-----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, GTewom0lQcMH9b5aOLEByx6xEK0UTT2YSajG6XB7YpZU6KKygdvv9YBPzs2DOOaK qYcBITFxbWUntm0M4Y8PXQ== 0001144204-09-005876.txt : 20090206 0001144204-09-005876.hdr.sgml : 20090206 20090206171610 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-09-005876 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090206 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090206 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-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-23269 FILM NUMBER: 09578161 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-Q 1 v138067_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

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)

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 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.

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 Exchange Act).  Yes ¨    No x

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 December 31, 2008, was 11,358,301.
 
 
 

 

Table of Contents

 ABOVENET, INC.

INDEX
 
   
Page
Part I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of June 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three and Six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
4
     
 
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Six month period ended June 30, 2008
5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
6
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three and Six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
7
     
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
8
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
28
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
42
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
43
     
Part II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
44
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
44
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
46
     
Signatures
 
47
     
Exhibit Index
48
 
 
2

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31,
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS:
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 68.5     $ 45.8  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    3.9       4.9  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0.9 and $0.7 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    18.7       18.4  
Prepaid costs and other current assets
    10.4       12.3  
Total current assets
    101.5       81.4  
                 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $192.9 and
$172.6 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    375.2       347.7  
Other assets
    4.8       3.2  
Total assets
  $ 481.5     $ 432.3  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 10.3     $ 7.9  
Accrued expenses
    71.6       78.3  
Deferred revenue—current portion
    25.2       20.8  
Note Payable—current portion
    0.7        
Total current liabilities
    107.8       107.0  
                 
Note Payable
    23.3        
Deferred revenue
    96.5       91.7  
Other long-term liabilities
    9.3       9.9  
Total liabilities
    236.9       208.6  
                 
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, 10,894,646 issued and 10,724,582 outstanding as of June 30, 2008, and 10,833,049 issued and 10,687,956 outstanding as of December 31, 2007
    0.1       0.1  
Additional paid-in capital
    261.7       253.7  
Treasury stock at cost, 170,064 and 145,093 shares at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    (11.8 )     (10.2 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (7.5 )     (7.4 )
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    2.1       (12.5 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    244.6       223.7  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 481.5     $ 432.3  

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

 
3

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Revenue
  $ 77.1     $ 61.3     $ 148.0     $ 118.8  
                                 
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    31.6       25.8       62.4       50.5  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21.1       18.3       45.9       38.0  
Depreciation and amortization
    12.2       12.0       24.8       23.5  
                                 
Operating income
    12.2       5.2       14.9       6.8  
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.4       0.8       0.9       1.7  
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (0.6 )     (1.6 )     (1.2 )
Other (expense) income, net
          (0.1 )     1.5       1.5  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    11.7       5.3       15.7       8.8  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    0.5       1.3       1.1       2.1  
                                 
Net income
  $ 11.2     $ 4.0     $ 14.6     $ 6.7  
                                 
Income per share, basic:
                               
Basic income per share
  $ 1.04     $ 0.38     $ 1.36     $ 0.63  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares
    10,741,312       10,723,801       10,732,144       10,724,523  
                                 
Income per share, diluted:
                               
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.92     $ 0.34     $ 1.20     $ 0.56  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares
    12,145,195       12,036,781       12,198,657       12,099,837  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions, except share information)

(Unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Other Shareholders’ Equity
     
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                       
Balance at January 1, 2008
10,833,049
 
$
0.1
 
145,093
$
(10.2
)
$
253.7
$
(7.4
)
$
(12.5
)
$
223.7
 
Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants
5,222
   
 
 
   
0.1
 
   
   
0.1
 
Issuance of common stock from vested restricted stock
56,375
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
 
24,971
 
(1.6
)
 
 
   
   
(1.6
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
 
 
   
 
(0.1
)
 
   
(0.1
)
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units
   
 
 
   
7.9
 
   
   
7.9
 
Net income
   
 
 
   
 
   
14.6
   
14.6
 
Balance at June 30, 2008
10,894,646
 
$
0.1
 
170,064
$
(11.8
)
$
261.7
$
(7.5
)
$
2.1
 
$
244.6
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

 
ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 14.6     $ 6.7  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    24.8       23.5  
Provision for bad debts
    0.2       0.2  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
    7.9       1.8  
Gain on sale or disposition of property and equipment, net
    (1.2 )      
Changes in operating working capital:
               
Accounts receivable
    (0.5 )     1.1  
Prepaid costs and other current assets
    1.9       (1.3 )
Accounts payable
    2.4       (5.9 )
Accrued expenses
    (5.4 )     1.5  
Other assets
          0.5  
Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities
    8.6       0.9  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    53.3       29.0  
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    1.6        
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
          1.3  
Purchases of property and equipment
    (54.0 )     (35.8 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (52.4 )     (34.5 )
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
               
Proceeds from note payable, net of financing costs
    22.3        
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    1.0       0.5  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
    0.1       0.2  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (1.6 )      
Net cash provided by financing activities
    21.8       0.7  
Effect of exchange rates on cash
          0.2  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    22.7       (4.6 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    45.8       70.7  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 68.5     $ 66.1  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1.1     $ 0.1  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 0.8     $ 1.5  

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

 
6

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)

(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Net income
  $ 11.2     $ 4.0     $ 14.6     $ 6.7  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    0.3       0.2       (0.1 )     0.3  
Comprehensive income
  $ 11.5     $ 4.2     $ 14.5     $ 7.0  

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

 
7

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

NOTE 1:    BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION

Business
 
AboveNet, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, 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.”).

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 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 (which expired on September 8, 2008) (see Note 15, “Subsequent Events - Exercise of Warrants”) 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. on August 29, 2003.  Equity interests in MFN received no distribution under the Plan of Reorganization and the equity securities of MFN were cancelled.

 
8

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 unaudited 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.  They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.  Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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.

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 2003 Equity Incentive Plan. See Note 6, “Stock-Based Compensation.”  In July 2008, in connection with the conclusion of the bankruptcy case, 862 shares were unclaimed and cancelled and five year warrants to purchase 10 shares of common stock and seven year warrants to purchase 12 shares of common stock were determined to be undeliverable and were cancelled.  See Note 15, “Subsequent Events - Exercise of Warrants” and “Rights Agreement Amendments,” for further discussion.

 
9

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 the Company in estimating the fair value of its 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 the Company in determining the fair market value of its 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.

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 the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we included the receipts of bankruptcy claim settlements relating to former customers’ contract terminations as termination revenue.  Termination revenue is reported together with other service revenue, and amounted to $2.0 and $1.5 in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $2.3 and $2.1 in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
10

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

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 $2.8 and $2.1 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $5.5 and $4.2 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, 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.

