PTHI (included in Exhibit 4.6.1) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.6.3    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2012, by and among PTHI, the Guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 17, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  4.6.4    Second Supplemental Indenture and First Amendment to Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2012, by and among PTHI, the Guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 14, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
    4.6.5    Form of 10% Exchange Note issued by PTHI (included in Exhibit 4.6.4) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.1^    PTGi Management Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 25, 2011) (File No. 000-29092).
  10.2^    Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2010, by and between Peter D. Aquino and PTGi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 13, 2010) (File No. 000-29092).
  10.3^    Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2010, by and between Peter D. Aquino and PTGi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 13, 2010) (File No. 000-29092).
  10.4^    Arbinet Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Arbinet Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on July 9, 2004) (File No. 333-117278).

 

81


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.5^    Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Arbinet Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed on November 29, 2004) (File No. 333-117278).
  10.6^    Certificate of Amendment to the Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Arbinet Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 9, 2006) (File No. 000-51063).
  10.7    License Agreement, effective as of February 16, 2011, by and between Arbinet Corporation and AIP Acquisition LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Arbinet Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 17, 2011) (File No. 000-51063).
  10.8^    Offer Letter between PTGi and Kenneth D. Schwarz dated June 17, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.9^    Form of Indemnification Agreement between PTGi and its Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on PTGi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 15, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.10^    Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated Management Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on PTGi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 14, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.11^    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated Management Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on PTGi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 14, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.12^    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated Management Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on PTGi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 14, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.13^    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Director Grants under the Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated Management Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 on PTGi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 14, 2011) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.14^    Omnibus Amendment to Restricted Stock Agreements for Peter D. Aquino, dated November 1, 2011, by and between Peter D. Aquino and PTGi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to PTGi’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 15, 2012).
  10.15^    Separation and Release Agreement, dated July 1, 2012, by and between Kenneth Schwarz and Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 3, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.16    Form of Letter Agreement relating to the repurchase by PTHI of a portion of its 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 from certain selling holders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the PTGI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 9, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.17    Note Exchange and Consent Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2012, by and among PTHI, the Guarantors party thereto and the Noteholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 14, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).

 

82


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

  10.18   Note Exchange and Consent Agreement dated as of December 19, 2012, by and between PTHI and the Noteholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 21, 2012) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.19^   Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and between PTGi and Peter D. Aquino (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 18, 2013) (File No. 001-35210).
  10.20^   Offer Letter, dated March 22, 2011, by and between PTGi and James Keeley
  10.21^   Offer Letter, dated February 24, 2011, by and between Primus Telecommunications Canada, Incorporated (“PTCI”) and Andrew Day
  10.22^   Amendment to Offer Letter, dated February 9, 2012, by and between PTCI and Andrew Day
  12.1   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).
  16.1   Letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 26, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of PTGi’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 26, 2011) (File No. 001-29092).
  21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).
  23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
  23.2   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
  24.1   Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of PTGi (included on signature page).
  31   Certifications (filed herewith).
  32*   Certification (filed herewith).
  101**   The following materials from the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in extensible business reporting language (XBRL); (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (filed herewith).

 

* These certifications are being “furnished” and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
^ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

83


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 14, 2013.

 

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED
By:   /S/    ANDREW DAY        
 

Andrew Day

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Andrew Day and James C. Keeley, or each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and any other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    ANDREW DAY         

Andrew Day

   President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   March 14, 2013

/S/    PETER D. AQUINO         

Peter D. Aquino

   Executive Chairman of the Board   March 14, 2013

/S/    JAMES C. KEELEY         

James C. Keeley

   Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   March 14, 2013

/S/    STEVEN D. SCHEIWE         

Steven D. Scheiwe

   Director   March 14, 2013

/S/    ROBERT M. PONS         

Robert M. Pons

   Director   March 14, 2013

/S/    NEIL S. SUBIN         

Neil S. Subin

   Director   March 14, 2013

/S/    MARK E. HOLLIDAY         

Mark E. Holliday

   Director   March 14, 2013

 

84


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     F-2   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

     F-3   

Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-7   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

     F-8   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-9   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-10   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-11   

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-1   

 

F-1


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (“Primus” or the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

1. pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

2. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

3. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in condition, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, management concludes that Primus maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.

 

/S/    ANDREW DAY        

 

   March 14, 2013

Andrew Day

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal

Executive Officer)

  

/S/    JAMES C. KEELEY        

 

   March 14, 2013

James C. Keeley

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

 

F-2


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

McLean, Virginia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 14, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

We also have audited the retrospective adjustments to the 2010 consolidated financial statements for the discontinued operations of Australia, ICS, and Brazil, as described in Note 18, the composition of reportable segments, as described in Note 14 and certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to the BLACKIRON Data operating segment which were reclassified to cost of revenue as part of the Company’s new operating segment structure, as described in Note 2. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2010 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2010 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Bethesda, Maryland

March 14, 2013

 

F-3


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and subsidiaries

McLean, VA

We have audited, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments (1) for the discontinued operations of Brazil, Australia, and the International Carrier Services (“ICS”) segment, (2) to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments, and (3) for the reclassification of certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to the BLACKIRON Data operating segment which were reclassified to cost of revenue on the statement of operations, discussed in Notes 18, 14, and 2, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the 2010 consolidated financial statements before the effects of the retrospective adjustments discussed in Notes 18, 14, and 2 to the consolidated financial statements are not presented herein). Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2010 listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such 2010 consolidated financial statements, before the effects (1) of the retrospective adjustments for the discontinued operations of Brazil, Australia, and the ICS segment, (2) to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments, and (3) for the reclassification of certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to the BLACKIRON Data operating segment which were reclassified to cost of revenue on the statement of operations, discussed in Notes 18, 14, and 2, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements, present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the operations and the cash flows of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such 2010 financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 2010 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the retrospective adjustments for (1) the discontinued operations of Brazil, Australia, and the ICS segment, (2) the retrospective adjustments to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments, or (3) for the reclassification of certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to the BLACKIRON Data operating segment which were reclassified to cost of revenue on the statement of operations, discussed in Notes 18, 14, and 2, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such retrospective adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those retrospective adjustments were audited by other auditors.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

McLean, Virginia

March 25, 2011

 

F-4


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

McLean, Virginia

We have audited Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Controls and Procedures”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012 and our report dated March 14, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Bethesda, Maryland

March 14, 2013

 

F-5


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

NET REVENUE

   $ 260,554      $ 291,386      $ 282,017   

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation included below)

     125,263        143,347        134,892   

Selling, general and administrative

     102,760        110,711        113,008   

Depreciation and amortization

     31,023        35,371        40,177   

(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

     171        (12,948     (196

Asset impairment expense

     10,000        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     269,217        276,481        287,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     (8,663     14,905        (5,864

INTEREST EXPENSE

     (23,934     (30,811     (35,331

ACCRETION (AMORTIZATION) ON DEBT PREMIUM/DISCOUNT, net

     (201     (213     (183

GAIN (LOSS) ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OR RESTRUCTURING OF DEBT

     (21,682     (7,346     164   

GAIN (LOSS) FROM CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS VALUATION

     1,292        2,902        (13,737

INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     86        1,265        (167

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAIN (LOSS)

     2,739        (2,426     6,570   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE REORGANIZATION ITEMS AND INCOME TAXES

     (50,363     (21,724     (48,548

REORGANIZATION ITEMS, net

     —          —          1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (50,363     (21,724     (48,547

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)

     4,518        (1,282     6,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (45,845     (23,006     (42,032

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

     (20,551     (5,482     19,914   

GAIN (LOSS) FROM SALE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

     94,265        (4,781     2,926   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     27,869        (33,269     (19,192

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     18        (5,461     105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

   $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (1.48     (0.42     2.05   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     6.81        (0.37     0.30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (1.48     (0.42     2.05   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     6.81        (0.37     0.30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

      

Basic

     13,844        12,994        9,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     13,844        12,994        9,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

     4.09        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

   $ (45,827   $ (28,467   $ (41,927

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (20,551     (5,482     19,914   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     94,265        (4,781     2,926   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 27,869      $ (33,269   $ (19,192

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

      

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (8,156     (2,292     866   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

     19,713        (35,561     (18,326

Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     (711     (5,504     (74
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

   $ 19,002      $ (41,065   $ (18,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,197      $ 41,052   

Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of $1,771 and $7,552 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively)

     17,871        81,609   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     5,792        15,539   

Assets held for sale

     40,066        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     86,926        138,200   

RESTRICTED CASH

     848        11,891   

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net

     65,315        152,180   

GOODWILL

     60,744        71,902   

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS—Net

     63,024        135,677   

OTHER ASSETS

     24,333        33,974   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 301,190      $ 543,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 12,218      $ 46,627   

Accrued interconnection costs

     2,992        24,103   

Deferred revenue

     8,821        12,258   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     20,565        44,384   

Accrued income taxes

     7,741        10,617   

Accrued interest

     1,716        5,889   

Current portion of long-term obligations

     66        1,948   

Liabilities held for sale

     24,304        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     78,423        145,826   

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

     127,046        245,814   

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

     11,367        31,311   

CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS

     14,904        16,196   

OTHER LIABILITIES

     947        2,971   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     232,687        442,118   

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 9)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value—20,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, $0.001 par value—80,000,000 shares authorized; 13,965,155 and 13,772,646 shares issued and 13,933,529 and 13,741,020 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

     14        14   

Additional paid-in capital

     98,534        142,796   

Accumulated deficit

     (23,198     (51,085

Treasury stock, at cost—31,626 and 31,626 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

     (378     (378

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (6,469     2,416   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest

     68,503        93,763   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

     —          7,943   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     68,503        101,706   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 301,190      $ 543,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

          Common Stock                                
    Total     Shares     Amount     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

  $ 99,909        9,600      $ 10      $ 85,533      $ —        $ 6,732      $ 4,064      $ 3,570   

Share-based compensation expense

    1,795        —          —          1,795        —          —          —          —     

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net

    (344     201        —          (344     —          —          —          —     

Net income (loss)

    (19,192     —          —          —          —          (19,087            (105

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    866        —          —          —          —          —          687        179   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

  $ 83,034        9,801      $ 10      $ 86,984      $ —        $ (12,355   $ 4,751      $ 3,644   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

    5,218        —          —          5,218        —          —                 —     

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net

    1,110        739        1        1,109        —          —                 —     

Transaction costs of merger

    (1,121     —          —          (1,121     —          —                 —     

Stock consideration issued for merger

    50,609        3,233        3        50,606        —          —                 —     

Purchase of treasury stock

    (378     (32     —          —          (378     —                 —     

Dividend to noncontrolling interest

    (1,205     —          —          —          —          —                 (1,205

Net income (loss)

    (33,269     —          —          —          —          (38,730            5,461   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (2,292     —          —          —          —          —          (2,335     43   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

  $ 101,706        13,741      $ 14      $ 142,796      $ (378   $ (51,085   $ 2,416      $ 7,943   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

    5,194        —          —          5,194        —          —                 —     

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net

    124        193        —          124        —          —                 —     

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

    (1,653     —          —          (1,653     —          —                 —     

Dividends declared

    (56,581     —          —          (56,581     —          —                 —     

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          8,654        —          —                 (8,654

