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FORM 10-K
------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________ TO ____________
Commission file number 0-6983
[GRAPHIC OMITTED - LOGO]
COMCAST CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
PENNSYLVANIA 23-1709202
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2148
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (215) 665-1700
--------------------------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
NONE
---------------------------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Class A Special Common Stock, $1.00 par value
Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value
----------------------------
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 [X] No [ ]
--------------------------
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to
this Form 10-K. [ ]
--------------------------
As of December 31, 2000, the aggregate market value of the Class A Special
Common Stock and Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant
was $37.421 billion and $862.3 million, respectively.
--------------------------
As of December 31, 2000, there were 908,015,192 shares of Class A Special Common
Stock, 21,832,250 shares of Class A Common Stock and 9,444,375 shares of Class B
Common Stock outstanding.
--------------------------
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III - The Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of
Shareholders presently scheduled to be held in June 2001.
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COMCAST CORPORATION
2000 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1 Business............................................................. 1
Item 2 Properties...........................................................16
Item 3 Legal Proceedings....................................................16
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................16
Item 4A Executive Officers of the Registrant.................................17
PART II
Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters.........................................18
Item 6 Selected Financial Data..............................................19
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.................................21
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..........................31
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.................................64
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...................64
Item 11 Executive Compensation...............................................64
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.......64
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......................64
PART IV
Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K......65
SIGNATURES...................................................................69
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is for the year ended December 31, 2000.
This Annual Report modifies and supersedes documents filed prior to this Annual
Report. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you directly to those documents. Information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of this Annual Report. In addition, information that we
file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede
information contained in this Annual Report. In this Annual Report, "Comcast,"
"we," "us" and "our" refer to Comcast Corporation and its subsidiaries.
You should carefully review the information contained in this Annual
Report, but should particularly consider any risk factors that we set forth in
this Annual Report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to
time with the SEC. In this Annual Report, we state our beliefs of future events
and of our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify those
so-called "forward-looking statements" by words such as "may," "will," "should,"
"expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts,"
"potential," or "continue" or the negative of those words and other comparable
words. You should be aware that those statements are only our predictions.
Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating those statements,
you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks outlined
below. Those factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any
of our forward-looking statements.
Factors Affecting Future Operations
We have acquired and we anticipate acquiring cable communications systems
in new communities in which we do not have established relationships with the
franchising authority, community leaders and cable subscribers. Further, a
substantial number of new employees are being and must continue to be integrated
into our business practices and operations. Our results of operations may be
significantly affected by our ability to efficiently and effectively manage
these changes.
In addition, our businesses may be affected by, among other things:
o changes in laws and regulations,
o changes in the competitive environment,
o changes in technology,
o industry consolidation and mergers,
o franchise related matters,
o market conditions that may adversely affect the availability of
debt and equity financing for working capital, capital
expenditures or other purposes,
o demand for the programming content we distribute or the
willingness of other video program distributors to carry our
content, and
o general economic conditions.
PART I
ITEM 1 BUSINESS
We are principally involved in three lines of business:
o Cable-through the development, management and operation of
broadband communications networks,
o Commerce-through QVC, our electronic retail- ing subsidiary, and
o Content-through our consolidated subsidiaries Comcast Spectacor,
Comcast SportsNet and E! Entertainment Television, and through
our other programming investments, including The Golf Channel,
Speedvision and Outdoor Life.
We are currently the third largest cable operator in the United States and
are in the process of deploying digital cable applications and high-speed cable
modem service to expand the products available on our cable communications
networks.
Our consolidated cable operations served approximately 7.7 million
subscribers and passed approximately 12.9 million homes in the United States as
of December 31, 2000. We have entered into an agreement to acquire, subject to
receipt of necessary regulatory and other approvals, up to 700,000 cable
subscribers from AT&T Corp. Upon completion of this pending transaction, which
is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2001, we will serve
approximately 8.4 million subscribers.
Through QVC, we market a wide variety of products directly to consumers
primarily on merchandise-focused television programs. As of December 31, 2000,
QVC was available, on a full and part-time basis, to over 77.9 million homes in
the United States, over 8.9 million homes in the United Kingdom and over 22.6
million homes in Germany.
We are a Pennsylvania corporation that was organized in 1969. We have our
principal executive offices at 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2148.
Our telephone number is (215) 665-1700. We also have a world wide web site at
http://www.comcast.com. The information posted on our web site is not
incorporated into this Annual Report.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
You should see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8
of this Annual Report for information about our operations by industry segment.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS OF OUR BUSINESS
We entered into a number of significant transactions in 2000 which have
closed or are expected to close in 2001. We have summarized these transactions
below and have more fully described them in Note 3 to our consolidated financial
statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Pending Transactions as of December 31, 2000
Adelphia Cable Systems Exchange
On January 1, 2001, we completed our previously announced cable systems
exchange with Adelphia Communications pursuant to which we received cable
communications systems serving approximately 460,000 subscribers from Adelphia.
In exchange, Adelphia received certain of our cable communications systems
serving approximately 440,000 subscribers.
AT&T Cable Systems Acquisition
In August 2000, we entered into an agreement with AT&T to acquire cable
communications systems serving up to 700,000 subscribers from AT&T in exchange
for AT&T common stock that we currently own or may acquire, in a transaction
intended to qualify as tax-free to both us and to AT&T. The transaction is
subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected
to close by the end of the second quarter 2001.
Completed Transactions During 2000
Acquisition of Lenfest Communications, Inc.
In January 2000, we acquired Lenfest Communications, Inc., a cable
communications company serving approximately 1.1 million subscribers primarily
in the Philadelphia area from AT&T and the other Lenfest stockholders for
approximately 120.1 million shares of our Class A Special Common Stock with a
value of $6.014 billion. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed
approximately $1.326 billion of debt.
Consolidation of Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P.
Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P. , formerly Garden State
Cablevision L.P., a cable communications company serving approximately 216,000
subscribers in New Jersey, is a partnership which was owned 50% by Lenfest and
50% by us. We had accounted for our interest in Garden State Cable under the
equity method. As a result of the acquisition of Lenfest Communications, Inc.,
we now own 100% of Garden State Cable. As such, the operating results of Garden
State Cable have been included in our consolidated statement of operations from
the date of our acquisition of Lenfest.
Acquisition of CalPERS' Interest in Jointly Owned Cable Properties
In February 2000, we acquired the California Public Employees Retirement
System's 45% interest in Comcast MHCP Holdings, L.L.C., formerly a 55% owned
consolidated subsidiary of ours, which serves subscribers in Michigan, New
Jersey and Florida. As a result, we now own 100% of Comcast MHCP. The
consideration was $750.0 million in cash.
Acquisition of Remaining Interest in Jones Intercable, Inc.
In March 2000, we acquired from the public shareholders the approximate 60%
interest in Jones Intercable, Inc. not previously held by us for approximately
35.6 million shares of our Class A Special Common Stock with a value of $1.727
billion. Jones Intercable was formerly a 40% owned consolidated subsidiary of
ours.
Acquisition of Prime Communications LLC
In August 2000, we acquired Prime Communications LLC, a cable
communications company serving approximately 406,000 subscribers, for cash and
through our conversion to equity of previously made loans to Prime. Upon
closing, we assumed and immediately repaid $532.0 million of Prime's debt with
proceeds from borrowings under existing credit facilities.
AT&T Cable Systems Exchange
On December 31, 2000, we completed our previously announced cable systems
exchange with AT&T Corp. pursuant to which we received cable communications
systems serving approximately 770,000 subscribers. In exchange, AT&T received
certain of our cable communications systems serving approximately 700,000
subscribers.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR BUSINESSES
Cable Communications
Technology and Capital Improvements
Our cable communications networks receive signals by means of:
o special antennae,
o microwave relay systems,
o earth stations, and
o coaxial and fiber optic cables.
Products and Services
We offer a variety of services over our cable communications networks,
including traditional analog video and new services such as digital cable and
high- speed cable modem service. Available service offerings depend on the
bandwidth capacity of the cable communications system. Bandwidth, expressed in
megahertz (MHz), is a measure of information-carrying capacity. It is the range
of usable frequencies that can be carried by a cable communications system. The
greater the bandwidth, the greater the capacity of the system. As of January 31,
2001, approximately 84% of our cable subscribers were served by a system with a
capacity of at least 550-MHz and approximately 70% of our cable subscribers were
served by a system with a capacity of at least 750-MHz.