 
11

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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).

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 $0.8 and $0.7 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $1.5 and $1.4 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company fully depreciated the remaining carrying value of the network infrastructure rendered unusable, which on an original cost basis, totaled $0.1 and $0.3 ($0.1 and $0.2 on a net book value basis) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  To the extent relocations require only the movement of existing network infrastructure, the related costs are generally included in our results of operations.

In accordance with SFAS No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost,” the Company will capitalize interest on certain construction projects.  The Company did not record any capitalized interest during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

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, which was recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2007.  There were no provisions for impairment recorded in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

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 and removal of equipment; restoration of leased facilities and 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 $6.5 and $6.1 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, of which $3.5 and $3.3, respectively, were included in “Accrued expenses,” and $3.0 and $2.8, respectively, were included in “Other long-term liabilities.”  Accretion expense, which is included in “Interest expense,” amounted to $0.07 and $0.05 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $0.14, and $0.10 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
12

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 provisions 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  The tax expense is primarily due to current federal income taxes and minimum state and local income taxes.

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, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.

 
13

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 6, “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. 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 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. 123(R) 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 during the period:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Dividend yield
           
Expected volatility
          80.00 %
Risk-free interest rate
          4.89 %
Expected life (years)
          5.00  
Weighted average fair value of options granted
        $ 31.16  

There were no stock options granted during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008.

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 6, “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 (which expired on 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 in accordance with the terms of the warrant.  Stock warrants to purchase shares of common stock exercised totaled 3,831 and 8,483 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 5,222 and 9,562 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
14

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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, is greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company is required to give each warrant holder notice that at the warrant expiration date, the unexercised 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 elects, by written notice, not to 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 15, “Subsequent Events - Exercise of Warrants.”
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company utilized a derivative instrument, an interest rate swap, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk effective August 4, 2008.  See Note 15, “Subsequent Events – Bank Financing.”  The Company will account for this derivative instrument under the SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133").  SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them.  By policy, the Company has not historically entered into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes or for speculation.  Based on criteria defined in SFAS No. 133, the interest rate swap was considered a cash flow hedge and was 100% effective.  Accordingly, changes in the fair value of derivatives will be recorded each period in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into earnings in the period in which earnings are impacted by the variability of the cash flows of the hedged item.  The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, will be recognized in current period earnings.  This amount will be reclassified into earnings as the underlying forecasted transactions occur.  The mark-to-market value of the cash flow hedge was recorded in other non-current assets or other long-term liabilities and the offsetting gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”), for cash and cash equivalents effective January 1, 2008.  This pronouncement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost), which are each based upon observable and unobservable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.  SFAS No. 157 utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to fair value measurement techniques into three broad levels:
 
Level 1:
 
Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2:
 
Observable inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
     
Level 3:
 
Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The Company’s investment in overnight money market institutional funds, which amounted to $59.3 and $40.9 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, is included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying balance sheets and is classified as a Level 1 asset.

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.

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. 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.

 
15

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 $0.4 and $0.3 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and contributed $0.9 and $0.8 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, net of forfeitures for its obligations under these plans.

Taxes Collected from Customers

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.  The Company’s policy is to record taxes within the scope of EITF No. 06-3 on a net basis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued 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.”  The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008 with respect to its financial assets and liabilities, as discussed above.

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 the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations (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.  The Company is still evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 141(R); however, the adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on its 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.  The Company is still evaluating the impact SFAS No. 160 will have, but the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 
16

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

In December 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110, (“SAB No. 110”).  SAB No. 110 extends the opportunity to use the “simplified” method beyond December 31, 2007, as was allowed by SAB No. 107.  Under SAB No. 110 and SAB No. 107, a company is able to use the “simplified” method in developing an estimate of expected term based on the date of exercise of “plain vanilla” share options.  SAB No. 110 allows companies, which do not have sufficient historical experience, to provide a reasonable estimate to continue use of the “simplified” method for estimating the expected term of “plain vanilla” share option grants after December 31, 2007.  The Company will continue to use the “simplified” method until there is sufficient historical experience to provide a reasonable estimate of expected term in accordance with SAB No. 110.  SAB No. 110 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2008.

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.  
 
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.  Adopting EITF No. 07-05 will not have a material impact on the Company’s 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.  The Company does not expect its adoption will have a material impact on its 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.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF No. 03-6-1 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 
17

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

NOTE 3:  SECURED CREDIT FACILITY

On February 29, 2008, the Company, excluding certain foreign subsidiaries, obtained a $60 senior secured credit facility (the “Secured Credit Facility”) from Societe Generale and CIT Lending Services Corporation (the “Lenders”), consisting of an $18 revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and a $42 term loan facility (the “Term Loan”).  The Secured 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, which originally could be drawn within nine months of closing at the Company’s option (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”).  In September 2008, the Delayed Draw Term Loan option, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 25, 2008, was extended to June 30, 2009.  The Secured 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 Secured 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 Secured Credit Facility that was paid at closing and paid $0.3 to the unaffiliated third party financial advisor who assisted the Company with the Secured Credit Facility.  Additionally, the Company will be liable for an unused commitment fee of 0.50% per annum or 0.75% per annum, depending on the utilization of undrawn amounts under the Secured Credit Facility.  Interest will accrue at LIBOR (30, 60, 90 or 180 day rates) or at the announced base rate of the administrative agent (Societe Generale), at the Company’s option, plus the applicable margins, as defined under the Secured Credit Facility.  Additionally, the Company is required to maintain an unrestricted cash balance at all times of at least $20.  The Company had $24 outstanding under the Term Loan at June 30, 2008.  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.  See Note 15, “Subsequent Events - Bank Financing,” for a discussion of the increase to the Secured Credit Facility.

Additionally, the Company executed a $1.0 standby letter of credit in favor of New York City to secure certain performance obligations, which was collateralized by $1.0 of availability under the Revolver.  The standby letter of credit expires May 1, 2009 and is expected to be renewed.

NOTE 4:  INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for the income taxes is comprised of the following:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current
  $ 0.5     $ 1.3     $ 1.1     $ 2.1  
Deferred
                       
Total income tax provision
  $ 0.5     $ 1.3     $ 1.1     $ 2.1  

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 Company adopted the provisions of Interpretation No. 48 on January 1, 2007.  At June 30, 2008 and 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.

