Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) reported consolidated
revenue of $929 million for the first quarter 2011, compared to
consolidated revenue of $921 million for the fourth quarter 2010 and
$910 million for the first quarter 2010.
The net loss for the first quarter 2011 was $205 million, or $0.12 per
share which included charges totaling $0.03 per share, for income tax
expense of $27 million, primarily related to deferred tax liabilities
attributable to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets, and a loss
of $20 million on the extinguishment of debt. The net loss for the
fourth quarter 2010 was $52 million, or $0.03 per share, which included
an income tax benefit of $93 million, or $0.06 per share. For the first
quarter 2010, the net loss was $238 million or $0.14 per share, which
included a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $54 million, or $0.03
per share.
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
was $225 million in the first
quarter 2011, compared to $226 million in the fourth quarter 2010 and
$200 million in the first quarter 2010.
"We are pleased to report a solid quarter, giving us a strong start to
2011,” said James Q. Crowe, CEO of Level 3. "We see many opportunities
across our customer base to continue growing our business throughout the
year. Our customers require more and more bandwidth to support the
continued adoption of video over the Internet, the continued growth in
wireless broadband, and the rising demand for bandwidth in the
enterprise market. Our mix of network assets, our service capabilities
and our focus on customer service excellence are making Level 3 a top
choice for wholesale and enterprise customers in the U.S. and Europe.”
"Demand for bandwidth is becoming increasingly global in nature, which
is one of the many reasons why we believe our agreement to acquire
Global Crossing, announced in April, will be transformational for Level
3,” said Crowe. "We expect the strategic and financial benefits to be
significant for our customers, employees and investors. Since the
announcement, we have moved forward with a number of regulatory filings
and have continued with integration planning as appropriate and
consistent with regulatory limitations.”
Financial Results
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First
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Fourth
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First
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Metric
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Quarter
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Quarter
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Quarter
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($ in millions)
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2011
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|
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2010
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2010
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Total Communications Revenue
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$
|
914
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|
|
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$
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904
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|
|
|
$
|
900
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|
|
Other Revenue
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|
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$
|
15
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|
|
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$
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17
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$
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10
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Total Consolidated Revenue
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$
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929
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$
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921
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$
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910
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Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(1)
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|
|
$
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225
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$
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226
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$
|
200
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Capital Expenditures
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|
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$
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115
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|
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$
|
117
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$
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82
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Unlevered Cash Flow(1)
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$
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41
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$
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183
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$
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51
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Free Cash Flow(1)
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($115
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)
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$
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73
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($90
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)
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Communications Gross Margin(1)
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|
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60.9
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%
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|
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61.1
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%
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58.8
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%
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Communications Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)
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|
|
|
24.6
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%
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|
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24.6
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%
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22.4
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%
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(1)
See schedule of non-GAAP metrics for definition and
reconciliation to GAAP measures.
Communications Business
Revenue
Total Communications Revenue for the first quarter 2011 was $914
million, compared to $904 million for the fourth quarter 2010 and $900
million for the first quarter 2010.
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First
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Fourth
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First
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Communications Revenue
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Quarter
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Quarter
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Percent
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Quarter
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Percent
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($ in millions)
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2011
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2010
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Change
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2010
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Change
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Wholesale
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$
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351
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$
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347
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1
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%
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$
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343
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2
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%
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|
Large Enterprise and Federal
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|
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$
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144
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$
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144
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--
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$
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136
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|
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6
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%
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Mid-Market
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|
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$
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155
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$
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151
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|
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3
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%
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|
|
$
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151
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3
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%
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|
Europe
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|
|
$
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79
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|
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$
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78
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|
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1
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%
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|
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$
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71
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|
|
11
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%
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|
Core Network Services
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$
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729
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|
|
$
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720
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1
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%
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|
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$
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701
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4
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%
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|
Wholesale Voice Services
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$
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164
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$
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161
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2
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%
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|
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$
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165
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(1
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%)
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|
Other Communications Services
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$
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21
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$
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23
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(9
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%)
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$
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34
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(38
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%)
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Total Communications Services
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$
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914
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$
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904
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1
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%
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$
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900
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2
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%
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Core Network Services
Core Network Services revenue was $729 million in the first quarter
2011, an increase of approximately 1 percent compared to $720 million in
the fourth quarter 2010, and an increase of approximately 4 percent
compared to $701 million in the first quarter 2010. On a constant
currency basis, European revenue increased slightly sequentially and
increased 10 percent year-over-year.