Net income (loss)

    27,869        —          —          —          —          27,887               (18

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (8,156     —          —          —          —          —          (8,885     729   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

  $ 68,503        13,934      $ 14      $ 98,534      $ (378   $ (23,198   $ (6,469   $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 27,869      $ (33,269   $ (19,192

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Reorganization items, net

     —          —          (1

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

     4,819        7,621        8,392   

Share-based compensation expense

     5,194        5,218        1,635   

Depreciation and amortization

     43,239        65,148        68,220   

(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

     (93,175     (8,163     (2,542

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

     20,298        14,679        6,161   

Accretion (amortization) of debt premium/discount, net

     201        213        183   

Change in fair value of Contingent Value Rights

     (1,292     (2,902     13,737   

Deferred income taxes

     119        (1,763     (6,321

(Gain) loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt

     21,682        7,346        (164

Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss on intercompany and foreign debt

     (324     1,898        (15,734

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

      

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

     16,372        (540     3,405   

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,397     720        (1,176

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     5,933        3,550        (2,545

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (8,393     (9,747     (8,476

Increase (decrease) in accrued interconnection costs

     (3,397     (4,309     (6,167

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses, deferred revenue, other current liabilities and other liabilities, net

     (9,367     (9,840     (331

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

     (942     3,332        (2,581

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest

     (3,870     3,740        118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities before cash reorganization items

     23,569        42,932        36,621   

Cash effect of reorganization items

     —          —          (137
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     23,569        42,932        36,484   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchase of property and equipment

     (31,747     (31,533     (26,421

Sale of property and equipment and other assets

     25        14,227        5,598   

Cash from disposition of business, net of cash disposed

     183,101        1,464        123   

Cash acquired from business acquisitions, net of cash paid

     (1,707     9,501        —     

Sales of marketable securities

     —          4,087        —     

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

     66        (78     (521
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     149,738        (2,332     (21,221
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Proceeds from long-term obligations

     —          11,625        —     

Principal payments on long-term obligations

     (120,763     (44,970     (13,866

Payment of fees on restructuring of debt

     (13,455     (4,940     —     

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net

     124        1,110        —     

Payment of dividends

     (55,390     —          —     

Payment to noncontrolling interest

     —          (1,205     —     

Purchase of treasury stock

     —          (378     —     

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

     (1,653     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (191,137     (38,758     (13,866
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (25     (2,324     (2,401
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (17,855     (482     (1,004

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     41,052        41,534        42,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 23,197      $ 41,052      $ 41,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 24,908      $ 26,729      $ 35,576   

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 2,349      $ 1,594      $ 2,996   

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Capital lease additions

   $ —        $ 14,874      $ 51   

Acquisition purchase consideration recorded in working-capital and long-term liabilities

   $ —        $ 2,507      $ —     

Business disposition proceeds in note receivable

   $ —        $ —        $ 3,380   

Business acquisition purchased with Company common stock

   $ —        $ 50,609      $ —     

Premium associated with debt restructuring converted into new debt

   $ 9,084      $ 22,666      $ —     

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

   $ 8,654      $ —        $ —     

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated, (“PTGi” or the “Company”) is an integrated facilities-based communications services provider offering a portfolio of international and domestic voice, wireless, Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), data, colocation and data center services to customers located primarily in Canada and the United States. The Company’s primary market is Canada, where it has deployed significant network infrastructure. The Company classifies its services into three categories: Growth Services, Traditional Services and International Carrier Services (“ICS”). It provides these services from its three business units: North America Telecom, BLACKIRON Data (previously known as “Data Center”) and ICS. The Company’s two primary reportable operational segments are North America Telecom and BLACKIRON Data.

The Company targets customers with significant telecommunications and data management needs, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, enterprise organizations, multinational corporations, residential customers, and other telecommunication carriers and resellers. We provide services over our global, facilities-based network, and through our Canadian data centers which consists of:

 

   

8 data centers in 5 cities in Canada (Toronto, Ottawa, London, Edmonton, and Vancouver);

 

   

13 carrier-grade international gateway and domestic switching systems (the hardware/software devices that direct voice traffic across the network), Internet routers and media gateways in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region;

 

   

approximately 120 interconnection points to our network, or points of presence (“POPs”), within our service regions and other markets;

 

   

undersea and land-based fiber optic transmission line systems that we own or lease and that carry voice and data traffic across the network;

 

   

a global network that uses high-bandwidth IP networking; and

 

   

a global VoIP network based on routers and gateways with an open network architecture which connects our partners in over 150 countries.

The Company is incorporated in the state of Delaware and operates as a holding company of operating subsidiaries primarily in Canada and the United States.

On June 23, 2011, the Company began to trade its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PTGI.” At that time, trading of its common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol “PMUG” ceased.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. Prior to July 31, 2012, the Company owned 45.6% of Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”) through direct and indirect ownership structures. As a result of changes to the Telecommunications Act in Canada, the Company is no longer restricted by Canadian foreign ownership laws. Given these changes, Primus Telecommunications International, Inc. (“PTII”) purchased the remaining 54.4% of Globility on July 31, 2012. Prior to the purchase of the remaining 54.4%, the results of Globility and its subsidiary were consolidated with the Company’s results based on guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Discontinued Operations—In the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment and committed to dispose of and is actively soliciting a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. During 2011, the Company sold its Brazilian segment and in 2010, the Company classified its European retail operations as discontinued operations.

The Company has applied retrospective adjustments for 2011 and 2010 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2012. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities and removed from the specific line items on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. See Note 18—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information regarding these transactions.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue—Net revenue is derived from carrying a mix of business, residential and carrier long-distance traffic, data and Internet traffic, and also from the provision of hosting, local and wireless services.

For certain voice services, net revenue is earned based on the number of minutes during a call and is recorded upon completion of a call. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received through the Company’s network switches. Customized software has been designed to track the information from the switch and analyze the call detail records against stored detailed information about revenue rates. This software provides the Company the ability to do a timely and accurate analysis of revenue earned in a period. Separate prepaid services software is used to track additional information related to prepaid service usage such as activation date, monthly usage amounts and expiration date. Revenue on these prepaid services is recognized as service is provided until expiration, when all unused minutes, which are no longer available to the customers, are recognized as revenue.

Net revenue is also earned on a fixed monthly fee basis for unlimited local and long-distance voice plans and for the provision of data/Internet services (including retail VoIP), hosting, and colocation. Data/Internet services include monthly fees collected for the provision of dedicated and dial-up access at various speeds and bandwidths. These fees are recognized as access is provided on a monthly basis. Additionally, service activation and installation fees are deferred and amortized over the longer of the average customer life or the contract term. The Company records payments received in advance for services and services to be provided under contractual agreements, such as Internet broadband, dial-up access, hosting, and colocation, as deferred revenue until such related services are provided.

In the United States, we charge customers Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) fees. We recognize revenue on a gross basis for USF and related fees. We record these fees as revenue when billed.

Net revenue represents gross revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments.

Presentation of Taxes Collected—The Company reports any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between the Company and a customer (including sales, use, value-added and some excise taxes) on a net basis (excluded from revenues).

Cost of Revenue—Cost of revenue includes network costs that consist of access, transport and termination costs. The majority of the Company’s cost of revenue is variable, primarily based upon minutes of use, with transmission and termination costs being the most significant expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees such as Federal USF fees. Such costs are recognized when incurred in connection with the provision of telecommunications services.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Foreign Currency Transactions—Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. A change in the exchange rates between a subsidiary’s functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of the transaction. That increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows is reported by the Company as a foreign currency transaction gain (loss). The primary component of the Company’s foreign currency transaction gain (loss) is due to agreements in place with certain subsidiaries in foreign countries regarding intercompany transactions. The Company anticipates repayment of these transactions in the foreseeable future, and recognizes the realized and unrealized gains or losses on these transactions that result from foreign currency changes in the period in which they occur as foreign currency transaction gain (loss).

Income Taxes—The Company recognizes income tax expense for financial reporting purposes following the asset and liability approach for computing deferred income taxes. Under this method, the deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company applies the uncertain tax position-related provisions of ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”) (formerly FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”). These provisions clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with ASC 740.

Foreign Currency Translation—The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of such translation gains and losses are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents are comprised principally of amounts in money market accounts, operating accounts, certificates of deposit, and overnight repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash consists of bank guarantees and certificates of deposit utilized to support letters of credit and contractual obligations.

Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable is stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts considers historical experience, the age of certain receivable balances, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect the counterparty’s ability to pay.

Advertising Costs—In accordance with ASC No. 720-35, “Other Expenses—Advertising,” costs for advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $5.3 million, $9.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: network equipment—5 to 8 years, fiber optic and submarine cable—8 to 25 years, furniture and equipment—5 years, and leasehold improvements and leased equipment—shorter of lease or useful life. Costs for internal use software

 

F-13


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.

Fiber Optic and Submarine Cable Arrangements—The Company obtains capacity on certain fiber optic and submarine cables under three types of arrangements. The Indefeasible Right of Use (“IRU”) basis provides the Company the right to use a cable for the estimated economic life of the asset according to the terms of the IRU agreement with most of the rights and duties of ownership. The Minimum Assignable Ownership Units (“MAOU”) basis provides the Company an ownership interest in the fiber optic cable with certain rights to control and to manage the facility. The Company accounts for both IRU and MAOU agreements under network equipment and depreciates the recorded asset over the term of the agreement which is generally 25 years. The Company also enters into shorter-term arrangements with other carriers which provide the Company the right to use capacity on a cable but without any rights and duties of ownership. Under these shorter-term arrangements, the costs are expensed in the period the services are provided.

Business Combinations—The Company is required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. This valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets associated with such assets. Critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets and subsequently assessing the realizability of such assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from the revenues, customer contracts and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Assumptions may be incomplete or inaccurate and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur.

Other estimates associated with the accounting for these acquisitions and subsequent assessment of impairment of the assets may change as additional information becomes available regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Under ASC No. 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to the provisions of ASC No. 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).

Goodwill impairment is tested at least annually (October 1st) or when factors indicate potential impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit. Step 1 is a screen for potential impairment pursuant to which the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair values of each reporting unit by a combination of (i) estimation of the discounted cash flows of each of the reporting units based on projected earnings in the future (the income approach) and (ii) a comparative analysis of revenue and EBITDA multiples of public companies in similar markets (the market approach). If there is a deficiency (the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), a Step 2 test is required.

Step 2 measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined; i.e., through an allocation of the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The Company also may utilize the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows the Company to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

The Company’s reporting units in 2011 were Australia, Canada and US/ICS. In May 2012, the Australian reporting unit was sold, and the reporting units were Canada and US/ICS. Subsequent to classifying ICS as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012, the remaining reporting units are Canada and US.

Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires various assumptions including projections of future cash flows, perpetual growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s assessment of a number of factors, including the reporting unit’s recent performance against budget, performance in the market that the reporting unit serves, and industry and general economic data from third party sources. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in those future cash flows. Changes to the underlying businesses could affect the future cash flows, which in turn could affect the fair value of the reporting unit.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of certain trade names. Such indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test shall consist of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of certain trade names and customer relationships. These finite lived intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated useful lives. Such assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360, wherein impairment is recognized and measured only if there are events and circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded if after determining that it is not recoverable, the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.

In addition to the foregoing, the Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The factors that the Company considers important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include, but are not limited to: a significant decline in the market value of our common stock or debt securities for a sustained period; a material adverse change in economic, financial market, industry or sector trends; a material failure to achieve operating results relative to historical levels or projected future levels; and significant changes in operations or business strategy.

The current year impairment analysis and carrying values by reporting unit of the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are disclosed in Note 5—“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held and Used)—The Company reviews long-lived assets whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In making such evaluations, the Company compares the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying amount of the assets. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company is required to make estimates of the fair value of the long-lived assets in order to calculate the impairment loss equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the assets.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates in this process regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as determining asset groups and estimating future cash flows, remaining useful lives, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting undiscounted cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the long-lived assets. The Company derives future cash flow estimates from its historical experience and its internal business plans, which include consideration of industry trends, competitive actions, technology changes, regulatory actions, available financial resources for marketing and capital expenditures and changes in its underlying cost structure.

The Company has concluded that it has one asset group: the network. This is due to the nature of its telecommunications network which utilizes all of the points of presence (POPs), switches, cables and various other components throughout the network to form seamlessly the telecommunications gateway over which its products and services are carried for any given customer’s phone call or data or Internet transmission. Furthermore, outflows to many of the external network providers are not separately assignable to revenue inflows for any phone call or service plan.

The Company makes assumptions about the remaining useful life of its long-lived assets. The assumptions are based on the average life of its historical capital asset additions, its historical asset purchase trend and that its primary assets, its network switches, have an 8-year life. Because of the nature of its industry, the Company also assumes that the technology changes in the industry render all equipment obsolete with no salvage value after their useful lives. In certain circumstances in which the underlying assets could be leased for an additional period of time, the Company includes such estimated cash flows in its estimate.

The estimate of the appropriate discount rate to be used to apply the present value technique in determining fair value was the Company’s weighted average cost of capital which is based on the effective rate of its long-term debt obligations at the current market values as well as the current volatility and trading value of the Company’s common stock.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)—In conjunction with the Company’s commitment to dispose of its ICS business, it classified the net assets of ICS as held for sale and is required to measure them at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates in the process of determining fair value regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as estimating future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the net assets of ICS.

The current year analysis of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell is disclosed in Note 18—“Discontinued Operations.”

Deferred Financing Costs—Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements are reflected within other assets and are amortized over the life of the respective financing arrangements using the effective interest method. As the Company completes debt transactions, corresponding amounts of deferred financing costs are written-off in determining the gain or loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt.

Derivative Instruments—Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2009 bankruptcy reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”), the Company issued to holders of the Company’s pre-Reorganization Plan common

 

F-16


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

stock contingent value rights (“CVRs”) to receive shares of Company common stock (subject to adjustment, the “CVR Shares”) in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. In connection with the issuance of the CVRs, the Company entered into a Contingent Value Rights Distribution Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”), in favor of holders of CVRs thereunder, dated as of July 1, 2009. As a result of the special cash Dividends discussed in Note 10—“Stockholders’ Equity,” antidilution provisions in the CVR Agreement were triggered and the maximum aggregate number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward from 2,665,000 shares to 3,657,157 shares while the strike price with respect to the CVRs was adjusted downward from $35.95 to $26.20.

Due to the nature of the CVRs, the Company accounted for the instrument in accordance with ASC No. 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”), as well as related interpretations of this standard. The Company determined the CVRs to be derivative instruments to be accounted for as liabilities and marked to fair value at each balance sheet date. Upon issuance, the Company estimated the fair value of its CVRs using a pricing model and consequently recorded a liability of $2.6 million in the balance sheet caption “other liabilities” as part of fresh-start accounting. Post-issuance change in value is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as gain (loss) from contingent value rights valuation. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its CVRs are correlated to and reflective of PTGi’s common stock price trends; in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock increases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also increases and, as a result, the Company recognizes a change in value of its CVRs as loss from contingent value rights valuation. Conversely and also in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock decreases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also decreases and as a result the Company recognizes a change in value of the CVRs as gain from contingent value rights valuation. See Note 8—“Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives.”

Share-Based Compensation—The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (formerly SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payments”) (“ASC 718”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments, including stock options and restricted stock units. ASC 718 generally requires that share-based compensation be accounted for using a fair-value based method. The Company records share-based compensation expense for all new and unvested stock options that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

The Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to determine the beginning balance of the additional paid in capital (“APIC”) pool related to the tax effects of share-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and the statement of cash flows of the tax effects of share-based awards that were fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of ASC 718.

The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of share-based compensation under ASC 718. The Black-Scholes model incorporates various assumptions including the expected term of awards, volatility of stock price, risk-free rates of return and dividend yield. The expected term of an award is no less than the option vesting period and is based on the Company’s historical experience. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rate is approximated using rates available on U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term similar to the option’s expected life. The Company uses a dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option valuation model as it does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Share-based compensation is recorded net of expected forfeitures.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, accrued interconnection cost disputes, the fair value of derivatives, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of the PTGi’s stock options required by ASC 718, income taxes and various tax contingencies.

Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially. Any adjustments to the recorded fair values of these assets and liabilities, as related to business combinations and subsequent impairment assessment of goodwill, may impact the amount of recorded goodwill.

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk principally consist of trade accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its larger carrier and retail business customers but generally does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company maintains its cash with high quality credit institutions, and its cash equivalents are in high quality securities.

Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock, adjusted for the dilutive effect of potential common stock and related income from continuing operations, net of tax. Potential common stock, computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, includes options, restricted stock units, warrants and convertible debt securities.

Reclassification—Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of the Company’s discontinued operations. In addition, certain amounts in selling, general and administrative expense related to our BLACKIRON Data operating segment were reclassified to cost of revenue as part of the Company’s new operating segment structure discussed in Note 14—“Operating Segment and Related Information.”

Newly Adopted Accounting Principles

In May 2011, an update was issued to the Fair Value Measurement Topic ASC No. 820, ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” which provides guidance on how to measure fair value and on what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. It seeks to develop a single, converged fair value framework between the FASB and the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) Board. On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, an update was issued to the Comprehensive Income Topic ASC No. 220, ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which provides guidance to all entities that report items of other

 

F-18


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

comprehensive income, in any period presented. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. In a single continuous statement, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement. In the two-statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 also contains a provision that requires the entity to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. In December 2011, an update was issued to the Comprehensive Income Topic ASC No. 220, ASU 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05,” which indefinitely deferred the requirement to present the reclassification adjustments out of other comprehensive income. On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted these updates, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, an update was issued to the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic ASC No. 350, ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which provides guidance to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have goodwill reported in their financial statements. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, an update was issued to the Balance Sheet Topic ASC No. 210, ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which contains new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity’s right of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under IFRSs. Generally, it is more difficult to qualify for offsetting under IFRSs than it is under U.S. GAAP because under U.S. GAAP certain derivative and repurchase agreement arrangements are granted exceptions from the general offsetting model. As a result, entities with significant financial instrument and derivative portfolios that report under IFRSs typically present positions on their balance sheets that are significantly larger than those of entities with similarly sized portfolios whose

 

F-19


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To facilitate comparison between financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, the new disclosures will give financial statement users information about both gross and net exposures. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2014 and it does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its consolidated financials in future periods, although that could change.

In July 2012, an update was issued to the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic ASC No. 350, ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” which provides guidance to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, reported in their financial statements. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2013 and it does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its consolidated financials in future periods, although that could change.

3. ACQUISITIONS

Arbinet Corporation Acquisition

On February 28, 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of Arbinet Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Arbinet”). Arbinet is a provider of wholesale telecom exchange services to carriers, and the Company purchased Arbinet to supplement its existing ICS operations. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 10, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated December 14, 2010, by and among PTGi, PTG Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTGi (“Merger Sub”), and Arbinet, Merger Sub merged with and into Arbinet with Arbinet surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTGi.

Upon the closing of the merger, each share of Arbinet common stock was cancelled and converted into the right to receive 0.5817 shares of PTGi common stock. Arbinet stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares of PTGi common stock that they were otherwise entitled to receive in the merger. In connection with the merger, PTGi issued 3,232,812 shares of its common stock to former Arbinet stockholders in exchange for their shares of Arbinet common stock, and reserved for issuance approximately 95,000 additional shares of its common stock in connection with its assumption of Arbinet’s outstanding options, warrants, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units. The components of the consideration transferred follow (in thousands):

 

Consideration attributable to stock issued (1)

   $ 50,432   

Consideration attributable to earned replaced equity awards (2)

     177   
  

 

 

 

Total consideration transferred

   $ 50,609   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) The fair value of PTGi’s common stock on the acquisition date was $15.60 per share based on the closing value of its common stock traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board. PTGi issued 3,232,812 shares of stock to effect this merger.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

(2) The portion of the acquisition fair value of Arbinet converted stock-based awards attributable to pre-merger employee service was part of consideration. At the merger closing 50% of the unvested and outstanding Arbinet awards vested. The portion of the fair value-based measure of the replaced awards assigned to past services (including those for which vesting accelerated at the merger closing and those that were already vested at the date of the merger closing) was included in the consideration transferred.

Recording of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.

Estimates of fair value included in the financial statements, in conformity with ASC No. 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”), represent the Company’s best estimates and valuations developed with the assistance of independent appraisers. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially. In accordance with ASC No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), the allocation of the consideration value was completed on February 28, 2012, the one year anniversary of the date of the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,415   

Marketable securities

     4,044   

Accounts receivable

     16,205   

Other current assets

     884   

Property and equipment (1)

     17,336   

Intercompany receivable

     309   

Goodwill (2)

     20,585   

Customer list (3)

     900   

Exchange license (3)

     2,800   

Other intangible assets (3)

     700   

Other assets

     1,738   
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   $ 77,916   
  

 

 

 

Trade payables

   $ 18,311   

Accrued interconnection costs

     105   

Accrued liabilities

     3,122   

Other current liabilities

     3,082   

Current portion of long-term obligations

     68   

Long-term obligations

     99   

Other long-term liabilities

     2,520   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

   $ 27,307   
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 50,609   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Property and equipment were measured primarily using an income approach. The fair value measurements of the assets were based, in part, on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent a

 

F-21


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

  Level 3 measurement. The significant inputs included Arbinet resources, assumed future revenue profiles, weighted average cost of capital of 13.0%, gross margin of 7.2% and assumptions on the timing and amount of future development and operating costs. The property and equipment additions were segmented as part of a new stand-alone reporting unit which will be aggregated with ICS when integration activities are substantially complete.
(2) Goodwill was the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits, primarily as a result of expected synergies expected from the combination, arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill was recognized as part of the US/ICS reporting unit. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes.
(3) Identifiable intangible assets and other assets were measured using a combination of an income approach and a market approach (Level 3). Identifiable intangible assets are subject to amortization and the customer list and exchange license are being amortized over 15 years and 10 years, respectively.