 
18

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

As of December 31, 2007, the Company has domestic NOL carryforwards of $686.9, of which approximately $202.0 may be used and subject to annual limitation of $8.1 pursuant to the ownership change rules under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, and foreign NOL carryforwards of $184.5.  Certain of these NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2024.  Additionally, approximately $165.0 of 2008 tax depreciation deductions is also 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 2007. The statute of limitations for these years will begin to expire in 2011.

NOTE 5:  INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

Basic income per common share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Total weighted average shares utilized in computing basic net income per common share were 10,741,312 and 10,723,801 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 10,732,144 and 10,724,523 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Total weighted average shares utilized in computing diluted net income per common share were 12,145,195 and 12,036,781 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 12,198,657 and 12,099,837 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Dilutive securities include options to purchase shares of common stock, restricted stock units and stock warrants.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, potentially dilutive securities to acquire 7,250 shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of income per common share as they were anti-dilutive.  There were no potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

NOTE 6:   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense for each period relate to share-based awards granted under AboveNet, Inc.’s 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and reflect awards outstanding during such period, including awards granted both prior to and during such period. The Company adopted the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan on the Effective Date.  Under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company was 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 June 30, 2008, the Company had 11,467 share-based awards available for issuance under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.  See Note 15, “Subsequent Events - Adoption of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan,” for additional discussion.

Stock Options
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company did not award any stock options. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company awarded options to purchase 13,475 shares of common stock, which have a ten year life, vested on the first anniversary date of the grant and have a per share exercise price of $56.00.  The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding stock options amounting to $0.3 and $0.3 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $1.2 and $0.6 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 includes $0.1 and $0.8 incurred with respect to the modification of certain options to purchase common stock (see Note 9, “Employment Contract Termination”).

Restricted Stock Units
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company awarded 9,000 restricted stock units, which are scheduled to vest the first anniversary of the date of grant, all of which were granted in the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units of $3.4 and $0.6 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $6.7 and $1.2 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Included in the expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 is a charge of $0.8 and $0.9, respectively, with repect to the Company’s purchase of shares from employees in excess of the minimum withholding requirements as provided by SFAS No. 123(R).  There were no such amounts incurred in the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

 
19

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

NOTE 7:  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 asserted in the complaint that it is entitled to such fiber optic capacity and unspecified damages.  On September 29, 2008, the Company signed a settlement agreement with Telekenex pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay $0.35 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 dismissed the complaint.  The Company recovered 100% of the Telekenex settlement payment under its errors and omissions insurance policy in December 2008.
 
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 Company’s Plan of Reorganization, essentially all claims against the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries that arose prior to the confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization 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 in the three months ended December 31, 2007, of which $0.8 was paid in 2007 and $10.9 was included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007.  The Company had $5.4 included in accrued expenses at June 30, 2008.

SBC Telecom, Inc. (“SBC”)
 
The Company was 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.  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 agreement, 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, which was $0.5 for each of the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and was $1.0 for each of the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 
20

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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 termination revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2008.

NOTE 8:  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 this telecommunications company in the amount of $0.1 for each of the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and $0.2 and $0.1 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  No amounts were outstanding at each of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.  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.

NOTE 9:   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 paid 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 executed and delivered a consulting agreement with Mr. Doris.  The consulting agreement provided that in exchange for Mr. Doris’ provision of consulting services to the Company for a period of nine months, Mr. Doris was paid (i) his annual salary of $0.3 pro rated per week for nine months; and (ii) (a) a bonus of $0.05 (the “2006 Filing Bonus”) upon the filing with the SEC of 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”) upon the filing with the SEC of Form 10-K with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.  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) be delivered to Mr. Doris on January 5, 2009; and (ii) the Company repurchase at the then 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 was recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses for financial statement purposes during the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Additionally, the Company incurred non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 with respect to the modification of Mr. Doris’ vested options to purchase common stock (see Note 6, “Stock-Based Compensation – Stock Options”).


 
21

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

NOTE 10:  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:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Revenue
                       
United States
  $ 68.8     $ 55.1     $ 132.0     $ 106.9  
United Kingdom
    9.3       7.1       18.1       13.4  
Eliminations
    (1.0 )     (0.9 )     (2.1 )     (1.5 )
Consolidated Worldwide
  $ 77.1     $ 61.3     $ 148.0     $ 118.8  

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Long-lived assets
           
United States
  $ 342.7     $ 317.3  
United Kingdom
    32.4       30.3  
Other
    0.1       0.1  
Consolidated Worldwide
  $ 375.2     $ 347.7  

NOTE 11: OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

Other (expense) income, net consists of the following:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Gain on settlement or reversal of liabilities
  $ 0.1     $     $ 0.1     $  
Gain on legal settlement
                      0.6  
(Loss) gain on foreign currency
          (0.1 )     0.1        
(Loss) gain on disposition of property and equipment
    (0.2 )           1.2       (0.1 )
Gain on leased asset termination
                      0.3  
Gain on settlement of customer amounts due
                      0.4  
Other
    0.1             0.1       0.3  
Total
  $     $ (0.1 )   $ 1.5     $ 1.5  

NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Internal Revenue Service
 
In September 2008, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that the IRS was proposing the reclassification of certain individuals, classified by the Company as independent contractors, to employees and assessing related payroll taxes and penalties totaling $0.3.  The Company disputed this position citing relief provided by IRC Section 530 and IRC Section 3509.  On January 13, 2009, the IRS made a settlement offer to the Company that the Company is reviewing.


 
22

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

New York City Franchise Agreement
 
As a result of certain ongoing litigation with a third party, the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications of the City of New York (“DOITT”) has informed us that they have temporarily suspended any discussions regarding renewals of telecommunications franchises in the City of New York. As a result, it is our understanding that DOITT has not renewed any recently expired franchise agreement, including our franchise agreement which expired on December 20, 2008. Prior to the expiration of our franchise agreement, we sought out and received written confirmation from DOITT that our franchise agreement provides a basis for us to continue to operate in the City of New York pending conclusion of renewal discussions.  We intend to continue to operate under our expired franchise agreement pending any renewal. We believe that a number of other operators in the City of New York are operating on a similar basis. Based on our discussions with DOITT and the written confirmation that we have received, we do not believe that DOITT intends to take any adverse actions with respect to the operation of any telecommunications providers as the result of their expired franchise agreements and, that if it attempted to do so, it would face a number of legal obstacles. Nevertheless, any attempt by DOITT to limit our operations as the result of our expired franchise agreement could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
 NOTE 13: SUBORDINATED INVESTMENT
 
