OREANDA-NEWS. Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) today reported results for the quarter and full year ending December 31, 2015.

"Our 2015 results demonstrate Level 3's solid execution and performance," said Jeff Storey, president and CEO of Level 3. "Demand for bandwidth remains strong and the proliferation of connected devices continues. These demand drivers are creating an enterprise networking opportunity that is well suited for the depth, scale and reach of Level 3's global network and capabilities. We believe we are well positioned to continue to take enterprise market share." 

Total revenue was $2.053 billion for the fourth quarter 2015, compared to $2.052 billion for the fourth quarter 2014 and $8.229 billion for the full year 2015 compared to $8.123 billion for the full year 2014. The full year 2015 and the full year 2014 results include nine months and twelve months of results from the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations, respectively. The full year 2014 results are presented on a pro forma basis assuming the tw telecom acquisition took place on January 1, 2014.

In the fourth quarter 2015, the company generated net income of $3.323 billion and basic earnings per share of $9.33. This includes a non-cash benefit to the fourth quarter Income Tax Expense of approximately $3.3 billion related to the release of the company's valuation allowance against U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets, an expense of $151 million for the provision for income taxes after the release of the valuation allowance and a charge of $55 million on the modification and extinguishment of debt. Excluding all of these items, basic earnings per share were $0.53 for the fourth quarter 2015. Net loss per share was $0.24 for the fourth quarter 2014 on a pro forma basis. 

Financial Results

 

Metric

($ in millions)

Fourth Quarter 2015

Fourth Quarter 2014 Pro Forma(1)(2)

Full Year 2015(3)

Full Year 2014 Pro Forma(1)(2)

Core Network Services Revenue(4)

$1,943

$1,918

$7,757

$7,552

Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue

$110

$134

$472

$571

Total Revenue

$2,053

$2,052

$8,229

$8,123

Network Access Costs

$708

$732

$2,833

$2,894

Network Access Margin

65.5%

64.3%

65.6%

64.4%

Network Related Expenses (NRE) (5)

$337

$364

$1,403

$1,432

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)(5)

$323

$332

$1,323

$1,355

Non-cash Compensation Expense

$49

$93

$141

$168

Adjusted EBITDA(6)(7)

$681

$469

$2,638

$2,271

Adjusted EBITDA Margin(6)(7)

33.2%

22.9%

32.1%

28.0%

Capital Expenditures

$330

$346

$1,229

$1,255

Unlevered Cash Flow(7)

$399

$213

$1,293

$911

Free Cash Flow(7)(8)

$226

($9)

$626

$183

Net Income (Loss)

$3,323

($80)

$3,433

$149

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share-Basic

$9.33

($0.24)

$9.71

$0.44

   

(1)

References to "pro forma" figures assume the tw telecom acquisition took place on January 1, 2014.

(2)

The reported fourth quarter 2014 and full year 2014 results include the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations.

(3)

The reported full year 2015 results include nine months of results from the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations.

(4)

The reported fourth quarter 2014 and full year 2014 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2015.

(5)

Excludes non-cash compensation expense and integration-related expenses.

(6)

Includes tw telecom acquisition related expenses of $4 million for the fourth quarter 2015, $32 million for the full year 2015, $156 million for the fourth quarter 2014 and $172 million for the full year 2014.

(7)

See schedule of non-GAAP metrics for definitions and reconciliation to GAAP measures.

(8)

Includes accelerated cash interest payments of $32 million related to the capital markets transaction completed in the fourth quarter 2015.

Revenue

 

Core Network Services (CNS) Revenue

($ in millions)

Fourth Quarter 2015

Fourth Quarter 2014 Pro Forma(1)(2)

Percent

Change,

Constant Currency

Full
 Year
 2015 Pro Forma(1)(3)

Full Year 2014 Pro Forma(1)(4)

Percent

Change,

Constant Currency

North America

$1,571

$1,505

5%

$6,208

$5,867

6%

Wholesale

$425

$425

-%

$1,734

$1,706

2%

Enterprise

$1,146

$1,080

6%

$4,474

$4,161

8%

             

EMEA

$212

$221

1%

$835

$902

-%

Wholesale

$69

$75

-%

$275

$326

(7%)

Enterprise

$118

$118

3%

$457

$461

6%

UK Government

$25

$28

(8%)

$103

$115

(4%)

             

Latin America

$160

$171

8%

$642

$696

7%

Wholesale

$35

$37

4%

$139

$147

7%

Enterprise

$125

$134

10%

$503

$549

7%

             

Total CNS Revenue

$1,943

$1,897

4%

$7,685

$7,465

5%

Wholesale

$529

$537

-%

$2,148

$2,179

1%

Enterprise

$1,414

$1,360

6%

$5,537

$5,286

7%

   

(1)

References to "pro forma" figures assume the tw telecom acquisition and the deconsolidation of the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations took place on January 1, 2014.

