1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 30, 1999 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: 0-29752
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 33-0811062
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
10307 PACIFIC CENTER COURT, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121-2779
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(858) 882-6000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(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 twelve 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 ninety days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
The number of shares of registrant's common stock outstanding on January
10, 2000 was 20,241,097.
2
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
NOVEMBER 30, AUGUST 31,
1999 1999
------------ ----------
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents ......................................... $ 40,249 $ 26,215
Accounts receivable, net .......................................... 3,980 2,726
Inventories ....................................................... 4,329 5,410
Recoverable taxes ................................................. 6,592 3,907
Other current assets .............................................. 5,500 1,926
--------- ---------
Total current assets .......................................... 60,650 40,184
Property and equipment, net ....................................... 112,841 116,947
Investments in and loans receivable from unconsolidated
wireless operating companies ................................. 77,398 94,429
Intangible assets, net ............................................ 71,475 73,944
Deposits and other assets ......................................... 10,977 9,827
--------- ---------
Total assets .................................................. $ 333,341 $ 335,331
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities .......................... $ 20,139 $ 16,372
Loans payable to banks ............................................ 17,566 17,225
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities ..................................... 37,705 33,597
Long-term debt .................................................... 260,818 221,812
Other long-term liabilities ....................................... 9,272 8,504
--------- ---------
Total liabilities ............................................. 307,795 263,913
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 6 and 8)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary ...................... 373 518
--------- ---------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - authorized 10,000,000 shares
$.0001 par value, no shares issued and outstanding ............ -- --
Common stock - authorized 75,000,000 shares;
$.0001 par value, 18,954,636 shares issued and outstanding .... 2 2
Additional paid-in capital ...................................... 292,651 291,189
Accumulated deficit ............................................. (263,157) (216,896)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ............................ (4,323) (3,395)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity .................................... 25,173 70,900
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity .................... $ 333,341 $ 335,331
========= =========
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
-----------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(RESTATED)
Operating revenues .................................... $ 5,484 $ --
-------- --------
Operating expenses:
Cost of operating revenues ......................... (7,384) --
Selling, general and administrative expenses ....... (13,538) (4,240)
Depreciation and amortization ...................... (5,175) (124)
-------- --------
Total operating expenses ....................... (26,097) (4,364)
-------- --------
Operating loss ................................... (20,613) (4,364)
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated wireless
operating companies ................................ (16,193) (16,029)
Interest income ....................................... 397 462
Interest expense and amortization of discount and
facility fee ....................................... (7,174) (1,051)
Foreign currency transaction losses ................... (2,794) --
Other income (expense), net ........................... 116 --
-------- --------
Net loss ......................................... (46,261) (20,982)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation losses ................ (928) (587)
-------- --------
Comprehensive loss ............................... $(47,189) $(21,569)
======== ========
Basic and diluted net loss per common share ........... $ (2.45) $ (1.19)
======== ========
Shares used to calculate basic and diluted net loss
per common share .................................. 18,857 17,663
======== ========
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1999 1998
---------- ---------
(RESTATED)
Operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities .......................... $ (17,934) $ (10,054)
--------- ---------
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment ........................... (5,040) (2,876)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated wireless
operating companies ...................................... (5,500) (86,791)
Proceeds from liquidation of discontinued foreign venture .... 7,006 --
Loan receivable to related party ............................. -- (17,500)
Repayment of loan receivable from related party .............. -- 7,500
Acquisition of wireless licenses ............................. -- (689)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities .......................... (3,534) (100,356)
--------- ---------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from loans payable to banks ......................... -- 6,720
Borrowings under credit agreement ............................ 30,905 23,315
Repayment of borrowings under credit agreement ............... -- (7,500)
Issuance of common stock ..................................... 1,439 103
Deferred customs duties and other ............................ 812 --
Former parent company's investment ........................... -- 95,268
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities ...................... 33,156 117,906
--------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents ........................................ 2,346 --
--------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ...................... 14,034 7,496
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ............... 26,215 --
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..................... $ 40,249 $ 7,496
========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing
and financing activities:
Loans to unconsolidated wireless operating company
converted to equity investment ........................... $ -- $ 28,196
Long-term financing to purchase property and equipment ....... $ 4,739 $ --
Facility fee due on long-term debt ........................... $ -- $ 5,300
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Leap Wireless International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly
owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Leap") is a wireless
communications carrier that deploys, owns and operates networks in domestic and
international markets. Through its operating companies, Leap has launched
all-digital wireless networks in the United States, Chile and Mexico. The
Company was incorporated on June 24, 1998 as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Qualcomm Incorporated ("Qualcomm"). On September 23, 1998, Qualcomm distributed
all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company to Qualcomm's
stockholders as a taxable dividend (the "Distribution"). In connection with the
Distribution, one share of Company common stock was issued for every four shares
of Qualcomm common stock outstanding on September 11, 1998. Following the
Distribution, the Company and Qualcomm operate as independent companies. The
condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the Company as if it were a
separate entity for all periods presented.
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared by the Company without audit, in accordance with the instructions
to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes
necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position, results of
operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, the unaudited
financial information for the interim periods presented reflects all adjustments
(which include only normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair
presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for
the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1999 incorporated by reference in the Company's
1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year.
The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared using generally
accepted accounting principles. These principles require management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the current period presentation.
RESTATEMENT
The Company adopted the equity method of accounting for its investment in
Chase Telecommunications Holdings, Inc. ("Chase Telecommunications Holdings") in
the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Prior to that time, the Company accounted for
its investment in Chase Telecommunications Holdings under the cost method.
Accordingly, all prior periods presented in these condensed consolidated
financial statements have been adjusted retroactively in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three months ended
November 30, 1999 and 1998 was calculated by dividing the net loss for each of
the periods by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each
of the periods of 18,856,656 and 17,662,760, respectively. The weighted average
number of common shares outstanding assumes that the 17,647,685 shares issued at
Distribution were outstanding for the periods prior to Distribution. Stock
options for 5,705,485 common shares, the conversion of Qualcomm's Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities which are convertible into 1,959,053 shares of
the Company's common stock, and the exercise of a warrant issued to Qualcomm for
4,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock have not been considered in
calculating basic and diluted net loss per common share because their effect
would be anti-dilutive. As a result, the Company's basic and diluted net loss
per common share are the same.
6
FUTURE ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," which the Company will be required to adopt for fiscal year 2001.
This statement establishes a new model for accounting for derivatives and
hedging activities. Under SFAS No. 133, all derivatives must be recognized as
assets and liabilities and measured at fair value. The Company does not expect
that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will have a material impact on its
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 2. PENDING WIRELESS LICENSE ACQUISITIONS
In September 1998, the Company entered into an agreement, as amended in
December 1999, to purchase three wireless licenses covering markets in North
Carolina from AirGate Wireless, L.L.C. ("AirGate") for $25.0 million. The
purchase price consists of the Company assuming $11.7 million of 6.25% per annum
notes due April 2007 to the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") related to
the licenses and the remainder payable in cash. The remaining cash payment is
increased for any principal payments made by AirGate on the notes during the
period prior to the closing of the transaction.