Unlimitel Inc. and HMNET Technologies, Inc. Acquisitions

During the first quarter of 2011 one of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries completed the acquisitions of the customer base and fixed assets of Unlimitel Inc. (“Unlimitel”) and HMNet Technologies Inc. (“HMNet”), both commercial VoIP providers. The total consideration transferred to complete the acquisitions was approximately $3.1 million. The cash payments associated with the acquisitions are as follows: $1.0 million was paid upon closing, $0.3 million was paid during the second quarter of 2011, $1.4 million was paid during the first quarter of 2012, and $0.4 million is payable upon the two-year anniversary of the closing date.

The table below sets forth the final Unlimitel and HMNet purchase price allocation (in thousands). The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of $1.8 million. The valuation of intangible assets was evaluated using Level 3 inputs.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 331   

Property and equipment

     136   

Identifiable intangible asset:

  

Customer relationships

     1,229   

Goodwill

     1,842   

Other assets and liabilities, net

     (119

Deferred income tax

     (318
  

 

 

 

Allocation of purchase consideration

   $ 3,101   
  

 

 

 

The customer relationships above are subject to amortization and have a useful life of five years. The useful life of the customer relationships was estimated at the time of the acquisition based on the period of time from which the Company expects to derive benefits from the customer relationships. The identifiable intangible assets are amortized using the pattern of benefits method, which results in accelerated amortization in the early periods of the useful life.

Goodwill from the Company’s Unlimitel and HMNet acquisitions was the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized, which represents the value of acquired employees along with the expected synergies from the combination of Unlimitel Inc. and HMNet Technologies Inc. and the Company’s operations. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of Unlimitel Inc. and HMNet Technologies Inc. is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Network equipment

   $ 115,315      $ 246,889   

Furniture and equipment

     4,652        4,453   

Leasehold improvements

     3,348        11,299   

Construction in progress

     6,291        4,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     129,606        267,441   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (64,291     (115,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property and equipment, net

   $ 65,315      $ 152,180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, total equipment under capital lease and vendor financing obligations consisted of $3.8 million and $18.3 million of network and peripheral equipment, respectively, with accumulated depreciation of $2.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, including equipment under capital leases and vendor financing obligations, was $19.6 million, $18.9 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Goodwill

   $ 60,744       $ 71,902   

Trade Names

   $ 27,000       $ 76,900   

Goodwill

On February 28, 2011, the Company acquired Arbinet for stock consideration of $50.6 million in a stock for stock transaction. See Note 3—“Acquisitions.” Because the Company’s stock price rose significantly between the signing of the merger agreement on November 10, 2010 and the close of the merger on February 28, 2011 from a closing price of $9.57 per share to $15.60 per share, the fixed-share consideration fair value also rose. Because Arbinet’s enterprise value may not have increased within similar levels over that time period, the Company determined that a goodwill impairment assessment was immediately necessary post-merger, at the level of the reporting unit into which Arbinet was integrated. This resulted in the Company performing an interim goodwill impairment assessment, and consequently, recording an impairment charge of $14.7 million. As the impairment charge is related to ICS, it is classified within Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company considered its commitment to dispose of the ICS business and the classification of its net assets as held for sale as a triggering event and tested the goodwill of the US/ICS reporting unit for impairment in June 2012. Although step one failed, the implied goodwill calculated in step two was sufficient to cover the recorded goodwill and no impairment charge was recorded.

As of the most recent annual test conducted on October 1, 2012, the Company performed a goodwill impairment test for the US reporting unit. Based on the results of the step one test, the Company determined that the fair value was in excess of the carrying value and a step two test was not required. To facilitate the

 

F-23


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Company’s calculation of the fair value of the reporting unit, the valuation methods included a discounted cash flow analysis, considering a 14.5% weighted average costs of capital and market-based multiples of projected earnings for its terminal value. A key assumption in the fair value calculations is the Company’s future operating performance and resulting cash flow, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and are based on management’s best estimates at the date of measurement. Potential events which could have a negative effect on this and other key assumptions include competitive actions, technological developments, regulatory actions and currency movements.

For the annual test conducted on October 1, 2012 of the Canada reporting unit, the Company utilized the provisions of ASU 2011-08, which allows the Company to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Canada reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company analyzed current projections for future performance, as well as prior projections compared to current year results. The Company did not identify any material economic conditions, industry or market considerations or cost factors that would significantly alter the current carrying value or fair value of the Canada reporting unit. In addition, the executive management team of the Canada reporting unit has remained static over the past year. All of these factors, combined with an immaterial change to the carrying value and a prior year valuation that resulted in a significant excess of fair value over the carrying value for step one, led to the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the Canada reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

In conjunction with the Company’s commitment to dispose of its ICS business in June 2012, the Company allocated, based on its relative fair value to the US reporting unit in total, $9.3 million of goodwill to the long-lived assets of ICS, classified as held for sale (see Note 18—“Discontinued Operations”).

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     United
States
    Canada     Australia     Brazil     Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 29,960      $ 31,775      $ 1,950      $ 46      $ 63,731   

Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates

     —          (798     (13     (4     (815

Acquisition (disposition) of business

     21,865        1,842        —          (42     23,665   

Accumulated impairment loss

     (14,679     —          —          —          (14,679
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   $ 37,146      $ 32,819      $ 1,937      $ —        $ 71,902   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates

     —          863        (4     —          859   

Acquisition (disposition) of business

     (1,280     480        (1,933     —          (2,733

Allocation to disposal group

     (9,284     —          —          —          (9,284
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   $ 26,582      $ 34,162      $ —        $ —        $ 60,744   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trade Names

In conjunction with the sale of the Australian segment in the second quarter of 2012, the Company also assigned the trademarks owned by the Australian segment to M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd. Pursuant to the

 

F-24


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

trademark assignment deed, entered into as part of the transaction, the assignee is restricted from using the specified trademarks in any jurisdiction outside of Australia and New Zealand where the Company continues to hold existing rights. The value of the assigned trademarks was $39.2 million, less a deferred tax liability of $15.2 million.

As of the most recent annual test conducted on October 1, 2012, the Company evaluated the US trade name for impairment. In performing the impairment test for the US trade name, the Company estimated the fair value for the trade name based on projected revenues and the associated royalties earned from the use of the “Primus Telecommunications” trade name, and compared that to the carrying value of the trade name. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $10.0 million. The impairment charge is included in Asset impairment expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The primary driver for the decline in the estimated fair value of the US trade name was the absence of future royalties on revenue generated by the BLACKIRON Data operating segment of the Canada reporting unit. The US trade name of “Primus Telecommunications” is not used to generate revenue for BLACKIRON Data, which is marketed using its own name.

In conjunction with the Company’s commitment to dispose of its ICS business in June 2012, the Company reclassified indefinite-lived trade names of $0.7 million to the long-lived assets of ICS, classified as held for sale (see Note 18—“Discontinued Operations”).

The changes in the carrying amount of trade names by reporting unit for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     United
States
    Canada      Australia      Brazil      Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 76,200      $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 76,200   

Acquisition (disposition) of business

     700        —           —           —           700   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   $ 76,900      $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 76,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Acquisition (disposition) of business

     (39,200     —           —           —           (39,200

Reclassification to held for sale

     (700     —           —           —           (700

Accumulated impairment loss

     (10,000     —           —           —           (10,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   $ 27,000      $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 27,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2012           December 31, 2011  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
          Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
 

Trade Names

   $ 3,500       $ (1,140   $ 2,360           $ 3,500       $ (790   $ 2,710   

Licenses

     —           —          —               2,800         (233     2,567   

Customer relationships

     94,142         (60,478     33,664             106,199         (52,699     53,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 97,642       $ (61,618   $ 36,024           $ 112,499       $ (53,722   $ 58,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense for trade names, licenses and customer relationships for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $11.4 million, $16.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The Company expects amortization expense for trade names and customer relationships for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and thereafter to be approximately $8.4 million, $6.2 million, $4.7 million, $3.6 million, $2.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively.

6. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

Long-term obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Obligations under capital leases and other

   $ 101      $ 11,696   

13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016

     2,403        2,403   

10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

     12,692        235,231   

10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017

     112,587        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 127,783      $ 249,330   

Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes

     (671     (1,568
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 127,112      $ 247,762   

Less: Current portion of long-term obligations

     (66     (1,948
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term obligations

   $ 127,046      $ 245,814   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table reflects the contractual payments of principal and interest for the Company’s long-term obligations as of December 31, 2012:

 

Year Ending December 31,

  Capital
Leases
and Other
    13% Senior
Secured Notes
due 2016
    10% Senior
Secured Notes
due 2017
    10% Senior
Secured Exchange
Notes due 2017
    Total  

2013

  $ 73      $ 312      $ 1,269      $ 10,383      $ 12,037   

2014

    31        312        1,269        11,259        12,871   

2015

    6        312        1,269        11,259        12,846   

2016

    —          2,716        1,269        11,259        15,244   

2017

    —          —          13,327        118,217        131,544   

Thereafter

    —          —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total minimum principal & interest payments

    110        3,652        18,403        162,377        184,542   

Less: Amount representing interest

    (9     (1,249     (5,711     (49,790     (56,759
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term obligations

  $ 101      $ 2,403      $ 12,692      $ 112,587      $ 127,783   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was outstanding $2.4 million in aggregate principal amount of the 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the “13% Notes”) issued by Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc. (“PTHI”) and Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. (“Primus Canada”), each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of PTGi. The 13% Notes bear interest at a rate of 13.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The 13% Notes will mature on December 16, 2016.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017

Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes

On July 7, 2011, in connection with the consummation of the private (i) exchange offers (the “Exchange Offers”) for any and all outstanding Units representing the 13% Notes issued by PTHI and Primus Canada and the 14 1/4% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2013 (the “14 1/4% Notes”) issued by Primus Telecommunications IHC, Inc., (ii) consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) to amend the indenture governing the 13% Notes and release the collateral securing the 13% Notes, and (iii) related transactions, PTHI issued $240.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “10% Notes”) under that certain indenture, dated as of July 7, 2011 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “10% Notes Indenture”), by and among PTHI, each of the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee. An aggregate of $228.6 million in principal amount of 10% Notes was issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers, and PTHI issued an additional $11.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes for cash, the proceeds of which were used to redeem all 14 1/4% Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offers and thereby discharge all of our obligations with respect to the 14 1/4% Notes. In connection with the Exchange Offers, the Company also incurred $6.9 million of third party costs which are included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the consolidated statements of operations.

The 10% Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 10% Notes will mature on April 15, 2017.

The 10% Notes and related guarantees are secured by a pledge of and first lien security interest in (subject to certain exceptions) substantially all of the assets of PTHI and the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi (the “Guarantors”), including a first-priority pledge of all of the capital stock held by PTHI, the Guarantors and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of each non-U.S. subsidiary and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company, is limited to 65% of the capital stock of such subsidiary).

