-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IXejS01Wszv2EpKCwvrKIyZ7aR4kmzYJv5BVAh4Odyqwbky7fKC9iAcNUMSEt/EY DM5NY0/9N10OIAPnNSsyhw== 0001144204-08-055364.txt : 20080930 0001144204-08-055364.hdr.sgml : 20080930 20080930165352 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-08-055364 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 26 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080930 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080930 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ABOVENET INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001043533 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NEC [4899] IRS NUMBER: 113168327 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-23269 FILM NUMBER: 081097708 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 360 HAMILTON AVE STREET 2: 1 NORTH LEXINGTON AVE CITY: WHITE PLAINS STATE: NY ZIP: 10601 BUSINESS PHONE: 9144216700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 360 HAMILTON AVE STREET 2: 1 NORTH LEXINGTON AVE CITY: WHITE PLAINS STATE: NY ZIP: 10601 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: METROMEDIA FIBER NETWORK INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970925 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NATIONAL FIBER NETWORK INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970806 10-K 1 v127150_10k.htm Unassociated Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number: 000-23269

AboveNet, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

DELAWARE
 
11-3168327
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
360 HAMILTON AVENUE
WHITE PLAINS, NY 10601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(914) 421-6700
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Title of Class

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
(Do not check if a small reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2007 was approximately $427.8 million.

APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of August 31, 2008, was 10,974,760.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NOT APPLICABLE
 


Table of Contents
ABOVENET, INC.
 
For The Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
INDEX
       
Page
Part I.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
Item 1.
  
Business
  
1
Item 1A.
  
Risk Factors
  
10
Item 1B.
  
Unresolved Staff Comments
  
14
Item 2.
  
Properties
  
14
Item 3.
  
Legal Proceedings
  
14
Item 4.
  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
  
15
 
 
     
Part II.
  
 
  
 
 
 
     
Item 5.
  
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  
16
Item 6.
  
Selected Financial Data
  
19
Item 7.
  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  
20
Item 7A.
  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
  
32
Item 8.
  
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  
33
Item 9.
  
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
  
60
Item 9A.
  
Controls and Procedures
  
61
Item 9B.
  
Other Information
  
62
 
 
     
Part III.
  
 
  
 
 
 
     
Item 10.
  
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
  
63
Item 11.
  
Executive Compensation
  
66
Item 12.
  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
  
78
Item 13.
  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
  
80
Item 14.
  
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
  
81
 
 
     
Part IV.
  
 
  
 
 
 
     
Item 15.
  
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
  
82
 
       
   
Signatures
  
87



PART I
EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of the applicable date or period described. Where no date or period is specified, the information speaks as of the date of this filing. Although we are required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to include selected financial information in Item 6 below for the period from January 1 to September 7, 2003, we are unable to do so because of a lack of historical records. As discussed further in this report, we emerged from protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code effective September 8, 2003.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
Overview
 
AboveNet, Inc. (which together with its subsidiaries is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “AboveNet,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “our Company”) provides high bandwidth connectivity solutions primarily to large corporate enterprise clients and communication carriers, including Fortune 1000 and FTSE 500 companies, in the United States (“U.S.”) and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). Our communications infrastructure and global Internet protocol (IP) network are used by a broad range of companies such as commercial banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, investment banks, media companies, social networking companies, web-centric companies, law firms and medical and health care institutions. Our customers rely on our high speed, private optical network for electronic commerce and other mission-critical services, such as business Internet applications, regulatory compliance, disaster recovery and business continuity. We provide lit broadband services over our metro networks, long haul network and global IP network utilizing equipment that we own and operate. In addition, we also provide dark fiber services to selected customers. We have included a Glossary of Terms beginning on page 8 to explain the many technical terms that are commonly used in our industry to assist you to better understand our business. We recommend that you refer to this Glossary as you review the description of our business.

Metro networks. We are a facilities-based provider that operates fiber-optic networks in 14 major markets in the U.S. and one in the U.K. (London). We refer to these networks as our metro networks. These metro networks have significant reach and breadth. They consist of approximately 1.8 million fiber miles across approximately 4,500 cable route miles in the U.S. and in London. In addition, we have built an inter-city fiber network between New York and Washington D.C. of over 177,000 fiber miles across approximately 230 cable route miles.

Long haul network. Through construction, acquisition and leasing activities, we have created a nationwide fiber-optic communications network spanning 10,000 cable route miles that connects each of our 14 U.S. metro networks. We run advanced dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment over this fiber to provide large amounts of bandwidth capability between our metro networks for our customer needs and for our IP network. We are also members of the Japan-US Cable Network (JUS) and Trans-Atlantic undersea telecommunications consortia (TAT-14) that provide connectivity between the U.S. and Japan and the U.S. and Europe, respectively. We refer to this network as our long haul network.

IP network. We operate a Tier 1 IP network over our metro and long haul networks with connectivity to the U.S., Europe and Japan. Our IP network operates using advanced routers and switches that facilitate the delivery of IP transit services and IP-based virtual private network (VPN) services. A hallmark of our IP network is that we have direct connectivity to a large number of IP networks operated by others through peering agreements and to many of the most important bandwidth centers and peering exchanges.
 
Corporate History
 
We were formed as National Fiber Network, Inc. on April 8, 1993 and our name was changed to Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (also referred to as “MFN”) on August 12, 1997. Initially, we focused on providing dark fiber to carrier customers in the U.S. and later, as we expanded, in Europe. In September 1999, we acquired AboveNet Communications, Inc., a data center facility and Internet connectivity provider as well as PAIX.net, Inc., an AboveNet Communications, Inc. subsidiary that operated Internet peering exchanges. In February 2001, we acquired SiteSmith, Inc., a provider of managed web-hosting services. The combined entity was focused on providing a range of services for the growing Internet market. Customers could use our metro networks, data centers and IP network with our professional services to satisfy their demand for Internet connectivity.

Along with a number of other telecommunications providers, in 2001 we experienced significant liquidity and other financial problems. As a result, substantially all of our U.S. entities filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on May 20, 2002. During the bankruptcy period, we sold or disposed of certain assets including most of our European operations and a number of our data centers (including those operated by PAIX.net, Inc.) and also significantly reduced our managed services operations. We changed the name of our parent company to AboveNet, Inc. on August 29, 2003 and emerged from bankruptcy on September 8, 2003.

Since emerging from bankruptcy, our management team has transformed us from a carrier-centric provider of dark fiber, Internet connectivity and co-location facilities to a company focused on taking advantage of our extensive fiber-optic assets to sell high bandwidth solutions, primarily to enterprise customers. As a result, we have sold or disposed of businesses and assets not deemed central to this focus, including our managed web-hosting services business and data center business. We also terminated our participation in non-core alliances.

In April 2002, MFN announced that it would need to restate its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2001. At the same time, MFN suspended the filing of annual and quarterly reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Following such announcement, in June 2002, the SEC initiated a formal investigation of MFN. On December 15, 2006, we received a “Wells” notice from the SEC staff in connection with such investigation indicating that the SEC staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against us alleging that we had violated various provisions of the federal securities laws. In response to the Wells notice, we made a written submission to the SEC staff setting forth reasons why a civil injunctive action should not be authorized by the SEC. On March 19, 2007, we received a notice from the SEC staff stating that the investigation of MFN had been terminated and that no enforcement action against us had been recommended to the SEC. Such notice was provided to us under the guidelines of the final paragraph of Securities Act Release No. 5310 which states, among other things, that “[such notice] must in no way be construed as indicating that the party has been exonerated or that no action may ultimately result from the staff’s investigation of that particular matter. All that such a communication means is that the staff has completed its investigation and that at that time no enforcement action has been recommended to the SEC.” While there have been no further actions to date, we cannot assure you that there will not be any further action on this or other matters by the SEC.
 
1


In July 2006, we determined that as a result of a lack of certain accounting records, we did not expect to be able to produce or have management provide the required certifications for the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the period from January 1, 2003 to September 7, 2003 (the last day prior to our emergence from bankruptcy) that could be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. We had previously reported that as a result of a lack of certain accounting records necessary for the preparation of the 2001 consolidated financial statements, we could not complete our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001. We made these determinations only after spending considerable time and resources attempting to produce financial statements for these periods. As a result, we focused our resources on completing the consolidated financial statements for the period from September 8, 2003 through December 31, 2003, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

In August 2006, following our dismissal of KPMG LLP, BDO Seidman, LLP (“BDO Seidman”) was engaged as our independent registered public accountants to audit our financial statements as of September 8, 2003 and for the period from September 8, 2003 to December 31, 2003, and as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. BDO Seidman delivered its audit report on our financial statements as of December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, and for the period from September 8, 2003 to December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 (collectively, the “Audited Historical Financial Statements”) in August 2007. On February 29, 2008, BDO Seidman delivered its audit report on our financial statements as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, which was included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed May 13, 2008.

Business Strategy
 
Our primary strategy is to become the preferred provider of high bandwidth connectivity solutions in our target markets. Specifically, we are focused on the sale of high bandwidth transport solutions to enterprise customers. The following are the key elements of our strategy:

 
·
Target broadband communications infrastructure customers who have significant bandwidth requirements and high security needs.
 
·
Provide a high level of customization of our services in order to meet our customers’ requirements.
 
·
Deliver the services we offer over our metro networks, which often provide our customers with a dedicated pair of fibers. This use of dedicated fiber is a low latency, physically secure, flexible and scalable communications solution, which we believe is difficult for many of our competitors to replicate because most of their networks do not have comparable fiber density.
 
·
Use our metro fiber assets to drive the adoption of leading edge inter-city wide area network (WAN) services such as IP VPN services and long haul connectivity solutions.
 
·
Capitalize on our strength in the financial services sector to focus on meeting the ever increasing needs of this bandwidth intensive customer group.
 
·
Intensify our focus on sales to media companies with high bandwidth requirements.
 
·
Fulfill the needs of customers that are required to comply with recent financial and other regulations related to data availability, disaster recovery and business continuity.
 
·
Target Internet connectivity customers that can leverage the scalability and flexibility of fiber access to their premises to drive their electronic commerce and other high bandwidth applications, such as social networking, gaming and digital media transmission.

We are able to provide high quality, customized services at competitive prices as a result of a number of factors, including:

 
·
Our significant experience providing high-end customized network solutions for enterprises and telecommunications carriers (also referred to as carriers).
 
·
Our focus on providing certain core optical services rather than the full range of telecommunications services.
 
·
Our metro networks typically include fiber cables with 432, and in some cases 864, fibers in each cable, which is substantially more fiber than we believe most of our competitors have installed, and provide us with sufficient fiber inventory to supply dedicated fiber services to customers.
 
·
Our modern networks with advanced fiber-optic technology are less costly to operate and maintain than older networks.
 
·
Our employment of state-of-the-art technology in all elements of our networks, from fiber to optical and IP equipment, provides leading edge solutions to customers.
 
·
The architecture of our metro networks, which facilitates high performance solutions in terms of loss and latency, among other measures.
 
·
The spare conduit we install, where practical, allows us to install additional fiber-optic cables on many routes without the need for additional rights-of-way, which reduces expansion and upgrade costs in the future, and provides significant capacity for future growth.

Our Networks and Technology
 
Metro Networks
 
The foundation of our business is our metro fiber optic networks. These networks currently consist of approximately 1.8 million fiber miles across over 4,500 cable route miles primarily in the following U.S. metropolitan areas and also in London in the U.K.

 
·
Boston
 
·
New York City metro
 
·
Philadelphia
 
·
Baltimore
 
·
Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia corridor
 
·
Atlanta
 
·
Houston
 
·
Dallas
 
·
Phoenix
 
·
Los Angeles
 
·
San Francisco Bay area
 
·
Portland
 
·
Seattle
 
·
Chicago

Our network has access to over 3,000 buildings in the U.S. and London. The network footprint typically allows us to serve central offices, carrier hotels, network POPs, data centers, enterprise locations and traffic aggregation points, not just in the central business district but across the entire metropolitan area in each market. Within our 15 metro networks, our infrastructure provides ample opportunity to access many additional buildings by virtue of its extensive footprint coverage and over 4,000 network access points that can be utilized to build laterals or connect to other networks, thereby providing access to additional locations.
 
2

 
Key Metro Network Attributes
 
· Network Density - Our metro networks typically contain 432 and up to 864 fiber strands in each cable. We believe that this fiber density is significantly greater than that of most of our competitors. This high fiber count allows us to add new customers in a timely and cost effective manner by focusing incremental construction and capital expenditures on the laterals that serve customer premises, as opposed to fiber and capacity upgrades in our core networks. Thus, we have spare network capacity available for future growth to connect an increasing number of customers.

· Modern Fiber – We have deployed modern, high-quality optical fiber that can be used for a wide range of network applications. Standard single mode fiber is typically included on most cables while longer routes also contain non-zero dispersion shifted fiber (NZDSF) that is optimized for longer distance applications operating in the 1550 nm range. Our network is well positioned to support the more stringent requirements of transport at rates faster than 10 Gbps.

· High Performance Architecture – We are able to design customer networks with a minimum number of POP locations and direct, optimum routing between key areas which enables us to deliver our services at a high level of performance. Because most of our metro lit services are delivered over dedicated fibers not shared with other customers, each customer’s private network can be optimized for its specific application. Further, by using dedicated fiber, we can deliver our services without the need to transition between various shared or legacy networks. As a result, our customers experience enhanced performance in terms of parameters such as latency and jitter, which can be caused by equipment interface transitions. The use of dedicated fibers for customers also permits us to address future technology changes that may take place on a customer specific basis.

· Extensive Reach – Our 15 active metro markets typically have significant footprints and cover a wide geography. For example, the New York market includes a significant Manhattan presence and extends from Stamford, CT in the north through Delaware in the south, covering a large part of New Jersey. Similarly, the San Francisco market extends through to San Jose and the Dallas network incorporates the Fort Worth area.

On-Net Buildings
 
Our metro networks extend to a large number of buildings. In addition to the large scale of our core network, we have over 1,800 lateral cables in the U.S. that connect key locations in our metro networks covering over 750 route miles and over 100,000 fiber miles.

· Enterprise Buildings - Our network extends to over 1,000 enterprise locations, many of which house some of the biggest corporate users of network services in the world. These locations also include many private data centers and hub locations that are mission critical for our customers.
 
· Network POPs - We operate over 120 network POPs with functionality ranging from simple, passive cross-connect locations to sites that offer interconnectivity to other service providers and co-location facilities for customer equipment, including over 20 Type 1 POPs. These POPs are typically larger presences located in major carrier hotels complete with network co-location and interconnectivity services.
 
· Central Offices, Carrier Hotels & Data Centers - Our network connects to over 200 central offices in the markets that we serve. The network also has a presence in most significant carrier hotels and data centers within our active markets.
 
· Additional Buildings - In addition to the over 1,400 on-net buildings that we connect to with our own fiber laterals, we have access to over 1,000 additional buildings through other network providers with which we have agreements to provide fiber connectivity to our customers.

Long Haul Network
 
We operate a nationwide long haul network interconnecting each of our metro networks that spans over 10,000 route miles. With the exception of the route between New York and Washington, D.C. network, which we constructed and own, our long haul network is based on fiber either leased or acquired, typically under long-term agreements. We have deployed dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment along this network that provides it with significant capacity. In 2007, we upgraded the equipment used along substantially all of our long haul routes to next-generation technology that has dramatically improved the long haul network’s capabilities. This new platform is optimized for 10 Gbps circuit speeds, supporting a large number of wavelengths and positioning us to support future transmission speed increases.

In addition to our U.S. based facilities, we are a member of the TAT-14 consortium, which provides us with undersea capacity between the U.S. and Europe. We are also currently a member of the JUS consortium which provides us with undersea capacity between the U.S. and Japan. We use leased circuit capacity in continental Europe to provide connectivity among our key IP presence locations. We also operate lit networks in the U.S. connecting to certain key undersea cable landing stations including Manasquan and Tuckerton in New Jersey to connect to the TAT-14 and have leased capacity to Morrow Bay, California to connect to the JUS. In the U.K., we have leased fiber between the TAT-14 landing stations in Bude and London over which we operate a high-capacity DWDM system. Together, these networks provide us high bandwidth capability among our metro networks and certain key markets in Europe and Japan.

IP Network
 
We operate a global Tier 1 IP network with connectivity in the U.S., Europe and Japan. In the U.S., most of our 14 metro networks have multiple IP hubs where we can provide Internet connectivity. We peer and provide connectivity in high bandwidth data centers and Internet exchange locations, including many of those operated by the major providers, such as Equinix and Switch & Data. We have extended our ability to provide IP connectivity through our metro networks by using our fiber to bring our services to a wider set of customers. In addition to the U.S., the IP network has a presence in each of London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt and Vienna, including the major exchanges in these markets such as LINX, AMS-IX, and JPIX.

The core portion of our IP backbone network is based on multiple OC-48 and OC-192 long haul links and utilizes advanced Juniper and Cisco routers and switches to direct traffic to appropriate destinations. In 2007, we completed an upgrade of our core router network at major hubs to Juniper’s flagship T-Series platform, and we are currently upgrading our edge network to a next generation, high density ethernet services router architecture.

As a Tier 1 IP network provider, we have peering arrangements with most other providers which allow us to exchange traffic with these other IP networks. We have devoted a substantial amount of time and resources to building our substantial peering infrastructure and relationships. This extensive peering fabric combined with our advanced network results in a positive customer experience.
 
3


Network Management
 
Our network management center (“NMC”) is located in Herndon, Virginia and provides round-the-clock surveillance, provisioning and customer service. Our metro networks, long haul network, IP network and the private networks we set up for our customers, which link together two or more of their locations, are constantly monitored in order to respond to any degrading network conditions and network outages. Our NMC responds to all customer network inquiries via a trouble ticketing system. The NMC’s staff serves as the focal point for managing our service level agreements, or SLAs, with our customers and coordinating network maintenance activities.

Rights-of-Way
 
We have obtained the necessary right-of-way agreements and governmental authorizations to enable us to install, operate, access and maintain our networks, which are located on both public and private property. In some jurisdictions, a construction permit from the local municipality is all that is required for us to install and operate that portion of the network. In other jurisdictions, a license agreement, permit or franchise may also be required. These licenses, permits and franchises are generally for a term of limited duration. Where necessary, we enter into right-of-way agreements for use of private property, often under multi-year agreements. We lease underground conduit and overhead pole space and license rights-of-way from entities such as incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), utilities, railroads, state highway authorities, local governments and transit authorities. We strive to obtain rights-of-way that afford us the opportunity to expand our networks as our business further develops. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Contractual Obligations.”

Services
 
Historically, our primary business was to lease dark fiber to telecommunications carriers, enterprises, Internet and web-centric businesses and other customers that wanted to operate their own networks. Over the past several years, we have been focused on evolving our business by leveraging our extensive fiber footprint and deploying incremental capital in order to increase our lit metro transport services product line. With the completion of the upgrade of our long haul network and our core IP upgrade, we also intend to take advantage of the significant increase in WAN and Internet connectivity demand.

Fiber Services
 
Our fiber services offering involves the lease of dedicated dark fiber to telecommunications carriers, enterprises, Internet and web-centric businesses and other customers that operate their own networks independent of the incumbent telecom companies. In addition to the leasing and maintenance of dark fiber networks, the fiber services product line also includes the provisioning of network co-location and in-building interconnection services, typically at our POP locations.

Fiber services feature:
 
· An extensive network footprint that extends well beyond the central business district in most markets.
· The expertise and capability to add off-net locations to the network in a cost competitive manner.
· Modern, high quality fiber with direct routing that meets stringent technical requirements.
· Customized ring configurations and redundancy requirements in a private dedicated service.

Demand for fiber services is driven by key business initiatives including business continuity and disaster recovery, network consolidation and convergence, growth of wireless communications, and industry-specific applications such as high definition video transport and patient record management. Typically, Fortune 1000 and FTSE 500 enterprises with telecom intensive needs in industries such as financial services, Internet, technology, media, retail, energy and healthcare comprise the core customer base for our fiber services.

Metro Transport Services
 
We offer a number of high bandwidth metro transport service offerings in our active metro markets ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps connectivity. These services range from simple point-to-point ethernet connectivity to complex multi-node WDM solutions. Our metro transport services have a number of important features that differentiate us from many of our competitors:

· A substantial portion of our metro transport services are deployed over dedicated fiber from end-to-end, representing a private network for each customer;
· This dedicated fiber provides customers with significant scalability for any increasing traffic demands;
· A service based on dedicated fiber provides a high level of security, a key concern for many high-bandwidth customers across a range of industries; and
· The absence of a shared network eliminates many of the equipment interfaces of most other networks that can impact performance and cause service interruptions.

The most established product within our metro transport services is our custom WDM solutions. We offer private, customized optical network deployments that we build for our largest customers with very specific needs. These solutions often involve extensive network construction to specific critical customer locations such as private data centers and trading platforms. Customers for custom metro transport services are typically large enterprise companies that have significant bandwidth requirements.
 
In the past several years, we have made an effort to extend our metro transport services capabilities beyond customers with very high bandwidth requirements by offering a number of WDM and ethernet offerings aimed to serve more modest initial bandwidth/circuit requirements. These offerings include Basic and Enhanced Wave services, which are based on a dedicated, private fiber infrastructure from end-to-end and provide lower cost and lower capacity solutions to customers. We also offered a range of Metro Ethernet services including private Metro Ethernet (which utilizes customer dedicated equipment and fiber), dedicated Metro Ethernet (which utilizes shared equipment and dedicated fiber, but provides guaranteed capacity) and standard Metro Ethernet (which utilizes shared equipment and dedicated fiber on a shared capacity basis).

We also provide metro transport services on a shared platform basis (not using fibers dedicated to the customer) on a limited basis through our dcXchange service. dcXchange provides high capacity connections (such as 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, OC-12) between key carrier hotels and data centers in certain markets in the U.S.  This service is engineered for rapid installation over a shared rather than a private network infrastructure and is appealing to customers that value speed of installation and low prices more than the additional security and flexibility of dedicated fiber.

Long Haul Services
 
Our long haul services provide inter-city connectivity between our 15 metro markets and provides for connectivity at a variety of speeds ranging from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps. We have deployed a next generation ultra long haul network that takes advantage of significant capacity and distance improvements available in next generation networks. As a result, our service offerings require a minimum of regeneration sites, which improves our ability to be competitive from both a price and speed of installation perspective. Moreover, having fewer regeneration sites and equipment interfaces results in an improved speed and service for our customers.
 
4


The attractiveness of our long haul services to our customers is further enhanced by our ability to extend the service from our long haul POP to the customer’s premises through our metro networks, thereby providing an end-to-end solution. This flexibility and reach enables us to provide our long haul services on a highly differentiated basis.

IP Services
 
We operate a Tier 1 IP network that provides high quality Internet connectivity for enterprise, web-centric, Internet and cable companies. We offer connectivity to the Internet at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps port levels in most of our active metro markets in the U.S. and in London. In addition, we offer IP connectivity in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna through resale partners. While we have seen significant increases in IP volume over the last several years, IP connectivity pricing has declined significantly during this period, largely offsetting the growth in volume. In addition to selling IP connectivity at data centers and other major IP exchanges, we offer our Metro IP service where we combine our metro fiber reach to deliver Internet connectivity to customer premises. This service offering has been a significant contributor to the bandwidth growth experienced on our IP network.

We also offer a suite of advanced ethernet and IP VPN services that provide connectivity between multiple locations in different cities for our customers. These services provide flexibility such as the ability to prioritize different traffic streams and the ability to converge multiple services across the same infrastructure. This capability is a direct result of the significant technological investment we have made in our IP infrastructure.

Sales and Marketing
 
Our sales force is based across most of our 14 U.S. metro markets and London. Our U.S. sales force is comprised of approximately 50 sales professionals and is supported by a team of sales engineers who provide technical support during the sales process. Our sales force primarily focuses on enterprise customers, including Fortune 1000 companies in the U.S. and FTSE 500 companies in London, that have large bandwidth requirements. This represents a change from our focus on wholesale sales to carrier customers in previous years. Since 2004, the vast majority of our new sales have been to enterprise customers.

Our sales strategy includes:
 
· Positioning ourselves as a premier provider of private fiber optic transport solutions and Internet connectivity services.
· Focusing on Fortune 1000 enterprises as well as content rich data companies (i.e. media, health care, and financial services) that require customized private optical solutions.
· Expanding our sales reach through independent sales agents who specialize in specific geographic and vertical markets.
· Emphasizing the high quality, cost effective, secure and scalable nature of our private optical solutions.
· Communicating our capabilities through targeted marketing communication campaigns aimed at specific vertical markets to increase our brand awareness in a cost effective manner.

Customers
 
We serve a broad array of customers including leading companies in the financial services, web-centric, media/entertainment, and telecommunications sectors. Our networks meet the requirements of many large enterprise customers with high data transfer and storage needs and stringent security demands. Major web-centric companies similarly have needs for high bandwidth and reliable networks. Media and entertainment companies that deliver bandwidth-intensive video and multimedia applications over their networks are also a growing component of our customer base. Telecommunications service providers continue to utilize our metro fiber networks to connect to their customers, as well as to data centers and other traffic aggregation points. Key drivers for growth in the consumption of telecommunications and bandwidth services include the increasing demand for disaster recovery and business continuity solutions, compliance requirements under complex regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or HIPAA and exponential growth in data transmissions due to new modalities for communications, media distribution and commerce.

Segments
 
We operate our business as one operating segment and include segmented results based on geography.

Below is our revenue based on the location of our entity providing the service. Long-lived assets are based on the physical location of the assets. The following table presents revenue and long-lived asset information for geographic areas:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
                   
United States
 
$
227.8
 
$
217.6
 
$
204.1
 
United Kingdom
   
29.4
   
20.3
   
16.4
 
Other
   
   
0.5
   
0.7
 
Eliminations
   
(3.6
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.5
)
Consolidated Worldwide
 
$
253.6
 
$
236.7
 
$
219.7
 

   
December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Long-lived assets
             
United States
 
$
317.3
 
$
272.0
 
United Kingdom
   
30.3
   
27.0
 
Other
   
0.1
   
0.2
 
Consolidated Worldwide
 
$
347.7
 
$
299.2
 
 
See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Segment Results,” and Note 15, “Segment Reporting,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Research and Development
We depend upon our equipment vendors for technology developments in telecommunications equipment. We test, combine and implement these technology developments to provide the highest level of services to our customers.
 
5


Competition
 
The telecom industry is intensely competitive and has undergone significant consolidation over the past few years. Although there are multiple reasons for this consolidation, among the most prominent is the need to rationalize capacity created as a result of the telecommunications investment boom which occurred in the late 1990s. With respect to our larger competitors, Verizon and AT&T (formerly SBC) have accounted for most of the consolidation through their purchases of MCI and AT&T, respectively. In the mid-market, Level 3 has been responsible for most of the consolidation by acquiring a large number of facilities-based telecommunications providers. At the same time, recent regulatory rulings have reduced the obligations of the ILECs to provide portions of their networks, referred to as unbundled network elements (UNEs), at historical cost prices making it more difficult for non-facilities-based operators to continue to provide services by utilizing UNEs from the ILECs.
 
We face competition from local exchange carriers (CLECs) and other facilities-based telecommunications providers including the ILECs who currently have a large share of the local markets and are aggressively deploying their own fiber. Like us, a number of our competitors survived the downturn of the early 2000s by going through a restructuring process that significantly improved their financial condition and efficiency of their operations. CLECs generally offer a much broader array of services than we do and tend to compete more directly with each other and the ILECs across a larger segment of customers.

The Internet connectivity business is intensely competitive and includes many providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Level 3 and Cogent. As a result of this competition, while Internet traffic has continued to grow at a substantial rate over the past five years, pricing has generally declined, which has negatively affected revenue growth.

In the London market, we compete with a number of other telecommunications companies, including British Telecom, Cable & Wireless, Colt Telecom and Global Crossing.

Personnel
 
Our workforce levels have been relatively constant over the last three years with an increase to our optical solutions staff, offsetting the reductions related to business lines we have sold or eliminated. As of December 31, 2007, we had a total of 549 employees, 482 of which were employed in the U.S., 65 in the U.K., one in the Netherlands and one in Japan. As of December 31, 2006, we had a total of 502 employees, 441 of which were employed in the U.S., 59 in the U.K., one in the Netherlands and one in Japan. As of December 31, 2005, we had a total of 519 employees, 454 of which were employed in the U.S., 63 in the U.K., one in the Netherlands and one in Japan. We consider our relations with our workforce to be good. None of our employees is represented by a union.

Sale of Data Center Businesses
 
Our data centers provided customers with web-centric services. While our U.S. subsidiaries were operating under bankruptcy protection, we sold or disposed of certain data center assets, and upon emergence from bankruptcy protection, we continued to operate data centers in New York City, San Jose, Seattle, Northern Virginia, London (U.K.), Frankfurt (Germany) and Vienna (Austria). Our Frankfurt and Vienna data centers were sold in 2003 and 2004, respectively. We vacated one of the Northern Virginia facilities in 2004 and our Seattle facility in 2005 and sold one of our San Jose facilities in 2005.

In October 2006, we sold our data centers located at facilities in New York City and Northern Virginia to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. In November 2006, we sold our two remaining data centers in San Jose and London, to DataPipe, Inc. and BIS Limited, respectively. While each of Digital Realty, DataPipe and BIS took over the provision of co-location services at their respective acquired facilities, including space, power, cabinets, and cross-connects, we continue to offer and provide customers in these facilities with metro transport, long haul and IP services.

The 2006 sales of the domestic data centers generated proceeds of $43.1 million, which resulted in a net gain of $48.2 million, of which $28.0 million and $6.0 million represented the reversal of deferred fair value rent liability established in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entity in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code,” (“SOP 90-7”), and the deferred rent liability established in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” respectively.

Additionally, in 2006, as described above, we sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of AboveNet (UK) Limited, which operated the data centers in London, to an unaffiliated third party for £1.35 million ($2.6 million based upon the exchange rate at the time of sale), of which £0.675 million ($1.3 million based upon the exchange rate at the time of sale) was received at closing and £0.675 million ($1.3 million based upon the exchange rate at the time of sale) was received in January 2007. The operating results of AboveNet (UK) through November 15, 2006, the date of sale, were included in discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.

Discontinued Operations
 
Upon our emergence from bankruptcy in September 2003, we decided to sell or dispose of certain European entities. In addition, as described above, AboveNet (UK) was sold on November 15, 2006. The assets and liabilities of these entities, and their operating results and cash flows were reported as discontinued operations as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. See Note 7, “Discontinued Operations and Dispositions,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission, which we refer to as the FCC, and various state regulatory bodies regulate some aspects of certain of our services. In some local jurisdictions, we must obtain approval to operate or construct our networks. In the U.K., we are subject to regulations by the agencies having jurisdiction over the provision of transmission services. In addition, we are subject to numerous federal, state and local taxes, fees or surcharges on our products and services.

Federal
 
In the U.S., federal telecommunications law directly shapes the market in which we compete. We offer two types of services that fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC—the leasing of dark fiber and the provision of telecommunications transmission services—that are subject to varying degrees of regulation by the FCC pursuant to the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which we refer to as the 1996 Communications Act, and by FCC regulations implementing and interpreting the 1996 Communications Act.

Dark fiber leasing. The FCC considers dark fiber a "network element" and not a “telecommunications service.” As a result, we believe that our provision of dark fiber is not subject to many of the legal requirements imposed on the sale of telecommunications services.
 
6


Telecommunication services. For most of our telecommunications services offerings, we are not required to provide such services on a common carrier basis (i.e., the provision of services to all customers on uniform terms and conditions). Our revenue from transmission services, whether or not provided as a common carrier, are subject to FCC Universal Service Fund assessments to the extent that these services are purchased by end users (i.e., not by wholesale providers or resellers). Being regulated as a "telecommunications carrier" gives us certain legal benefits. In particular, state and local governments have the obligation to manage access to the public rights-of-way in a competitively neutral nondiscriminatory manner to telecommunications carriers. In addition, we are entitled to access existing telecommunications infrastructure by interconnecting our fiber-optic networks with the ILECs’ central offices and other facilities. Under the 1996 Communications Act, ILECs must, among other things: (1) allow interconnection at any technically feasible point and provide service equal in quality to that provided to others, and (2) provide access to their poles, ducts, conduits and other rights-of-way.

The FCC exercises jurisdiction over the rates that many power utilities and ILECs charge to other companies to lease space on their telephone poles or electrical towers in order to string fiber optic cable. While the FCC shares this jurisdiction with some state regulatory commissions, in the majority of the country, the FCC either directly regulates these “pole attachment” rates, or has established regulations that have been adopted by the states. The pole attachment law was first promulgated in Section 224 of the Federal Communications Act of 1978, and was later expanded in the 1996 Communications Act. The purpose of the law is to make it easier for cable companies and competitive telecommunications providers to build out their own networks. We have many pole attachment agreements with ILECs and power utilities - some of these agreements reflect rates that were voluntarily negotiated, but many reflect rates established pursuant to the FCC’s regulations. In recent years, some utilities have interpreted the regulations in a way that can impose what we believe to be excessive costs on competitive carriers, including us. To the extent utilities are successful in maintaining these interpretations of the rules they can increase our cost of doing business. In late 2007, the FCC initiated rulemaking proceedings to examine the pole attachment rate formula, specifically, whether a single rate should apply to all attachers and whether incumbent local exchange carriers should be entitled to the same rate as other telecommunications service providers, among other matters.

Internet access services, including IP connectivity services that we provide, are treated as unregulated “information services” under Title I of the 1996 Communications Act, and are not subject to regulatory fees. The FCC has recently issued orders confirming that other forms of IP bandwidth services, including Digital Subscriber Line service, Cable Modem service and Broadband Over Powerline service, are defined as “information services” and so are not subject to regulatory fees. However, the dramatic growth of VoIP services has caused intense focus on the regulatory status of IP services. The FCC recently required that providers of interconnected VoIP service must provide access to emergency 911 services, must comply with federal law enforcement and “wiretap” statutes, and must pay regulatory fees. Some of these FCC decisions are under appeal before federal courts of appeals. While these decisions have focused on providers of interconnected VoIP service, which we do not provide, there is nevertheless substantial uncertainty concerning the regulatory status of IP-based services generally. This general uncertainty raises the concern that the FCC may extend other traditional telecommunications regulation to VoIP and/or other IP-based services, including the IP connectivity services that we offer. If this occurs, it could lead to an increase in the regulatory fees required to be paid by us related to such services.

State
 
The 1996 Communications Act prohibits state and local governments from enforcing any law, rule or legal requirement that prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, any person from providing any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service. This provision of the 1996 Communications Act enables us to provide telecommunications services in states that previously prohibited competitive entry.

Under the 1996 Communications Act, states retain jurisdiction, on a competitively neutral basis, to adopt regulations necessary to preserve universal service, protect public safety and welfare, manage public rights-of-way, ensure the continued quality of intrastate communications services and safeguard the rights of consumers.

States are responsible for mediating and arbitrating interconnection agreements between ILECs and other carriers if voluntary agreements are not reached. Accordingly, state involvement in local telecommunications services is substantial.

Each state (and the District of Columbia) has its own statutory scheme for regulating providers of intrastate telecommunications services if they are "common carriers" or "public utilities." As with the federal regulatory scheme, we believe that our leasing of dark fiber facilities does not render us a common carrier or public utility such that we would be subject to this type of regulation in the provision of dark fiber in most jurisdictions in which we currently have facilities. Our offering of transmission services (as distinct from leasing dark fiber capacity), however, is subject to regulation in each of these jurisdictions to the extent that these services are offered for intrastate use. Under current FCC policies, any dedicated transmission service or facility that is used more than 10% of the time for the purpose of interstate or foreign communication is subject to federal tariffs and rates, which fall under FCC jurisdiction to the exclusion of state regulation.

State regulation of the telecommunications industry is changing rapidly, and the regulatory environment varies substantially from state to state. We are currently authorized to provide intrastate telecommunications services in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. At present, we do not anticipate that the regulatory requirements to which we will be subject in the states in which we currently operate or intend to operate will have any material adverse effect on our operations. These regulations may require, among other things, that we maintain certifications to operate and utilize the public rights-of-way, that we obtain certain environmental approvals before we construct new facilities, and that we provide notification of, or obtain authorization for, specified corporate transactions, such as incurring debt or encumbering our telecommunications assets. We will incur costs to comply with these and other regulatory requirements, such as the filing of tariffs, submission of periodic financial and operational reports to regulators, and payment of regulatory fees and assessments, including, in some states, contributions to state universal service programs. Notwithstanding federal and state laws and regulations requiring nondiscriminatory access to public rights-of-way, in some jurisdictions certain of our competitors, especially ILECs, have certain advantages by reason of having obtained approvals for operation under prior, less regulatory intensive regimes. For example, in California, certain competitors of ours are subject to a less rigorous environmental review procedure for proposed construction than we are, thereby enabling them potentially to construct new facilities more quickly than us and at a lower cost. We have filed comments in connection with a California Public Utility Commission rulemaking proceeding advocating for parity among carriers related to the environmental review of certain construction projects. We cannot represent that this effort will be successful, however, and we continue to be concerned that the disparate treatment of telecommunications carriers by California regulators will continue in the foreseeable future. In some jurisdictions, our pricing flexibility for intrastate services may be limited because of regulation, although our direct competitors will be subject to similar restrictions. However, we cannot assure you that future regulatory, judicial, or legislative action will not have a material adverse effect on us. 

Some states may also impose a state universal service fund assessment on intrastate telecommunications services to fund state universal service projects. The rate of assessment varies by state. To the extent the state assessment applies to our dark fiber revenue and transmission services, we are required to pay into the state funds.

States also regulate the leasing of poles and conduits owned by incumbent utilities, including telecom and electric and gas utilities. The rates are calculated based on FCC formulas implemented by the states and generally are more advantageous than market-based rates. The leasing of these facilities is determined by a commercially negotiated contract.
 
7


Local
 
In addition to federal and state laws, local governments exercise legal authority that can affect our business. For example, local governments, such as the City of New York, typically retain the ability to manage public rights-of-way subject to the limitation that local governments may not prohibit persons from providing telecommunications services and local governments may not treat telecommunications service providers in a discriminatory manner. Because of the need to obtain approvals, local authorities can affect the timing and costs associated with our use of public rights-of-way.

Regulation of the Internet
 
Laws and regulations that apply directly to the Internet are becoming more prevalent. The U.S. Congress frequently considers laws regarding privacy and security relating to the collection and transmission of information over the Internet. Congress also addressed the need for regulation on the protection of children, copyrights, trademarks, domain names, taxation and the transmission of sexually explicit material over the Internet. The European Union adopted its own privacy regulations and other countries may do so in the future. Other nations have taken actions to restrict the free flow of material deemed objectionable over the Internet.

The scope of laws and regulations applicable to the Internet is subject to conflicting interpretations and developments. The applicability to the Internet of laws and regulations from various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales tax, libel and personal privacy is unsettled and may take years to resolve. For example, the 1996 Communications Act prohibits the transmission of certain types of information and content over the Internet but the scope of this prohibition is currently unsettled. In addition, although courts held unconstitutional substantial parts of the Communication Decency Act, federal or state governments may enact, and courts may uphold, similar legislation as well as laws covering issues such as intellectual property rights over the Internet and the characteristics and quality of Internet services and consumer protection laws. In the U.S., federal agencies, such as the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission, occasionally have overlapping jurisdiction in matters regarding privacy, consumer protection and fraud that are part of Internet-based services or transactions. In addition, several state regulators and lawmakers are also exercising jurisdiction in these areas. Foreign countries have also enacted laws in these fields.

The current application of most of these laws does not directly affect us in a material manner, although these laws do affect many of our Internet connectivity customers. The extent that Internet connectivity providers such as ourselves are held directly or contributorily liable for violations of such laws by their customers or others involved with Internet-based services or transactions is an area of law that is only now becoming established, and it is possible that we may face increased legal liability and costs of legal compliance.

Regulation in the United Kingdom
 
The telecommunications regulatory regime in the U.K. is derived from directives and other regulatory instruments of the European Union Council, Parliament and the European Commission. In particular, in February 2002, the European Commission adopted a package of five new directives which set out a new framework for the regulation of electronic communications networks and services throughout the EU. These five directives were incorporated into U.K. national law by the Communications Act 2003, which came into effect on July 25, 2003, and Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, which came into effect on December 11, 2003.

The Communications Act 2003 introduced a number of changes to the previous regulatory and licensing framework that existed in the U.K. under the Telecommunications Act 1984, including the abolition of the requirement for operators to hold individual licenses. However, in many ways, similar end-results are achieved under the new general authorization regime by the obligation imposed upon electronic communication providers to comply with some basic conditions, known as the General Conditions of Entitlement. A breach of any of these conditions could lead the regulator, the Office of Communications (“OFCOM”), to impose fines and, potentially, suspend or revoke the right to provide electronic communications networks and services.

The Communications Act 2003 retained the broad structure of the ‘Code Powers,’ which were introduced as an annex to the previous legislation. Code Powers provide enhanced legal powers for operators who wish to construct and maintain networks on both public and private land. AboveNet Communications UK Limited, our U.K. operating subsidiary (“ACUK”), holds such Code Powers as a result of automatic entitlement arising from its previous status as a license holder. Although Code Powers give operators the right to install these networks on public highways, each operator is required to certify to OFCOM each year that it has sufficient and acceptable financial security in place to cover the costs which could be incurred by local councils or road authorities if they were required to remove these networks or restore the public roads following the insolvency of that operator. This security is commonly referred to as “funds for liabilities.” OFCOM has indicated that it will generally require an operator to provide board-level certification of third party security for this purpose.

During 2006, the European Commission began conducting a review of these five directives and their associated regulatory framework (the “2006 Review”) to assess their continuing suitability and efficacy, and whether any amendments are necessary. The European Commission completed and published the 2006 Review in November 2007. The proposals are being debated in the European Parliament and by member state governments in the European Union Council. Once adopted at the European Union Council level, the rules have to be incorporated into national law before taking effect. The European Commission expects any changes to be in effect by 2010. It is not possible, at this stage, to assess the impact of the 2006 Review on the U.K. telecommunications regulatory regime.

Our subsidiary, ACUK, is entitled to provide electronic communications networks and services throughout the U.K. and is therefore liable for property taxation (“Business Rates”) on the amount of fiber in use and in our control during each fiscal year. These Business Rates are levied on companies by the “Ratings Authority,” a U.K. Government Department.

Glossary of Terms
 
Cable route miles – the length of fiber cable installed in a network. This does not necessarily correspond to geographical footprint. For example, if two cables are installed in along the same path, the length of both cables would count in assessing “cable route miles.”

Carrier hotel (or Telehouse)– a facility containing many telecommunications service providers that are widely interconnected. The facility is generally industrial in nature with high-capacity power service, backup batteries and generators, fuel storage, riser cable systems, large cooling capability and advanced fire suppression systems.
 
Central Office– a facility used to house telecommunications equipment (e.g. switching equipment) that is used to make connections between the local loops (local distribution network) in the vicinity of the facility to regional or long distance telecommunications facilities. Central Offices are typically operated by the ILEC.

