Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the period ended March 31, 2012
or
¨ | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-18307
Northland Cable Properties Eight Limited Partnership
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Washington | 91-1423516 | |
(State of Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
101 Stewart Street, Suite 700, Seattle, Washington | 98101 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(206) 623-1351
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ¨ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller Reporting Company | x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Table of Contents
3 | ||||||
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 8 | |||||
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 11 | |||||
11 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
13 | ||||||
EX-10.53 | ||||||
EX-31.A | ||||||
EX-31.B | ||||||
EX-32.A | ||||||
EX-32.B | ||||||
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT | ||||||
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT | ||||||
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | ||||||
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | ||||||
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT | ||||||
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT |
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. | Financial Statements |
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS—(UNAUDITED)
(Prepared by the Managing General Partner)
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 384,151 | $ | 367,788 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,000 | 81,607 | 113,519 | ||||||
Due from affiliates | 54,919 | 53,343 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 132,160 | 52,960 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $10,711,318 and $10,592,877 respectively | 2,649,960 | 2,701,780 | ||||||
Franchise agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $1,907,136 | 2,292,704 | 2,292,204 | ||||||
Loan fees, net of accumulated amortization of $101,352 and $100,345 respectively | 4,028 | 5,035 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total assets | $ | 5,599,529 | $ | 5,586,629 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 258,221 | $ | 282,906 | ||||
Due to General Partner and affiliates | 6,902 | 24,978 | ||||||
Deposits | 13,265 | 10,825 | ||||||
Subscriber prepayments | 178,087 | 164,519 | ||||||
Term loan | 853,376 | 928,376 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total liabilities | 1,309,851 | 1,411,604 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Partners’ capital (deficit): | ||||||||
General Partner: | ||||||||
Contributed capital, net | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (38,139 | ) | (39,286 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
(37,139 | ) | (38,286 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Limited Partners: | ||||||||
Contributed capital, net (19,087 units) | 8,102,518 | 8,102,518 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (3,775,701 | ) | (3,889,207 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
4,326,817 | 4,213,311 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total partners’ capital | 4,289,678 | 4,175,025 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | 5,599,529 | $ | 5,586,629 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
3
Table of Contents
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—(UNAUDITED)
(Prepared by the Managing General Partner)
For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Service revenues | $ | 1,064,114 | $ | 1,048,359 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Cable system operations / cost of revenue (including $15,865 and $13,391 to affiliates in 2012 and 2011, respectively), excluding depreciation shown below | 118,584 | 106,123 | ||||||
General and administrative (including $121,670 and $116,616 to affiliates in 2012 and 2011, respectively) | 279,369 | 262,393 | ||||||
Programming / cost of revenue (including $8,221 and $6,291 to affiliates in 2012 and 2011, respectively) | 411,956 | 413,296 | ||||||
Depreciation / cost of revenue | 131,396 | 139,868 | ||||||
Loss on disposal of assets | 195 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
941,500 | 921,680 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Income from operations | 122,614 | 126,679 | ||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees | (8,061 | ) | (10,413 | ) | ||||
Interest income and other, net | 100 | (576 | ) | |||||
Escrow proceeds | — | 65,572 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
(7,961 | ) | 54,583 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net income | $ | 114,653 | $ | 181,262 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Allocation of net income: | ||||||||
General Partner (1%) | $ | 1,147 | $ | 1,813 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Limited Partners (99%) | $ | 113,506 | $ | 179,449 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net income per limited partnership unit: | ||||||||
(19,087 units) | $ | 5.95 | $ | 9.40 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
Table of Contents
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(UNAUDITED)
(Prepared by the Managing General Partner)
For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 114,653 | $ | 181,262 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation | 131,396 | 139,868 | ||||||
Amortization of loan fees | 1,007 | 1,007 | ||||||
Loss on sale of assets | 195 | — | ||||||
Escrow Proceeds | — | (65,572 | ) | |||||
(Increase) decrease in operating assets: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | 31,912 | 6,222 | ||||||
Due from affiliates | (1,576 | ) | (12,969 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses | (79,200 | ) | (48,783 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 14,486 | (5,958 | ) | |||||
Due to General Partner and affiliates | (18,076 | ) | (7,718 | ) | ||||
Subscriber prepayments and deposits | 16,008 | 27,199 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 210,805 | 214,558 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (118,942 | ) | (91,303 | ) | ||||
Escrow proceeds | — | 65,572 | ||||||
Increase in intangibles | (500 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (119,442 | ) | (25,731 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings | (75,000 | ) | (75,000 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (75,000 | ) | (75,000 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
INCREASE IN CASH | 16,363 | 113,827 | ||||||
CASH, beginning of period | 367,788 | 220,365 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
CASH, end of period | $ | 384,151 | $ | 334,192 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest | $ | 9,661 | $ | 9,406 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5
Table of Contents
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) | Basis of Presentation |
These unaudited financial statements are being filed in conformity with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X regarding interim financial statement disclosure and do not contain all of the necessary footnote disclosures required for a full presentation of the balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Partnership’s financial position at March 31, 2012, its statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and its statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(2) | Intangible Assets |
The Partnership does not amortize intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter using financial information as of September 30th, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the assets might be impaired.