"We are pleased to see strong sequential growth in Core Network Services
revenue in a quarter that typically shows a sequential decline due to
the seasonal decline in broadcast services in the first quarter,” said
Sunit Patel, executive vice president and CFO of Level 3.
Deferred Revenue
The communications deferred revenue balance was $888 million at the end
of the first quarter 2011, compared to $887 million at the end of the
fourth quarter 2010 and $880 million at the end of the first quarter
2010.
Cost of Revenue
Communications cost of revenue was $357 million in the first quarter
2011, compared to $352 million in the fourth quarter 2010 and $371
million in the first quarter 2010.
Communications gross margin was 60.9 percent for the first quarter 2011,
compared to 61.1 percent in the fourth quarter 2010. Communications
gross margin was 58.8 percent in the first quarter 2010.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)
Excluding non-cash compensation expense, Communications SG&A was $332
million in the first quarter 2011, compared to $330 million in the
fourth quarter 2010 and $327 million in the first quarter 2010.
Communications SG&A, including non-cash compensation expense was $357
million for the first quarter 2011, compared to $347 million for the
fourth quarter 2010 and $343 million for the first quarter 2010.
Non-cash compensation expense was $25 million, $17 million, and $16
million for the first quarter 2011, fourth quarter 2010, and first
quarter 2010, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA
Communications Adjusted EBITDA increased to $225 million for the first
quarter 2011, compared to $222 million for the fourth quarter 2010 and
$202 million for the first quarter 2010.
Communications Adjusted EBITDA margin was 24.6 percent for the first
quarter 2011, flat compared to 24.6 percent for the fourth quarter 2010,
but an increase compared to 22.4 percent in the first quarter 2010.
Communications Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash compensation expense
and includes restructuring charges. The company incurred less than $1
million of restructuring charges for the first quarter 2011, the fourth
quarter 2010 and first quarter 2010.
Consolidated Cash Flow and Liquidity
During the first quarter 2011, Unlevered Cash Flow was $41 million,
versus $183 million in the fourth quarter 2010, and $51 million for the
first quarter 2010.
Consolidated Free Cash Flow was negative $115 million for the first
quarter 2011, compared to positive $73 million in the fourth quarter
2010 and negative $90 million for the first quarter 2010.
The first quarter 2011 Free Cash Flow loss is due to a $45 million
increase in net cash interest payments over the fourth quarter of 2010
and a $71 million use of cash for working capital within the quarter.
The working capital use of cash in 2011 resulted from an increase in
DSOs from about 26 days to 28 days for about a $30 million use of cash,
a $25 million use of cash from bonus payments and accrued payroll, and a
$10 million use of cash from an increase in prepaid expenses. The latter
two items are timing-related and will be offset over the remainder of
the year.
As of March 31, 2011, the company had cash and cash equivalents of
approximately $1,079 million, or $616 million on a pro forma basis after
the partial redemption of the company’s 9.25% Senior Notes due 2014 that
was completed after the close of the first quarter 2011.
Corporate Transactions
Global Crossing
On April 11, 2011, Level 3 announced that it had entered into a
definitive agreement to acquire Global Crossing Limited in a tax-free,
stock-for-stock transaction. Under the terms and subject to conditions
of the agreement, Global Crossing shareholders will receive 16 shares of
Level 3 common stock for each share of Global Crossing common stock or
preferred stock that is owned at closing. Based on Level 3’s closing
stock price on April 8, 2011, the last trading day prior to the
announcement of the transaction, the transaction is valued at $23.04 per
Global Crossing common or preferred share, or approximately $3.0
billion, including the assumption of approximately $1.1 billion of net
debt as of Dec. 31, 2010.
Financings
During the quarter, Level 3 Communications, Inc. issued $605 million
aggregate principal amount of its 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019 in two
separate transactions, of which $305 million was for cash, and
approximately $300 million was in exchange for its 9% Convertible Senior
Discount Notes due 2013. The company also redeemed in full its 5.25%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2011.