CLEC– this is an acronym for “competitive local exchange carrier,” a carrier providing telecommunications services in competition with the ILEC.

Co-location– the placement of equipment in a telecommunications POP, data center or central office.
 
8


Data Center – a facility used to house computer systems and associated components. It generally includes environmental controls (air conditioning, fire suppression, etc.), redundant/backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections and high security.

Dark Fiber– fiber that has not yet been connected to telecommunications transmission equipment and therefore not yet activated or “lit” for the transmission of voice, data or video traffic.

DWDM– in fiber-optic communications, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology that combines (multiplexes) multiple optical signals onto a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths (colors) of laser light to carry the different signals. DWDM is an acronym for Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing. The term “dense” refers to the number of channels being multiplexed - a DWDM system typically has the capability to multiplex greater than 16 wavelengths.

Edge network the routers, switches and facilities that provide entry points into and exit points out from a service provider’s core network (also referred to as its backbone).

Ethernetthe standard local area network (LAN) protocol. Ethernet was originally specified to connect devices on a company or home network as well as to a cable modem or DSL modem for Internet access. Due to its ubiquity in the LAN, Ethernet has become a popular transmission protocol in the metro and long haul networks as well. Ethernet is defined by the IEEE in the 802.3 standard.

Facilities-based provider– a provider that predominately utilizes its own facilities and transmission and termination equipment (whether owned or leased) in the provision of telecommunications services rather than the facilities of other telecommunications services providers.

Fiber miles – the route miles of a network multiplied by the number of fibers within each cable on the network. For example, if a 10 mile network segment with one cable of 432 count fiber is installed, it would represent 10x1x432 or 4,320 fiber miles.

Gbps– gigabits per second, a measure of telecommunications transmission speed. One gigabit equals 1 billion bits of information.

IEEE  The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE (pronounced as eye-triple-e) is an international non-profit, professional organization for the advancement of technology related to electricity. It has the most members of any technical professional organization in the world, with more than 360,000 members in approximately 175 countries and sets numerous standards in the telecommunications industry.

ILEC– incumbent local exchange carrier, typically one of the historic regional Bell operating companies.

IP– Internet protocol, the transmission protocol used in the transmission of data over the Internet.

JUS– this is an acronym for the Japan-US Cable Network, a trans-Pacific undersea telecommunications cable system running between U.S. and Japan.

Lateral an extension from the main or core portion of a network to a customer’s premises or other connection point.

Mbps– megabits per second, a measure of telecommunications transmission speed. One megabit equals 1 million bits of information.

MPLS– this is an acronym for MultiProtocol Label Switching, which is a standards-based technology for speeding up network traffic flow and making it easier to manage. MPLS involves setting up a specific path for a given source/destination pair, identified by a label put in each packet, thus saving the time needed for a router or switch to look up the address for the next node to which the packet is to be sent.

Multiplexing – an electronic or optical process that combines a large number of lower speed transmissions into one higher speed data stream. Multiplexing can be accomplished via either time-division (TDM) or wavelength-division (WDM) methods.

Nm (nanometer)– the unit measure used to quantify wavelength. The term “nm range” is used to quantify a portion of the optical spectrum in which a particular optical transmission system operates.

NZDSF– this is an acronym for non-zero dispersion shifted fiber, a fiber type optimized for long distance transmission in the 1550 nm range.

Packet– a packet is a formatted block of information carried by a communications network. Traditional point-to-point communications networks simply transmit data as a series of bytes, characters or bits alone.

OC– this is an acronym for optical carrier level, a measure of the transmission rate of optical telecommunications traffic. For example: OC-1 = 51.85 Mbps.

Optical – relating to the transmission of telecommunications traffic through the use of light through fiber.

Peering– the interconnection between Internet service providers pursuant to which they exchange traffic from their respective customers.

Peering exchange a facility at which multiple Internet service providers peer or exchange customer traffic to reach other parts of the Internet.

POP– this is an acronym for point-of-presence, a facility at which certain telecommunications services, ranging from co-location to transmission to fiber termination, occur.

SONETthis is an acronym for Synchronous Optical Network, an electronics and network architecture for variable bandwidth products that enable transmission of voice, data and video (multimedia) at very high speeds. SONET ring architecture provides the ability for automatic restoration of service in the event of a fiber cut or equipment failure by automatically rerouting traffic in the opposite direction around the ring.

TAT-14– this is an acronym for a trans-Atlantic undersea telecommunications cable system running between U.S. and a number of points in Europe.
 
Telehouse (or Carrier hotel) – a facility containing many telecommunications service providers that are widely interconnected. The facility is generally industrial in nature with high-capacity power service, backup batteries and generators, fuel storage, riser cable systems, large cooling capability and advanced fire suppression systems.
 
9


Tier 1– a network generally operated by an Internet service provider that connects to the entire Internet solely via peering connections.

Although there is no formal definition of the "Internet Tier hierarchy," the generally accepted definition among networking professionals is:
 
·
Tier 1 - A network that peers with every other network to reach the Internet.
 
·
Tier 2 - A network that peers with some networks, but still purchases IP transit (i.e., routing of traffic to all other places on the Internet) to reach at least some portion of the Internet.
 
·
Tier 3 - A network that solely purchases transit from other networks to reach the Internet.

TDM – this is an acronym for time division multiplexing, an electronic process that combines a large number of lower speed data streams into one high speed transmission through the use of fixed time slots within the high-speed stream.

Transport service– a telecommunication service moving data from one place to another.

UNE– this is an acronym for unbundled network element, which is a regulatory term used to describe a segment of an ILEC telecommunications network that must be offered on a stand-alone basis, and is used in the provision of telecommunications services.

VPN – this is an acronym for virtual private network, a private communications network used by companies or organizations to communicate confidentially over a shared (not a dedicated) network. VPN traffic can be carried over a shared networking infrastructure on top of standard protocols, or over a service provider's private network.

WAN this is an acronym for wide area network, or a network crossing a large geographical area.

Wavelength– a channel of light that carries telecommunications traffic through the process of wavelength-division multiplexing.

Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
 
Information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in other SEC filings by the Company, in press releases, and in presentations by the Company or its management, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or “anticipates” or the negatives thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. No assurance can be given that future results covered by the forward-looking statements will be achieved, and other factors could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to the Company’s financial and operating prospects, future opportunities, ability to retain existing customers and attract new ones, the Company’s exposure to the financial services industry, the Company’s acquisition strategy and ability to integrate acquired companies and assets, outlook of customers, reception of new products and technologies, and strength of competition and pricing. In addition, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Also, the Company’s business could be materially adversely affected and the trading price of the Company’s common stock could decline if any such risks and uncertainties develop into actual events. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Available Information
 
Since emerging from bankruptcy, in addition to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, we have filed certain Current Reports on Form 8-K with the SEC. These reports are available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Additionally, this information is available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). All of our SEC filings are available, free of charge, by going to our website at http://www.above.net at the About / Investors tabs.

 
We have a limited history of financial reporting.
 
We have provided only limited historical financial information upon which you may base your evaluation of our performance. We were formed in April 1993, filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2002 and emerged from bankruptcy in September 2003. As noted below, as a result of a lack of available records, we have not provided financial information for periods prior to our emergence from bankruptcy in September 2003. Further, our financial results since September 2003 have been affected by a number of non-recurring revenue and expense events, which makes it more difficult to forecast our future financial performance. Accordingly, you must consider our prospects in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies with limited financial history of financial reporting.

We are not in compliance with our reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
We have not made any timely periodic filings with the SEC required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for any period since prior to our filing for bankruptcy in May 2002. The filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or future periodic filings will not cure these past violations. Because of our failure to make timely periodic filings with the SEC, we could be subject to civil penalties and other administrative proceedings by the SEC. We do not anticipate being able to list our common stock on any national exchange until, at a minimum, we have become current with our periodic SEC filings. However, even if we become current with our SEC filings, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to meet other applicable listing standards or that if listed, a public trading market will develop in our securities.
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is not compliant with our reporting obligations.
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K requires five years of selected financial data, which for 2007 would include selected financial information for the full year of 2003. Because of a lack of historical records, we have not provided selected financial information for the period from January 1 to September 7, 2003. Due to our failure to provide the selected financial information for these periods, this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not comply with the requirements of the SEC rules.
 
10


Our prior SEC Investigation may negatively affect us.
 
As previously discussed in “Corporate History,” the SEC initiated a formal investigation of MFN in June 2002. On December 15, 2006, we received a “Wells” notice from the SEC staff in connection with such investigation indicating that the SEC staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against us alleging that we violated various provisions of the federal securities laws. In connection with the contemplated action, the staff could have sought a permanent injunction, disgorgement, and civil penalties. In response to the Wells notice, we made a written submission to the SEC staff setting forth reasons why a civil injunctive action should not be authorized by the SEC. On March 19, 2007, we received a notice from the SEC staff stating that the investigation of MFN had been terminated and that no enforcement action against us had been recommended to the SEC. Such notice was provided to us under the guidelines of the final paragraph of Securities Act Release No. 5310 which states, among other things, that “[such notice] must in no way be construed as indicating that the party has been exonerated or that no action may ultimately result from the staff’s investigation of that particular matter. All that such a communication means is that the staff has completed its investigation and that at that time no enforcement action has been recommended to the SEC.” While there have been no further actions to date, we cannot assure you that there will not be any further action on this or other matters by the SEC.

Our revenue includes certain fees that are not predictable.
 
Historically, a portion of our revenue has included certain termination payments received by the Company to settle contractual commitments, which are referred to as termination revenue. Additionally, we have received settlements of our claims in various customer bankruptcy cases, which is also included in termination revenue. Termination revenue amounted to $8.5 million, $8.3 million and $12.1 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This revenue is not predictable and may not be sustainable.

In prior years, we incurred significant net losses and we cannot assure you that we will generate net income or that we will sustain positive operating cash flow in the future.
 
We have incurred net losses since our inception other than in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, we generated net income, principally from the sale of our remaining data centers and in 2007, we generated operating income and net income. The net income reported for 2007 includes the non-cash gain of $10.3 million on the reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from the liquidation of certain subsidiaries.

In order for us to continue to generate positive operating cash flow and net income, we will need to continue to obtain new customers, increase our revenue from our existing customers and manage our costs effectively. In the event we are unable to do so, or if we lose customers, we may not be able to continue to generate operating cash flow or net income in the future.

We have significant exposure to the financial services industry.

We have a large number of customers in the financial services industry. Financial services companies, including some of our customers, have recently reported significant losses caused by the write down and re-evaluation of some of their investments and portfolio positions, which has created significant liquidity problems within the financial services industry. These problems may affect our customers’ ability to pay for our services and to place orders for new services. In addition, our operating results may also be adversely affected if our customers file for bankruptcy or are acquired by institutions or entities that are not interested in purchasing services from us.

We have incurred secured indebtedness
 
On February 29, 2008, we closed a $60 million senior secured credit facility with two unaffiliated third party lenders, which is comprised of a revolving working capital line and two term loans (collectively, the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. On September 26, 2008, we executed a joinder agreement to the Credit Facility that adds an additional lender and increases the amount of the Credit Facility to $90 million effective October 1, 2008, subject to the terms of the joinder agreement, including the payment of a $0.45 million fee at closing and a $0.1 million advisory fee. The availability under the Revolver increased to $27 million, the Term Loan increased to $36 million and the available Delayed Draw Term Loan increased to $27 million. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Bank Financing,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Amounts borrowed under this facility bear interest at short-term LIBOR or at the administrative agent’s base rate at our discretion, plus the applicable margins, as defined. Effective August 4, 2008, we entered into a three year swap arrangement, fixing our interest on the $24 million outstanding under the Credit Facility at 3.65%, plus the applicable margin of 3.25%. This Credit Facility imposes restrictions on our operations, including the requirement that we maintain a cash balance of $20 million during the term of this facility. Further, if we are unable to meet any of the reporting or financial covenants under this facility, the lenders may demand that we repay the full amount borrowed under this facility or may limit our access to any available amounts.

If our operations do not produce sufficient cash flow to fund our operating expenses and capital requirements, we may be required to raise additional capital through a debt or equity financing.
 
Until we can generate positive free cash flow, we will continue to rely on our existing cash, cash from operating activities and funds available under our Credit Facility to meet our cash needs. Our future capital requirements may increase if we acquire or invest in additional businesses, assets, services or technologies, which may require us to issue additional equity or debt. We may also face unforeseen capital requirements for new technology that we require to remain competitive or to comply with new regulatory requirements, for unforeseen maintenance of our network and facilities and for other unanticipated expenses associated with running our business. We cannot assure you that we will have access to necessary capital, nor can we assure you that any such financing will be available on terms that are acceptable to us. If we issue equity securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders may be diluted. Additionally, our Credit Facility imposes limitations on the amount of additional indebtedness we may incur.

The concerns of our customers or prospective customers regarding our long-term financial status may discourage some of them from purchasing services from us in the future.
 
Customers purchasing high bandwidth communications services and leasing dark fiber often require a high degree of reliability and long-term stability from their vendors because significant portions of their business may rely upon these services. The impact of our bankruptcy reorganization, our failure to comply with our SEC reporting obligations for several years and the prior SEC investigation, cannot be accurately quantified and may impact our business. These factors could cause customers and prospective customers to question our financial soundness and may also affect the contractual terms that are available to us. To the extent that our customers believe that we may not remain financially viable in the long run, they may choose not to purchase services from us. These perceptions, if widespread, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to develop and maintain systems and controls to operate our business effectively.
 
We have experienced severe difficulties developing and maintaining financial and other systems necessary to operate our business properly and for a period of over six years we could not file our periodic reports with the SEC.
 
11


Our history of rapid initial growth, expansion through acquisitions with attendant integration issues, significant reorganization and restructuring activities and associated significant staffing reductions, budgetary constraints and attendant limitations on investment in internal systems have increased the risk of internal control deficiencies.
 
Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management is required to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting on a periodic basis. Pursuant to our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, we have identified the material weaknesses described in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures.” These weaknesses mean that there is more than a remote likelihood that we will not prevent or detect a material misstatement in our financial statements. Although we are developing and have already begun implementing plans to remediate these weaknesses and have undertaken additional procedures to produce our financial statements, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in this regard. Further, as a result of these material weaknesses, our management has concluded that we do not have effective internal control over financial reporting and that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. We remain delinquent in our financial reporting to the SEC. In the event that we are unable to develop and maintain appropriate systems and controls, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We believe, however, that the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented.

Our common stock is not listed and it may be difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.
 
Our common stock is currently not listed on any stock exchange. Although we are aware that trades in our common stock occur through the over the counter market, the stock is very thinly traded. As a result, prices may be volatile and it may be difficult to find a purchaser for shares of our common stock. Although we plan to list our common stock with NASDAQ, we cannot assure you that NASDAQ will accept our listing. Further, we cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our shares will lead to the development of an active trading market or how liquid that market may become.

We may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy because we depend on factors beyond our control, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Our future largely depends on our ability to implement our business strategy - including shifting from carrier to enterprise customers and from leasing dark fiber to providing lit services - to create new business and revenue opportunities. Our results of operations will be adversely affected if we cannot fully implement our business strategy. Successful implementation depends on numerous factors beyond our control, including economic, competitive, regulatory and other conditions and uncertainties, the ability to obtain licenses, permits, franchises and rights-of-way on reasonable terms and conditions and the ability to hire and retain qualified management personnel.

Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in our industry.
 
The telecommunications industry is extremely competitive, particularly with respect to price and service. Our failure to compete effectively with our competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A significant increase in industry capacity or reduction in overall demand would adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase prices. Further, we anticipate that prices for certain telecommunications services such as IP bandwidth will continue to decline due to a number of factors including (a) price competition as various network providers attempt to gain market share to cover the fixed costs of their network investments and/or install new networks that might compete with our networks; and (b) technological advances that permit substantial increases in the transmission capacity of many of our competitors’ networks.

In the telecommunications industry, we compete against ILECs, which have historically provided local telephone services and currently occupy significant market positions in their local telecommunications markets. In addition to these carriers, several other competitors, such as facilities-based communications service providers including CLECs, cable television companies, electric utilities and large end-users with private networks offer services similar to those offered by us. Many of our competitors have greater financial, managerial, sales and marketing and research and development resources than we do.

Rapid technological changes could affect the continued use of our services.
 
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in technology that could materially affect the continued use of our services. Changes in technology could negatively affect the desire of customers to purchase our existing services and may require us to make significant investments in order to meet customer demands for services incorporating new technologies. We also cannot assure you that technological changes in the communications industry and Internet-related industry will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on key personnel.
 
Our business is managed by certain key management and operating personnel. We believe that the success of our business strategy and our ability to operate successfully depend on the continued employment of such employees and the ability to attract qualified employees. We face significant competition from a wide range of companies in our recruiting efforts, and we could experience difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel in the future.

Reliance on consultants.
 
We currently rely on certain consultants to provide senior financial and accounting services, including one that is our acting Chief Financial Officer. To the extent that the consultants were to terminate their services agreements before we have hired permanent replacements, our ability to regain compliance with our Exchange Act filing obligations could be further delayed. Further, if any of these consultants do not provide a high quality level of service, it could further delay the production of, or result in a misstatement in, our financial statements.

We depend on third party service providers for important parts of our business operations and the failure of those third parties to provide their services could negatively affect our services.
 
We rely on third party service providers for important parts of our business, including most of the fibers on which our long haul network operates and significant portions of the conduits into which our fiber optic cables are installed in our metro networks. If these third party providers fail to perform the services required under the terms of our contracts with them or fail to renew agreements on reasonable terms and conditions, it could materially and adversely affect the performance of our services and we may experience difficulties locating alternative service providers on favorable terms, if at all.

Changes in our traffic patterns or industry practice could result in increasing peering costs for our IP network.
 
Peering agreements with other Internet service providers allow us to access the Internet and exchange traffic with these providers. In most cases, we peer with other Internet service providers on a settlement or payment-free basis. If other providers change the terms upon which they allow settlement-free peering or if changes in our Internet traffic patterns, including the ratio of our inbound to outbound traffic, cause us to fall below the criteria that these providers use in allowing settlement-free peering, the costs of operating our Internet backbone will likely increase. Any increases in costs could have an adverse effect on our margins and our ability to compete in the Internet services market.
 
12


Customer agreements contain service level and delivery obligations that could subject us to liability or the loss of revenue.
 
Our contracts with customers generally contain service guarantees and service delivery date targets, which if not met by us, enable customers to claim credits against their payments to us and, under certain conditions, terminate their agreements. If we are unable to meet our service level guarantees or service delivery dates, it could adversely affect our revenue and cash flow.

We are required to maintain, repair, upgrade and replace our network and facilities, and our failure to do so could harm our business.
 
Our business requires that we maintain, upgrade, repair and periodically replace our facilities and networks. This requires and will continue to require, management time and the periodic expenditure of capital. In the event that we fail to maintain, upgrade or replace essential portions of our network or facilities, it could lead to a material degradation in the level of services that we provide to our customers which would adversely affect our business. Our networks can be damaged in a number of ways, including by other parties engaged in construction close to our network facilities. In the event of such damage, we will be required to incur expenses to repair the network in order to maintain services to customers. We could be subject to significant network repair and replacement expenses in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster damages our network. Further, the operation of our network requires the coordination and integration of sophisticated and highly specialized hardware and software technologies. Our failure to maintain or properly operate this hardware and software can lead to degradations or interruptions in customer service. Our failure to provide proper customer service can result in claims from our customers for credits or damages and can damage our reputation for service, thereby limiting future sales opportunities.

Requests to relocate our network can result in additional expenses.
 
We are periodically required to relocate portions of our network by municipalities, railroads, highway authorities and other entities that engage in construction or other activities in areas close to our network. These relocations can be expensive and time consuming to management and can result in interruptions of service to customers. If we are required to engage in an increased amount of relocation activities, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Governmental regulation may negatively affect our operations.
 
Existing and future government laws and regulations greatly influence how we operate our business. U.S. Federal and state laws directly shape the telecommunications and Internet markets. Consequently, regulatory requirements and changes could adversely affect our operations and also influence the markets for telecommunications and Internet services. We cannot predict the future regulatory framework of our business.

Local governments also exercise legal authority that may have an adverse effect on our business because of our need to obtain rights-of-way for our fiber networks. While local governments may not prohibit persons from providing telecommunications services nor treat telecommunication service providers in a discriminatory manner, they can affect the timing and costs associated with our use of public rights-of-way.

Government regulation of the Internet may subject us to liability.
 
Laws and regulations that apply to the Internet are becoming more prevalent. The U.S. Congress has considered Internet laws regarding privacy and security relating to the collection and transmission of information over the Internet, entrusting the Federal Trade Commission with strong enforcement power. The U.S. Congress also has adopted laws that regulate the protection of children, copyrights, trademarks, domain names, taxation and the transmission of sexually explicit material over the Internet. The European Union adopted its own privacy regulations and other countries may do so in the future. Other nations have taken actions to restrict the free flow of material deemed objectionable over the Internet.

The scope of many of these laws and regulations is subject to conflicting interpretations and significant uncertainty that may take years to resolve. As a result of this uncertainty, we may be exposed to direct liability for our actions and to contributory liability for the actions of our customers.

We cannot predict our future tax liabilities. If we become subject to increased levels of taxation, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
We provide telecommunication and other services in multiple jurisdictions across the United Stated and in London and are therefore subject to multiple sets of complex and varying tax laws and rules. We cannot predict the amount of future tax liabilities to which we may become subject. Any increase in the amount of taxation incurred as a result of our operations or due to legislative or regulatory changes could result in a material adverse effect on our sales, financial condition and results of operations. While we believe that our current provisions are reasonable and appropriate, we cannot assure you that these items will be settled for the amounts accrued or that we will not identify additional exposures in the future.

Our inability to produce audited financial statements has prevented us from filing our federal and state income taxes in a timely manner.
 
Because we have been unable to produce auditable financial statements on a timely basis, we delayed the filing of federal and state income tax returns for 2003 to 2006. While we have made progress in filing past returns, we are still beyond the filing deadlines, including all applicable extensions, for a number of federal and state returns. In January 2008, we filed our federal and state income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2005. We are still subject to tax audits in these jurisdictions. While we believe that we will not owe any material amount of income taxes in these jurisdictions due to the significant losses incurred by us, we could be subject to various fines or penalties as a result of our non-timely filings.

Our franchises, licenses, permits, rights-of-way, conduit leases and property leases could be canceled or not renewed, which would impair our ability to provide our services.
 
We must maintain rights-of-way, franchises and other permits from railroads, utilities, state highway authorities, local governments, transit authorities and others to operate our networks. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in maintaining these right-of-way agreements or obtaining future agreements on acceptable terms. Some of these agreements may be short-term or revocable at will, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to have access to existing rights-of-way after they have expired or terminated. If a material portion of these agreements were terminated or could not be renewed and we were forced to abandon our networks, the termination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, in some cases landowners have asserted that railroad companies, utilities and others to whom they granted easements to their properties are not entitled as a result of these easements to grant rights-of-way to telecommunications providers. If these disputes are resolved in the landowners' favor, we could be obligated to make substantial lease payments to these landowners for the lease of these rights-of-way or to indemnify the right-of-way holder for its losses.
 
13


In the past, we have had franchises and rights-of-way expire prior to executing a renewal and in the interim until such renewal was executed, operated without an agreement. We expect that this will continue to occur in the future. These expirations have not caused any material adverse effect on our operations in the past, and we do not expect that they will in the future. However, to the extent that a municipality or other right-of-way holder attempts to terminate our related operations upon the expiration of a franchise or right-of-way agreement, it could materially adversely effect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In order to expand our network to new locations, we often need to obtain additional rights-of-way, franchises and other permits. Our failure to obtain these rights in a prompt and cost effective manner may prevent us from expanding our network which may be necessary to meet our contractual obligations to our customers and could expose us to liabilities and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we lose or are unable to renew key real property leases where we have located our POPs, it could adversely affect our services and increase our costs as we would be required to restructure our network and move our POPs.

Stockholders affiliated with certain of our directors own a significant percentage of our shares, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters.
 
As of August 31, 2008, two stockholders affiliated with certain of our directors beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 33.19% of our outstanding common stock and our executive officers and directors, as a group, beneficially owned approximately 3.19% of our common stock. Accordingly, these stockholders could have significant influence over the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our stockholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets. The interests of these stockholders may differ from the interests of our other stockholders. In addition, third parties may be discouraged from making a tender offer or bid to acquire the Company because of this concentration of ownership.

Our charter documents, our Shareholders’ Rights Plan and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.
 
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated by-laws, our Shareholders’ Rights Plan and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change of control or change in management that would provide stockholders with a premium to the market price of their common stock. Our Shareholders’ Rights Plan has significant anti-takeover effects by causing substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our Board of Directors. In addition, the authorization of undesignated preferred stock gives our Board of Directors the ability to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. If a change of control or change in management is delayed or prevented, this premium may not be realized or the market price of our common stock could decline.

 
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
Our principal properties currently are fiber optic networks and their component assets. We own substantially all of the communications equipment required for operating the network and our business. Such assets are located at leased locations in the areas that we serve.

We lease our principal executive offices in White Plains, New York and London, U.K., as well as significant sales, administrative and other support offices. We lease properties to locate the POPs necessary to operate our networks. Our executive office located at 360 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York is approximately 33,000 square feet and leased under an agreement that expires in May 2010. Office and POP space is leased in the markets where we maintain our network and generally ranges from 1,000 to 33,000 square feet under agreements that expire over the next 16 years (as of December 31, 2007), with the majority of leases expiring over the next five years.
 
Our existing properties are in good condition and are suitable for the conduct of our business.

We do not own any real property. As of December 31, 2007, we conducted our business in the U.S. through 115 operating leases totaling approximately 579,000 rentable square feet.

The majority of our leases have renewal provisions at either fair market value or a stated escalation above the last year of the current term.

 
Under our plan of reorganization, which became effective on September 8, 2003 (“Plan of Reorganization”) or (“Plan”), essentially all claims against our U.S. entities that arose prior to their emergence from bankruptcy on September 8, 2003 were discharged in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization. A summary of the treatment of claims in the bankruptcy proceeding is provided in Note 1, “Background and Organization,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For additional information regarding our bankruptcy filing, see “Business - Corporate History.”
Our significant legal proceedings are as follows.

The SEC initiated a formal investigation of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (the pre-bankruptcy emergence predecessor to AboveNet, Inc.) in June 2002. The investigation was initiated after Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. announced that it would need to restate previously issued financial statements from 2001. On December 15, 2006, we received a “Wells” notice from the SEC staff in connection with such investigation indicating that the SEC staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against us alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the federal securities laws. In connection with the contemplated action, the staff could have sought a permanent injunction, disgorgement, and civil penalties. In response to the Wells notice, we made a written submission to the SEC staff setting forth reasons why a civil injunctive action should not be authorized by the SEC. On March 19, 2007, we received a notice from the SEC staff stating that the investigation of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. has been terminated and that no enforcement action against us had been recommended to the SEC. Such notice was provided to us under the guidelines of the final paragraph of Securities Act Release No. 5310 which states, among other things, that "[such notice] must in no way be construed as indicating that the party has been exonerated or that no action may ultimately result from the staff's investigation of that particular matter. All that such a communication means is that the staff has completed its investigation and that at that time no enforcement action has been recommended to the Commission.” While there have been no further actions to date, we cannot assure you that there will not be any future investigations.
 
14


We are a party to a fiber lease agreement with SBC Telecom, Inc. (“SBC”), a subsidiary of AT&T, entered into in May 2000. We believed that SBC was obligated under this agreement to lease 40,000 fiber miles, reducible to 30,000 under certain circumstances, for a term of 20 years at a price set forth in the agreement, which was subject to adjustment based upon the number of fiber miles leased (the higher the volume of fiber miles leased, the lower the price per fiber mile). SBC disagreed with such interpretation of the agreement and in 2003, the issue was litigated before the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District Court of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In November 2003, the Bankruptcy Court agreed with our interpretation of the agreement, which decision SBC has not appealed. Subsequently, SBC also alleged that we were in breach of our obligations under such agreement and that therefore we were unable to assume the agreement upon our emergence from bankruptcy. We disagreed with SBC’s position, however in December 2005, the Bankruptcy Court agreed with SBC. In 2006, we appealed certain aspects of the decision to the District Court for the Southern District of New York but the District Court denied our appeal. In March 2007, we filed a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals seeking relief with respect to the Bankruptcy Court’s determination that we were in default of the agreement with SBC. During the term of the contract, SBC has paid us at the higher rate per fiber mile to reflect the reduced volume of services SBC believes it was obligated to take, in accordance with its understanding of the fiber lease agreement. However, for financial statement purposes, we recorded revenue based on the lower amount per fiber mile for the fiber miles accepted by SBC.

In July 2008, we and SBC entered into the “Stipulation and Release Agreement” under which a new service agreement was executed for the period from July 10, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Under this new service agreement, SBC agreed to continue to purchase the existing services at the current rate being paid by SBC for such services. Further, SBC will have a fixed minimum payment commitment, which declines over the contract term. SBC may cancel service at any time, subject to the notice provisions, but is subject to the payment commitment. The payment commitment may be satisfied by the existing services or SBC may order new services. Additionally, the May 2000 fiber lease agreement was terminated and we and SBC released each other from any claims related to that agreement. The difference between the amount paid by SBC and the amount recognized by us as revenue, which aggregated $3.5 million at July 10, 2008 ($3.2 million at December 31, 2007), will be recorded as settlement revenue in the third quarter of 2008.

Our U.K. operating subsidiary, ACUK, is a party to a duct purchase and fiber lease agreement (the “Duct Purchase Agreement”) with EU Networks Fiber UK Ltd, formerly Global Voice Networks Limited (“GVN”). A dispute between the parties arose regarding the extent of the network duct that was sold and fiber that was leased to GVN pursuant to the Duct Purchase Agreement. As a result of this dispute, in 2006, GVN filed a claim against ACUK in the High Court of Justice in London seeking ownership of the disputed portion of the network duct, the right to lease certain fiber and associated damages. In December 2007, the court ruled in favor of GVN with respect to the disputed duct and fiber. In early February 2008, ACUK delivered most of the disputed duct and fiber to GVN. Additionally, under the original ruling, we were also required to construct the balance of the disputed duct and fiber and deliver it to GVN pursuant to a schedule ordered by the court. Additional portions of the disputed duct and fiber were constructed and subsequently delivered and other portions are scheduled for delivery. We also had certain repair and maintenance obligations that we must perform with respect to such duct. GVN was also seeking to enforce an option requiring ACUK to construct 180 to 200 chambers for GVN along the network. In June 2008, we paid $3.0 million in damages pursuant to the ruling in the liability trial. Additionally, we reimbursed GVN $1.8 million for legal fees and incurred our own legal fees of $2.4 million. Further, we have incurred or are obligated for costs totaling $2.7 million to build additional network. In early August 2008, we reached a settlement agreement under which we paid GVN $0.6 million and agreed to provide additional construction of duct at an estimated cost of $1.2 million and provide GVN limited additional access to ACUK’s network. GVN and ACUK provided mutual releases of all claims against each other, including ACUK’s repair obligation and the chamber construction obligations discussed above. We recorded a loss on litigation of $11.7 million at December 31, 2007, of which $0.8 million was paid in 2007 and $10.9 million is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007.

In May 2008, Telekenex, Inc. (“Telekenex”), a customer, filed a complaint against us in the San Francisco County Superior Court alleging that we failed to deliver to Telekenex fiber optic capacity under a certain ten year contract between Telekenex and us. Telekenex asserts in the complaint that it is entitled to such fiber optic capacity and unspecified damages. On September 29, 2008, we signed a settlement agreement with Telekenex pursuant to which we agreed to pay $0.35 million and provide Telekenex additional fiber access in order to resolve the dispute. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the parties released each other from any claims related to the dispute and Telekenex is required to dismiss the complaint.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
 There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
15


PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Market Information
 
Our securities are not listed on any exchange. However, we are aware that shares of our common stock are traded on the over-the-counter market. We plan to apply for listing on the NASDAQ Market at such point as we are current on our filings under the Exchange Act.
 
The table below sets forth, on a per share basis, for the periods indicated, the intra-day high and low sales prices for our common shares on the over-the-counter market as reported to NASDAQ for each quarter of 2007 and 2006.

   
High
 
Low
 
Year ended December 31, 2007
             
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2007
 
$
60.00
 
$
41.00
 
Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2007
 
$
65.00
 
$
55.00
 
Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2007
 
$
100.00
 
$
61.00
 
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2007
 
$
91.00
 
$
55.00
 
               
Year ended December 31, 2006
             
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2006
 
$
41.00
 
$
28.35
 
Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2006
 
$
50.00
 
$
35.00
 
Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2006
 
$
54.00
 
$
45.50
 
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2006
 
$
64.00
 
$
40.00
 
 
There were 1,018 stockholders of record of AboveNet’s common stock as of August 31, 2008.
 
Dividends
 
We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we do not expect to do so for the foreseeable future. The payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our liquidity, our operations, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
 
Description of AboveNet’s Equity Securities
 
 Pursuant to our Plan of Reorganization, upon our emergence from bankruptcy, we issued 8,750,000 shares of common stock to our pre-petition creditors and the right to purchase 1,699,210 shares of common stock at a price of $29.9543 per share, under a rights offering, of which the rights to purchase 1,668,992 shares of common stock have been exercised. In connection with the conclusion of our bankruptcy case in July 2008, 862 shares were determined to be unclaimed and were cancelled. In addition, 1,064,956 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our 2003 Stock Incentive Stock Option and Stock Unit Grant Plan, also referred to herein as our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, Equity Incentive Plan or Equity Compensation Plan, 709,459 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the five year warrants, exercisable at a price of $20.00 per share, of which warrants to purchase 33,119 shares of common stock had been exercised as of December 31, 2007. 834,658 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the seven year warrants, exercisable at a price of $24.00 per share, of which warrants to purchase 29,097 shares of common stock had been exercised as of December 31, 2007.

In July 2008, our bankruptcy case was concluded upon the settlement of all remaining claims. In connection with the conclusion of the case, 862 common shares (as described above), five year warrants to purchase 10 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 12 shares of common stock went unclaimed. Accordingly, these warrants were cancelled and common shares issued and outstanding will be reduced on our balance sheet by 862 shares.

Under the terms of the five year and seven year warrant agreements (collectively, the “Warrant Agreements”), as described in Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, if the market price of our common stock, as defined in the respective Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, was greater than the warrant exercise price, we were required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the warrants would be deemed to have been exercised pursuant to the net exercise provisions of the respective Warrant Agreements (the “Net Exercise”), unless the warrant holder elected, by written notice, to not exercise its warrants. Under the Net Exercise, shares issued to warrant holders would be reduced by the number of shares necessary to cover the aggregate exercise price of the shares, valuing such shares at the current market price, as defined in the Warrant Agreements. Any fractional shares, otherwise issuable, would be paid in cash. The expiration date for the five year warrants was September 8, 2008. Accordingly, five year warrants to purchase 158,874 shares of common stock were deemed exercised pursuant to Net Exercise, of which 106,456 shares were issued to the warrant holders, 52,418 shares were returned to treasury and $4,295 was paid to recipients for fractional shares. In addition, five year warrants to purchase 25 shares of common stock were cancelled in accordance with instructions from the warrant holder.

AboveNet’s Common and Preferred Stock
 
On September 8, 2003, we authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value and 30,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each issued and outstanding share and are entitled to receive dividends, subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock. Preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series, each of which classes or series shall have such distributive designation as determined by the Board of Directors. In the event of any liquidation, the holders of the common stock will be entitled to receive the assets of the Company available for distribution, after payments to creditors and preferred rights of any outstanding preferred stock. In 2006, we designated 500,000 shares as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock in connection with the adoption by the Board of Directors of a Shareholders’ Rights Plan.
 
16


Table of Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan
 
 The following table sets forth the indicated information regarding our equity compensation plan and arrangements as of December 31, 2007.
 
Plan category (1)
 
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options and
Restricted Stock Units (2)
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options and
Restricted Stock Units (2)
 
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plan
(Excluding Securities Reflected in
the First Column) (3)
 
Equity compensation plan approved by security holders
   
 
$
   
 
Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders
   
701,822
   
27.48
   
11,293
 
Total
   
701,822
 
$
27.48
   
11,293
 

(1)
Excludes shares available under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, described below.
   
(2)
Includes 229,875 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units. The weighted average exercise price does not take into account the shares to be delivered in connection with these outstanding restricted stock units, which have no exercise price.
   
(3)
Excludes warrants granted to creditors as part of settled bankruptcy claims, as follows:

   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Total Warrants
Originally Issued
 
Warrants Exercised as of
December 31, 2007
 
Unexercised Warrants
Outstanding
at December 31, 2007
 
Five year stock purchase warrants
 
$
20.00
   
709,459
   
33,119
   
676,340
 
Seven year stock purchase warrants
 
$
24.00
   
834,658
   
29,097
   
805,561
 

The above table does not take into consideration five year warrants to purchase 10 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 12 shares of common stock that were unclaimed and were cancelled at the conclusion of our bankruptcy case and five year warrants to purchase 25 shares of common stock that were cancelled in accordance with instructions from the warrant holder.

Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
On August 29, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. Any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or subsidiary of the Company selected by the Compensation Committee is eligible to receive awards under the 2008 Plan. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted and unrestricted stock units and stock appreciation rights may be awarded to eligible participants on a stand alone, combination or tandem basis. 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan in accordance with its terms. The number of shares available for grant and the terms of outstanding grants are subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other capital adjustments as provided in the 2008 Plan. See “Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan,” included in Item 11, “Executive Compensation.”

Share Repurchases
 
In December, 2007, we delivered 310,719 shares of common stock to certain employees (including the named executive officers) and former employees, which represented shares underlying all vested restricted stock units at such date, of which 303,369 shares were delivered on December 28, 2007. We purchased an aggregate 129,816 shares back from the employees at $75.00 per share, the closing market price of our common stock on such date, in order to provide them with funds sufficient to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations and provide the employees sufficient funds to meet our estimates (at their highest marginal tax rates) of their residual income tax obligations. The aggregate value of the shares purchased by us of $9.7 million was charged to treasury stock. We decided to purchase these shares because the delivery of the shares underlying the stock units triggered significant tax obligations for these individuals. Below is a summary of these repurchases.

Period
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
December 1 to 31, 2007 (*)
 
129,816
 
$75.00
 
0
 
0
___________________
 
(*) There were no other stock repurchases during Fiscal 2007.
 
17


 
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return (stock price appreciation) of our common stock with the cumulative return (including reinvested dividends) of the NASDAQ (U.S.) Index and the Russell 2000 Index, for the period from December 3, 2003 through December 31, 2007. We filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in May 2002 and emerged from bankruptcy on September 8, 2003. Shares that were issued pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization first traded on December 3, 2003 at $35.00 per common share, which is the starting point for the graph below. Our stock has not been listed on any national exchange since our emergence from bankruptcy as we are not compliant with the periodic filing requirements of the Exchange Act. However, our shares of common stock are traded on the over-the-counter market (pink sheets). The stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. The comparisons in the chart below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of the Company’s common stock.


 
 
12/03/2003
 
12/31/2003
 
12/31/2004
 
12/31/2005
 
12/31/2006
 
12/31/2007
 
AboveNet, Inc.
 
$
100
 
$
107
 
$
91
 
$
81
 
$
171
 
$
223
 
NASDAQ (U.S.)
   
100
   
102
   
111
   
113
   
123
   
135
 
Russell 2000 Index
   
100
   
102
   
120
   
123
   
144
   
141
 
 
18


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The table below presents selected consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and for the period from September 8, 2003 (fresh start date) to December 31, 2003. We have not included information for the period from January 1, 2003 to September 7, 2003, which period preceded our emergence from bankruptcy, because we lack certain records necessary to include the proper information. The historical financial data as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, have been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
 
Upon emergence from bankruptcy on September 8, 2003 (the “Effective Date”), we adopted fresh start accounting and reporting in accordance with SOP 90-7, which resulted in material adjustments to the historical carrying amounts of our assets and liabilities. Fresh start accounting required us to allocate the reorganization value to our assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values. Adopting fresh start accounting has resulted in material adjustments to the historical carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We engaged an independent appraiser to assist in the allocation of the reorganization value, and in determining the fair market value of our property and equipment and overall enterprise value. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities is subject to significant estimation and assumptions. See Note 1, “Background and Organization - Bankruptcy Filing and Reorganization,” and Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Fresh Start Accounting,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a complete description of the fresh start accounting impacts on our Effective Date balance sheet.
 
(In millions, except share and per share information)

   
 Years Ended December 31,
 
Period from
September 8, 2003
to December 31,
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
 2004
 
2003
 
Statements of Operations data:
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
253.6
 
$
236.7
 
$
219.7
 
$
189.3
 
$
59.6
 
Costs of revenue (including provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 for the year ended December 31, 2007)
   
110.3
   
121.9
   
119.2
   
112.2
   
36.9
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
80.9
   
71.1
   
69.6
   
71.7
   
32.6
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
47.5
   
47.2
   
43.1
   
40.8
   
13.0
 
Loss on litigation
   
11.7
   
   
   
   
 
Operating income (loss)
   
3.2
   
(3.5
)
 
(12.2
)
 
(35.4
)
 
(22.9
)
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
10.3
   
   
   
   
 
Interest income
   
3.3
   
2.4
   
1.3
   
1.1
   
0.5
 
Interest expense
   
(2.3
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(4.9
)
Other income, net
   
3.8
   
2.1
   
10.9
   
9.2
   
1.4
 
Gain (loss) on sales of data centers
   
   
48.2
   
(1.3
)
 
   
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
18.3
   
43.4
   
(7.2
)
 
(36.2
)
 
(25.9
)
Provision for income taxes
   
4.5
   
   
0.4
   
0.5
   
0.3
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
13.8
   
43.4
   
(7.6
)
 
(36.7
)
 
(26.2
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
   
   
3.0
   
(0.8
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.3
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
13.8
 
$
46.4
 
$
(8.4
)
$
(37.8
)
$
(26.5
)
Income (loss) per share, basic:
         
               
 
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
$
1.28
 
$
4.07
 
$
(0.72
)
$
(3.48
)
$
(2.49
)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations
   
   
.28
   
(0.07
)
 
(0.10
)
 
(0.03
)
Income (loss) per share, basic
 
$
1.28
 
$
4.35
 
$
(0.79
)
$
(3.58
)
$
(2.52
)
Shares used in computing basic income (loss) per share
   
10,751,921
   
10,669,365
   
10,596,244
   
10,550,249
   
10,499,961
 
Income (loss) per share, diluted:
         
   
   
   
 
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
$
1.13
 
$
3.68
 
$
(0.72
)
$
(3.48
)
$
(2.49
)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations
   
   
.26
   
(0.07
)
 
(0.10
)
 
(0.03
)
Income (loss) per share, diluted
 
$
1.13
 
$
3.94
 
$
(0.79
)
$
(3.58
)
$
(2.52
)
Shares used in computing diluted income (loss) per share
   
12,184,139
   
11,794,279
   
10,596,244
   
10,550,249
   
10,499,961
 
 
   
 At December 31,
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
 2004
 
2003
 
Balance Sheet data:
          
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
45.8
 
$
70.7
 
$
45.9
 
$
45.3
 
$
105.1
 
Working capital (deficit)
   
(25.6
)
 
17.4
   
(5.8
)
 
(4.0
)
 
70.8
 
Property and equipment, net
   
347.7
   
299.2
   
305.2
   
312.3
   
328.6
 
Total assets
   
432.3
   
407.7
   
385.0
   
400.2
   
499.0
 
Long-term debt (*)
   
1.6
   
1.5
   
1.6
   
1.8
   
71.9
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
223.7
   
217.9
   
166.9
   
170.9
   
203.6
 
 
19

 
(*)
At December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the balance represents the long-term obligation under a capital lease, which was included in other long-term liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2003, the balance represents the long-term obligation under a capital lease of $1.9 million, which was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, and notes payable of $70.0 million, which was stated separately on the consolidated balance sheet and which was satisfied in 2004.
 