In January 2008, the Company became a strategic member, as defined, of MediaXstream, LLC, a newly formed limited liability company that was created to provide transport and managed network services for the production and broadcast industries (“MediaX”).  MediaX was formed with preferred members who contributed cash, and strategic members and management members who contribute services.  The Company’s interest does not provide any voting rights on MediaX’s Board of Managers.  The Company agreed to contribute certain monthly services pursuant to a 51 month contract, which commenced April 2008, for an interest in MediaX.  Distributions to the Company are subordinated to the preferred members receiving distributions of their original investment plus a preferred return.  Based upon amounts contributed through December 31, 2008 and additional amounts committed by the preferred members, the Company’s nominal ownership interest will be approximately 15.4% of equity. MediaX is a start-up company with no operating history, the distributions on the Company’s investment are subordinated to the distributions to the preferred members and the Company’s interest does not provide any level of control. These factors indicated that the fair value of the Company’s investment in MediaX is not significant. Accordingly, the Company has not reflected the services contributed as revenue or the corresponding investment in MediaX in its financial statements.  The cost of providing such services is included in cost of revenue in the relevant period.  The Company contributed services to MediaX of $0.4 in the six months ended June 30, 2008, all of which was contributed in the three months then ended.  The Company will record distributions from MediaX, if any, as income when received.

Additionally, the Company provides other services to MediaX on the same basis as other customers.  The Company billed MediaX for services and reimbursements of $0.1 and $0.3 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  There were no services provided during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

NOTE 14: CHANGE IN ESTIMATE
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company changed the estimated useful lives for its spare parts (which is classified as inventory) from five years to the respective asset class lives of such parts, which range from seven to twenty years.  The effect of this change on the Company’s operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was not material.

 
23

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

NOTE 15:   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Litigation
 
In October 2008, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”) filed a claim in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas against the Company for trespass with regard to portions of the Company’s network allegedly residing on SEPTA property in Pennsylvania.  SEPTA seeks unspecified damages for trespass and/or a determination that the Company’s network must be removed from SEPTA’s property.  The Company has responded to the claim and also filed a motion in the Bankruptcy Court seeking a determination that the claim is barred based on the discharge of claims and injunction contained in the Plan of Reorganization.  The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to SEPTA’s claims.

Bank Financing
 
On September 26, 2008, the Company executed a joinder agreement to the Secured Credit Facility that added SunTrust Bank as an additional Lender and increased the amount of the Secured Credit Facility to $90 effective October 1, 2008, subject to the terms of the joinder agreement, which required the payment of a $0.45 fee at closing and an aggregate of $0.25 of advisory fees.  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 under the Term Loan for three years at 3.65%, plus the applicable margin of 3.25% (which decreased to 3.00% on September 30, 2008).

On November 12, 2008, the Company entered into a swap agreement under which it fixed its borrowing costs with respect to the additional $12 provided by SunTrust Bank under the Term Loan for three years at 2.635%, plus the applicable margin of 3.00%.

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 and to the members of the Board of Directors, 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 non-employee members of the Board of 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.

 
24

 

ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

On October 27, 2008, in conjunction with executing an employment agreement with Mr. Ciavarella, as discussed below, the Company granted Mr. Ciavarella 35,000 restricted stock units, which are scheduled to vest 30% on November 16, 2009, 10% on November 15, 2010 and 60% on November 15, 2011.

In October 2008, the Company granted to an employee 1,000 restricted stock units, which vest on November 16, 2009.

In December 2008, the Company granted to an employee 3,000 restricted stock units, which vest on November 16, 2009.

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.

On October 27, 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Joseph P. Ciavarella under which Mr. Ciavarella agreed to become the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  The employment agreement is on substantially the same terms as the September 2008 employment agreements discussed above.

Exercise of Warrants
 
Under the terms of the Warrant Agreements described in Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies – Stock Warrants,” if the market price of the Company’s common stock, as defined in the respective Warrant Agreements, 60 days prior to the expiration date of the respective warrants, is greater than the warrant exercise price, the Company is 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, not to 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 159,263 shares of common stock were deemed exercised pursuant to the Net Exercise (including warrants to purchase 389 shares of common stock, which were exercised on a net exercise basis prior to expiration), of which 106,716 shares were issued to the warrant holders, 52,547 shares were returned to treasury and $0.004 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 recorded an impairment charge of $2.3 with respect to the abandonment, which is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses, in the three months ended September 30, 2008.  Additionally, the Company accrued maintenance fees of $0.1 during the year ended December 31, 2007, which were not paid in 2008.

 
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ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(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.

 
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ABOVENET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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.

Stock Purchase Agreements
 
In October 2008, the Company purchased from employees, who had previously received distributions of common stock pursuant to vested restricted stock units, 18,610 shares of common stock at a price of $50.07 per share or for an aggregate purchase price of $0.9, such price being determined based on the average trading price set by the Board of Directors after the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Each stock purchase agreement also includes a provision that restricts the employee from selling or otherwise transferring any shares of common stock or other securities of the Company until the earlier of (a) six months after the date on which the Company becomes current with respect to its Securities Exchange Act filing obligations; and (b) such time as the Company’s common stock becomes listed on a national securities exchange.
 
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Executive Summary
 
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, and 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.

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.  In January 2009, we announced the opening of the Austin, Texas market, which will become our 15th U.S. market.

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 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 and Trans-Atlantic undersea telecommunications consortia 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.

The components of our operating income 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, as shown in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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.
 
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, monthly expense analysis, incremental contractual booking of new customer business, new customer installations and churn of existing business and capital committed and expended.

 
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Some of the most important non-financial performance metrics measure headcount, IP traffic growth, installation intervals and network service performance levels. 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 578 as of June 30, 2008, 506 of which were employed in the U.S., 70 in the U.K., one in the Netherlands and one in Japan.  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.
 
2008 Highlights and 2009 Outlook
 
Our consolidated revenue increased from $118.8 million to $148.0 million, or 24.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007, due principally to a $15.6 million increase in our domestic metro transport services.  Additionally, in the U.S., our revenue from dark fiber services and IP network services increased by $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $4.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we generated net income of $14.6 million and as of June 30, 2008, we had $68.5 million of unrestricted cash, compared to $45.8 million of unrestricted cash at December 31, 2007, an increase in liquidity of $22.7 million.  This increase was attributable to the proceeds from the borrowing under the Company’s Secured Credit Facility and from cash generated by operating activities, partially offset by cash used in investing activities (purchases of property and equipment of $54.0 million).  See below in this Item 2 under, “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” for further discussion.

In the six months ended June 30, 2008, our cash flow generated by operating activities increased as a result of the improvement in operating results described above. We believe, based on our business plan, that our existing cash, cash from our operating activities and funds available under our Secured Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations, planned capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements at least through March 31, 2010.  See below in this Item 2 under, “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” for further information relating to the Secured Credit Facility.
 