Digital compression technology enables us to substantially increase the
number of channels our cable communications systems can carry. Digital
compression technology converts up to twelve analog signals into a digital
format and compresses such signals into the bandwidth normally occupied by one
analog signal. At the home, a set-top video terminal converts the digital signal
into analog signals that can be viewed on a normal television set. Digital
compression technology enables us to provide a significant number of additional
programming choices to our subscribers.
We are deploying fiber optic cable and upgrading the technical quality of
our cable communications networks.
- 2 -
As a result, the reliability and capacity of our systems have increased, aiding
in the delivery of additional video programming and other services such as
enhanced digital video, high-speed cable modem service and, in some areas,
telephony.
We will incur significant capital expenditures in the future for the
upgrading and rebuilding of the cable communications systems acquired or to be
acquired by us as a result of our acquisitions of Lenfest Communi- cations and
Jones Intercable, the systems exchanges with AT&T and Adelphia, as well as the
pending systems acquisition from AT&T.
Franchises
Cable communications systems are constructed and operated under
non-exclusive franchises granted by state or local governmental authorities for
varying lengths of time and are subject to federal, state and local legislation
and regulation. Our franchises typically provide for periodic payment of fees to
franchising authorities of up to 5% of "revenues" (as defined by each franchise
agreement). We normally pass those fees on to subscribers. In many cases, we
need the consent of the franchising authority to transfer our franchises.
Although franchises historically have been renewed, renewals may include
less favorable terms and conditions. Under existing law, franchises should
continue to be renewed for companies that have provided adequate service and
have complied generally with franchise terms. The franchising authority may
choose to award additional franchises to competing companies at any time. As of
January 31, 2001, we served approximately 1,776 franchise areas in the United
States.
Traditional Analog Video Services
We receive the majority of our revenues from subscription services.
Subscribers typically pay us on a monthly basis and generally may discontinue
services at any time. Monthly subscription rates and related charges vary
according to the type of service selected and the type of equipment used by
subscribers.
We offer a full range of traditional analog video services. We tailor both
our basic channel line-up and our additional channel offerings to each system
according to demographics, programming preferences, competition, price
sensitivity and local regulation. Our service offerings include the following
programming packages:
o basic programming,
o expanded basic programming,
o premium services, and
o pay-per-view programming.
All of our video subscribers receive our basic cable service. This service
generally consists of national television networks, local broadcast television,
locally- originated programming, including governmental and public access, and
limited satellite-delivered programming.
Our expanded basic cable service includes a group of satellite-delivered or
non-broadcast channels such as Entertainment and Sports Programming Network
(ESPN), Cable News Network (CNN) and MTV Networks (MTV), in addition to the
basic channel line-up.
For an additional monthly fee, subscribers can also subscribe to our
premium services either individually or in packages of several channels. Our
premium services generally offer, without commercial interruption, feature
motion pictures, live and taped sporting events, concerts and other special
features. The charge for premium services depends upon the type and level of
service selected by the subscriber. Our premium services may include offerings
such as:
o Home Box Office(R),
o Cinemax(R),
o Showtime(R),
o The Movie Channel(TM),
o Encore(R), and
o Starz(R).
Our pay-per-view service permits our subscribers to order, for a separate
fee, individual feature motion pictures and special event programs, such as
professional boxing, professional wrestling and concerts on an unedited,
commercial-free basis.
New Service Offerings
The high bandwidth capacity of our cable communications networks enables us
to deliver substantially more channels and/or new and advanced products and
services to our subscribers. A variety of emerging technologies and the rapid
growth of the Internet have presented us with substantial opportunities to
provide new or expanded products and services to our subscribers and to expand
our sources of revenue. As a result, we have introduced the following new
services for the benefit of both our residential and commercial subscribers:
o digital cable television service, and
- 3 -
o high-speed cable modem service installed in personal computers.
We have and will continue to upgrade our cable communications systems so
that we can provide these and other new services such as video on demand,
commonly known as VOD, interactive television and cable telephony more rapidly
to our subscribers.
Digital Cable Service
We offer digital cable television services to subscribers in substantially
all of our cable communications systems.
Subscribers to our digital cable service may receive a mix of additional
television programming, an interactive program guide and multiple channels of
digital music. The additional programming falls into four categories:
o additional expanded basic channels,
o additional premium channels,
o "multiplexes" of premium channels to which a subscriber
previously subscribed, such as multiple channels of Home Box
Office or Showtime, which are varied as to time of broadcast or
programming content theme, and
o additional pay-per-view programming, such as more pay-per-view
options and/or frequent showings of the most popular films to
provide near video-on-demand.
Subscribers typically pay us on a monthly basis for digital cable services
and generally may discontinue services at any time. Monthly subscription rates
vary generally according to the level of service and the number of digital
converters selected by the subscriber. We expect that purchases of these
services by our subscribers will increase in the future.
High-Speed Cable Modem Service
We market Excite@Home's high-speed cable modem services as Comcast@Home in
areas served by certain of our cable communications systems. Residential
subscribers can connect their personal computers via cable modems to a
high-speed national network developed and managed by Excite@Home. Subscribers
can then access online information, including the Internet, at faster speeds
than that of conventional modems. We also provide businesses with Internet
connectivity solutions and networked business applications. We provide national
and local content and sell advertising to businesses.
Other Revenue Sources
We also generate revenues from advertising sales, installation services,
commissions from electronic retailing and other services. We generate revenues
from the sale of advertising time to local, regional and national advertisers on
non-broadcast channels.
Sales and Marketing
Our sales efforts are primarily directed toward generating incremental
revenues in our franchise areas and increasing the number of subscribers we
serve. We sell our products and services through:
o telemarketing,
o direct mail advertising,
o door-to-door selling,
o cable television advertising,
o local media advertising, and
o retail outlets.
Programming
We generally pay a monthly fee per subscriber per channel. Our programming
costs are increased by:
o increases in the number of subscribers,
o expansion of the number of channels provided to customers, and
o increases in contract rates from programming suppliers.
We attempt to secure long-term programming contracts with volume discounts
and/or marketing support and incentives from programming suppliers. Our
programming contracts are generally for a fixed period of time and are subject
to negotiated renewal. We have experienced increases in our cost of programming
and we anticipate that future contract renewals will result in programming costs
that are higher than our costs today, particularly for sports programming.
We utilize interactive programming guides to provide our subscribers with
current programming information, as well as advertising and other content. We
recently formed a joint venture with other companies, including various cable
companies, to develop additional sources for the interactive guide.
- 4 -
Customer Service
We manage most of our cable communications systems in geographic clusters.
Clustering improves our ability to sell advertising, enhances our ability to
efficiently introduce and market new products, and allows us to more efficiently
and effectively provide customer service and support. As part of our clustering
strategy, we have consolidated our local customer service operations into large
regional call centers. These regional call centers have technologically advanced
telephone systems that provide 24-hour per day, 7-day per week call answering
capability, telemarketing and other services.
Our Cable Communications Systems
The table below summarizes certain subscriber information for our cable
communications systems as of December 31 (homes, subscribers and subscriptions
in thousands):
2000(9) 1999(9) 1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------- --------- ----------
Cable
Homes Passed (1) 12,679 9,522 7,382 7,138 6,975
Subscribers (2) 7,607 5,720 4,511 4,366 4,280
Penetration (3) 60.0% 60.1% 61.1% 61.2% 61.4%
Digital Cable
"Digital Ready" Subscribers (4) 7,258 4,637 1,570
Subscriptions (5) 1,354 515 78
Penetration (6) 18.7% 11.1% 5.0%
Comcast@Home
"Modem Ready" Homes Passed (7) 6,360 3,259 1,804 866
Subscribers 400 142 51 10
"Modem Ready" Penetration (8) 6.3% 4.4% 2.8% 1.2%
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(1) A home is "passed" if we can connect it to our distribution system without
further extending the transmission lines.
(2) A dwelling with one or more television sets connected to a system counts as
one cable subscriber.
(3) Cable penetration means the number of cable subscribers as a percentage of
cable homes passed.
(4) A subscriber is "digital ready" if the subscriber is in a market where we
have launched our digital cable service.
(5) Each digital converter box counts as one digital cable subscription.
(6) Digital cable penetration means the number of digital cable subscriptions
as a percentage of "digital ready" subscribers. Certain subscribers may
have multiple digital cable subscriptions.
(7) A home passed is "modem ready" if we can connect it to our Internet service
connection system without further upgrading the transmission lines.
(8) "Modem ready" penetration means the number of Comcast@Home subscribers as a
percentage of "modem ready" homes passed.
(9) In April 1999, we acquired a controlling interest in Jones Intercable, Inc.