   
 Years Ended December 31,
 
Period from
September 8, 2003
to December 31,
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
 2004
 
2003
 
Cash flow data:
          
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
69.7
 
$
51.3
 
$
43.6
 
$
25.8
 
$
(8.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(89.3
)
 
(27.2
)
 
(42.0
)
 
(23.0
)
 
(8.5
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(5.4
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(62.5
)
 
41.8
 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Executive Summary
 
Overview
 
We provide telecommunications services primarily in 14 major metropolitan markets in the U.S. and one in the U.K. (London). Our services include high bandwidth fiber-optic connectivity solutions primarily to large corporate enterprise clients and communication carriers, including Fortune 1000 and FTSE 500 companies, in the U.S. and the U.K.

The components of our operating income (loss) are revenue, costs of revenue, selling and general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization. Below is a description of these components. We are reporting operating income for the year ended December 31, 2007 and operating losses for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, as shown in our consolidated statements of operations included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Industry
 
The demand for high bandwidth telecommunications services continues to increase. We believe that our experience in the provision of these services, our customer base and our robust and extensive network should enable us to take advantage of this growing demand. Although the competitive landscape in the telecommunications industry is constantly shifting, we believe that we are well positioned for continued growth in the future.
 
Strategy
 
See Item 1, “Business - Business Strategy,” for a discussion of our business strategy.
 
Key Performance Indicators
 
Our senior management reviews a group of financial and non-financial performance metrics in connection with the management of our business. These metrics facilitate timely and effective communication of results and key decisions, allowing management to react quickly to changing requirements and changes in our key performance indicators. Some of the key financial indicators we use include cash flow, incremental contractual booking of new customer business, new customer installations and churn of existing business and capital committed and expended.

Some of the most important non-financial performance metrics measure headcount, traffic growth and installation intervals. We manage our employee headcount changes to ensure sufficient resources are available to service our customers and control expenses. All employees have been categorized into, and are managed within, integrated groups such as sales, operations, engineering, finance, legal and human resources. Our worldwide headcount was 549 as of December 31, 2007, 482 of which were employed in the U.S., 65 in the U.K., one in the Netherlands and one in Japan.
 
2007 Highlights
 
Our consolidated revenue increased in 2007 by $16.9 million, or 7.1%, from $236.7 million in 2006 to $253.6 million in 2007, due principally to the growth of our domestic metro transport services, which increased by $22.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Additionally, in the U.S., our revenue from dark fiber services increased by $11.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006 and our domestic IP network services increased by $2.6 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $7.0 million in 2007 compared to 2006. These comparative increases were partially offset by the fact that our 2006 results included revenue of $24.5 million from our domestic data centers, which were sold in the fourth quarter of 2006.
 
During 2007, we generated net income of $13.8 million and as of December 31, 2007 we had $45.8 million of unrestricted cash, compared to $70.7 million of unrestricted cash at December 31, 2006, a decrease in liquidity of $24.9 million. This decrease was attributable primarily to cash used in investing activities (purchases of property and equipment of $90.8 million), and cash used in financing activities (primarily the purchase of $9.7 million common stock from employees and in certain cases, ex-employees, with respect to vested restricted stock units delivered to them), partially offset by cash generated from operating activities. See below in this Item 7 under, “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” for further discussion.
 
In 2007, our cash flow generated by operating activities increased as a result of the improvement in operating results described above. Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents balance declined in 2007 compared to 2006 due to our increased capital expenditures, consistent with our growth strategy, which were $90.8 million in 2007, compared to $71.7 million in 2006, and the $9.7 million cash used to repurchase common stock in connection with the delivery of shares underlying vested restricted stock units. We believe, based on our business plan, that our existing cash, cash from our operating activities and funds available under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations, planned capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements (including the liability arising out of the GVN litigation) at least through the third quarter of 2009. See below in this Item 7 under, “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” for further information relating to the Credit Facility.
 
20


2008 Outlook
 
We expect our revenue to increase in 2008 compared to 2007. Because a large percentage of our costs are fixed and we expect our costs will grow at a slower rate than our revenue, we are anticipating improved operating results in 2008. 2008 will be favorably impacted by the non-cash settlement of our dispute with SBC of $3.5 million, partially offset by our write-off of our investment in a new information technology platform of $2.3 million. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” and Note 13, “Litigation” and Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Litigation” and “Subsequent Events - Asset Abandonment,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, in 2008, our capital expenditures are expected to increase in line with our expected increase in new bookings.
 
Revenue
 
Revenue derived from leasing fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of telecommunications and co-location services is recognized as services are provided. Non-refundable payments received from customers before the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are included in deferred revenue and are subsequently amortized into income over the related service period.

A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from multi-year contracts for services we provide. We are often required to make an initial outlay of capital to extend our network and purchase equipment for the provision of services to our customers. Under the terms of most contracts, the customer is required to pay a termination fee (which declines over the contract term) if the contract were terminated by the customer without basis before its expiration to ensure that we recover our initial capital investment plus an acceptable return.

Costs of revenue
 
Costs of revenue primarily include the following: (i) real estate expenses for all operational sites; (ii) costs incurred to operate our networks, such as licenses, right-of-way, permit fees and professional fees related to our networks; (iii) third party telecommunications, fiber and conduit expenses; (iv) repairs and maintenance costs incurred in connection with our networks; and (v) employee-related costs relating to the operation of our networks.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)
 
SG&A primarily consist of (i) employee-related costs such as salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation expense for employees not directly attributable to the operation of our networks; (ii) real estate expenses for all administrative sites; (iii) professional, consulting and audit fees; (iv) taxes (other than income taxes), including property taxes and trust fund-related taxes such as gross receipts taxes; (v) restructuring costs; and (vi) regulatory costs, insurance, telecommunications costs, professional fees, and license and maintenance fees for internal software and hardware.

Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization consists of the ratable measurement of the use of property and equipment. Depreciation and amortization for network assets commences when such assets are placed in service and is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, with the exception of leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management continually evaluates its judgments, estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and available information. The following is a discussion of the items within our consolidated financial statements that involve significant judgments, assumptions, uncertainties and estimates. The estimates involved in these areas are considered critical because they require high levels of subjectivity and judgment to account for highly uncertain matters, and if actual results or events differ materially from those contemplated by management in making these estimates, the impact on our consolidated financial statements could be material. For a full description of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Misstatements
 
In connection with the audit of our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, we determined that certain errors primarily related to income taxes, depreciation, and certain accruals were included in the financial statements previously issued as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and as of and for the period ended December 31, 2003 (including the fresh start balance sheet as of September 8, 2003). Had the adjustments been made in the applicable period, the effect of the adjustments would have been to increase net loss by $0.9 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005, increase net loss by $0.1 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2004 and decrease net loss by $0.2 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share for the period ended December 31, 2003. Management does not believe, based upon its qualitative and quantitative analysis, that such errors are material or require a restatement of any of the previously issued financial statements. Accordingly, the corrections were reflected in the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and resulted in a reduction to net income of $0.3 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share.

2006 Reclassification
 
On February 29, 2008, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which, among other things, included a consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. The consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, reflects a change in the classification of certain expenses from the amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of operations included in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 29, 2008. The change resulted in costs of revenue decreasing by $9.3 million, from $131.2 million to $121.9 million and selling, general and administrative expenses increasing by $9.3 million, from $61.8 million to $71.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This reclassification did not affect our operating loss, net income, earnings per share (basic and diluted), assets, liabilities or shareholders’ equity as of or for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
21


Fresh Start Accounting
 
Our emergence from bankruptcy resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or accumulated losses, effective as of September 8, 2003. Although the Effective Date of the Plan of Reorganization was September 8, 2003, we accounted for the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization as if it occurred on August 31, 2003 and implemented fresh start accounting as of that date. There were no significant transactions during the period from August 31, 2003 to September 8, 2003. Fresh start accounting requires us to allocate the reorganization value of our assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values, in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code” (“SOP 90-7”). We developed a set of financial projections which were utilized by an expert to assist us in estimating the fair value of our assets and liabilities. The expert utilized various valuation methodologies, including, (1) a comparison of the Company and our projected performance to that of comparable companies, (2) a review and analysis of several recent transactions of companies in similar industries to ours, and (3) a calculation of the enterprise value based upon the future cash flows based upon our projections.

Adopting fresh start accounting resulted in material adjustments to the historical carrying values of our assets and liabilities. The reorganization value was allocated to our assets and liabilities based upon their fair values. We engaged an independent appraiser to assist us in determining the fair market value of our property and equipment. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities was subject to significant estimates and assumptions. The unaudited fresh start adjustments reflected at September 8, 2003 consisted of the following: (i) reduction of property and equipment, (ii) reduction of indebtedness, (iii) reduction of vendor payables, (iv) reduction of the carrying value of deferred revenue, (v) increase of deferred rent to fair market value, (vi) cancellation of MFN’s common stock and additional paid-in capital, in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization, (vii) issuance of new AboveNet, Inc. common stock and additional paid-in capital, and (viii) elimination of the comprehensive loss and accumulated deficit accounts.

Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue derived from leasing fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of telecommunications and co-location services is recognized as services are provided. Non-refundable payments received from customers before the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are included in deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are subsequently amortized into income over the related service period.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, “Revenue Recognition,” we generally amortize revenue related to installation services on a straight-line basis over the contracted customer relationship, which generally ranges from two to twenty years.

Termination revenue is recognized when a customer discontinues service prior to the end of the contract period, for which we had previously received consideration and for which revenue recognition was deferred. Termination revenue is also recognized when customers have made early termination payments to us to settle contractually committed purchase amounts that the customer no longer expects to meet or when we renegotiate a contract with a customer and as a result are no longer obligated to provide services for consideration previously received and for which revenue recognition has been deferred. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, we included the receipts of bankruptcy claim settlements from former customers as termination revenue. Termination revenue is reported in the same manner as the original service provided, and amounted to $8.5 million, $8.3 million, and $12.1 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Accounts Receivable Reserves
 
Sales Credit Reserves
 
During each reporting period, we must make estimates for potential future sales credits to be issued in respect of current revenue, related to billing errors, service interruptions and customer disputes which are recorded as a reduction in revenue. We analyze historical credit activity and changes in customer demand related to current billing and service interruptions when evaluating our credit reserve requirements. We reserve for known billing errors and service interruptions as incurred. We review customer disputes and reserve against those we believe to be valid claims. We also estimate a sales credit reserve related to unknown billing errors and disputes based on such historical credit activity. The determination of the general sales credit and customer dispute credit reserve requirements involves significant estimation and assumption.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
During each reporting period, we must make estimates for potential losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We analyze our reserve requirements using several factors, including the length of time a particular customer’s receivables are past due, changes in the customer’s creditworthiness, the customer’s payment history, the length of the customer’s relationship with us, the current economic climate and current industry trends. A specific reserve requirement review is performed on customer accounts with larger balances. A reserve analysis is also performed on accounts not subject to specific review utilizing the factors previously mentioned. Due to the current economic climate, the competitive environment in the telecommunications sector and the volatility of the financial strength of particular customer segments including resellers and CLECs, the collectability of receivables and credit worthiness of customers may become more difficult and unpredictable. Changes in the financial viability of significant customers, worsening of economic conditions and changes in our ability to meet service level requirements may require changes to our estimate of the recoverability of the receivables. Revenue previously unrecognized, which is recovered through litigation, negotiations, settlements and judgments, is recognized as termination revenue in the period collected. The determination of both the specific and general allowance for doubtful accounts reserve requirements involves significant estimations and assumptions.

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are stated at their preliminary estimated fair values as of the Effective Date based on our reorganization value. Purchases of property and equipment subsequent to the Effective Date are stated at cost, net of depreciation and amortization. Major improvements are capitalized, while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Costs incurred prior to a capital project’s completion are reflected as construction in progress, which is included in network infrastructure assets on the respective balance sheets. Certain internal direct labor costs of constructing or installing property and equipment are capitalized. Capitalized direct labor is determined based upon a core group of field engineers and IP engineers and reflects their capitalized salary plus related benefits, and is based upon an allocation of their time between capitalized and non-capitalized projects. These individuals’ salaries are considered to be costs directly associated with the construction of certain infrastructure and customer build outs. The salaries and related benefits of non-engineers and supporting staff that are part of the engineering departments are not considered part of the pool subject to capitalization. Capitalized direct labor amounted to $8.6 million, $5.1 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Depreciation and amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, with the exception of leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Estimated useful lives of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:
 
Building (except certain storage huts which are 20 years)
37.5 years
Network infrastructure assets
20 years
Software and computer equipment
3 to 4 years
Transmission equipment
3 to 7 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements
Lesser of estimated useful life or the lease term
 
22

 
When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are reflected in net income (loss).

From time to time, we are required to replace or re-route existing fiber due to structural changes such as construction and highway expansions, which is defined as “relocation.” In such instances, we fully depreciate the remaining carrying value of network infrastructure removed or rendered unusable and capitalize the new fiber and associated construction costs of the relocation placed into service, which is reduced by any reimbursements received for such costs. We capitalized relocation costs amounting to $2.2 million, $8.9 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We fully depreciated the remaining carrying value of the network infrastructure rendered unusable amounting to $0.3 million, $1.6 million and $0.4 million, on an original cost basis, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we periodically evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets and evaluate such assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets (or group of assets) may not be recoverable. Impairment is determined to exist if the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset. Included in costs of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 is a provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 million recorded to recognize the loss in value of certain equipment held in inventory. There were no impairment amounts provided for the years ended December 31, 2006 or 2005.

Asset Retirement Obligations
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” we recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We have asset retirement obligations related to the de-commissioning of electronics in leased facilities and the removal of leasehold improvements, and certain fiber and conduit systems. Considerable management judgment is required in estimating these obligations. Important assumptions include estimates of asset retirement costs, the timing of future asset retirement activities and the likelihood of contractual asset retirement provisions being enforced. Changes in these assumptions based on future information could result in adjustments to these estimated liabilities.

Asset retirement obligations are generally recorded as “other long-term liabilities,” and are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets included in property and equipment, net, and are depreciated over the life of the associated asset. Asset retirement obligations aggregated $6.1 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of which $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, were included in “Accrued expenses,” and $2.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively, were included in “Other long-term liabilities.” Accretion expense, which is included in “Interest expense,” amounted to $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
 
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. For those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the applicable balance sheet date and income and expense transactions are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly to a separate component of shareholders’ equity and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Our foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) are generally included in “other income” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” (“SFAS No. 109”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards, and tax contingencies. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We are subject to audit by various taxing authorities, and these audits may result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution results in us owing additional taxes. We are required to establish reserves under FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“Interpretation No. 48”) when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are appropriate and supportable under appropriate tax law, we believe there is uncertainty with respect to certain positions and we may not succeed in realizing the tax position. We have evaluated our tax positions for items of uncertainty in accordance with Interpretation No. 48 and have determined that our tax positions are highly certain within the meaning of Interpretation No. 48. We believe the estimates and assumptions used to support our evaluation of tax benefit realization are reasonable. Accordingly, no adjustments have been made to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Deferred Taxes
 
Our current and deferred income taxes, and associated valuation allowances, are impacted by events and transactions arising in the normal course of business as well as by special and non-recurring items. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax on income and deductions. Actual realization of deferred tax assets and liabilities may materially differ from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances.
 
The assessment of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is based on the weight of available evidence that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities are first applied to the deferred tax assets reducing the need for a valuation allowance. Future utilization of the remaining net deferred tax asset would require the ability to forecast future earnings. Based on past performance resulting in net loss positions, sufficient evidence exists to require a valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset balance.
 
As a result of our bankruptcy, estimates have been made that impact the deferred tax balances. The factors resulting in estimation include, but are not limited to, the fresh start valuation of assets and liabilities, implications of cancellation of indebtedness income and various other factors.

Stock-Based Compensation
 
On September 8, 2003, we adopted the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure,” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amended SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS No. 123”), to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation (see Note 9, “Stock-based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
23

 
Under the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each stock-based compensation award is estimated at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock option awards. We did not have a historical basis for determining the volatility and expected life assumptions in the model due to our limited market trading history; therefore, the assumptions used for these amounts are an average of those used by a select group of related industry companies. Most stock-based awards have graded vesting (i.e. portions of the award vest at different dates during the vesting period). We recognize the related stock-based compensation expense of such awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each tranche in an award. Upon consummation of our Plan of Reorganization, all then outstanding stock options were cancelled.

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), using the modified prospective method. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based awards granted to employees to be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period, based on fair value of the award. The fair value method under SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 with respect to measurement and recognition of stock-based compensation expense except that SFAS No. 123(R) requires an estimate of future forfeitures, whereas SFAS No. 123 permitted companies to estimate forfeitures or recognize the impact of forfeitures as they occur. As we had recognized the impact of forfeitures as they occurred upon adoption of SFAS No. 123, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in a change in our accounting treatment, but it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The following are the assumptions used by the Company to calculate the weighted average fair value of stock options granted:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Dividend yield
   
   
   
 
Expected volatility
   
80.00
%
 
80.00
%
 
80.00
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.61
%
 
4.89
%
 
3.99
%
Expected life (years)
   
5.00
   
5.00
   
4.00
 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
 
 
$41.77
 
 
$31.16
 
 
$16.25
 

 
For a description of our stock-based compensation programs, see Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
Consolidated Results (in millions):
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
          
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
$ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
253.6
 
$
236.7
 
$
16.9
   
7.1 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below, and including provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 for the year ended December 31, 2007)
   
110.3
   
121.9
   
(11.6
)
 
(9.5)%
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
80.9
   
71.1
   
9.8
   
13.8 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
47.5
   
47.2
   
0.3
   
0.6 %
 
Loss on litigation
   
11.7
   
   
11.7
   
NM
 
Operating income (loss)
   
3.2
   
(3.5
)
 
6.7
   
191.4 %
 
Other income (expense):
   
               
 
 
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
10.3
   
   
10.3
   
NM
 
Interest income
   
3.3
   
2.4
   
0.9
   
37.5 %
 
Interest expense
   
(2.3
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(60.3)%
 
Other income, net
   
3.8
   
2.1
   
1.7
   
81.0 %
 
Gain on sales of data centers
   
   
48.2
   
(48.2
)
 
NM
 
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
   
18.3
   
43.4
   
(25.1
)
 
(57.8)%
 
Provision for income taxes
   
4.5
   
   
4.5
   
NM
 
Income from continuing operations
   
13.8
   
43.4
   
(29.6
)
 
(68.2)%
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
   
   
3.0
   
(3.0
)
 
NM
 
Net income
 
$
13.8
 
$
46.4
 
$
(32.6
)
 
(70.3)%
 
 
NM—not meaningful

 
We use the term “consolidated” below to describe the total results of our two geographic segments, the U.S. and the U.K. and others. Throughout this document, unless otherwise noted, amounts discussed are consolidated amounts.

Revenue.  Consolidated revenue in 2007 was $253.6 million, compared to $236.7 million in 2006, an increase of $16.9 million, or 7.1%. Revenue from our U.S. operations increased by $9.9 million, or 4.5%, from $217.6 million in 2006 to $227.5 million in 2007. The principal reason for this increase was due to the continued growth in our fiber services and metro transport services. In 2007, U.S. revenue from fiber services increased by $11.1 million, or 9.2%, from $120.3 million in 2006 to $131.4 million in 2007 and revenue from metro transport services increased by $22.3 million, or 79.1%, from $28.2 million in 2006 to $50.5 million in 2007. These increases were offset by a decrease in data center revenue of $23.7 million, or 96.7%, from $24.5 million in 2006 to $0.8 million in 2007 due to the sale of our domestic data centers in the fourth quarter of 2006 (four in October 2006 and one in November 2006). Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $7.0 million, or 36.6%, from $19.1 million in 2006 to $26.1 million in 2007. The increase was primarily due to the change in currency translation rates in 2007 compared to 2006 and to our focus on the core businesses in the U.K.

24

 
Costs of revenue. Consolidated costs of revenue in 2007 was $110.3 million, compared to $121.9 million in 2006, a decrease of $11.6 million, or 9.5%. Consolidated costs of revenue as a percentage of revenue was 43.5% in 2007, compared to 51.5% in 2006, resulting in consolidated gross profit margin of 56.5% and 48.5% in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The costs of revenue for our U.S. operations was $101.9 million and $113.6 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of $11.7 million, or 10.3%. The decrease in the domestic costs of revenue in 2007 compared to 2006 was attributable principally to the sale of the domestic data centers, which resulted in a decrease in costs of revenue of $15.4 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Additionally, costs of revenue was reduced due to the amount of salaries capitalized; domestic capitalized labor increased from $4.0 million in 2006 to $7.9 million in 2007. These decreases in costs of revenue were partially offset by the provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 million, an increase of $2.8 million in our long haul fiber lease expense, an increase of $1.1 million in co-location operating expense and an increase of $1.0 million in third party network costs. The costs of revenue for our foreign operations was $8.4 million in 2007, compared to $8.3 million in 2006, an increase of $0.1 million, or 1.2%.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”). Consolidated SG&A in 2007 was $80.9 million, compared to $71.1 million in 2006, an increase of $9.8 million, or 13.8%. SG&A as a percentage of revenue was 31.9% in 2007, compared to 30.0% in 2006. In the U.S., SG&A was $69.3 million in 2007, compared to $63.4 million in 2006, an increase of $5.9 million, or 9.3%. SG&A for our U.S. operations in 2007 compared to 2006 increased primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense (principally related to restricted stock units granted in 2007) from $3.4 million in 2006 to $8.0 million in 2007. Additionally, payroll and payroll-related expenses increased by $7.5 million from $25.7 million in 2006, to $33.2 million in 2007 due to increases in salaries and headcount. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in professional fees of $4.6 million and a reduction in transaction-based taxes of $1.4 million. SG&A for our foreign operations in 2007 was $11.6 million, compared to $7.7 million in 2006, an increase of $3.9 million, or 50.6%, which was due primarily to (i) an increase in payroll and payroll-related expenses of $3.1 million; (ii) an increase in occupancy costs of $1.0 million due to the lease of new office space in the UK in 2007; and (iii) an increase in other operating costs of $1.3 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in (i) professional fees of $1.2 million, due to the decline in audit-related fees; and (ii) stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million.

Depreciation and amortization.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization in 2007 was $47.5 million, compared to $47.2 million in 2006, an increase of $0.3 million, or 0.6%. Consolidated depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue was 18.7% in 2007, compared to 19.9% in 2006. Depreciation and amortization increased as a result of additions to property and equipment in 2007 and the full year effect of depreciation on property and equipment acquired throughout 2006. This increase was partially offset by the elimination of depreciation expense associated with property and equipment sold or disposed of during 2007 and 2006, primarily the data centers in late 2006 and property and equipment, which became fully depreciated during 2007.
 
Loss on litigation. In 2007, we recorded a loss on litigation of $11.7 million with respect to the GVN litigation. Of this amount, $0.8 million was paid during 2007 and $10.9 million was accrued at December 31, 2007. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Item 8, Financial Statements, Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Litigation.”

Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries. We recognized a non-cash gain on the reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments of $10.3 million, previously included in other comprehensive income on our statements of shareholders’ equity, in connection with the liquidation of Metromedia Fiber Network B.V., Metromedia Fiber Network Services Ltd. and SiteSmith Ltd., each of which was a wholly-owned subsidiary, in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Interest income. Interest income, substantially all of which was earned in the U.S., increased from $2.4 million in 2006 to $3.3 million in 2007. The increase of $0.9 million, or 37.5%, was primarily due to the additional funds that we had available for investment following the sales of our domestic data centers in the fourth quarter of 2006 and higher short-term interest rates.

Interest expense.  Interest expense, substantially all of which was incurred in the U.S., includes interest expense related to a capital lease obligation, interest accrued on certain tax liabilities, interest on the outstanding balance of the deferred fair value rent liabilities established at fresh start and interest accretion relating to certain asset retirement obligations. Interest expense decreased from $5.8 million in 2006 to $2.3 million in 2007. The decrease of $3.5 million, or 60.3%, was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on fair market value rent liabilities from $3.9 million in 2006 to $0.6 million in 2007 due to the reduction of such balances, which was primarily due to the sale of our domestic data centers in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Other income, net.  Other income, net is composed primarily of income from non-recurring transactions and is not comparative from a trend perspective.
 
Consolidated other income, net was $3.8 million in 2007, compared to $2.1 million in 2006, an increase of $1.7 million. In the U.S., other income, net was $2.7 million in 2007, compared to a net loss of $1.4 million in 2006, an increase of $4.1 million. For our foreign operations, other income, net was $1.1 million in 2007, compared to $3.5 million in 2006, a decrease of $2.4 million. In 2007, consolidated other income, net was comprised primarily of gains arising from the reversal of certain tax liabilities of $2.2 million, gain on a legal settlement of $0.6 million and other gains of $0.4 million, offset by losses on dispositions of property and equipment of $0.5 million and a loss on the sale of certain investments of $0.4 million. In 2006, consolidated other income, net was comprised primarily of gains arising from the reversal of certain tax liabilities of $3.2 million, gain on foreign currency of $2.0 million and other gains of $1.5 million, offset by losses on disposition of property and equipment of $4.6 million.

Gain on sales of data centers. Gain on the sales of our domestic data centers of $48.2 million in 2006 represented the excess of the proceeds received on the sale totaling $43.1 million plus the reversal of the deferred fair value rent liability and the SFAS No. 13 liability associated with the related parties totaling $28.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively, over the carrying value of the related assets sold. There was no comparable sale in 2007.
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes. The income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes the loss from discontinued operations of $0.9 million and the gain on the sale of AboveNet (UK) London of $3.9 million. There were no discontinued operations in the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
25


Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
Consolidated Results (in millions):

   
Years Ended December 31,
          
   
 2006
 
 2005
 
$ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
236.7
 
$
219.7
 
$
17.0
   
7.7 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
   
121.9
   
119.2
   
2.7
   
2.3 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
71.1
   
69.6
   
1.5
   
2.2 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
47.2
   
43.1
   
4.1
   
9.5 %
 
Operating loss
   
(3.5
)
 
(12.2
)
 
8.7
   
71.3 %
 
Other income (expense):
                     
 
 
Gain (loss) on sales of data centers
   
48.2
   
(1.3
)
 
49.5
   
NM
 
Interest income
   
2.4
   
1.3
   
1.1
   
84.6 %
 
Interest expense
   
(5.8
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1.7)%
 
Other income, net
   
2.1
   
10.9
   
(8.8
)
 
(80.7)%
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes
   
43.4
   
(7.2
)
 
50.6
   
702.8 %
 
Provision for income taxes
   
   
0.4
   
(0.4
)
 
NM
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
43.4
   
(7.6
)
 
51.0
   
671.1 %
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
   
3.0
   
(0.8
)
 
3.8
   
475.0 %
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
46.4
 
$
(8.4
)
$
54.8
   
652.4 %
 
 
NM—not meaningful

 
Revenue.  Consolidated revenue in 2006 was $236.7 million, compared to $219.7 million in 2005, an increase of $17.0 million, or 7.7%. Revenue from our U.S. operations increased by $13.5 million, or 6.6%, from $204.1 million in 2005 to $217.6 million in 2006. The principal reason for this increase was due to the continued growth in our fiber services and metro transport services. In 2006, U.S. revenue from fiber services increased by $10.1 million, or 9.2%, from $110.2 million in 2005 to $120.3 million in 2006 and revenue from metro transport services increased by $13.3 million, or 89.3%, from $14.9 million in 2005 to $28.2 million in 2006. These increases were offset by a decrease in data center revenue of $4.5 million, or 15.5%, from $29.0 million in 2005 to $24.5 million in 2006 due to the sale of the domestic data centers in the fourth quarter of 2006 (four in October 2006 and one in November 2006) and a decrease in termination revenue of $3.8 million, or 31.4%, from $12.1 million in 2005 to $8.3 million in 2006. Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $3.5 million, or 22.4%, from $15.6 million in 2005 to $19.1 million in 2006 due primarily to our focus on our core business and strategic investment in infrastructure.

Costs of revenue. Consolidated costs of revenue in 2006 were $121.9 million, compared to $119.2 million in 2005, an increase of $2.7 million, or 2.3%. Consolidated costs of revenue as a percentage of revenue was 51.5% in 2006, compared to 54.3% in 2005, resulting in consolidated gross profit margin of 48.5% and 45.7% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. The cost of revenue for our U.S. operations was $113.6 million and $112.4 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, an increase of $1.2 million, or 1.1%. The cost of revenue for our foreign operations was $8.3 million and $6.8 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, an increase of $1.5 million, or 22.1%. The increase in costs of revenue represents increases in variable costs associated with our revenue streams and was not as substantial as the increase in revenue because a significant percentage of our costs of revenue are fixed and increased at a slower rate than revenue. Additionally, because we are spreading these costs over a larger revenue base, we had improved gross profit margins in 2006 compared to 2005.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”). Consolidated SG&A in 2006 was $71.1 million, compared to $69.6 million in 2005, an increase of $1.5 million, or 2.2%. SG&A as a percentage of revenue was 30.0% in 2006, compared to 31.7% in 2005. In the U.S., SG&A was $63.4 million in 2006, compared to $63.1 million in 2005, an increase of $0.3 million, or 0.5%. SG&A for our U.S. operations in 2006 compared to 2005 is primarily the result of an increase in audit fees and financial consulting fees of $2.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively, which were attributable to the extra costs incurred through our efforts to become timely in our financial reporting, and a net increase in other general and administrative expenses of $0.8 million. These increases were partially offset by the reduction in domestic transaction taxes of $5.0 million, attributable to billing certain of these taxes to customers that commenced in the first quarter of 2006. SG&A for our foreign operations was $7.7 million and $6.5 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, an increase of $1.2 million, or 18.5%, which was due primarily to (i) an increase in payroll and payroll-related expenses of $1.2 million; (ii) an increase in professional fees of $1.3 million, $0.7 million of which related to the extra costs incurred through our efforts to become timely in our financial reporting and to become compliant with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in other operating costs of $1.2 million.

Depreciation and amortization.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization in 2006 was $47.2 million, compared to $43.1 million in 2005, an increase of $4.1 million, or 9.5%. Consolidated depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue was 19.9% in 2006, compared to 19.6% in 2005. Depreciation and amortization increased as a result of additions to property and equipment in 2006 and the full year effect of depreciation on property and equipment acquired throughout 2005. This increase was partially offset by the elimination of depreciation expense associated with property and equipment sold or disposed of during 2006 and 2005.
 
Gain on sales of data centers. Gain on the sales of our domestic data centers of $48.2 million in 2006 represented the excess of the proceeds received on the sale totaling $43.1 million plus the reversal of the deferred fair value rent liability and the SFAS No. 13 liability associated with the related parties totaling $28.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively, over the carrying value of the related assets sold. In 2005, a loss of $1.3 million was incurred on the sale of a domestic data center.

Interest income. Interest income, substantially all of which was earned in the U.S., increased from $1.3 million in 2005 to $2.4 million in 2006. The increase of $1.1 million, or 84.6%, was primarily due to the additional funds that we had available for investment following the sales of our domestic data centers in the fourth quarter of 2006 and an increase in short-term interest rates during 2006.

Interest expense.  Interest expense, substantially all of which was incurred in the U.S., includes interest related to a capital lease obligation, interest accrued on certain tax liabilities, and interest accretion relating to certain asset retirement obligations. Interest expense decreased from $5.9 million in 2005 to $5.8 million in 2006. The decrease of $0.1 million, or 1.7%, was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on fair market value rent liabilities due to the reduction of such balances, which was primarily due to the sale of our domestic data centers.
 
26

 
Other income, net.  Other income, net is composed primarily of non-recurring transactions and is not comparative from a trend perspective.
 
Consolidated other income, net was $2.1 million in 2006, compared to $10.9 million in 2005, a decrease of $8.8 million. In the U.S., other income, net was a net loss of $1.4 million in 2006, compared to a net gain of $3.8 million in 2005, a decrease of $5.2 million. For our foreign operations, other income, net was a net gain of $3.5 million in 2006, compared to a net gain of $7.1 million in 2005, a decrease of $3.6 million. In 2006, consolidated other income, net was comprised primarily of gains arising from the reversal of certain tax liabilities of $3.2 million, gain on foreign currency of $2.0 million and other gains of $1.5 million, offset by losses on disposition of property and equipment of $4.6 million. In 2005, consolidated other income, net was comprised of the non-cash gain on the settlement of a contractual obligation of $9.0 million, a gain on the settlement of a lease of $3.5 million, offset by the loss on foreign currency of $1.2 million and other losses totaling $0.4 million.
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes. As discussed in Note 7, “Discontinued Operations and Dispositions,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we sold or liquidated six European subsidiaries during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. The operating results of these entities, as well as the gain or loss on sale of disposition, were included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes in the related statements of operations for all periods presented. Additionally, the operating results of AboveNet (UK), which was sold in November 2006, were included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, in all periods presented.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We had a working capital deficit at December 31, 2007 of $25.6 million, compared to working capital of $17.4 million at December 31, 2006. Cash and cash equivalent balances at December 31, 2007 were $45.8 million, compared to $70.7 million at December 31, 2006, a decrease of $24.9 million. The decrease in working capital at December 31, 2007 was primarily attributable to the use of cash for payments for purchases of property and equipment of $90.8 million and cash of $9.7 million utilized to repurchase shares in connection with the delivery of vested restricted stock units, and the accrual of litigation costs of $10.9 million partially offset by cash generated by operating activities. The decrease in cash was due primarily to the excess of cash used for purchases of property and equipment and cash used to purchase shares over cash generated by operating activities.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $69.7 million in 2007, compared to $51.3 million in 2006. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2007 resulted primarily from the add back of non-cash items deducted in the determination of net income, principally depreciation and amortization of $47.5 million and stock-based compensation expense of $8.2 million, provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 million, partially offset by the non-cash gain of $10.3 million on the reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from the liquidation of certain subsidiaries. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2006 resulted primarily from the add back of non-cash items deducted in the determination of net income, principally depreciation and amortization of $47.2 million and stock-based compensation expense of $3.9 million, offset by the net gain on the sale of our data centers of $48.2 million included in the determination of net income.

Accounts payable at December 31, 2007 was $7.9 million, compared to $14.6 million at December 31, 2006, a reduction of $6.7 million, which was due to an upgrade to the accounting system at December 31, 2007, which required us to close the accounts payable process earlier than in the prior year. Accrued expenses were $78.3 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $56.6 million at December 31, 2006, an increase of $21.7 million. The increase was attributable to the accrued litigation costs of $10.9 million, an increase in accrued capital expenditures of $7.2 million and an increase in overall accruals required because of the early closing of the accounts payable process at December 31, 2007, discussed above.

Net cash used in investing activities in 2007 was $89.3 million, compared to $27.2 million in 2006. Net cash used in investing activities in 2007 was primarily attributable to the purchases of property and equipment of $90.8 million. Net cash used in investing activities in 2006 reflects the proceeds generated from sales of property and equipment of $43.2 million (of which $43.1 million related to the sales of our domestic data centers) and the proceeds from the sale of the stock of AboveNet (UK) of $1.3 million, offset by the cash used for the purchase of property and equipment totaling $71.7 million. The purchase of property and equipment in each year relates to the capital required to connect new customers to our networks and to build our infrastructure. The increase in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily due to the upgrade of our long haul network to next generation technology that has dramatically improved the long haul network's capacity and an upgrade of our core router network at major hubs to Juniper’s flagship T-Series platform.

Net cash used in financing activities was $5.4 million in 2007, which is composed of the $9.7 million utilized to buy back shares from employees in connection with the delivery of vested restricted stock units, and the principal payment on our capital lease obligation of $0.1 million, offset by the proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $1.1 million, the excess tax benefit realized from share-based payment arrangements of $2.8 million and the reduction in restricted cash of $0.5 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 million in 2006, which reflects the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 million and the principal payment on our capital lease obligation of $0.1 million, offset by the proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $0.2 million.

In 2007, we generated cash from operations that was sufficient to fund our operating expenses. During 2007, our capital expenditures exceeded the net cash generated from operations, thus reducing liquidity. Additionally, in December 2007, in connection with the delivery of restricted stock units, we paid an aggregate of $9.7 million to purchase shares of common stock to fund estimated tax obligations. See Item 11, “Executive Compensation,” and Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation – Restricted Stock Units,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We expect that our cash from operations will continue to exceed our operating expenses and plan to continue to fund a portion of our future capital projects for both our existing business and growth with our net cash from operations.

On February 29, 2008, we closed a $60 million senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) comprised of: (i) an $18 million revolving working capital line (the “Revolver”); (ii) a $24 million term loan (the “Term Loan”); and (iii) an $18 million delayed draw term loan (“Delayed Draw Term Loan”), which is available from the closing date to and including the 270th day thereafter. The Credit Facility matures on the fifth anniversary of the closing date (February 28, 2013). The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. We paid $0.9 million for upfront fees to the lenders and $0.3 million to our financial advisors that assisted us in obtaining the Credit Facility. Our ability to draw upon the available commitments under the Revolver is subject to compliance with all of the covenants contained in the credit agreement and our continued ability to make certain representations and warranties. Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability to pay dividends, limit annual capital expenditures in 2008, 2009 and 2010, require that we maintain a minimum of $20 million in cash deposits at all times, provide that our net total funded debt ratio cannot at any time exceed a specified amount and require that we maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charges coverage ratio. As of August 31, 2008, we had $24 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. On September 26, 2008, we executed a joinder agreement to the Credit Facility that adds an additional lender and increases the amount of the Credit Facility to $90 million effective October 1, 2008, subject to the terms of the joinder agreement, including the payment of a $0.45 million fee at closing and a $0.1 million advisory fee. The availability under the Revolver increased to $27 million, the Term Loan increased to $36 million and the available Delayed Draw Term Loan increased to $27 million. Additionally, the Delayed Draw Term Loan option available under the Credit Facility, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 25, 2008, was extended to June 30, 2009. We believe that our existing cash, cash from operating activities and funds available under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund operating expenses, planned capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements (including the liability arising out of the GVN litigation) at least through the third quarter of 2009.

27

 
At December 31, 2007, we had $10.9 million accrued with respect to the GVN lawsuit, of which $8.6 million had been paid through August 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2007, $0.8 million of the GVN liability had been paid and $10.9 million was included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet at such date. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 13, “Litigation.”

In addition, in the future we may consider making acquisitions of other companies or product lines to support our growth strategy. We may finance any such acquisition of other companies or product lines from existing cash balances, through borrowings from banks or other institutional lenders, and/or the public or private offerings of debt and/or equity securities. We cannot provide assurance that any such funds will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all.

Contractual Obligations
 
Certain of our facilities and equipment are leased under non-cancelable operating and capital leases. Additionally, as discussed below, we have certain long-term obligations for rights-of-way, franchise fees and building access fees. The following is a schedule, by fiscal year, of future minimum rental payments required under current operating leases, our capital lease and other contractual arrangements as of December 31, 2007 measured from December 31, 2007:

   
Payments Due By Period (In Millions)
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
4-5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Lease Obligations
 
$
55.8
 
$
14.5
 
$
21.7
 
$
10.3
 
$
9.3
 
Capital Lease Obligations (Including Interest)
   
2.4
   
0.3
   
0.5
   
0.5
   
1.1
 
Other Rights-of-Way, Franchise Fees and Building Access Fees
   
135.0
   
21.0
   
28.4
   
20.5
   
65.1
 
Total
 
$
193.2
 
$
35.8
 
$
50.6
 
$
31.3
 
$
75.5
 
 
Excluded from this table are capital commitments (all of which relate to 2008), which totaled $26.0 million at December 31, 2007.
 
Excluded from this table are contractual obligations incurred with respect to certain severance arrangements entered into in 2008, including the modification and termination of the contract of Mr. Doris (our former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) on March 4, 2008. See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Employment Contract Termination and Employment Contracts,” for a further discussion.

Excluded from this table are the obligations related to the Credit Facility consummated February 29, 2008. See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Bank Financing,” for a further discussion.

Segment Results (in millions)
 
Our results (excluding intercompany activity) are segmented according to groupings based on geography.
 
