Otelco Reports Fourth Quarter and 2016 Results


ONEONTA, Ala., March 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otelco Inc. (NASDAQ:OTEL), a wireline telecommunications services provider in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont and West Virginia and a provider of cloud hosting and managed services, today announced results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. Key highlights for Otelco include:

  • Total revenues of $16.8 million for fourth quarter 2016 and $68.9 million for 2016.
  • Operating income of $4.6 million for fourth quarter 2016 and $18.8 million for 2016.
  • Net income of $0.9 million for fourth quarter 2016 and $5.1 million for 2016.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) of $6.7 million for fourth quarter 2016 and $28.1 million for 2016.

During fourth quarter 2016, Otelco accepted the FCC’s A-CAM offer in the five states where it was applicable to the Company. The program will allow the Company to enhance and build out its broadband network to provide increased speed and accessibility to customers. The new model-based support provides approximately $1.5 million more in revenue and EBIDTA compared with the revenue it replaces in 2016, including the one state which remains on the historical support program. In addition, A-CAM provides revenue clarity for the next ten years.

The Company also announced it has selected a replacement product for all of its billing and operations systems to put the Company on a common platform across its entire operation. Rob Souza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Otelco, stated, “The conversion planning has begun and we expect the completion of the system conversion over the next 12 months to create an opportunity for more granular customer data, better customer service and improved efficiency of handling customer requirements.”

Fourth quarter 2016 net income and Consolidated EBITDA declined from the same period in 2015 driven by decline in residential voice service, as well as the impact of the FCC’s 2011 access rate order. Higher interest costs associated with the Company’s new credit agreements also had a negative impact on net income.

The Company is pleased with the results of its new products on the non-regulated side. HPBX lines grew by 5.3% in 2016. In addition, during the fourth quarter, the Company was awarded a contract to provide internet and voice service to the community of Leverett, Massachusetts. Coordination of the conversion of over 600 residential lines to the Company’s service has started, and the work should be completed by early second quarter 2017. In December, Otelco also signed a long-term fiber IRU with a national carrier that will enhance Otelco’s transport revenue beginning in March.

Cash grew to $10.5 million at December 31, 2016, from $9.3 million at September 30, 2016, and $6.9 million at December 31, 2015. In addition to the quarterly $1.0 million principal payment on its senior credit facility, Otelco expects to make an “excess cash flow” payment of $3.1 million this week as it continues to de-lever its balance sheet.

“Last quarter, we announced the engagement of The Bank Street Group LLC to explore the Company’s strategic alternatives,” added Souza. “Since the announcement, there have been a number of industry announcements regarding the continuing consolidation activity in the broader telecom market. Management and the Board of Directors are actively involved in our ongoing process. The Company will continue to restrict public comments to those required by applicable law.”

Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
  
   Three Months Ended December 31, Change
   2016 2015 Amount Percent 
 Revenues$16,833 $17,717 $(884)   (5.0) %
 Operating income$4,607 $5,072 $(465)   (9.2) %
 Interest expense$2,703 $1,906 $797   41.8 %
 Net income available to stockholders$947 $1,844 $(897)   (48.6) %
  Basic net income (loss) per share$0.30 $0.57 $(0.27)   (47.4) %
  Diluted net income (loss) per share$0.27 $0.54 $(0.27)   (50.0) %
              
 Consolidated EBITDA(1)$6,703 $7,366 $(663)   (9.0) %
 Capital expenditures$2,770 $2,043 $727   35.6 %
           
   Year Ended December 31, Change
   2016 2015 Amount Percent 
 Revenues$68,944 $71,102 $(2,158)   (3.0) %
 Operating income$18,813 $19,255 $(442)   (2.3) %
 Interest expense$10,634 $7,894 $2,740   34.7 %
 Net income available to stockholders$5,146 $7,484 $(2,338)   (31.2) %
  Basic net income per share$1.57 $2.31 $(0.74)   (32.0) %
  Diluted net income per share$1.51 $2.26 $(0.75)   (33.2) %
              
 Consolidated EBITDA(1)$28,078 $29,667 $(1,589)   (5.4) %
 Capital expenditures$6,879 $6,612 $267   4.0 %
           
           
 Reconciliation of Consolidated EBITDA to Net Income        
   Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 
   2016 2015 2016
 2015
 