In September 1999, the Company agreed to purchase a wireless license covering
the Dayton, Ohio market from PCS Devco, Inc. ("PCS Devco") for $3.5 million. The
purchase price consists of the Company assuming a $1.1 million, 6.25% per annum
note due June 2007 to the FCC related to the license and the remainder payable
in cash. The Company is required to make PCS Devco's payments on the FCC note
during the period prior to the closing of the transaction, reducing the
remaining cash payment to PCS Devco. In addition, the Company will transfer to
PCS Devco one of the 36 wireless licenses it acquired in the federal
government's April 1999 reauction of PCS spectrum.
Each of these agreements are subject to FCC approval and other conditions to
closing, and no assurance can be given that they will be closed on schedule or
at all. See Note 8.
NOTE 3. INVESTMENTS AND LOANS TO UNCONSOLIDATED WIRELESS OPERATING COMPANIES
The Company has equity interests in companies that directly or indirectly
hold telecommunications licenses. Its participation in each company differs and
the Company does not have majority interests in such companies. The Company
accounts for these equity interests under the equity method. The Company
accounts for its investments in foreign operating companies using a two-month
lag. The Company's ability to withdraw funds, including dividends, from its
participation in such investments is dependent in many cases on receiving the
consent of lenders and the other participants, over which the Company has no
control.
Commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company began
accounting for Smartcom S.A. ("Smartcom") as a consolidated entity. Prior to the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, Smartcom was accounted for under the equity
method. The Company recorded equity losses from Smartcom of $3.4 million during
the three months ended November 30, 1998.
Condensed combined financial information for the Leap operating companies
accounted for under the equity method is summarized as follows (in thousands):
NOVEMBER 30, AUGUST 31,
1999 1999
------------ ----------
(UNAUDITED)
Current assets ....................................... $ 33,109 $ 140,899
Non-current assets ................................... 561,395 576,765
Current liabilities .................................. (89,899) (112,539)
Non-current liabilities .............................. (331,549) (347,590)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' capital ....................... 173,056 257,535
Other stockholders' share of capital ................. 95,658 146,059
--------- ---------
Company's share of capital ........................... 77,398 111,476
Lag period loans and advances ........................ -- 10,195
Write-down in investments ............................ -- (27,242)
--------- ---------
Investments in and loans receivable from
unconsolidated wireless operating companies .... $ 77,398 $ 94,429
========= =========
7
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1999 1998
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED &
RESTATED)
Operating revenues .................................. $ 3,501 $ 807
-------- --------
Operating loss ...................................... (50,319) (13,142)
Other income (expense), net ......................... (8,887) (5,434)
Foreign currency transaction gains .................. 5,926 426
-------- --------
Net loss ......................................... (53,280) (18,150)
Other stockholders' share of net loss ............... (35,761) (1,677)
-------- --------
Company's share of net loss ......................... (17,519) (16,473)
Amortization of excess cost of investment ........... -- (244)
Elimination of intercompany transactions ............ 1,326 688
-------- --------
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated wireless
operating companies ............................ $(16,193) $(16,029)
======== ========
CHASE TELECOMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS
In December 1996, the Company purchased $4.0 million of Class B Common Stock
of Chase Telecommunications Holdings, representing 7.2% of the outstanding
capital stock. The Company has also provided a $50.0 million working capital
facility to Chase Telecommunications Holdings. At November 30, 1999, borrowings
under the facility totaled $43.4 million, including $4.5 million of accrued and
capitalized interest. However, because the facility is the only source of
working capital for Chase Telecommunications Holdings, the carrying value of the
Company's investment and the loans under the facility have been reduced to zero
as the Company has recognized 100% of the net losses of Chase Telecommunications
Holdings to the extent of its investment and loans. The Company recorded equity
losses from Chase Telecommunications Holdings of $5.5 million and $8.6 million
during the three months ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
In December 1998, the Company agreed to acquire substantially all the assets
of Chase Telecommunications Holdings, including wireless licenses, subject to
FCC approval and other conditions. The purchase price includes approximately
$6.3 million in cash, the assumption of principal amounts of liabilities that
totaled approximately $109.8 million at November 30, 1999, a warrant to purchase
1% of the common stock of the Company's subsidiary Cricket Communications
Holdings, Inc. ("Cricket Communications Holdings") at an exercise price of $1.0
million, and contingent earn-out payments of up to $41.0 million based on the
earnings of the business acquired during the fifth full year following the
closing of the acquisition. The liabilities to be assumed include approximately
$78.8 million in principal amounts owed to the FCC associated with the wireless
licenses that bear interest at the rate of 7.0% per annum and must be repaid in
quarterly installments of principal and interest through September 2006.
PEGASO
At November 30, 1999, the Company has a 28.6% interest in Pegaso, a Mexican
corporation which is deploying the first 100% digital wireless communications
network in Mexico. The Company invested $100.0 million in Pegaso from June to
September 1998 as a founding shareholder. The Company recorded equity losses
from Pegaso of $10.7 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended
November 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
DISCONTINUED FOREIGN VENTURES
Through a subsidiary, the Company has an interest in Orrengrove Investments
Limited ("Orrengrove"), which in turn owned a 60% interest in three related
companies (the "Transworld Companies") which are being liquidated. The third
party satellite that the Transworld Companies used to provide long distance
service failed in April 1999. The directors of the Transworld Companies voted to
liquidate the companies after reviewing a series of alternative business plans
that did not meet their minimum financial performance criteria. As a result, the
Company wrote down its investment in Orrengrove in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1999 to the proceeds it expects to receive in connection with the liquidations.
The Company recorded equity losses from Orrengrove of $0.9 million during the
three months ended November 30, 1998.
Through another subsidiary, the Company owns a 35% interest in Metrosvyaz
Limited ("Metrosvyaz"), a company that is attempting to establish joint ventures
in Russia to construct and operate networks providing wireless local loop
service. Metrosvyaz was funding its activities through vendor financing from an
equipment supplier and through a working capital facility provided by the
Company. The Company has ceased funding loans to Metrosvyaz and, as a
8
result, wrote down its remaining $9.6 million investment in Metrosvyaz in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. As described in Note 6, Leap has initiated
arbitration against Metrosvyaz and one of its officers, and Metrosvyaz has
subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Company and certain of its executive
officers. The Company recorded equity losses from Metrosvyaz of $2.5 million
during the three months ended November 30, 1998.
NOTE 4. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
NOVEMBER, 30 AUGUST 31,
1999 1999
------------ ----------
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET:
Trade accounts receivable .......... $ 3,445 $ 2,197
Other accounts receivable .......... 1,238 1,112
------- -------
4,683 3,309
Allowance for doubtful accounts .... (703) (583)
------- -------
$ 3,980 $ 2,726
======= =======
INVENTORIES:
Handsets ........................... $ 3,337 $ 4,320
Accessories ........................ 992 1,090
------- -------
$ 4,329 $ 5,410
======= =======
NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows (in thousands):
NOVEMBER 30,
1999
------------
(UNAUDITED)
Credit Agreement, net of facility fee ........... $154,991
Deferred Payment Agreement ...................... 89,220
Note payable to Telex-Chile, net of discount .... 16,607
--------
$260,818
========
CREDIT AGREEMENT
The Company entered into a secured credit facility (the "Credit Agreement")
with Qualcomm on September 23, 1998. The Credit Agreement consists of two
sub-facilities. The working capital sub-facility enables the Company to borrow
up to $35.2 million from Qualcomm for working capital needs. The investment
capital sub-facility enables the Company to borrow up to $229.8 million from
Qualcomm for strategic capital investments. At November 30, 1999, the Company
had borrowed $15.0 million and $135.3 million under the working capital
sub-facility and investment capital sub-facility, respectively.