United States:

   
 2007
 
 2006
 
 $ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
227.5
 
$
217.6
 
$
9.9
   
4.5 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below, and including provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 for the year ended December 31, 2007)
   
101.9
   
113.6
   
(11.7
)
 
(10.3)%
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
69.3
   
63.4
   
5.9
   
9.3 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
41.4
   
43.0
   
(1.6
)
 
(3.7)%
 
Operating income (loss)
   
14.9
   
(2.4
)
 
17.3
   
720.8 %
 
Other income (expense):
                     
 
 
Interest income
   
3.1
   
2.4
   
0.7
   
29.2 %
 
Interest expense
   
(2.3
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(60.3)%
 
Other income (expense), net
   
2.7
   
(1.4
)
 
4.1
   
292.9 %
 
Gain on sale of data centers
   
   
48.2
   
(48.2
)
 
NM
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
18.4
   
41.0
   
(22.6
)
 
(55.1)%
 
Provision for income taxes
   
4.5
   
   
4.5
   
NM
 
Income from continuing operations
   
13.9
   
41.0
   
(27.1
)
 
(66.1)%
 
Net income
 
$
13.9
 
$
41.0
 
$
(27.1
)
 
(66.1)%
 

28


United Kingdom and others:

   
 2007
 
 2006
 
$ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
26.1
 
$
19.1
 
$
7.0
   
36.6 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
   
8.4
   
8.3
   
0.1
   
1.2 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
11.6
   
7.7
   
3.9
   
50.6 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
6.1
   
4.2
   
1.9
   
45.2 %
 
Loss on litigation
   
11.7
   
   
11.7
   
NM
 
Operating loss
   
(11.7
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(10.6
 
NM
 
Other income (expense):
         
         
 
 
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
10.3
   
   
10.3
   
NM
 
Interest income
   
0.2
   
   
0.2
   
NM
 
Other income, net
   
1.1
   
3.5
   
(2.4
)
 
(68.6)%
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(0.1
)
 
2.4
   
(2.5
)
 
(104.2)%
 
Provision for income taxes
   
   
   
   
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
   
(0.1
)
 
2.4
   
(2.5
)
 
(104.2)%
 
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of taxes
   
   
3.9
   
(3.9
)
 
NM
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
   
(0.9
)
 
0.9
   
NM
 
Net income from discontinued operations
   
   
3.0
   
(3.0
)
 
NM
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(0.1
)
$
5.4
 
$
(5.5
)
 
(101.9)%
 
 
United States:

   
 2006
 
2005
 
 $ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/ (Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
217.6
 
$
204.1
 
$
13.5
   
6.6 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
   
113.6
   
112.4
   
1.2
   
1.1 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
63.4
   
63.1
   
0.3
   
0.5 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
43.0
   
39.8
   
3.2
   
8.0 %
 
Operating loss
   
(2.4
)
 
(11.2
)
 
8.8
   
78.6 %
 
Other income (expense):
                     
 
 
Gain (loss) on sale of data centers
   
48.2
   
(1.3
)
 
49.5
   
NM
 
Interest income
   
2.4
   
1.3
   
1.1
   
84.6 %
 
Interest expense
   
(5.8
)
 
(5.7
)
 
0.1
   
1.8 %
 
Other (expense) income, net
   
(1.4
)
 
3.8
   
(5.2
)
 
(136.8)%
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
41.0
   
(13.1
)
 
54.1
   
413.0 %
 
Provision for income taxes
   
   
0.4
   
(0.4
)
 
NM
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
41.0
   
(13.5
)
 
54.5
   
403.7 %
 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
   
   
   
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
41.0
 
$
(13.5
)
$
54.5
   
403.7 %
 
 
29


United Kingdom and others:

   
 2006
 
 2005
 
$ Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Revenue
 
$
19.1
 
$
15.6
 
$
3.5
   
22.4 %
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
   
8.3
   
6.8
   
1.5
   
22.1 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
7.7
   
6.5
   
1.2
   
18.5 %
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
4.2
   
3.3
   
0.9
   
27.3 %
 
Operating loss
   
(1.1
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(10.0)%
 
Other income (expense):
   
               
 
 
Gain on sale of data centers
   
   
   
   
 
Interest income
   
   
   
   
 
Interest expense
   
   
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
NM
 
Other income, net
   
3.5
   
7.1
   
(3.6
)
 
(50.7)%
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
2.4
   
5.9
   
(3.5
)
 
(59.3)%
 
Provision for income taxes
   
   
   
   
 
Income from continuing operations
   
2.4
   
5.9
   
(3.5
)
 
(59.3)%
 
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of taxes
   
3.9
   
   
3.9
   
NM
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
(0.9
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(12.5)%
 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
   
3.0
   
(0.8
)
 
3.8
   
475.0 %
 
Net income
 
$
5.4
 
$
5.1
 
$
0.3
   
5.9 %
 
 
NM—not meaningful


Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and do not own auction rate notes. We place our cash and cash equivalents in short-term investment instruments with high quality financial institutions in the U.S. and the U.K. Our trade receivables, which are unsecured, are geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. and the U.K. and include both large and small corporate entities spanning numerous industries. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We place our cash and cash equivalents primarily in commercial bank accounts in the U.S. Account balances generally exceed federally insured limits. Given recent developments in the financial markets and our exposure to customers in the financial services industry, our ability to collect contractual amounts due from certain customers severely impacted by these developments may be negatively impacted.

Off-balance sheet arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating leases. We do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities (“SPEs”), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

Inflation
 
We believe that our business is impacted by inflation to the same degree as the general economy.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of SFAS No. 109,” (“Interpretation No. 48”). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. This Interpretation prescribed a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Interpretation No. 48 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007.

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) ratified the consensus on EITF No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation),” (“EITF No. 06-3”). EITF No. 06-3 requires that companies disclose their accounting policies regarding the gross or net presentation of certain taxes. Taxes within the scope of EITF No. 06-3 are any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. In addition, if such taxes are significant, and are presented on a gross basis, the amounts of those taxes should be disclosed. The Company adopted EITF No. 06-3 effective January 1, 2007. Our policy is to record taxes within the scope of EITF No. 06-3 on a net basis.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for one year as it applies to certain items, including assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, reporting units and certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value in connection with goodwill impairment tests in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 157 requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value and establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 are described below: Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access. Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
30

 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 gives entities the option to carry most financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. This statement, which will be effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combination (Revised),” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), to replace SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” SFAS No. 141(R) requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting, defines the acquirer, establishes the acquisition date and broadens the scope to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. This statement is effective for business combinations or transactions entered into for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are still evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 141(R), however, the adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the retained interest and gain or loss when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are still evaluating the impact SFAS No. 160 will have, but we do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 (“FSP No. FAS 157-2”). FSP No. FAS 157-2 permits a delay in the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay is intended to allow the FASB and constituents additional time to consider the effect of various implementation issues that have arisen, or that may arise, from the application of SFAS No. 157.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” (“SFAS No. 161”), which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of using derivative instruments, the method by which the derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations; and the effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 also requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

In April 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 07-05, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock,” (“EITF No. 07-05”). EITF No. 07-05 provides guidance on determining what types of instruments or embedded features in an instrument held by a reporting entity can be considered indexed to its own stock for the purpose of evaluating the first criteria of the scope exception in paragraph 11 (a) of SFAS No. 133. EITF No. 07-05 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and early application is not permitted. We are still evaluating what effect EITF No. 07-05 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 08-3, “Accounting by Lessees for Maintenance Deposits under Lease Agreements,” (“EITF No. 08-3”). EITF No. 08-3 mandates that all nonrefundable maintenance deposits should be accounted for as a deposit. When the underlying maintenance is performed, the deposit is expensed or capitalized in accordance with the lessee’s maintenance accounting policy. EITF No. 08-3 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect its adoption will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Shared-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities,” (“EITF No. 03-6-1”). EITF No. 03-6-1 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. EITF No. 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share date (including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data) to conform to provisions of EITF No. 03-6-1. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF No. 03-6-1 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

31


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
In the normal course of business we are exposed to market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our cash flows and earnings. During 2007, our foreign activities accounted for 10.3% of consolidated revenue. We monitor foreign markets and our commitments in such markets to manage currency and other risks. To date, based upon our level of foreign operations, we have not entered into any hedging arrangement designed to limit exposure to foreign currencies. If we increase our level of foreign activities, or if at current levels we determine that such arrangements would be appropriate, we will consider such arrangements to minimize risk.

As of December 31, 2007, we did not have any debt, other than a capital lease obligation, which carried a fixed rate of interest, and as a result, we were not exposed to any interest rate risk.

On February, 29, 2008, we closed our Credit Facility. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, our borrowings bear interest based upon short-term LIBOR rates or our administrative agent’s base rate, at our discretion, plus the applicable margins, as defined. If the operative rate increases, our cost of borrowing will also increase, thereby increasing the costs of our investment strategy. For example, if LIBOR was to increase by 1% for the full year, our borrowing costs would increase by $0.24 million (1% x $24 million) based upon the amount of the related debt outstanding at August 31, 2008. Effective August 4, 2008, the Company entered into a swap arrangement under which it fixed its borrowing costs with respect to the $24 million outstanding for three years at 3.65% per annum, plus the applicable margin of 3.25%. The swap had the effect of increasing our current interest expense compared to the then current LIBOR rate and reducing our risk of increases in future interest expenses from increasing LIBOR rates.

32


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
Page
 
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
34
 
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
 
35
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
36
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
37
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
38
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
39
 
       
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
40
 

33


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
AboveNet, Inc.
White Plains, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) for each of three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AboveNet, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years ended in the period December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share Based Payments,” utilizing the modified prospective transition method effective January 1, 2006.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of AboveNet, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated September 29, 2008 expressed an adverse opinion thereon.

/s/     BDO Seidman, LLP
 
New York, NY
September 29, 2008

34

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS:
             
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
45.8
 
$
70.7
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
   
4.9
   
5.5
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0.7 and $1.2, respectively
   
18.4
   
18.0
 
Prepaid costs and other current assets
   
12.3
   
11.3
 
Total current assets
   
81.4
   
105.5
 
               
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $172.6 and $131.3 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively
   
347.7
   
299.2
 
Other assets
   
3.2
   
3.0
 
Total assets
 
$
432.3
 
$
407.7
 
               
LIABILITIES:
             
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
7.9
 
$
14.6
 
Accrued expenses
   
78.3
   
56.6
 
Deferred revenue—current portion
   
20.8
   
16.9
 
Total current liabilities
   
107.0
   
88.1
 
Deferred revenue
   
91.7
   
91.8
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
9.9
   
9.9
 
Total liabilities
   
208.6
   
189.8
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
             
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
             
Preferred stock, 9,500,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, none issued or outstanding
   
   
 
Junior preferred stock, 500,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, none issued or outstanding
   
   
 
Common stock, 30,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 10,833,049 issued and 10,687,956 outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 10,473,389 issued and 10,458,112 outstanding as of December 31, 2006
   
0.1
   
0.1
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
253.7
   
241.6
 
Treasury stock at cost, 145,093 and 15,277 shares as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively
   
(10.2
)
 
(0.5
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(7.4
)
 
3.0
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(12.5
)
 
(26.3
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
223.7
   
217.9
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
432.3
 
$
407.7
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

35


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
 
$
253.6
 
$
236.7
 
$
219.7
 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below, and including provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 for the year ended December 31, 2007)
   
110.3
   
121.9
   
119.2
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
80.9
   
71.1
   
69.6
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
47.5
   
47.2
   
43.1
 
Loss on litigation
   
11.7
   
   
 
Operating income (loss)
   
3.2
   
(3.5
)
 
(12.2
)
Other income (expense):
                   
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
10.3
   
   
 
Interest income
   
3.3
   
2.4
   
1.3
 
Interest expense
   
(2.3
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(5.9
)
Other income, net
   
3.8
   
2.1
   
10.9
 
Gain (loss) on sales of data centers
   
   
48.2
   
(1.3
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
18.3
   
43.4
   
(7.2
)
Provision for income taxes
   
4.5
   
   
0.4
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
13.8
   
43.4
   
(7.6
)
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations
   
   
3.9
   
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
   
(0.9
)
 
(0.8
)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
   
   
3.0
   
(0.8
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
13.8
 
$
46.4
 
$
(8.4
)
Income (loss) per share, basic:
                   
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
$
1.28
 
$
4.07
 
$
(0.72
)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations
   
   
.28
   
(0.07
)
Basic income (loss) per share
 
$
1.28
 
$
4.35
 
$
(0.79
)
Weighted average number of common shares
   
10,751,921
   
10,669,365
   
10,596,244
 
Income (loss) per share, diluted:
                   
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
$
1.13
 
$
3.68
 
$
(0.72
)
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations
   
   
.26
   
(0.07
)
Diluted income (loss) per share
 
$
1.13
 
$
3.94
 
$
(0.79
)
Weighted average number of common shares
   
12,184,139
   
11,794,279
   
10,596,244
 

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

36


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions, except share and per share information)

   
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Other Shareholders’ Equity
     
   
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                   
Balance at January 1, 2005
   
10,424,093
 
$
0.1
   
 
$
 
$
233.5
 
$
1.6
 
$
(64.3
)
$
170.9
 
Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants
   
1,229
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Issuance of common stock from vested restricted stock
   
41,122
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
   
   
15,277
   
(0.5
)
 
   
   
   
(0.5
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
   
   
   
   
   
0.9
   
   
0.9
 
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units
   
   
   
   
   
4.0
   
   
   
4.0
 
Net loss
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
(8.4
)
 
(8.4
)
Balance at December 31, 2005
   
10,466,444
   
0.1
   
15,277
   
(0.5
)
 
237.5
   
2.5
   
(72.7
)
 
166.9
 
Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants
   
6,945
   
   
   
   
0.2
   
   
   
0.2
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
   
   
   
   
   
0.5
   
   
0.5
 
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units
   
   
   
   
   
3.9
   
   
   
3.9
 
Net income
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
46.4
   
46.4
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
   
10,473,389
   
0.1
   
15,277
   
(0.5
)
 
241.6
   
3.0
   
(26.3
)
 
217.9
 
Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants
   
48,941
   
   
   
   
1.1
   
   
   
1.1
 
Issuance of common stock from vested restricted stock
   
310,719
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Purchase of treasury stock-
               
129,816
   
(9.7
)
 
   
   
   
(9.7
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
   
   
   
   
   
(0.1
)
 
   
(0.1
)
Reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries.
   
   
   
   
   
   
(10.3
)
 
   
(10.3
)
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units
   
   
   
   
   
8.2
   
   
   
8.2
 
Tax benefit from issuance of restricted stock
   
   
   
   
   
2.8
   
   
   
2.8
 
Net income
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
13.8
   
13.8
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
   
10,833,049
 
$
0.1
   
145,093
 
$
(10.2
)
$
253.7
 
$
(7.4
)
$
(12.5
)
$
223.7
 

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

37


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
                   
Net income (loss)
 
$
13.8
 
$
46.4
 
$
(8.4
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
                   
Net (income) loss from discontinued operations
   
   
(3.0
)
 
0.8
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
47.5
   
47.2
   
43.1
 
Provision for equipment impairment
   
2.2
   
   
 
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
(10.3
)
 
   
 
Non-cash gain on settlement of liabilities
   
   
(3.2
)
 
(9.0
)
Provision for bad debts
   
0.5
   
0.5
   
0.3
 
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
   
8.2
   
3.9
   
4.0
 
(Gain) loss on sale of data centers
   
   
(48.2
)
 
1.3
 
Gain on leased asset termination
   
(0.4
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(3.5
)
Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net
   
0.2
   
4.6
   
 
Other
   
0.1
   
(1.4
)
 
 
Changes in operating working capital:
                   
Accounts receivable
   
(0.8
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(0.2
)
Prepaid costs and other current assets
   
(2.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
2.9
 
Accounts payable
   
(6.7
)
 
4.2
   
(1.0
)
Accrued expenses
   
14.1
   
6.7
   
2.8
 
Other assets
   
(0.1
)
 
   
1.8
 
Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities
   
3.6
   
(3.3
)
 
8.7
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
69.7
   
51.3
   
43.6
 
Cash flows used in investing activities:
                   
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment, principally data centers
   
0.2
   
43.2
   
 
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation
   
1.3
   
1.3
   
 
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(90.8
)
 
(71.7
)
 
(42.0
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(89.3
)
 
(27.2
)
 
(42.0
)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
                   
Excess tax benefit realized from share-based payment arrangements
   
2.8
   
   
 
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
   
0.5
   
(1.1
)
 
(0.5
)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
   
1.1
   
0.2
   
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(9.7
)
 
   
(0.5
)
Principal payments — capital lease obligation
   
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(5.4
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.1
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
   
0.1
   
0.5
   
(0.4
)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
   
   
1.2
   
0.5
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(24.9
)
 
24.8
   
0.6
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
70.7
   
45.9
   
45.3
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
45.8
 
$
70.7
 
$
45.9
 
                     
Supplemental cash flow information:
                   
Cash paid for interest
 
$
0.1
 
$
0.1
 
$
0.1
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
1.5
 
$
 
$
0.4
 

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

38


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
13.8
 
$
46.4
 
$
(8.4
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(0.1
)
 
0.5
   
0.9
 
Reversal of foreign currency translation adjustments from liquidation of subsidiaries
   
(10.3
)
 
   
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
3.4
 
$
46.9
 
$
(7.5
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
39

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 1:    BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION

Bankruptcy Filing and Reorganization
 
On May 20, 2002, Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (“MFN”) and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries (each a “Debtor” and collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Debtors remained in possession of their assets and properties and continued to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtors-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court.

On July 1, 2003, the Debtors filed an amended Plan of Reorganization (“Plan of Reorganization”) and amended Disclosure Statement (“Disclosure Statement”). On July 2, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Disclosure Statement and related voting procedures. On August 21, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan of Reorganization.

The Plan of Reorganization governed the treatment of claims against and interest in each of the Debtors. Under the Plan of Reorganization, creditors of the debtors received, or are to receive, the following distributions, as set forth in greater detail therein:

 
·
Administrative expense claims (post-petition claims relating to actual and necessary costs of administering the bankruptcy estates and operating the business of the Debtors), professional fee claims, senior indentured trustee fee claims and priority tax claims were settled in cash.
 
·
Certain secured claims were settled as follows:
   
1)
Class 1 (a) - secured claims received a note secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company,
   
2)
Class 1 (b) - secured claims were issued 944,773 shares of common stock and the right to purchase an allocated percentage of shares of common stock at $29.9543 per share,
   
3)
Class 2 - other secured claims were issued 3,369,876 shares of common stock and the right to purchase an allocated percentage of shares of common stock at $29.9543 per share,
   
4)
Class 3 - secured tax claims were settled in cash, and
   
5)
Class 4 - general secured claims were settled in cash.
 
·
Class 5 - other priority claims were settled in cash.
 
·
Unsecured note holder claims and general unsecured claims of MFN were settled by the issuance of 1,685,433 shares of common stock, the right to purchase an allocated percentage of shares of common stock at $29.9543 per share, five year stock warrants to purchase 709,459 shares of common stock at $20.00 per share (expiring September 8, 2008) and seven year stock warrants to purchase 834,658 shares of common stock at $24.00 per share (expiring September 8, 2010), and certain avoidance proceeds collected by the Company.
 
·
Subsidiary unsecured claims were settled by authorizing the issuance of 2,749,918 shares of common stock and the right to purchase an allocated percentage of shares of common stock at $29.9543 per share.
 
·
Convenience claims were settled in cash.

The Debtors emerged from proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on September 8, 2003 (the “Effective Date”). In accordance with its Plan of Reorganization, MFN changed its name to AboveNet, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) on August 29, 2003. Equity interests in MFN received no distribution under the Plan of Reorganization and the equity securities of MFN were cancelled.

Business
 
The Company is a facilities-based provider of technologically advanced, high-bandwidth, fiber optic communications infrastructure and co-location services to communications carriers and corporate and government customers, principally in the United States (“U.S.”) and United Kingdom (“U.K.”).

NOTE 2:    BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A summary of the basis of presentation and the significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements is as follows:

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, as applicable. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Estimates are used when accounting for certain items such as accounts receivable allowances, property taxes, transaction taxes and deferred taxes. The estimates the Company makes are based on historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. The Company evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations. Actual amounts and results could differ from such estimates due to subsequent events which could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements covering future periods.
 
40


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

Misstatements
 
In connection with the audit of the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company determined that certain errors primarily related to income taxes, depreciation and certain accruals were included in the financial statements previously issued as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and as of and for the period ended December 31, 2003 (including the fresh start balance sheet as of September 8, 2003). Had the adjustments been made in the applicable period, the effect of the adjustments would have been to increase net loss by $0.9, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005, increase net loss by $0.1, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2004 and decrease net loss by $0.2, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share for the period ended December 31, 2003. Management does not believe, based upon its qualitative and quantitative analysis, that such errors are material or require a restatement of any of the previously issued financial statements. Accordingly, the corrections were reflected in the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and resulted in a reduction to net income of $0.3, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share.

2006 Reclassification
 
On February 29, 2008, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which, among other things, included a consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. The consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and herein reflects a change in the classification of certain expenses from the amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of operations included in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 29, 2008. The change resulted in costs of revenue decreasing by $9.3, from $131.2 to $121.9 and selling, general and administrative expenses increasing by $9.3, from $61.8 to $71.1 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This reclassification did not affect our operating loss, net income, earnings per share (basic and diluted), assets, liabilities or shareholders’ equity as of or for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Fresh Start Accounting
 
On September 8, 2003, the Company authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock (with a $0.01 par value) and 30,000,000 shares of common stock (with a $0.01 par value). The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each issued and outstanding share, and will be entitled to receive dividends, subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock when and if declared by the Board of Directors. Preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series, each of which classes or series shall have such distributive designation as determined by the Board of Directors. During 2006, the Company reserved for issuance, from the 10,000,000 shares authorized of preferred stock described above, 500,000 shares of $0.01 par value junior preferred stock in connection with the adoption of the Shareholders’ Rights Plan. In the event of any liquidation, the holders of the common stock will be entitled to receive the assets of the Company available for distribution, after payments to creditors and holders of preferred stock.

Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy, the Company issued to its pre-petition creditors 8,750,000 shares of common stock, rights to purchase 1,669,210 shares of common stock at a price of $29.9543, under a rights offering, of which rights to purchase 1,668,992 shares have been exercised, five-year stock purchase warrants to purchase 709,459 shares of common stock exercisable at a price of $20.00 per share, and seven-year stock purchase warrants to purchases 834,658 shares of common stock exercisable at a price of $24.00 per share. In addition, 1,064,956 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan. See Note 9, “Stock-based Compensation.”

The Company’s emergence from bankruptcy resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or accumulated losses, effective as of September 8, 2003. Although the Effective Date of the Plan of Reorganization was September 8, 2003, the Company accounted for the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization as if it occurred on August 31, 2003 and implemented fresh start accounting as of that date. There were no significant transactions during the period from August 31, 2003 to September 8, 2003. Fresh start accounting requires the Company to allocate the reorganization value of its assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values, in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code” (“SOP 90-7”). The Company developed a set of financial projections which were utilized by an expert to assist us in estimating the fair value of our assets and liabilities. The expert utilized various valuation methodologies, including, (1) a comparison of the Company and its projected performance to that of comparable companies, (2) a review and analysis of several recent transactions of companies in similar industries to the Company, and (3) a calculation of the enterprise value based upon the future cash flows based upon the Company’s projections.

Adopting fresh start accounting resulted in material adjustments to the historical carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The reorganization value was allocated by the Company to its assets and liabilities based upon their fair values. The Company engaged an independent appraiser to assist us in determining the fair market value of our property and equipment. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities was subject to significant estimates and assumptions. The unaudited fresh start adjustments reflected at September 8, 2003 consisted of the following: (i) reduction of property and equipment, (ii) reduction of indebtedness, (iii) reduction of vendor payables, (iv) reduction of the carrying value of deferred revenue, (v) increase of deferred rent to fair market value, (vi) cancellation of MFN’s common stock and additional paid-in capital, in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization, (vii) issuance of new AboveNet, Inc. common stock and additional paid-in capital, and (viii) elimination of the comprehensive loss and accumulated deficit accounts.

Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, as applicable, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Consolidation is generally required for investments of more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of an investee, except when control is not held by the majority owner. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue derived from leasing fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of telecommunications and co-location services is recognized as services are provided. Non-refundable payments received from customers before the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are included in deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are subsequently amortized into income over the related service period.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, “Revenue Recognition,” the Company generally amortizes revenue related to installation services on a straight-line basis over the contracted customer relationship, which generally ranges from two to twenty years.
 
41


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

Termination revenue is recognized when a customer discontinues service prior to the end of the contract period, for which the Company had previously received consideration and for which revenue recognition was deferred. Termination revenue is also recognized when customers have made early termination payments to the Company to settle contractually committed purchase amounts that the customer no longer expects to meet or when the Company renegotiates a contract with a customer and as a result is no longer obligated to provide services for consideration previously received and for which revenue recognition has been deferred. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company included the receipts of bankruptcy claim settlements from former customers as termination revenue. Termination revenue is reported in the same manner as the original service provided, and amounted to $8.5, $8.3 and $12.1 in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively.

Non-Monetary Transactions
 
The Company may exchange capacity with other capacity or service providers. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets — An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” (“SFAS No. 153”). SFAS No. 153 amends Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” (“APB No. 29”) to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 is to be applied prospectively for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 153 on July 1, 2005 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company. Prior to the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 153, nonmonetary transactions were accounted for in accordance with APB No. 29, where an exchange for similar capacity is recorded at a historical carryover basis and dissimilar capacity is accounted for at fair market value with recognition of any gain or loss. There were no gains or losses from nonmonetary transactions for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Operating Leases
 
The Company leases office and equipment space, and maintains equipment rentals, right-of-way contracts, building access fees and network capacity under various non-cancelable operating leases. The lease agreements, which expire at various dates through 2023, are subject, in many cases, to renewal options and provide for the payment of taxes, utilities and maintenance. Certain lease agreements contain escalation clauses over the term of the lease related to scheduled rent increases resulting from the pass through of increases in operating costs, property taxes and the effect on costs from changes in consumer price indices. In accordance with SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” the Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis and records a liability representing the difference between straight-line rent expense and the amount payable as an increase or decrease to a deferred liability. Any leasehold improvements related to operating leases are amortized over the lesser of their economic lives or the remaining lease term. Rent-free periods and other incentives granted under certain leases are recorded as reductions to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the related lease terms.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers cash in banks and short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are comprised of outstanding letters of credit issued in favor of various third parties.

Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Credits
 
Accounts receivable are customer obligations for services sold to such customers under normal trade terms. The Company’s customers are primarily communications carriers, corporate and government customers, located primarily in the U.S. and U.K. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. The Company provides allowances for doubtful accounts and sales credits. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, while allowances for sales credits are recorded as reductions of revenue. The adequacy of the reserves is evaluated utilizing several factors including length of time a receivable is past due, changes in the customer’s credit worthiness, customer’s payment history, the length of the customer’s relationship with the Company, current industry trends and the current economic climate.

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are stated at their preliminary estimated fair values as of the Effective Date based on the Company’s reorganization value. Purchases of property and equipment subsequent to the Effective Date are stated at cost, net of depreciation and amortization. Major improvements are capitalized, while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Costs incurred prior to a capital project’s completion are reflected as construction in progress, which is included in network infrastructure assets on the respective balance sheets. Certain internal direct labor costs of constructing or installing property and equipment are capitalized. Capitalized direct labor amounted to $8.6, $5.1 and $4.7 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Depreciation and amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, with the exception of leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Estimated useful lives of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:

Building (except certain storage huts which are 20 years)
 
37.5 years
     
Network infrastructure assets
 
20 years
     
Software and computer equipment
 
3 to 4 years
     
Transmission equipment
 
3 to 7 years
     
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
3 to 10 years
     
Leasehold improvements
 
Lesser of estimated useful life or the lease term

When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are reflected in net income (loss).
 
42


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

From time to time, the Company is required to replace or re-route existing fiber due to structural changes such as construction and highway expansions, which is defined as “relocation.” In such instances, the Company fully depreciates the remaining carrying value of network infrastructure removed or rendered unusable and capitalizes the new fiber and associated construction costs of the relocation placed into service, which is reduced by any reimbursements received for such costs. The Company capitalized relocation costs amounting to $2.2, $8.9 and $2.0 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company fully depreciated the remaining carrying value of the network infrastructure rendered unusable amounting to $0.3, $1.6 and $0.4, on an original cost basis, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets and evaluates such assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets (or group of assets) may not be recoverable. Impairment is determined to exist if the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset. Included in costs of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 is a provision for equipment impairment of $2.2 recorded to recognize the loss in value of certain equipment held in inventory. There were no amounts provided for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

Treasury Stock
 
Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method.

Asset Retirement Obligations
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” the Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We have asset retirement obligations related to the de-commissioning of electronics and the removal of certain fiber and conduit systems. Considerable management judgment is required in estimating these obligations. Important assumptions include estimates of asset retirement costs, the timing of future asset retirement activities and the likelihood of contractual asset retirement provisions being enforced. Changes in these assumptions based on future information could result in adjustments to these estimated liabilities.

Asset retirement obligations are generally recorded as “other long-term liabilities,” and are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets included in property and equipment, net, and are depreciated over the life of the associated asset. Asset retirement obligations aggregated $6.1 and $5.6 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of which $3.3 and $3.1, respectively, were included in “Accrued expenses,” and $2.8 and $2.5, respectively, were included in “Other long-term liabilities.” Accretion expense, which is included in “Interest expense,” amounted to $0.2 for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” (“SFAS No. 109”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards, and tax contingencies. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We are subject to audit by various taxing authorities, and these audits may result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution results in us owing additional taxes. We are required to establish reserves under FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“Interpretation No. 48”) when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are appropriate and supportable under local tax law, we believe there is uncertainty with respect to certain positions and we may not succeed in realizing the tax benefit. We have evaluated our tax positions for items of uncertainty in accordance with Interpretation No. 48 and have determined that our tax positions are highly certain. We believe the estimates and assumptions used to support our evaluation of tax benefit realization are reasonable. Accordingly, no adjustments have been made to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The provision for income taxes, income taxes payable and deferred income taxes are provided for in accordance with the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured by applying enacted tax rates and laws to taxable years in which such differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset balance will not be realized.

The Company’s reorganization resulted in a significantly modified capital structure as a result of applying fresh-start accounting in accordance with SOP 90-7 on the Effective Date. Fresh start accounting has important consequences on the accounting for the realization of valuation allowances, related to net deferred tax assets that existed on the Effective Date but which arose in pre-emergence periods. Specifically, fresh start accounting requires the reversal of such allowances to be recorded as a reduction of intangible assets until exhausted and thereafter as additional paid in capital. This treatment does not result in any change in liabilities to taxing authorities or in cash flows.

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and therefore, no provision for domestic taxes have been provided thereon. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to domestic income taxes, offset (all or in part) by foreign tax credits, related to income and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred domestic income tax liability is not practicable due to the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculations; however, unrecognized foreign tax credit carryforwards would be available to reduce some portion of the domestic liability.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued as a component of operating expense. As of the date of adoption of Interpretation No. 48, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized income tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2007. The tax expense is primarily due to current federal income taxes and minimum state and local income taxes.
 
43

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
 
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. For those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense transactions are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly to a separate component of shareholders’ equity and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) are generally included in “other income” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock Options
 
On September 8, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure,” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amended SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS No. 123”), to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation (see Note 9, “Stock-based Compensation”).

Under the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each stock-based compensation award is estimated at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock option awards. The Company did not have a historical basis for determining the volatility and expected life assumptions in the model due to the Company’s limited market trading history; therefore, the assumptions used for these amounts are an average of those used by a select group of related industry companies. Most stock-based awards have graded vesting (i.e. portions of the award vest at different dates during the vesting period). The Company recognizes the related stock-based compensation expense of such awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each tranche in an award. Upon consummation of the Company’s Plan of Reorganization, all outstanding stock options with respect to MFN’s common stock were cancelled.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123R”), using the modified prospective method. SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based awards granted to employees to be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period, based on fair value of the award. The fair value method under SFAS No. 123R is similar to the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 with respect to measurement and recognition of stock-based compensation expense except that SFAS No. 123R requires an estimate of future forfeitures, whereas SFAS No. 123 allowed companies to estimate forfeitures or recognize the impact of forfeitures as they occur. As the Company recognized the impact of forfeitures as they occur upon adoption of SFAS No. 123, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R did result in different accounting treatment, but it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The following are the assumptions used by the Company to calculate the weighted average fair value of stock options granted:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Dividend yield 
   
   
   
 
Expected volatility 
   
80.00
%
 
80.00
%
 
80.00
%
Risk-free interest rate 
   
4.61
%
 
4.89
%
 
3.99
%
Expected life (years) 
   
5.00
   
5.00
   
4.00
 
Weighted average fair value of options granted 
 
 
$   41.77
 
 
$   31.16
 
 
$   16.25
 

Restricted Stock Units
 
Compensation cost for restricted stock unit awards is measured based upon the quoted closing market price for the stock on the date of grant. The compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period (see Note 9, “Stock-based Compensation”).

Stock Warrants
 
In connection with the Plan of Reorganization described in Note 1, “Background and Organization,” the Company issued to holders of general unsecured claims as part of the settlement of such claims (i) five year warrants to purchase 709,459 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $20.00 per share (expiring September 8, 2008) and (ii) seven year warrants to purchase 834,658 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $24.00 per share (expiring September 8, 2010). The stock warrants are treated as equity upon their exercise based upon the terms of the warrant and cash received. Stock warrants exercised totaled 48,941, 6,945 and 1,229, in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Under the terms of the five year and seven year warrant agreements (collectively, the “Warrant Agreements”), if the market price of our common stock, as defined in the Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, was greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company was required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the warrants would be deemed to have been exercised pursuant to the net exercise provisions of the respective Warrant Agreements (the “Net Exercise”), unless the warrant holder elected, by written notice, to not exercise its warrants. Under the Net Exercise, shares issued to the warrant holders would be reduced by the number of shares necessary to cover the aggregate exercise price of the shares, valuing such shares at the current market price, as defined in the Warrant Agreements. Any fractional shares, otherwise issuable, would be paid in cash. The expiration date for the five year warrants was September 8, 2008 and the Company exercised the unexercised five year warrants pursuant to Net Exercise. See Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Exercise of Warrants.”

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The Company’s consolidated balance sheets include the following financial instruments: short-term cash investments, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable. The Company believes the carrying amounts in the financial statements approximates the fair value of these financial instruments due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected realization or the interest rates which approximate current market rates.
 
44


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

Concentration of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in investment-grade, short-term investment instruments with high quality financial institutions. The Company’s trade receivables, which are unsecured, are geographically dispersed, and no single customer accounts for greater than 10% of consolidated revenue or accounts receivable, net. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. The allowance for non-collection of accounts receivable is based upon the expected collectability of all accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents primarily in commercial bank accounts in the U.S. Account balances generally exceed federally insured limits.

401(k) and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
The Company has a Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) for its employees in the U.S., which permits employees to make contributions to the Plan on a pre-tax salary reduction basis in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and permits the employer to provide discretionary contributions. All full-time U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the Plan at the beginning of the month following three months of service. Eligible employees may make contributions subject to the limitations defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches 50% of a U.S. employee’s contributions, up to the amount set forth in the Plan. Matched amounts vest based upon an employee’s length of service. The Company’s subsidiaries in the U.K. have a plan under which contributions are made up to a maximum of 8% when U.K. employee contributions reach 5% of salary.

The Company contributed $1.4, $0.7 and $0.6 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, net of forfeitures for its obligations under these plans.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) ratified the consensus on EITF No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation),” (“EITF No. 06-3”). EITF No. 06-3 requires that companies disclose their accounting policies regarding the gross or net presentation of certain taxes. Taxes within the scope of EITF No. 06-3 are any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. In addition, if such taxes are significant, and are presented on a gross basis, the amounts of those taxes should be disclosed. The Company adopted EITF No. 06-3 effective January 1, 2007. Our policy is to record taxes within the scope of EITF No. 06-3 on a net basis.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for one year as it applies to certain items, including assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, reporting units and certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value in connection with goodwill impairment tests in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 157 requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value and establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 are described below: Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access. Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 gives entities the option to carry most financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. This statement, which will be effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combination (Revised),” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), to replace SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” SFAS No. 141(R) requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting, defines the acquirer, establishes the acquisition date and broadens the scope to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. This statement is effective for business combinations or transactions entered into for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are still evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 141(R); however, the adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the retained interest and gain or loss when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are still evaluating the impact SFAS No. 160 will have, but we do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 (“FSP No. FAS 157-2”). FSP No. FAS 157-2 permits a delay in the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay is intended to allow the FASB and constituents additional time to consider the effect of various implementation issues that have arisen, or that may arise, from the application of SFAS No. 157.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” (“SFAS No. 161”), which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of using derivative instruments, the method by which the derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations; and the effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 also requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
45

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

In April 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 07-05, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock,” (“EITF No. 07-05”). EITF No. 07-05 provides guidance on determining what types of instruments or embedded features in an instrument held by a reporting entity can be considered indexed to its own stock for the purpose of evaluating the first criteria of the scope exception in paragraph 11 (a) of SFAS No. 133. EITF No. 07-05 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and early application is not permitted. We are still evaluating what effect EITF No. 07-05 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 08-3, “Accounting by Lessees for Maintenance Deposits under Lease Agreements,” (“EITF No. 08-3”). EITF No. 08-3 mandates that all nonrefundable maintenance deposits should be accounted for as a deposit. When the underlying maintenance is performed, the deposit is expensed or capitalized in accordance with the lessee’s maintenance accounting policy. EITF No. 08-3 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect its adoption will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Shared-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities,” (“EITF No. 03-6-1”). EITF No. 03-6-1 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. EITF No. 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share date (including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data) to conform to provisions of EITF No. 03-6-1. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF No. 03-6-1 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2005 consolidated financial statements to conform to the classifications used in the 2006 consolidated financial statements.

 NOTE 3: PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expenses and other current assets of continuing operations consist of the following

   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Federal and state income tax deposits
 
$
2.5
 
$
3.1
 
Prepaid property taxes
   
2.1
   
2.2
 
Prepaid right-of-way charges
   
1.9
   
0.8
 
Prepaid maintenance
   
1.3
   
0.6
 
Prepaid insurance
   
1.1
   
1.1
 
Prepaid rent
   
0.9
   
1.8
 
Prepaid telecom
   
0.5
   
 
Property tax refund receivable
   
0.5
   
 
Other receivables
   
0.7
   
0.9
 
Other prepaids
   
0.8
   
0.8
 
Total
 
$
$12.3
 
$
$11.3
 

46


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment of continuing operations consist of the following:

   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Land and building
 
$
0.3
 
$
0.3
 
Leasehold improvements
 
1.5
 
1.8
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
21.1
 
15.3
 
Network infrastructure assets, including transmission equipment
 
497.4
 
413.1
 
Total property and equipment
 
520.3
 
430.5
 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(172.6
)
(131.3
)
Property and equipment, net
 
$
347.7
 
$
299.2
 

Included in network infrastructure assets were certain assets and equipment, including transmission equipment, held in inventory for future use, which had an original cost (adjusted for a provision for equipment impairment of $2.2) of $60.5 and $46.6, accumulated depreciation of $49.0 and $28.9, and net carrying values of $11.5 and $17.7 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment of continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was approximately $47.5, $47.2, and $43.1, respectively.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company sold certain assets, net of certain liabilities, related to its data center facilities located in New York, California, and Virginia for cash proceeds of $43.1, and sold the stock of AboveNet (UK) Limited, the U.K. company (“AUK”), which operated the London data center, for a price of £1.35 British pounds sterling, ($2.6 USD) of which £0.675 British pounds sterling (approximately $1.3 USD, as measured on the date of receipt) was received at closing, and £0.675 British pounds sterling (approximately $1.3 USD, as measured on the date of receipt) was received in January 2007 (and was included in accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006). The operations of the data center in London, U.K. were accounted for as a discontinued operation in all periods presented, as it was the sale of a legal entity with discreet financial information. The Company recognized an aggregate gain on sale of the data centers amounting to $52.1, of which $28.0 and $6.0 represented the reversal of the deferred fair value rent liability and SFAS No. 13 obligations, respectively, associated with the related properties. The gain is summarized as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
Gain on sale of U.S. domestic data centers
 
$
48.2
 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
   
3.9
 
Aggregate gain on sale of data centers
 
$
52.1
 

NOTE 5: ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
    
2006
 
Accrued transaction taxes, including related interest
 
$
21.1
 
$
20.0
 
Accrued capital expenditures
 
12.6
 
5.4
 
Accrued payroll, bonuses and employee benefits
 
11.0
 
9.0
 
Accrued litigation costs
 
10.9
 
 
Accrued property tax
 
4.8
 
2.7
 
Accrued conduit, right-of-way and occupancy expenses
 
4.3
 
3.8
 
Asset retirement obligations
 
3.3
 
3.1
 
Accrued repairs and maintenance
 
2.4
 
0.9
 
Accrued accounting and auditing fees
 
1.7
 
1.5
 
Accrued telecommunication costs
 
1.5
 
3.6
 
Current portion of deferred fair market value rent liability
 
1.5
 
1.7
 
Accrued other professional fees, including directors’ fees
 
0.9
 
1.1
 
Accrued state and local income and franchise taxes payable
 
0.6
 
1.1
 
Accrued utilities
 
0.3
 
0.2
 
Capital lease obligation
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
Accrued lease termination obligation
 
 
0.7
 
Accrued reorganization costs
 
 
0.1
 
Accrued SEC investigation expense
 
 
0.1
 
Other
 
1.3
 
1.5
 
Total
 
$
78.3
 
$
56.6
 
 
47

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 6: INCOME TAXES

Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Current - Federal
 
$
3.3
 
$
 
$
 
Current - State
   
1.2
   
   
0.4
 
Current - Foreign
   
   
   
 
Total Income Tax Provision
 
$
4.5
 
$
 
$
0.4
 

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The amounts shown on the following table represent the total differences between the Company’s consolidated tax return basis of assets and liabilities and the corresponding basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting. The following is a summary of the significant items giving rise to the components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Deferred Tax Assets:
         
Property and Equipment
 
$
519.0
 
$
591.1
 
Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) Carryforwards
 
327.9
 
275.5
 
Accruals and Reserves
 
7.0
 
7.4
 
Rent
 
1.6
 
2.1
 
Deferred Compensation
 
6.2
 
6.1
 
Other
 
40.7
 
36.4
 
Total Deferred Tax Assets
 
902.4
 
918.6
 
Valuation Allowance
 
(800.9
)
(809.6
)
Net Deferred Tax Assets
 
101.5
 
109.0
 
Deferred Revenue
 
(101.5
)
(109.0
)
Total
 
$
 
$
 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
                   
Domestic 
 
$
18.4
 
$
41.0
 
$
(13.1
)
Foreign 
   
(0.1
)
 
2.4
   
(5.9
)
Total 
 
$
18.3
 
$
43.4
 
$
(7.2
)
Rate Reconciliation:
                   
Tax at statutory rate 
   
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
(35.0
)%
State income tax, net of federal benefit 
   
4.1
%
 
%
 
3.6
%
Valuation allowance 
   
(15.8
)%
 
(35.5
)%
 
33.2
%
Permanent items 
   
1.3
%
 
0.5
%
 
3.8
%
Tax provision 
   
24.6
%
 
%
 
5.6
%

The Company adopted the provisions of Interpretation No. 48 on January 1, 2007. At December 31, 2007, the Company’s tax positions are highly certain tax positions. Accordingly, no adjustments were required to the consolidated financial statements for any of the periods presented.

The Company established a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets based on current years’ results of operations and anticipated profit levels in future periods, since it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future.

In connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy, the Company realized substantial cancellation of debt income (“CODI”). This income was not taxable for U.S. income tax purposes because the CODI resulted from the Company’s reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. However, for U.S. income tax reporting purposes, the Company is required to reduce certain tax attributes, including (a) net operating loss carryforwards, (b) capital losses, (c) certain tax credit carryforwards, and (d) tax basis in assets, in a total amount equal to the gain on the extinguishment of debt. The reorganization of the Company on the Effective Date constituted an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the use of any of the Company’s NOL’s, capital losses, and tax credit carryforwards, that are not reduced pursuant to these provisions, and certain subsequently recognized “built-in” losses and deductions, if any, existing prior to the ownership change, will be subject to an overall annual limitation.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company has domestic NOL carryforwards of $686.9 and foreign NOL carryforwards of $184.5. Certain of these NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2024. The Company’s annual limitation under the ownership change rules in the U.S. is $8.1. Accordingly, the Company estimates that $202.0 of its domestic NOL carryforwards may be subject to limitation by United States Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Additionally, approximately $185.0 of the future depreciation deductions are subject to limitation because of the ownership change.