 Net income$947 $1,844 $5,146  $7,484 
 Add: Depreciation 1,809  1,922  7,137   7,678 
 Interest expense less interest income 2,389  1,690  9,236   7,010 
 Interest expense - amortize loan cost 314  215  1,397   880 
 Income tax expense 958  1,329  3,658   4,944 
 Amortization - intangibles 142  262  885   1,200 
 Loan fees 40  25  204   100 
 Stock-based compensation (earn out) -  -  -   71 
 Stock-based compensation (board and senior management) 104  79  415   292 
 Other excluded expense -  -  -   8 
 Consolidated EBITDA(1)$6,703 $7,366 $28,078  $29,667 
           

(1)  Consolidated EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income (loss) plus consolidated net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and certain other fees, expenses and non-cash charges reducing consolidated net income. Consolidated EBITDA is a supplemental measure of the Company’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Consolidated EBITDA corresponds to the definition of Consolidated EBITDA in the Company’s credit facilities. The lenders under the Company’s credit facilities utilize this measure to determine compliance with credit facility requirements. The Company uses Consolidated EBITDA as an operational performance measurement to focus attention on the operational generation of cash, which is used for reinvestment into the business; to repay its debt and to pay interest on its debt; to pay income taxes; and for other corporate requirements. The Company reports Consolidated EBITDA to allow current and potential investors to understand this performance metric and because the Company believes that it provides current and potential investors with helpful information with respect to the Company’s operating performance. However, Consolidated EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s presentation of Consolidated EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
 

 

Otelco Inc. - Key Operating Statistics         
  (Unaudited)        Quarterly Annual
   As of  December 31, September 30, December 31, % Change from % Change from
      2015 2016 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Business/Enterprise             
 CLEC              
  Voice lines  18,606 17,409 17,034 (2.2) % (8.4) %
  HPBX seats  10,740 11,291 11,314 0.2 % 5.3 %
  Data lines   3,629 3,704 3,655 (1.3) % 0.7 %
  Wholesale network lines 2,743 2,633 2,550 (3.2) % (7.0) %
  Classifax   140 174 173 (0.6) % 23.6 %
 RLEC              
  Voice lines  16,123 16,678 16,621 (0.3) % 3.1 %
  Data lines   1,539 1,654 1,634 (1.2) % 6.2 %
 Access line equivalents (1) 53,520 53,543 52,981 (1.0) % (1.0) %
                 
Residential              
 CLEC              
  Voice lines  225 209 199 (4.8) % (11.6) %
  Data lines   282 262 249 (5.0) % (11.7) %
 RLEC              
  Voice lines  23,143 21,502 20,978 (2.4) % (9.4) %
  Data lines   20,089 19,811 19,622 (1.0) % (2.3) %
 Access line equivalents (1) 43,739 41,784 41,048 (1.8) % (6.2) %
                 
Otelco access line equivalents (1)97,259 95,327 94,029 (1.4) % (3.3) %
                 
Video   3,648 3,338 3,350 0.4 % (8.2) %
Security systems  326 357 352 (1.4) % 8.0 %
Other internet lines  2,840 2,637 2,570 (2.5) % (9.5) %
                 
(1The Company defines access line equivalents as retail and wholesale voice lines (including Classifax, the Company’s virtual faxing solution) and data lines (including cable modems, digital subscriber lines, and dedicated data access trunks).
 

FINANCIAL DISCUSSION FOR FOURTH QUARTER 2016:

Revenues

Total revenues decreased 5.0% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $16.8 million from $17.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in residential RLEC access line equivalents and access revenue decreases due to the FCC’s inter-carrier compensation reform order (the “FCC’s order”) account for the majority of the decline, which was partially offset by an increase in internet, video and security and managed services revenue. The table below provides the components of the Company’s revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period of 2015. 

   Three Months Ended December 31,  Change  
   2016 2015 Amount Percent
               
   (unaudited, dollars in thousands)   
 Local services $5,741 $6,204 $(463) (7.5)%
 Network access  5,031  5,498  (467) (8.5)%
 Internet  3,924  3,786  138  3.6 %
 Transport services  1,168  1,330  (162) (12.2)%
 Video and security  725  669  56  8.4 %
 Managed services  244  230  14  6.1 %
 Total $16,833 $17,717 $(884) (5.0)%
 