DEFERRED PAYMENT AGREEMENT
Smartcom and Qualcomm are parties to a Deferred Payment Agreement, as
amended, related to Smartcom's purchase of equipment, software and services from
Qualcomm. The assets of Smartcom collateralize its obligations under the
Deferred Payment Agreement. The Company has also pledged its shares in Smartcom
as collateral for the Company's guaranty of Smartcom's obligation to Qualcomm.
The Deferred Payment Agreement requires Smartcom to meet certain financial and
operating covenants, including a debt to equity ratio and restrictions on
Smartcom's ability to pay dividends and to distribute assets. As a result,
substantially all the net assets are restricted from distribution to Leap. Under
the terms of the amended agreement, Qualcomm has agreed to defer collection of
principal amounts up to a maximum of $84.5 million plus accrued and capitalized
interest.
9
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PEGASO
In May 1999, Pegaso entered into a $100 million loan agreement with several
banks with credit support from Qualcomm. The Company guaranteed 33% of Pegaso's
obligations under this loan agreement in the event of Pegaso's default. In
December 1999, as a condition of the guarantee, the Company received an option
to subscribe for and purchase up to 243,090 limiting voting series "N" treasury
shares of Pegaso. The number of shares to be purchased by the Company under the
option will be calculated to provide a total internal rate of return on the
average outstanding balance of the bridge loan of 20%.The options have an
exercise price of $0.01 per share and expire 10 years from the date of issuance.
The options are exercisable at any time after the date on which all amounts
under the loan agreement are paid in full.
INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND FINANCING AGREEMENTS
In September 1999, a subsidiary of the Company entered into separate
infrastructure equipment purchase and financing agreements with two major
telecommunications suppliers. Under the agreements, the subsidiary has agreed to
purchase $330 million in infrastructure equipment from each supplier. In
connection with the sales of infrastructure equipment, the suppliers will
provide vendor financing that will be used for equipment, services and
operations needed to deploy the subsidiary's wireless networks in various
markets across the United States. One of the finance agreements is subject to
the approval of the applicable supplier's board of directors.
Until the pending acquisition of substantially all the assets of Chase
Telecommunications Holdings is completed, the Company plans to purchase
equipment and services required by Chase Telecommunications Holdings and then
resell the equipment and services to Chase Telecommunications Holdings on
substantially similar terms. If the Company fails to consummate the Chase
Telecommunications Holdings acquisition by September 20, 2000, the Company will
be required to pay in full up to $60.0 million of debt plus accrued interest
incurred from the purchase and sale of equipment and services to Chase
Telecommunications Holdings. As of November 30, 1999, no equipment had been
purchased and resold to Chase Telecommunications Holdings.
Following the closing of the Chase Telecommunications Holdings acquisition,
amounts owed by Chase Telecommunications Holdings to Qualcomm under an equipment
financing agreement become due and payable within five days and will be repaid
from borrowings under one of the new equipment financing agreements. As of
November 30, 1999, Chase Telecommunications Holdings owed approximately $31.0
million to Qualcomm under its equipment financing agreement.
LITIGATION
In September 1999, the Company announced that it had stopped funding loans to
Metrosvyaz. Metrosvyaz had not satisfied certain conditions required for funding
and was in default under its loan agreement with the Company. In addition, the
Company had been prevented from securing full reporting and documentation of
performance, results and expenditures of Metrosvyaz despite repeated efforts to
obtain that information. Preliminary results of a special investigation of
Metrosvyaz disclosed serious irregularities, including unaccounted for funds and
questionable contracts and payments. On September 29, 1999, the Company issued a
demand for arbitration seeking a full accounting and damages from Metrosvyaz and
one of its directors with respect to these matters. Management cannot determine
the likely outcome of the arbitration.
In December 1999, Metrosvyaz filed suit against the Company and certain of
its officers in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The Metrosvyaz suit alleges claims for libel, trade libel, intentional and
negligent interference with prospective advantage and breach of fiduciary duty.
The suit seeks compensatory damages in excess of $100 million as well as
punitive damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes the Metrosvyaz
claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. The Company
cannot, however, be certain of the outcome of this litigation. If Metrosvyaz
prevails in its claims it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business and financial condition.
Various others claims arising in the course of business, seeking monetary
damages and other relief, are pending. The amount of the liability, if any, from
such claims cannot be determined with certainty; however, in the opinion of
management, the ultimate liability for such claims will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
10
NOTE 7. SEGMENT DATA
The Company's current reportable segments are countries in which it manages,
supports, operates and otherwise participates in wireless communications
business ventures. These reportable segments are evaluated separately because
each geographic region presents different marketing strategies and operational
issues, as well as distinct economic climates and regulatory constraints. The
Company's reportable segments are comprised of Cricket Communications Holdings
and Chase Telecommunications Holdings in the United States, and Leap's operating
companies in Mexico and Chile.
Summary information by segment is as follows (in thousands):
AS OF AND FOR
THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1999 1998
--------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
UNITED STATES
Revenues ............................................... $ 2,087 $ 599
Operating loss ......................................... (15,498) (4,432)
Operating loss before depreciation and amortization .... (5,810) (3,557)
Capital expenditures ................................... (3,929) (3,522)
Total assets ........................................... 101,486 84,177
CHILE
Revenues ............................................... 5,448 208
Operating loss ......................................... (14,325) (5,424)
Operating loss before depreciation and amortization .... (9,309) (3,582)
Capital expenditures ................................... (2,899) (17,095)
Total assets ........................................... 190,297 134,274
MEXICO
Revenues ............................................... 1,414 --
Operating loss ......................................... (38,024) (534)
Operating loss before depreciation and amortization .... (35,652) (518)
Capital expenditures ................................... (36,279) (60,344)
Purchase of wireless licenses .......................... -- (175,864)
Total assets ........................................... 508,481 362,204
11
A reconciliation of the total of the Company's segment revenues, operating
losses and operating losses before depreciation and amortization to the
corresponding consolidated amounts is as follows (in thousands):
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
--------------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
Total segment revenues ................................... $ 8,949 $ 807
Revenues of unconsolidated wireless
operating companies ................................. (3,501) (807)
Other revenues ........................................... 36 --
-------- --------
Consolidated revenues ............................... $ 5,484 $ --
======== ========
Total segment operating losses ........................... $(67,847) $(10,390)
Operating losses of unconsolidated wireless
operating companies ................................. 50,319 13,142
Discontinued foreign ventures ............................ -- (3,752)
Corporate and eliminations ............................... (3,085) (3,364)
-------- --------
Consolidated operating loss ......................... $(20,613) $ (4,364)
======== ========
Total segment operating losses before depreciation
and amortization .................................... $(50,771) $ (7,657)
Operating losses before depreciation and amortization
of unconsolidated wireless operating companies ...... 38,259 10,409
Discontinued foreign ventures ............................ -- (3,752)
Corporate and eliminations ............................... (2,926) (3,240)
-------- --------
Consolidated operating losses before depreciation
and amortization .................................... $(15,438) $ (4,240)
======== ========
Revenues and long-lived assets related to operations in the United States
and other foreign countries are as follows (in thousands):
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
--------------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
REVENUES:
United States .............................................. $ 36 $ --
Other foreign countries .................................... 5,448 --
-------- --------
Total consolidated revenues ............................. $ 5,484 $ --
======== ========
NOVEMBER 30, AUGUST 31,
1999 1998
------------ ----------
(UNAUDITED)
LONG-LIVED ASSETS: .........................................