Also during the quarter, Level 3 Financing, Inc. issued $500 million
aggregate principal amount of its 9.375% Senior Notes due 2019. On April
4, 2011, the company completed the partial redemption of $443 million
aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 9.25% Senior Notes due
2014. In the second quarter 2011, the company expects to recognize a $23
million loss on the extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of
these notes.
Business Outlook
"We expect the sequential growth in Core Network Services Revenue to
strengthen in the second quarter,” said Patel. "For the full year 2011,
we generally expect stronger sequential revenue growth compared to 2010.
Given our high incremental margins, we expect low double digit
percentage growth in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in 2011.”
"In 2011, the company expects GAAP interest expense of approximately
$625 million and net cash interest expense of approximately $555
million. We expect capital expenditures to be approximately 12 percent
of Communications revenue. Free Cash Flow is expected to be roughly
breakeven for the remainder of 2011 in aggregate.”
"With respect to the Global Crossing acquisition, we expect to incur
some integration planning- and transaction-related costs between signing
and closing, and will separately disclose those in our quarterly
results,” added Patel.
Conference Call and Web Site Information
Level 3 will hold a conference call to discuss the company’s first
quarter 2011 results at 10 a.m. ET today. To join the call, please dial
1 866-791-6248 (U.S. Domestic) or 1 913-312-1388 (International),
conference code 9827710. A live broadcast of the call can also be heard
on Level 3’s website at http://lvlt.client.shareholder.com.
During the call, the company will review an earnings presentation that
summarizes the financial results of the quarter. This presentation may
be accessed at http://lvlt.client.shareholder.com/results.cfm.
The call will be archived and available on Level 3's Investor Relations
website or can be accessed as an audio replay starting at 1 p.m. ET on
May 3 until 1 p.m. ET on May 13. The replay can be accessed by dialing 1
888- 203-1112 (U.S. Domestic) or 1 719-457-0820 (International),
conference code 9827710.
For additional information, please call 720-888-2502.
About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international
provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content,
wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services
with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an
end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and
long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content
delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.Level3.com.
© Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3
Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo are either registered
service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one
of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3
services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3
Communications, Inc. Any other service names, product names, company
names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of
their respective owners.
Important Information For Investors And Stockholders
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any
vote or approval.
The proposed transaction will be submitted to
the stockholders of Level 3 Communications, Inc. ("Level 3”) and the
stockholders of
Global Crossing Limited ("Global Crossing”) for
their consideration.
Level 3 and Global Crossing will file a
registration statement on Form S-4, a joint proxy statement/prospectus
and other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with
the SEC.
Level 3 and Global Crossing will each provide the final
joint proxy statement/prospectus to its respective stockholders.
Investors
and security holders are urged to read the registration statement and
the joint proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents
filed with the SEC when they become available, as well as any amendments
or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important
information about Level 3, Global Crossing and the proposed transaction.
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of
the registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well
as other filings containing information about Level 3 and Global
Crossing free of charge at the SEC’s Web Site at http://www.sec.gov.
In addition, the joint proxy statement/prospectus, the SEC filings
that will be incorporated by reference in the joint proxy
statement/prospectus and the other documents filed with the SEC by Level
3 may be obtained free of charge by directing such request to:
Investor
Relations, Level 3 Communications, Inc., 1025 Eldorado Boulevard,
Broomfield, Colorado 80021 or from Level 3’s Investor Relations page on
its corporate website at http://www.level3.com
and the joint proxy statement/prospectus, the SEC filings that will be
incorporated by reference in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and
the other documents filed with the SEC by Global Crossing be obtained
free of charge by directing such request to:
Global Crossing by
telephone at (800) 836-0342 or by submitting a request by e-mail to glbc@globalcrossing.com
or a written request to the Secretary, Wessex House, 45 Reid Street,
Hamilton HM12 Bermuda or from Global Crossing’s Investor Relations
page on its corporate website at http://www.globalcrossing.com.
Level 3, Global Crossing and their respective directors, executive
officers, and certain other members of management and employees may be
deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in favor of the
proposed transactions from the stockholders of Level 3 and from the
stockholders of Global Crossing, respectively.