(2)

Excludes total revenue from the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations of $21 million for the fourth quarter 2014.

(3)

Excludes total revenue from the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations of $25 million for the third quarter 2015, $24 million for the second quarter 2015, and $23 million for the first quarter 2015.

(4)

Excludes total revenue from the company's Venezuelan subsidiary's operations of $87 million for the full year 2014.

CNS Revenue

CNS Revenue was $1.943 billion in the fourth quarter 2015, increasing 4.4 percent year-over-year on a pro forma and constant currency basis compared to the fourth quarter 2014. For the full year 2015, CNS Revenue was $7.685 billion, which grew 5.3 percent on a pro forma and constant currency basis compared to the full year 2014.

Deferred Revenue

The deferred revenue balance was $1.244 billion at the end of the fourth quarter 2015, compared to $1.208 billion at the end of the fourth quarter 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA

For the fourth quarter 2015, Adjusted EBITDA was $681 million, including integration-related expenses of $4 million. For the fourth quarter 2014, Adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis was $469 million, which included tw telecom transaction and integration-related expenses of $156 million.

For the full year 2015, Adjusted EBITDA was $2.638 billion, including integration-related expenses of $32 million, an increase of 16 percent from the starting point of $2.271 billion for the full year 2014, on a pro forma basis, which includes $172 million of transaction and integration-related expenses.

Capital Market Transactions and Liquidity

On December 13, 2015, the company redeemed $900 million aggregate principal amount of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s 8.625% Senior Notes due 2020. To fund the redemption of these notes, Level 3 Financing used the net proceeds, along with cash on hand, from the issuance of its 5.375% Senior Notes due 2024.

The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt as a result of this transaction and related redemption was $55 million.

As of December 31, 2015, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $854 million.

Release of Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance

With the continued expectation of generating income before taxes in the U.S., the company released a significant portion of its valuation allowance against its net U.S. and state deferred tax asset position in the fourth quarter 2015. The release of the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter benefitted Income Tax Expense and Net Income by approximately $3.3 billion.

The company's estimated Federal net operating loss carryforward (NOL) position was $9.9 billion as of December 31, 2015.

2016 Business Outlook

"In 2015, we met or exceeded our key outlook measures for the year," said Sunit Patel, executive vice president and CFO of Level 3. "Even with the tw telecom integration, global currency pressures driven by macroeconomic headwinds and the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan subsidiary last quarter, we had good momentum which drove revenue growth and strong profit performance for the year. We also refinanced $4.9 billion of our debt during 2015, resulting in over $110 million of annualized cash interest expense savings, positioning us well for 2016 and beyond.

"As we look to 2016, from a revenue perspective, we expect both total revenue and Core Network Services revenue growth, excluding UK Government revenue, to be stronger in 2016 compared to 2015, on a constant currency basis. 

"We expect full year 2016 Adjusted EBITDA to grow 9 to 12 percent from a starting point of $2.592 billion, which excludes the three quarters of Adjusted EBITDA results from our Venezuelan subsidiary's operations. For the full year 2016, we expect to generate Free Cash Flow of $1.0 to $1.1 billion."

Metrics

2015

2016

Outlook

Results

Outlook

Adjusted EBITDA

YoY growth of 15% - 17%(1)

16%

YoY growth of 9% - 12%(2)

Free Cash Flow

$600 - $650 million

$658 million

$1.0 - $1.1 billion

   

(1)

From a starting point of $2.271 billion, which represents pro forma 2014 Adjusted EBITDA, including tw telecom acquisition-related expenses

(2)

From a starting point of $2.592 billion, which is adjusted to exclude Adjusted EBITDA from the company's Venezuela subsidiary.