United States .............................................. $ 22,912 $ 23,599
Other foreign countries .................................... 240,840 264,369
-------- --------
Total consolidated long-lived assets .................... $263,752 $287,968
======== ========
12
NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICER DEFERRED STOCK PLAN
In December 1999, the Company established an Executive Officer Deferred Stock
Plan that provides for mandatory deferral of 25% and voluntary deferral of up to
75% of executive officer bonuses. Bonus deferrals are converted into share units
credited to the participant's account, with the number of share units calculated
by dividing the deferred bonus amount by the fair market value of the Company's
common stock on the bonus payday. Share units represent the right to receive
shares of the Company's common stock in accordance with the plan. The Company
will also credit to a matching account that number of share units equal to 20%
of the share units credited to the participant's account. Matching share units
vest ratably over 3 years on each anniversary date of the applicable bonus
payday. The Company has reserved 25,000 shares of its common stock for issuance
under the plan.
PENDING WIRELESS LICENSES ACQUISITION
On January 7, 2000, the Company agreed to acquire two wireless licenses
covering the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Denver, Colorado markets from
Radiofone PCS, L.L.C ("Radiofone"). The purchase price for the Pittsburgh
license is $18.4 million in cash and the purchase price for the Denver license
is 232,754 shares of the Company's common stock and $3.4 million in cash less
the amount of debt owed by Radiofone to the FCC related to the license which
will be assumed by the Company at the closing. As of November 30, 1999, the
outstanding principal amount of the FCC debt was approximately $1.5 million. The
amounts owed to the FCC must be repaid in quarterly installments of principal
and interest through April 2007. The agreement is subject to FCC approval and
other conditions to closing.
* * * *
13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following information should be read in conjunction with the condensed
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of this
Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (File No. 333-93073).
As used in this report, the terms we, our or us refer to Leap Wireless
International, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context suggests otherwise.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for the historical information contained herein, the following
discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's future results could differ materially from those
discussed here. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences,
including factors relating to joint ventures and other entities in which the
Company has interests, include: the ability to successfully deploy wireless
networks; the ability to raise sufficient funds to finance such deployment; the
ability to control costs relating to constructing, expanding, and operating the
networks; the ability to attract new subscribers and the rate of growth of the
subscriber base; the usage and revenue generated from subscribers; the level of
airtime and equipment prices; the rate of churn of subscribers; the range of
services offered; the ability to effectively manage growth and the intense
competition in the wireless communications industry, as well as conditions
governing the use of network licenses set by various government and regulatory
authorities; developments in current or future litigation; and the other risks
detailed in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
333-93073) under the heading "Risk Factors." Investors and prospective investors
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We
disclaim any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained
herein to reflect future events or developments.
OVERVIEW
Leap is a wireless communications carrier with a unique approach to
providing digital wireless service that is designed to appeal to the mass
market. We intend to transform wireless into a mass consumer product by
deploying customer-oriented, low-cost, simple wireless services. We generally
seek to address a much broader population segment than incumbent wireless
operators have addressed to date. In the United States, we are employing a
unique business strategy to extend the benefits of mobility to the mass market
by offering wireless service under the brand name Cricket that is as simple as,
and priced at rates competitive with, traditional landline service. Cricket
service was introduced in Chattanooga, Tennessee in March 1999 by Chase
Telecommunications, Inc., a company that we have agreed to acquire, under a
management agreement that requires the management of Chase Telecommunications to
control the business until our proposed acquisition is completed. The expansion
of the Cricket service to Nashville, Tennessee is currently underway with an
expected launch in January 2000. To expand the Cricket service, we currently
have acquired or agreed to acquire wireless licenses covering approximately 29
million potential customers.
Internationally, we currently are involved in developing and operating
nationwide digital wireless systems in Mexico and Chile. We plan to focus our
efforts in markets primarily in the Americas where we believe the combination of
unfulfilled demand and our attractive wireless service offerings will fuel rapid
growth. In Mexico, we were a founding shareholder and have invested $100 million
in Pegaso, a joint venture with Grupo Pegaso and Grupo Televisa, the largest
media company in the Spanish-speaking world. We currently own 28.6% of Pegaso,
which is deploying the first 100% digital wireless communications network in
Mexico. Pegaso holds wireless licenses in the 1900 MHz band to provide
nationwide service covering all of Mexico, with approximately 99 million
potential customers. Pegaso recently announced that it has signed a non-binding
memorandum of understanding with Sprint PCS under which Sprint PCS would invest
up to $250 million by purchasing shares from Pegaso and shareholders other than
Leap. If the contemplated transaction is consummated, Sprint PCS will acquire a
30.5% interest in Pegaso and our percentage interest in Pegaso will decrease to
20.5%.
In Chile, in April 1999, we acquired the 50% of our wireless venture that we
did not already own, and in November 1999, re-launched the venture's service
under a new brand name and corporate identity, SMARTCOM PCS. We acquired the
remaining 50% interest for $28 million in cash and a $22 million interest-free
note due in May 2002. Smartcom holds a nationwide wireless license in the 1900
MHz band and operates a nationwide digital wireless system in Chile. Smartcom's
network is the only CDMA-based network in the country, and it covers
approximately 12 million potential customers representing 80% of Chile's total
population.
We are in the early stages of development. Start-up wireless communications
companies typically require substantial capital expenditures for the
construction of their networks and license acquisition costs. In addition, these
14
companies typically incur significant marketing and other expenses as they begin
commercial operations. Accordingly, as we continue to build-out our networks,
expand our operations, and amortize our capitalized costs, our net operating
losses and our proportionate share of the losses in our unconsolidated wireless
operating companies is expected to grow.
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
Chase Telecommunications. In December 1998, we agreed to acquire
substantially all the assets of Chase Telecommunications Holdings, including
wireless licenses, subject to FCC approval and other conditions. The purchase
price includes approximately $6.3 million in cash, the assumption of principal
amounts of liabilities that totaled approximately $109.8 million at November 30,
1999, a warrant to purchase 1% of the common stock of our subsidiary Cricket
Communications Holdings at an exercise price of $1.0 million, and contingent
earn-out payments of up to $41.0 million based on Chase Telecommunications's
earnings during the fifth full year following the closing of the acquisition.
The liabilities to be assumed include approximately $78.8 million in principal
amounts owed to the FCC associated with the wireless licenses that bear interest
at the rate of 7.0% per annum and must be repaid in quarterly installments of
principal and interest through September 2006. An acquisition agreement has been
signed, but the transaction has not yet been completed and is subject to FCC
approval and other conditions.