The Company and its subsidiaries’ income tax returns are routinely examined by various tax authorities. The statute of limitations is open with respect to tax years 2001 to 2006. The statute of limitations for these years will begin to expire in 2011.
 
48


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 7: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

In March 2004, the Company sold 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of AboveNet Communications’ GmbH, which operated in Austria, to unaffiliated third parties for a nominal amount. The Company recognized a loss of $0.4 upon disposition.

In June 2004, the Company sold 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Metromedia Fiber Network Italia s.r.l. to an unaffiliated third party for a nominal amount. The Company recognized a gain of $0.2 upon disposition.

In March 2005, the Company liquidated MFN International C.V., which operated in the Netherlands. The Company had written down its interest in MFN International C.V. to its estimated fair value at the fresh start date and accordingly, no gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In April 2005, the Company liquidated Metromedia Fiber Network (Switzerland) GmbH. The Company had written down its interest in Metromedia Fiber Network (Switzerland) GmbH to its estimated fair value at the fresh start date and accordingly, no gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In June 2005, the Company liquidated Metromedia Fiber Network Belgium BVBA. No gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In August 2005, the Company liquidated Metromedia Fiber Network Services GmbH of Austria. No gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In January 2006, the Company liquidated Sitesmith Netherlands B.V. No gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In February 2006, the Company liquidated Metromedia Fiber Network Sweden A.B. No gain or loss was recognized upon disposition.

In November 2006, the Company sold 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of AUK for an aggregate purchase price of £1.35 British pounds sterling, ($2.6 USD) of which £0.675 British pounds sterling (approximately $1.3 USD, as measured on the date of receipt) was received at closing, and £0.675 British pounds sterling (approximately $1.3 USD, as measured on the date of receipt) was received in January 2007 (and was included in accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006). The Company recorded a gain of $3.9 with respect to the sale of AUK. AUK generated an operating loss of $0.9 in 2006 prior to its sale.

The following is a summary of the results of the discontinued operations, described above:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
 
$
 
$
1.0
   
1.7
 
Costs of revenue
 
 
0.7
 
1.6
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
0.9
 
0.8
 
Operating loss
 
 
(0.6
)
(0.7
)
Other expense
 
 
(0.3
)
(0.1
)
Loss from discontinued operations before dispositions 
 
 
(0.9
)
(0.8
)
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations
 
 
3.9
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
$
 
$
3.0
 
$
(0.8
)

In late 2007, the Company liquidated Metromedia Fiber Network B.V. Additionally, in late 2007, the Company commenced the liquidation of Metromedia Fiber Network Services Ltd. and SiteSmith Ltd. The Company recognized the reversal of currency translation adjustments of $10.3 as other income on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007.

NOTE 8: INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic income (loss) per common share is computed as net income or net loss divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Total weighted average shares utilized in computing basic net income (loss) per common share were 10,751,921, 10,669,365 and 10,596,244 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Total weighted average shares utilized in computing diluted net income (loss) per common share were 12,184,139, 11,794,279 and 10,596,244 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Dilutive securities include options to purchase shares of common stock, restricted stock units and stock warrants. Due to the Company’s net loss, potentially dilutive securities totaling 565,240 for the year ended December 31, 2005, were excluded from the calculation of income per share as they were anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of income per common share.
 
49

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 9: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 Stock-based compensation expense for each period relates to share-based awards granted under the Company’s 2003 Incentive Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (the “2003 Stock Incentive Plan”) and reflect awards outstanding during such period, including awards granted both prior to and during such period. The 2003 Stock Incentive Plan became effective on September 8, 2003. Under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company is authorized to issue, in the aggregate, share-based awards of up to 1,064,956 common shares to employees, directors and consultants who are selected to participate. At December 31, 2007, the Company had 11,293 shares available for future awards under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Stock-based compensation is recorded in selling general and administrative expenses.

Stock Options

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company awarded options to purchase 21,325 shares of common stock, which have a ten year life from the date of grant, vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and have per share exercise prices of $56.00 (13,475 options) and $73.00 (7,850 options).

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company awarded options to purchase 26,800 shares of common stock, of which options to purchase 7,500 shares have a ten year life from the date of grant and vest on the first anniversary of the date of the grant and have a per share exercise price of $48.50 and options to purchase 19,300 shares that vest over a one year period from the date of grant, have a ten year life and have per share exercise prices of $40.00 (11,700 shares), $53.75 (7,450 shares) and $59.00 (150 shares).

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company awarded options to purchase 111,000 shares of common stock, of which options to purchase 91,330 shares have a ten year life and vest ratably on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant and have exercise prices ranging from $25.00 per share to $33.00 per share and options to purchase 19,670 shares that vest or have vested pursuant to certain previous grants, have a ten year life and have an exercise price of $25.00 per share.

The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense amounting to $1.7, $1.5, and $2.2 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively, with respect to stock options granted, which had an effect of decreasing net income by $0.16 per basic common share and by $0.14 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2007; by $0.14 per basic common share and by $0.13 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2006, and had the effect of increasing net loss by $0.21per basic and diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2005.

All such options are subject to forfeiture as specified in the respective award agreement.

Information regarding options to purchase common stock granted and outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is summarized below:
 
   
Number 
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
 
Weighted Average
Fair Value
Per Share
 
Balance as of January 1, 2005
   
480,265
   
$    25.80
       
 
$    16.26
 
Granted
   
111,000
 
 
$    26.65
       
 
$    16.25
 
Forfeited
   
(65,845
)
 
$    29.34
       
 
$    18.49
 
Balance as of December 31, 2005
   
525,420
 
 
$    25.54
       
 
$    15.98
 
Granted
   
26,800
 
 
$    46.31
       
 
$    31.16
 
Forfeited
   
(74,703
)
 
$    27.40
       
 
$    17.17
 
Balance as of December 31, 2006
   
477,517
 
 
$    26.41
       
 
$    16.65
 
Granted
   
21,325
 
 
$    62.26
       
 
$    41.77
 
Forfeited
   
(26,895
)
 
$    36.10
       
 
$    23.45
 
Balance as of December 31, 2007
   
471,947
 
 
$    27.48
       
 
$    17.40
 
Vested as of December 31, 2007
   
434,478
 
 
$    26.03
       
 
$    16.41
 
Exercisable as of December 31,2007
   
434,478
 
 
$    26.03
 
 
$    22.6
 
 
$    16.41
 

The fair value of vested options to purchase common stock was as follows at December 31:
 
   
Number of Options
to Purchase Common
Stock Vested
 
Total Fair
Value of Vested Options
 
2007
   
434,478
 
 
$           7.1
 
2006
   
372,419
 
 
$           5.7
 
2005
   
254,081
 
 
$           3.8
 

The aggregate fair value of options to purchase shares of common stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $1.4 (62,059), $1.9 (118,338), and $2.2 (142,038), respectively.

Information regarding the fair value of vested and unvested options to purchase common stock is as follows:
 
   
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Fair Value
Per Share
 
Unvested options, January 1, 2007
   
105,098
 
 
$       21.26
 
Granted
   
21,325
 
 
$       41.77
 
Forfeited
   
(26,895
)
 
$       23.45
 
Vested
   
(62,059
)
 
$       22.77
 
Unvested options, December 31, 2007
   
37,469
 
 
$       28.88
 

50


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

At December 31, 2007, the Company had $0.9 of unearned stock-based compensation expense associated with options to purchase shares of common stock, which is expected to be incurred in 2008 to 2009.

In November 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. SFAS 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the tax effects of employee share-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The Company has adopted this method and determined the APIC Pool to be zero.



 The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options to purchase common stock at December 31, 2007:
 
Exercise Prices
 
Options
 Outstanding
 
Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years)
 
Weighted Average 
Exercise Price
Per Share of Options 
Outstanding
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years)
 
Weighted Average 
Exercise Price
Per Share of 
Exercisable Options
 
$20.95
 
259,035
 
5.7
 
$20.95
 
259,035
 
5.7
 
$20.95
 
$25.00
 
53,146
 
7.7
 
$25.00
 
39,941
 
7.7
 
$25.00
 
$30.00 - $39.99
 
112,891
 
6.6
 
$33.64
 
106,452
 
6.5
 
$33.76
 
$40.00 - $49.99
 
23,100
 
7.3
 
$44.94
 
23,100
 
7.3
 
$41.84
 
$50.00 - $59.99
 
16,175
 
8.9
 
$55.80
 
5,950
 
8.4
 
$54.21
 
$73.00
 
7,600
 
9.6
 
$73.00
 
 
 
 
Total
 
471,947
 
6.4
 
$27.48
 
434,478
 
6.2
 
$26.03
 
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 the Company awarded 161,500, 32,000 and 26,000, respectively, restricted stock units to employees of the Company under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. 105,000 of the restricted stock units granted in 2007 were scheduled to vest on the one year anniversary of the date of grant, and 56,500 of the restricted stock units granted in 2007 were scheduled to vest ratably on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant. Of the restricted stock units granted in 2006, 12,000 were scheduled to vest ratably on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant and 20,000 were scheduled to vest upon the completion of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 (February 29, 2008). The 26,000 restricted stock units granted in 2005 were scheduled to vest ratably on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. The restricted stock units require the Company to deliver a fixed number of shares to the employees on a fixed date after the shares have vested. The restricted stock units are subject to full or partial vesting in the event the employee’s employment is terminated without cause and vest fully in the event of an employee’s death. The issuance of vested shares related to the restricted stock units is subject to certain restrictions as provided by the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, which is compliant with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Pursuant to restricted stock unit agreements between the Company and its executives if, at the time of delivery of the stock underlying the restricted stock units may not be sold by the executive for reasons set forth in the agreements, at the executive’s request, the Company is obligated to purchase sufficient shares of stock to satisfy the executive’s minimum tax withholding obligations. In 2007 and 2005, the Company issued 310,719 and 41,122 common shares, respectively, for vested restricted stock units, of which 129,816 and 15,277 shares, respectively, were purchased by the Company. No shares were issued pursuant to restricted stock units in 2006.

The Company records as stock-based compensation expense, the fair value of restricted stock units awarded as of the grant date, ratably over the vesting period. The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense amounting to $6.5, $2.4, and $1.8 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with respect to restricted stock units awarded, which had the effect of decreasing net income by $0.60 per basic common share and by $0.53 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2007, $0.22 per basic common share, and by $0.20 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2006, and increasing net loss by $0.17 per basic and diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The following schedule summarizes the activity for the Company’s “Restricted Stock Units” for the periods presented.
 
   
Number of
Restricted
Stock Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Market Value
 
Balance as of January 1, 2005
   
370,716
 
 
$    24.12
 
Granted
   
26,000
 
 
$    26.50
 
Issued
   
(41,122
)
 
$    20.95
 
Balance as of December 31, 2005
   
355,594
 
 
$    24.66
 
Granted
   
32,000
 
 
$    48.50
 
Balance as of December 31, 2006
   
387,594
 
 
$    26.62
 
Granted
   
161,500
 
 
$    82.67
 
Issued
   
(310,719
)
 
$    24.05
 
Forfeited
   
(8,500
)
 
$    44.50
 
Balance as of December 31, 2007
   
229,875
 
 
$    68.83
 

51


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

At December 31, 2007, the Company had $9.7 of unearned stock-based compensation expense associated with the vesting of the restricted stock unit awards, of which $7.8 (before consideration of forfeitures) is expected to be recognized in 2008 and the balance of which is expected to be recognized in 2009.

Stock Warrants

Under the Plan of Reorganization, unsecured note holder claims and general secured claims were settled, in part, by the distribution of five-year warrants to purchase 709,459 shares of common stock at $20.00 per share and seven-year warrants to purchase 834,658 shares of common stock at $24.00 per share (see Note 1).

The following table summarizes the activity for the Company’s warrants for the periods presented:

   
Five-year
Stock Warrants
 
Seven-year
Stock Warrants
 
Weighted Average 
Warrant
Exercise Price
 
Balance as of January 1, 2005
   
706,579
   
832,437
 
 
$    22.16
 
Exercised
   
(1,067
)
 
(162
)
 
$    20.53
 
Balance as of December 31, 2005
   
705,512
   
832,275
 
 
$    22.16
 
Exercised
   
(2,765
)
 
(4,180
)
 
$    22.41
 
Balance as of December 31, 2006
   
702,747
   
828,095
 
 
    $    22.16
 
Exercised
   
(26,407
)
 
(22,534
)
 
$    21.84
 
Balance as of December 31, 2007
   
676,340
   
805,561
 
 
$    22.17
 

Under the terms of the five year and seven year warrant agreements (collectively, the “Warrant Agreements”), if the market price of our common stock, as defined in the respective Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, was greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company was required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the warrants were deemed to have been exercised pursuant to the net exercise provisions of the respective Warrant Agreements (the “Net Exercise”), unless the warrant holder elected, by written notice, to not exercise its warrants. Under the Net Exercise, shares issued to the warrant holders were reduced by the number of shares necessary to cover the aggregate exercise price of the shares, valuing such shares at the current market price, as defined in the Warrant Agreements. Any fractional shares, otherwise issuable, was paid in cash. The expiration date for the five year warrants was September 8, 2008 and, the Company exercised the unexercised five year warrants pursuant to the Net Exercise. See Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Exercise of Warrants.”

NOTE 10: LONG-TERM DEBT

Obligation under Capital Lease

The Company is obligated under a capital lease for certain indefeasible rights-of-use, which is included as network infrastructure assets in property and equipment, net.

At December 31, 2007, future minimum payments under the capital lease are as follows:
 
2008
 
$
0.3
 
2009
   
0.2
 
2010
   
0.3
 
2011
   
0.2
 
2012
   
0.3
 
Thereafter
   
1.1
 
Total minimum lease payments
   
2.4
 
Less: amount representing interest
   
(0.7
)
Obligation under capital lease
   
1.7
 
Less: current portion
   
(0.1
)
Total long-term obligation
 
$
1.6
 
 
The current portion of the obligation under capital lease is reported within “Accrued expenses” and the long-term portion is reported within “Other long-term liabilities.”

52


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 11: OTHER INCOME

Other income consists of the following:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Gain on settlement or reversal of liabilities
 
 
$    2.2
(1)
 
$    3.2
(2)
 
$    9.0
(3)
Gain on legal settlement
   
0.6
   
   
 
Recovery of occupancy taxes previously paid
   
0.5
   
   
 
Gain (loss) on foreign currency
   
0.3
   
2.0
   
(1.2
)
Losses on dispositions of property and equipment
   
(0.5
)
 
(4.6
)
 
 
Gain on leased asset termination
   
0.3
   
0.2
   
3.5
 
Other
   
0.4
   
1.3
   
(0.4
)
Total
 
 
$    3.8
 
 
$    2.1
 
 
$    10.9
 
 

    (1)  Represents the reversal of certain tax liabilities resulting primarily from settlements with certain taxing authorities.
 
(2)  Represents the reversal of certain tax liabilities resulting from either a favorable ruling from a jurisdiction determining the Company was not subject to certain transaction related taxes accrued in prior years, or the determination by the Company with respect to certain other jurisdictions that taxes accrued in prior years did not apply to the Company’s operations.

(3)  Represents the settlement of a contractual obligation accrued in prior years.

NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 The Company has commitments under various non-cancelable operating leases for office and equipment space, equipment rentals, right-of-way contracts, building access and franchise fees and network capacity contracts with terms expiring through 2026. The Company has various sublet arrangements with third parties. Estimated future payments, net of receipts with respect to these contractual obligations are as follows:

2008
 
 
$    35.5
 
2009
   
29.6
 
2010
   
20.5
 
2011
   
16.2
 
2012
   
14.6
 
Thereafter
   
74.4
 
Total
 
 
$    190.8
 

The expenses incurred for the above described obligations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 in continuing operations were $30.5, $33.3, and $33.3, respectively, which is net of sublease receipts of $1.9, $2.0 and $1.9 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The rental expense reflected is also net of the amortization of deferred fair value rent liability, which represents the difference between the present value of the contractual obligations under the leases in place as of the fresh start date and the fair market value of such obligations. The Company recorded $1.6, $4.2 and $5.1 in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as reductions to rent expense in continuing operations. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the deferred fair value rent liability was $4.0 and $5.5, respectively, of which $1.5 and $1.7, respectively, are included in accrued expenses and $2.5 and $3.8, respectively, are included in other long-term liabilities on the related consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2007, the Company is committed to construct approximately $26.0 related to network infrastructure.

The Company maintains employment agreements with its key executives. The agreements include, among other things, certain change in control and severance provisions. See Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Employment Contracts.”

53


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 13: LITIGATION

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the normal course of business. The Company evaluates, among other things, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and reasonably estimates the amount of potential loss. Under the Plan of Reorganization, which became effective on September 8, 2003 (“Plan of Reorganization”) or (“Plan”), essentially all claims against the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries that arose prior to the confirmation of the Plan on August 21, 2003, were discharged in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization. A summary of the treatment of claims in the bankruptcy proceeding is provided in Note 1 above.

Global Voice Networks Limited (“GVN”)

AboveNet Communications UK Limited, the Company’s U.K. operating subsidiary (“ACUK”), is a party to a duct purchase and fiber lease agreement (the “Duct Purchase Agreement”) with EU Networks Fiber UK Ltd, formerly GVN. A dispute between the parties arose regarding the extent of the network duct that was sold and fiber that was leased to GVN pursuant to the Duct Purchase Agreement. As a result of this dispute, in 2006, GVN filed a claim against ACUK in the High Court of Justice in London seeking ownership of the disputed portion of the network duct, the right to lease certain fiber and associated damages. In December 2007, the court ruled in favor of GVN with respect to the disputed duct and fiber. In early February 2008, ACUK delivered most of the disputed duct and fiber to GVN. Additionally, under the original ruling, the Company was also required to construct the balance of the disputed duct and fiber and deliver it to GVN pursuant to a schedule ordered by the court. Additional portions of the disputed duct and fiber were constructed and subsequently delivered and other portions are scheduled for delivery. The Company also had certain repair and maintenance obligations that it must perform with respect to such duct. GVN was also seeking to enforce an option requiring ACUK to construct 180 to 200 chambers for GVN along the network. In June 2008, the Company paid $3.0 in damages pursuant to the liability trial. Additionally, the Company reimbursed GVN $1.8 for legal fees. Additionally, the Company’s legal fees aggregated $2.4. Further, the Company has incurred or is obligated for costs totaling $2.7 to build additional network. In early August 2008, the Company reached a settlement agreement under which the Company paid GVN $0.6 and agreed to provide additional construction of duct at an estimated cost of $1.2 and provide GVN limited additional access to ACUK’s network. GVN and ACUK provided mutual releases of all claims against each other, including ACUK’s repair obligation and chamber construction obligations discussed above. We recorded a loss on litigation of $11.7 at December 31, 2007, of which $0.8 was paid in 2007 and $10.9 is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007.

SBC Telecom, Inc. (“SBC”)

The Company is a party to a fiber lease agreement with SBC, a subsidiary of AT&T, entered into in May 2000. The Company believed that SBC was obligated under this agreement to lease 40,000 fiber miles, reducible to 30,000 under certain circumstances, for a term of 20 years at a price set forth in the agreement, which was subject to adjustment based upon the number of fiber miles leased (the higher the volume of fiber miles leased, the lower the price per fiber mile). SBC disagreed with such interpretation of the agreement and in 2003, the issue was litigated before the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District Court of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In November 2003, the Bankruptcy Court agreed with the Company’s interpretation of the agreement, which decision SBC did not appeal. Subsequently, SBC also alleged that the Company was in breach of its obligations under such agreement and that therefore the Company was unable to assume the agreement upon its emergence from bankruptcy. The Company disagreed with SBC’s position, however in December 2005, the Bankruptcy Court agreed with SBC. In 2006, the Company appealed certain aspects of the decision to the District Court for the Southern District of New York but the District Court denied the Company's appeal. In March 2007, the Company filed a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals seeking relief with respect to the Bankruptcy Court’s determination that the Company was in default of the agreement with SBC. During the term of the contract, SBC has paid the Company at the higher rate per fiber mile to reflect the reduced volume of services SBC believes it was obligated to take, in accordance with its understanding of the fiber lease agreement. However, for financial statement purposes, the Company billed and recorded revenue based on the lower amount per fiber mile for the fiber miles accepted by SBC. (See Note 16, “Subsequent Events - Litigation” for further discussion.)

SEC Investigation

The SEC initiated a formal investigation of MFN (the pre-bankruptcy emergence predecessor to the Company) in June 2002. On December 15, 2006, the Company received a “Wells” notice from the SEC staff in connection with such investigation indicating that the SEC staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against the Company alleging that the Company violated various provisions of the federal securities laws. In response to the Wells notice, the Company provided the SEC with a written submission setting forth reasons why the Company believed that a civil injunctive action should not be authorized by the SEC.

On March 19, 2007 the Company received a notice from the SEC staff stating that the investigation of MFN has been terminated and that no enforcement action has been recommended to the SEC. Such notice was provided to the Company under the guidelines of the final paragraph of Securities Act Release No. 5310 which states, among other things, that “[such notice] must in no way be construed as indicating that the party has been exonerated or that no action may ultimately result from the staff’s investigation of that particular matter. All that such a communication means is that the staff has completed its investigation and that at that time no enforcement action has been recommended to the Commission.”

NOTE 14: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A member of the Company’s Board of Directors is also the Co-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of a telecommunications company. The Company sold services and/or material in the normal course of business to the telecommunications company in the amount of $0.3 in 2007, $0.1 in 2006 and $0.1 in 2005, respectively. No amounts were outstanding at each of December 31, 2007 and 2006. All activity between the parties was conducted as independent arms length transactions consistent with similar terms and circumstances with any other customers or vendors. All accounts between the two parties are settled in accordance with invoice terms.

54


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 15: SEGMENT REPORTING

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company operates its business as one operating segment.

Geographic Information
 
 Below is our revenue based on the location of our entity providing service. Long-lived assets are based on the physical location of the assets. The following table presents revenue and long-lived asset information for geographic areas:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
                   
United States
 
$
227.8
 
$
217.6
 
$
204.1
 
United Kingdom
   
29.4
   
20.3
   
16.4
 
Other
   
   
0.5
   
0.7
 
Eliminations
   
(3.6
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.5
)
Consolidated Worldwide
 
$
253.6
 
$
236.7
 
$
219.7
 

   
December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Long-lived assets
             
United States
 
$
317.3
 
$
272.0
 
United Kingdom
   
30.3
   
27.0
 
Other
   
0.1
   
0.2
 
Consolidated Worldwide
 
$
347.7
 
$
299.2
 

NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Employment Contract Termination
 
On March 4, 2008, the employment contract of Michael A. Doris, the Company’s former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, was modified and then terminated. Pursuant to the modification, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Doris upon termination (i) $0.3, (ii) all salary and bonuses earned but not yet paid, (iii) all accrued and unused paid time off days, and (iv) health and welfare benefits for eighteen (18) months, and to execute and deliver a consulting agreement with Mr. Doris. The consulting agreement provides that in exchange for Mr. Doris’ provision of consulting services to the Company for a period of nine months, Mr. Doris has been or shall be paid (i) $.03 annual amount pro rated per week for nine months and (ii) to the extent not previously paid under Mr. Doris’ employment agreement, (a) a bonus of $0.05 (the “2006 Filing Bonus”) within ten (10) days after the Company completes and files with the SEC a Form 10-K with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and (b) a bonus of $0.05 (the “2007 Filing Bonus”) within ten (10) days after the Company completes and files with the SEC either a Form 10-K or a Form 8-K with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and in the event that the 2006 Filing Bonus has not been paid as of the time that the 2007 Filing Bonus is paid, then the 2006 Filing Bonus shall be paid at such time as well. In addition, Mr. Doris’ stock unit agreement dated as of August 7, 2007 was amended to provide that (i) the shares underlying the 10,000 restricted stock units (which became vested upon his termination without cause) shall be delivered to Mr. Doris on January 5, 2009 and (ii) the Company shall repurchase at the market price such number of shares as required to meet the Company’s estimate of Mr. Doris’ federal and state income taxes due with respect to the delivery of the restricted stock units. The aggregate value of the benefits delivered to Mr. Doris was $1.6, which will be recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses for financial statement purposes during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Bank Financing
 
On February 29, 2008, the Company, excluding certain foreign subsidiaries, obtained a $60 senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), consisting of an $18 revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and a $42 term loan facility (the “Term Loan”). The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Term Loan was comprised of $24, which was advanced at closing and up to $18 of which originally could be drawn within nine months of closing at the Company’s option (the “Delayed Draw”). In September 2008, the Delayed Draw option, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 25, 2008, was extended to June 30, 2009. Under certain conditions, the Credit Facility may be increased to $100 at the option of the Company and upon receipt of additional commitments from the lenders or other new third party lenders. The Credit Facility is to be used for general corporate purposes and for capital investment. The Revolver and the Term Loan each have a term of five years from the closing date of the Credit Facility. The Company paid a non-refundable work fee of $0.1 to the lenders, which was credited against the upfront fee of 1.5% ($0.9) of the total amount of the Credit Facility that was paid at closing and paid $0.3 to its unaffiliated third party financial advisors who assisted the Company. Additionally, the Company will be liable for an un-used commitment fee of 0.50% per annum or 0.75% per annum, depending on the utilization of the Credit Facility. Interest will accrue at LIBOR (30, 60, 90 or 180 day rates) or at the announced base rate of the administrative agent at the Company’s option, plus the applicable margins, as defined. Additionally, the Company is required to maintain an unrestricted cash balance at all times of at least $20. On February 29, 2008, the Company received proceeds of $24 under the Term Loan. As required under the provisions of the Term Loan, the initial advance was at the base rate of interest plus the margin (8.25% at February 29, 2008) and converted to LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum (6.26%) on March 5, 2008.
 
On September 26, 2008, we executed a joinder agreement to the Credit Facility that adds an additional lender and increases the amount of the Credit Facility to $90 effective October 1, 2008, subject to the terms of the joinder agreement, including the payment of a $0.45 fee at closing and a $0.1 advisory fee. The availability under the Revolver increased to $27, the Term Loan increased to $36 and the available Delayed Draw Term Loan increased to $27.
 
Effective August 4, 2008, the Company entered into a swap arrangement under which it fixed its borrowing costs with respect to the $24 outstanding for three years at 3.65%, plus the applicable margin of 3.25%.

55


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)
 
Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
On August 29, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. Any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or subsidiary of the Company selected by the Compensation Committee is eligible to receive awards under the 2008 Plan. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted and unrestricted stock units and stock appreciation rights may be awarded to eligible participants on a stand alone, combination or tandem basis. 750,000 shares of Company common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan in accordance with its terms. The number of shares available for grant and the terms of outstanding grants are subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other capital adjustments as provided in the 2008 Plan.

On September 8, 2008, the Company granted to certain employees an aggregate 345,100 restricted stock units, 190,000 of which vest 30% in one year, 10% in two years and 60% in three years, 86,000 of which vest ratably on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant and 48,100 of which vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Additionally, William G. LaPerch, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, may earn 21,000 restricted stock units, which vest ratably in 2010, 2011 and 2012 based upon certain performance targets for the fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011.  Additionally, the Company awarded options to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock to each of the five outside directors. The options have an exercise price of $60.00 per share, a ten year life and vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

Employment Contracts
 
In September 2008, the Company entered into new employment agreements with certain of its senior officers (the “Executive Officers”). Each of the employment agreements is for a term which ends November 16, 2011 with automatic extensions for an additional one-year period unless cancelled by the executive or the Company in writing at least 120 days prior to the end of the applicable term. Each of the contracts provides for a base rate of compensation, which may increase (but cannot decrease) during the term of the contract. Additionally, each contract provides for incentive cash bonus targets for each executive. Each of the Executive Officers will generally be entitled to the same benefits offered to the Company’s other executives. Each of the employment contracts provides for the payment of severance and the provision of certain other benefits in connection with certain termination events. The employment contracts also include confidentiality, non-compete and assignment of intellectual property covenants by each of the Executive Officers.

Litigation
 
In May 2008, Telekenex, Inc. (“Telekenex”), a customer, filed a complaint against the Company in the San Francisco County Superior Court alleging that the Company failed to deliver to Telekenex fiber optic capacity under a certain ten year contract between Telekenex and the Company. Telekenex asserts in the complaint that it is entitled to such fiber optic capacity and unspecified damages. On September 29, 2008, we signed a settlement agreement with Telekenex pursuant to which we agreed to pay $0.35 million and provide Telekenex additional fiber access in order to resolve the dispute. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the parties released each other from any claims related to the dispute and Telekenex is required to dismiss the complaint

In July 2008, the Company and SBC entered into the “Stipulation and Release Agreement” under which a new service agreement was executed for the period from July 10, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Under this new service agreement, SBC agreed to continue to purchase the existing services at the current rate for such services. Further, SBC will have a fixed minimum payment commitment, which declines over the contract term. SBC may cancel service at any time, subject to the notice provisions, but is subject to the payment commitment. The payment commitment may be satisfied by the existing services or SBC may order new services. Additionally, the May 2000 fiber lease agreement with SBC was terminated and the Company and SBC released each other from any claims related to that agreement. The difference between the amount paid by SBC and the amount recognized by the Company as revenue, which aggregated $3.5 at July 10, 2008 ($3.2 at December 31, 2007), will be recorded as settlement revenue in the third quarter of 2008.

Exercise of Warrants
 
Under the terms of the Warrant Agreements described in Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Stock Warrants” and Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Warrants,” if the market price of our common stock, as defined in the respective Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, was greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company was required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the warrants would be deemed to have been exercised pursuant to the net exercise provisions of the respective Warrant Agreements (the “Net Exercise”), unless the warrant holder elected, by written notice, to not exercise its warrants. Under the Net Exercise, shares issued to the warrant holders were reduced by the number of shares necessary to cover the aggregate exercise price of the shares, valuing such shares at the current market price, as defined in the Warrant Agreements. Any fractional shares, otherwise issuable, were paid in cash. The expiration date for the five year warrants was September 8, 2008. Accordingly, five year warrants to purchase 158,874 shares of common stock were deemed exercised pursuant to the Net Exercise, of which 106,456 shares were issued to the warrant holders, 52,418 shares were returned to treasury and $4,295 was paid to recipients for fractional shares. In addition, five year warrants to purchase 25 shares of common stock were cancelled in accordance with instructions from warrant holders.

Asset Abandonment
 
In 2006, the Company acquired software for an enterprise resource planning system (“ERP System”), which was expected to be the Company’s information technology platform for capitalized costs totaling $2.3. In September 2008, management decided to abandon the implementation of this ERP System and investigate other alternatives, including enhancements and upgrades to its current systems. Accordingly, the Company will take an impairment charge of $2.3 with respect to the abandonment, in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Additionally, the Company accrued maintenance fees of $0.1 during the year ended December 31, 2007, which have not been paid.

56


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

Rights Agreement Amendment
 
On August 3, 2006, the Company entered into a Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as rights agent.  The following description of the Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 4, 2006.
 
In connection with the Rights Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Shares”).  The dividend was paid on August 7, 2006 (the “Record Date”) to the stockholders of record on that date.  Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), at a price of $100.00 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the “Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment.  Each one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Shares has designations and powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions which make its value approximately equal to the value of a Common Share.
 
Until the earlier to occur of (i) the date of a public announcement that a person, entity or group of affiliated or associated persons have acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Shares (an “Acquiring Person”) or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as may be determined by action of the Company’s Board of Directors prior to such time as any person or entity becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in any person or entity becoming an Acquiring Person (the earlier of such dates being called the “Distribution Date”), the Rights will be evidenced, with respect to any of the Common Share certificates outstanding as of the Record Date, by such Common Share certificate. As discussed below, the definition of “Acquiring Person” was amended in August 2008.
 
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date.  The Rights will expire on August 7, 2009, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company.
 
The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share issuable upon exercise of each Right are also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Shares or a stock dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares or subdivisions, consolidation or combinations of the Common Shares occurring, in any case, prior to the Distribution Date.  The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Preferred Shares or other securities or other property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution as described in the Rights Agreement.
 
Preferred Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable.  Each Preferred Share will be entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $1.00 but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 100 times the dividend declared per Common Share.  In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Shares would be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100.00 per share, but would be entitled to receive an aggregate payment equal to 100 times the payment made per Common Share.  Each Preferred Share will have 100 votes, voting together with the Common Shares.  Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which Common Shares are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be entitled to receive 100 times the amount of consideration received per Common Share.  These rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions.  The Preferred Shares would rank junior to any other series of the Company’s preferred stock.
 
In the event that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person, proper provision will be made so that each holder of a Right, other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person and its associates and affiliates (which will thereafter be void), will for a 60-day period have the right to receive upon exercise that number of Common Shares having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right (or, if such number of shares is not and cannot be authorized, the Company may issue Preferred Shares, cash, debt, stock or a combination thereof in exchange for the Rights).  This right will terminate 60 days after the date on which the Rights become non-redeemable (as described below), unless there is an injunction or similar obstacle to exercise the Rights, in which event this right will terminate 60 days after the date on which the Rights again become exercisable.
 
At any time prior to the earlier of (i) such time that a person has become an Acquiring Person or (ii) the final expiration date, the Company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the outstanding Rights at a price of $0.01 per Right (the “Redemption Price”). The Rights may also be redeemed at certain other times as described in the Rights Agreement. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Company’s Board of Directors without the consent of the holders of the Rights, except that from and after such time as the rights are distributed no such amendment may adversely affect the interest of the holders of the Rights other than the interests of an Acquiring Person or its affiliates or associates.

Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
 
On August 7, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment (“Rights Agreement Amendment”) to its Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement Amendment was filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2008. Also on August 7, 2008, the Company entered into a standstill agreement with JGD Management Corp., York Capital Management, L.P. and certain of their affiliated funds holding Company securities that are parties thereto (collectively, the “York Group”).

The Rights Agreement Amendment amends the Rights Agreement to, among other things, add an exception to the definition of “Acquiring Person” (as defined in the Rights Agreement) for an Excluded Stockholder and add a definition of “Excluded Stockholder.”   “Excluded Stockholder” is defined to mean the individually identified members of the York Group, funds and accounts managed by York Capital Management, L.P. that hold any Company securities and their respective affiliates and associates; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in the definition of “Acquiring Person,” none of the members of the York Group or their affiliates or associates will be an Excluded Stockholder if any such party, individually or collectively, become the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding Company common stock without the prior written consent of the Company.

57


ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

NOTE 17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following tables present the unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2007, and 2006.
 
 
 
2007 Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
Revenue
 
$
57.5
 
$
61.3
 
$
67.3
 
$
67.5
 
Costs of revenue
   
24.7
   
25.8
   
27.9
   
31.9
(*)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
19.7
   
18.3
   
22.6
   
20.3
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
11.5
   
12.0
   
12.0
   
12.0
 
Loss on litigation
   
   
   
   
11.7
 
Operating income (loss)
   
1.6
   
5.2
   
4.8
   
(8.4
)
Other income (expense):
                         
Gain on reversal of foreign currency translation adjustment from liquidation of subsidiary
   
   
   
   
10.3
 
Interest income
   
0.9
   
0.8
   
0.8
   
0.8
 
Interest expense
   
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.6
)
Other income (expense), net
   
1.6
   
(0.1
)
 
1.4
   
0.9
 
Income before income taxes
   
3.5
   
5.3
   
6.5
   
3.0
 
Provision for income taxes
   
0.8
   
1.3
   
1.5
   
0.9
 
Net income
 
$
2.7
 
$
4.0
 
$
5.0
 
$
2.1
 
 
                       
Basic income per share
 
$
0.25
 
$
0.37
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.19
 
Weighted average number of common shares
   
10,706,576
   
10,723,801
   
10,759,052
   
10,808,528
 
 
                         
Diluted income per share
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.16
 
Weighted average number of common shares
   
12,009,158
   
12,036,781
   
12,213,649
   
12,377,018
 

 
(*)
Includes provision for equipment impairment of $2.2.

Fluctuations in revenue reported by period were impacted by termination revenue recognized by quarter as follows:
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2007
 
$
0.6
 
Quarter ended June 30, 2007
 
$
1.5
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2007
 
$
5.6
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2007
 
$
0.8
 

58

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except share and per share information)

 
 
2006 Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
Revenue
 
$
56.0
 
$
59.9
 
$
64.8
 
$
56.0
 
Costs of revenue
   
29.8
   
31.2
   
33.2
   
27.7
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
18.8
   
18.0
   
15.9
   
18.4
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
11.8
   
12.0
   
11.8
   
11.6
 
Operating loss (income)
   
(4.4
)
 
(1.3
)
 
3.9
   
(1.7
)
Other income (expense):
                         
Gain on sales of data centers
   
   
   
   
48.2
 
Interest income
   
0.5
   
0.4
   
0.3
   
1.2
 
Interest expense
   
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.6
)
Other income (expense), net
   
1.4
   
0.6
   
1.0
   
(0.9
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(3.9
)
 
(1.7
)
 
3.8
   
45.2
 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
   
0.2
   
0.2
   
0.2
   
(0.6
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations
   
(4.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 
3.6
   
45.8
 
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations
   
   
   
   
3.9
 
(Loss) gain from discontinued operations
   
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 
0.1
 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
   
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 
4.0
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(4.3
)
$
(2.1
)
$
3.0
 
$
49.8
 
(Loss) income per share, basic:
                         
(Loss) income per share from continuing operations
 
$
(0.38
)
$
(0.18
)
$
0.34
 
$
4.29
 
(Loss) income per share from discontinued operations
   
(0.02
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.05
)
 
.37
 
Basic (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.40
)
$
(0.20
)
$
0.29
 
$
4.66
 
Weighted average number of common shares
   
10,625,444
   
10,636,656
   
10,665,096
   
10,702,542
 
(Loss) income per share, diluted:
                         
(Loss) income per share from continuing operations
 
$
(0.38
)
$
(0.18
)
$
0.30
 
$
3.81
 
(Loss) income per share from discontinued operations
   
(0.02
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.05
)
 
.33
 
Diluted (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.40
)
$
(0.20
)
$
0.25
 
$
4.14
 
Weighted average number of common shares
   
10,625,444
   
10,636,656
   
11,854,215
   
12,049,184
 
 
The operating results for the fourth quarter of 2006 reflect the gain on sales of the domestic data centers to unaffiliated third parties, three of which were sold in October 2006 and one of which was sold in November 2006. The fourth quarter of 2006 also includes the gain on the sale of AUK on November 15, 2006. AUK operated the Company’s data center in London, and was accounted for as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

Revenue is lower in the fourth quarter of 2006 than the prior quarters of 2006 due to the sale of the domestic data centers. Additionally, the quarterly revenue includes termination revenue as follows:
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2006
 
$
0.2
 
Quarter ended June 30, 2006
 
$
0.4
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2006
 
$
5.3
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2006
 
$
2.4
 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were lower in the quarter ended September 30, 2006 due primarily to a decrease in commission expenses and audit fees.

59

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
Change in Certifying Accountant

On August 17, 2006, the Company dismissed KPMG LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved this dismissal.
 
KPMG LLP was engaged in December 2001 as the principal accountants of the Company and subsequently was engaged to perform audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003. KPMG LLP never rendered an audit report with respect to the Company’s financial statements for any period. As disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 20, 2006, the Company determined that as a result of a lack of accounting records it did not expect to be able to produce or have management provide the required certifications for its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 or the period from January 1, 2003 to September 7, 2003. The Company had previously determined it also could not produce its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
 
During the period from the commencement of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year on January 1, 2004 through the Company’s dismissal of KPMG LLP on August 17, 2006, there were no disagreements between the Company and KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG LLP, would have caused it to make a reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports.
 
During the period from the commencement of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year on January 1, 2004 through the Company’s dismissal of KPMG LLP on August 17, 2006, there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, except as described below.
 
The following was disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 16, 2006, which matters were discussed with the Company’s Audit Committee and KPMG LLP:
 
(1)
Management expects that, if the Company were to file its 2005 Form 10-K, management’s report on internal control over financial reporting would state that the Company’s management was unable to complete its assessment about the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. The Company’s inability to complete its assessment was due to certain entity level controls and process level controls which were not tested due to:
 
(a)
an overall lack of internal controls in certain processes which impeded management’s ability to perform a proper assessment,
 
(b)
management’s need to focus its available time and resources on remediating the internal control design and operating deficiencies that have been identified, and
 
(c)
extensive modifications to certain systems and processes subsequent to year-end for which the controls and processes in place as of December 31, 2005 can no longer be observed or assessed.
 
Based on the work completed to date, the Company has identified numerous material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. As a result, management would conclude that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2005 and would disclose the material weaknesses that had been identified in its assessment process. However, management would not be able to represent that all of the material weaknesses that existed as of December 31, 2005 had been identified and disclosed.
 
(2)
The Company has and is continuing to expend considerable time and resources toward putting its controls in place. A material weakness (within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 2) in internal control over financial reporting is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. It is possible that we will identify additional material weaknesses as we complete our assessment.
 
We have extensive work remaining to remediate the material weaknesses identified. We are in the process of further developing a remediation plan to address our deficiencies. As a result, this plan has extended into the 2006 fiscal year to remediate the material weaknesses identified. Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include in our 2005 Form 10-K a report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. We expect that our independent registered public accounting firm would issue a report on internal control over financial reporting which would include a disclaimer of opinion. We cannot provide any assurance that our independent registered public accounting firm would issue a disclaimer opinion on our internal control over financial reporting.
 
On August 23, 2006, the Company engaged BDO Seidman, LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements as of December 31 for each of 2003, 2004 and 2005, and for the period from September to December 31, 2003 and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 and the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.  The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved this engagement.
 
During the period from the commencement of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year on January 1, 2004 through the Company’s engagement of BDO Seidman, LLP on August 23, 2006, the Company did not consult with BDO Seidman, LLP regarding either the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, as well as any matters that were either the subject of a disagreement with KPMG LLP or reportable events described in Items 304(a)(2)(i) or (ii) of Regulation S-K.
 
The Company furnished a copy of the relevant disclosure to each of KPMG LLP and BDO Seidman, LLP. KPMG LLP’s letter to the SEC stating its agreement with certain statements included in the Company’s disclosure and stating it was not in a position to agree or disagree with the rest of the disclosure, was filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 17, 2006.

60


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Company carried out an assessment, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2007.  
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the interim or annual consolidated financial statements.

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

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Material weaknesses have been identified as of December 31, 2007 related to entity level controls, financial close and financial statement reporting processes and numerous financial statement areas, which indicate a pervasive lack of effective controls in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in the audit of the 2007 financial statements.
 
The Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In performing its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management applied the criteria described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company did not maintain an effective control environment. Specifically, the infrastructure was not adequate to support the activities of the Company’s accounting, financial reporting and disclosure responsibilities. Specifically, the Company lacked policies, procedures and controls for the preparation and review of the interim and annual consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules. Each of these control deficiencies could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the interim or annual consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management has determined that each of the control deficiencies described above constitutes a material weakness. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal controls over financial reporting, reflected below, included an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.