In January 2000, we acquired Lenfest Communications, Inc. and began
consolidating the results of Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P. In
August 2000, we acquired Prime Communications LLC. On January 1, 2001 and
December 31, 2000, we completed our cable systems exchanges with Adelphia
Communications and AT&T Corp., respectively. The subscriber information as
of December 31, 2000 excludes the effects of our exchanges with Adelphia
and AT&T.
---------------------------
Competition
Our cable communications systems compete with a number of different sources
which provide news, information and entertainment programming to consumers,
including:
o local television broadcast stations that provide off-air
programming which can be received using a roof-top antenna and
television set,
o program distributors that transmit satellite signals containing
video programming, data and other information to receiving dishes
of varying sizes located on the subscriber's premises,
o satellite master antenna television systems, commonly known as
SMATV, which generally serve condominiums, apartment and office
complexes and residential developments,
o other operators who build and operate communications systems in
the same communities that we serve,
- 5 -
o interactive online computer services,
o newspapers, magazines and book stores,
o movie theaters,
o live concerts and sporting events, and
o home video products.
In order to compete effectively, we strive to provide, at a reasonable
price to subscribers:
o superior technical performance,
o superior customer service,
o a greater variety of video programming, and
o new products and services.
Federal law allows local telephone companies to provide, directly to
subscribers, a wide variety of services that are competitive with our cable
communications services. Some local telephone companies provide or plan to
provide video services within and outside their telephone service areas through
a variety of methods, including cable networks, satellite program distribution
and wireless transmission facilities.
A local telephone company, Ameritech, and facilities-based competitors such
as RCN Corporation and Knology Holdings, Inc., among others, are now offering
cable and other communications services in various areas where we hold
franchises. We anticipate that facilities- based competitors will develop in
other franchise areas that we serve.
Local telephone companies and other businesses construct and operate
communications facilities that provide access to the Internet and distribute
interactive computer-based services, data and other non-video services to homes
and businesses. These competitors are not required, in certain circumstances, to
comply with some of the material obligations imposed upon our cable
communications systems under our franchises. We are unable to predict the
likelihood of success of competing video or cable service ventures by local
telephone companies or other businesses. Nor can we predict the impact these
competitive ventures might have on our business and operations.
We operate each of our cable communications systems pursuant to a
non-exclusive franchise that is issued by the community's governing body such as
a city council, a county board of supervisors or a state regulatory agency.
Federal law prohibits franchising authorities from unreasonably denying requests
for additional franchises, and it permits franchising authorities to operate
cable systems. Companies that traditionally have not provided cable services and
that have substantial financial resources (such as public utilities that own
certain of the poles to which our cables are attached) may also obtain cable
franchises and may provide competing communications services.
In the past few years, Congress has enacted legislation and the Federal
Communications Commission, commonly known as the FCC, has adopted regulatory
policies intended to provide a more favorable operating environment for existing
and new technologies that provide, or have the potential to provide, substantial
competition to our cable communications systems. These technologies include
direct broadcast satellite service, commonly known as DBS, among others.
According to recent government and industry reports, conventional, medium and
high-power satellites currently provide video programming to over 14.5 million
individual households, condominiums, apartment and office complexes in the
United States. DBS providers with high-power satellites typically offer to their
subscribers more than 300 channels of programming, including programming
services substantially similar to those provided by cable communications
systems.
DBS service can be received virtually anywhere in the continental United
States through the installation of a small roof top or side-mounted antenna. DBS
systems use video compression technology to increase channel capacity and
digital technology to improve the quality of the signals transmitted to their
subscribers. Our digital cable service is competitive with the programming,
channel capacity and the digital quality of signals delivered to subscribers by
DBS systems. We are and will continue to deploy digital cable service in the
communities that we serve.
Two major companies, DirecTV and Echostar, are currently offering
nationwide high-power DBS services. Federal legislation establishes, among other
things, a permanent compulsory copyright license that permits satellite carriers
to retransmit local broadcast television signals to subscribers who reside
inside the local television station's market. These companies are transmitting
local broadcast signals in many markets which we serve. As a result, satellite
carriers are more competitive to cable communications system operators like us
because they offer programming which more closely resembles what we offer. These
companies and others are also developing ways to bring advanced communications
services to their customers. They are currently offering satellite-delivered
high-speed Internet access services with a telephone return path and are
beginning to provide true two-way interactivity. We are unable to predict the
effects these competitive developments might have on our business and
operations.
- 6 -
Our cable communications systems also compete for subscribers with SMATV
systems. SMATV system operators typically are not subject to regulation like
local franchised cable communications system operators. SMATV systems offer
subscribers both improved reception of local television stations and many of the
same satellite-delivered programming services offered by franchised cable
communications systems. In addition, some SMATV operators are developing and/or
offering packages of telephony, data and video services to private residential
and commercial developments. SMATV system operators often enter into exclusive
service agreements with building owners or homeowners' associations, although
some states have enacted laws to provide cable communications systems access to
these complexes. Courts have reviewed challenges to these laws and have reached
varying results.
Many of our cable communications systems are currently offering high-speed
cable modem services to subscribers. These systems compete with a number of
other companies, many of whom have substantial resources, such as:
o existing Internet service providers, commonly known as ISPs,
o local telephone companies, and
o long distance telephone companies.
A number of companies, including telephone companies and ISP's, have asked
local, state and federal governments to mandate that cable communications
systems operators provide capacity on their broadband infrastructure so that
these companies and others may deliver high-speed Internet access and
interactive television services directly to customers over cable facilities.
The deployment of Digital Subscriber Line technology, known as DSL, allows
Internet access to subscribers at data transmission speeds equal to or greater
than that of modems over conventional telephone lines. Numerous companies,
including telephone companies, have introduced DSL service and certain telephone
companies are seeking to provide high-speed broadband services without regard to
present service boundaries and other regulatory restrictions. We are unable to
predict the likelihood of success of competing online services offered by our
competitors or what impact these competitive ventures may have on our business
and operations.
We expect advances in communications technology, as well as changes in the
marketplace and the regulatory and legislative environment to occur in the
future. We refer you to page 10 for a detailed discussion of legislative and
regulatory factors. Other new technologies and services may develop and may
compete with services that our cable communications systems offer. Consequently,
we are unable to predict the effect that ongoing or future developments might
have on our business and operations.
Commerce
QVC is a domestic and international electronic media general merchandise
retailer which produces and distributes merchandise-focused television programs,
via satellite, to affiliated video program distributors for retransmission to
subscribers. At QVC, program hosts describe and demonstrate the products and
viewers place orders directly with QVC. We own 57% of QVC.
Revenue Sources
QVC sells a variety of consumer products and accessories including jewelry,
housewares, electronics, apparel and accessories, collectibles, toys and
cosmetics. QVC purchases, or obtains on consignment, products from domestic and
foreign manufacturers and wholesalers, often on favorable terms based on the
volume of the transactions. QVC intends to continue introducing new products and
product lines. QVC does not depend upon any one particular supplier for any
significant portion of its inventory.
Viewers place orders to purchase QVC merchandise by calling a toll-free
telephone number. QVC uses automatic call distributing equipment to distribute
calls to its operators. The majority of all payments for purchases are made with
a major credit card or QVC's private label credit card. QVC's private label
credit card program is serviced by an unrelated third party. QVC ships
merchandise promptly from its distribution centers, typically within 24 hours
after receipt of an order. QVC's return policy permits customers to return,
within 30 days, any merchandise purchased for a full refund of the purchase
price and original shipping charges.
Distribution Channels
In the United States, QVC is transmitted live 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to 62.7 million cable television homes. An additional 0.7 million cable
television homes receive QVC on a less than full time basis and 14.5 million
home satellite dish users receive QVC programming. The QVC program schedule
consists of one-hour and multi-hour program segments. Each program theme is
devoted to a particular category of product or lifestyle. From time to time,
special program segments are devoted to merchandise associated with a particular
celebrity, event, geographical region or seasonal interest.
- 7 -
QVC sells products by means of electronic media in Germany and the United
Kingdom. In the UK, this service currently reaches over 8.9 million cable
television and home satellite dish-served homes. In Germany, this service
currently is available to over 22.6 million cable television and home satellite
dish-served homes. However, we estimate that only 9.5 million homes in Germany
have programmed their television sets to receive this service.
QVC also offers an interactive shopping service, iQVC, on the Internet. The
iQVC service offers a diverse array of merchandise, on-line, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. iQVC also maintains a mailing list which e-mails product news to
subscribers.
QVC Transmission
A transponder on a communications satellite transmits the QVC domestic
signal. QVC subleases transponders for the transmission of its signals to the UK
and Germany and has made arrangements for redundant coverage through other
satellites in case of a failure. QVC has never had an interruption in
programming due to transponder failure. We cannot offer assurances that there
will not be an interruption or termination of satellite transmission due to
transponder failure. Interruption or termination could have a material adverse
effect on QVC's future results of operations.