Our revenue increased in 2008 compared to 2007.  Our costs grew at a slower rate than our revenue and our operating income improved.  Our operating results for 2008 were favorably impacted by the non-cash settlement of our dispute with SBC of $3.5 million, which will be recognized in the third quarter of 2008 and the collection of a termination fee of $8.2 million, which will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Offsetting these positive impacts is the write-off of our investment in a new information technology platform of $2.3 million that will be taken in the third quarter of 2008.  Our 2009 outlook is tempered by the overall negative economic trends and the weakness in the financial services industry, in which we provide services to a significant number of customers.  We believe that based upon our contracted deals awaiting delivery to customers, we will continue to add to our revenue base for the first half of 2009.  Additionally, we have a strong cash position and access to financing through our Secured Credit Facility, if needed.  However, we cannot predict the impact customer terminations or reductions in orders will have on the Company’s financial performance in 2009 and thereafter.  See Item 1, “Financial Statements,” Note 7, “Litigation” and Note 15, “Subsequent Events - Litigation” and “Subsequent Events - Asset Abandonment.”

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 or contractual damages, (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.  We also derive a portion of our revenues from month-to-month contracts.

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.

 
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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; and (v) 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.  Generally, 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.  We also depreciate inventory of spare parts equipment on the same basis. See Note 14, “Change in Estimate.”

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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.

 
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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 is no longer obligated to provide services for consideration previously received and for which revenue recognition has been deferred. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we included the receipts of bankruptcy claim settlements from former customers as termination revenue.  Termination revenue is reported together with other service revenue, and amounted to $2.0 million and $1.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $2.3 million and $2.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, 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 competitive local exchange carriers, also known as 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 $2.8 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $5.5 million and $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, 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.

 
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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).

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 $0.8 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $1.5 million and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We fully depreciated the remaining carrying value of the network infrastructure rendered unusable, which on an original cost basis, totaled $0.1 million and $0.3 million ($0.1 million and $0.2 million on a net book value basis) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  To the extent that relocation requires only the movement of existing network infrastructure to another location, the related costs are included in our results of operations.

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, which was recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2007.  There were no provisions for impairment recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2008 or 2007.

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 and removal of equipment, restoration of leased facilities and 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 $6.5 million and $6.1 million at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, of which $3.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, were included in “Accrued expenses,” and $3.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively, were included in “Other long-term liabilities.”  Accretion expense, which is included in “Interest expense,” amounted to $0.07 million and $0.05 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $0.14 million and $0.10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.

 
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Income Taxes
 
We account 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.  We record 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 six months ended June 30, 2008 and 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 6, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

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.
 
 
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The following are the assumptions during the period set forth below used by the Company to calculate the weighted average fair value of stock options granted:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Dividend yield                                                                                    
           
Expected volatility                                                                                    
          80.00 %
Risk-free interest rate                                                                                    
          4.89 %
Expected life (years)                                                                                    
          5.00  
Weighted average fair value of options granted 
        $ 31.16  

There were no stock options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.

For a description of our stock-based compensation programs, see Note 6, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
 
Consolidated Results:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase/
   
% Increase/
 
    
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
       
Revenue
  $ 148.0     $ 118.8     $ 29.2       24.6 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    62.4       50.5       11.9        23.6 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    45.9       38.0       7.9       20.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    24.8       23.5       1.3       5.5 %
Operating income
    14.9       6.8       8.1       119.1 %
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.9       1.7       (0.8 )     (47.1 )%
Interest expense
    (1.6 )     (1.2 )     0.4       33.3  %
Other income, net
    1.5       1.5              
Income before income taxes
    15.7       8.8       6.9       78.4 %
Provision for income taxes
    1.1       2.1       (1.0 )     (47.6 )%
Net income
  $ 14.6     $ 6.7     $ 7.9       117.9 %
 

 
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 was $148.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $118.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $29.2 million, or 24.6%.  Revenue from our U.S. operations increased by $25.1 million, or 23.5%, from $106.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $131.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  The principal reason for this increase was due to the continued growth in our metro transport services and dark fiber services.  U.S. revenue from metro transport services increased by $15.6 million, or 70.9%, from $22.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $37.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008; revenue from dark fiber services increased by $6.3 million, or 9.8%, from $64.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $70.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008; and revenue from IP network services increased by $1.2 million, or 10.0%, from $12.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  A significant portion of the growth was attributable to new contracts with existing customers. Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $4.1 million, or 34.2%, from $12.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $16.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  The increase was primarily due to our continued focus on growing our existing services in the U.K.

 
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Costs of revenue.  Consolidated costs of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $62.4 million, compared to $50.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $11.9 million, or 23.6%.  Consolidated costs of revenue as a percentage of revenue was 42.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 42.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, resulting in consolidated gross profit margin of 57.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 57.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The costs of revenue for our U.S. operations was $57.6 million and $46.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, an increase of $11.3 million, or 24.4%.  The increase in the domestic costs of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 was attributable principally to (i) an increase of $2.5 million in co-location expenses, to support our IP network services and increase our presence in third party data centers; (ii) an increase of $2.5 million for repairs and maintenance charges for our cable and transmission equipment; (iii) an increase of $1.5 million for expenses associated with third party circuits; (iv) an increase of $1.4 million in payroll related expenses, primarily related to the increase in headcount in our operations technical services and systems engineering groups; and (v) the $0.7 million cost of a short-term long-haul fiber lease that we obtained to help meet customer requirements.  The costs of revenue for our foreign operations was $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.6 million, or 14.3%, which was consistent with our revenue growth.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”).   Consolidated SG&A for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $45.9 million, compared to $38.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $7.9 million, or 20.8%.  SG&A as a percentage of revenue was 31.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 32.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  In the U.S., SG&A was $40.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $32.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $8.2 million, or 25.4%.  SG&A for our U.S. operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased primarily due to the increase of $6.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense from $1.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $7.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008.  The reasons for this increase were (i) the expense associated with restricted stock units granted in August 2007, which were not outstanding in the six months ended June 30, 2007; (ii) the expense associated with the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock units relating to the termination of Mr. Doris’ employment contract recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2008; and (iii) the $0.7 million expense associated with the modification of options to purchase common stock in connection with Mr. Doris’ termination also recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Additionally, payroll and payroll-related expenses increased by $2.9 million from $16.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $19.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to the severance expense associated with the termination of Mr. Doris’ employment contract and the salaries associated with headcount increases since June 30, 2007.  See Note 9, “Employment Contract Termination,” for a further discussion of Mr. Doris’ employment contract.  These increases were partially offset by a reduction in transaction-based taxes of $1.0 million and a reduction in professional fees of $0.8 million.  SG&A for our foreign operations was $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $5.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 5.3%.