Information about
the directors and executive officers of Level 3 is set forth in the
proxy statement on Schedule 14A for Level 3’s 2011 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 4, 2011 and
information about the directors and executive officers of Global
Crossing is set forth in the proxy statement for Global Crossing’s 2010
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on May 19,
2010. Additional information regarding participants in the proxy
solicitation may be obtained by reading the joint proxy
statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes
available.
Forward Looking Statements About Global Crossing
This press release contains statements about expected future events
and financial results that are forward looking and subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially,
including: the failure to occur of any condition to the closing of the
acquisition of Global Crossing by Level 3, including the failure to
obtain a required approval or the experiencing of a material adverse
effect by either company; the failure to achieve expected synergies from
the acquisition; Global Crossing’s history of substantial operating
losses and the fact that, in the near term, funds from operations will
not satisfy cash requirements; the availability of future borrowings in
an amount sufficient to pay Global Crossing’s indebtedness and to fund
its other liquidity needs; legal and contractual restrictions on the
inter-company transfer of funds by Global Crossing’s subsidiaries;
Global Crossing’s ability to continue to connect its network to
incumbent carriers' networks or maintain Internet peering arrangements
on favorable terms; the consequences of any inadvertent violation of
Global Crossing’s Network Security Agreement with the U.S. Government;
increased competition and pricing pressures resulting from technology
advances and regulatory changes; competitive disadvantages relative to
competitors with superior resources; political, legal and other risks
due to Global Crossing’s substantial international operations; risks
associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates; risks
related to restrictions on the conversion of the Venezuelan bolivar into
U.S. dollars and to the resultant buildup of a material excess bolivar
cash balance, which is carried on Global Crossing’s books at the
official exchange rate, attributing to the bolivar a value that is
significantly greater than the value that would prevail on an open
market; potential weaknesses in internal controls of acquired
businesses, and difficulties in integrating internal controls of those
businesses with Global Crossing’s own internal controls; exposure to
contingent liabilities; and other risks referenced from time to time in
Global Crossing’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Global Crossing undertakes no duty to update information contained in
this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.
Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i)
statements about the benefits of the acquisition of Global Crossing by
Level 3, including financial and operating results and synergy benefits
that may be realized from the acquisition and the timeframe for
realizing those benefits; Level 3's and Global Crossing's plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained
in this communication that are not historical facts; and (ii) other
statements identified by words such as "expects,” "anticipates,”
"intends,” "plans,” "believes,” "seeks,” "estimates” or words of similar
meaning.
These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current
beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant
business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and
third-party approvals, many of which are beyond our control. The
following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking
statements: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other
circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement
and Plan of Amalgamation among Level 3, Global Crossing and Apollo
Amalgamation Sub, Ltd. (the "Amalgamation Agreement”); (2) the inability
to complete the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement
due to the failure to obtain the required stockholder approvals, (3) the
inability to satisfy the other conditions specified in the Amalgamation
Agreement, including without limitation the receipt of necessary
governmental or regulatory approvals required to complete the
transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement; (4) the
inability to successfully integrate the businesses of Level 3 and Global
Crossing or to integrate the businesses within the anticipated
timeframe; (5) the risk that the proposed transactions disrupt current
plans and operations, increase operating costs and the potential
difficulties in customer loss and employee retention as a result of the
announcement and consummation of such transactions; (6) the ability to
recognize the anticipated benefits of the combination of Level 3 and
Global Crossing, including the realization of revenue and cost synergy
benefits and to recognize such benefits within the anticipated
timeframe; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be
instituted against Level 3, Global Crossing or others following
announcement of the Amalgamation Agreement and transactions contemplated
therein; and (8) the possibility that Level 3 or Global Crossing may be
adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive
factors.
Other important factors that may affect Level 3's and the combined
business' results of operations and financial condition include, but are
not limited to: the current uncertainty in the global financial markets
and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and
expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for
the distribution and consumption of data and video; disruptions in the
financial markets that could affect Level 3’s ability to obtain
additional financing, and the company’s ability to: increase and
maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective
business support systems; manage system and network failures or
disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and
generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and
proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to
further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other
personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the
terms and conditions of debt obligations.
Additional information concerning these and other important factors
can be found within Level 3’s and Global Crossing’s respective filings
with the SEC, which discuss the foregoing risks as well as other
important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or
otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition. Statements in this communication should be evaluated in light
of these important factors.