Program Distributors
QVC has entered into affiliation agreements with video program distributors
in the US to carry QVC programming. Generally, there are no charges to the
programming distributors for the distribution of QVC. In return for carrying
QVC, each programming distributor receives an allocated portion, based upon
market share, of up to five percent of the net sales of merchandise sold to
customers located in the programming distributor's service area. QVC has entered
into multi-year affiliation agreements with various cable and satellite system
operators for carriage of QVC programming. The terms of most affiliation
agreements are automatically renewable for one-year terms unless terminated by
either party on at least 90 days notice prior to the end of the term. Most of
the affiliation agreements provide for the programming distributor to broadcast
commercials regarding QVC on other channels and to distribute QVC's advertising
material to subscribers. As of December 31, 2000, 9.5% of the total homes
reached by QVC were attributable to QVC's affiliation agreements with us and
20.0% with AT&T's Liberty Media Group, the owner of a 43% interest in QVC, and
their respective affiliated companies.
QVC's business depends on its affiliation with programming distributors for
the transmission of QVC programming. If a significant number of homes are no
longer served because of termination or non-renewal of affiliation agreements,
our financial results could be adversely affected. QVC has incentive programs to
induce programming distributors to enter into or extend affiliation agreements
or to increase the number of homes under existing affiliation agreements. These
incentives include various forms of marketing, carriage and launch support. QVC
will continue to recruit additional programming distributors and seek to enlarge
its audience.
Competition
QVC operates in a highly competitive environment. As a general merchandise
retailer, QVC competes for consumer expenditures with the entire retail
industry, including department, discount, warehouse and specialty stores, mail
order and other direct sellers, shopping center and mall tenants and
conventional retail stores. On television, QVC competes with other programs for
channel space and viewer loyalty against similar electronic retailing
programming, as well as against alternative programming supplied by other
sources, including news, public affairs, entertainment and sports programmers.
The use of digital compression provides programming distributors with greater
channel capacity. While greater channel capacity increases the opportunity for
QVC to be distributed, it also may adversely impact on QVC's ability to compete
for television viewers to the extent it results in higher channel position, in
placement of QVC in separate programming tiers, or in the addition of
competitive channels.
- 8 -
Content
We have made investments in cable television networks and other
programming-related enterprises as a means of generating additional revenues and
subscriber interest. Our programming investments as of December 31, 2000
include:
Ownership
Investment Description Percentage
- ------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Comcast Spectacor Live sporting events, concerts and other events 66.0%
Comcast SportsNet Regional sports programming and events 53.1%
E! Entertainment Entertainment-related news and original programming 39.7%
Style Fashion-related programming 39.7%
CN8-The Comcast Network Regional and local programming 100.0%
Comcast Sports Southeast Regional sports programming and events 72.4%
The Golf Channel Golf-related programming 60.3%
Outdoor Life Outdoor activities 16.8%
Speedvision Automotive, marine and aviation 14.5%
The Sunshine Network Regional sports and public affairs 15.6%
In Demand Pay-per-view programming 11.1%
Home Team Sports Regional sports programming and events (a)
(a) The Company acquired 100% of Home Team Sports in February 2001. Home Team
Sports is a regional sports programming network which provides sports
related programming, including the Baltimore Orioles MLB baseball team, the
Washington Wizards NBA basketball team, the Washington Capitals NHL hockey
team and the Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey team. Home Team Sports serves
approximately 4.8 million subscribers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
---------------------------
Consolidated Programming Investments
Comcast Spectacor
Comcast Spectacor is our family of businesses that perform and/or host live
sporting events, concerts and other special events. Comcast Spectacor consists
principally of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL Hockey Team, the Philadelphia 76ers
NBA Basketball Team, two large multi-purpose arenas in Philadelphia and Comcast
SportsNet, our regional sports programming network.
Comcast SportsNet
Comcast SportsNet is a 24-hour regional sports programming network which
provides sports-related programming, including the Philadelphia Flyers NHL
hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and the Philadelphia
Phillies MLB baseball team to approximately 2.7 million subscribers in the
Philadelphia region. Comcast SportsNet is delivered to affiliates terrestrially.
E! Entertainment
E! Entertainment is a 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the
world of entertainment. Programming formats include behind-the-scenes specials,
original movies and series, news, talk shows and comprehensive coverage of
entertainment industry awards shows and film festivals worldwide. The network
has approximately 67 million subscribers.
Style
Style, an affiliate of E! Entertainment, is our 24-hour cable network
dedicated to fashion, home design, beauty, health, fitness and more, with
distribution to approximately 10 million subscribers. We launched Style in
October 1998.
CN8-The Comcast Network
CN8-The Comcast Network, our regional programming service is delivered to
approximately 3.9 million cable subscribers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Delaware and Maryland. CN8 provides original programming, including local and
regional news and public affairs, regional sports, health, cooking and family-
oriented programming. We intend to continue to introduce similar programming in
other areas we serve.
Comcast Sports Southeast
Comcast Sports Southeast ("CSS") was created in September 1999. CSS is
delivered to approximately 2.0 million cable subscribers primarily in Alabama,
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina and Tennessee. CSS is a satellite-delivered service that provides
original sports programming and sports news geared toward the Southeast.
- 9 -
Other Programming Investments
The Golf Channel
The Golf Channel is a 24-hour network devoted exclusively to golf
programming with distribution to approximately 37 million subscribers. The
programming schedule includes live tournaments, golf instruction programs and
golf news.
Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life is a 24-hour network devoted exclusively to adventure and the
outdoor lifestyle. Its programming focuses on a wide range of outdoor activities
including expeditions, skiing, cycling, surfing and camping.
Speedvision
Speedvision is a 24-hour network devoted to automotive, aviation and marine
enthusiasts. Its programming includes original consumer news, motorsports
coverage, lifestyle and instructional programs and historical documentaries.
The Sunshine Network
The Sunshine Network is a regional sports and public affairs network, which
focuses its programming specifically on teams, events and programs from Florida.
Programming rights include over 20 local teams and properties, including the
Orlando Magic and Miami Heat NBA basketball teams and the Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL hockey team.
In Demand
In Demand is the brand-name of a cable operator-controlled buying
cooperative for pay-per-view programming.
---------------------------
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION
Cable
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, establishes a national policy
to regulate the development and operation of cable communications systems. The
Communications Act allocates responsibility for enforcing federal policies among
the FCC, state and local governmental authorities. The courts, especially the
federal courts, play an important oversight role as these statutory and
regulatory provisions are interpreted and enforced by the various federal, state
and local governmental units.
We expect that court actions and regulatory proceedings will continue to
refine the rights and obligations of various parties, including the government,
under the Communications Act. The results of these judicial and administrative
proceedings may materially affect our business operations. In the following
paragraphs, we summarize the principal federal laws and regulations materially
affecting the growth and operation of the cable communications industry. We also
provide a brief description of certain state and local laws applicable to our
businesses.
The Communications Act and FCC Regulations
The Communications Act and the regulations and policies of the FCC affect
significant aspects of our cable system operations, including:
o subscriber rates,
o the content of programming we offer our subscribers, as well as
the way we sell our program packages to subscribers and other
video program distributors,
o the use of our cable systems by local franchising authorities,
the public and other unrelated third parties,
o our franchise agreements with governmental authorities,
o cable system ownership limitations and prohibitions, and
o our use of utility poles and conduit.
Subscriber Rates
The Communications Act and the FCC's regulations and policies limit the
ability of cable systems to raise rates for basic services and equipment in
communities that are not subject to effective competition, as defined by federal
law. Where there is no effective competition, federal law gives franchising
authorities the power to regulate the monthly rates charged by the operator for:
o the lowest level of programming service, typically called basic
service, which generally includes local broadcast channels and
public access or governmental channels required by the operator's
franchise, and
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o the installation, sale and lease of equipment used by subscribers
to receive basic service, such as converter boxes and remote
control units.
The FCC has adopted detailed rate regulations, guidelines and rate forms
that we and the franchising authority must use in connection with the regulation
of our basic service and equipment rates. If the franchising authority concludes
that our rates are not in accordance with the FCC's rate regulations, it may
require us to reduce our rates and to refund overcharges to subscribers, with
interest. We may appeal adverse rate decisions to the FCC.