For the full year 2016, the company also expects:

  • GAAP interest expense of approximately $570 million
  • Net cash interest expense of approximately $520 million
  • Capital expenditures of approximately 15 percent of total revenue
  • Depreciation and amortization of approximately $1.230 billion
  • Full year income tax rate of approximately 30 percent
  • Cash income tax expense of approximately $40 million
  • Non-cash compensation expense of approximately $130 million

 

About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) is a Fortune 500 company that provides local, national and global communications services to enterprise, government and carrier customers. Level 3's comprehensive portfolio of secure, managed solutions includes fiber and infrastructure solutions; IP-based voice and data communications; wide-area Ethernet services; video and content distribution; data center and cloud-based solutions. Level 3 serves customers in more than 500 markets in over 60 countries across a global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents and connected by extensive undersea facilities. For more information, please visit www.level3.com or get to know us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications, Level (3) and the Level 3 Logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and elsewhere. Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Level 3 services are provided by subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statement 
Some statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to: successfully integrate the tw telecom acquisition; manage risks associated with continued uncertainty in the global economy; increase revenue from its services to realize its targets for financial and operating performance; maintain and increase traffic on its network; develop and maintain effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; avert the breach of its network and computer system security measures; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; manage the future expansion or adaptation of its network to remain competitive; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; manage continued or accelerated decreases in market pricing for communications services; obtain capacity for its network from other providers and interconnect its network with other networks on favorable terms; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate future acquisitions; effectively manage political, legal, regulatory, foreign currency and other risks it is exposed to due to its substantial international operations; mitigate its exposure to contingent liabilities; and meet all of the terms and conditions of its debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Level 3 Communications:

Non-GAAP Metrics

Pursuant to Regulation G, the company is hereby providing definitions of non-GAAP financial metrics and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

The following describes and reconciles those financial measures as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) with those financial measures as adjusted by the items detailed below and presented in the accompanying news release. These calculations are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP. In keeping with its historical financial reporting practices, the company believes that the supplemental presentation of these calculations provides meaningful non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand and compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis.

In addition, measures referred to in the accompanying news release as being calculated "on a constant currency basis" or "in constant currency terms" are non-GAAP metrics intended to present the relevant information assuming a constant exchange rate between the two periods being compared. Such metrics are calculated by applying the currency exchange rates used in the preparation of the prior period financial results to the subsequent period results.

Consolidated Revenue is defined as total revenue from the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Core Network Services Revenue includes revenue from colocation and datacenter services, transport and fiber, IP and data services, and voice services (local and enterprise).

Network Access Costs includes leased capacity, right-of-way costs, access charges, satellite transponder lease costs and other third party costs directly attributable to providing access to customer locations from the Level 3 network, but excludes Network Related Expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Network Access Costs do not include any employee expenses or impairment expenses; these expenses are allocated to Network Related Expenses or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

Network Related Expenses includes certain expenses associated with the delivery of services to customers and the operation and maintenance of the Level 3 network, such as facility rent, utilities, maintenance and other costs, each related to the operation of its communications network, as well as salaries, wages and related benefits (including non-cash stock-based compensation expenses) associated with personnel who are responsible for the delivery of services, operation and maintenance of its communications network, and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations, but excludes depreciation and amortization.

Network Access Margin ($) is defined as total Revenue less Network Access Costs from the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and excludes Network Related Expenses.

Network Access Margin (%) is defined as Network Access Margin ($) divided by total Revenue. Management believes that network access margin is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is a metric that management uses to measure the margin available to the company after it pays third party network services costs; in essence, a measure of the efficiency of the company's network.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) from the Consolidated Statements of Operations before income tax (expense) benefit, total other income (expense), non-cash impairment charges, depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation expense.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Q4 2015 (as reported)

(in millions)

   

Net Income

$

3,323

 

Income Tax Benefit

(3,189)

 

Total Other Expense

204

 

Depreciation and Amortization

294

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

49

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

681

 
   

Total Revenue

$

2,053

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

33.2

%

     
     

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Q4 2014 (Pro Forma) (1)

(in millions)

   

Net Loss

$

(80)

 

Income Tax Benefit

(105)

 

Total Other Expense

279

 

Depreciation and Amortization

281

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

93

 

Non-Cash Impairment

1

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

469

 
   

Total Revenue

$

2,052

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

22.9

%

 

(1) Fourth quarter of 2014 Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA reflects a full three months of both Level 3's and tw telecom's results.