The forward-looking statements in
this communication speak only as of the date they are made. Except for
the ongoing obligations of Level 3 and Global Crossing to disclose
material information under the federal securities laws, neither Level 3
nor Global Crossing undertakes any obligation to, and expressly disclaim
any such obligation to, update or alter any forward-looking statement to
reflect new information, circumstances or events that occur after the
date such forward-looking statement is made unless required by law.
Non-GAAP Metrics
Pursuant to Regulation G, the company is hereby providing a
reconciliation of non-GAAP financial metrics to the most directly
comparable GAAP measure.
The following describes and reconciles those financial measures as
reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States (GAAP) with those financial measures as adjusted by the items
detailed below and presented in the accompanying news release. These
calculations are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be
viewed as alternatives to GAAP. In keeping with its historical financial
reporting practices, the company believes that the supplemental
presentation of these calculations provides meaningful non-GAAP
financial measures to help investors understand and compare business
trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis,
independently of regularly reported non-cash charges and infrequent or
unusual events.
Consolidated Revenue is defined as total revenue from the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Communications Revenue is defined as communications revenue from
the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Core Network Services Revenue includes revenue from transport,
infrastructure, data and local and enterprise voice communications
services.
Communications Gross Margin
($) is defined as
communications revenue less communications cost of revenue from the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Communications Gross Margin (%) is defined as communications
gross margin ($) divided by communications revenue. Management believes
that gross margin is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is
a metric that management uses to measure the margin available to the
company after it pays third party network services costs; in essence, a
measure of the efficiency of the company’s network.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) from the
Consolidated Statements of Operations before income taxes, total other
income (expense), non-cash impairment charges, depreciation and
amortization and non-cash stock compensation expense.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by
total revenue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Metrics
|
|
|
|
|
Q1 2011
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Communications
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
($201)
|
|
|
|
|
$(4)
|
|
|
|
|
($205)
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
Total Other (Income) Expense
|
|
|
|
|
171
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
174
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
203
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
Non-cash Stock Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
$225
|
|
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
$225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
$914
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
|
|
|
|
|
24.6%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Metrics
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2010
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Communications
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
($52)
|
|
|
|
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
($52)
|
|
Income Tax Benefit
|
|
|
|
|
(93)
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
(93)
|
|
Total Other (Income) Expense
|
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
141
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
213
|
|
Non-cash Stock Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
$222
|
|
|
|
|
$4
|
|
|
|
|
$226
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
$904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
|
|
|
|
|
24.6%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Metrics
|
|
|
|
|
Q1 2010
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Communications
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
($235)
|
|
|
|
|
($3)
|
|
|
|
|
($238)
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total Other (Income) Expense
|
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
224
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
225
|
|
Non-cash Stock Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
$202
|
|
|
|
|
($2)
|
|
|
|
|
$200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
$900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
|
|
|
|
|
22.4%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are
relevant and useful metrics to provide to investors, as they are an
important part of the company’s internal reporting and are key measures
used by Management to evaluate profitability and operating performance
of the company and to make resource allocation decisions. Management
believes such measures are especially important in a capital-intensive
industry such as telecommunications. Management also uses Adjusted
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to compare the company’s performance
to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and
non-operating items in order to consistently measure from period to
period its ability to fund capital expenditures, fund growth, service
debt and determine bonuses. Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash impairment
charges and non-cash stock compensation expense because of the non-cash
nature of these items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes interest income,
interest expense and income taxes because these items are associated
with the company’s capitalization and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA
also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these
non-cash expenses reflect the impact of capital investments which
management believes should be evaluated through free cash flow. Adjusted
EBITDA excludes the gain (or loss) on extinguishment of debt and other,
net because these items are not related to the primary operations of the
company.
There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including
the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar
performance measures whose calculations may differ from the company’s
calculations. Additionally, this financial measure does not include
certain significant items such as interest income, interest expense,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment
charges, non-cash stock compensation expense, the gain (or loss) on
extinguishment of debt and net other income (expense). Adjusted EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered a substitute for
other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.