The Communications Act and the FCC's regulations also:
o prohibit regulation of rates charged by cable operators for
programming offered on a per channel or per program basis, and
for multi- channel groups of non-basic programming,
o require operators to charge uniform rates throughout each
franchise area that is not subject to effective competition,
o prohibit regulation of non-predatory bulk discount rates offered
by operators to subscribers in commercial and residential
developments, and
o permit regulated equipment rates to be computed by aggregating
costs of broad categories of equipment at the franchise, system,
regional or company level.
Content Requirements
The Communications Act and the FCC's regulations contain broadcast signal
carriage requirements that allow certain local commercial television broadcast
stations:
o to elect once every three years to require a cable communications
system to carry the station, subject to certain exceptions, or
o to negotiate with us on the terms by which we carry the station
on our cable communications system, commonly called
retransmission consent.
The Communications Act and the FCC's regulations require a cable operator
to devote up to one-third of its activated channel capacity for the mandatory
carriage of local commercial television stations. The Communi- cations Act also
gives local non-commercial television stations mandatory carriage rights;
however, such stations are not given the option to negotiate retransmission
consent for the carriage of their signals by cable systems. Additionally, cable
systems must obtain retransmission consent for:
o all "distant" commercial television stations (except for
commercial satellite-delivered independent "superstations" such
as WGN),
o commercial radio stations, and
o certain low-power television stations.
The FCC recently adopted regulations which require us to carry the signals
of local digital-only broadcast stations (both commercial and non-commercial)
and the digital signals of those local broadcast stations that return their
analog spectrum to the government and convert to a digital broadcast format. The
FCC's rules give the digital- only broadcast stations the discretion to elect
whether the operator will carry the station's signal in a digital or converted
analog format and to tie the carriage of their digital signals with the carriage
of their analog signals as a retransmission consent condition. We are unable to
predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding or the impact any new carriage
requirements might have on the operations of our cable systems.
The Communications Act requires our cable systems to permit subscribers to
purchase video programming on a per channel or a per program basis without the
necessity of subscribing to any tier of service, other than the basic cable
service tier. However, we are not required to comply with this requirement until
2002 for any of our cable systems that do not have addressable converter boxes
or that have other substantial technological limitations. A limited number of
our systems do not have the technological capability to offer programming in the
manner required by the statute and thus currently are exempt from complying with
this requirement.
To increase competition between cable operators and other video program
distributors, the Communications Act:
o precludes any satellite video programmer affiliated with a cable
company, or with a common carrier providing video programming
directly to its subscribers, from favoring an affiliated company
over competitors,
o requires such programmers to sell their satellite- delivered
programming to other video program distributors, and
o limits the ability of such programmers to offer exclusive
programming arrangements to their affiliates.
The FCC has concluded that the program access rules do not apply to certain
terrestrially-delivered
- 11 -
programming, such as Comcast SportsNet. The FCC decision is currently under
appeal.
The Communications Act contains restrictions on the transmission by cable
operators of obscene or indecent programming. The Communications Act requires
the cable operator, upon the request of the subscriber, to scramble or otherwise
fully block any channel the subscriber does not wish to receive. A three-judge
federal district court determined that certain restrictions on channels
primarily dedicated to sexually oriented programming were unconstitutional. The
United States Supreme Court recently affirmed the lower court's ruling.
The FCC actively regulates other aspects of our programming, involving such
areas as:
o our use of syndicated and network programs and local sports
broadcast programming,
o advertising in children's programming,
o political advertising,
o origination cablecasting,
o sponsorship identification, and
o closed captioning of video programming.
Use of Our Cable Systems by The Government and Unrelated Third Parties
The Communications Act allows franchising authorities and unrelated third
parties to have access to our cable systems' channel capacity. For example, it:
o permits franchising authorities to require cable operators to set
aside channels for public, educational and governmental access
programming, and
o requires a cable system with 36 or more activated channels to
designate a significant portion of its channel capacity for
commercial leased access by third parties to provide programming
that may compete with services offered by the cable operator.
The FCC regulates various aspects of third party commercial use of channel
capacity on our cable systems, including the rates and certain terms and
conditions of the commercial use.
Recently, a number of companies, including telephone companies and ISPs
have asked local, state and federal governments to mandate that cable
communications systems operators provide capacity on their broadband
infrastructure so that these companies and others may deliver high-speed
Internet access and interactive television services directly to customers over
cable facilities. Some cable operators, including us, have initiated litigation
challenging municipal efforts to unilaterally impose so-called "open access"
requirements. The few court decisions dealing with this issue have been
inconsistent. The FCC recently initiated a regulatory proceeding to consider
"open access" and related regulatory issues and, in connection with its review
of the recent AOL-Time Warner merger, imposed, together with the Federal Trade
Commission, "open access," technical performance and other requirements related
to the merged company's Internet and Instant Messaging platforms. Whether the
policy framework reflected in these agencies' merger reviews will be imposed on
an industry- wide basis is uncertain. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of
this administrative proceeding or the impact of any new access requirements on
the operation of our cable systems.
Franchise Matters
Although franchising matters are normally regulated at the local level
through a franchise agreement and/or a local ordinance, the Communications Act
provides oversight and guidelines to govern our relationship with local
franchising authorities. For example, the Communications Act:
o affirms the right of franchising authorities (state or local,
depending on the practice in individual states) to award one or
more franchises within their jurisdictions,
o generally prohibits us from operating in communities without a
franchise,
o encourages competition with our existing cable systems by:
o allowing municipalities to operate cable systems without
franchises, and
o preventing franchising authorities from granting exclusive
franchises or from unreasonably refusing to award additional
franchises covering an existing cable system's service area,
o permits local authorities, when granting or renewing our
franchises, to establish requirements for certain cable-related
facilities and equipment, but prohibits franchising authorities
from establishing requirements for specific video programming or
information services other than in broad categories,
o permits us to obtain modification of our franchise requirements
from the franchise authority or by judicial action if warranted
by changed circumstances,
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o generally prohibits franchising authorities from:
o imposing requirements during the initial cable franchising
process or during franchise renewal that require, prohibit
or restrict us from providing telecom- munications services,
o imposing franchise fees on revenues we derive from providing
telecommunications services over our cable systems, or
o restricting our use of any type of subscriber equipment or
transmission technology, and
o limits our payment of franchise fees to the local franchising
authority to 5% of our gross revenues derived from providing
cable services over our cable system.
The Communications Act contains procedures designed to protect us against
arbitrary denials of the renewal of our franchises, although a franchising
authority under various conditions can deny us a franchise renewal. Moreover,
even if our franchise is renewed, the franchising authority may seek to impose
upon us new and more onerous requirements such as significant upgrades in
facilities and services or increased franchise fees as a condition of renewal.
Similarly, if a franchising authority's consent is required for the purchase or
sale of our cable system or franchise, the franchising authority may attempt to
impose more burdensome or onerous franchise requirements on us in connection
with a request for such consent. Historically, cable operators providing
satisfactory services to their subscribers and complying with the terms of their
franchises have typically obtained franchise renewals. We believe that we have
generally met the terms of our franchise agreements and have provided quality
levels of service. We anticipate that our future franchise renewal prospects
generally will be favorable.
Various courts have considered whether franchising authorities have the
legal right to limit the number of franchises awarded within a community and to
impose certain substantive franchise requirements (e.g. access channels,
universal service and other technical requirements). These decisions have been
inconsistent and, until the United States Supreme Court rules definitively on
the scope of cable operators' constitu- tional and statutory protections, the
legality of the franchising process generally and of various specific franchise
requirements is likely to be in a state of flux.
Ownership Limitations
The Communications Act generally prohibits us from owning or operating a
SMATV or wireless cable system in any area where we provide franchised cable
service. We may, however, acquire and operate SMATV systems in our franchised
service areas if the programming and other services provided to SMATV
subscribers are offered according to the terms and conditions of our franchise
agreement.
The Communications Act also authorizes the FCC to impose nationwide limits
on the number of subscribers under the control of a cable operator and on the
number of channels that can be occupied on a cable system by video programmers
in which the cable operator has an attributable ownership interest. The FCC has
adopted cable ownership regulations and established:
o a 30% nationwide subscriber ownership limit,
o subscriber ownership information reporting requirements, and
o attribution rules that identify when the ownership or management
by us or third parties of other communications businesses,
including cable systems, television broadcast stations and local
telephone companies, may be imputed to us for purposes of
determining our compliance with the FCC's ownership restrictions.
Although a federal appellate court rejected constitutional challenges to the
statutory ownership limitations and the United States Supreme Court recently
declined to review that case, an appeal challenging the FCC's adoption of its
cable ownership regulations is currently pending in federal court. We are unable
to predict the outcome of this judicial proceeding or the impact any ownership
restrictions might have on our business and operations.