Loan fees are being amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method. Future amortization of loan fees is expected to be approximately as follows:
2012 (9 months) | 3,021 | |||
2013 (3 Months) | 1,007 | |||
|
| |||
$ | 4,028 | |||
|
|
(3) | Term Loan |
On February 3, 2010, the Partnership and its existing lender agreed to amend its credit agreement so as to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2013, modify the principal repayment schedule, and modify certain other covenants and provisions of the credit agreement. Interest rates are based on the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, plus a margin of 3.0 percent per annum. The term loan is collateralized by a first lien position on all present and future assets of the Partnership. Principal payments plus interest are due quarterly. In connection with the credit amendment, the Partnership paid $12,755 in additional loan fees, which are being amortized over the extended term of the loan. As of March 31, 2012, the balance of the term loan agreement was $853,376.
Annual maturities of the term loan after March 31, 2012 are as follows:
2012 | 300,000 | |||
2013 | 553,376 | |||
|
| |||
$ | 853,376 | |||
|
|
On March 31, 2013, the partnership’s term loan matures and $553,376 becomes due and payable as of that date.
Under the terms of the amended loan agreement, the Partnership has agreed to restrictive covenants which require the maintenance of certain ratios, including a Funded Debt to Cash Flow Ratio of no more than 1.75 to 1 and a Cash Flow Coverage Ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1, among other restrictions.
The General Partner submits quarterly debt compliance reports to the Partnership’s creditor under this agreement. As of March 31, 2012, the Partnership was in compliance with the terms of its credit agreement.
The Partnership follows general accounting standards that require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. Due to the variable interest rate the carrying value of the term loan approximates fair value.
6
Table of Contents
As of March 31, 2012, the balance under the credit facility was $853,376 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 3.24% This interest rate expired April 30, 2012, at which time the LIBOR based rate of 3.24% was extended through May 31, 2012.
(4) | Litigation |
The Partnership is party to ordinary and routine litigation proceedings that are incidental to the Partnership’s business. Management believes that the outcome of all pending legal proceedings will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership, its financial statements, prospects or debt service abilities.
(5) | Escrow Proceeds and Potential Sale of Systems |
On July 5, 2007, Northland Cable Properties Eight Limited Partnership executed a purchase and sale agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell the operating assets and franchise rights of its remaining cable systems serving the communities of Aliceville, Alabama and Swainsboro, Georgia to Green River Media and Communications, LLC (“Green River”), an unaffiliated third party. The transaction was expected to close by the end of March 2008. To secure their performance under the Agreement, Green River deposited $75,000 into escrow (the “Escrow Deposit”), which was intended to be credited to the purchase price at closing. Closing of this transaction would have resulted in the liquidation of the Partnership.
On March 31, 2008, the Partnership notified Green River of its termination of the Agreement. Green River disputed the right of the Partnership to terminate the Agreement. The parties reached a final settlement in the first quarter of 2011. As a result of the settlement, the Partnership received proceeds and accrued interest of $65,572 from the Escrow Deposit. The escrow proceeds were recorded as other income during the first quarter of 2011.
Fees for legal and accounting activities in connection with the aforementioned purchase and sale transaction amounted to $0 and $518 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and have been expensed as incurred within interest income and other in the accompanying statements of operations.
(6) | Fair Value of Assets |
We measure certain financial assets at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. These levels are:
• | Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
• | Level 2 – quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. |
• | Level 3 – significant inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. |
The following table summarizes the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012.
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 384,151 | $ | 384,151 | $ | — | $ | — |
The following table summarizes the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011.
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 367,788 | $ | 367,788 | $ | — | $ | — |
The Partnership follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The carrying values of cash and the variable rate term loan approximate fair value.
7
Table of Contents
PART I (continued)
ITEM 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Results of Operations—Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
Total video basic subscribers decreased from 4,380 as of March 31, 2011 to 4,127 as of March 31, 2012. The loss in subscribers is a result of several factors including competition from Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) providers, availability of off-air signals in the Partnership’s markets and regional and local economic conditions. To address this customer trend, the Partnership is increasing its customer retention efforts and its emphasis on bundling its video, data and phone products.