Following the closing of the acquisition, amounts owed by Chase
Telecommunications to Qualcomm under an equipment financing agreement become due
and payable within five days and will be repaid from borrowings under Cricket
Communications's credit facility with Lucent. As of November 30, 1999, Chase
Telecommunications owed approximately $31.0 million to Qualcomm under the
equipment financing agreement.
Our subsidiary, Cricket Communications, has entered into a credit facility
with Chase Telecommunications under which Cricket Communications agreed, at its
discretion, to provide working capital loans to Chase Telecommunications. The
maximum principal amount of working capital loans that may be drawn under the
facility is $50 million. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at the
prime rate plus 4.5%. The borrowings are collateralized by substantially all of
the assets of Chase Telecommunications and are subordinated in right of payment
to amounts Chase Telecommunications owes to Qualcomm under its equipment
financing agreement. As of November 30, 1999, Chase Telecommunications's
borrowings under its working capital facility with Cricket Communications
totaled $43.4 million, including $4.5 million of accrued and capitalized
interest.
Until our pending acquisition of Chase Telecommunications is completed,
Cricket Communications plans to purchase the equipment and services required by
Chase Telecommunications under its existing equipment purchase and financing
agreements and then resell the equipment and services to Chase
Telecommunications on substantially similar terms, including financing. If we
fail to close the acquisition of Chase Telecommunications by September 20, 2000,
we will be required to pay in full up to $60 million of debt plus accrued
interest incurred from the purchase and sale of equipment and services to Chase
Telecommunications under Cricket Communications's credit agreement with Lucent
Technologies.
Other Wireless Licenses. In September 1998, we agreed to acquire three
wireless licenses covering markets in North Carolina from AirGate for a purchase
price of approximately $13.3 million in cash and the assumption of principal
amounts of approximately $11.7 million in debt obligations to the FCC. Amounts
owed to the FCC bear interest at the rate of 6.25% per annum and must be repaid
in quarterly installments of principal and interest through April 2007. A
reduction in the outstanding balance of the FCC debt by AirGate before the
closing will increase Leap's cash payment to AirGate. An acquisition agreement
has been signed, but the transaction has not yet been completed and is subject
to closing conditions.
In September 1999, we agreed to acquire a wireless license covering the
Dayton, Ohio market from PCS Devco for a purchase price of approximately $2.4
million in cash and the assumption of principal amounts of approximately $1.1
million in debt obligations to the FCC. Amounts owed to the FCC bear interest at
the rate of 6.25% per annum and must be repaid in quarterly installments of
principal and interest through June 2007. In addition, Leap has agreed to
transfer to PCS Devco a wireless license that covers 135,000 potential
customers. Until closing, Leap is required to make PCS Devco's payments under
its FCC debt, with any payments made by Leap reducing the cash payment to PCS
Devco. An acquisition agreement has been signed, but the transaction has not yet
been completed and is subject to FCC approval and other conditions. Our
agreement with PCS Devco expires in March 2000 if the transaction is not
consummated by such date.
In December 1999, we entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding
to acquire all of the outstanding stock of three corporations which own wireless
licensees covering markets in Albany, Columbus and Macon, Georgia for an
aggregate purchase price of 170,374 shares of our common stock. The memorandum
of understanding provides
15
that these corporations will have no indebtedness or other liabilities at the
closing. The memorandum of understanding provides that we will file and have
declared effective a resale shelf registration statement with the SEC covering
the shares of our common stock issued to the seller as soon as reasonably
practicable after the closing of the transaction, subject to certain "lock-up"
restrictions on resale. A binding acquisition agreement has not yet been agreed
to by the parties. If a definitive agreement is reached, the transaction will be
subject to FCC approval and other conditions.
In January 2000, we agreed to acquire two wireless licenses covering the
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Denver, Colorado markets from Radiofone PCS, L.L.C.
The purchase price for the Pittsburgh license is $18.4 million in cash and the
purchase price for the Denver license is 232,754 shares of our common stock and
$3.4 million in cash less the amount of debt owed by Radiofone to the FCC
associated with the Denver license which will be assumed by Leap at the closing.
As of November 30, 1999, the outstanding principal amount owed to the FCC
associated with the Denver license was approximately $1.5 million. The amounts
owed to the FCC must be repaid in quarterly installments of principal and
interest through April 2007. As a condition to closing the purchase of the
Denver license, we must file and have declared effective a resale shelf
registration statement with the SEC covering the shares of our common stock to
be issued to the seller, subject to certain "lock-up" restrictions on resale.
The transaction is subject to FCC approval and other conditions.
PRESENTATION
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations reviews the financial condition of the businesses that Qualcomm
transferred to us in September 1998 as if we were a separate entity for all
periods discussed. We adopted the equity method of accounting for our investment
in Chase Telecommunications Holdings, Inc. in the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
Before that, we accounted for our investment in Chase Telecommunications
Holdings under the cost method. Accordingly, all prior periods presented in the
accompanying financial statements have been adjusted retroactively in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
In April 1999, we increased our ownership interest in Smartcom from 50% to
100%. As a result of the reporting lag we have adopted for our foreign operating
companies, we began fully consolidating Smartcom's results of operations in June
1999, the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. Before that, we
accounted for our investment in Smartcom under the equity method of accounting.
We account for our interest in Pegaso under the equity method of accounting. As
of November 30, 1999, we owned 28.6% of Pegaso.
The directors of the Transworld Companies, partially owned subsidiaries of a
company in which we have an indirect interest, recently voted to liquidate the
companies. The decision followed the Transworld Companies' loss of leased
satellite transmission capacity and the companies' failure to develop an
acceptable business plan that did not utilize satellite transmission. As a
result of these developments, we wrote down our indirect investment in the
Transworld Companies in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. In addition, we have
ceased funding loans to Metrosvyaz and, as a result, have written-off our
remaining investment in Metrosvyaz.
The term "operating company" refers to Cricket Communications, Chase
Telecommunications, Pegaso, Smartcom, the Transworld Companies, Orrengrove,
Metrosvyaz and OzPhone.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The results of operations discussed below include period to period
comparisons that may not reflect the character of our future results of
operations because of the following events that took place during our most
recent fiscal year:
- the divestiture and liquidation of the Transworld Companies and the
sale of our interest in OzPhone;
- the initial launch of the Cricket service in the U.S.;
- our agreements to acquire the wireless licenses and other assets
of Chase Telecommunications Holdings and the wireless licenses of
AirGate and PCS Devco; and
- the consolidation of Smartcom with Leap after our purchase of the
remaining 50% interest in Smartcom that we did not already own.
16
THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
1998
We incurred a net loss of $46.3 million during the three month period ended
November 30, 1999 compared to a net loss of $21.0 million in the corresponding
period of the prior fiscal year. The increase resulted primarily from start-up
costs associated with our operating companies. Net losses for our consolidated
and unconsolidated wireless operating companies relate primarily to the
expenditures incurred in launching network services, including marketing and
other expenses, and the amortization of capitalized network costs. Smartcom,
accounted for under the equity method until the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999,
launched nationwide service in September 1998. Pegaso launched operations in
Tijuana, Guadalajara and Monterrey in February through September 1999 and in
Mexico City in December 1999. Chase Telecommunications launched its traditional
mobile service in the U.S. in September 1998 and re-launched service utilizing
Leap's Cricket wireless concept in March 1999.