The Communications Act eliminated the statutory prohibition on the common
ownership, operation or control of a cable system and a television broadcast
station in the same market. While the FCC has eliminated its regulations which
precluded the cross-ownership of a national broadcasting network and a cable
system, it has retained other regulations which prohibit the common ownership of
other broadcasting interests and cable systems in the same geographical areas.
The 1996 amendments to the Communications Act made far-reaching changes in
the relationship between local telephone companies and cable service providers.
These amendments:
o eliminated federal legal barriers to competition in the local
telephone and cable communications businesses, including allowing
local telephone companies to offer video services in their local
telephone service areas,
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o preempted state and local laws and regulations which impose
barriers to telecommunications competition,
o set basic standards for relationships between telecommunications
providers, and
o generally limited acquisitions and prohibited certain joint
ventures between local telephone companies and cable operators in
the same market.
Local telephone companies may provide service as traditional cable
operators with local franchises or they may opt to provide their programming
over unfranchised "open video systems," subject to certain conditions,
including, but not limited to, setting aside a portion of their channel capacity
for use by unaffiliated program distributors on a non-discriminatory basis. A
federal appellate court overturned various parts of the FCC's open video rules,
including the FCC's preemption of local franchising requirements for open video
operators. The FCC has modified its open video rules to comply with the federal
court's decision. We are unable to predict the impact these rule modifications
may have on our business and operations.
Pole Attachment Regulation
The Communications Act requires the FCC to regulate the rates, terms and
conditions imposed by public utilities for cable systems' use of utility pole
and conduit space unless state authorities demonstrate to the FCC that they
adequately regulate pole attachment rates, as is the case in certain states in
which we operate. In the absence of state regulation, the FCC administers pole
attachment rates on a formula basis. The FCC's original rate formula governs the
maximum rate certain utilities may charge for attachments to their poles and
conduit by cable operators providing only cable services. The FCC also adopted a
second rate formula that became effective in February 2001 and governs the
maximum rate certain utilities may charge for attachments to their poles and
conduit by companies providing telecommunications services, including cable
operators.
Any resulting increase in attachment rates due to the FCC's new rate
formula will be phased in over a five-year period in equal annual increments,
beginning in February 2001. Several parties have requested the FCC to reconsider
its new regulations and several parties challenged the new rules in court. A
federal appellate court upheld the constitutionality of the new statutory
provision which requires that utilities provide cable systems and
telecommunications carriers with nondiscriminatory access to any pole, conduit
or right-of-way controlled by the utility. However, the same court determined in
a separate case that the FCC did not have authority to regulate the rates, terms
and conditions of cable operators' pole attachments that are simultaneously used
to provide high-speed Internet access and cable services. Based upon this
decision, a number of companies that control utility poles in areas served by us
have already announced and unilaterally implemented significant changes in
contract terms and increases in the rates charged for cable pole attachments. We
have joined in several complaints filed at the FCC by various state cable
associations challenging certain utilities' rate increases and the unilateral
imposition of new contract terms. Although the adverse appellate court decision
has been stayed pending review by the United States Supreme Court, if the
decision is not reversed, the contract terms imposed by utilities on cable
operators for pole attachments will likely be more onerous. We are unable to
predict the outcome of the legal challenge to the FCC's new regulations or the
ultimate impact any revised FCC rate formula, any new pole attachment rate
regulations or any elimination or modification of the FCC's regulatory authority
might have on our business and operations.
Other Regulatory Requirements of the Communications Act and the FCC
The Communications Act also includes provisions, among others, regulating:
o customer service,
o subscriber privacy,
o marketing practices,
o equal employment opportunity, and
o technical standards and equipment compatibility.
The FCC actively regulates other parts of our cable operations and has
adopted regulations implementing its authority under the Communications Act.
The FCC may enforce its regulations through the imposition of substantial
fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders and/or the imposition of other
administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of FCC licenses needed to
operate certain transmission facilities often used in connection with cable
operations. The FCC has ongoing rulemaking proceedings that may change its
existing rules or lead to new regulations. We are unable to predict the impact
that any further FCC rule changes may have on our business and operations.
Other bills and administrative proposals pertaining to cable communications
have previously been introduced in Congress or have been considered by other
governmental bodies over the past several years. It is probable that further
attempts will be made by Congress and other governmental bodies relating to the
regulation of cable
- 14 -
communications services.
Copyright
Our cable communications systems provide our subscribers with local and
distant television and radio broadcast signals which are protected by the
copyright laws. We generally do not obtain a license to use this programming
directly from the owners of the programming; instead we comply with an
alternative federal copyright licensing process. In exchange for filing certain
reports and contributing a percentage of our revenues to a federal copyright
royalty pool, we obtain blanket permission to retransmit copyrighted material.
In a report to Congress, the U.S. Copyright Office recommended that
Congress make major revisions to both the cable television and satellite
compulsory licenses. Congress recently modified the satellite compulsory license
in a manner that permits DBS providers to become more competitive with cable
operators like us. The possible simplification, modification or elimination of
the cable communications compulsory copyright license is the subject of
continuing legislative review. The elimination or substantial modification of
the cable compulsory license could adversely affect our ability to obtain
suitable programming and could substantially increase the cost of programming
that remains available for distribution to our subscribers. We are unable to
predict the outcome of this legislative activity.
Our cable communications systems often utilize music in the programs we
provide to subscribers including local advertising, local origination
programming and pay-per-view events. The right to use this music is controlled
by music performing rights organizations who negotiate on behalf of their
members for license fees covering each performance. The cable industry and one
of these organizations have agreed upon a standard licensing agreement covering
the performance of music contained in programs originated by cable operators and
in pay-per-view events. Negotiations on a similar licensing agreement are in
process with another music performing rights organization. Rate courts
established by a federal court exist to determine appropriate copyright coverage
and payments in the event the parties fail to reach a negotiated settlement. We
are unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings or the amount of any
license fees we may be required to pay for the use of music. We do not believe
that the amount of such fees will be significant to our financial position,
results of operations or liquidity.
State and Local Regulation
Our cable systems use local streets and rights-of-way. Consequently, we
must comply with state and local regulation which is typically imposed through
the franchising process. The terms and conditions of our franchises vary
materially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Each franchise generally contains
provisions governing:
o cable service rates,
o franchise fees,
o franchise term,
o system construction and maintenance obligations,
o system channel capacity,
o design and technical performance,
o customer service standards,
o franchise renewal,
o sale or transfer of the franchise,
o service territory of the franchisee,
o indemnification of the franchising authority,
o use and occupancy of public streets, and
o types of cable services provided.
A number of states subject cable systems to the jurisdiction of state
governmental agencies. Those states in which we operate that have enacted such
state level regulation are Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware. State and local
franchising jurisdiction is not unlimited, however; it must be exercised
consistently with federal law. The Communications Act immunizes franchising
authorities from monetary damage awards arising from the regulation of cable
systems or decisions made on franchise grants, renewals, transfers and
amendments.
The summary of certain federal and state regulatory requirements in the
preceding pages does not describe all present and proposed federal, state and
local regulations and legislation affecting the cable industry. Other existing
federal regulations, copyright licensing, and, in many jurisdictions, state and
local franchise requirements, are currently the subject of judicial proceedings,
legislative hearings and administrative proposals which could change, in varying
degrees, the manner in which cable systems operate. We are unable to predict the
outcome of these proceedings or their impact upon our cable operations at this
time.
- 15 -
Commerce and Content
The FCC does not directly regulate the content or transmission of
programming services like those offered by QVC and E! Entertainment. The FCC
does, however, exercise regulatory authority over the satellites and uplink
facilities which transmit programming services such as those provided by QVC and
E! Entertainment. The FCC has granted, subject to periodic reviews, permanent
licenses to QVC for its uplink facilities (and for backup equipment of certain
of these facilities) at sufficient power levels for transmission of the QVC
service. The FCC has licensing authority over satellites from which QVC and E!
Entertainment obtain transponder capacity, but does not regulate their rates,
terms or conditions of service. The FCC could, however, alter the regulatory
obligations applicable to satellite service providers. The QVC programming
services offered in the UK and Germany are regulated by the media authorities in
those countries.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2000, we had approximately 35,000 employees. Of these
employees, approximately 18,000 were associated with cable communications,
approximately 11,000 were associated with commerce and approximately 6,000 were
associated with other divisions. We believe that our relationships with our
employees are good.
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES
Cable
A central receiving apparatus, distribution cables, servers, analog and
digital converters, cable modems, customer service call centers and local
business offices are the principal physical assets of a cable communications
system. We own or lease the receiving and distribution equipment of each system
and own or lease parcels of real property for the receiving sites, customer
service call centers and local business offices. In order to keep pace with
technological advances, we are maintaining, periodically upgrading and
rebuilding the physical components of our cable communications systems.