The 10% Notes rank senior in right of payment to existing and future subordinated indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank junior to any priority lien obligations entered into by PTHI or the Guarantors in accordance with the 10% Notes Indenture.

Prior to March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes at the redemption premium of 110% of the principal amount of the 10% Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings. Prior to March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem some or all of the 10% Notes at a make-whole premium as set forth in the 10% Notes Indenture. On or after March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem some or all of the 10% Notes at a premium that will decrease over time as set forth in the 10% Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Upon the occurrence of certain Changes of Control (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) with respect to the Company, PTHI must give holders of the 10% Notes an opportunity to sell their 10% Notes to PTHI at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of such 10% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. If PTGi or any of its restricted subsidiaries consummates certain Asset Sales (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) and does not choose to use all of the net proceeds of such Asset Sale for specified purposes, PTHI may be required to use the remaining net proceeds from such Asset Sale (which are defined as “Excess Proceeds” under the 10% Notes Indenture) to offer to repurchase the 10% Notes using such Excess Proceeds at a purchase price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The 10% Notes Indenture contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of each of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of PTGi’s capital stock or make other restricted payments; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise convey certain assets; (v) create certain liens; (vi) designate future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (vii) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; and (viii) enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The 10% Notes Indenture contains other customary terms, including, but not limited to, events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all of the then outstanding 10% Notes to be due and payable immediately.

Repurchases of 10% Notes

On September 17, 2012, PTHI consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes. In connection with this repurchase, the sellers of the 10% Notes, representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 10% Notes, consented to amendments of the 10% Notes Indenture to remove substantially all of the restrictive and reporting covenants under the 10% Notes Indenture, as well as certain events of default and related provisions. PTHI, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, entered into a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2012 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), to memorialize such 10% Notes Indenture amendments.

In connection with the September 2012 10% Notes repurchase, the Company incurred $10.9 million of premiums and other costs and wrote off $9.5 million of deferred financing costs and $0.7 million of original issue discount, all of which are included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to the September 2012 10% Notes repurchase, the Company repurchased $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes at 99% of face value in December 2011.

2012 Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes

On November 14, 2012, PTHI consummated the exchange (the “Note Exchange”) of $79.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $86.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017 (the “10% Exchange Notes”), which were newly issued pursuant to the Second Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) to the 10% Notes Indenture. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012. The 10% Exchange Notes accrue interest from November 14, 2012 and are guaranteed by the same entities, including PTGi, that guarantee the 10% Notes. The terms of the 10% Exchange Notes are substantially similar to those governing the 10% Notes, which are described in greater detail above under “—Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes,” except that the applicable redemption price of the 10% Exchange Notes at any time such notes are redeemed is 100.00% of the principal amount of such 10% Exchange Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

In connection with the Note Exchange, the participating noteholders consented to amendments to the 10% Notes Indenture contained in, and PTGi and the other Guarantors agreed to enter into, that certain Second Supplemental Indenture and First Amendment to Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2012 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”), by and among PTHI, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as

 

F-28


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Trustee and Collateral Trustee. Among other things, the Second Supplemental Indenture (i) reinstated substantially all of the events of default, restrictive and reporting covenants and related provisions and definitions of the 10% Notes Indenture that were eliminated by the First Supplemental Indenture, with certain amendments thereto to establish a new $50,000,000 restricted payment basket and to permit the incurrence of certain additional parity lien debt, (ii) established the 10% Exchange Notes issuable under the 10% Notes Indenture, (iii) authorized the Note Exchange and (iv) made certain other changes in the 10% Notes Indenture that are of a technical or conforming nature, including the amendment and restatement of certain provisions, the addition of certain definitions and the amendment of certain cross-references.

The participating noteholders also agreed to file and, on November 14, 2012, filed with the Court, a notice of dismissal with prejudice with respect to that certain Litigation commenced on September 17, 2012, as discussed in greater detail in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings—Termination of 10% Notes Indenture Litigation” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On December 19, 2012, PTHI consummated a second note exchange of $23.8 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $25.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012.

The Company evaluated the application of ASC No. 470-50, “Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments” (“ASC 470-50”), and concluded that the November and December 2012 note exchanges described above constituted a debt modification with respect to the 10% Notes. Under ASC 470-50, the premium of $9.1 million paid to the exchanging holders of 10% Notes, was capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the 10% Exchange Notes. It is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Outstanding 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes

As of December 31, 2012, there was (i) $12.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes outstanding and (ii) $112.6 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Exchange Notes outstanding.

7. INCOME TAXES

The provisions (benefits) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Current:    Federal

   $ 725      $ 1,401      $ 1,158   

  State

     242        133        103   

  Foreign

     (1,363     1,671        856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Current

     (396     3,205        2,117   

Deferred:  Federal

     (3,890     —          —     

  State

     —          —          —     

  Foreign

     (232     (1,923     (8,632
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Deferred

     (4,122     (1,923     (8,632
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ (4,518   $ 1,282      $ (6,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-29


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The US and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

US

   $ (113,153   $ (40,910   $ (44,727

Foreign

     62,790        19,186        (3,820
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ (50,363   $ (21,724   $ (48,547
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes due to the following items for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Tax provision (benefit) at federal statutory rate

   $ (17,627   $ (7,603   $ (16,991

Permanent differences

     27,090        (9,399     1,121   

State tax (net of federal benefit)

     180        (87     67   

Effect of foreign tax rate change

     (424     2,441        5,619   

Foreign withholding taxes (net of federal)

     755        (563     (4,790

Uncertain tax positions

     (1,172     1,712        (1,826

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance

     (9,039     14,561        10,251   

Tax-book fresh-start valuation difference

     (3,890     —          —     

Other

     (391     220        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ (4,518   $ 1,282      $ (6,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes are recognized to account for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts of each period-end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Net deferred tax balances are comprised of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Deferred tax assets

   $ 182,604      $ 195,569   

Valuation allowance

     (149,494     (144,611

Deferred tax liabilities

     (43,613     (79,305
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred taxes

   $ (10,503   $ (28,347
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Certain fixed and intangible assets were marked to their fair market values, as a result of our emergence from bankruptcy and the associated fresh-start accounting, which resulted in a substantial decrease to our deferred tax asset, net operating loss carryforwards, the discharge of certain tax liabilities, and tax attribute reduction, as prescribed by Internal Revenue Code Section 108.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Current

    

Allowance for bad debt

   $ 1,055      $ 2,411   

Basis difference in intangibles

     —          —     

Other

     5,411        7,589   

Valuation allowance

     (6,466     (8,624
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current

   $ —        $ 1,376   

Non-current

    

Basis difference in intangibles

   $ (10,308   $ (38,547

Bond related adjustments

     (3,631     (4,498

Capital loss carryforwards

     23,990        24,306   

Net operating loss carryforwards

     103,023        106,283   

Basis difference in fixed assets

     19,311        29,952   

Unrealized foreign exchange gains

     (4     (2,995

Basis difference in foreign accounts receivable

     (413     (12,718

Other

     558        4,480   

Valuation allowance

     (143,029     (135,986
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-current

   $ (10,503   $ (29,723
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had foreign operating loss carryforwards of approximately $104.4 million of which $36.4 million expire periodically from 2013 through 2032, and the remainder of which carryforward without expiration.

At December 31, 2012, the Company projects United States operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future United States taxable income in the amount of $209.8 million, of which $134.3 million is subject to limitation under Section 382, and of which $75.5 million is not subject to the Section 382 limit. Of the $75.5 million carryforward NOL, $2.4 million resulted from stock compensation plan deductions in excess of accrued compensation cost for financial reporting purposes. Per the requirements of paragraph ASC 740-20-45-11(d), when the excess deduction is realized by reducing taxes payable, the tax effected amount of the excess is to be recognized in shareholders’ equity. Net operating losses which survived attribute reduction as a result of fresh-start accounting will expire periodically between 2015 through 2032, are subject to limitations in accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC Sec. 382”), the Company believes that it underwent an ownership change for tax purposes on February 28, 2011, the Arbinet acquisition date. This conclusion is based on Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings concerning Company securities, as filed with the SEC. A previous ownership change took place on July 1, 2009, as a result of the emergence from bankruptcy under the Reorganization Plan. As a result, the use of the Company’s net operating losses will be subject to an annual limitation under IRC Sec. 382 of approximately $1.6 million. The annual limitation under Section 382 of Arbinet’s pre-February 28, 2011 net operating losses is approximately $2.2 million.

As of February 28, 2011, and the completion of the merger of PTG Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company with and into Arbinet Corporation, the Company believes that an ownership change for tax

 

F-31


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

purposes took place with respect to both PTGi and Arbinet. This conclusion is based on Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings concerning Company securities, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of the ownership change, an annual limitation of $7.0 million is required under section 382 of the Company’s then-existing NOLs. This limitation is in addition to the NOL utilization limitation of approximately $1.6 million due to the July 1, 2009, ownership change. The annual limitation under section 382 of Arbinet then-existing NOLs is approximately $2.2 million.

The Company is required to determine whether it had a net unrealized built-in gain (NUBIG) or net unrealized built-in loss (NUBIL) at the 2009 bankruptcy emergence date. The Company estimated that there was a NUBIL at the time of the 2009 emergence date. As a result, certain depreciation and loss deductions recognized during the five-year period beginning on the 2009 emergence date were subject to the Section 382 limitation. A 2011 review of tax basis demonstrated that at the emergence date in 2009 the Company was in a NUBIG, as a result certain depreciation and loss deductions that were previously limited are available. The amount of the previously limited losses is $8.0 million.

As a result of the 2009 fresh-start accounting, the Company has increased its deferred tax liabilities and goodwill by $55.7 million to reflect the increase in book basis without any increase in the tax basis of certain assets which were adjusted for the fresh-start. $29.7 million of the deferred tax liabilities relates to the fresh-start increase in the value of certain indefinite lived intangibles. These deferred tax liabilities will remain on the books indefinitely subject to reduction only if the related indefinite lived intangibles which gave rise to the deferred tax liabilities are impaired or disposed. In 2012, $19.2 million of deferred tax liabilities were removed as part of the sale disposition of Australia and due to impairment of fresh-start intangibles. The reduction of the deferred tax liability due to impairment of the underlying indefinite lived intangibles would provide a tax benefit for the Company which would be offset by any future impairment expense of the indefinite lived intangibles. The remaining $10.5 million of deferred tax liability will be a tax benefit which will be offset when its underlying fresh-start adjustment is released. The release of the deferred tax liability will not result in any payment of cash by the Company.

The Company incurred $(0.8) million, $(1.0) million and $(0.9) million of expense in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to foreign withholding tax on intercompany interest and royalties owed to our United States subsidiary.

On December 15, 2008 the U.S. Treasury Department announced that the Fifth Protocol (“Protocol”) to the United States—Canada Income Tax Treaty entered into force. The Protocol is generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, however certain provisions of the Protocol have different effective dates. The elimination of withholding tax on interest paid or credited between related parties is phased in over a 3-year period, between 2008 through 2010. The reduced withholding tax rates are 7% for 2008, 4% for 2009, and 0% for 2010 and thereafter. Effective January 1, 2010, interest paid by or to certain hybrid entities will not qualify for treaty benefits. The changes made by the Protocol have substantially reduced the accrued income tax.