 
 

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Q4 2014 (as reported)

(in millions)

   

Net Income

$

66

 

Income Tax Benefit

(103)

 

Total Other Expense

268

 

Depreciation and Amortization

250

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

25

 

Non-Cash Impairment

1

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

507

 
   

Total Revenue

$

1,914

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

26.5

%

     
     

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Year Ended December 31, 2015 (as reported)

(in millions)

   

Net Income

$

3,433

 

Income Tax Benefit

(3,150)

 

Total Other Expense

1,048

 

Depreciation and Amortization

1,166

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

141

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

2,638

 
   

Total Revenue

$

8,229

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

32.1

%

     
     

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (as reported)

(in millions)

   

Net Income

$

314

 

Income Tax Benefit

(76)

 

Total Other Expense

775

 

Depreciation and Amortization

808

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

73

 

Non-Cash Impairment

1

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,895

 
   

Total Revenue

$

6,777

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

28.0

%

     
     

Adjusted EBITDA Metric

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (Pro Forma) (1)

(in millions)

   

Net Income

$

149

 

Income Tax Benefit

(70)

 

Total Other Expense

905

 

Depreciation and Amortization

1,118

 

Non-Cash Stock Compensation

168

 

Non-Cash Impairment

1

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

2,271

 
   

Total Revenue

$

8,123

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

28.0

%

 

(1) Full year 2014 Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA reflects a full year of both Level 3's and tw telecom's results.

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are relevant and useful metrics to provide to investors, as they are an important part of the company's internal reporting and are key measures used by Management to evaluate profitability and operating performance of the company and to make resource allocation decisions.  Management believes such measures are especially important in a capital-intensive industry such as telecommunications.  Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to compare the company's performance to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating items in order to consistently measure from period to period its ability to fund capital expenditures, fund growth, service debt and determine bonuses.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock compensation expense because of the non-cash nature of these items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes interest income, interest expense and income taxes because these items are associated with the company's capitalization and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these non-cash expenses primarily reflect the impact of historical capital investments, as opposed to the cash impacts of capital expenditures made in recent periods, which may be evaluated through cash flow measures.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and other, net because these items are not related to the primary operations of the company.

There are limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar performance measures whose calculations may differ from the company's calculations. Additionally, this financial measure does not include certain significant items such as interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash stock compensation expense, the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and net other income (expense). Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

Unlevered Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures, plus cash interest paid and less interest income all as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management believes that Unlevered Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the operational strength and performance of the company and, measured over time, provides management and investors with a sense of the underlying business' growth pattern and ability to generate cash.  Unlevered Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions and debt service and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances.

There are material limitations to using Unlevered Cash Flow to measure the company's cash performance as it excludes certain material items such as payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, interest income, cash interest expense and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Unlevered Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating losses, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Unlevered Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Management believes that Free Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the company's ability to generate cash to service its debt. Free Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions, principal repayments and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances.

There are material limitations to using Free Cash Flow to measure the company's performance as it excludes certain material items such as principal payments on and repurchases of long-term debt and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Free Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating losses, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to interest expense, accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 (as reported)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

556

   

$

556

 

Capital Expenditures

(330)

   

(330)

 

Cash Interest Paid

173

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

   

N/A

 

Total

$

399

   

$

226

 
 
 

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 (Pro Forma) (1)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

337

   

$

337

 

Capital Expenditures

(346)

   

(346)

 

Cash Interest Paid

222

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

   

N/A

 

Total

$

213

   

$

(9)

 
 

(1)  Fourth quarter of 2014 Pro Forma Cash Flows reflects a full three months of both Level 3's and tw telecom's results.

 
 

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 (as reported)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

396

   

$

396

 

Capital Expenditures

(302)

   

(302)

 

Cash Interest Paid

190

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

   

N/A

 

Total

$

284

   

$

94

 
 
 

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Year Ended December 31, 2015 (as reported)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

1,855

   

$

1,855

 

Capital Expenditures

(1,229)

   

(1,229)

 

Cash Interest Paid

668

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

(1)

   

N/A

 

Total

$

1,293

   

$

626

 
 
 

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (as reported)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

1,161

   

$

1,161

 

Capital Expenditures

(910)

   

(910)

 

Cash Interest Paid

598

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

(1)

   

N/A

 

Total

$

848

   

$

251

 
 
 

Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

     

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (Pro Forma) (1)

Unlevered

   

($ in millions)

Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

1,438

   

$

1,438

 

Capital Expenditures

(1,255)

   

(1,255)

 

Cash Interest Paid

729

   

N/A

 

Interest Income

(1)

   

N/A

 

Total

$

911

   

$

183

 
 

(1)  Full year 2014 Pro Forma Cash Flows reflects a full year of both Level 3's and tw telecom's results.