Commerce
Television studios, customer service call centers, business offices,
product warehouses and distribution centers are the principal physical assets of
our commerce operations. These assets include QVC's studios and offices, Studio
Park, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. QVC owns the majority of these
assets. In order to keep pace with technological advances, QVC is maintaining,
periodically upgrading and rebuilding the physical components of our commerce
operations. QVC's warehousing and distribution facilities will continue to be
upgraded over the next several years.
Content
Two large multi-purpose arenas, television studios and business offices are
the principal physical assets of our content operations. We own the arenas and
own or lease the television studios and business offices of our content
operations.
We believe that substantially all of our physical assets are in good
operating condition.
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary
course of our business. In the opinion of our management, the amount of ultimate
liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
- 16 -
ITEM 4A EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The current term of office of each of our officers expires at the first
meeting of our Board of Directors following the next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, presently scheduled to be held in June 2001, or as soon thereafter
as each of their successors is elected and qualified. The following table sets
forth certain information concerning our executive officers, including their
ages, positions and tenure as of December 31, 2000:
Officer
Name Age Since Position with Comcast
- ------------------ ----- ------ --------------------------------------------------
Ralph J. Roberts 80 1969 Chairman of the Board of Directors; Director
Julian A. Brodsky 67 1969 Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors; Director
Brian L. Roberts 41 1986 President; Director
Lawrence S. Smith 53 1988 Executive Vice President
John R. Alchin 52 1990 Executive Vice President; Treasurer
Stanley L. Wang 60 1981 Executive Vice President - Law and Administration
Lawrence J. Salva 44 2000 Senior Vice President
--------------------
Ralph J. Roberts has served as a Director and as our Chairman of the Board
of Directors for more than five years. Mr. Roberts devotes a major portion of
his time to our business and affairs. Mr. Roberts has been the President and a
Director of Sural Corporation ("Sural"), a privately-held investment company and
our controlling shareholder, for more than five years. Mr. Roberts also
presently serves as a Director of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. Mr. Roberts
is the father of Brian L. Roberts.
Julian A. Brodsky has served as a Director and as our Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors for more than five years. Mr. Brodsky devotes a major portion
of his time to our business and affairs. Mr. Brodsky presently serves as the
Treasurer and as a Director of Sural. Mr. Brodsky is also a Director of RBB
Fund, Inc. and NDS Group plc.
Brian L. Roberts has served as our President and as a Director for more
than five years. Mr. Roberts devotes a major portion of his time to our business
and affairs. Mr. Roberts presently serves as Vice President and as a Director of
Sural. As of December 31, 2000, our shares owned by Sural constituted
approximately 87% of the voting power of the two classes of our voting common
stock combined. Mr. Roberts has sole voting power over stock representing a
majority of voting power of all Sural stock and, therefore, has voting control
over Comcast. Mr. Roberts is our Principal Executive Officer. Mr. Roberts also
presently serves as a Director of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. and The
Bank of New York. Mr. Roberts is a son of Ralph J. Roberts.
Lawrence S. Smith has served as an Executive Vice President for more than
five years. For more than five years prior to January 2000, Mr. Smith served as
our Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Smith also presently serves as a Director
of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.
John R. Alchin was named an Executive Vice President in February 2000.
Prior to that time, Mr. Alchin served as our Treasurer and as a Senior Vice
President for more than five years. Mr. Alchin is our Principal Financial
Officer.
Stanley L. Wang was named Executive Vice President - Law and Administration
in February 2000. Prior to that time, Mr. Wang served as a Senior Vice President
and as our Secretary and General Counsel for more than five years. Mr. Wang also
presently serves as a Director of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.
Lawrence J. Salva joined the Company in January 2000 as Senior Vice
President and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to that time, Mr. Salva was a
national accounting consulting partner in the public accounting firm of
PricewaterhouseCoopers for more than five years. Mr. Salva has served as our
Principal Accounting Officer since January 2000.
- 17 -
PART II
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Our Class A Special Common Stock is included on Nasdaq under the symbol
CMCSK and our Class A Common Stock is included on Nasdaq under the symbol CMCSA.
There is no established public trading market for our Class B Common Stock. Our
Class B Common Stock can be converted, on a share for share basis, into Class A
Special or Class A Common Stock. The following table sets forth, for the
indicated periods, the closing price range of our Class A Special and Class A
Common Stock as furnished by Nasdaq (as adjusted for our two-for-one stock split
in the form of a 100% stock dividend in May 1999).
Class A
Special Class A
-------------------------------------------------------------
High Low High Low
------------- ----------- ------------- ------------
2000
First Quarter...................................... $54 9/16 $38 5/16 $51 7/16 $36 1/4
Second Quarter..................................... 44 3/16 29 3/4 41 3/4 29 3/4
Third Quarter...................................... 41 1/16 31 1/16 40 11/16 30 3/4
Fourth Quarter..................................... 43 15/16 34 43 15/16 33 7/8
1999
First Quarter...................................... $38 9/16 $29 5/8 $37 11/32 $28 15/16
Second Quarter..................................... 42 29 7/16 39 11/16 28 3/8
Third Quarter...................................... 41 9/16 32 5/8 38 9/16 29 7/16
Fourth Quarter..................................... 56 1/2 35 11/16 53 1/8 32 1/16
--------------------
We began paying quarterly cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock in
1977. From 1978, we paid equal dividends on shares of both our Class A Common
Stock and our Class B Common Stock. From December 1986, when the Class A Special
Common Stock was issued, through March 1999 we paid equal dividends on shares of
our Class A Special, Class A and Class B Common Stock. We declared dividends of
$.0467 for the year ended December 31, 1998 on shares of our Class A Special,
Class A and Class B Common Stock (as adjusted for our two-for-one stock split in
the form of a 100% stock dividend in May 1999). Our Board of Directors
eliminated the quarterly cash dividend on all classes of our common stock in
March 1999. We do not intend to pay dividends on our Class A Special, Class A or
Class B Common Stock for the foreseeable future.
If you hold shares of our Class A Special Common Stock, you cannot vote in
the election of directors or otherwise, except where class voting is required by
law. In that case, if you hold Class A Special Common Stock, you have one vote
per share. Generally, if you hold Class A Common Stock, you have one vote per
share. If you hold Class B Common Stock, you have 15 votes per share. Generally,
including the election of directors, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock vote as one class except where class voting is required by law. If
you hold Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, you have cumulative
voting rights.
As of December 31, 2000, there were 4,066 record holders of our Class A
Special Common Stock, 1,597 record holders of our Class A Common Stock and one
record holder of our Class B Common Stock.
- 18 -
ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Year Ended December 31,
2000(1) 1999(1) 1998(1) 1997 1996
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
-------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues (2)....................................... $8,218.6 $6,529.2 $5,419.0 $4,700.4 $3,813.8
Operating (loss) income............................ (161.0) 664.0 557.1 466.6 465.9
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
extraordinary items........................... 2,045.1 780.9 1,007.7 (182.9) (6.4)
Discontinued operations (3)........................ 335.8 (31.4) (25.6) (46.1)
Extraordinary items................................ (23.6) (51.0) (4.2) (30.2) (1.0)
Net income (loss).................................. 2,021.5 1,065.7 972.1 (238.7) (53.5)
Basic earnings (loss) for common stockholders
per common share (4)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items................. $2.27 $1.00 $1.34 ($.29) ($.01)
Discontinued operations (3)................... .45 (.04) (.04) (.10)
Extraordinary items........................... (.03) (.07) (.01) (.04)
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................. $2.24 $1.38 $1.29 ($.37) ($.11)
=========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted earnings (loss) for common
stockholders per common share (4)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items................. $2.16 $.95 $1.25 ($.29) ($.01)
Discontinued operations (3)................... .41 (.03) (.04) (.10)
Extraordinary items........................... (.03) (.06) (.01) (.04)
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................. $2.13 $1.30 $1.21 ($.37) ($.11)
=========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Cash dividends declared per common share (4)....... $.0467 $.0467 $.0467
Balance Sheet Data (at year end):
Total assets....................................... $35,744.5 $28,685.6 $14,710.5 $11,234.3 $10,660.4
Working capital (deficit).......................... 1,102.2 4,226.3 2,497.0 13.6 (12.6)
Long-term debt (5)................................. 10,517.4 8,707.2 5,464.2 5,334.1 5,998.3
Stockholders' equity............................... 14,086.4 10,341.3 3,815.3 1,646.5 551.6
Supplementary Financial Data:
Operating income before depreciation and
amortization (6).............................. $2,470.3 $1,880.0 $1,496.7 $1,293.1 $1,047.0
Net cash provided by (used in) (7).................