Revenue totaled $1,064,114 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of 2% from $1,048,359 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were comprised of the following sources:
• | $673,511 (63%) from basic and expanded video services |
• | $241,226 (23%) from high speed internet services |
• | $26,904 (3%) from premium video services |
• | $38,730 (3%) from telephony services |
• | $17,642 (2%) from advertising |
• | $20,616 (2%) from late fees |
• | $45,485 (4%) from other sources |
Average monthly revenue per subscriber increased $5.84 or approximately 7% from $81.05 for three months ended March 31, 2011 to $86.89 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. This increase is attributable to rate increases implemented throughout the Partnership’s systems during the first quarter of 2012, increased penetration of new products to existing customers, specifically high-speed Internet and telephony services, and product bundling to new customers. This increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber was offset by the aforementioned decrease in basic subscribers.
Operating expenses, excluding general and administrative, programming and depreciation expenses totaled $118,584 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of approximately 12% from the same period in 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to higher operating salaries, system utilities and vehicle operating expenses. Employee wages, which represent the largest component of operating expenses, are reviewed annually, and in most cases, increased based on cost of living adjustments and other factors. Therefore, assuming the number of operating and regional employees remains constant, management expects increases in operating expenses in the future.
General and administrative expenses totaled $279,369 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of approximately 6% from $262,393 for the same period in 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to higher administrative salaries, administrative services and copying and printing.
Programming expenses totaled $411,956 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, consistent with the same period in 2011. Higher costs charged by various program suppliers and higher costs associated with the increase in high-speed Internet and telephone subscribers, were offset by the aforementioned decrease in video subscribers and lower circuit costs. Rate increases from program suppliers, as well as new fees due to the launch of additional channels, high-speed Internet and telephone services, will contribute to increased programming costs in the future, assuming that the number of subscribers remains constant.
Depreciation expense totaled $131,396 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of approximately 6% over the same period in 2011. Depreciation of recent purchases related to the upgrade of plant and equipment was offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees totaled $8,061 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of approximately 23% over the same period in 2011. This decrease is attributable to lower average outstanding indebtedness as a result of required principal payments.
The Partnership received escrow proceeds and accrued interest of $65,572 as a result of the termination of the purchase and sale agreement with Green River (see footnote 5). The escrow proceeds were recorded as other income during the first quarter of 2011.
8
Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Partnership’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow provided by operations. The Partnership generates cash through the monthly billing of subscribers for cable and other services. Based on management’s analysis, the Partnership’s cash flow from operations and cash on hand will be sufficient to cover future operating costs, planned capital expenditures and working capital needs over the next twelve-month period. On March 31, 2013 the Partnership’s term loan matures and $553,376 becomes due and payable as of that date.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $210,805 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Adjustments to the $114,653 net income for the period to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of depreciation of $131,396, offset by changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $36,446.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $119,442 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment.
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 consisted of $75,000 in principal payments on the term loan.
Term Loan
On February 3, 2010, the Partnership and its existing lender agreed to amend its credit agreement so as to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2013, modify the principal repayment schedule, and modify certain other covenants and provisions of the credit agreement. Interest rates are based on the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, plus a margin of 3.0 percent per annum. The term loan is collateralized by a first lien position on all present and future assets of the Partnership. Principal payments plus interest are due quarterly. In connection with the credit amendment, the Partnership paid $12,755 in additional loan fees, which are being amortized over the extended term of the loan. As of March 31, 2012, the balance of the term loan agreement was $853,376.
Annual maturities of the term loan after March 31, 2012 are as follows:
2012 | 300,000 | |||
2013 | 553,376 | |||
|
| |||
$ | 853,376 | |||
|
|
Under the terms of the amended loan agreement, the Partnership has agreed to restrictive covenants which require the maintenance of certain ratios, including a Funded Debt to Cash Flow Ratio of no more than 1.75 to 1 and a Cash Flow Coverage Ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1, among other restrictions.
As of the date of this filing, the balance under the credit facility is $853,376 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 3.24%. This interest rate expires April 30, 2012, at which time the LIBOR based rate of 3.24% was extended through May 31, 2012.
Obligations and Commitments
In addition to working capital needs for ongoing operations, the Partnership has capital requirements for annual maturities related to the refinanced credit facility and required minimum operating lease payments. The following table summarizes the Partnership’s contractual obligations as of March 31, 2012:
Total | Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 year | 1 – 3 Years | 3 – 5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||||
Term Loan | 853,376 | 300,000 | 553,376 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Minimum operating lease payments | 33,800 | 6,280 | 7,840 | 2,320 | 17,360 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Total | $ | 887,176 | $ | 306,280 | $ | 561,216 | $ | 2,320 | $ | 17,360 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | These contractual obligations do not include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which are expected to be paid in 2011. |
9
Table of Contents
(b) | The Partnership also rents utility poles in its operations. Amounts due under these agreements are not included in the above minimum operating lease payments as pole rentals are based on pole usage and are cancelable on short notice. The Partnership does however anticipate that such rentals will recur. Pole rental expense was $111,070 in 2011. |
(c) | Note that obligations related to the Partnership’s term loan exclude interest expense as it cannot be determined given the variable interest rate. Interest expense was $34,078 in 2011. |
Capital Expenditures
During the first three months of 2012, the Partnership paid approximately $119,000 for capital expenditures. These expenditures include continued upgrades to the Aliceville, AL and Swainsboro, GA systems expanding the high speed data capacity.