No provision was made in 2012 for United States income taxes on the undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries as it is the Company’s intention to utilize those earnings in the foreign operations for an indefinite period of time.

The Company follows the provision of ASC No. 740-10, “Income Taxes” which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. The Company is subject to challenge from various taxing authorities relative to certain tax planning strategies, including certain intercompany transactions as well as regulatory taxes.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Reconciliations of the period January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, and January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 balances of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Balance at Januarly 1,

   $ 86,206      $ 88,299      $ 89,716   

Foreign currency adjustments

     —          (152     1,372   

Statute expiration

     (1,172     —          (6,270

Gross increases (decreases) of tax positions in prior period

     (21,496     (2,112     (3,452

Audit resolution

     —          —          (1,609

Gross increases of tax positions in current period

     2,623        171        8,304   

Penalties and interest

     —          —          238   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

   $ 66,161      $ 86,206      $ 88,299   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The total unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 2012 were $66.2 million. Total unrecognized tax benefits of $4.0 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease over the next 12 months.

The Company conducts business globally, and as a result, PTGi or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world.

The following table summarizes the open tax years for each major jurisdiction:

 

Jurisdiction

  

Open Tax Years

United States Federal

   2002-2012

Canada

   2004-2012

United Kingdom

   2004-2012

Netherlands

   2007-2012

The Company has closed certain federal and provincial income tax examinations in Canada for the years through 2005 (federal) and 2001 through 2005 (provincial) with all assessments being received. The Company has concluded an examination in the Netherlands for tax years through 2006. Based on the final settlement, the Company reversed its remaining liability in the fourth quarter of 2008 and paid those liabilities during 2009. The Company is also currently under examination in other foreign tax jurisdictions, none of which are individually material. The IRS concluded its audit of Arbinet for tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to relatively short periods to maturity. The estimated aggregate fair value of the Company’s debt, based on quoted market prices, was $125.4 million and $235.4 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The aggregate carrying value of the Company’s debt was $127.0 million and $236.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

            Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:  
     December 31,
2012
     Quoted prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Liabilities:

           

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

   $ 14,904         —           14,904         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,904         —           14,904         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

            Fair Value as of December 31, 2011, using:  
     December 31,
2011
     Quoted prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Liabilities:

           

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

   $ 16,196         —           16,196         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,196         —           16,196         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The CVRs are marked to fair value at each balance sheet date. The change in value is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates based on a pricing model using the following assumptions for 2012: (1) expected life of 6.5 years; (2) risk-free rate range of 0.11% to 2.43%; (3) expected volatility of 40.96%; (4) dividend yield of 0%; (5) exercise price of $26.20; (6) stock price of $10.87. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates based on a pricing model using the following assumptions for 2011: (1) expected life of 7.5 years; (2) risk-free rate of 1.44%; (3) expected volatility of 48.17%; (4) dividend yield of 0%; (5) exercise price of $35.95; (6) stock price of $12.66. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, $1.3 million, $2.9 million and ($13.7) million, respectively, of income (expense) was recognized as a result of marking the CVRs to their fair value.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

 

            Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:  
     December 31,
2012
     Quoted prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Goodwill

   $ 60,744         —           —           60,744   

Trade Names

     27,000         —           —           27,000   

Net assets held for sale

     15,762         —           —           15,762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 103,506         —           —           103,506   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

            Fair Value as of December 31, 2011, using:  
     December 31,
2011
     Quoted prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Goodwill

   $ 71,902         —           —           71,902   

Trade Names

     76,900         —           —           76,900   

Net assets held for sale

     —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 148,802         —           —           148,802   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)” for a discussion of the inputs and valuation techniques.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum lease payments under purchase obligations and non-cancellable operating leases, including continuing obligations of discontinued operations, as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Purchase
Obligations
     Operating
Leases
 

2013

   $ 4,244       $ 12,560   

2014

     3,591         9,577   

2015

     41         7,743   

2016

     —           6,332   

2017

     —           5,790   

Thereafter

     —           14,282   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total minimum principal & interest payments

     7,876         56,284   

Less: Amount representing interest

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term obligations

   $ 7,876       $ 56,284   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-35


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The Company has contractual obligations to utilize an external vendor for certain customer support functions and to utilize network facilities from certain carriers with terms greater than one year. Generally, the Company does not purchase or commit to purchase quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within the contract term or at rates below or above market value. The Company made payments under purchase commitments of $8.5 million, $15.5 million and $28.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company’s rent expense under operating leases was $5.1 million, $6.5 million and $6.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Litigation

The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Each of these matters is inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow. The Company does not believe that any of these pending claims and legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were 13,933,529 and 13,741,020 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively.

Class A and B Warrants

In July 2009, PTGi issued (A) Class A warrants (the “Class A Warrants”) to purchase shares of PTGi’s common stock, which are divided into three separate series (Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Warrants), each of which series consists of 1,000,000 warrants to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,000,000 shares of PTGi common stock; and (B) Class B warrants (the “Class B Warrants” and, together with the Class A Warrants, the “Warrants”) to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,500,000 shares of PTGi common stock. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, PTGi entered into a Warrant Agreement for each of the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants, in each case with Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (successor-in-interest to StockTrans, Inc.), as warrant agent. The original exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was $12.22 per share; (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was $16.53 per share; (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was $20.50 per share; and (iv) the Class B Warrants was $26.01 per share. The Warrants have a five-year term and will expire on July 1, 2014. A holder may exercise Warrants by paying the applicable exercise price in cash. In addition, a holder may exercise Warrants on a cashless basis in connection with a change of control (as defined in each of the Class A and Class B Warrant Agreement), in connection with a transaction pursuant to an effective registration statement covering the sale of PTGi common stock underlying such Warrants, or if the exercise occurs on a date when the daily volume-weighted average price of the PTGi common stock for the immediately preceding 10 trading days exceeds 150% of the exercise price applicable to such Warrants. The Warrants are freely transferrable by the holder thereof.

Antidilution adjustment provisions in each of the Class A Warrant Agreement and Class B Warrant Agreement provide that the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants will be adjusted in connection with any dividend or distribution of PTGi common stock, assets or cash (other than any regular cash dividend not to exceed in any fiscal year 45% of the

 

F-36


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

consolidated net income of the Company), or any subdivision or combination of the PTGi common stock. In addition, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants are also subject to adjustment in connection with any issuance, grant or sale to any person of (A) rights, warrants, options, exchangeable securities or convertible securities entitling such person to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant, subject to certain exceptions, or (B) shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant. Additionally, if any transaction or event occurs in which all or substantially all of the outstanding PTGi common stock is converted into, exchanged for, or the holders thereof are otherwise entitled to receive on account thereof stock, other securities, cash or assets (each, a “Fundamental Change Transaction”) the holder of each Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Change Transaction shall have the right to receive upon exercise of the applicable Warrant the kind and amount of stock, other securities, cash and/or assets that such holder would have received if such Warrant had been exercised.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 (discussed below under “—Special Dividends”) triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the Warrant Agreements, such that (A) the exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted downward to $8.91, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted downward to $12.05, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted downward to $14.93, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted downward to $18.96; and (B) after taking into account exercised Warrants, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,370,658, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,372,293, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted upward to 1,372,293, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted upward to 2,058,438. Due to the nature of the mandatory antidilution provisions applicable to the Warrants, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718, and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change of fair value before and after the modification date.

Contingent Value Rights

In July 2009, the Company issued contingent value rights (“CVRs”), which allow holders to receive shares of PTGi common stock (subject to adjustment as described below, the “CVR Shares”), in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. The CVRs may not be transferred by the holder thereof except in certain limited circumstances. Subject to the terms of the CVR Agreement governing the CVRs, holders of CVRs will receive their pro rata share of the CVR Shares if certain conditions are satisfied. A distribution of CVR Shares is required to be made by the Company if, as of any determination date (as described in the paragraph below), the Company’s equity value (assuming cash exercise in full on such date of in-the-money warrants and options of the Company) divided by the sum of the number of shares of PTGi common stock then issued and outstanding plus the number of shares of PTGi common stock underlying warrants, options and similar securities of the Company (other than CVRs) that are then in-the-money exceeds the CVR strike price (subject to adjustment as described below, the “CVR Strike Price”) in an original amount of $35.95. The aggregate number of such shares of PTGi common stock is referred to as the “Applicable Shares” and the per share amount of any such excess over the CVR Strike Price is referred to as the “Excess Equity Value Per Share.” If such a distribution is required, the number of CVR Shares to be distributed by the Company equals the product of Excess Equity Value Per Share multiplied by the number of Applicable Shares divided by the CVR Strike Price. Such product of Excess Equity Value Per Share and the number of Applicable Shares is referred to as the “Excess Equity Value.”

The Company will determine if and to the extent a distribution of CVR Shares is required (i) on January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing on the first such date (but in no event later than July 1, 2013) on which data

 

F-37


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

is available to confirm that the Company’s adjusted EBITDA for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters is equal to at least $100 million, and (ii) upon the occurrence of certain change of control transactions involving the Company. Distributions of CVR Shares (if any) will be made within 45 calendar days of a determination by the Company that a distribution is required.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no distribution of CVR Shares is required to be made by the Company unless Excess Equity Value exceeds $1 million as of any determination date.

Antidilution adjustment provisions in the CVR Agreement provide that the maximum number of CVR Shares and the CVR Strike Price will be adjusted from time to time in connection with any stock dividend or distribution, or subdivision, split, combination, reclassification or recapitalization of the PTGi common stock. In addition, if the Company distributes to holders of its common stock any of its assets (including but not limited to cash), securities or rights to purchase securities of the Company (other than any regular cash dividend not to exceed in any fiscal year 45% of the consolidated net income of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the immediately preceding fiscal year), then the number of CVR Shares will be increased and the CVR Strike Price will be decreased, in each case pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement. Additionally, in case of any reclassification, merger, consolidation, capital reorganization or other change in the capital stock of the Company (other than in connection with certain change of control transactions involving the Company) in which all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of PTGi common stock are converted into or exchanged for stock, other securities or other property, the Company shall make appropriate provision so that the holders of CVRs shall thereafter be entitled to receive, at such time such holder would have otherwise been entitled to receive a distribution under the CVR Agreement, the kind and amount of stock and other securities and property having a value substantially equivalent to the value of PTGi common stock that the holders of CVRs would have been entitled to receive in connection with a distribution of CVR Shares immediately prior to such reclassification, merger, consolidation, reorganization or other change in the capital stock of the Company at a CVR Strike Price that, in each case, is reasonably determined by the board of directors of the Company after consultation with an independent valuation advisor to preserve, to the extent practicable, the intrinsic value of such CVR immediately prior to such event.