4Q14 Pro Forma Combined Company Results

($ in millions)

 

Historical Level 3

Add: Nov and Dec Intercompany Transactions

Standalone Level 3

Standalone tw*

Intercompany Eliminations

Pro Forma Adjustments (1)

Total

Core Network Services (CNS) Revenue

               

North America

 

$

1,083

 

$

5

 

$

1,088

 

$

433

 

$

(15)

 

$

(1)

 

$

1,505

   Wholesale

 

$

359

 

$

5

 

$

364

 

$

94

 

$

(15)

 

$

(18)

 

$

425

   Enterprise

 

$

724

 

$

 

$

724

 

$

339

 

$

 

$

17

 

$

1,080

                 

EMEA

 

$

218

 

$

 

$

218

 

$

 

$

 

$

3

 

$

221

   Wholesale

 

$

75

 

$

 

$

75

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

75

   Enterprise

 

$

143

 

$

 

$

143

 

$

 

$

 

$

3

 

$

146

                 

Latin America

 

$

191

 

$

 

$

191

 

$

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

192

   Wholesale

 

$

41

 

$

 

$

41

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

41

   Enterprise

 

$

150

 

$

 

$

150

 

$

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

151

                 

Total CNS Revenue

 

$

1,492

 

$

5

 

$

1,497

 

$

433

 

$

(15)

 

$

3

 

$

1,918

Wholesale Voice Services and Other

 

137

 

 

137

 

 

 

(3)

 

134

Total Revenue

 

$

1,629

 

$

5

 

$

1,634

 

$

433

 

$

(15)

 

$

 

$

2,052

                 

Network Access Costs

 

$

(616)

 

$

(4)

 

$

(620)

 

$

(123)

 

$

11

 

$

 

$

(732)

Network Related Expenses

 

(303)

 

(1)

 

(304)

 

(77)

 

3

 

 

(378)

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

(333)

 

 

(333)

 

(234)

 

 

 

(567)

Add back: Non-Cash Compensation Expenses

 

24

 

 

24

 

69

 

 

 

93

Add back: Non-Cash Impairment

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

Adjusted EBITDA Including Acquisition-Related Expenses

 

$

402

 

$

 

$

402

 

$

68

 

$

(1)

 

$

 

$

469

                 

Transaction Costs

 

$

15

 

$

 

$

15

 

$

85

 

$

 

$

 

$

100

Integration Costs

 

53

 

 

53

 

3

 

 

 

56

Total Acquisition Related Costs

 

$

68

 

$

 

$

68

 

$

88

 

$

 

$

 

$

156

                 

Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses

 

$

470

 

$

 

$

470

 

$

156

 

$

(1)

 

$

 

$

625

                 

Capital Expenditures

 

$

239

 

$

 

$

239

 

$

107

 

$

 

$

 

$

346

                 

Colocation and Datacenter Services

 

$

142

 

$

 

$

142

 

$

14

 

$

(1)

 

$

(1)

 

$

154

Transport and Fiber

 

521

 

4

 

525

 

72

 

(12)

 

3

 

588

IP and Data Services

 

594

 

1

 

595

 

280

 

(2)

 

(1)

 

872

Voice Services (Local and Enterprise)

 

235

 

 

235

 

67

 

 

2

 

304

Total Core Network Services

 

$

1,492

 

$

5

 

$

1,497

 

$

433

 

$

(15)

 

$

3

 

$

1,918

Wholesale Voice Services and Other

 

137

 

 

137

 

 

 

(3)

 

134

Total Revenue

 

$

1,629

 

$

5

 

$

1,634

 

$

433

 

$

(15)

 

$

 

$

2,052

 

* Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical presentation of tw telecom's historical results to conform to the presentation used by Level 3, primarily related to network access costs, network related expenses, depreciation and amortization and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

(1) The 2014 quarterly results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2015.