Remediation
 
Management is in the process of remediating the pervasive material weaknesses in its entity level controls, financial close and financial statement reporting processes and numerous financial statement areas. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company created a property and equipment sub-ledger and is in the process of converting those records to a more integrated sub-ledger system. Management has also commenced re-engineering efforts and is re-organizing departments to create more efficiency and lines of responsibility. Currently, the Company operates several disparate systems that produce financial information. The Company is investigating methods to integrate these systems or develop processes that better control information flow. The intention of these efforts is to develop stronger financial and operating and entity level controls, eliminate the material weaknesses that currently exist and provide for timely financial and tax reporting.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

61


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
AboveNet, Inc.
White Plains, New York

We have audited AboveNet, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). AboveNet, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Material weaknesses have been identified as of December 31, 2007 related to entity level controls, financial close and financial statement reporting processes and numerous financial statement areas, which indicate a pervasive lack of effective controls in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2007 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated September 29, 2008 on those financial statements.

In our opinion, AboveNet, Inc. did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statements referring to any corrective actions taken by the Company after the date of management’s assessment.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated September 29, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/     BDO Seidman, LLP
 
New York, NY
September 29, 2008

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Not applicable.

62


PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Directors
 
Set forth below are the names of the persons who are our directors, their ages and respective business backgrounds, including directorships of other public companies:

Jeffrey Brodsky
 
Mr. Brodsky, 49, has been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since September 2003 and has been Chairman of the Audit Committee since that date. He became non-executive Chairman of the Board in December 2005. He is currently leading Quest Turnaround Advisors, L.L.C. (“Quest”) in its role as Plan Administrator of Adelphia Communications Corporation and is also Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTV, Inc. (formerly NTL Europe, Inc.). Mr. Brodsky co-founded Quest, a financial advisory and restructuring firm in Purchase, NY in 2000 and has been a Managing Director there since that time. Mr. Brodsky holds a Bachelor’s degree from New York University College of Business and Public Administration, and a Master’s degree from its Graduate School of Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Brodsky is currently a Director of PTV, Inc. and TVMAX, Inc.

Michael J. Embler
 
Mr. Embler, 44, has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 2003 and is a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee. Since 2005, Mr. Embler has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (“FMA”), a firm he joined in 2001 as Vice President. Funds managed by FMA collectively are the Company’s largest stockholder. From 1992 to 2001, Mr. Embler served in various management positions with Nomura Holding America, Inc., most recently as Managing Director. Mr. Embler has previously served as a Director of Grand Union Company and several other private companies. Mr. Embler holds a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.

Richard Postma
 
Mr. Postma, 57, has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 2003 and is a member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Strategy Committee. Mr. Postma has been the Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Signal Company, L.L.C., since the time he co-founded it in 2000. He also currently serves as Chairman of US Xchange Directories, L.L.C., R.T. London, Inc., P&V Capital Holdings, L.L.C., and RVP Development Corporation. Mr. Postma has also served as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Xchange, L.L.C., and has previously served on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Choice One Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ). From 1983 to 1996, Mr. Postma served as General Counsel to Teledial America, Inc., Teledial America of North Carolina, Digital Signal, Inc., City Signal, Inc., and US Signal. Prior to this, Mr. Postma was a Partner in the Grand Rapids, Michigan law firm of Miller, Johnson, Snell and Cummiskey, P.L.C., where he spent 15 years. Mr. Postma is a graduate of Calvin College and the University of Michigan Law School.

Richard Shorten, Jr.
 
Mr. Shorten, 40, has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 2003 and is a member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and serves as the Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Strategy Committee. He is Managing Director of Silvermine Capital Resources, LLC, a firm that he founded in 2001 to originate, structure and manage private investment transactions for hedge funds. Mr. Shorten is also a member of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Informatics, Inc., Infinia Corporation and Movie Gallery, Inc. From 2000 to 2001, Mr. Shorten was Executive Vice President and Director of Graphnet, Inc., where he had broad-based operating responsibilities for development, finance, marketing, legal affairs and human resources. From 1997 to 2000, he was with Destia Communications and its acquirer, Viatel Inc., where Mr. Shorten was appointed Senior Vice President, Data Services. Mr. Shorten received a Juris Doctorate degree, with honors, from Rutgers Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University.

Stuart Subotnick
 
Mr. Subotnick, 66, has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1997 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Strategy Committee. Since 1986, Mr. Subotnick has been a General Partner, Executive Vice President of Metromedia Company, a management and investment company. Mr. Subotnick started with Metromedia Inc., a predecessor of Metromedia Company, as a tax attorney in 1967, and spent two decades in various management roles, becoming Chief Financial Officer in 1981 and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration in 1983. Since 1981, Mr. Subotnick has been responsible for negotiating all of the major Metromedia corporate transactions, including the sale of certain of Metromedia divisions. Mr. Subotnick is also the lead Director of Carnival Corporation and is a Director of both the Shubert Organization and Conair Corporation. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brooklyn Law School and a member of the Board of Baruch College (CUNY). Mr. Subotnick also serves as a Vice Chair of the New York Racing Association. Mr. Subotnick earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baruch College, a Master of Law degree from Brooklyn Law School and a Juris Doctorate degree from New York University.

William G. LaPerch
 
Mr. LaPerch, 53, has been the President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since March 2004. From 1999 to March 2004, Mr. LaPerch served in various executive positions relating to the Company’s operations. From 1989 to 1999, Mr. LaPerch served as Vice President of Network Services for MCI where he managed that company’s local, long distance, data and Internet networks. Previously, Mr. LaPerch held executive positions at NYNEX. Mr. LaPerch is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Mr. LaPerch also received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.

Each of the members of the Board of Directors, other than Mr. LaPerch, was appointed in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy and will serve until a replacement is duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or the executive officers.

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Executive Officers
 
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers as of August 31, 2008. Our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
William G. LaPerch
 
53
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Robert Sokota
 
44
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary
Rajiv Datta
 
37
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
John Jacquay
 
56
 
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Douglas Jendras
 
41
 
Senior Vice President, Operations
Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
53
 
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Michael A. Doris
 
53
 
Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Information about Mr. LaPerch is set forth above in this Item 10 under “Directors.” The background information of our other executive officers is set forth below. Mr. Doris’ contract was terminated without cause on March 4, 2008.

Robert Sokota
 
Mr. Sokota, 44, is currently the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary, overseeing and advising on all of the Company’s legal and contractual issues and negotiations. He became the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 2001 and the Chief Administrative Officer in 2004. He originally joined the Company in January 2000 as Vice President, Legal. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sokota was Vice President of the legal department for Metromedia International Telecommunications, Inc. He also worked as an associate with the firm Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C. from 1989 to 1994. Mr. Sokota holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University.

Rajiv Datta
 
Mr. Datta, 37, joined the Company in 1998 and has served in a number of significant technical and engineering positions for the Company becoming Vice President in 2002. Mr. Datta was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer in May 2004, a role in which he oversees all aspects of Engineering, IT and Product Development activities across our metro, long haul and IP networks. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Datta held various engineering and development positions at Alcatel Telecommunications Cable in North Carolina and at Alcatel’s Optical Fiber Competency Center near Paris, France. Mr. Datta holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Engineering from Rutgers University and is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honors Society.

John Jacquay
 
Mr. Jacquay, 56, joined the Company in 2004 as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. From February 2002 to June 2004, Mr. Jacquay was the President of National Sales at XO Communications. Prior to joining XO Communications, Mr. Jacquay was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pagoo, a Silicon Valley VOIP start-up. From 1985 to 1996, Mr. Jacquay was in charge of various regional and national sales organizations of MCI Telecommunications. From 1974 to 1985, Mr. Jacquay held various leadership positions in finance and sales with GTE Corp. Mr. Jacquay holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Accounting, as well as an MSBA in Economics from Indiana University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Douglas Jendras
 
Mr. Jendras, 41, joined the Company in January 2000, became the Vice President, Operations in July 2000 and was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Operations in May 2004. Mr. Jendras held various management positions at MCI Telecommunications where he worked in operations and business development from July 1991 to October 1999. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his Master of Business Administration in Financial Management from Pace University.

Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
Mr. Ciavarella, 53, a financial consultant who has provided consulting services to the Company since February 2007, was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer, effective March 4, 2008. Mr. Ciavarella has been an independent financial consultant since December 2006 and served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Langer, Inc., a provider of custom orthotic devices, related orthopedic and skin care products, from February 2004 to November 2006.  From August 2002 to February 2004, Mr. Ciavarella was the Chief Financial Officer of New York Medical, Inc., a medical practice management company and, from 1998 through July 2002, he was Senior Vice President - Finance of Aviation Capital Group, an independent aircraft leasing and finance company that became a subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company. Prior to that, from 1994 to 1998, Mr. Ciavarella was Chief Financial Officer in the alternative investment division of Painewebber, Inc. and, from 1983 to 1993, was Corporate Vice President of Integrated Resources, Inc. (and Chief Financial Officer of its equipment leasing and alternative investment division). He began his career at Touche Ross & Company (Deloitte & Touche, LLP) where he worked for over four years. Mr. Ciavarella received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, in 1977, and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1979.

Michael A. Doris
 
Mr. Doris, 53, was the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2002 to March 2008, overseeing all financial and reporting processes and systems throughout the Company. Previously, from 1998 to 2002, Mr. Doris was the corporate controller for Marchon Eyewear, Inc. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Doris was the Vice President of Finance for Allied Digital Technologies, Inc. Mr. Doris graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Doris’ employment contract was terminated without cause on March 4, 2008. See a further discussion regarding Mr. Doris’ contract termination under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.”

Corporate Governance
 
The Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors met numerous times during 2007. The Board of Directors held nine meetings in 2007. In addition, the Company’s independent directors met a number of times in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors were present. In 2007, the Company had a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee. The Company also had a Strategy Committee created in September 2007, which did not meet in 2007. The Company’s Special Independent Committee was disbanded in March 2007. The Audit Committee met four times in 2007. The Compensation Committee met seven times in 2007. The Governance and Nominating Committee did not meet in 2007. The Special Independent Committee met once in 2007. Each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees on which they served.
 
 

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Each of the existing committees, other than the Strategy Committee, operates pursuant to a written charter, copies of which are available through the Investor Relations section of our website at www.above.net. The Code of Conduct can also be found through the Investor Relations section of our website. If a waiver of our Code of Conduct is granted to any of our directors or executive officers, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website. In 2007, we combined the codes of conduct applicable to our U.S. based and non-U.S. based employees into a single uniform code of conduct. Prior to that time, our non-U.S. based employees were subject to a slightly modified version of the Code of Conduct intended to comply with their national laws and regulations. In August 2008, we amended the Code of Conduct to clarify that transactions in the Company’s securities between the Company and its employees should not be considered “trading” for the purpose of the Code of Conduct and are not otherwise prohibited by the Code of Conduct. The Board of Directors also granted waivers to the extent necessary for prior transactions in the Company’s securities between the Company and any of its employees. The amendment and waiver were promptly disclosed on the Company’s website.

We expect to require all of our directors to attend our annual meeting of stockholders.

The committees of the Board are described in more detail below.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Brodsky (Chairman), Postma and Shorten, each of whom satisfies the applicable independence and other qualification requirements of the NASDAQ Market Place and SEC rules for serving on an audit committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Brodsky, the Audit Committee’s Chairman, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the applicable SEC rules. The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for the integrity of the Company’s financial reports. The Audit Committee also carries out other functions from time to time as assigned to it by the Board. The Audit Committee, or in some cases the Board, reviews and approves related party transactions.
 
In carrying out its purpose, the goal of the Audit Committee is to serve as an independent and objective monitor of the Company’s financial reporting process and internal control systems, including the activities of the Company’s independent auditors and internal audit function, and to provide an open avenue of communication with the Board of Directors for, and among, the independent auditor, internal audit operations and financial and executive management.
 
Report of the Audit Committee
 
 Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company’s financial statements and the Company’s independent registered public accountants are responsible for auditing those statements. In connection with the preparation of the December 31, 2007 financial statements, the Audit Committee (i) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management; (ii) discussed with the independent registered public accountants the matters required to be discussed under standards of the PCAOB, including Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (as the same may be amended or supplemented); and (iii) received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accountants required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as the same may be modified or supplemented, and has discussed with the independent auditors the firm’s independence.
 
Based upon these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors approved, that our audited financial statements be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, for filing with the SEC.
 
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jeffrey Brodsky, Chairman
Richard Postma
Richard Shorten, Jr.

Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Subotnick (Chairman), Postma and Shorten, each of whom satisfies the independence and other qualification requirements of NASDAQ rules. The Compensation Committee’s role is to establish and review our overall compensation philosophy and policies and to approve the compensation for the Company’s senior executive officers (including our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation table set forth below (the “named executive officers”)) and related matters. In this regard, the Compensation Committee approves the Company’s overall bonus plan, grants all equity compensation and approves salary changes for senior executive officers. The Compensation Committee meets several times during the year, and the Compensation Committee Chairman periodically reports on Compensation Committee actions and recommendations at Board meetings. In addition, the Compensation Committee unofficially conferred without the participation of management in executive session on a number of occasions. The Committee has the power to retain the services of outside counsel, advisors, experts and others to assist the Committee. In May 2008, the Committee retained Strategic Apex Group, LLC to provide it assistance in setting executive and management compensation for 2008 and beyond.

The Compensation Committee assists the Board in establishing compensation packages for our executive officers and non-employee directors and administering our incentive plans. The Compensation Committee is generally responsible for setting and administering the policies which govern annual executive salaries, raises and bonuses and certain awards of stock options, restricted stock awards and other awards under our incentive plans and otherwise. From time to time, the Compensation Committee reviews our compensation packages to ensure that they remain competitive with the compensation packages offered by similarly-situated companies and continue to incentivize management and align management’s interests with those of our stockholders.

Governance and Nominating Committee
 
The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of Messrs. Shorten (Chairman) and Embler, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of the NASDAQ rules. The Governance and Nominating Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to the stockholders by (i) identifying individuals qualified to serve as directors and recommending that the Board support the selection of the nominees for all directorships, whether such directorships are filled by the Board or the stockholders, (ii) developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles and (iii) recommending improvements to the corporate governance process when necessary.
 
The Governance and Nominating Committee believes that candidates for director should have certain minimum qualifications, including the ability to read and understand basic financial statements, being over 21 years of age and having the highest personal integrity and ethics. At such time as it is necessary to nominate a candidate for director, the Governance and Nominating Committee also intends to consider such factors as whether the candidates possess relevant expertise upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management, have sufficient time to devote to our affairs, have demonstrated excellence in his or her field, have the ability to exercise sound business judgment and have the commitment to rigorously represent the long-term interests of our stockholders. However, the Governance and Nominating Committee retains the right to modify these qualifications from time to time.

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Since our emergence from bankruptcy protection in 2003, the Governance and Nominating Committee has not had the opportunity to nominate new members to the Board of Directors. Upon the appointment of Mr. LaPerch to the position of Chief Executive Officer in March 2004, the Board determined to appoint him to the Board (taking the position of the prior Chief Executive Officer John Gerdelman who resigned in December 2003). Upon the resignation of Dennis O’Connell from the Board in May 2006, the Board of Directors determined that it was not necessary at that time to appoint another director to replace Mr. O’Connell.
 
At this time, the Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a policy with regard to the consideration of director candidates recommended by stockholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee believes that it is in the best position to identify, review, evaluate and select qualified candidates for Board membership.
 
Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement dated August 2003 between the Company and John W. Kluge, the trust established pursuant to that certain Trust Agreement dated May 30, 1984, as amended and restated and supplemented, between John W. Kluge as grantor and Stuart Subotnick, John W. Kluge and Chase Manhattan Bank as trustees (the “Kluge Trust”) and Stuart Subotnick, for so long as the Kluge Trust or its affiliates, beneficially owns 7.50% or more of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall nominate one individual designated by the Kluge Trust to the Board. The individual designated by the Kluge Trust must be reasonably acceptable to the Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Subotnick has served as the designee of the Kluge Trust since the effectiveness of our Plan of Reorganization. In April 2008, the Standstill Agreement was amended to make JWK Enterprises, LLC, an entity controlled by John W. Kluge, which also acquired the Kluge Trust’s ownership interests in the Company, a party to the Standstill Agreement entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations thereunder. The Standstill Agreement expired on September 8, 2008.
 
Special Independent Committee
 
The Special Independent Committee consisted of Messrs. Brodsky, Embler, Postma and Shorten. The Special Independent Committee was formed in 2003 to supervise the investigation of the issues related to the SEC’s investigation of the Company initiated in June 2002.

Strategy Committee
 
The Strategy Committee, which consists of Messrs. Shorten (Chairman), Postma and Subotnick, was formed in September 2007. The purpose of this Committee is to provide assistance and advice to management on a number of issues including Company strategy, financing and organization.

Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
 
Historically, the Company has not provided a formal process related to stockholder communications with the Board. Nevertheless, every effort has been made to ensure that the views of stockholders are heard by the Board or individual directors, as applicable, and that appropriate responses are provided to stockholders in a timely manner.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers and any persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC (and, if such security is listed on a national securities exchange, with such exchange), various reports as to ownership of such common stock. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports and written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all filings required by our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners under Section 16(a) were timely except that (i) Forms 4 for the named executive officers were not timely filed with respect to shares delivered on December 28, 2007, pursuant to vested restricted stock units; (ii) a late Form 4 was filed relating to the acquisition of shares of our common stock on September 7, 2007 by FMA; and (iii) a late Form 4 was filed relating to the adjustment of shares of common stock, five year warrants and seven year warrants received by the Kluge Trust in connection with the final determination of allowed claims under the Plan of Reorganization, in September 2007.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
Overview
 
The goal of our compensation program is to improve our financial and operational performance and thereby increase value for our stockholders. Our compensation program is designed to provide certain fixed base salary compensation, to provide variable compensation linked to measures of our performance that contribute to increased value and to provide compensation in the form of equity to align the interests of our employees with those of our shareholders. Our compensation program for employees takes into account the following goals: enhancing shareholder value; enabling us to attract and retain top quality employees; rewarding successful performance and providing appropriate relative internal compensation balance among our employees.

Executive Compensation Component Summary
 
The major components of compensation for the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table below (Messrs. LaPerch, Sokota, Jacquay, Datta, Jendras and Doris), who are referred to herein as the named executive officers, are base salary, annual incentive bonuses and equity compensation. We believe that the compensation provided to our named executive officers is reasonable and not excessive.
 
In setting 2007 compensation for the named executive officers, we have considered many factors including the following:
 
 
(1)
our steadily improving performance in recent years, which we believe has and will result in increased value to our shareholders;
 
(2)
the significant experience and industry knowledge of our named executive officers and the demonstrated quality and effectiveness of their leadership; and
 
(3)
a significant portion of the overall 2007 compensation was represented by variable, performance-based pay.

The total compensation levels for the named executive officers are comparable to those of compensation levels of senior executives at comparable companies in our industry. This determination is based in part on the Compensation Committee’s review in 2007 of the compensation of senior executives of other peer group companies in the telecommunications industry, consisting of Global Crossing, Time Warner Telecom, XO Communications, Broadwing, FiberNet, Neon, Cogent and Savvis.

We believe that the current combination of annual salary, benefits, incentive cash bonus, and equity compensation represents an appropriate mix of both short-term and long-term compensation for realizing our goals for compensation of the named executive officers.
 

66


Roles of the Compensation Committee and Management in the Compensation-Setting Process
 
Management plays a significant role in the compensation-setting process for the named executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) by among other things, making recommendations to the Compensation Committee. However, the Compensation Committee approves the compensation for the named executive officers and retains complete discretion to accept, reject or modify any management recommendations. The most significant contributions by management to the compensation process are:

 
·
evaluating employee performance;
 
·
providing information to the Compensation Committee related to compensation to our employees and on one occasion in 2007 comparative information on the compensation of executives at the peer group companies listed above;
 
·
providing input regarding the accounting, tax and legal impact of our compensation policies;
 
·
recommending business performance targets and objectives; and
 
·
recommending salary levels, bonus amounts and equity awards.

Both the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel work with the Compensation Committee Chairman to set the agenda for Compensation Committee meetings. Management also prepares supplemental information for each Compensation Committee meeting. Other than in executive sessions of the Compensation Committee, the Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer and the Assistant Secretary typically participate in the meetings of the Compensation Committee. With respect to employees other than himself, the Chief Executive Officer often provides:

 
·
background information regarding our objectives;
 
·
his evaluation of the performance of our employees; and
 
·
compensation recommendations for our employees.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain outside compensation consultants to assist it in setting our compensation policies, and did so in May 2008.

Setting Named Executive Officer Compensation
 
 In setting the annual base salary for the named executive officers in 2007, other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer recommended base salaries to the Compensation Committee, which amounts were approved by the Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer also recommended the annual incentive cash bonus amounts for named executive officers other than himself to the Compensation Committee, which amounts were approved by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee set the annual base salary and incentive cash bonus for the Chief Executive Officer. In 2007, the Chief Executive Officer (except with respect to his own grants) recommended certain grants of restricted stock units for certain executives, including the named executive officers, which were approved by the Compensation Committee.

We have employment agreements with each of the named executive officers, except for Mr. Ciavarella, our Acting Chief Financial Officer, who is retained pursuant to a consulting agreement, and Mr. Doris, whose employment with the Company terminated on March 4, 2008. The contracts in place in 2007 (the “Prior Employment Agreements”) were scheduled to expire in September, 2008.

In September 2008, the Company entered into new employment agreements with Mr. LaPerch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sokota, Senior Vice-President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Datta, Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Jacquay, Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing and Mr. Jendras, Senior Vice-President of Operations (the “September 2008 Employment Agreements”). Each of the September 2008 Employment Agreements is for a term which ends November 16, 2011 with automatic extensions for an additional one-year period unless cancelled by the executive or the Company in writing at least 120 days prior to the end of the term. Each of the September 2008 Employment Agreements provides for a base rate of compensation, which may increase (but cannot decrease) during the term of the contract, and provides for incentive cash bonus targets. Additionally, each executive officer will generally be entitled to the same benefits offered to the Company’s other executives. Each of the September 2008 Employment Agreements provides for payment of severance and the provision of other benefits in connection with certain termination events, as provided below, and includes confidentiality, non-compete and assignment of intellectual property covenants by each of the executive officers.

The September 2008 Employment Agreements provide that in the event that a named executive officer’s employment is terminated prior to the end of the term of employment:
 
·
without “cause” (as defined therein) by the Company or he terminates his employment for “good reason” (as defined therein), the named executive officer will be entitled to one year’s base salary, any accrued but unpaid base salary, earned but unpaid bonus, pro rated bonus for the year of termination (assuming 100% of the target is achieved), accrued paid time off and one year’s continuation of health and welfare benefits;
·
upon “disability” (as defined therein) or death, the named executive officer or his beneficiaries will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid base salary, earned but unpaid bonus, pro rated bonus for the year of termination (assuming 100% of the target is achieved), accrued paid time off and one year’s continuation of health and welfare benefits; or
·
for cause by the Company or he terminates his employment without good reason, the named executive officer will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid base salary, accrued paid time off and any accrued benefits under the Company’s health and welfare plans.

Base Salary
 
The base salaries provided to the named executive officers are intended to retain such executives and provide them with a firm base of compensation. Base salaries of the named executive officers are intended to relate to their corresponding level of authority, responsibilities, experience and past achievement. Base salaries are reviewed annually, but are not automatically increased if we believe that the existing base salary is appropriate or if other compensation is better suited to reward prior accomplishments. The Prior Employment Agreements provide for base salaries minimums that can be increased by us. The base salaries of the following named executive officers were increased as of March 1, 2007 as follows:
 
Name
 
From
 
To
 
Rajiv Datta
 
$
256,500
 
$
282,150
 
Douglas Jendras
 
$
248,250
 
$
263,145
 

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The increases for Mr. Datta and Mr. Jendras were provided to keep pace with compensation paid to similarly situated employees at the peer group companies listed above and to reward exceptional performance. No named executive officer received a base salary increase in March 2008.

In connection with the execution of the September 2008 Employment Agreements, the base salaries of the following named executive officers were increased effective September 2, 2008 (with the exception of Mr. Sokota’s base salary of $315,000, which did not increase):

Name
 
From
 
To
 
William J. LaPerch
 
$
500,000
 
$
550,000
 
John Jacquay
 
$
290,000
 
$
300,000
 
Rajiv Datta
 
$
282,150
 
$
290,000
 
Douglas Jendras
 
$
263,145
 
$
280,000
 

Incentive Cash Bonus Program
 
The 2007 annual incentive cash bonus program for U.S. based employees was designed to incentivize employees towards the common goal of maximizing our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). A bonus pool calculation was approved for various target levels of achieved adjusted EBITDA. Each adjusted EBITDA target level provided for a bonus percentage for each employment level tier. The bonus pool was determined by multiplying the applicable bonus percentages by the 2007 earnings of the eligible employees in each employee tier. An additional discretionary amount was also provided for achieving certain adjusted EBITDA targets. To calculate adjusted EBITDA, we added back to EBITDA certain expenses relating to the SEC investigation, the historical financial statement audits and certain non-cash expenses, including share-based compensation expenses. These adjustments totaled $13.5 million in 2007. The applicable percentages and discretionary amount for the calculation of the bonus pool were determined based on our achieving adjusted EBITDA of $69.7 million, surpassing the adjusted EBITDA target in 2007 of $53.6 million. We believe that the achievement of the annual adjusted EBITDA target set in our annual business plan was the most appropriate target for the bonus pool given the important link between EBITDA and valuation in the telecommunications industry.
 
With the exception of Mr. Jacquay, the Prior Employment Agreements do not set any specific amount of annual incentive cash bonus, but provide for such amounts to be set by the Company’s Compensation Committee. In 2007, Mr. Jacquay’s employment agreement was amended to provide that he was entitled to an annual cash bonus of $250,000 in the event that the Company met the bonus objective set by the Compensation Committee. As a result, for 2007, $250,000 of Mr. Jacquay’s bonus was non-discretionary and the Compensation Committee approved the payment of an additional discretionary bonus of $125,000. All such amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table below. Management makes the determination of bonus payments for the Company’s employees who are not named executive officers.  Employees eligible to participate in our sales compensation plan were generally not eligible to participate in the incentive cash bonus program except to the extent that an employee served in both a sales and non-sales role.
 
Our 2007 bonus pool for U.S. based employees was determined based upon adjusted EBITDA achieved in 2007. In accordance with the Compensation Committee’s determination, incentive cash bonuses for 2007 for employees were paid on March 15, 2008.  Payments to the named executive officers were as follows:
 
Name
 
Bonus
 
William G. LaPerch
 
$
225,000
 
Michael A. Doris
 
$
150,000
 
Robert Sokota
 
$
175,000
 
John Jacquay
 
$
375,000
 
Rajiv Datta
 
$
175,000
 
Douglas Jendras
 
$
175,000
 

In setting annual incentive bonus amounts for the named executive officers, we consider a number of factors including the extent to which the named executive officer (a) contributed to the achievement of our financial goals; (b) assisted in completing or implementing new sales; (c) increased the level of customer satisfaction; (d) improved our operating and administrative performance; (e) helped us to achieve our strategic objectives; and (f) helped achieve other important Company goals. Pursuant to the September 2008 Employment Agreements, target bonuses for Messrs. LaPerch, Sokota, Datta and Jendras were set at 35% of base salary. Mr. Jacquay’s target bonus was set at $250,000.

Our U.K. based employees receive quarterly incentive cash bonuses based upon the achievement of quarterly adjusted EBITDA targets and other quantitative and qualitative factors. Incentive cash bonuses paid in the U.K. are approved by our senior management.

Equity Compensation
 
We believe that the provision of equity compensation to our employees, whether by granting stock options or restricted stock units (i.e., an agreement to provide stock in the future) to employees helps to align the interests of our employees with those of our stockholders and to focus the employees on increasing value for our stockholders. Through 2006, almost all new employees were granted stock options after becoming employed by us. At its meetings, the Compensation Committee typically granted options to employees who had been hired or additional options to employees who had been promoted, since the time of the previous Compensation Committee meeting. Employees were generally granted an amount of stock options, and in the case of executives, stock units, based on their employment level and in some cases based on prior performance.

On August 7, 2007 equity compensation was granted to our named executive officers. Each of Messrs. Doris, Sokota, Jacquay, Datta and Jendras was granted 10,000 restricted stock units, which vested on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. LaPerch was granted 20,000 restricted stock units under the same terms.

During 2006, all named executive officers who had previously been granted stock units agreed to defer the delivery of the stock underlying vested stock units from April 15, 2007 until August 15, 2007. The delivery was further delayed to December 28, 2007. Our named executive officers had previously agreed to defer the delivery of the stock underlying vested stock units from January 3, 2005 until April 15, 2007. Pursuant to the stock unit agreements between our named executive officers and us, in the event that at the time of the delivery of the stock underlying the stock units the stock is not covered by an applicable registration statement or the stock has not been listed on NASDAQ or other comparable exchange, at the named executive officer’s request, we are obligated to purchase sufficient shares of stock from such executives as is necessary to cover the executives’ minimum tax withholding obligations. In December, 2007, we delivered 310,719 shares of common stock to certain employees (including the named executive officers) and former employees, which represented shares underlying all vested restricted stock units at such date of which 303,369 were delivered on December 28, 2007. We purchased an aggregate 129,816 shares from these individuals at $75.00 per share, the closing market price of our common stock on such date, in order to provide them with funds sufficient to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations and provide these individuals with sufficient funds to meet our estimates of their residual income tax obligations (at their highest marginal tax rates). The aggregate value of the shares purchased by us of $9.7 million was charged to treasury stock. We decided to purchase these shares because the delivery of the shares underlying the stock units triggered significant tax obligations for the employees, and the employees were unable to sell the shares to third parties due to various securities law restrictions in order to pay their income tax obligations.
 
 

68



Stock options granted to employees are granted on the date the Compensation Committee meets and approves such grants. Meetings were scheduled for such times as management and Compensation Committee members believed appropriate, often immediately before or after the meetings of the Board of Directors. The exercise price of such stock options granted was the closing price of our common stock as reported by NASDAQ on the grant date. Generally, stock options granted in 2007 and 2006 were scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. In 2007, grants of stock options were made on March 21, 2007 and July 18, 2007. In 2006, grants of stock options were made on April 26, July 19, October 5 and December 6. Previously, we had granted stock options that vested over a three year period, with one-third of the grant vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant. In 2006, we changed our policy, subject to exception, to issue only one year grants (of one-third the previous grant amounts) in order to reduce the number of options granted and preserve shares available for future issuance under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Stock options granted to our executives contain various vesting acceleration provisions in connection with the termination of the employee’s employment with the Company and, for certain named executive officers, as described below, upon a change of control of the Company.

Grants of restricted stock units were generally scheduled to vest over a four year period with one quarter of the grant amount vesting on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date, or alternatively, for stock units granted shortly after our emergence from bankruptcy protection in September 2003, one fifth of the grant amount vested on each of the grant date and the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Stock units have been granted only to our senior executives and in 2007, certain members of management and to all non-employee directors. During 2006 and 2007, we made certain grants of restricted stock units with vesting periods ranging from one to two years. All grants of restricted stock units contain various acceleration provisions in connection with the termination of the employee’s employment with the Company upon a change of control of the Company.

Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
On August 29, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. Any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or subsidiary of the Company selected by the Compensation Committee is eligible to receive awards under the 2008 Plan. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted and unrestricted stock units and stock appreciation rights may be awarded to eligible participants on a stand alone, combination or tandem basis. 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan in accordance with its terms. The number of shares available for grant and the terms of outstanding grants are subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other capital adjustments as provided in the 2008 Plan. 
 
On September 8, 2008, Mr. LaPerch was granted 50,000 restricted stock units, which vest 15,000 on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 5,000 on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 30,000 on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. LaPerch is also eligible to earn up to an additional 7,000 restricted stock units in each of 2010, 2011 and 2012 based on certain performance targets for fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Each of Messrs. Sokota, Jacquay, Datta, and Jendras were granted 35,000 restricted stock units, which vest 10,500 on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 3,500 on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 21,000 on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
 
Upon the occurrence of a termination of the named executive officers’ employment by the Company without cause or by the named executive officer for good reason or in the event of a change in control, or certain other events, all unvested restricted stock units granted to the named executive officers will vest.
 
On September 8, 2008, Messrs. Brodsky, Embler, Postma, Shorten and Subotnick were granted 500 restricted stock units and options to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock. All such grants vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
 
Benefits
 
We offer our named executive officers the same health and welfare benefit and disability plans that we offer to all our employees except that higher level employees - including the named executive officers - are provided with Group Variable Universal Life for basic life insurance whereas all other employees are provided with group term life insurance. The named executive officers are each provided with Group Variable Universal Life insurance providing for a death benefit of $1,000,000 and a term accidental death and dismemberment insurance (“AD&D”) benefit of $1,000,000 whereas most other employees receive group term and AD&D in smaller amounts as a multiple of base salary. We believe that this benefit provided to the named executive officers is reasonable and assists in retaining the named executive officers.

Perquisites
 
We do not believe that the provision of perquisites should play a significant role in the compensation of our employees. We provide very limited perquisites to the named executive officers, less than $10,000 in total in 2007. The only perquisites consisted of the payment for the participation of the spouses of certain named executive officers at our annual President’s Club retreat, which for 2007 was held in Orlando, Florida, and a gross up to cover the taxes on such payment. We believed that the participation of these named executive officers’ spouses was important for the success of this event, particularly in light of the relative cost, and wanted to ensure their attendance.

Severance
 
Severance amounts for our named executive officers due under the Prior Employment Agreements are discussed below under, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”  In the event of a termination without cause by the Company or termination for good reason by the named executive officer, the named executive officer would have been entitled to one year’s base salary, a bonus relating to the portion of the year worked, any accrued but unpaid bonus from the prior year, salary through the date of termination, one year’s benefits and full or partial vesting of unvested stock options or stock units. Mr. Jacquay’s employment agreement was amended in 2007 to make it consistent with those of other named executive officers by providing for the payment of a pro rata bonus for the year of termination.

We believe that the provision of these cash severance and accelerated vesting amounts upon the termination of the named executive officers’ employment is appropriate and we plan to continue to provide the same or similar benefits to our named executive officers in the future. We believe that offering these severance packages is necessary to be competitive in the industry and to attract and retain talented executives. Further, we believe that the provision of these severance amounts provide us greater ability to enforce any post-employment restrictions.

69


Post-Employment Restrictions
 
Under their Prior Employment Agreements, Messrs. LaPerch, Doris and Sokota had each agreed that they will not compete with us for nine months following termination of their employment and will not solicit any of our customers or employees for one year following such termination.

Under their Prior Employment Agreements, Mr. Datta and Mr. Jendras had each agreed that they will not compete with us for three months following termination of their employment and will not solicit any of our customers or employees for six months following such termination.

We believe that these post-employment restrictions on the named executive officers provide us with some protection against the ability of the named executive officers to compete with us, and thereby possibly limit our ability to succeed after the termination of their employment.

Mr. Jacquay’s Prior Employment Agreement did not contain any post-employment restrictions on his ability to compete with us or to solicit our customers or employees.

Pursuant to the September 2008 Employment Agreements, Messrs. LaPerch, Sokota, Jacquay, Datta and Jendras have agreed that they will not compete for six months following termination of their employment and will not solicit any employees or customers of ours in competition with us for one year following termination of their employment.

Stock Purchase and Sale Guidelines
 
In compliance with U.S. securities laws and regulations, our policies prohibit employees and directors from purchasing or selling our securities to third parties to the extent that they are in possession of material non-public information. The shares of stock issued under our Equity Incentive Plan have not been covered by a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933. Certain shares delivered to employees may, however, be sold pursuant to certain exceptions under the Securities Act of 1933. Except for transactions with the Company, no current named executive officers have purchased or sold our securities since our emergence from bankruptcy protection. We expect to seek registration of certain shares at such time as we become current with our periodic filing obligations under the Exchange Act. Prior to that time, we plan to adopt additional rules related to the purchase and sale of our securities by our employees including our named executive officers. We have no executive stock ownership guidelines for directors or executive officers.

Tax and Accounting Treatment of Compensation
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 limits the U.S. federal income tax deductibility of certain annual compensation payments in excess of $1 million to a company’s chief executive officer or to any of its four other most highly compensated executive officers. The compensation paid to certain of our senior executive officers in 2007 exceeded the $1 million threshold under Section 162(m). Accordingly, some of their non-cash compensation will not be deductible for federal and state income tax purposes. We believe that the limitation on the tax deductibility of such compensation will have a limited effect on the Company’s ultimate income tax liability given the availability of prior net operating losses.

Compensation Committee Report*
 
The Compensation Committee has submitted the following report for inclusion in this Annual Report:

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Annual Report with management. Based on the Compensation Committee’s review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Stuart Subotnick, Chairman
Richard Postma
Richard Shorten, Jr.

* The material in this report is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

70

Summary Compensation Table
 
The following summary compensation table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation earned by our named executive officers who served as such during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
 
Name and Principal Position
 
  Year  
 
Salary
($)  
 
Bonus
($) 
 
Stock
Awards ($)
(1)  
 
Option Awards
($) (2)  
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
 
Changes in Pension
Value
and Nonqualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings  
 
All Other
Compensation
($)  
 
Total
($)  
 
 
 
     
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
     
William G. LaPerch, President and Chief
   
2007
 
$
500,000
 
$
225,000
 
$
831,240
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
19,717
(3)
$
1,575,957
 
Executive Officer
   
2006
   
500,000
   
265,000
    
209,500
   
20,415
    
   
   
18,777
(10)
 
1,013,692
 
                                                                
Michael A. Doris,
   
2007
   
327,200
   
150,000
   
461,968
   
   
   
   
17,981
(4)
 
957,149
 
Former Senior Vice President
   
2006
   
318,867
   
125,000
   
172,301
   
16,842
   
   
   
17,678
(11)
 
650,688
 
and Chief Financial Officer (5) 
                                                       
   
                                                                  
Robert Sokota,
   
2007
   
315,000
   
175,000
   
461,968
   
   
   
   
17,023
(6)
 
968,991
 
Senior Vice President,
   
2006
     
315,000
        
130,000
        
172,301
      
16,842
       
      
       
16,435
(12)
   
650,578
    
General Counsel, 
                                                                   
Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary 
                                                                    
                                                                   
John Jacquay
   
2007
   
290,000
   
375,000
   
653,650
   
82,221
   
   
   
18,137
(7)
 
1,419,008
 
Senior Vice President,
   
2006
   
287,500
   
275,000
        
309,900
     
150,022
     
     
      
18,085
(13)
  
1,040,507
  
Sales & Marketing  
                                                                                                     
                                                                     
Rajiv Datta
   
2007
   
277,875
   
175,000
   
505,038
   
6,073
   
   
   
16,912
(8)
 
980,898
 
Senior Vice President
   
2006
      
254,000
        
160,000
       
183,290
        
24,419
       
        
        
15,455
(14)
    
637,164
  
Chief Technology Officer 
                                                                
                                                                   
Douglas Jendras
   
2007
   
260,662
   
175,000
   
480,492
   
6,073
   
 —
   
   
16,831
(9)
 
939,058
 
Senior Vice President,
   
2006
     
246,250
       
130,000
       
157,040
        
24,419
         
    
        
15,350
(15)
   
573,059
  
Operations 
                                                                 

(1)
Restricted stock units were granted on August 7, 2007 to Mr. LaPerch (20,000) and Messrs. Doris, Sokota, Jacquay, Datta and Jendras (10,000 each). These restricted stock units, other than those granted to Mr. Doris, vested on August 7, 2008. Those granted to Mr. Doris vested on March 4, 2008 upon the termination of his contract in accordance with the terms of the grant. These amounts do not reflect actual value realized by the recipient. In accordance with SEC rules, this column represents the dollar amount recognized by the Company for financial statement reporting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2007 for stock awards in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payments” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), excluding any estimate for forfeitures. No restricted stock units were granted in 2006. On December 28, 2007, common shares were delivered to each of the named executive officers pursuant to vested restricted stock units as follows:

   
Shares Delivered
 
Shares Purchased
by the Company
 
Total
 
William G. LaPerch
   
28,825
   
21,175
   
50,000
 
Michael A. Doris
   
23,707
   
17,415
   
41,122
 
Robert Sokota
   
23,041
   
18,081
   
41,122
 
John Jacquay
   
17,988
   
12,012
   
30,000
 
Rajiv Datta
   
15,758
   
12,367
   
28,125
 
Douglas Jendras
   
13,548
   
9,952
   
23,500
 

No stock awards were forfeited by the named executive officers in 2007. For additional information on the valuation assumptions underlying the value of these awards, see Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2)
No options awards were granted in 2007 and 2006. The amounts shown for prior grants do not reflect actual value realized by the recipient. In accordance with SEC rules, this column represents the dollar amount recognized by the Company for financial statement reporting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2007 for option awards in accordance with FAS 123R, excluding any estimate for forfeitures. No option awards were forfeited by the named executive officers in 2007. For additional information on the valuation assumptions underlying the value of these awards, see Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(3)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,539, life insurance premiums of $2,891, disability premiums of $1,014, 401(k) match of $2,250 and other of $1,023.

(4)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,539, life insurance premiums of $2,892, disability premiums of $300, and 401(k) match of $2,250.
   
(5)
Mr. Doris’ contract was terminated without cause on March 4, 2008.
   
(6)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,295 life insurance premiums of $1,185, disability premiums of $300, 401(k) match of $2,250 and other of $993.
   
(7)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,539, life insurance premiums of $3,448, disability premiums of $997, and other of $1,153.
   
(8)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,546, life insurance premiums of $1,015, disability premiums of $951, 401(k) match of $2,250 and other of $150.
   
(9)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,450, life insurance premiums of $1,049, disability premiums of $932, 401(k) match of $2,250 and other of $150.
   
(10)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,337, life insurance premiums of $2,821, disability premiums of $917, 401(k) match of $1,125 and other of $1,577.

71


(11)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,404, life insurance premiums of $2,821, disability premiums of $273, 401(k) match of $1,125 and other of $1,055.
   
(12)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,348, life insurance premiums of $1,151, disability premiums of $567, 401(k) match of $1,125 and other of $1,244.
   
(13)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,404, life insurance premiums of $3,377, disability premiums of $913, and other of $1,391.
 
 
(14)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,411, life insurance premiums of $1,015, disability premiums of $904, and 401(k) match of $1,125.
   
(15)
Includes health and welfare benefits of $12,315, life insurance premiums of $1,015, disability premiums of $895, and 401(k) match of $1,125.