The CVRs will expire and the CVR Agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (1) the date upon which no further CVR Shares are available for distribution, (2) the consummation of certain change of control transactions (subject to any potential distribution of CVR Shares as a result thereof), and (3) July 1, 2019.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 (discussed below under “—Special Dividends”) triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the CVR Agreement, such that (A) the CVR Strike Price was adjusted downward to $26.20 and (B) the maximum number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward to 3,657,157. Due to the nature of the mandatory antidilution provisions applicable to the CVRs, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718 and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change of fair value before and after the modification date.

 

F-38


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Special Dividends

During 2012, PTGi’s Board of Directors declared three special cash dividends (the “Dividends”) with respect to PTGi’s issued and outstanding common stock, as presented in the following table (Total Dividend amounts presented in thousands):

 

     Special Cash Dividend Per Share  
     $1.00      $2.50      $0.50  

Declaration Date

     June 20, 2012         November 14, 2012         December 11, 2012   

Holders of Record Date

     July 2, 2012         November 27, 2012         December 21, 2012   

Payment Date

     July 16, 2012         December 11, 2012         December 28, 2012   

Total Dividend

   $ 13,804       $ 34,551       $ 6,910   

In addition, with respect to unvested RSUs and restricted stock, the Company recorded, at the time of each Dividend, a dividend equivalent equal to the amount of each Dividend per RSU or share of restricted stock, as applicable, to holders of RSUs and restricted stock amounting to $1.3 million at December 31, 2012. The payment of the dividend equivalent will occur upon vesting of the RSU or share of restricted stock. With respect to certain outstanding stock options, in connection with each Dividend, the Company reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such options, in each case in order to prevent dilution of the rights of holders of awards as a result of the Dividends. Due to the nature of the discretionary antidilution provisions applicable to the RSUs, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718 and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change in fair value before and after the modification date.

On August 8, 2011, PTGi’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $15 million of its common stock through August 8, 2013. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase common stock from time to time in the open-market, privately negotiated transactions or block trades. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares, if any, that the Company will repurchase. The stock repurchase program may be modified, terminated or extended at any time without prior notice. PTGi has established a committee consisting of its lead director, chief executive officer and chief financial officer to oversee the administration of the stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 31,626 shares at a weighted average price of $11.92 per share under the stock repurchase plan. There have been no repurchases in the year ending December 31, 2012.

The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending shares (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Common Shares:

      

Beginning balance

     13,741        9,801        9,600   

Stock consideration issued for Merger

     —          3,233        —     

Purchase of treasury stock

     —          (32     —     

Restricted stock award

     —          165        —     

Common shares issued for the exercise of stock options

     11        125        —     

Common shares withheld to settle tax liability—stock options

     (1     (10     —     

Common shares issued for restricted stock units

     273        477        260   

Common shares withheld to settle tax liability—restricted stock units

     (91     (18     (59

Common shares issued for the exercise of Warrants

     1        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

     13,934        13,741        9,801   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-39


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of PTGi administers PTGi’s Management Compensation Plan, as amended (the “Management Compensation Plan”). The Committee has broad authority to administer, construe and interpret the Management Compensation Plan; however, except in connection with certain Corporate Transactions (as defined in the Management Compensation Plan), it may not take any action with respect to an award that would be treated, for accounting purposes, as a “repricing” of an award unless the action is approved by the shareholders of PTGi.

The Management Compensation Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based or cash-based performance awards (collectively, “awards”). PTGi typically issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, as opposed to using treasury shares.

The Company follows guidance which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the enterprise or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. The guidance generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value based method and share-based compensation expense be recorded, based on the grant date fair value, estimated in accordance with the guidance, for all new and unvested stock awards that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered.

There were 430,972 and 41,666 options granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted average fair value at date of grant for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1.63, $5.11 and $3.07, respectively, per option. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions shown as a weighted average for the year:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Expected option life

     4 - 5.75 Years         6 Years         4 Years   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.57 - 0.89%         1.12 - 1.91%         1.20%   

Expected volatility

     35.83 - 36.64%         41.25 - 43.32%         47.00%   

Dividend yield

     0%         0%         0%   

Total share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $5.2 million, $5.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Most of PTGi’s stock awards vest ratably during the vesting period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for equity awards, reduced by estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line basis.

At the closing of the acquisition of Arbinet on February 28, 2011, the Company reserved approximately 95,000 additional shares of its common stock for issuance in connection with its assumption of Arbinet’s outstanding options, warrants, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

A summary of PTGi’s restricted stock units activity during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested—January 1, 2011

     474,851      $ 8.14   

Granted

     679,598      $ 14.26   

Vested

     (467,186   $ 9.93   

Forfeitures

     (35,869   $ 13.18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested—December 31, 2011

     651,394      $ 13.01   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Granted

     62,000      $ 16.48   

Vested

     (371,277   $ 13.33   

Forfeitures

     (55,909   $ 15.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested—December 31, 2012

     286,208      $ 12.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012, PTGi had 0.3 million unvested RSUs outstanding with respect to $1.7 million of compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.3 years. The number of unvested RSUs expected to vest is 0.3 million.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

A summary of PTGi’s stock options and stock appreciation rights activity during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding—January 1, 2011

     185,300      $ 11.34   

Granted

     41,666      $ 11.92   

Exercised

     (109,626   $ 12.48   

Forfeitures

     (75,455   $ 14.22   

Arbinet merger

     87,195      $ 14.99   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding—December 31, 2011

     129,080      $ 11.34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Granted

     430,972      $ 11.01   

Exercised

     (11,214   $ 11.62   

Forfeitures

     (336,594   $ 12.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding—December 31, 2012

     212,244      $ 9.24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Eligible for exercise

     156,550      $ 8.56   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As discussed in Note 10—“Stockholders’ Equity,” as a result of the Dividends, the Company reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such options. There were 390,972 options granted (with a weighted average exercise price of $10.39) and 332,374 options forfeited (with a weighted average exercise price of $12.22) included in the chart above related to these adjustments.

 

F-41


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The following table summarizes the intrinsic values and remaining contractual terms of PTGi’s stock options and stock appreciation rights:

 

     Intrinsic
Value
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life in Years
 

Options outstanding—December 31, 2012

   $ 438,871         8.0   

Options exercisable—December 31, 2012

     397,143         7.5   

During the year ended December 31, 2012, 11,000 options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $39,000. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately 56,000 unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding of which $0.2 million of compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining period of 1.2 years. The number of unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights expected to vest is approximately 51,000 shares, with a weighted average remaining life of 7.9 years, a weighted average exercise price of $9.19, and an intrinsic value of approximately $42,000.

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors a 401(k) employee benefit plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all United States based employees. Employees may contribute amounts to the 401(k) Plan not to exceed statutory limitations. The 401(k) Plan provides an employer matching contribution in cash of 50% of the first 6% of employee annual salary contributions capped at $6,000 which are subject to three-year cliff vesting.

The matching contribution made during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $368 thousand, $385 thousand and $206 thousand.

13. RELATED PARTIES

On September 17, 2012, PTHI consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes.

Among the sellers of 10% Notes was the Singer Children’s Management Trust, which is the beneficial owner of a portion of the outstanding shares of PTGi common stock. The Singer Children’s Management Trust sold $3.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $4.3 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. Other entities associated with the Singer family sold $13.3 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $14.5 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

Among the sellers of 10% Notes were certain entities affiliated with Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Inc., which is the beneficial owner of a portion of the outstanding shares of PTGi common stock. Phoenix Partners, L.P. sold $5.3 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $5.8 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. Other entities affiliated with Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Inc. sold $5.2 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $5.6 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

Among the sellers of 10% Notes were certain entities affiliated with Canton Holdings, L.L.C., which is the beneficial owner of a portion of the outstanding shares of PTGi common stock. Archer Capital Master Fund, L.P.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

sold $20.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $22.4 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. Other entities affiliated with Canton Holdings, L.L.C. sold $8.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes at a purchase price equal to $9.7 million plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The terms received by such sellers of 10% Notes were the same as those received by other selling holders of 10% Notes.

14. OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

The Company currently has two reportable geographic segments—United States and Canada. The Company has three reportable operating segments based on management’s organization of the enterprise—BLACKIRON Data, North America Telecom, and Other. As a result of the sale of its Australian segment and the classification of its ICS business unit as held for sale, the Company re-organized its remaining operating segments to better reflect its continuing operations. The BLACKIRON Data segment contains the pure data center operations in Canada, while the North America Telecom segment combines the retail telecom businesses in the United States and Canada. Other consists of non-core operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based upon net revenue and income (loss) from operations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Net revenue by geographic segment is reported on the basis of where services are provided. All inter-segment revenues are eliminated. The Company has no single customer representing greater than 10% of its revenues. Corporate assets, capital expenditures and property and equipment are included in the United States segment, while corporate expenses are presented separately in income (loss) from operations. The assets of the BLACKIRON Data and North America Telecom segments are indistinguishable from the respective geographic segments. Therefore, any reporting related to the BLACKIRON Data and North America Telecom segments for assets or other balance sheet items is impractical.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Summary information with respect to the Company’s operating segments is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net Revenue by Geographic Region

      

United States

   $ 37,253      $ 44,774      $ 50,832   

Canada

     223,301        246,612        231,185   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 260,554      $ 291,386      $ 282,017   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenue by Segment

      

BLACKIRON Data

   $ 33,734      $ 30,791      $ 27,068   

North America Telecom

     226,820        260,023        254,841   

Other

     —          572        108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 260,554      $ 291,386      $ 282,017   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

      

BLACKIRON Data

   $ 110      $ 287      $ 246   

North America Telecom

     2,137        3,901        4,108   

Other

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,247      $ 4,188      $ 4,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

      

BLACKIRON Data

   $ 6,337      $ 6,487      $ 4,904   

North America Telecom

     19,709        29,042        8,280   

Other

     —          (331     (1,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total From Operating Segments

     26,046        35,198        11,712   

Corporate

     (34,709     (20,293     (17,576
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (8,663   $ 14,905      $ (5,864
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

      

BLACKIRON Data

   $ 15,695      $ 9,779      $ 5,429   

North America Telecom

     8,684        6,472        6,464   

Other (1)

     7,072        14,848        14,528   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total From Operating Segments

     31,451        31,099        26,421   

Corporate

     296        434        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 31,747      $ 31,533      $ 26,421   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) “Other” also includes capital expenditures related to discontinued operations

The above capital expenditures exclude assets acquired under terms of capital lease and vendor financing obligations.

 

     December 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Property and Equipment—Net

     

United States

   $ 804       $ 3,643   

Canada

     62,519         54,674   

Other (1)

     1,992         93,863   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 65,315       $ 152,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

     December 31,

2012

     December 31,

2011

 

Assets

     

United States

   $ 73,143       $ 122,170   

Canada

     180,369         194,531   

Other (1)

     47,678         227,123   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 301,190       $ 543,824   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) “Other” also includes property and equipment—net and assets of discontinued operations.