As a direct result of the consolidation of Smartcom, we recorded $5.4 million
of operating revenues, $7.4 million of cost of operating revenues, $7.4 million
of additional selling, general and administrative expenses, $5.0 million of
additional depreciation and amortization, $2.9 million of additional net
interest expense, and $2.8 million of foreign currency transaction losses during
the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 1999. Smartcom's net loss of $20.7 million
recognized during the three month period ended November 30, 1999, before
intercompany eliminations, compares to $3.4 million that we recognized under the
equity method for our 50% interest in the corresponding period of the prior
fiscal year. During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, we did not report any
operating revenues because all of our operating companies were accounted for
under the equity method of accounting. Our operating companies did not generate
material revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 1999.
We incurred $13.5 million of selling, general and administrative expenses
during the three month period ended November 30, 1999 compared to $4.2 million
in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase includes $7.4
million from the consolidation of Smartcom. Excluding Smartcom, selling, general
and administrative expenses remained relatively flat, despite increased staffing
and business development activities related to our domestic subsidiary, Cricket
Communications.
We incurred an operating loss of $20.6 million during the three month period
ended November 30, 1999 compared to an operating loss of $4.4 million in the
corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The $16.2 million increase
primarily reflects the consolidation of Smartcom. We expect that the results of
operations for the quarter ended November 30, 1999 may not reflect the character
of our future results of operations and believe operating revenues and expenses
will increase in the future. We expect substantial growth in subscribers,
operating revenues and operating expenses as a result of our pending acquisition
and consolidation of Chase Telecommunications, the planned development and
launch of Cricket service in multiple U.S. markets, and an increase in
Smartcom's marketing efforts. We also expect substantial growth in Pegaso's
subscribers, operating revenues and operating expenses; however, because Pegaso
is accounted for under the equity method, its operating revenues and expenses
are not fully consolidated.
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated wireless operating companies was $16.2
million during the three month period ended November 30, 1999 compared to $16.0
million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. During the first
fiscal quarter, our equity share in the net loss of our unconsolidated wireless
operating companies related to Pegaso, which launched service in Tijuana,
Guadalajara and Monterrey in February through September 1999, and Chase
Telecommunications, which re-launched service utilizing Leap's Cricket wireless
concept in March 1999. During the corresponding quarter of fiscal 1999, our
equity share in the net loss of our unconsolidated wireless operating companies
related primarily to Smartcom (prior to Leap's acquisition of the remaining 50
percent interest), Chase Telecommunications (for which Leap adopted the equity
method of accounting in the third quarter of fiscal 1999 and retroactively
adjusted prior periods) and our Russian investments which have been subsequently
written-down, liquidated or are in the process of liquidation.
Interest expense was $7.2 million during the three month period ended
November 30, 1999 compared to $1.1 million in the corresponding period of the
prior fiscal year. Interest expense related primarily to borrowings under our
credit agreement with Qualcomm, and Smartcom's interest expense related
primarily to the financing of its wireless communications network. We expect
interest expense to increase substantially in the future due to expected
borrowings used to fund the construction of wireless networks in various markets
across the United States.
Foreign currency transaction losses of $2.8 million during the three month
period ended November 30, 1999 reflected unrealized foreign exchange losses
recognized by Smartcom on U.S. dollar denominated loans as a result of changes
in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Chilean peso.
17
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
GENERAL
Over the next twelve months, we have budgeted a total of approximately
$633.6 million for the following capital requirements:
- approximately $500 million for capital expenditures for the build-out of
our first 17 Cricket networks in our initial phase of development and to
fund operating losses expected to be incurred by Cricket Communications;
- approximately $75 million for capital expenditures for the build-out
of Smartcom's networks in Chile and operating losses expected to be
incurred by Smartcom;
- approximately $41.6 million to complete our pending acquisitions,
including the acquisitions of Chase Telecommunications and wireless
licenses from AirGate, PCS Devco and Radiofone and wireless licenses to
be acquired under a non-binding memorandum of understanding entered into
in December 1999; and
- approximately $17 million for general corporate overhead and other
expenses.
Our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending upon the progress of
the build-out of our networks and other factors, including unforeseen delays,
cost overruns, unanticipated expenses, regulatory expenses, engineering design
changes and other technological risks.
As of November 30, 1999, we had a total of approximately $835.9 million in
unused capital resources in place for our future cash needs as follows:
- approximately $40.2 million in consolidated cash on hand (including
$28.6 million held by Leap);
- approximately $114.7 million in available commitments under the credit
facility with Qualcomm; and
- approximately $681.0 million in commitments under vendor financing
arrangements with Lucent Technologies and Qualcomm, with availability
subject to the total amounts of equipment purchased.
Consequently, we believe that if we do not make any additional license
acquisitions or any investments in new ventures, we have adequate capital
resources in place to fund our operations for the next twelve months.
On December 20, 1999, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission to register the offer and sale of an
additional 3,000,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering.
We cannot assure you that this proposed common stock offering will be completed
on a timely basis, or at all.
In addition, we intend to raise additional capital in the near future by
means of a high-yield debt offering, and we are also exploring other debt and
equity financing alternatives. However, we may not be able to raise additional
capital in fiscal 2000 on terms which are acceptable to us, or at all. If we do
not obtain sufficient financing, we believe we can reduce our capital needs
sufficiently to meet our liquidity requirements through fiscal 2000, by slowing
or reducing the scope of our planned deployments in the U.S. and by reducing or
deferring additional license acquisitions.
We expect that we will require $875 million over the next several years to
substantially complete the build-out of our planned wireless networks in the
U.S. and Chile, not including the acquisition of additional licenses and the
build-out of markets related to additional licenses. These capital requirements
include license acquisition costs, capital expenditures for network
construction, operating cash flow losses and other working capital costs, debt
service and closing fees and expenses. As is typical for start-up
telecommunications networks, we expect our networks to incur operating expenses
significantly in excess of revenues in their early years of operations. We
intend to finance the construction and operation of Cricket networks primarily
through borrowings under our credit agreement with Qualcomm and the proceeds of
equipment financing agreements.
We intend to finance the planned upgrade and expansion and the operation of
Smartcom's network in fiscal 2000 through borrowings under our credit agreement
with Qualcomm and the proceeds of equipment financing agreements that we expect
to negotiate in connection with planned equipment purchases by Smartcom.
Smartcom recently entered into a new equipment purchase agreement with Ericsson.
In addition, Smartcom has engaged an investment banker to assist it in selling
equity and is exploring other capital raising alternatives. Smartcom may not
conclude a sale of equity
18
or other financing transaction or obtain additional vendor funding. If Smartcom
does not obtain additional financing in fiscal 2000, we expect to delay or
reduce the scope of Smartcom's planned expansion.
We have no direct obligation to fund the operations of Pegaso, our venture
in Mexico, and expect Pegaso to be funded independently. Although Pegaso has
raised or obtained commitments for debt and equity capital in excess of $1.0
billion, Pegaso will need to obtain substantial additional capital to complete
the build-out, launch and operation of its planned networks. As a result, Pegaso
is seeking additional debt and equity financing, including additional vendor
financing.