Depreciation and amortization.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization was $24.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $23.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $1.3 million, or 5.5%.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue was 16.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 19.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Depreciation and amortization increased as a result of additions to property and equipment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the full period effect of depreciation on property and equipment acquired after January 1, 2007, which was partially offset by the elimination of depreciation expense associated with property and equipment sold or disposed of during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and property and equipment that became fully depreciated during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
Interest income.  Interest income, substantially all of which was earned in the U.S., decreased from $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  The decrease of $0.8 million, or 47.1%, was primarily due to the decrease in average balances available for investment and a decrease in short-term interest rates.

Interest expense.  Interest expense, substantially all of which was incurred in the U.S., includes interest expense and amortization of debt acquisition costs incurred in connection with the Secured Credit Facility, interest 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 increased from $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included interest on amounts outstanding under the Secured Credit Facility and commitment fees on the available but unused amounts under the Secured Credit Facility, which were offset by a reduction in interest incurred on the outstanding balance of deferred fair value rent liabilities and tax liabilities.

 
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Other (expense) income, net.  Other (expense) income, net is composed primarily of income from non-recurring transactions and is not comparative from a trend perspective.
 
Consolidated other income, net was $1.5 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  In the U.S., other income, net was a net expense of $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to other income, net of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, a decrease of $1.0 million.  For our foreign operations, other income, net was $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $1.0 million.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, consolidated other income, net was comprised of gains on the sale of certain networks in the U.K. of $1.2 million, gains arising from the reversal of certain tax liabilities of $0.1 million, gain on foreign currency of $0.1 million and other gains of $0.1 million.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007, consolidated other income, net was comprised of gain on a legal settlement of $0.6 million, gains on the settlement of customer amounts due of $0.4 million, gain on a leased asset termination of $0.3 million and other gains of $0.3 million, partially offset by a loss on foreign currency of $0.1 million.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007
 
Consolidated Results (in millions):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase/
   
% Increase/
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
     
Revenue
  $ 77.1     $ 61.3     $ 15.8       25.8 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    31.6       25.8       5.8       22.5 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21.1       18.3       2.8       15.3 %
Depreciation and amortization
    12.2       12.0       0.2       1.7 %
Operating income
    12.2       5.2       7.0       134.6 %
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.4       0.8        (0.4 )     (50.0 )%
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (0.6 )     0.3       50.0 %
Other expense, net
          (0.1     0.1       100.0 %
Income before income taxes
    11.7       5.3       6.4       120.8 %
Provision for income taxes
    0.5       1.3       (0.8 )     (61.5 )%
Net income
  $ 11.2     $ 4.0     $ 7.2       180.0 %
 

 
Revenue.  Consolidated revenue was $77.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $61.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $15.8 million, or 25.8%.  Revenue from our U.S. operations increased by $13.8 million, or 25.1%, from $55.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $68.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The principal reason for this increase was due to the continued growth in our metro transport services and dark fiber services.  U.S. revenue from metro transport services increased by $8.3 million, or 70.3%, from $11.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $20.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008; revenue from dark fiber services increased by $3.7 million, or 11.6%, from $32.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $35.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008; and revenue from IP network services increased by $0.7 million, or 11.7%, from $6.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  A significant portion of the growth was attributable to new contracts with existing customers.  Revenue from our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K., increased by $2.0 million, or 31.7%, from $6.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The increase was primarily due to our continued focus on growing our existing services in the U.K.

 
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Costs of revenue.  Consolidated costs of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $31.6 million, compared to $25.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $5.8 million, or 22.5%.  Consolidated costs of revenue as a percentage of revenue was 41.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 42.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, resulting in consolidated gross profit margin of 59.0% and 57.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The costs of revenue for our U.S. operations was $29.1 million and $23.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, an increase of $5.5 million, or 23.3%.   The increase in the domestic costs of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 was attributable principally to (i) an increase of $1.3 million in co-location expenses, to support our IP network services and increase our presence in third party data centers; (ii) an increase of $1.7 million for repairs and maintenance charges for our cable and transmission equipment; (iii) an increase of $0.7 million for expenses associated with third party circuits; and (iv) an increase of $0.8 million in payroll related expenses, primarily related to the increase in headcount in our operations technical services and systems engineering groups.   These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the long-haul circuit expense of $0.3 million as a short-term lease expired in accordance with its terms.  The costs of revenue for our foreign operations was $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.6 million, or 31.7%, which was consistent with our revenue growth.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”).   Consolidated SG&A for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $21.1 million, compared to $18.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $2.8 million, or 15.3%.  SG&A as a percentage of revenue was 27.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 29.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  In the U.S., SG&A was $18.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $15.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $3.3 million, or 21.7%.  SG&A for our U.S. operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 increased primarily due to the increase of $2.7 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense from $1.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $3.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The reason for this increase was the expense associated with restricted stock units granted in August 2007, which were not outstanding in the three months ended June 30, 2007.  This increase was partially offset by the stock-based compensation expense associated with options to purchase common stock granted in previous years, which decreased from $0.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2008.  Additionally, payroll and payroll-related expenses increased by $1.1 million from $7.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $8.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to the salaries associated with headcount increases since June 30, 2007.  These increases were partially offset by a reduction in transaction-based taxes of $0.3 million and a reduction in professional fees of $0.6 million.  SG&A for our foreign operations was $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 16.1%.

Depreciation and amortization.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization was $12.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.7%.  Consolidated depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue was 15.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 19.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  Depreciation and amortization in the current period resulted from additions to property and equipment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and the full period effect of depreciation on property and equipment acquired after January 1, 2007, which was partially offset, however, by the elimination of depreciation expense associated with property and equipment sold or disposed of during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and property and equipment, which became fully depreciated since June 30, 2007.
 
Interest income.  Interest income, substantially all of which was earned in the U.S., decreased from $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The decrease of $0.4 million, or 50.0%, was primarily due to the decrease in average balances available for investment and a decrease in short-term interest rates.

Interest expense.  Interest expense, substantially all of which was incurred in the U.S., includes interest expense and amortization of debt acquisition costs incurred in connection with the Secured Credit Facility, interest 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 increased from $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 included interest on amounts outstanding under the Secured Credit Facility and commitment fees on the available but unused amounts under the Secured Credit Facility, which were offset by a reduction in interest incurred on the fair market rent liability and tax liabilities.