FY14 Pro Forma Combined Company Results

   

Historical Level 3

Add: Nov and Dec Intercompany Transactions

Standalone Level 3

Standalone tw*

Intercompany Eliminations

Pro Forma Adjustments (1)

Total

Core Network Services (CNS) Revenue

               

North America

 

$

4,240

 

$

5

 

$

4,245

 

$

1,685

 

$

(58)

 

$

(5)

 

$

5,867

   Wholesale

 

$

1,462

 

$

5

 

$

1,467

 

$

362

 

$

(58)

 

$

(65)

 

$

1,706

   Enterprise

 

$

2,778

 

$

 

$

2,778

 

$

1,323

 

$

 

$

60

 

$

4,161

                 

EMEA

 

$

891

 

$

 

$

891

 

$

 

$

 

$

11

 

$

902

   Wholesale

 

$

328

 

$

 

$

328

 

$

 

$

 

$

(2)

 

$

326

   Enterprise

 

$

563

 

$

 

$

563

 

$

 

$

 

$

13

 

$

576

                 

Latin America

 

$

779

 

$

 

$

779

 

$

 

$

 

$

4

 

$

783

   Wholesale

 

$

165

 

$

 

$

165

 

$

 

$

 

$

(1)

 

$

164

   Enterprise

 

$

614

 

$

 

$

614

 

$

 

$

 

$

5

 

$

619

                 

Total CNS Revenue

 

$

5,910

 

$

5

 

$

5,915

 

$

1,685

 

$

(58)

 

$

10

 

$

7,552

Wholesale Voice Services and Other

 

582

 

 

582

 

 

 

(11)

 

571

Total Revenue

 

$

6,492

 

$

5

 

$

6,497

 

$

1,685

 

$

(58)

 

$

(1)

 

$

8,123

                 

Network Access Costs

 

$

(2,450)

 

$

(4)

 

$

(2,454)

 

$

(486)

 

$

46

 

$

 

$

(2,894)

Network Related Expenses

 

(1,204)

 

(1)

 

(1,205)

 

(262)

 

11

 

 

(1,456)

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

(1,121)

 

 

(1,121)

 

(550)

 

 

 

(1,671)

Add back: Non-Cash Compensation Expenses

 

72

 

 

72

 

96

 

 

 

168

Add back: Non-Cash Impairment

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

Adjusted EBITDA Including Acquisition-Related Expenses

 

$

1,790

 

$

 

$

1,790

 

$

483

 

$

(1)

 

$

(1)

 

$

2,271

                 

Transaction Costs

 

$

22

 

$

 

$

22

 

$

90

 

$

 

$

 

$

112

Integration Costs

 

57

 

 

57

 

3

 

 

 

60

Total Acquisition Related Costs

 

$

79

 

$

 

$

79

 

$

93

 

$

 

$

 

$

172

                 

Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses

 

$

1,869

 

$

 

$

1,869

 

$

576

 

$

(1)

 

$

(1)

 

$

2,443

                 

Capital Expenditures

 

$

847

 

$

 

$

847

 

$

408

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,255

                 

Colocation and Datacenter Services

 

$

581

 

$

 

$

581

 

$

49

 

$

(4)

 

$

(1)

 

$

625

Transport and Fiber

 

2,041

 

4

 

2,045

 

299

 

(48)

 

9

 

2,305

IP and Data Services

 

2,345

 

1

 

2,346

 

1,069

 

(6)

 

(4)

 

3,405

Voice Services (Local and Enterprise)

 

943

 

 

943

 

268

 

 

6

 

1,217

Total Core Network Services

 

$

5,910

 

$

5

 

$

5,915

 

$

1,685

 

$

(58)

 

$

10

 

$

7,552

Wholesale Voice Services and Other

 

582

 

 

582

 

 

 

(11)

 

571

Total Revenue

 

$

6,492

 

$

5

 

$

6,497

 

$

1,685

 

$

(58)

 

$

(1)

 

$

8,123

 

* Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical presentation of tw telecom's historical results to conform to the presentation used by Level 3, primarily related to network access costs, network related expenses, depreciation and amortization and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

(1) The FY14 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2015.