Management has estimated that the Partnership will spend approximately $405,000 on capital expenditures during the remainder of 2012. Planned expenditures include the continuation of plant upgrades in both systems to expand the high speed data capacity, potential line extension opportunities, and customer premise equipment to provide services. The level of future capital spending will be dependent on the Partnership’s available cash on hand and its debt obligations.
Critical Accounting Policies
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on the Partnership’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following critical accounting policies require a more significant amount of management judgment than other accounting policies the Partnership employs.
Revenue Recognition
Cable television service revenue, including service and maintenance, is recognized in the month service is provided to customers. Advance payments on cable services to be rendered are recorded as subscriber prepayments and deferred. Revenues resulting from the sale of local spot advertising are recognized when the related advertisements or commercials appear before the public.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs of additions and substantial improvements, which include materials, labor, and other indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities, are capitalized. Indirect costs include employee salaries and benefits, travel and other costs. These costs are estimated based on historical information and analysis. The Partnership performs evaluations of these estimates as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.
The Partnership capitalizes costs associated with initial customer installations. The costs of disconnecting service or reconnecting service to previously installed locations is expensed in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are also charged to operating expense, while equipment replacements, including the replacement of drops, are capitalized.
Intangible Assets
The Partnership does not amortize intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter using financial information as of September 30th, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the assets might be impaired.
Management believes the franchises have indefinite lives because the franchises are expected to be used by the Partnership for the foreseeable future as determined based on an analysis of all pertinent factors, including changes in legal, regulatory or contractual provisions and effects of obsolescence, demand and competition. In addition, the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the future cash flows expected from the franchises is not material in relation to the carrying value of the franchises. While the franchises have defined lives based on the franchising authority, renewals are routinely granted, and management expects them to continue to be granted. This expectation is supported by management’s experience with the Partnership’s franchising authorities and the franchising authorities of the Partnership’s affiliates.
10
Table of Contents
ITEM 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
The Partnership is subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates. The Partnership’s primary interest rate exposure results from changes in the LIBOR rate, which is used to determine the interest rate applicable to the Partnership’s debt facilities. The Partnership has from time to time entered into interest rate swap agreements to partially hedge interest rate exposure. Interest rate swaps have the effect of converting the applicable variable rate obligations to fixed or other variable rate obligations. As of the date of this filing, the Partnership is not involved in any interest rate swap agreements. The potential loss over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate of all of the Partnership’s variable rate obligations would be approximately $8,500.
Cautionary statement for purposes of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe”, “intends”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms.
ITEM 4. | Controls and Procedures |
The Partnership maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Managing General Partner have evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There has been no change during the most recent quarter in the Partnership’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.
11
Table of Contents
ITEM 1 | Legal proceedings |
On March 31, 2008, the Partnership notified Green River of its termination the Agreement. Green River disputed the right of the Partnership to terminate the Agreement. The parties reached a final settlement in the first quarter of 2011. As a result of the settlement, the Partnership received proceeds and accrued interest of $65,572 of the Escrow Deposit. The escrow proceeds were recorded as other income during the first quarter of 2011. The Partnership will continue to operate its assets in a manner intended to maximize revenue and cash flow.
The Partnership is party to ordinary and routine litigation proceedings that are incidental to the Partnership’s business. Management believes that the outcome of all pending legal proceedings will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership, its financial statements, prospects or debt service abilities.
ITEM 1A | Risk Factors |
There have been no material changes from the Partnership’s risk factors as disclosed in the 2011 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2 | Changes in securities |
None
ITEM 3 | Defaults upon senior securities |
None
ITEM 4 | Submission of matters to a vote of security holders |
None
ITEM 5 | Other information |
None
ITEM 6 | Exhibits |
(a) | Exhibit Index |
31(a). | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated May 11, 2012 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
31(b). | Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated May 11, 2012 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
32(a). | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated May 11, 2012 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
32(b). | Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated May 11, 2012 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
12
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BY: Northland Communications Corporation,
General Partner
SIGNATURES | CAPACITIES | DATE | ||
/s/ RICHARD I. CLARK Richard I. Clark | Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary | 05-11-12 | ||
/s/ GARY S. JONES Gary S. Jones | President | 05-11-12 |
13