CREDIT FACILITIES AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Qualcomm Credit Agreement. The credit agreement consists of two
sub-facilities. We may use the working capital sub-facility to borrow up to
$35.2 million to fund the corporate operating expenses of Leap at the parent
level. The investment capital sub-facility enables us to borrow up to $229.8
million to make identified portfolio investments. As of November 30, 1999, Leap
had $114.7 million available to it under the credit agreement, with $20.2
million available under the working capital sub-facility and $94.5 million
available under the investment sub-facility. Amounts available under the
investment sub-facility are allocated to specific projects and may not be
reallocated to other projects without Qualcomm's written consent. As a condition
to the FCC's recognition of Leap's qualification to hold C-Block and F-Block
licenses, we must take steps so that by January 2001, Qualcomm holds no more
than 50% of our outstanding debt obligations. We expect that we will have
borrowed substantially all of the funds available to us under our credit
agreement with Qualcomm by the end of calendar year 2000. Leap may not be able
to reduce its debt to Qualcomm to 50% or less of its outstanding debt
obligations.
Amounts borrowed under the credit agreement are due and payable in September
2006, unless the maturity of the loans is accelerated pursuant to the provisions
of the credit agreement. Qualcomm has a security interest in substantially all
of the assets of Leap, other than the stock of special purpose subsidiaries
formed to hold wireless licenses, for so long as any amounts are outstanding
under the credit agreement. Amounts borrowed under the credit agreement bear
interest at a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus 4.25% per annum or
LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly beginning September
30, 2001. Before this time, accrued interest is added to the principal amount
outstanding. If Qualcomm assigns more than 10% of the total funding commitments
to other lenders, we must pay a commitment fee of 0.5% to the lenders on unused
balances under the credit agreement.
Lucent Equipment Financing. Cricket Communications has agreed to purchase
$330 million of infrastructure products and services from Lucent Technologies.
The agreement is subject to early termination at Cricket Communications's
convenience subject to payments for equipment purchased. Lucent agreed to
finance these purchases plus additional working capital under a credit facility.
The credit facility permits up to $641 million in total borrowings by Cricket
Communications with borrowing availability based on total amounts of equipment
purchased, subject to various covenants and conditions typical for a loan of
this type, including minimum levels of customers and covered potential customers
which must increase over time, limits on annual capital expenditures and
dividend restrictions and other financial ratio tests. Borrowings under the
Lucent credit facility accrue at an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5% to
4.25% or a bank base rate plus 2.5% to 3.25%, in each case with the specific
rate based on the ratio of total indebtedness to EBITDA. Cricket Communications
must pay a commitment fee equal to 1.25% per annum of the commitments under the
credit facility until the aggregate principal amount of borrowings equals $175
million, at which time the rate decreases to 1.0% until the aggregate principal
amount equals $350 million, at which time the rate further decreases to 0.75%.
Principal payments are scheduled to begin after three years with a final
maturity after eight years. Repayment is weighted to the later years of the
repayment schedule. The obligations under the Lucent credit agreement are
secured by all of the stock of Cricket Communications and its subsidiaries, all
of their respective assets, the assets of Cricket Communications Holdings, Inc.
and the stock of each special purpose subsidiary of Leap formed to hold wireless
licenses.
Ericsson Equipment Financing. Cricket Communications also has agreed to
purchase $330 million of next-generation infrastructure products which are
currently in development and related services from Ericsson. Purchases from
Ericsson will be on substantially similar terms to the Lucent agreement,
including a credit facility providing for borrowings up to $495.0 million with
borrowing availability based on a ratio of total amounts of equipment purchased.
The commitment of funds by Ericsson is subject to the development of the next
generation equipment, the negotiation of definitive documentation and the
approval of Ericsson's board of directors.
Obligations to the FCC. We will assume debt obligations to the FCC in the
aggregate principal amount of approximately $93.1 million as part of the
purchase price for the pending acquisitions of Chase Telecommunications Holdings
and wireless licenses from AirGate, PCS Devco and Radiophone. For a discussion
of the terms of these debt obligations to the FCC, see "Pending Acquisitions."
19
Smartcom Deferred Payment Agreement. Smartcom has entered into a Deferred
Payment Agreement with Qualcomm related to Smartcom's purchase of equipment,
software and services from Qualcomm. The obligations under the Deferred Payment
Agreement are secured by all of the assets of Smartcom. A Leap subsidiary has
also pledged its shares in Smartcom as collateral for its guarantee of
Smartcom's obligations to Qualcomm under the agreement. The Deferred Payment
Agreement requires Smartcom to meet certain financial and operating covenants,
including a debt to equity ratio and restrictions on Smartcom's ability to pay
dividends and to distribute assets. As a result, substantially all the net
assets of Smartcom are restricted from distribution to Leap. Under the terms of
the agreement, Qualcomm agreed to defer collection of principal amounts up to a
maximum of $84.5 million. The agreement was amended in October 1999 to
capitalize interest payments as part of Smartcom's capital restructuring. As of
that date, the deferred payment balance was approximately $90.7 million and the
capitalized interest commitment was $14.6 million. The deferred payments bear
interest at either a prime or LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin. At November
30, 1999, the weighted average effective rate of interest was 12.6%. Accrued
interest may be added to the outstanding principal amount of the applicable
borrowing until October 2001. Amounts deferred under the agreement must be
repaid by September 2006. Leap and Qualcomm have entered into a binding letter
agreement under which Qualcomm has agreed to provide to Smartcom an additional
$30 million in infrastructure equipment financing and $10 million in handset
financing. The parties are currently negotiating definitive agreements.
PEGASO FINANCING
Qualcomm and another equipment vendor have agreed to provide approximately
$580 million of secured equipment financing to Pegaso, a portion of which has
already been advanced to the venture.
In addition, in May 1999, Pegaso entered into a $100 million loan agreement
with several banks with credit support from Qualcomm. We guaranteed 33% of
Pegaso's obligations under that agreement. In July 1999, several existing
investors contributed $50 million to Pegaso as previously planned. In addition,
Pegaso recently announced that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of
understanding with Sprint PCS under which Sprint PCS would invest up to $250
million by purchasing shares from Pegaso and shareholders other than Leap.
Pegaso expects to fund a large portion of its development and operating
activities in fiscal 2000 with cash from operations, proceeds of the $50 million
investment and the pending investment from Sprint PCS, and borrowings under the
$100 million loan agreement. Several other existing investors are committed to
contribute $50 million in additional equity capital to Pegaso by August 2000. In
addition, Pegaso is seeking additional debt and equity financing, including
additional vendor financing.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
We used $17.9 million in cash for operating activities during the three month
period ended November 30, 1999 compared to $10.1 million in the corresponding
period of the prior fiscal year. The increase is primarily attributable to the
full consolidation of Smartcom. We expect that cash used in operating activities
will increase substantially in the future as a result of our pending
acquisitions and other activities related to the launch of our U.S. network.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash used in investing activities was $3.5 million during the three month
period ended November 30, 1999 compared to $100.4 million in the corresponding
period of the prior fiscal year. Investments during the three month period ended
November 30, 1999 consisted of loans to Chase Telecommunications of $5.5 million
and capital expenditures, primarily by Smartcom, of $5.0 million offset by $7.0
million of proceeds received from the liquidation of the Transworld Companies.