Unlevered Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities less capital expenditures, plus cash interest paid
and less interest income all as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows or the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management
believes that Unlevered Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to
investors, as it is an indicator of the operational strength and
performance of the company and, measured over time, provides management
and investors with a sense of the growth pattern of the business.
There are material limitations to using Unlevered Cash Flow to measure
the company against some of its competitors as it excludes certain
material items such as payments on and repurchases of long-term debt,
interest income and cash interest expense. Level 3 does not currently
pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating losses,
and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business
that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is
subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of
payments related to accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital
expenditures. Unlevered Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for
net change in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows.
Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities less capital expenditures as disclosed in the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Management believes that Free
Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an
indicator of the company’s ability to generate cash to service its debt.
Free Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions and principal
repayments.
There are material limitations to using Free Cash Flow to measure the
company against some of its competitors as Level 3 does not currently
pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating losses,
and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business
that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is
subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of
payments related to accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital
expenditures. This financial measure should not be used as a substitute
for net change in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
($115)
|
|
|
|
|
($115)
|
|
Cash Interest Paid
|
|
|
|
|
$156
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
|
|
($-)
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$41
|
|
|
|
|
($115)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
$190
|
|
|
|
|
$190
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
($117)
|
|
|
|
|
($117)
|
|
Cash Interest Paid
|
|
|
|
|
$111
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
|
|
($1)
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$183
|
|
|
|
|
$73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unlevered
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
Free Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
($8)
|
|
|
|
($8)
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
|
($82)
|
|
|
|
($82)
|
|
Cash Interest Paid
|
|
|
|
|
|
$141
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
($-)
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$51
|
|
|
|
($90)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attachment #1
|
|
LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communications
|
|
|
|
$
|
914
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
904
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
900
|
|
|
Coal Mining
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
Total Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
|
|
|
921
|
|
|
|
|
|
910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amortization shown separately below):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communications
|
|
|
|
|
357
|
|
|
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
|
|
|
371
|
|
|
Coal Mining
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
Total Cost of Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
372
|
|
|
|
|
|
365
|
|
|
|
|
|
383
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
|
|
213
|
|
|
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
Selling, General and Administrative
|
|
|
|
|
357
|
|
|
|
|
|
347
|
|
|
|
|
|
343
|
|
|
Restructuring Charges
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Total Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
933
|
|
|
|
|
|
925
|
|
|
|
|
|
951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Loss
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(148
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(149
|
)
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
(54
|
)
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
Total Other Expense
|
|
|
|
|
(174
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(141
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(196
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss Before Income Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
(178
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(145
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(237
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
|
|
|
|
|
(27
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
$
|
(205
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(52
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(238
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
1,681,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,668,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,647,407
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attachment #2
|
|
|
|
LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
(dollars in millions)
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,079
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
616
|
|
|
Restricted cash and securities
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of $18 and $17, respectively
|
|
|
|
|
295
|
|
|
|
|
|
264
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1,486
|
|
|
|
|
|
972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
|
|
|
|
|
5,276
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,302
|
|
|
Restricted Cash and Securities
|
|
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
1,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,427
|
|
|
Other Intangibles, net
|
|
|
|
|
347
|
|
|
|
|
|
371
|
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,802
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
$
|
328
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
329
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
449
|
|
|
|
|
|
180
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
Current portion of deferred revenue
|
|
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
1,180
|
|
|
|
|
|
956
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt, less current portion
|
|
|
|
|
6,618
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,268
|
|
|
Deferred Revenue, less current portion
|
|
|
|
|
737
|
|
|
|
|
|
736
|
|
|
Other Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
532
|
|
|
|
|
|
552
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
9,067
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
(265
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,802
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attachment #3
|
|
LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
(dollars in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(205
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(52
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(238
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
|
|
213
|
|
|
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
Accretion of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
Accrued interest on long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
(92
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Change in fair value of embedded derivative
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
Changes in working capital items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
Payables
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(17
|
)
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
|
(115
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(117
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(82
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Increase in restricted cash and securities, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(115
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(82
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
772
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
613
|
|
|
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
(198
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(714
|
)
|
|
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
574
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
(101
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
463
|
|
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
(197
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
616
|
|
|
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
|
|
836
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,079
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
616
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
639
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash interest paid
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
156
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
111
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
141
|
|
|
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