Local services revenue decreased 7.5% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $5.7 million from $6.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. The decline in RLEC residential voice access lines and the impact of the FCC’s order, which reduced or eliminated intrastate and local cellular revenue, accounted for a decrease of $0.3 million. A portion of the RLEC decrease is recovered through the Connect America Fund, which is categorized as interstate access revenue. The decline in long distance and special line revenue accounted for a decrease of $0.2 million. Network access revenue decreased 8.5% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $5.0 million from $5.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. A $0.3 million increase in the Connect America Fund was partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in end user-based fees. In addition, special access charges decreased $0.2 million and switched access decreased $0.5 million. Internet revenue increased 3.6% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $3.9 million from $3.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. Higher equipment fees and increased speed accounted for the increase. Transport services revenue decreased 12.2% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $1.2 million from $1.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, reflecting customer churn and market pricing. Video and security revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2016, increased 8.4% from the three months ended December 31, 2015, to slightly more than $0.7 million from slightly under $0.7 million reflecting increases in IPTV and security revenue. Managed services revenue increased 6.1% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, over the comparable period in 2015 to remain at just over $0.2 million, reflecting increases in both cloud hosting and professional services revenue.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses in the three months ended December 31, 2016, decreased 3.3% to $12.2 million from $12.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. Cost of services decreased 3.1% to $7.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2016, from $8.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. Customer service and sales expense decreased $0.1 million; Hosted PBX equipment expense decreased $0.1 million; and resale facility expense decreased $0.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million in access, digital circuit and buried cable expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2.7% to $2.4 million in the three months ended December 31, 2016, from $2.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. The increase was attributable to a one-time benefit in 2015 associated with the end of an executive retirement liability from a 2003 acquisition. Depreciation and amortization decreased 10.2% in the three months ended December 31, 2016, to $2.0 million from $2.2 million in three months ended December 31, 2015. The amortization of other intangible assets in New England decreased $0.1 million and CLEC depreciation decreased $0.1 million.

Operating Income

Operating income in the three months ended December 31, 2016, decreased 9.2% to $4.6 million from $5.1 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, primarily related to the decrease in revenue for the period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense in the three months ended December 31, 2016, increased 41.8% to $2.7 million from $1.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015. Higher interest rates on the Company’s current loan facilities accounted for an increase of $0.7 million and higher loan cost amortization accounted for an increase of $0.1 million.

Net Income
Based on the changes noted above, net income decreased $0.9 million to $0.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, when compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, primarily driven by increased interest expense.

Consolidated EBITDA

Based on the changes noted above, Consolidated EBITDA decreased $0.7 million to $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, when compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015. Consolidated EBITDA was $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. Stock based compensation and other excluded expenses are added back in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA. See financial tables for a reconciliation of Consolidated EBITDA to net income.

Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $10.5 million compared to $6.9 million at the end of 2015. During fourth quarter 2016, the Company reduced its senior credit facility balance by $1.0 million to $82.0 million. Additional reductions of $4.1 million are expected to be made during first quarter 2017, including the annual Excess Cash Flow payment. The $5.0 million revolver remains undrawn.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, compared to $2.0 million in the same period in 2015.   

Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

Otelco has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the internet, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). To participate in the call, participants should dial (913) 312-1510 and ask for the Otelco call 10 minutes prior to the start time. Investors, analysts and the general public will also have the opportunity to listen to the conference call free over the internet by visiting the Company’s website at www.OtelcoInc.com. To listen to the live call online, please visit the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website at www.OtelcoInc.com for 30 days.  A two-week telephonic replay may also be accessed by calling (719) 457-0820 and entering the Confirmation Code 5132244.

ABOUT OTELCO

Otelco Inc. provides wireline telecommunications services in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont and West Virginia. The Company’s services include local and long distance telephone, digital high-speed data lines, transport services, network access, cable television and other related services. With approximately 94,000 voice and data access lines, which are collectively referred to as access line equivalents, Otelco is among the top 25 largest local exchange carriers in the United States based on number of access lines. Otelco operates eleven incumbent telephone companies serving rural markets, or rural local exchange carriers. It also provides competitive retail and wholesale communications services and technology consulting, managed services and private/hybrid cloud hosting services through several subsidiaries. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.OtelcoInc.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could impact the Company’s strategic review and exploration process or cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or similar terms to be uncertain and forward-looking. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of any decisions that the Company may make regarding strategic alternatives in connection with the strategic review and exploration process. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

OTELCO INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share par value and share amounts)
           
         As of December 31, 
         2016 2015 
Assets      
 Current assets          
  Cash and cash equivalents   $10,538 $6,884 
  Accounts receivable:          
  Due from subscribers, net of allowance for doubtful       
  accounts of $187 and $258, respectively  5,035  5,185 
  Other      1,528  1,722 
  Materials and supplies     2,184  1,906 
  Prepaid expenses     2,912  2,775 
  Deferred income taxes     -  57 
   Total current assets    22,197  18,529 
               