Grants of Plan-Based Award
 
We made grants of restricted stock units under our Equity Incentive Plan to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2007 as follows:
    
Named Executive Officer
 
Number of RSUs Granted
 
Grant Date
 
Scheduled
Vesting Date
     
Grant Date
Fair Value
William G. LaPerch
   
20,000
   
August 7, 2007
   
August 7, 2008
  $
1,650,000   
Michael A. Doris
   
10,000
 
 
August, 7, 2007
   
 August 7, 2008*
  $
825,000
Robert Sokota
   
10,000
   
August 7, 2007
   
August 7, 2008
  $
825,000
John Jacquay
   
10,000
   
August 7, 2007
   
August 7, 2008
  $
825,000
Rajiv Datta
   
10,000
   
August 7, 2007
   
August 7, 2008
  $
825,000
Douglas Jendras
   
10,000
   
August 7, 2007
   
August 7, 2008
  $
825,000
 
* Mr. Doris’s stock award was fully vested upon the modification and termination of his contract on March 4, 2008. All of the other RSUs in the above table vested on August 7, 2008.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
 
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options and stock awards held by the named executive officers at December 31, 2007. This table excludes restricted stock units granted to Mr. LaPerch (50,000 plus an additional 7,000 per year under his three year contract, subject to the achievement of certain goals) and Messrs Sokota, Jacquay, Datta and Jendras (35,000 each) in September 2008.
 
 
 
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name  
 
Number of Securities
 Underlying 
Unexercised Options 
or Undelivered 
Restricted Stock Units 
(#) Exercisable
 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options 
(#) Unexercisable
 
Equity
 Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Unearned 
Options (#)  
 
Option 
Exercise 
Price 
($)  
 
Option 
Expiration 
Date  
 
Number of 
Options or 
Restricted 
Stock Units 
That Have 
Not Vested 
(#)  
 
Market 
Value of 
Shares or 
Stock Units 
That Have 
Not Vested 
($)  
 
Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Number of 
Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights That 
Have Not 
Vested (#)  
 
Equity Incentive 
Plan Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value
of Unearned 
Shares, Units
or Other Rights 
That Have Not 
Vested ($)
 
William G. LaPerch
   
20,000
(1)
 
──
   
──
 
$
20.95
   
09/10/13
   
──
   
──
 
$
──
 
$
──
 
 
   
20,000
(6)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
20,000
(6)
 
1,560,000
   
──
   
──
 
                                                         
Michael A. Doris
   
16,500
(1)
 
──
   
──
 
$
20.95
   
09/10/13
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
10,000
(7)
 
──
   
──
   
── 
   
──
   
10,000
(7)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
                                                 
Robert Sokota  
   
16,500
(1)
 
──
   
──
 
$
20.95
   
09/10/13
   
   
──
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
10,000
(6)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
10,000
(6)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
                                                 
John Jacquay
   
25,000
(2)
 
──
   
──
 
$
36.50
   
06/01/14
   
   
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
7,000
(4)
 
──
   
──
 
$
25.00
   
12/19/15
   
   
   
──
   
──
 
     
10,000
(6)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
10,000
(6)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
     
10,000
(8)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
10,000
(8)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
                                                         
Rajiv Datta 
   
10,000
(1)
 
──
   
──
 
$
20.95
   
09/12/13
   
   
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
4,000
(3)
 
──
   
──
 
$
36.50
   
05/13/14
   
   
   
──
   
──
 
     
80
(5)
 
──
   
──
 
$
25.00
   
12/19/15
   
   
   
──
   
──
 
     
1,875
(9)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
1,875
(9)
 
146,250
   
──
   
──
 
     
10,000
(6)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
10,000
(6)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
                                                         
Douglas Jendras
   
10,000
(1)
 
──
   
──
 
$
20.95
   
09/12/13
   
── 
   
──
   
──
   
──
 
 
   
4,000
(3)
 
──
   
──
 
$
36.50
   
05/13/14
   
──
 
 
──
   
──
   
──
 
   
80
(5)
  ──     ──  
$
25.00
   
12/19/15
    ──     ──     ──     ──  
     
2,500
(9)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
2,500
(9)  
195,000
   
──
   
──
 
     
10,000
(6)
 
──
   
──
   
──
   
──
   
10,000
(6)
 
780,000
   
──
   
──
 
 
72


 (1)
Represents options to purchase an equivalent number of shares of AboveNet, Inc. Common Stock. The options were granted in September 2003 and vested in three equal installments in September 2004, September 2005 and September 2006.

(2)
Represents options to purchase an equivalent number of shares of AboveNet, Inc. Common Stock. The options were granted on June 1, 2004 and vested in three equal installments on June 1, 2005, June 1, 2006 and June 1, 2007.

(3)
Represents options to purchase an equivalent number of shares of AboveNet, Inc. Common Stock. The options were granted on May 13, 2004 and vested in three equal installments on May 13, 2005, May 13, 2006 and May 13, 2007.

(4)
Represents options to purchase an equivalent number of shares of AboveNet, Inc. Common Stock. The options were granted on December 19, 2005 and vested in three equal installments on December 19, 2005, June 1, 2006 and June 1, 2007.

(5)
Represents options to purchase an equivalent number of shares of AboveNet’s common stock. The options vested in three equal installments on December 19, 2005, May 13, 2006 and May 13, 2007.

 (6)
Represents restricted stock units granted August 7, 2007 to Mr. LaPerch (20,000), Mr. Sokota (10,000), Mr. Datta (10,000), Mr. Jacquay (10,000) and Mr. Jendras (10,000). These restricted stock units vested on August 7, 2008.
 

(7)
Mr. Doris’ contract was terminated on March 4, 2008, at which time the 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007 became vested.

(8)
These restricted stock units vested June 1, 2008.

(9)
These restricted stock units vested May 13, 2008.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2007
 
 Mr. Doris’ contract was terminated March 4, 2008. In connection with the termination, Mr. Doris’ 10,000 restricted stock units became vested.
 
There were no options exercised by any of the Company's named executive officers during 2007.

Pension Benefits - Fiscal 2007
 
There were no pension benefits earned by the Company's named executive officers in the year ended December 31, 2007.

Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
 
The Company does not have any nonqualified defined contribution or other nonqualified deferred compensation plans covering its named executive officers.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
 
The below tables reflect payments to be made upon termination or change in control based upon the Prior Employment Agreements, which were in effect on December 31, 2007. Each of the named executive officers (except for Mr. Doris, whose contract was terminated on March 4, 2008) entered into a September 2008 Employment Agreement with the Company on September 2, 2008.
 
William G. LaPerch
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for William G. LaPerch, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Company’s Board of Directors, as if such termination took place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of 
Employment 
Agreement 
($)
 
Voluntary 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
For Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Without Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Change-in-Control 
and Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Disability on 
12/31/07
 ($)
 
Death on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation:
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
725,000
(1)  
$
725,000
(1)  
$
225,000
 
$
225,000
 
Stock Options (2)  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (3) 
   
   
   
   
1,560,000
   
1,560,000
   
1,560,000
   
1,560,000
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
13,553
   
13,553
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
2,891
(4)
 
2,891
(4)
 
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
2,301,444
 
$
2,301,444
 
$
1,785,000
 
$
2,785,000
 

(1)
Represents one year of severance at Mr. LaPerch’s 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $225,000.
   
(2)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. LaPerch were vested as of December 31, 2007.
   
(3)
Pursuant to the terms of the stock unit agreement, Mr. LaPerch’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability or death and upon a change-in-control. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 20,000 shares = $1,560,000 at 100% vesting).

73



(4)
Represents payment of life insurance premium.
   
(5)
Upon his death, Mr. LaPerch’s beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.

Michael A. Doris (6)
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Michael A. Doris, the Company’s former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as if such termination had taken place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of 
Employment 
Agreement 
($)
 
Voluntary 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
For Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Without Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)(6)
 
Change-in-Control 
and Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Disability on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Death on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
477,200
(1)  
$
477,200
(1)  
$
150,000
 
$
150,000
 
Stock Options (2)  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (3) 
   
   
   
   
780,000
   
780,000
   
780,000
   
780,000
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
12,839
   
12,839
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
2,892
(4)
 
2,892
(4)
 
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,272,931
 
$
1,272,931
 
$
930,000
 
$
1,930,000
 

(1)
Represents one year of severance at Mr. Doris’ 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $150,000.
   
(2)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Doris were vested as of December 31, 2007.
   
(3)
Pursuant to the terms of the stock unit agreement, Mr. Doris’ unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability or death or upon a change-in-control. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 shares = $780,000 at 100% vesting).
   
(4)
Represents payment of life insurance premium.
   
(5)
Upon his death, Mr. Doris’ beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.
   
(6)
On March 4, 2008, Mr. Doris’ employment contract was modified and then terminated. Pursuant to the modification, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Doris upon termination (i) $327,200, (ii) all salary and bonuses earned but not yet paid, (iii) all accrued and unused paid time off days, and (iv) health and welfare benefits for eighteen (18) months, and to execute and deliver a consulting agreement with Mr. Doris. The consulting agreement provides that in exchange for Mr. Doris’ provision of consulting services to the Company for a period of nine months, Mr. Doris shall be paid (i) $6,292.31 per week and (ii) to the extent not previously paid under Mr. Doris’ employment agreement, (a) a bonus of $50,000 (the “2006 Filing Bonus”) within ten (10) days after the Company completes and files with the SEC a Form 10-K with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and (b) a bonus of $50,000 (the “2007 Filing Bonus”) within ten (10) days after the Company completes and files with the SEC either a Form 10-K or a Form 8-K with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and in the event that the 2006 Filing Bonus has not been paid as of the time that the 2007 Filing Bonus is paid, then the 2006 Filing Bonus shall be paid at such time as well. In addition, Mr. Doris’ stock unit agreement dated as of August 7, 2007 was amended to provide that (i) the shares underlying the 10,000 restricted stock units (which became vested upon his termination without cause) shall be delivered to Mr. Doris on January 5, 2009 and (ii) the Company shall repurchase at the market price such number of shares as required to meet the Company’s estimate of Mr. Doris’ federal and state income taxes due with respect to the delivery of the restricted stock units. The aggregate value of the benefits received were as follows:
 
Salary and Bonuses
 
$
603,430
 
Accrued Paid Time Off
   
10,535
 
Consulting Fee
   
245,400
 
Restricted Stock
   
730,000
* 
Benefits and Perquisites
   
28,616
 
Life Insurance
   
4,658
 
Total
 
$
1,622,639
 

* Based upon the closing price of AboveNet’s stock on March 4, 2008.

74


Robert Sokota
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Robert Sokota, the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, as if such termination had taken place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of 
Employment 
Agreement 
($)
 
Voluntary 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
For Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Without Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Change-in-Control 
and Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Disability on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Death on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
490,000
(1)  
$
490,000
(1)  
$
175,000
 
$
175,000
 
Stock Options (2) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (3) 
   
   
   
   
780,000
   
780,000
   
780,000
   
780,000
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
12,595
   
12,595
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
1,185
(4)
 
1,185
(4)
 
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,283,780
 
$
1,283,780
 
$
955,000
 
$
1,955,000
 

(1)
Represents one year of severance at Mr. Sokota’s 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $175,000.

(2)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Sokota were vested as of December 31, 2007.

(3)
Pursuant to the terms of the stock unit agreement, Mr. Sokota’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability or death or upon a change-in-control. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 shares = $780,000 at 100% vesting).

(4)
Represents payment of life insurance premium.

(5)
Upon his death, Mr. Sokota’s beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.

John Jacquay
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for John Jacquay, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, as if such termination had taken place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon 
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of 
Employment 
Agreement 
($)
 
Voluntary 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
For Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Without Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Change-in-Control 
and Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Disability on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Death on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
290,000
(1)  
$
665,000
(2)  
$
 
$
 
Stock Options (3) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (4) 
   
   
   
   
1,560,000
   
1,170,000
   
1,560,000
   
1,560,000
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,850,000
 
$
1,835,000
 
$
1,560,000
 
$
2,560,000
 

(1)
Represents one year of severance at Mr. Jacquay’s 2007 annual base salary.

(2)
Represents one year of severance at Mr. Jacquay’s 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $375,000. Mr. Jacquay’s contract provides for accrued unpaid bonuses for the year of termination if terminated without cause within one year of a change-in-control.

(3)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Jacquay were vested at December 31, 2007.

(4)
Pursuant to the terms of the June 1, 2004 stock unit agreement, Mr. Jacquay’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability or death and 50% vested upon a change-in-control. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 shares = $780,000 at 100% vesting, and $78.00 x 5,000 shares = $390,000 at 50% vesting). Pursuant to the August 7, 2007 stock unit agreement, Mr. Jacquay’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested upon a change-in-control, death, disability or termination without cause. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table at the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 = $780,000 at 100% vesting).

(5)
Upon his death, Mr. Jacquay’s beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.

75


Rajiv Datta
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Rajiv Datta, the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, as if such termination had taken place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon 
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of 
Employment 
Agreement 
($)
 
Voluntary 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
For Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Without Cause 
Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Change-in-Control 
and Termination on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Disability on 
12/31/07 
($)
 
Death on 
12/31/06 
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation:  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
360,250
(1) 
$
360,250
(1) 
$
 
$
 
Stock Options (2)  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (3)  
   
   
   
   
889,688
   
926,250
   
889,688
   
926,250
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
8,998
   
8,998
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
676
(4)
 
676
(4)
 
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,259,612
 
$
1,296,174
 
$
889,688
 
$
1,926,250
 

(1)
Represents eight months of severance based upon Mr. Datta’s 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $175,000.

(2)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Datta were vested at December 31, 2007.

(3)
Pursuant to the terms of the May 13, 2004 stock unit agreement, Mr. Datta’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested upon a change-in-control or death and 75% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 1,875 shares = $146,250) at 100% vesting and $78.00 x 1,406 shares = $109,688 at 75% vesting). Pursuant to the August 7, 2007 stock unit agreement, Mr. Datta’s unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested upon a change-in-control, death, disability or termination without cause. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table at the December 31,2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 = $780,000 at 100% vesting).

(4)
Represents payment of life insurance premium.

(5)
Upon his death, Mr. Datta’s beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.

Douglas Jendras
 
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Douglas Jendras, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Operations, as if such termination had taken place on December 31, 2007.
 
Executive Benefits upon
Payments Upon Separation
 
Expiration of
Employment
Agreement
($)
 
Voluntary
Termination
on 12/31/07
($)
 
For Cause
Termination
on 12/31/07
($)
 
Without Cause
Termination
on 12/31/07
($)
 
Change-in-Control
and Termination on
12/31/07
($)
 
Disability on
12/31/07
($)
 
Death on
12/31/07
($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash Severance – Salary and Bonus  
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
305,331
(1)  
$
305,331
(1)  
$
 
$
 
Stock Options (2) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Restricted Stock (3) 
   
   
   
   
877,500
   
975,000
   
877,500
   
975,000
 
Benefits and Perquisites  
   
   
   
   
6,691
   
6,691
   
   
 
Life Insurance  
   
   
   
   
524
(4)
 
524
(4)
 
   
1,000,000
(5)
Total 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,190,046
 
$
1,287,546
 
$
877,500
 
$
1,975,000
 

(1)
Represents six months of severance based upon Mr. Jendras’ 2007 annual base salary plus his 2007 bonus of $175,000.

(2)
All options to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Jendras were vested at December 31, 2007.

(3)
Pursuant to the terms of the May 13, 2004 stock unit agreement, Mr. Jendras’ unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested upon a change-in-control or death and 50% vested if he was terminated without cause or for disability. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table using the December 31, 2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 2,500 shares = $195,000 at 100% vesting and $78.00 x 1,250 shares = $97,500 at 50% vesting). Pursuant to the August 7, 2007 stock unit agreement, Mr. Jendras’ unvested restricted stock units would become 100% vested upon a change-in-control, death, disability or termination without cause. The shares underlying the restricted stock units have been valued in the above table at the December 31,2007 closing market price of our common stock of $78.00 per share ($78.00 x 10,000 = $780,000 at 100% vesting).
 
76


(4)
Represents payment of life insurance premium.

(5)
Upon his death, Mr. Jendras’ beneficiary would receive the proceeds of a $1,000,000 life insurance policy.

Director Compensation
 
The Company uses a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties to the Company, as well as the skill-level required by the Company of members of the Board.  

Non-employee members of the Board are entitled to receive an annual retainer fee of $60,000, payable quarterly in arrears. In addition, the Chairperson of the Board receives an additional annual retainer of $30,000 and the Chairperson of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000, both payable quarterly in arrears. Non-employee members of the Board are entitled to a $2,500 meeting fee for every Board or committee meeting attended in person and for every telephonic meeting exceeding one hour. Additionally, members receive a meeting fee of $500 for every telephonic Board or committee meeting that is less than one hour. The Chairperson of the Strategy Committee, which was created in September 2007, is entitled to an annual retainer of $80,000 payable quarterly in arrears.

Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in their service as directors.  Directors who are employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for their service as directors of the Company.

Mr. Embler contributes all of his director’s fees received to the funds managed by FMA holding Company securities.

Director Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007:
 
Name  
 
Fees Earned or 
Paid in Cash 
($)  
          
Stock Awards 
($) (4)
 
Option Awards 
($)
 
Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation 
($)  
 
Change in Pension Value 
and Nonqualified 
Deferred Compensation 
Earnings($)  
 
All Other Compensation ($)
 
  Total
($)
 
Jeffrey Brodsky
 
$
122,500
(1)(2)
$
240,625
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
363,125
 
Michael J. Embler  
   
77,000
(1)
$
240,625
   
   
   
   
 
$
317,625
 
Richard Postma  
   
90,000
(1)
$
240,625
   
   
   
   
 
$
330,625
 
Richard Shorten, Jr.  
   
131,500
(1)(3)
$
240,625
   
   
   
   
 
$
372,125
 
Stuart Subotnick
   
86,000
(1)
$
240,625
   
   
   
   
 
$
326,625
 
 
 
$
507,000
 
$
1,203,125
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
1,710,125
 

(1)
Includes $60,000 annual service retainer plus meeting attendance fees.
   
(2)
Includes $30,000 for services performed as Chairman of the Board and $10,000 for services performed as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
   
(3)
Includes $40,000 for services performed as Chairman of the Strategy Committee.
   
(4)
On August 7, 2007, each of Messrs. Brodsky, Embler, Postma, Shorten and Subotnick was granted 7,000 restricted stock units, which vested on August 7, 2008. These amounts do not reflect actual value realized by the recipient. No value was realized by any directors in 2007. In accordance with the SEC rules, this column represents the dollar amount recognized by the Company for financial statement reporting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2007 for such restricted stock units in accordance with FAS 123R, excluding any estimate for forfeitures. No option awards were granted in 2007 and no awards were forfeited by the non-employee directors in 2007. For additional information on the valuation assumptions underlying the value of these awards, see Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Pursuant to FMA’s internal policy, all non-cash compensation issued to Mr. Embler in connection with his service on the Board of Directors will be distributed directly to funds managed by FMA holding Company securities, when so available.

The above table excludes reimbursements for Board related expenses totaling $6,451.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
During 2007, none of the members of our Compensation Committee (Messrs. Subotnick, Postma and Shorten), (i) served as an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, (ii) was formerly an officer of the Company or its subsidiaries or (iii) entered into any transactions with the Company or its subsidiaries, other than stock option agreements and restricted stock unit agreements. During 2007, none of our executive officers (i) served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee, (ii) served as director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee, or (iii) served as member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company.

77


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The following table sets forth, as of August 31, 2008, certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock by (a) each person or entity who is known to us owning beneficially 5% or more of our common stock, (b) each of our directors, (c) each of our named executive officers and (d) all executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders shown in the table below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table below is c/o AboveNet, Inc., 360 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601. As used in this table, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, such security or (ii) investment power which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, such security. In addition, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security within 60 days of August 31, 2008.
 
Name of Beneficial Owner 
 
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned 
 
Percentage
of Common Stock (1) 
 
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
101 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078  
   
2,468,229
(2)
 
22.6
%
               
Fiber LLC
2300 Carillow Point
Kirkland, WA 98033  
   
1,514,191
(3)
 
14.1
%
               
JGD Management Corp. and affiliated persons
c/o York Capital Management
767 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10153
   
1,606,052
(4)
 
14.7
%
               
JWK Enterprises, LLC
c/o Metromedia Company
810 7th Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, NY 10019  
   
1,220,304
(5)
 
11.3
%
               
Stonehill Capital Management LLC and affiliated persons
805 Third Avenue, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10022  
   
845,203
(6)
 
7.9
%
               
Jeffrey Brodsky  
   
10,000
(7)
 
*
 
               
Michael Embler  
   
(8)
 
*
 
               
Richard Postma  
   
10,000
(7)
 
*
 
               
Richard Shorten, Jr.  
   
10,000
(7)
 
*
 
               
Stuart Subotnick  
   
10,000
(7)
 
*
 
               
William G. LaPerch  
   
68,825
(9)
 
*
 
               
Michael A. Doris  
   
50,207
(10)
 
*
 
               
Robert Sokota  
   
49,541
(11)
 
*
 
               
John Jacquay
   
65,984
(12)
 
*
 
               
Rajiv Datta
   
40,919
(13)
 
*
 
               
Douglas Jendras
   
39,069
(14)
 
*
 
               
Joseph P. Ciavarella  
   
   
*
 
               
All directors and executive officers as a group (twelve persons) 
   
354,545
(15)
 
3.2
%
 
 *Less than 1%
 
(1)
The applicable percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 10,974,760 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2008 plus, with respect to each person, any shares of common stock that may be acquired by exercise of stock options, or other rights to acquire common stock within 60 days of August 31, 2008.

(2)
Includes 2,363,463 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 94,766 shares of common stock at $24 per share. Franklin Mutual Advisors, LLC (“FMA”) has sole voting and investment discretion over these securities pursuant to investment management contracts. FMA disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by its investment management clients. Mr. Embler disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares described above. Also includes options to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock granted to Mr. Embler, which he holds as a nominee of FMA and disclaims any beneficial ownership and 7,000 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Embler on August 7, 2007, which vested on August 8, 2008, which he holds as a nominee of FMA and disclaims any beneficial ownership. All the common stock is beneficially owned by one or more open-end investment companies or other accounts managed by FMA. Excludes 500 restricted stock units and options to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock granted to Mr. Embler on September 8, 2008, which vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
 
78



(3)
Based on information contained in a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2007 by Fiber LLC, Craig McCaw and Eagle River Holdings, LLC.

(4)
Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 6) filed by JGD Management Corp. (“JGD”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008.  Includes (i) 103,378 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 18,889 shares of common stock directly owned by York Capital Management, L.P. (“York Capital”); (ii) 343,900 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 9,637 shares of common stock directly owned by York Investment Limited (“York Investment”); (iii) 190,780  shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 34,244 shares of common stock directly owned by York Select, L.P. (“York Select”); (iv) 64,811 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 20,521 shares of common stock directly owned by York Credit Opportunities Fund, L.P. (“York Credit Opportunities”); (v) 202,940  shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 50,431 shares of common stock directly owned by York Select Unit Trust (“York Select Trust”); (vi) 138,444 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 9,505 shares of common stock directly owned by York Global Value Partners, L.P. (“York Global Value”); (vii) 161,821 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 2,055 shares of common stock directly owned by York Enhanced Strategies Fund, LLC (“York Enhanced Strategies”);  (viii) 572 shares of common stock directly owned by York Long Enhanced Fund, L.P. (“York Long Enhanced”) (ix) 138,999 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 44,012 shares of common stock directly owned by York Credit Opportunities Unit Trust (“York Unit Trust”) and (x) 67,272 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 3,841 shares of common stock directly owned by certain managed accounts (the “Managed Accounts”). The general partners of York Capital, York Select, York Credit Opportunities, York Global Value and York Long Enhanced and the managers of York Investment, York Select Trust and York Enhanced Strategies have delegated certain management and administrative duties of such funds to JGD. In addition, JGD manages the Managed Accounts.
 
(5)
Includes 1,194,182 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 26,122 shares of common stock at $24 per share. During 2008, the Kluge Trust transferred its ownership interest in the Company to JWK Enterprises, LLC, an entity affiliated with John W. Kluge.
 
(6)
Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 1) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2008 by (i) Stonehill Capital Management LLC (“Stonehill Management”) as to 845,203 shares of common stock; (ii) Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P. (“Stonehill Partners”) as to 412,301 shares of common stock; (iii) Stonehill Offshore Partners Limited (“Stonehill Offshore”) as to 432,902 shares of common stock; (iv) Stonehill Advisers LLC (“Stonehill Advisers”) as to 432,902 shares of common stock; (v) Stonehill General Partner, LLC (“Stonehill GP”) as to 412,301 shares of common stock; (vi) John Motulsky (“Motulsky”) as to 845,203 shares of common stock; (vii) Christopher Wilson (“Wilson”) as to  845,203 shares of common stock; (viii) Wayne Teetsel (“Teetsel”) as to 845,203 shares of common stock; (ix) Thomas Varkey (“Varkey”) as to 845,203 shares of common stock and (x) Jonathan Sacks (“Sacks”) as to  845,203 shares of common stock. Stonehill Advisers is the investment adviser to Stonehill Offshore. Stonehill Management is the investment adviser to Stonehill Partners and Stonehill Offshore. Stonehill GP is the general partner of Stonehill Partners. Motulsky, Wilson, Teetsel, Varkey and Sacks are managing members of Stonehill GP, Stonehill Management and Stonehill Advisers.
 
(7)
Includes fully vested options to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock and 7,000 shares underlying restricted stock units. Excludes 500 restricted stock units and options to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock granted September 8, 2008, which vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
 
(8)
In accordance with FMA’s internal policy, all cash and non-cash compensation issued to Mr. Embler in connection with his service on the Board of Directors will be distributed directly to advisory clients of FMA when so available. See footnote (2) above.

(9)
Includes 28,825 shares underlying restricted stock units delivered on December 28, 2007, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock and 20,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 50,000 restricted units granted September 8, 2008, of which 15,000 are scheduled to vest on the anniversary of the date of grant, 5,000 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 30,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Additionally, this amount excludes 21,000 restricted stock units that Mr. LaPerch may earn in 2010, 2011 and 2012 based upon the achievement of certain performance targets.

(10)
Includes 23,707 shares underlying restricted stock units delivered on December 28, 2007, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 16,500 shares of common stock and 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which were originally scheduled to vest one year from the date of grant but were accelerated on March 4, 2008, when Mr. Doris’ employment contract was amended and terminated. See “Potential Payouts Upon Termination or Change of Control - Michael A. Doris.”

(11)
Includes 23,041 shares underlying restricted stock units delivered on December 28, 2007, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 16,500 shares of common stock and 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 35,000 restricted stock units granted September 8, 2008, of which 10,500 are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 3,500 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 21,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(12)
Includes 17,988 shares delivered on December 28, 2007, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, 5,996 shares delivered on June 1, 2008, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 32,000 shares of common stock and 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 35,000 restricted stock units granted September 8, 2008, of which 10,500 are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 3,500 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 21,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(13)
Includes 15,758 shares delivered on December 28, 2007, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, 1,081 shares delivered on May 13, 2008, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 14,080 shares of common stock and 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 35,000 restricted stock units granted September 8, 2008, of which 10,500 are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 3,500 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 21,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(14)
Includes 13,548 shares delivered on December 28, 2007, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, 1,441 shares delivered on May 13, 2008, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 14,080 shares of common stock and 10,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 35,000 restricted stock units granted September 8, 2008, of which 10,500 are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 3,500 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 21,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(15)
Includes 131,385 shares delivered on December 28, 2007, pursuant to vested restricted stock units, fully vested and exercisable options to purchase 128,160 shares of common stock, 10,000 restricted stock units, which vested on March 4, 2008 upon Mr. Doris’ employment contract termination and 88,000 restricted stock units granted on August 7, 2007, which vested August 7, 2008. Excludes 190,000 restricted stock units granted September 8, 2008, of which 57,000 are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 19,000 are scheduled to vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 114,000 are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
 
79

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Table of Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan
 
 The following table sets forth the indicated information regarding our equity compensation plan and arrangements as of December 31, 2007.
 
Plan category (1)
 
Number of Securities to be 
Issued Upon Exercise of 
Outstanding Options and 
Restricted Stock Units (2)
 
Weighted Average 
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding Options and 
Restricted Stock Units (2)
 
Number of Securities Remaining 
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plan 
(Excluding Securities Reflected in the 
First Column) (3)
 
Equity compensation plan approved by security holders
   
 
$
   
 
Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders
   
701,822
   
27.48
   
11,293
 
Total
   
701,822
 
$
27.48
   
11,293
 

 
(1)
Excludes shares available under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, described below.
     
 
(2) 
Includes 229,875 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units. The weighted average exercise price does not take into account the shares to be delivered in connection with these outstanding restricted stock units, which have no exercise price.
     
 
(3)
Excludes warrants granted to creditors as part of settled bankruptcy claims, as follows:
  
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Total Warrants 
Originally Issued
 
Warrants Exercised as of 
December 31, 2007
 
Unexercised Warrants 
Outstanding
 at December 31, 2007
 
Five year stock purchase warrants
 
$
20.00
   
709,459
   
33,119
   
676,340
 
Seven year stock purchase warrants
 
$
24.00
   
834,658
   
29,097
   
805,561
 

The above table does not take into consideration five year warrants to purchase 10 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 12 shares of common stock that were unclaimed and were cancelled at the conclusion of our bankruptcy case and five year warrants to purchase 25 shares of common stock that were cancelled in accordance with instructions from the warrant holder.

Under the terms of the five year and seven year warrant agreements (collectively, the “Warrant Agreements”), if the market price of our common stock, as defined in the respective Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, was greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company was required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the warrants would be deemed to have been exercised pursuant to the net exercise provisions of the respective Warrant Agreements (the “Net Exercise”), unless the warrant holder elected, by written notice, to not exercise its warrants. Under the Net Exercise, shares issued to the warrant holders would be reduced by the number of shares necessary to cover the aggregate exercise price of the shares, valuing such shares at the current market price, as defined in the Warrant Agreements. Any fractional shares, otherwise issuable, would be paid in cash. The expiration date for the five year warrants was September 8, 2008. Accordingly, five year warrants to purchase 158,874 shares of common stock were deemed exercised pursuant to the Net Exercise, of which 106,456 shares were issued to the warrant holders, 52,418 shares were returned to treasury and $4,295 was paid to recipients for fractional shares. In addition, five year warrants to purchase 25 shares of common stock were cancelled in accordance with instructions from the warrant holder.

Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
On August 29, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. Any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or subsidiary of the Company selected by the Compensation Committee is eligible to receive awards under the 2008 Plan. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted and unrestricted stock units and stock appreciation rights may be awarded to eligible participants on a stand alone, combination or tandem basis. 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan in accordance with its terms. The number of shares available for grant and the terms of outstanding grants are subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other capital adjustments as provided in the 2008 Plan.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Independence of the Board of Directors
 
The NASDAQ Market Place Rules listing standards require that a majority of the members of a listed company’s directors must qualify as “independent,” as affirmatively determined by the Board. While we are not currently listed on NASDAQ, the Board nevertheless consults with the our counsel to ensure that the Board’s determinations are consistent with relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent,” including those set forth in pertinent listing standards of the NASDAQ Market Place Rules, as in effect from time to time.

Consistent with these considerations, after review of all relevant transactions or relationships between each director, or any of his or her family members, and the Company, its senior management and its independent registered public accountants, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that the following directors are independent directors within the meaning of the applicable NASDAQ Market Place Rules listing standards: Jeff Brodsky, Michael Embler, Richard Postma, Richard Shorten and Stuart Subotnick. In making this determination, the Board found that none of these directors had a material or other disqualifying relationship with the Company. William LaPerch is not an independent director by virtue of his employment with the Company.

In determining the independence of Mr. Brodsky, the Board took into account that the Company made a payment of $1.5 million to Comdisco Holding, Inc. in March 2004 at a time when Mr. Brodsky served as a member of the Board of Directors of Comdisco. Mr. Brodsky resigned from the Board of Directors of Comdisco in July 2004. The payment to Comdisco was made pursuant to a settlement agreement between Comdisco and us that related to a dispute that arose prior to our bankruptcy filing. Mr. Brodsky had no involvement in the settlement of such dispute, the settlement agreement of which was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The payment by the Company to Comdisco represented less than 2% of Comdisco’s fiscal 2004 revenue.

In determining the independence of Mr. Postma, the Board took into account that we sell certain fiber services to US Signal, LLC, a company principally owned by Mr. Postma and for which he serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. We invoiced US Signal for fiber services totaling $104,150 in 2005, $111,360 in 2006 and $274,557 in 2007. Our transactions with US Signal have been approved or ratified by the Board of Directors (without Mr. Postma participating) and are priced consistently with our pricing for other customers. Mr. Postma had no involvement in the negotiation of these fiber services agreements.

80


In determining the independence of Mr. Subotnick, the Board took into account that we provided co-location services to Metromedia Connections, Inc., a company with which Mr. Subotnick has an indirect ownership interest and management role. In connection with providing those services, Metromedia Connections, Inc. paid us $65,877 in 2005.

In determining the independence of Mr. Shorten, the Board took into account that we provided network planning services to First Avenue Networks, Inc., a company for which Mr. Shorten served as non-executive Chairman of the Board and a member of the Board of Directors. In connection with the provision of those services, First Avenue Networks, Inc. paid us $24,349 and we paid First Avenue Networks $42,646 in connection with the partial reimbursement for a consultant jointly retained by us and First Avenue Networks, both payments occurring in 2005.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the Company by BDO Seidman, LLP through August 31, 2008 for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were:
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Audit Fees
 
$
1,180,465
 
$
3,800,802
 
Audit Related Fees
   
   
 
Tax Fees
   
   
412,030
 
All Other Fees
   
1,500
   
12,850
 
Total
 
$
1,181,965
 
$
4,225,682
 

The table below represents fees incurred by service year (when the service was provided) for each relevant audit period. We recognize audit fees in our operating results as the services are provided. The information for 2008 is for services rendered through August 31, 2008.
 
   
Year Incurred
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
Total
 
Audit Fees 2003 - 2005
 
$
 
$
3,891,443
 
$
1,955,490
 
$
5,846,933
 
Audit Fees 2006
   
1,835,720
   
1,772,182
   
192,900
   
3,800,802
 
Audit Fees 2007
   
860,465
   
320,000
   
   
1,180,465
 
Tax Fees
   
   
388,930
   
23,100
   
412,030
 
All Other Fees
   
1,500
   
10,850
   
2,000
   
14,350
 
Total
 
$
2,697,685
 
$
6,383,405
 
$
2,173,490
 
$
11,254,580
 

Audit Fees. As discussed in Item 9, “Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure,” in August 2006, BDO Seidman, LLP (“BDO”) was engaged to audit the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and for the period from September 8, 2003 to December 31, 2003. In May 2008, BDO was engaged to audit the Company’s financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Audit Fees for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements as described above.

Audit Related Fees. Audit Related Fees are typically for due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions. There were no such fees for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Tax Fees. Tax Fees for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were for services related to tax compliance, including the preparation of tax returns and claims for refund, tax planning and advice, including assistance with and representation in tax audits and appeals, and advice related to mergers and acquisitions.

All Other Fees. These fees were for consulting services related to certain compensatory stock matters for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  

Auditor Independence.   The Audit Committee has considered the non-audit services provided by BDO Seidman, LLP and determined that the provision of such services had no effect on BDO Seidman, LLP's independence from the Company.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures. The Audit Committee must review and pre-approve all audits and, except as provided below, non-audit services provided by BDO Seidman, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. In conducting reviews of audit and non-audit services, the Audit Committee will determine whether the provision of such services would impair BDO Seidman’s independence. The Audit Committee will only pre-approve services, which it believes will not impair BDO Seidman’s independence. The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chairman authority to pre-approve all non-audit related services. All services are subsequently communicated to the Audit Committee.

All non-audit services were preapproved.

81


PART IV
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
1.
Financial Statements

For a list of the financial statements of the Company included in this report, please see Index to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing at the beginning of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

2.
Financial Statement Schedules 

The following Financial Statement Schedule is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
AboveNet, Inc.
White Plains, New York

The audits referred to in our report dated September 29, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements of AboveNet, Inc., which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, also included the audit of the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

/s/     BDO Seidman, LLP
 
New York, NY
September 29, 2008
 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in millions)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
   
Balance at
beginning
of period
 
Additions 
charged to
costs and
expenses
 
Additions 
charged to 
other accounts
 
Deductions
 
Balance at
end of
period
 
2007
                       
Reserve for uncollectible accounts and sales credits
 
$
1.2
 
$
0.5
 
$
 
$
(1.0
)
$
0.7
 
Deferred tax valuation allowance
 
$
809.6
 
$
  $
 
$
(8.7
)
$
800.9
 
2006
                     
Reserve for uncollectible accounts and sales credits
 
$
1.8
 
$
0.5
 
$
 
$
(1.1
)
$
1.2
 
Deferred tax valuation allowance
 
$
729.2
 
$
80.4
 
$
 
$
 
$
809.6
 
2005
                       
Reserve for uncollectible accounts and sales credits
 
$
1.3
 
$
0.3
 
$
0.2
 
$
 
$
1.8
 
Deferred tax valuation allowance
 
$
757.4
 
$
 
$
 
$
(28.2
)
$
729.2
 

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information is disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.

 
3.
Exhibits

Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 29, 2003 and effective as of August 29, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2003).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws adopted as of September 8, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2003).
     
3.3 
 
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2006).
 
82

 
4.1
 
Form of Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
4.2
 
Standstill Agreement dated as of August 2003, by and between Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., John W. Kluge, the trust established pursuant to that certain Trust Agreement, dated May 30, 1984, as amended and restated and supplemented, between John W. Kluge, as Grantor and Stuart Subotnick, John W. Kluge and Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustees and Stuart Subotnick (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
4.3
 
Warrant Agreement dated as of December 3, 2003, by and among the Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent (with a form of Five Year Warrant Certificate attached thereto) (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2004).
     
4.4
 
Warrant Agreement dated as of December 3, 2003, by and among the Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent (with a form of Seven Year Warrant Certificate attached thereto) (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2004).
     
4.5
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 1, 2004, by and among AboveNet, Inc. and Fiber LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC and the Trust established pursuant to that certain Trust Agreement, dated May 30, 1984, as amended and restated and supplemented, between John W. Kluge, as Grantor and Stuart Subotnick, John W. Kluge and Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustees (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
4.6
 
Rights Agreement dated as of August 3, 2006, between AboveNet, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, including Form of Right Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2006).
     
4.7
 
Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of August 7, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2008).
     
4.8
 
Standstill Agreement dated as of August 7, 2008, by and among AboveNet, Inc., JGD Management Corp., HFR ED Select Fund IV Master Trust, Lyxor/York Fund Limited, Permal York Limited, York Capital Management, L.P., York Credit Opportunities Fund, L.P., York Credit Opportunities Unit Trust, York Enhanced Strategies Fund, LLC, York Global Value Partners, L.P., York Investment Limited, York Long Enhanced Fund, L.P., York Select, L.P., York Select Unit Trust and certain accounts managed by JGD Management Corp. that hold securities of AboveNet, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2008).
     
4.9
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Standstill Agreement dated as of April 25, 2008, by and among AboveNet, Inc., John W. Kluge, that certain Fourteenth Restatement of Trust Agreement, dated May 30, 1984, between John W. Kluge, as Grantor, and John W. Kluge and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. of New York, as original trustees, dated April 4, 2008, Stuart Subotnick and JWK Enterprises LLC.
     
10.1
 
Agreement of Lease dated as of December 30, 1994, by and between Hudson Telegraph Associates L.P., as Landlord and F. Garofalo Electric Co., Inc. and National Fiber Network, Inc., as Tenant, and Letter dated as of July 1, 2005 regarding transfer of property ownership from Hudson Telegraph Associates, L.P. to Hudson Owner LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.2
 
Agreement of Lease dated as of April 23, 1999, by and between 111 Eighth Avenue LLC, as Landlord and Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc., as Tenant, including amendments dated as of October 18, 2000, March 13, 2003 and March 1, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.3
 
Agreement of Lease dated as of October 1, 1999, by and between Newport Office Center I Co., as Landlord and Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc., as Tenant, and related Right-of-Entry License Agreement and Facilities Management License Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.4
 
Amended and Restated Franchise Agreement dated as of February 28, 2000, by and between The City of New York and Metromedia Fiber Network NYC, Inc. and Stipulation, Agreement and Order by and among the Reorganized Debtors and The New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Concerning Franchise Agreement, effective January 1, 2004 and approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court on July 12, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.5
**
Fiber Lease Agreement dated as of April 26, 2002, by and between Williams Communications, LLC and Metromedia Fiber National Network, Inc., including amendments dated as of October 10, 2002, February 14, 2003 and October 8, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.6
**
Collocation and Maintenance Agreement dated as of April 26, 2002, by and between Williams Communications, LLC and Metromedia Fiber National Network, Inc., including amendments dated as of October 10, 2002 and February 14, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.7
*
2003 Incentive Stock Option and Stock Unit Grant Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.8
*
Employment Agreement made on August 29, 2003, and effective as of the effective date of the Second Amended Plan of Reorganization of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., dated July 1, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William G. LaPerch, including amendments dated as of January 1, 2004 and December 30, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.9
*
Employment Agreement made on August 31, 2003, and effective as of the effective date of the Second Amended Plan of Reorganization of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., dated July 1, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert J. Sokota, including amendment dated as of December 30, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
 
83


10.10
*
Employment Agreement made on August 31, 2003, and effective as of the effective date of the Second Amended Plan of Reorganization of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., dated July 1, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael A. Doris, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and March 4, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008).
     
10.11
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William G. LaPerch (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.12
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert J. Sokota (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.13
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael A. Doris, including amendment dated as of March 4, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008).
     
10.14
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William G. LaPerch, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.15
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert J. Sokota, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.16
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael A. Doris, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.17
*
Employment Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta, including amendment dated as of December 30, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.18
*
Employment Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras, including amendment dated as of December 30, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.19
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.20
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas M. Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.21
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.22
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas M. Jendras, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.23
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2003, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.24
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of May 13, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.25
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of May 13, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.26
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of May 13, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.27
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of May 13, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas M. Jendras, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.28
*
Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and August 27, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.29
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of June 1, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.30
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of June 1, 2004, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay, including amendments dated as of December 30, 2005 and December 30, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
 
84


10.31
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 19, 2005, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.32
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 19, 2005, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.33
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 19, 2005, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.34
 
Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2006, by and between AboveNet Communications, Inc. and Digital Above, LLC (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2006).
     
10.35
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.36
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert Sokota (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.37
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael A. Doris, including amendment dated as of March 4, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008).
     
10.38
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.39
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.40
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2007, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008).
     
10.41
 
Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of February 29, 2008, among AboveNet, Inc., AboveNet Communications, Inc., AboveNet of Utah, LLC, AboveNet of VA, LLC, AboveNet International, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent, and CIT Lending Services Corporation, as Documentation Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2008).
     
10.42
 
Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of February 29, 2008, among AboveNet, Inc., AboveNet Communications, Inc., AboveNet of Utah, LLC, AboveNet of VA, LLC, AboveNet International, Inc., and Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2008).
     
10.43
*
Separation of Employment and General Release Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008, by and between AboveNet Communications, Inc. and Michael A. Doris (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008).
     
10.44
*
Consulting Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008, between AboveNet Communications, Inc. and Michael A. Doris (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008).
     
10.45
*
AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 5, 2008).
     
10.46
*
Employment Agreement effective as of September 2, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008).
     