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

             
             
 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

December 31,
2015

September 30,
2015

December 31,
2014

 

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

             

Revenue

$         2,053

$          2,062

$         1,914

 

$         8,229

$         6,777

             

Costs and Expenses

           

  Network access costs

708

706

695

 

2,833

2,529

  Network related expenses

344

369

345

 

1,432

1,246

  Depreciation and amortization

294

296

250

 

1,166

808

  Selling, general and administrative expenses

369

364

393

 

1,467

1,181

    Total costs and expenses

1,715

1,735

1,683

 

6,898

5,764

             

Operating Income

338

327

231

 

1,331

1,013

             

Other Income (Expense):

           

  Interest income

 

1

1

  Interest expense

(152)

(145)

(195)

 

(642)

(654)

  Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt

(55)

(53)

 

(218)

(53)

  Venezuela deconsolidation charge

(171)

 

(171)

  Other, net

3

6

(20)

 

(18)

(69)

    Total other expense

(204)

(310)

(268)

 

(1,048)

(775)

             

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

134

17

(37)

 

283

238

             

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

3,189

(16)

103

 

3,150

76

             

Net Income

$         3,323

$                1

$             66

 

$         3,433

$            314

             

Basic Earnings per Common Share:

           

Net Income per Share

$           9.33

$               —

$           0.22

 

$           9.71

$           1.23

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands)

356,274

355,791

305,842

 

353,385

254,428

             

Diluted Earnings per Common Share:

           

Net Income per Share

$           9.24

$               —

$           0.21

 

$           9.58

$           1.21

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands)

359,712

358,714

309,597

 

358,593

258,483

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

       
 

December 31,

September 30,

December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

2015

2014

       

Assets

     
       

Current Assets:

     

  Cash and cash equivalents

$            854

$             691

$            580

  Restricted cash and securities

8

7

7

  Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts

757

810

737

  Other

130

149

157

Total Current Assets

1,749

1,657

1,481

       

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

9,878

9,812

9,860

Restricted Cash and Securities

42

44

20

Goodwill

7,749

7,753

7,689

Other Intangibles, net

1,127

1,182

1,414

Deferred Tax Assets

3,441

276

300

Other Assets

159

159

183

Total Assets

$       24,145

$        20,883

$       20,947

       

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

     
       

Current Liabilities:

     

  Accounts payable

$            629

$             630

$            664

  Current portion of long-term debt

15

16

349

  Accrued payroll and employee benefits

218

230

273

  Accrued interest

108

137

174

  Current portion of deferred revenue

267

273

287

  Other

179

182

159

Total Current Liabilities

1,416

1,468

1,906

       

Long-Term Debt, less current portion

10,994

10,997

10,984

Deferred Revenue, less current portion

977

942

921

Other Liabilities

632

696

773

Total Liabilities

14,019

14,103

14,584

       

Stockholders' Equity

10,126

6,780

6,363

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$       24,145

$        20,883

$       20,947

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

       
 

Three Months Ended

 

December 31,

September 30,

December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

2015

2014

       

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

     

  Net income

$         3,323

$                1

$             66

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

    Depreciation and amortization

294

296

250

    Loss on impairment

 

18

    Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards

49

34

25

    Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt

55

53

    Venezuela deconsolidation charge

171

    Accretion of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs

6

5

9

    Accrued interest on long-term debt

(29)

12

(12)

    Non-cash tax adjustments

2

    Deferred income taxes

(3,207)

15

(118)

    Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

    Other, net

3

2

25

    Changes in working capital items:

     

    Receivables

43

(98)

34

    Other current assets

10

15

33

    Payables

5

21

(56)

    Deferred revenue

29

63

35

    Other current liabilities

(25)

38

32

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

556

575

396

       

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

     

  Capital expenditures

(330)

(328)

(302)

  Cash related to deconsolidated Venezuela operations

(83)

  Change in restricted cash and securities, net

2

  Investment in tw telecom, net of cash acquired

(167)

  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

1

1

  Other

(14)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(327)

(424)

(469)

       

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

     

  Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs

885

(1)

590

  Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt and capital leases

(949)

(4)

(663)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

(64)

(5)

(73)

       

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

(2)

(4)

(3)

       

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

163

142

(149)

       

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

691

549

729

       

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$            854

$             691

$            580

       

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

     

  Cash interest paid

$            173

$             129

$            190

Level 3 Communications. (PRNewsFoto/Level 3 Communications)