 
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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 $0.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to a net expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.1 million.  In the U.S., other income, net was a net expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to a net expense of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.1 million.  For our foreign operations, other income, net was $0.1 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  During the three months ended June 30, 2008, consolidated other income, net was comprised of gains arising from the reversal of certain tax liabilities of $0.1 million and other gains of $0.1 million, partially offset by a loss on disposition of property and equipment of $0.2 million.  For the three months ended June 30, 2007, consolidated other income, net was comprised of a loss on foreign currency of $0.1 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We had a working capital deficit at June 30, 2008 of $6.3 million, compared to a working capital deficit of $25.6 million at December 31, 2007.  The increase in working capital was due primarily to the increase in cash described below.  Cash and cash equivalent balances at June 30, 2008 were $68.5 million, compared to $45.8 million at December 31, 2007, an increase of $22.7 million.  The increase in cash at June 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to the proceeds from the funding of the Term Loan pursuant to the Secured Credit Facility, net of financing costs, of $22.3 million, cash generated by operating activities of $53.3 million and the release of restricted cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by the use of cash to purchase property and equipment of $54.0 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $53.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $29.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $24.3 million.  Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 resulted primarily from the add back of non-cash items deducted in the determination of net income, principally depreciation and amortization of $24.8 million and stock-based compensation expense of $7.9 million.  Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 resulted primarily from the add back of non-cash items deducted in the determination of net income, principally depreciation and amortization of $23.5 million and stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million.
 
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $52.4 million, compared to $34.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to the purchases of property and equipment of $54.0 million, partially offset by the proceeds generated from sales of property and equipment of $1.6 million.  Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2007 reflects the cash used for the purchases of property and equipment totaling $35.8 million, partially offset by the receipt of $1.3 million of cash in connection with the 2006 sale of AboveNet (UK).  The property and equipment that is purchased in each period is used primarily to connect new customers to our networks and to build our infrastructure.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $21.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, which is composed of the $22.3 million of net proceeds received from the funding of the $24 million term loan under the Secured Credit Facility, the release of restricted cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million, and the proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $0.1 million, partially offset by the purchase of shares from employees in connection with the delivery of vested restricted stock units of $1.6 million.  Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, which reflects the reduction of restricted cash and cash equivalents of $0.5 million and proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $0.2 million.

 
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On February 29, 2008, we closed on the $60 million senior Secured Credit Facility comprised of: (i) an $18 million Revolver; (ii) a $24 million Term Loan; and (iii) an $18 million Delayed Draw Term Loan.  The Secured Credit Facility, which matures on February 28, 2013, 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 Secured 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 Secured Credit Facility 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 June 30, 2008, the Term Loan of $24 million was outstanding under the Secured Credit Facility.  On September 26, 2008, we executed a joinder agreement to the Secured Credit Facility that added SunTrust Bank as an additional Lender and increased the amount of the Secured 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 an aggregate of $0.25 million of advisory fees.  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 Secured Credit Facility, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 25, 2008, was extended to June 30, 2009. During 2008, we received $10.6 million proceeds from the exercise of warrants and utilized $2.9 million of liquidity to purchase shares of common stock in connection with the delivery of restricted stock and a stock repurchase from employees. We believe that our existing cash, cash from operating activities and funds available under our Secured Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund operating expenses, planned capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements at least through March 31, 2010.
 
At December 31, 2007, we had $10.9 million accrued with respect to the GVN litigation, of which $3.4 million and $5.3 million had been paid during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  See Note 7, “Litigation,” for further discussion.

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 June 30, 2008:
 
   
Payments Due By Period (in millions)
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
6 Months
Ended
Dec. 31, 2008
   
1-3
Years
   
4-5
Years
   
More than
5 Years
 
                               
Operating Lease Obligations
  $ 73.5     $ 7.2     $ 24.1     $ 15.2     $ 27.0  
Capital Lease Obligations (including interest)
    2.2             0.5       0.5       1.2  
Other Rights-of-Way, Franchise Fees and Building Access Fees
    161.5       14.8       42.3       27.4       77.0  
Note Payable under Secured Credit Facility (including interest)
    30.1       0.8       8.0       8.7       12.6  
Accrued Severance Obligations
    0.4       0.4                    
Total
  $ 267.7     $ 23.2     $ 74.9     $ 51.8     $ 117.8  
 
Excluded from this table are capital commitments (all of which relate to 2008) that totaled $28.9 million at June 30, 2008, and the obligation related to the $12 million Term Loan borrowed on October 1, 2008 in connection with the increase of the Secured Credit Facility to $90 million. Also excluded from this table are unused commitment fees payable with respect to the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility.
 
Under the terms of the restricted stock unit agreements, we may, in certain circumstances, be required to purchase shares from employees sufficient to pay the minimum statutory withholding requirement on behalf of our employees.  The obligation to pay the relevant taxing authorities is not included in the table above, as the amount is contingent upon continued employment and the existence of certain conditions at the time of delivery of the restricted stock units.  In addition, the amount of the obligation is unknown, as it is based in part on the market price of our common stock when the restricted stock units are delivered.
 

 
39

 

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

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
       
Revenue
  $ 68.8     $ 55.0     $ 13.8       25.1 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    29.1       23.6       5.5       23.3 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    18.5       15.2       3.3       21.7 %
Depreciation and amortization
    10.5       10.6       (0.1 )     (0.9 )%
Operating income
    10.7       5.6       5.1       91.1 %
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.3       0.8       (0.5 )     (62.5 )%
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (0.6 )     0.3       50.0 %
Other expense, net
    (0.1 )     (0.2 )     0.1       50.0 %
Income before income taxes
    10.0       5.6       4.4       78.6 %
Provision for income taxes
    0.5       1.3       (0.8 )     (61.5 )%
Net income
  $ 9.5     $ 4.3     $ 5.2       120.9 %

United Kingdom and others:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
       
Revenue
  $ 8.3     $ 6.3     $ 2.0       31.7 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    2.5       2.2       0.3       13.6 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    2.6       3.1       (0.5 )     (16.1 )%
Depreciation and amortization
    1.7       1.4       0.3       21.4 %
Operating income (loss)
    1.5       (0.4 )     1.9    
NM
 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.1             0.1    
NM
 
Other income, net
    0.1       0.1              
Income before income taxes
    1.7       (0.3 )     2.0    
NM
 
Provision for income taxes
                       
Net income
  $ 1.7     $ (0.3 )   $ 2.0    
NM
 
 
NM—not meaningful 


 
40

 
 