The Company offers three main products—Retail Voice, Data/Internet and Retail VoIP. Net revenue information with respect to the Company’s products is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Retail Voice

   $ 156,515       $ 191,226       $ 188,289   

Data/Internet

     72,717         68,881         62,688   

Retail VoIP

     31,322         31,279         31,040   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 260,554       $ 291,386       $ 282,017   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-45


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

15. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following is a tabulation of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

    Quarters Ended  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
    March 31,
2012
    June 30,
2012
    September 30,
2012
    December 31,
2012 (1)
 

Net revenue

  $ 68,002      $ 65,388      $ 63,911      $ 63,253   

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation)

    33,505        32,290        31,511        27,957   

Income (loss) from operations

    (299     (2,731     1,492        (7,125

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

    (11,470     (9,645     (22,578     (2,134

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    4,612        (20,162     (2,459     (2,542

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

    —          98,666        —          (4,401
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic

  $ (6,858   $ 68,859      $ (25,037   $ (9,077
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted

  $ (6,858   $ 68,859      $ (25,037   $ (9,077
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic

    13,744        13,839        13,890        13,901   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted

    13,744        13,839        13,890        13,901   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

       

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (0.83   $ (0.70   $ (1.63   $ (0.15

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    0.34        (1.46     (0.18     (0.18

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

    —          7.13        —          (0.32
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (0.49   $ 4.97      $ (1.81   $ (0.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

       

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (0.83   $ (0.70   $ (1.63   $ (0.15

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    0.34        (1.46     (0.18     (0.18

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

    —          7.13        —          (0.32
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

  $ (0.49   $ 4.97      $ (1.81   $ (0.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-46


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

     Quarters Ended  
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
     March 31,
2011
    June 30,
2011
    September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2011 (2)
 

Net revenue

   $ 72,197      $ 74,995      $ 74,308      $ 69,886   

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation)

     35,633        37,230        36,808        33,676   

Income (loss) from operations

     169        (964     1,575        14,125   

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

     (8,455     (9,175     (5,128     (5,709

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (10,800     2,833        (4,882     7,367   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          —          (4,781
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic

   $ (19,255   $ (6,342   $ (10,010   $ (3,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted

   $ (19,255   $ (6,342   $ (10,010   $ (3,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic

     11,148        13,385        13,715        13,697   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted

     11,148        13,385        13,715        13,697   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (0.76   $ (0.69   $ (0.37   $ (0.42

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (0.97     0.21        (0.36     0.54   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     —          —          —          (0.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (1.73   $ (0.48   $ (0.73   $ (0.23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (0.76   $ (0.69   $ (0.37   $ (0.42

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (0.97     0.21        (0.36     0.54   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     —          —          —          (0.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (1.73     $(0.48)      $ (0.73   $ (0.23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Income (loss) from operations includes an accrual reversal of $2.7 million related to Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of North America Telecom and an impairment charge of $10.0 million related to the indefinite-lived US trade name, “Primus Telecommunications”.
(2) Income (loss) from operations includes a gain on the sale of assets in the amount of $13.1 million related to Globility’s sale of fixed wireless spectrum licenses.

Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently; therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with per share amounts for the year.

16. (GAIN) LOSS ON SALE OR DISPOSAL OF ASSETS

During the year ended December 31, 2011, Globility sold its fixed wireless spectrum licenses in 29 rural and urban markets which resulted in a gain of $13.1 million. In addition, the Company recognized a loss of $0.2 million associated with the sale or disposal of specific long-lived assets, which were taken out of service. The assets disposed or sold were comprised of leasehold improvements, switch and peripheral and other network equipment.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

17. GAIN (LOSS) ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OR RESTRUCTURING OF DEBT

In November 2012, PTHI exchanged $79.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $86.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes and incurred third party fees of $0.6 million.

In September 2012, the Company paid $129.7 million in cash and retired $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of PTHI’s 10% Notes. As a result, the Company recognized a $21.1 million net loss on the early extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations which included premiums and other costs and the write-off of related deferred financing costs and original issue discount.

In December 2011, the Company paid $4.95 million in cash and retired $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of PTHI’s 10% Notes. As a result, the Company recognized a $0.4 million net loss on the early extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations which included the write-off of related deferred financing costs and original issue discount, partially offset by the gain on repurchase.

In July 2011, PTHI issued $240.2 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes in exchange for any and all outstanding Units representing the 13% Notes and the 14 1/4% Notes. In connection with such Exchange Offers, the Company incurred a loss of $6.9 million on the early extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations.

18. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued Operations—year ended December 31, 2012

On May 31, 2012, the Company completed the previously announced sale of its Australian segment to M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd. (“M2”), an Australian telecommunications company, for approximately $AUD 192.4 million (or approximately $USD 195.7 million giving effect to a currency hedge that the Company put in place in connection with the transaction). The Company recorded a $98.6 million gain from the sale of this segment during the second quarter of 2012. In connection with the closing of the transaction, $9.8 million was retained from the purchase price and placed into escrow until May 31, 2013 for purposes of satisfying potential indemnification claims pursuant to the purchase agreement. The purchase price was also subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company and M2 settled on a working capital adjustment and the escrow was released. The Company received $5.4 million and M2 received $4.4 million. The $4.4 million was recorded as an adjustment to the gain that was recorded in the second quarter of 2012, which resulted in a net gain for the year ended December 31, 2012 of 94.3 million.

On June 28, 2012, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and as a result classified ICS as a discontinued operation. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. In conjunction with the commitment to dispose of ICS and classification of ICS as a discontinued operation, the Company evaluated the carrying value of ICS in the second quarter of 2012 which resulted in it being higher than its fair value less costs to sell by $10.3 million and have attributed such adjustment to the long-lived assets of ICS. As the adjustment is related to ICS, it is classified within Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company performed the same analysis as of December 31, 2012 and determined that the fair value less costs to sell exceeded the carrying value and therefore no additional adjustment was required.

Discontinued Operations—year ended December 31, 2011

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company sold its Brazilian segment for $4.3 million. The Company recorded a $4.8 million loss from sale of this segment during the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Discontinued Operations—year ended December 31, 2010

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company committed to dispose of and began actively soliciting the disposition of its European segment, also known as the Company’s remaining European retail operations. The Company sold its Belgian operations, to Webcetra BVBA, for a sale price of approximately $1.3 million during the third quarter of 2010 and as a result, recorded a $40,000 gain from the sale. In October 2010 the Company completed the sale of its United Kingdom retail operations customer base and certain of its assets to NewCall Telecom Ltd., for a sale price of approximately $6.8 million, including a note receivable of $2.1 million, and completed the sale of its Italian retail operations customer base for approximately $0.2 million; as a result the Company recorded a gain of $2.4 million and a loss of $0.3 million, respectively, from the sale of these assets. The Company sold its operations located in France, to AFone, during December 2010 for a sale price of approximately $4.0 million. In addition, AFone assumed all of the existing liabilities of the France operations. Consequently the Company recognized a gain from the sale of these operations of approximately $0.9 million. Consideration received from the sale of the France operations included a note receivable of $1.3 million.

In the second quarter of 2010, the Company sold certain assets of its Spanish retail operations. The sale price was $0.3 million. The Company recorded a $0.2 million gain from sale of these retail operations during the second quarter of 2010.

As a result of these events, the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the Brazilian, Australian and ICS business units and European retail operations as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income or loss (where applicable) from discontinued operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities and removed from the specific line items on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net revenue

   $ 417,671      $ 723,244      $ 520,435   

Operating expenses

     428,902        725,885        515,013   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     (11,231     (2,641     5,422   

Interest expense

     (513     (1,772     (169

Interest income and other income (expense)

     285        (908     512   

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     (2,750     (336     9,708   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

     (14,209     (5,657     15,473   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (6,342     175        4,441   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ (20,551   $ (5,482   $ 19,914   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-49


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Summarized assets and liabilities of ICS classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable

   $  16,070   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     4,196   

Restricted cash

     487   

Long-lived assets

     19,313   
  

 

 

 

Assets held for sale

   $ 40,066   
  

 

 

 

Accounts payable

   $ 10,580   

Accrued interconnection costs

     6,961   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     6,763   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities held for sale

   $ 24,304   
  

 

 

 

19. BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share adjusts basic income per common share for the effects of potentially dilutive common share equivalents.

Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effects of common shares issuable under the Management Compensation Plan, including stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs), using the treasury stock method, as well as the CVRs and Warrants.

The Company had no dilutive common share equivalents during the year ended December 31, 2012, due to the results of operations being a loss from continuing operations, net of tax. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the following were potentially dilutive but were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their antidilutive effect:

 

   

0.5 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan;

 

   

6.2 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants; and

 

   

3.7 million shares issuable upon exercise of CVRs.

The Company had no dilutive common share equivalents during the year ended December 31, 2011, due to the results of operations being a loss from continuing operations, net of tax. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the following were potentially dilutive but were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their antidilutive effect:

 

   

0.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan;

 

   

4.5 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants; and

 

   

2.7 million shares issuable upon exercise of CVRs.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

The Company had no dilutive common share equivalents during the year ended December 31, 2010, due to the results of operations being a loss from continuing operations, net of tax. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the following were potentially dilutive but were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their antidilutive effect:

 

   

0.6 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan;

 

   

4.5 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants; and

 

   

2.7 million shares issuable upon exercise of CVRs.

A calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per common share is set forth below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

   $ (45,827   $ (28,467   $ (41,927

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (20,551     (5,482     19,914   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     94,265        (4,781     2,926   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic

   $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted

   $ 27,887      $ (38,730   $ (19,087
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic

     13,844        12,994        9,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted

     13,844        12,994        9,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (1.48     (0.42     2.05   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     6.81        (0.37     0.30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ (3.31   $ (2.19   $ (4.31

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (1.48     (0.42     2.05   

Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations

     6.81        (0.37     0.30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated

   $ 2.02      $ (2.98   $ (1.96
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In accordance with ASC 855-50, “Subsequent Events,” the Company has reviewed subsequent events through the date of the filing and has determined there are no subsequent events that require disclosure.

 

F-51


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II

PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Activity in the Company’s allowance accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Doubtful Accounts Receivable  
     Balance at      Charged to                 Balance at  

Period

   Beginning of Period      Costs and Expenses     Deductions     Other (1)     End of Period  

2010

   $ 8,163       $ 8,392      $ (9,701   $ —        $ 6,854   

2011

   $ 6,854       $ 7,621      $ (6,923   $ —        $ 7,552   

2012

   $ 7,552       $ 4,819      $ (7,411   $  (3,189   $ 1,771   
     Deferred Tax Asset Valuation  
     Balance at      Charged to                 Balance at  

Period

   Beginning of Period      Costs and Expenses     Deductions     Other     End of Period  

2010

   $ 118,520       $ (24,236   $ —        $ —        $ 94,284   

2011

   $ 94,284       $ 50,327      $ —        $ —        $ 144,611   

2012

   $ 144,611       $ 4,883      $ —        $ —        $ 149,494   

 

(1) Other contains the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable that was sold in conjunction with the sale of the Company’s Australian segment ($1,859), and the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of ICS ($1,330) currently in assets held for sale.

 

S-1