 Property and equipment, net    49,271  49,811 
 Goodwill      44,976  44,976 
 Intangible assets, net     1,785  2,363 
 Investments      1,821  1,846 
 Other assets      222  259 
   Total assets    $120,272 $117,784 
               
  Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit       
 Current liabilities          
  Accounts payable    $1,477 $1,818 
  Accrued expenses     4,730  4,567 
  Advance billings and payments    1,487  1,418 
  Deferred income taxes     24  - 
  Customer deposits     62  68 
  Current maturity of long-term notes payable, net of debt issuance cost  6,071  2,203 
   Total current liabilities    13,851  10,074 
               
 Deferred income taxes     28,256  26,163 
 Advance billings and payments    1,987  628 
 Other liabilities     26  27 
 Long-term notes payable, less current maturities and debt issuance cost  86,860  97,052 
   Total liabilities     130,980  133,944 
               
 Stockholders' deficit          
  Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value-authorized 10,000,000 shares;       
  issued and outstanding 3,291,750 and 3,015,099 shares, respectively  33  30 
  Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value-authorized 250,000 shares;       
  issued and outstanding 0 and 232,780 shares, respectively  -  2 
  Additional paid in capital    4,186  3,881 
  Accumulated deficit     (14,927)  (20,073) 
   Total stockholders' deficit    (10,708)  (16,160) 
   Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit  $120,272 $117,784 
            


OTELCO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
        
       Years Ended December 31,
       2016 2015 2014
Revenues     $68,944 $71,102 $73,870
               
Operating expenses           
 Cost of services   31,875  33,123  35,516
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  10,234  9,846  10,913
 Depreciation and amortization  8,022  8,878  10,583
  Total operating expenses  50,131  51,847  57,012
               
Income from operations   18,813  19,255  16,858
               
Other income (expense)          
 Interest expense   (10,634)  (7,894)  (8,854)
 Other income    625  1,067  210
  Total other expense  (10,009)  (6,827)  (8,644)
               
Income before income tax expense  8,804  12,428  8,214
Income tax expense    (3,658)  (4,944)  (3,185)
Net income    $5,146 $7,484 $5,029
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:        
  Basic    3,283,177  3,239,306  3,103,728
  Diluted    3,404,696  3,313,641  3,168,161
               
Basic net income per common share $1.57 $2.31 $1.62
               
Diluted net income per common share $1.51 $2.26 $1.59
          


OTELCO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
       Years Ended December 31, 
      2016 2015 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:         
 Net income   $5,146 $7,484 $5,029
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:         
  Depreciation  7,137  7,678  8,941
  Amortization  885  1,200  1,642
  Amortization of loan costs  1,242  880  936
  Loss on extinguishment of debt  155  -  -
  Provision for deferred income taxes  2,001  1,882  2,692
  Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation  173  144  249
  Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable  348  442  476
  Stock-based compensation  415  362  643
  Payment in kind interest - subordinated debt  273  -  -
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities         
   Accounts receivable  (4)  (11)  (128)
   Material and supplies  (278)  9  (261)
   Prepaid expenses and other assets  (100)  878  (1,486)
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (178)  227  (534)
   Advance billings and payments  1,428  (45)  (67)
   Other liabilities  (6)  (117)  (10)
    Net cash from operating activities  18,637  21,013  18,122
              
Cash flows used in investing activities:         
 Acquisition and construction of property and equipment  (6,879)  (6,612)  (6,015)
 Retirement of investment  (1)  -  (1)
 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment  -  -  58
 Purchase of Reliable Networks, net of cash acquired  -  -  (500)
    Net cash used in investing activities  (6,880)  (6,612)  (6,458)
              
Cash flows used in financing activities:         
 Loan origination costs  (5,242)  (516)  -
 Principal repayment of long-term notes payable  (103,052)  (12,083)  (16,498)
 Proceeds from loan refinancing  100,300  -  -
 Tax withholdings paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units  (109)  -  -
    Net cash used in financing activities  (8,103)  (12,599)  (16,498)
              
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  3,654  1,802  (4,834)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  6,884  5,082  9,916
              
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $10,538 $6,884 $5,082
              
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:         
 Interest paid   $8,364 $7,016 $7,924
              
 Income taxes paid  $1,923 $2,414 $1,535
              
 Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock $2 $- $-
              
 Issuance of Class A common stock $1 $1 $-
           

            

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