We expect to receive an additional $4.5 million of liquidation proceeds during
the remainder of the fiscal year. Investments in the corresponding period of the
prior fiscal year consisted primarily of a $60.7 million capital contribution to
Pegaso, loans and advances of $26.1 million to our operating companies and a
$17.5 million loan, net of repayments of $7.5 million, provided to a related
party. In the remainder of fiscal 2000, Leap and its subsidiaries expect to make
significant investments in capital assets, including network equipment and
wireless communications licenses.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash provided by financing activities during the three month period ended
November 30, 1999, primarily from borrowings under the credit agreement with
Qualcomm, was $33.2 million. Cash provided by financing activities in the
corresponding period of the prior fiscal year was $117.9 million, representing
$95.3 million of funding from Qualcomm for our operating and investing
activities prior to the distribution of our common stock to Qualcomm's
stockholders in September 1998, and $22.6 million of net borrowings under the
credit agreement and from banks.
20
CURRENCY FLUCTUATION RISKS
We report our financial statements in U.S. dollars. Our international
operating companies report their results in local currencies. Consequently,
fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the
applicable local currency will affect our results of operations as well as the
value of our ownership interests in its operating companies.
Generally, our international operating companies generate revenues which are
paid in their local currency. However, many of these operating companies' major
contracts, including financing agreements and contracts with equipment
suppliers, are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, a significant change in
the value of the U.S. dollar against the national currency of an operating
company could result in a significant increase in the operating company's
expenses and could have a material adverse effect on the operating company and
on us. In some emerging markets, including Mexico, significant devaluations of
the local currency have occurred and may occur again in the future.
We do not currently hedge against foreign currency exchange rate or interest
rate risks.
INFLATION
Inflation has had and may continue to have negative effects on the economies
and securities markets of emerging market countries and could have negative
effects on our operating companies and any new start-up project in those
countries, including their ability to obtain financing. Chile and Mexico, for
example, have periodically experienced relatively high rates of inflation. The
operating companies, where permitted and subject to competitive pressures,
intend to increase their tariffs to account for the effects of inflation.
However, in those jurisdictions where tariff rates are regulated or specified in
the license, the operating companies may not successfully mitigate the impact of
inflation on their operations.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year 2000 issue arises from the fact that many computer software programs
use two digits rather than four to represent a specific year. Any computer
programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure
or miscalculation causing disruptions of operations including a temporary
inability to process transactions, send invoices or engage in similar normal
business activities.
Leap and its operating companies have recently begun their respective
businesses and have designed and built their wireless communications networks
and support systems with the Year 2000 issue in mind. The recent acquisition of
network equipment and software does not guarantee, however, that such equipment
and software are Year 2000 compliant.
Leap and each of its operating companies conducted an inventory to identify
its critical systems that may have been subject to Year 2000 problems. Each of
our operating companies worked with their primary telecommunications and
business software systems vendors on Year 2000 readiness issues. Those vendors
had informed Leap and its operating companies that their products would be Year
2000 ready. To date, Leap has not incurred any material costs in support of the
Year 2000 issue.
As of the date of this report, January 14, 2000, the systems of Leap and its
operating companies have operated without any apparent Year 2000 related
problems and appear to be Year 2000 compliant. We are not aware that any of our
primary vendors or systems maintained by third parties (such as landline,
long-distance and power systems) have experienced significant Year 2000
compliance problems. However, while no such problem has been discovered as of
the date of this filing, Year 2000 issues may not become apparent immediately
and therefore, there is no assurance that Leap and its operating companies will
not be affected in the future. We will continue to monitor the issue and work to
remediate any Year 2000 issues that may arise.
FUTURE ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which Leap
must adopt for fiscal year 2001. This statement establishes a new model for
accounting for derivatives and hedging activities. Under SFAS No. 133, all
derivatives must be recognized as assets and liabilities and measured at fair
value. Leap does not expect that the adoption of this new accounting standard
will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
21
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In September 1999, Leap announced that it had stopped funding loans to
Metrosvyaz and had written off the remaining $9.6 million investment in
Metrosvyaz. Metrosvyaz had not satisfied certain conditions required for funding
and was in default under its loan agreement with Leap. In addition, Leap had
been prevented from securing full reporting and documentation of performance,
results and expenditures of Metrosvyaz despite repeated efforts to obtain that
information. Preliminary results of a special investigation of Metrosvyaz
disclosed serious irregularities, including unaccounted for funds and
questionable contracts and payments. On September 29, 1999, Leap issued a demand
for arbitration seeking a full accounting and damages from Metrosvyaz and one of
its directors with respect to these matters. It is too early to evaluate the
likely outcome of the arbitration.
In response to Leap's demand for arbitration, on December 2, 1999, Metrosvyaz
filed suit against the Company and certain of its officers in the U.S. District
Court for the Central District of California. The Metrosvyaz suit alleges claims
for libel, trade libel, intentional and negligent interference with prospective
advantage and breach of fiduciary duty. The suit seeks compensatory damages in
excess of $100 million as well as punitive damages and injunctive relief. The
Company believes the Metrosvyaz claims are without merit and will vigorously
defend against them. The Company cannot, however, be certain of the outcome of
this litigation. If Metrosvyaz prevails in its claims it could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business and financial condition.
Various others claims arising in the course of business, seeking monetary
damages and other relief, are pending. The amount of the liability, if any, from
such claims cannot be determined with certainty; however, in the opinion of
management, the ultimate liability for such claims will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 10, 1999, the
following matters were submitted and approved by stockholders, with each matter
receiving the number of votes indicated:
1. Election of Directors:
Affirmative Negative/Abstaining
----------- -------------------
Thomas J. Bernard 16,856,433 47,782
Alejandro Burillo Azcarraga 16,854,750 49,465
Robert C. Dynes 16,850,434 53,781
In addition, directors whose term of office continued after the annual
meeting are: Harvey P. White, Susan G. Swenson, Scot B. Jarvis, John J.
Moores, Michael B. Targoff and Jeffrey P. Williams.
2. Approval of prior adoption of the 1998 Stock Option Plan:
Affirmative Votes 5,556,774
Negative Votes 562,133
Abstaining 130,651
Broker Non-Vote 10,655,175
3. Approval of prior adoption of the 1999 Stock Option Plan of Cricket
Communications Holdings, Inc.:
Affirmative Votes 5,565,083
Negative Votes 560,181
Abstaining 124,444
Broker Non-Vote 10,655,025
4. Ratification of selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent accountants:
Affirmative Votes 16,832,013
Negative Votes 29,194
Abstaining 43,008
Broker Non-Vote 0
22
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Index to Exhibits:
27.1 Financial Data Schedule (Filed with EDGAR filing only.)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
23
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Date: January 14, 2000 By: /s/ HARVEY P. WHITE
-----------------------------------
Harvey P. White
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Date: January 14, 2000 By: /s/ STEPHEN P. DHANENS
-----------------------------------
Stephen P. Dhanens
Vice President, Corporate
Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)
24
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description
-------------- -----------
27.1 Financial Data Schedule