10.47
*
Employment Agreement effective as of September 2, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert Sokota (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008).
     
10.48
*
Employment Agreement effective as of September 2, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008).
     
10.49
*
Employment Agreement effective as of September 2, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008).
     
10.50
*
Employment Agreement effective as of September 2, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008).
     
10.51
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch.
     
10.52
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch.
     
10.53
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert Sokota.
     
10.54
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay.
     
10.55
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta.
     
10.56
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Doug Jendras.
     
 
85


10.57
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Jeffrey Brodsky.
     
10.58
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael Embler.
     
10.59
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Postma.
     
10.60
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Shorten, Jr.
     
10.61
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Stuart Subotnick.
     
10.62
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Jeffrey Brodsky.
     
10.63
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael Embler.
     
10.64
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Postma.
     
10.65
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Shorten, Jr.
     
10.66
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Stuart Subotnick.
     
10.67
 
Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 22, 2008, among AboveNet, Inc., AboveNet Communications, Inc., AboveNet of Utah, LLC, AboveNet of VA, LLC, AboveNet International, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent, and CIT Lending Services Corporation, as Documentation Agent.
     
10.68
 
Joinder Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008 by and between SunTrust Bank, the New Lender, and Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders under the Credit Agreement.
     
16.1
 
Letter from KPMG LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated August 18, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Form 8-K dated August 17, 2006 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 2006).
     
21.1
 
Subsidiaries.
     
31.1
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     
31.2
  
Certification of Acting Chief Financial Officer of Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     
32.1
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Acting Chief Financial Officer of Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
*
This exhibit represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 
**
Confidential treatment granted for certain portions of this exhibit.

86


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

   
ABOVENET, INC.
     
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
  
William G. LaPerch
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
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.
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
  
William G. LaPerch
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
  
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Acting Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Jeffrey Brodsky
 
  
Jeffrey Brodsky
Director
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Michael J. Embler
 
  
Michael J. Embler
Director
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Richard Postma
 
  
Richard Postma
Director
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Richard Shorten, Jr.
 
  
Richard Shorten, Jr.
Director
 
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Stuart Subotnick
 
  
Stuart Subotnick
Director
 
87


EXHIBIT LIST

Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
     
4.9
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Standstill Agreement dated as of April 25, 2008, by and among AboveNet, Inc., John W. Kluge, that certain Fourteenth Restatement of Trust Agreement, dated May 30, 1984, between John W. Kluge, as Grantor, and John W. Kluge and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. of New York, as original trustees, dated April 4, 2008, Stuart Subotnick and JWK Enterprises LLC.
     
10.51
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch.
     
10.52
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and William LaPerch.
     
10.53
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert Sokota.
     
10.54
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and John Jacquay.
     
10.55
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta.
     
10.56
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Doug Jendras.
     
10.57
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Jeffrey Brodsky.
     
10.58
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael Embler.
     
10.59
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Postma.
     
10.60
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Shorten, Jr.
     
10.61
*
Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Stuart Subotnick.
     
10.62
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Jeffrey Brodsky.
     
10.63
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Michael Embler.
     
10.64
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Postma.
     
10.65
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Richard Shorten, Jr.
     
10.66
*
Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 8, 2008, by and between AboveNet, Inc. and Stuart Subotnick.
     
10.67
 
Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 22, 2008, among AboveNet, Inc., AboveNet Communications, Inc., AboveNet of Utah, LLC, AboveNet of VA, LLC, AboveNet International, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent, and CIT Lending Services Corporation, as Documentation Agent.
     
10.68
 
Joinder Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008 by and between SunTrust Bank, the New Lender, and Societe Generale, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders under the Credit Agreement.
 
21.1
 
Subsidiaries.
     
31.1
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     
31.2
  
Certification of Acting Chief Financial Officer of Registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     
32.1
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Acting Chief Financial Officer of Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
*
This exhibit represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 

 
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EXHIBIT 4.9

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE STANDSTILL AGREEMENT
 
This Amendment No. 1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Standstill Agreement dated as of August, 2003 (the "Agreement") is dated as April 25, 2008 and is by and among AboveNet, Inc. (formerly known as Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.) (the "Company"), John W. Kluge ("Kluge"), that certain Fourteenth Restatement of Trust Agreement, dated May 30, 1984, between John W. Kluge, as Grantor, and John W. Kluge and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (now JPMorgan Chase Bank. N.A. of New York), as original trustees (the current trustees being John W. Kluge and Stuart Subotnick, dated April 4, 2008 (the "Kluge Trust"), Stuart Subotnick (Kluge, the Kluge Trust and Stuart Subotnick are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Kluge Parties" and each is a "Kluge Party") and JWK Enterprises LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("JWK Enterprises"). The Company, the Kluge Parties and JWK Enterprises are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Parties.
 
WHEREAS, the Company and the Kluge Parties entered into the Agreement in August 2003 setting forth certain rights and obligations of the Kluge Parties with respect to the Kluge Trust's ownership of Common Stock in the Company;
 
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides, among other things, that the Kluge Trust shall not transfer any shares of Common Stock to a Related Transferee unless the Related Transferee becomes a party to the Agreement;
 
WHEREAS, the Kluge Trust has transferred all of the shares of Common Stock that it owned to Kluge and Kluge has transferred all of such shares of Common Stock to JWK Enterprises;
 
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. The Kluge Parties and JWK Enterprises represent that JWK Enterprises is an Affiliate of a Kluge Party and that the Transfer of shares of Common Stock contemplated hereby is a transfer to a Related Transferee.
 
2. Each of the Parties agrees that upon the Transfer of the shares of Common Stock contemplated hereby to JWK Enterprises JWK Enterprises shall be entitled to the rights under and subject to the obligations of the Agreement as amended by this Amendment No. 1.
 
3. This Amendment No. 1 may be executed in separate counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts will together constitute the same agreement.
 
4. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement.
 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement has been executed as of the date first written above.
     
  ABOVENET, INC.
  By:   /s/ Robert Sokota 
   
Name: Robert Sokota 
    Title: SVP and General Counsel
   
 
 
/s/ John W. Kluge
 
John W. Kluge  
     
 
FOURTEENTH RESTATEMENT OF TRUST AGREEMENT, DATED MAY 30,1984, BETWEEN JOHN W. KLUGE, AS GRANTOR, AND JOHN W. KLUGE AND MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST COMPANY (NOW JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. OF NEW YORK), AS ORIGINAL TRUSTEES (THE CURRENT TRUSTEES BEING JOHN W. KLUGE AND STUART SUBOTNICK), DATED APRIL 4, 2008
     
By:   /s/ Stuart Subotnick
 
Name: Stuart Subotnick
 
Title: Trustee
     
  /s/ Stuart Subotnick
 
Stuart Subotnick   
   
   
 
JWK ENTERPRISES, LLC  
By:   /s/ John W. Kluge
 
Name: John W. Kluge
 
Title: Manager
 

 
EX-10.51 4 v127150_ex10-51.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.51

STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and William LaPerch (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 50,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 30% of the Stock Units shall vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009; (b) 10% of the Stock Units shall vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered on November 15, 2010; and (c) 60% of the Stock Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date and be delivered on November 15, 2011. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 



(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.

2


6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ William LaPerch 
William LaPerch
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

 
EX-10.52 5 v127150_ex10-52.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.52
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and William LaPerch (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 21,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 7,000 of the Stock Units shall vest on or before March 15, 2010 based on the determination of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as to whether the Company achieved the financial and other targets set by the Compensation Committee in its discretion with respect to the 2009 fiscal year and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on March 15, 2010; (b) 7,000 of the Stock Units shall vest on or before March 15, 2011 based on the determination of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as to whether the Company achieved the financial and other targets set by the Compensation Committee in its discretion with respect to the 2010 fiscal year and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on March 15, 2011; and (c) 7,000 of the Stock Units shall vest on or before March 15, 2012 based on the determination of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as to whether the Company achieved the financial and other targets set by the Compensation Committee in its discretion with respect to the 2011 fiscal year and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on March 15, 2012. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.



4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.

2


6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

3

 
 
/s/ William LaPerch  
William LaPerch
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota   
 
Name: Robert Sokota  
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

4

 
EX-10.53 6 v127150_ex10-53.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.53
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Robert Sokota (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 35,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 30% of the Stock Units shall vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009; (b) 10% of the Stock Units shall vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered on November 15, 2010; and (c) 60% of the Stock Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date and be delivered on November 15, 2011. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 

 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
2

 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
/s/ Robert Sokota  
Robert Sokota
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
   
By:
/s/ William LaPerch
 
Name: William LaPerch
 
Title: Chief Executive Officer
 
3

EX-10.54 7 v127150_ex10-54.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.54
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and John Jacquay (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 35,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 30% of the Stock Units shall vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009; (b) 10% of the Stock Units shall vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered on November 15, 2010; and (c) 60% of the Stock Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date and be delivered on November 15, 2011. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 

 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
2

 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ John Jacquay
John Jacquay
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

EX-10.55 8 v127150_ex10-55.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.55
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Rajiv Datta (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 35,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 30% of the Stock Units shall vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009; (b) 10% of the Stock Units shall vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered on November 15, 2010; and (c) 60% of the Stock Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date and be delivered on November 15, 2011. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 

 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
2

 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Rajiv Datta
Rajiv Datta
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

EX-10.56 9 v127150_ex10-56.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.56
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Doug Jendras (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 35,000 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) as follows: (a) 30% of the Stock Units shall vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009; (b) 10% of the Stock Units shall vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered on November 15, 2010; and (c) 60% of the Stock Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date and be delivered on November 15, 2011. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting as set forth in Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(d) and 4(e). The Unit Shares are subject to earlier delivery only as set forth in Section 4(a) (death) and Section 4(e) (Change of Control).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the vesting of all Stock Units granted under this Agreement or prior to delivery of all Unit Shares after vesting has occurred, any unvested Stock Units, if any, shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 

 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company as a result of a Disability, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(c) In the event of the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company for Cause or by the Participant other than for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 
(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest.
 
(e) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(f) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
2

 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Doug Jendras
 
Doug Jendras
 
Participant
 
   
ABOVENET, INC.
 
   
   
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 
 
3

EX-10.57 10 v127150_ex10-57.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.57

STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Jeffrey Brodsky (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 500 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting and delivery as set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(c).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company for any reason other than the Participant’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 

 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(d) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
2

 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 

 
/s/ Jeffrey Brodsky                
 
  Jeffrey Brodsky        
 
Participant
 
     
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
     
     
 
By:
Robert Sokota           
 
   
Name: Robert Sokota
 
   
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 
 
3

EX-10.58 11 v127150_ex10-58.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.58

STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Michael Embler (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 500 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting and delivery as set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(c).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company for any reason other than the Participant’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.
 

 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(d) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
2

 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Michael Embler 
Michael Embler  
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

EX-10.59 12 v127150_ex10-59.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.59
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Rich Postma (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 500 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting and delivery as set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(c).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company for any reason other than the Participant’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.


 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(d) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.

2

 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Rich Postma
 
Rich Postma  
Participant  
     
 ABOVENET, INC.  
     
     
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 

3

 
EX-10.60 13 v127150_ex10-60.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.60
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Rich Shorten (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 500 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting and delivery as set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(c).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company for any reason other than the Participant’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.



(c) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(d) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.
 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.

2


8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Rich Shorten 
Rich Shorten    
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

 
EX-10.61 14 v127150_ex10-61.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.61

STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 
STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Stu Subotnick (the “Participant”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company believes it desirable that the Participant be provided additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company through a grant of stock units under the AboveNet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Stock Units.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Participant 500 stock units (the “Stock Units”). Each Stock Unit constitutes a right to receive from the Company one share (each a “Unit Share” and collectively the “Unit Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given in the Plan.
 
2. Vesting; Delivery of Unit Shares.
 
The Stock Units vest (i.e., are not subject to forfeiture) on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and the underlying Unit Shares shall be delivered to the Participant on November 16, 2009. The Stock Units are subject to earlier vesting and delivery as set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(c).
 
3. Withholding.
 
The Company’s obligation to deliver Unit Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to the payment by the Participant of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the vesting of the Stock Units or the delivery of the Unit Shares.
 
4. Termination of Employment; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Participant’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
 
(b) Upon the termination of Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company for any reason other than the Participant’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited.


 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, any unvested Stock Units shall immediately vest and the underlying Unit Shares of all vested Stock Units shall be immediately delivered to the Participant.
 
(d) The parties may not accelerate the delivery of any Stock Units before the dates set forth above.
 
5. Transfer of Stock Units; Limitations on Delivery of Unit Shares; Put Right.
 
(a) The Stock Units are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to transfer the Stock Units in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Stock Units shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) In the event that on the date of delivery, any of the following shall be true (1) the Unit Shares may not be sold by the Participant at such time under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or pursuant to a currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) the Participant is unable to sell the stock underlying his Unit Shares due to any Company imposed trading restriction or the Participant otherwise is in possession of material, non-public information regarding the Company or its securities or (3) the Company’s shares are not listed on a national stock exchange, the Company shall be obligated, following notice from the Participant as provided below, to repurchase such number of Unit Shares at the Fair Market Value of the Unit Shares on the date of such repurchase as required to meet the Company’s required minimum tax withholding with respect to the delivered Unit Shares (based on minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state and local purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event the Internal Revenue Service determines that the fair market value of the Unit Shares is greater than the Fair Market Value as determined under the Plan and the Participant has incurred additional liability for income taxes, the Fair Market Value for purposes of this subparagraph (b) shall be increased to the value determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant must give his notice to the Company of his election to exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase a portion of the Unit Shares not less than two (2) business days before the delivery date. In the event such Participant does not exercise such right, he shall be deemed to have elected to forego such right.
 
6. No Rights in Unit Shares.
 
The Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to particular Unit Shares unless and until such Unit Shares are issued and delivered to him under this Agreement.

2

 
7. No Right to Employment.
 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon the Participant any right to remain as an employee of the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss the Participant free from any liability hereunder, or any claim under the Plan, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. The Company at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
 
/s/ Stu Subotnick
Stu Subotnick 
Participant
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
Name: Robert Sokota
Title: SVP and General Counsel

3

 
EX-10.62 15 v127150_ex10-62.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.62

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Jeffrey Brodsky (the “Optionee”).
 
WHEREAS, the Optionee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Optionee be provided an inducement to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and an additional incentive to advance the interest of the Company through the grant of an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Abovenet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Option.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of 1,000 shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
 
2. Exercise Price.
 
The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of the Option Shares shall be $60 per share.
 
3. Time of Exercise.
 
(a)  Subject to acceleration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall vest and become exercisable on September 8, 2009 provided that the Optionee remains in Continuous Service at all times through such date.
 
(b)       Subject to earlier expiration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall expire and cease to have any force or effect on the end of the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”).
 
1

 
4. Method of Exercising Option and Withholding.
 
(a)  The Option shall be exercised, in whole, or from time to time in part, by the delivery of a written notice of exercise by the Optionee to the Company at its principal office (or at such other address as may be established by the Board or the Committee) stating the number of Option Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price for such Option Shares. Payment for such Option Shares shall be made (i) in U.S. dollars by cash, personal check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, by money transfers or direct account debits; (ii) through the delivery or deemed delivery based on attestation to the ownership of Mature Shares (as defined in the Plan) with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) at least equal to the total payment due; (iii) pursuant to a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” program if established by the Company; or (iv) by a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) through (iii) above.
 
(b)  The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to the payment by the Optionee of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option. Subject to the right of the Board or the Committee to disapprove any such election and require the withholding tax in cash, the Optionee shall have the right to elect to pay the withholding tax with shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Option or which are otherwise owned by the Optionee. Any election to pay withholding taxes with stock shall be irrevocable once made.
 
5. Termination of Continuous Service; Change of Control.
 
(a)  In the event of the Optionee’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, 100% of the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable. The Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) end of the day on the second anniversary of the Optionee’s death or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(b)  In the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service for any reason other than the Optionee’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. The vested portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(c)  In the event of a Change of Control, the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
 
(d)       If at the time the Optionee’s Continuous Service is terminated, the underlying shares with respect to the vested and exercisable portion of the Option are not covered by an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, such portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service, or (ii) the 90th day after the effective date of a registration covering such shares.
 
2

 
(e)       Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised on or after the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
6. Transfer of Option and Limitations on Issuance of Option Shares.
 
(a)  The Option is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the Optionee’s lifetime only by the Optionee. Any attempt to transfer the Option in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Option shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised and the Company shall not be required to issue or sell any Option Shares unless, at the time of exercise, (i) a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Option Shares has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) the issuance of the Options Shares is, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, permitted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
 
7. No Rights in Option Shares.
 
The Optionee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares unless and until issued to him upon exercise of the Option.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
3

 
 
/s/ Jeffrey Brodsky
Jeffrey Brodsky 
Optionee
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
Name: Robert Sokota 
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 
4

 
EX-10.63 16 v127150_ex10-63.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.63
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Michael Embler (the “Optionee”).
 
WHEREAS, the Optionee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Optionee be provided an inducement to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and an additional incentive to advance the interest of the Company through the grant of an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Abovenet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Option.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of 1,000 shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
 
2. Exercise Price.
 
The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of the Option Shares shall be $60 per share.
 
3. Time of Exercise.
 
(a) Subject to acceleration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall vest and become exercisable on September 8, 2009 provided that the Optionee remains in Continuous Service at all times through such date.
 
(b) Subject to earlier expiration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall expire and cease to have any force or effect on the end of the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”).
 
1

 
4. Method of Exercising Option and Withholding.
 
(a) The Option shall be exercised, in whole, or from time to time in part, by the delivery of a written notice of exercise by the Optionee to the Company at its principal office (or at such other address as may be established by the Board or the Committee) stating the number of Option Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price for such Option Shares. Payment for such Option Shares shall be made (i) in U.S. dollars by cash, personal check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, by money transfers or direct account debits; (ii) through the delivery or deemed delivery based on attestation to the ownership of Mature Shares (as defined in the Plan) with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) at least equal to the total payment due; (iii) pursuant to a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” program if established by the Company; or (iv) by a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) through (iii) above.
 
(b) The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to the payment by the Optionee of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option. Subject to the right of the Board or the Committee to disapprove any such election and require the withholding tax in cash, the Optionee shall have the right to elect to pay the withholding tax with shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Option or which are otherwise owned by the Optionee. Any election to pay withholding taxes with stock shall be irrevocable once made.
 
5. Termination of Continuous Service; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Optionee’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, 100% of the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable. The Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) end of the day on the second anniversary of the Optionee’s death or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(b) In the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service for any reason other than the Optionee’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. The vested portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
 
(d) If at the time the Optionee’s Continuous Service is terminated, the underlying shares with respect to the vested and exercisable portion of the Option are not covered by an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, such portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service, or (ii) the 90th day after the effective date of a registration covering such shares.
 
2

 
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised on or after the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
6. Transfer of Option and Limitations on Issuance of Option Shares.
 
(a) The Option is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the Optionee’s lifetime only by the Optionee. Any attempt to transfer the Option in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Option shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised and the Company shall not be required to issue or sell any Option Shares unless, at the time of exercise, (i) a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Option Shares has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) the issuance of the Options Shares is, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, permitted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
 
7. No Rights in Option Shares.
 
The Optionee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares unless and until issued to him upon exercise of the Option.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
3

 
 
/s/ Michael Embler 
Michael Embler  
Optionee
 
ABOVENET, INC.
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 
4

 
EX-10.64 17 v127150_ex10-64.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.64
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Richard Postma (the “Optionee”).
 
WHEREAS, the Optionee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Optionee be provided an inducement to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and an additional incentive to advance the interest of the Company through the grant of an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Abovenet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Option.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of 1,000 shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
 
2. Exercise Price.
 
The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of the Option Shares shall be $60 per share.
 
3. Time of Exercise.
 
(a) Subject to acceleration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall vest and become exercisable on September 8, 2009 provided that the Optionee remains in Continuous Service at all times through such date.
 
(b) Subject to earlier expiration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall expire and cease to have any force or effect on the end of the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”).
 
4. Method of Exercising Option and Withholding.
 
(a) The Option shall be exercised, in whole, or from time to time in part, by the delivery of a written notice of exercise by the Optionee to the Company at its principal office (or at such other address as may be established by the Board or the Committee) stating the number of Option Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price for such Option Shares. Payment for such Option Shares shall be made (i) in U.S. dollars by cash, personal check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, by money transfers or direct account debits; (ii) through the delivery or deemed delivery based on attestation to the ownership of Mature Shares (as defined in the Plan) with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) at least equal to the total payment due; (iii) pursuant to a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” program if established by the Company; or (iv) by a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) through (iii) above.

1

 
(b) The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to the payment by the Optionee of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option. Subject to the right of the Board or the Committee to disapprove any such election and require the withholding tax in cash, the Optionee shall have the right to elect to pay the withholding tax with shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Option or which are otherwise owned by the Optionee. Any election to pay withholding taxes with stock shall be irrevocable once made.
 
5. Termination of Continuous Service; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Optionee’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, 100% of the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable. The Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) end of the day on the second anniversary of the Optionee’s death or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(b) In the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service for any reason other than the Optionee’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. The vested portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
 
(d) If at the time the Optionee’s Continuous Service is terminated, the underlying shares with respect to the vested and exercisable portion of the Option are not covered by an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, such portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service, or (ii) the 90th day after the effective date of a registration covering such shares.

2

 
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised on or after the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
6. Transfer of Option and Limitations on Issuance of Option Shares.
 
(a) The Option is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the Optionee’s lifetime only by the Optionee. Any attempt to transfer the Option in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Option shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised and the Company shall not be required to issue or sell any Option Shares unless, at the time of exercise, (i) a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Option Shares has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) the issuance of the Options Shares is, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, permitted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
 
7. No Rights in Option Shares.
 
The Optionee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares unless and until issued to him upon exercise of the Option.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.
 
3

 
 
/s/ Richard Postma 
 
Richard Postma 
 
Optionee  
     
 ABOVENET, INC.  
     
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
 
Name: Robert Sokota
 
 
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 

4

 
EX-10.65 18 v127150_ex10-65.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.65

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Richard Shorten (the “Optionee”).
 
WHEREAS, the Optionee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Optionee be provided an inducement to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and an additional incentive to advance the interest of the Company through the grant of an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Abovenet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Option.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of 1,000 shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
 
2. Exercise Price.
 
The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of the Option Shares shall be $60 per share.
 
3. Time of Exercise.
 
(a) Subject to acceleration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall vest and become exercisable on September 8, 2009 provided that the Optionee remains in Continuous Service at all times through such date.
 
(b) Subject to earlier expiration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall expire and cease to have any force or effect on the end of the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”).

1


4. Method of Exercising Option and Withholding.
 
(a) The Option shall be exercised, in whole, or from time to time in part, by the delivery of a written notice of exercise by the Optionee to the Company at its principal office (or at such other address as may be established by the Board or the Committee) stating the number of Option Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price for such Option Shares. Payment for such Option Shares shall be made (i) in U.S. dollars by cash, personal check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, by money transfers or direct account debits; (ii) through the delivery or deemed delivery based on attestation to the ownership of Mature Shares (as defined in the Plan) with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) at least equal to the total payment due; (iii) pursuant to a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” program if established by the Company; or (iv) by a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) through (iii) above.
 
(b) The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to the payment by the Optionee of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option. Subject to the right of the Board or the Committee to disapprove any such election and require the withholding tax in cash, the Optionee shall have the right to elect to pay the withholding tax with shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Option or which are otherwise owned by the Optionee. Any election to pay withholding taxes with stock shall be irrevocable once made.
 
5. Termination of Continuous Service; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Optionee’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, 100% of the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable. The Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) end of the day on the second anniversary of the Optionee’s death or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(b) In the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service for any reason other than the Optionee’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. The vested portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
 
(d) If at the time the Optionee’s Continuous Service is terminated, the underlying shares with respect to the vested and exercisable portion of the Option are not covered by an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, such portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service, or (ii) the 90th day after the effective date of a registration covering such shares.

2


(e) Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised on or after the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
6. Transfer of Option and Limitations on Issuance of Option Shares.
 
(a) The Option is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the Optionee’s lifetime only by the Optionee. Any attempt to transfer the Option in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Option shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised and the Company shall not be required to issue or sell any Option Shares unless, at the time of exercise, (i) a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Option Shares has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) the issuance of the Options Shares is, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, permitted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
 
7. No Rights in Option Shares.
 
The Optionee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares unless and until issued to him upon exercise of the Option.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

3

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 
Richard Shorten 
 
 
Richard Shorten  
 
 
Optionee
   
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
   
Name: Robert Sokota 
   
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 
4

 
EX-10.66 19 v127150_ex10-66.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.66

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of September 8, 2008 (“Grant Date”), by and between AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) and Stu Subotnick (the “Optionee”).
 
WHEREAS, the Optionee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Optionee be provided an inducement to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and an additional incentive to advance the interest of the Company through the grant of an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Abovenet, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
 
1. Grant of Option.
 
Pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of 1,000 shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
 
2. Exercise Price.
 
The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of the Option Shares shall be $60 per share.
 
3. Time of Exercise.
 
(a) Subject to acceleration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall vest and become exercisable on September 8, 2009 provided that the Optionee remains in Continuous Service at all times through such date.
 
(b) Subject to earlier expiration as expressly provided in Paragraph 5 hereof, the Option shall expire and cease to have any force or effect on the end of the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”).

1


4. Method of Exercising Option and Withholding.
 
(a) The Option shall be exercised, in whole, or from time to time in part, by the delivery of a written notice of exercise by the Optionee to the Company at its principal office (or at such other address as may be established by the Board or the Committee) stating the number of Option Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price for such Option Shares. Payment for such Option Shares shall be made (i) in U.S. dollars by cash, personal check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, by money transfers or direct account debits; (ii) through the delivery or deemed delivery based on attestation to the ownership of Mature Shares (as defined in the Plan) with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) at least equal to the total payment due; (iii) pursuant to a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” program if established by the Company; or (iv) by a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) through (iii) above.
 
(b) The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to the payment by the Optionee of any applicable federal, state and local withholding tax. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option. Subject to the right of the Board or the Committee to disapprove any such election and require the withholding tax in cash, the Optionee shall have the right to elect to pay the withholding tax with shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Option or which are otherwise owned by the Optionee. Any election to pay withholding taxes with stock shall be irrevocable once made.
 
5. Termination of Continuous Service; Change of Control.
 
(a) In the event of the Optionee’s death prior to the termination of his Continuous Service, 100% of the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable. The Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) end of the day on the second anniversary of the Optionee’s death or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(b) In the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service for any reason other than the Optionee’s death or in connection with a Change of Control, the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. The vested portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of: (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service or (ii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, the outstanding unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
 
(d) If at the time the Optionee’s Continuous Service is terminated, the underlying shares with respect to the vested and exercisable portion of the Option are not covered by an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, such portion of the Option shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the end of the day on the second anniversary of the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service, or (ii) the 90th day after the effective date of a registration covering such shares.

2


(e) Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised on or after the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
6. Transfer of Option and Limitations on Issuance of Option Shares.
 
(a) The Option is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the Optionee’s lifetime only by the Optionee. Any attempt to transfer the Option in contravention of this subparagraph (a) is void ab initio. The Option shall not be subject to execution, attachment or other process.
 
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised and the Company shall not be required to issue or sell any Option Shares unless, at the time of exercise, (i) a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Option Shares has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) the issuance of the Options Shares is, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, permitted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
 
7. No Rights in Option Shares.
 
The Optionee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares unless and until issued to him upon exercise of the Option.
 
8. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
 
9. Miscellaneous.
 
This Agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The paragraph headings herein are intended for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

3

 
 
 
/s/ Stu Subotnick 
 
  Stu Subotnick    
 
Optionee
   
 
ABOVENET, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota 
 
   
Name: Robert Sokota 
 
   
Title: SVP and General Counsel
 

4

EX-10.67 20 v127150_ex10-67.htm Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 10.67

WAIVER AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT
 
WAIVER AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT (the “Amendment”) dated as of September 22, 2008, is among AboveNet, Inc., a Delaware corporation, AboveNet Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, AboveNet of Utah, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, AboveNet of VA, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, and AboveNet International Inc., a Delaware corporation, (hereinafter the “Borrowers”), the Lenders from time to time parties thereto, Societe Generale, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and CIT Lending Services Corporation, as documentation agent (the “Documentation Agent”) (the Administrative Agent and the Documentation Agent together, the “Agents”).
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Agents and the Lenders are parties to that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of February 29, 2008 (the “Credit Agreement;” undefined capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement), pursuant to which the Lenders have agreed to make certain “Loans” and other financial accommodations to the Borrowers;
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have requested that the Agents and the Lenders amend the Credit Agreement in the manner set forth herein in order to (i) allow for an extension of the Availability Period of the Delayed Draw Loan from November 25, 2008, which is the date resulting from the 270-day term currently set forth in sub-section “(A)” of letter “(b)” of the definition of “Availability Period” in the Credit Agreement, to June 30, 2009, and (ii) fix June 30, 2009 as the termination date of the Availability Period for any delayed draw loan under New Loan Commitments, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and the Agents and the Lenders have agreed to such request;
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have informed the Lenders that following the Closing Date, the Borrowers repurchased equity from certain former employees (the “Equity Repurchases”), and request that the Lenders waive the Borrowers’ compliance with the negative covenant set forth in Section 7.06 of the Credit Agreement with respect to the Equity Repurchases (“Waiver Request No. 1”);
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have further requested that the Agents and the Lenders amend the Credit Agreement in the manner set forth herein in order to allow the repurchase of Equity Interest of Holdings from former employees and directors;
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have informed the Lenders that pursuant to its plan of reorganization which became effective on September 8, 2003 Holdings was authorized to issue warrants to certain of its creditors in the following amounts: (i) seven hundred and nine thousand four hundred and fifty nine (709,459) 5-year warrants with an exercise price of $20 per share (the “5-Year Warrants”) and (ii) eight hundred thirty four thousand six hundred and fifty eight (834,658) 7-year warrants with an exercise price of $24 per share (the “7-Year Warrants”). Certain of the 5 Year Warrants and 7-Year Warrants have been exercised, thus requiring Holdings to have issued corresponding Equity Interests. Accordingly, the Borrowers request that the Lenders waive the Borrowers’ compliance with the negative covenant set forth in Section 7.05 of the Credit Agreement and with the Mandatory Prepayment provision set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii) of the Credit Agreement, in each case only with respect to the issuance of Equity Interests by Holdings as a result of the exercise of the 5-Year Warrants and 7-Year Warrants (“Waiver Request No. 2”);
 

 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have further requested that the Agents and the Lenders amend the Credit Agreement in the manner set forth herein in order to exclude the issuance of Equity Interests by Holdings from the definition of “Dispositions” or “Dispose”;
 
WHEREAS, the Borrowers have informed the Lenders that on or about August 19, 2008, one of the Borrowers, AboveNet, Inc., filed trademark applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office for the names “EXPRESSWAVE” and “eXpressWave” to be used in connection with its long haul services (the “New Trademarks”);
 
WHEREAS, the Lenders and the Borrowers agree that (i) the New Trademarks are part of the Collateral, (ii) the Lenders shall waive any amendment of the Loan Documents in connection with the New Trademarks but reserve the right to amend the same and (iii) the Borrowers shall cooperate fully with any future amendment in connection with the New Trademarks requested by the Lenders; and
 
WHEREAS, the Lenders and the Borrowers are entering into this Amendment pursuant to Section 12.01 of the Credit Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Borrowers, the Agents and the Lenders agree as follows:
 
1. Availability Period for Delayed Draw Loans. The Availability Period for Delayed Draw Loans shall be extended from November 25, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The Availability Period for the New Loan Commitments which are Delayed Draw Commitments shall terminate on June 30, 2009. To this effect, the Credit Agreement is amended as follows:
 
(a) the definition of “Availability Period” in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement shall therefore be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
Availability Period” means, (a) with respect to the Revolving Commitments, the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (i) the date one (1) Business Day prior to the Maturity Date, (ii) the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06, and (iii) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions, in each case pursuant to Section 9.02 and (b) (A) with respect to the Delayed Draw Commitments, the period from and including the Closing Date to and including June 30, 2009, or (B) with respect to the New Loan Commitments which are Delayed Draw Commitments the period from and including the NLC Effective Date to and including June 30, 2009.
 
-2-

 
(b) Section 2.15 (d)(ii) of the Credit Agreement shall therefore be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
(ii) INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
 
2. Permitted Equity Repurchases. The definition of “Permitted Equity Repurchases” in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
Permitted Equity Repurchases” mean purchases of Equity Interest of Holdings from employees, consultants and directors, or of former employees, consultants and directors, of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000 in the aggregate.
 
3. Dispositions. The definition of “Dispositions” or “Dispose” in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction and any grant of an IRU) of any Property by any Loan Party or any Domestic Subsidiary (including the Equity Interest of any Domestic Subsidiary) and including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith, but excluding (a) the sale, lease, license, transfer or other disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business of the Loan Parties and their Domestic Subsidiaries, (b) the sale, lease, license, transfer or other disposition of machinery and equipment no longer used or useful in the conduct of business of the Loan Parties and their Domestic Subsidiaries, and having a sales or transfer price not to exceed $2,000,000 in any Fiscal Year, (c) any sale, lease, license, transfer or other disposition of Property by any Loan Party to any other Loan Party, or any Domestic Subsidiary to any Loan Party, (d) any Involuntary Disposition by any Loan Party or any Domestic Subsidiary, (e) licenses or leases of IP Rights or property, to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 7.01(i), (f) abandonment of IP Rights to the extent permitted by the Security Agreement, (g) dispositions of Cash Equivalents, (h) dispositions of past due accounts receivable for collection or compromise in the ordinary course of business, and (i) dispositions of Dark Fiber in the ordinary course of business, including IRUs, pursuant to customer contracts or fiber swap agreements entered into on an arms-length basis and consistent with past practices, provided, however, in the case of (i) above, that the relevant Loan Party or Domestic Subsidiary, as applicable, at all times retains title to such asset. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the term “Disposition” or “Dispose” shall not include the issuance of Equity Interests by Holdings.
 
4. Waivers. Effective as of the date first above written and subject to the execution of this Amendment by the parties hereto, the Lenders hereby waive (i) the compliance by the Borrowers with the provision of Section 7.06 of the Credit Agreement only in connection with the matters set forth in Waiver Request No. 1, (ii) the compliance by the Borrowers with the provision of Section 2.05(b)(ii) and Section 7.05 of the Credit Agreement only in connection with the matters expressly set forth in Waiver Request No. 2 and (iii) the amendment of the Loan Documents in connection with the New Trademarks until such time as the Agents shall request.
 
-3-

 
5. Waiver and Amendment. Effective as of the date first above written and subject to the execution of this Amendment by the parties hereto, the Credit Agreement shall be and is hereby amended on the terms set forth in Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 hereof.
 
6. Conditions Precedent. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date above written, if, and only if the Documentation Agent has received duly executed originals of this Amendment from the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Agents.
 
7. Representations and Warranties of the Borrowers. The Borrowers hereby represent and warrant as follows:
 
(a) This Amendment, and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrowers and are enforceable against the Borrowers in accordance with their terms.
 
(b) Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, the Borrowers hereby reaffirm all representations and warranties made in the Credit Agreement, and to the extent the same are not amended hereby, agree that all such representations and warranties shall be deemed to have been remade as of the date of delivery of this Amendment, unless and to the extent that any such representation and warranty is stated to relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date.
 
(c) As of the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, the Borrowers shall be in compliance with all the terms and provisions set forth in the Credit Agreement, subject to the amendment set forth herein, on its part to be observed or performed, and no Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
 
8. Reference to and Effect on the Credit Agreement.
 
(a) Upon the effectiveness of Section 5 hereof each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein” or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, and each reference to the Credit Agreement in any other document, instrument or agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby.
 
(b) The Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and all other documents, instruments and agreements executed and/or delivered in connection therewith, shall remain in full force and effect, and are hereby ratified and confirmed.
 
(c) Except as expressly provided herein, the execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Agents or the Lenders, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Credit Agreement or any other documents, instruments and agreements executed and/or delivered in connection therewith.
 
-4-

 
9. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OTHER REMAINING TERMS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE INTERNAL LAWS (AS OPPOSED TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS) OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
10. Paragraph Headings. The paragraph headings contained in this Amendment are and shall be without substance, meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement among the parties hereto.
 
11. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
-5-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF. this Amendment has been duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
THE BORROWERS:
AboveNet, Inc., a Delaware corporation
   
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name:  
Robert Sokota
 
Title:
SVP and General Counsel
     
 
AboveNet Communications, Inc., a
Delaware corporation
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name:
Robert Sokota
Title:
SVP and General Counsel
   
 
AboveNet of Utah, LLC,
 
by AboveNet Communications, Inc.,
 
its sole member
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name:
Robert Sokota
 
Title:
SVP and General Counsel
   
 
AboveNet of VA, LLC,
 
by AboveNet Communications, Inc.,
 
its sole member
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name:
Robert Sokota
 
Title:
SVP and General Counsel
   
 
AboveNet International, Inc., a Delaware
corporation
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Sokota
 
Name:
Robert Sokota
 
Title:
SVP and General Counsel
 
-6-


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
SOCIETE GENERALE,
 
as Administrative Agent
     
 
By:
/s/ Edward Grimm
 
Name:  
Edward Grimm
 
Title:
Director

-7-

 
DOCUMENTATION AGENT:
CIT LENDING SERVICES CORPORATION,
 
as Documentation Agent
     
     
 
By:
/s/ William Evenson
 
Name:  
William Evenson
 
Title:
Vice President
 
-8-


LENDERS:
SOCIETE GENERALE
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Edward Grimm
 
Name:  
Edward Grimm
 
Title:
Director
 
-9-

 
CIT LENDING SERVICES CORPORATION
   
   
By:
/s/ William Evenson
Name:  
William Evenson
Title:
Vice President
 
-10-

EX-10.68 21 v127150_ex10-68.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.68
 
 
JOINDER AGREEMENT
 
This Joinder Agreement (the “Agreement”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between SUNTRUST BANK (the “New Lender”) and SOCIETE GENERALE, in its capacity as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders (as hereinafter defined) under the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement, receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the New Lender. The Standard Terms and Conditions (“Standard Terms and Conditions”) set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth herein in full.
 
Pursuant to Section 2.15(c) of the Credit Agreement, the New Lender hereby becomes a Lender, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date set forth below, with respect to the New Loan Commitment identified below.
 
1.
New Lender:
SunTrust Bank
     
2.
Borrower:
ABOVENET COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower Representative”) and such other persons named under, or joined to, the Credit Agreement as a Borrower from time to time
     
3.
Administrative Agent:
SOCIETE GENERALE, as Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement
     
4.
Credit Agreement:
Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2008 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, refinanced, extended or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among the Borrowers, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the financial institutions named therein as Lenders (the “Lenders” and each, a “Lender”) and the Administrative Agent.
     
5.
New Loan Commitment:
$30,000,000, in aggregate, to be allocated on a pro rata basis as shown in the following tables.



A. Revolving Commitments

Lender
Amount
Percentage
Societe Generale
$10,500,000
38.889%
CIT Lending Services Corporation
$ 7,500,000
27.778%
SunTrust Bank
$ 9,000,000
33.333%
TOTAL
$27,000,000
100.000%


B. Term Loan Commitments

Lender
Amount
Percentage
Societe Generale
$14,000,000
38.889%
CIT Lending Services Corporation
$10,000,000
27.778%
SunTrust Bank
$12,000,000
33.333%
TOTAL
$36,000,000
100.000%

C. Delayed Draw Commitments

Lender
Amount
Percentage
Societe Generale
$10,500,000
38.889%
CIT Lending Services Corporation
$ 7,500,000
27.778%
SunTrust Bank
$ 9,000,000
33.333%
TOTAL
$27,000,000
100.000%


Effective Date: October 1, 2008 [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT.]
 




The terms set forth in this Agreement are hereby agreed to by the undersigned as of the Effective Date:
 
SUNTRUST BANK

By: /s/ Matthew Schaaf                   
Title: Vice President


SOCIETE GENERALE, as
Administrative Agent

By: /s/ Elaine Khalil                                  
Title: Managing Agent


Consented to:

ABOVENET COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
as Borrower Representative

By: /s/ Robert Sokota                                   
Title: SVP and General Counsel



ANNEX 1
 
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
1.
Representations and Warranties.
 
The New Lender (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the New Loan Commitment, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder and (iv) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and to undertake the New Loan Commitment on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision, and (v) if it is a Non-U.S. Lender, attached to the Agreement is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the New Lender; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at that time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, (ii) it will perform in accordance with the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and (iii) it will comply with the provisions of Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement and attached are the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the New Lender’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the New Lender under the Credit Agreement or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty.
 
2.
General Provisions. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of laws principles thereof. The effective date of this Agreement (the “Effective Date”) shall be the latest of (a) the date of the execution hereof by the Administrative Agent, the New Lender and the Borrower Representative, (b) the delivery by the New Lender to the Administrative Agent of an Administrative Questionnaire, (c) the payment by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s sole and separate account an advisory fee in accordance with the May 1, 2008 engagement letter and (d) October 1, 2008.
 

EX-21.1 22 v127150_ex21-1.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES

AboveNet, Inc., a Delaware corporation, directly or indirectly owns 100% of the ownership interests of each of the following entities:

   
Jurisdiction
1.
AboveNet Communications, Inc.
U.S.
     
2.
AboveNet International, Inc.
U.S.
     
3.
AboveNet Canada, Inc.
Canada
     
4.
AboveNet of VA, LLC
U.S.
   
5.
AboveNet of Utah, LLC
U.S.
     
6.
MFN Japan KK
Japan
     
7.
SiteSmith Ltd. (Dissolved on August 13, 2008)
U.K.
     
8.
AboveNet Communications Europe Limited
U.K.
     
9.
MFN Europe Finance, Inc.
U.S.
     
10.
MFN International LLC
U.S.
     
11.
MFN Europe Limited
U.K.
     
12.
AboveNet Communications UK Ltd.
U.K.
     
13.
Metromedia Fiber Network Services Ltd. (Dissolved on August 20, 2008)
U.K.


EX-31.1 23 v127150_ex31-1.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

I, William G. LaPerch, Chief Executive Officer of AboveNet, Inc., certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of AboveNet, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
 
  
 
William G. LaPerch
Chief Executive Officer
 


 
EX-31.2 24 v127150_ex31-2.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 31.2 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 I, Joseph P. Ciavarella, Acting Chief Financial Officer of AboveNet, Inc., certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of AboveNet, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
 
  
 
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Acting Chief Financial Officer
 


 
EX-32.1 25 v127150_ex32-1.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, William G. LaPerch, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent disclosed therein; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
 
  
 
William G. LaPerch
Chief Executive Officer
 


 
EX-32.2 26 v127150_ex32-2.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joseph P. Ciavarella, Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent disclosed therein; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
  
Date: September 29, 2008
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
 
  
 
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Acting Chief Financial Officer
 


 
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