United States:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
       
Revenue
  $ 131.9     $ 106.8     $ 25.1       23.5 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    57.6       46.3       11.3       24.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    40.5       32.3       8.2       25.4 %
Depreciation and amortization
    21.5       20.7       0.8       3.9 %
Operating income
    12.3       7.5       4.8       64.0 %
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.8       1.7       (0.9 )     (52.9 )%
Interest expense
    (1.6 )     (1.2 )     0.4       33.3 %
Other (expense) income, net
    (0.3 )     0.7       (1.0 )     (142.9 )%
Income before income taxes
    11.2       8.7       2.5       28.7 %
Provision for income taxes
    1.1       2.1       (1.0 )     (47.6 )%
Net income
  $ 10.1     $ 6.6     $ 3.5       53.0 %

United Kingdom and others:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
       
Revenue
  $ 16.1     $ 12.0     $ 4.1       34.2 %
Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
    4.8       4.2       0.6       14.3 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5.4       5.7       (0.3 )     (5.3 )%
Depreciation and amortization
    3.3       2.8       0.5       17.9 %
Operating income (loss)
    2.6       (0.7 )     3.3    
NM
 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    0.1             0.1    
NM
 
Other income, net
    1.8       0.8       1.0       125.0 %
Income before income taxes
    4.5       0.1       4.4    
NM
 
Provision for income taxes
                       
Net income
  $ 4.5     $ 0.1     $ 4.4    
NM
 
 
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.

 
41

 

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, 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.

Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results
 
Information contained or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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, current economic trends, 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 that could 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-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ITEM 3.  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 June 30, 2008, we did not have any debt, other than indebtedness under our Term Loan and a capital lease obligation (which carried a fixed rate of interest).

On February, 29, 2008, we closed our Secured Credit Facility. See Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Item 1, “Financial Statements,” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Under the terms of the Secured Credit Facility, our borrowings bear interest based upon short-term LIBOR rates or based upon our administrative agent’s (Societe Generale) 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 our borrowing costs.  For example, if LIBOR was to increase by 1% for the full year, our borrowing costs would increase by $0.36 million (1% x $36 million) based upon the amount of the related debt outstanding at October 31, 2008.  Effective August 4, 2008, the Company entered into a swap arrangement under which it fixed its borrowing costs with respect to $24 million outstanding under the Term Loan for three years at 3.65% per annum, plus the applicable margin of 3.25% (which decreased to 3% on September 30, 2008).  On November 12, 2008, the Company entered into a swap agreement under which it fixed its borrowing costs with respect to the additional $12 million provided by SunTrust Bank under the Term Loan for three years at 2.635%, plus the applicable margin of 3%.  The swaps 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 during the applicable periods.

 
42

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

 Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, who are, respectively, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2008.

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.

 
43

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information presented in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Note 7, “Litigation,” and the “Litigation” section of Note 15, “Subsequent Events,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed below and in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Other than discussed below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The weakness of financial institutions could adversely affect the cash and cash equivalents held by us.
 
Our cash and cash equivalents are invested in investment-grade, short-term investment instruments with high quality financial institutions.  Account balances generally exceed federally insured limits.  While we believe that we have taken reasonable measures to ensure that we can maintain access to these funds, we cannot assure you that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse developments that may be experienced by these institutions. Our ability to access these cash balances could be negatively impacted if the financial institutions fail, if there are defaults in the securities that are held in money market funds or there are other adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Current economic trends could negatively affect our future operating results.
 
The current negative economic trends could adversely affect our operations, by among other things,
      ·
reducing and/or delaying the demand for our services,
      ·
increasing our customer churn, both with respect to customer terminations and with respect to reduced prices upon renewals of customer agreements,
      ·
leading to reduced services from our vendors facing economic difficulties, and
      ·
increasing the bad debt ratio of our customer receivables.

These and other related factors could negatively affect our future operating results depending upon the length and severity of the current economic downturn.

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 payments to these landowners for the lease of these rights-of-way or to indemnify the right-of-way holder for its losses.

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 pursuant to the terms of the expired agreement, which is the case currently with respect to our franchise agreement for our operations in the City of New York. We expect that these situations 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 affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 
44

 

As the result of certain ongoing litigation with a third party, the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications of the City of New York (“DOITT”) has informed us that they have temporarily suspended any discussions regarding renewals of telecommunications franchises in the City of New York. As a result, it is our understanding that DOITT has not renewed any recently expired franchise agreement, including our franchise agreement which expired on December 20, 2008. Prior to the expiration of our franchise agreement, we sought out and received written confirmation from DOITT that our franchise agreement provides a basis for us to continue to operate in the City of New York pending conclusion of renewal discussions.  We intend to continue to operate under our expired franchise agreement pending any renewal. We believe that a number of other operators in the City of New York are operating on a similar basis. Based on our discussions with DOITT and the written confirmation that we have received, we do not believe that DOITT intends to take any adverse actions with respect to the operation of any telecommunications providers as the result of their expired franchise agreements and, that if it attempted to do so, it would face a number of legal obstacles. Nevertheless, any attempt by DOITT to limit our operations as the result of our expired franchise agreement could have a material adverse effect on 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 points-of-presence (POPs), it could adversely affect our services and increase our costs as we would be required to restructure our network and move our POPs.

 
45

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
     
10.1
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Joseph P. Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.2
 
Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2007, between AboveNet Communications, Inc. and Joseph Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.3
 
Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Joseph Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.4
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and William G. LaPerch (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.5
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert J. Sokota (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.6
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.7
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
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 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 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.
     

 
46

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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:  February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
  
William G. LaPerch
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

Date:  February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
  
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
47

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
     
10.1
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Joseph P. Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.2
 
Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2007, between AboveNet Communications, Inc. and Joseph Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.3
 
Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Joseph Ciavarella (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2008)
     
10.4
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and William G. LaPerch (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.5
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Robert J. Sokota (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.6
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Rajiv Datta (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
10.7
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2008, between AboveNet, Inc. and Douglas Jendras (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008)
     
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 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 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.
     

 
48

 
EX-31.1 2 v138067_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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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:  February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
  
William G. LaPerch
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
EX-31.2 3 v138067_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, Chief Financial Officer of AboveNet, Inc., certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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: February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
  
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 
EX-32.1 4 v138067_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 Quarterly Report of AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2008 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; 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:  February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ William G. LaPerch
 
  
William G. LaPerch
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
EX-32.2 5 v138067_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 Quarterly Report of AboveNet, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joseph P. Ciavarella, 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; 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:  February 6, 2009
By:
/s/ Joseph P. Ciavarella
 
  
Joseph P. Ciavarella
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

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