Operating activities.......................... 1,219.3 1,249.4 1,067.7 844.6 644.5
Financing activities.......................... (271.4) 1,341.4 809.2 283.9 (88.0)
Investing activities.......................... (1,218.6) (2,539.3) (1,415.3) (1,045.8) (749.5)
- ----------
(1) You should see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" in Item 7 of this Annual Report for a discussion
of events which affect the comparability of the information reflected in
this financial data.
(2) We have adjusted these amounts in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" (see
Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual
Report).
(3) In July 1999, we sold Comcast Cellular Corporation to SBC Communications,
Inc. Comcast Cellular is presented as a discontinued operation for all
periods presented (see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in
Item 8 of this Annual Report).
(4) We have adjusted these for our two-for-one stock split in the form of a
100% stock dividend in May 1999 (see Note 6 to our consolidated financial
statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report).
(5) Includes a $666.0 million adjustment to carrying value at December 31, 1999
(see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this
Annual Report).
- 19 -
(6) Operating income before depreciation and amortization is commonly referred
to in our businesses as "operating cash flow." Operating cash flow is a
measure of a company's ability to generate cash to service its obligations,
including debt service obligations, and to finance capital and other
expenditures. In part due to the capital intensive nature of our businesses
and the resulting significant level of non-cash depreciation and
amortization expense, operating cash flow is frequently used as one of the
bases for comparing businesses in our industries, although our measure of
operating cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of
other companies. Operating cash flow is the primary basis used by our
management to measure the operating performance of our businesses.
Operating cash flow does not purport to represent net income or net cash
provided by operating activities, as those terms are defined under
generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as
an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.
(7) This represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,
financing activities and investing activities as presented in our
consolidated statement of cash flows which is included in Item 8 of this
Annual Report.
- 20 -
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We have experienced significant growth in recent years through both
strategic acquisitions and growth in our existing businesses. We have
historically met our cash needs for operations through our cash flows from
operating activities. Cash requirements for acquisitions and capital
expenditures have been provided through our financing activities and sales of
investments, as well as our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments.
We have acquired and we anticipate acquiring cable communications systems
in new communities in which we do not have established relationships with the
franchising authority, community leaders and cable subscribers. Further, a
substantial number of new employees are being and must continue to be integrated
into our business practices and operations. Our previously announced cable
systems exchanges with AT&T Corp. ("AT&T") and Adelphia Communications
("Adelphia") closed on December 31, 2000 and January 1, 2001, respectively. Our
previously announced cable systems acquisition from AT&T, which is subject to
customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close by
the end of the second quarter of 2001. Our results of operations may be
significantly affected by our ability to efficiently and effectively manage
these changes.
General Developments of Business
See "General Developments of Business" in Part I and Note 3 to our
consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The cable communications and the electronic retailing industries are
experiencing increasing competition and rapid technological changes. Our future
results of operations will be affected by our ability to react to changes in the
competitive environment and by our ability to implement new technologies.
However, we believe that competition and technological changes will not
significantly affect our ability to obtain financing.
We believe that we will be able to meet our current and long-term liquidity
and capital requirements, including fixed charges, through our cash flows from
operating activities, existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, and
through available borrowings under our existing credit facilities.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
We have traditionally maintained significant levels of cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments to meet our short-term liquidity
requirements. Our cash equivalents and short-term investments are recorded at
fair value. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31,
2000 were $3.711 billion, substantially all of which is unrestricted. See Note 4
to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.
Capital Expenditures
During 2001, we expect to incur approximately $1.65 billion of capital
expenditures in our cable, commerce and content businesses, including
approximately $1.45 billion for our cable operations.
Cable
We expect our 2001 cable capital expenditures will include approximately
$550 million for the upgrading and rebuilding of certain of our cable
communications systems, approximately $550 million for the deployment of cable
modems, digital converters and new service offerings, and the remainder for
recurring capital projects.
The amount of such capital expenditures for years subsequent to 2001 will
depend on numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control including:
o competition,
o cable system capacity of newly acquired systems, and
o the timing and rate of deployment of new services.
National manufacturers are the primary source of supplies, equipment and
materials utilized in the construction, rebuild and upgrade of our cable
communications systems. Costs have increased during recent years and are
expected to continue to increase as a result of the need to construct
increasingly complex systems, overall demand for labor and other factors. Future
increases in such costs may be significant to our financial position, results of
operations and liquidity.
Commerce
During 2001, we expect to incur approximately $150 million for our
majority-owned electronic retailing subsidiary, QVC, Inc. ("QVC"), primarily for
the
- 21 -
upgrading of QVC's warehousing facilities, distribution facilities and
information systems.
New Business Initiatives
During 2001, we expect to incur $275 million to $325 million of capital
expenditures in our new business initiatives primarily for the construction of
our domestic wireline business and the construction of our international
wireless operations. The amount of such capital expenditures for 2001 will
depend on the timing and rate at which we elect to deploy resources in the
targeted service areas.
We anticipate capital expenditures for years subsequent to 2001 will
continue to be significant. As of December 31, 2000, we do not have any
significant contractual obligations for capital expenditures.
Financing
See Notes 5 and 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item
8.
The $1.587 billion increase in our long-term debt, including current
portion, results principally from the $2.146 billion of aggregate debt that we
assumed in connection with our acquisitions of Lenfest Communications, Inc.
("Lenfest") in January 2000 and Prime Communications LLC ("Prime") in August
2000 (see Notes 3 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in
Item 8), $107.0 million of borrowings, net of retirements and repayments, and
the $666.0 million reduction to the carrying value of our 2.0% Exchangeable
Subordinated Debentures due 2029 (the "ZONES") during the year ended December
31, 2000 (see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item
8).
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, our long-term debt, including current
portion, was $10.811 billion and $9.225 billion, respectively. Excluding the
effects of interest rate risk management instruments, 28.5% and 25.4% of our
long-term debt as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, was at variable
rates.
In January 2001, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc. ("Comcast Cable") sold an aggregate of $1.5 billion of
public debt consisting of $500.0 million of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2006 and
$1.0 billion of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2011. In January 2001, we issued an
additional $192.8 million principal amount at maturity of our Zero Coupon
Convertible Debentures due 2020 (the "Zero Coupon Debentures" - see Note 5 to
our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8). We used substantially
all of the net proceeds from the offerings to repay a portion of the amounts
outstanding under Comcast Cable's commercial paper program and bank credit
facility. After giving effect to these subsequent transactions, and excluding
the effects of interest rate risk management instruments, 13.5% of our long-term
debt was at variable rates.
We have, and may from time to time in the future, depending on certain
factors including market conditions, make optional repayments on our debt
obligations, which may include open market repurchases of our outstanding public
notes and debentures.
Interest Rate Risk Management
We are exposed to the market risk of adverse changes in interest rates. To
manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we maintain a mix of fixed
and variable rate debt and enter into various derivative transactions pursuant
to our policies. Positions are monitored using techniques including market value
and sensitivity analyses. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial
instruments for trading purposes and are not a party to leveraged instruments.
The credit risks associated with our derivative financial instruments are
controlled through the evaluation and monitoring of the creditworthiness of the
counterparties. Although we may be exposed to losses in the event of
nonperformance by the counterparties, we do not expect such losses, if any, to
be significant.
Using interest rate exchange agreements ("Swaps"), we agree to exchange, at
specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts
calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Interest
rate cap agreements ("Caps") are used to lock in a maximum interest rate should
variable rates rise, but enable us to otherwise pay lower market rates. Interest
rate collar agreements ("Collars") limit our exposure to and benefits from
interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt to within a certain range of
rates.
- 22 -
The table set forth below summarizes the fair values and contract terms of
financial instruments subject to interest rate risk maintained by us as of
December 31, 2000 (dollars in millions):
Fair
Expected Maturity Date Value at
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Thereafter Total 12/31/00
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- ----- --------
Debt
Fixed Rate.......................... $107.9 $208.6 $7.9 $308.6 $705.9 $6,386.2 $7,725.1 $7,165.3
Average Interest Rate............ 10.2% 9.6% 8.0% 8.1% 8.3% 5.3% 5.9%
Variable Rate....................... $186.0 $239.4 $61.3 $0.1 $2,597.6 $1.8 $3,086.2 $3,086.2
Average Interest Rate............ 6.8% 6.4% 6.4% 7.9% 6.8% 7.9% 6.8%
Interest Rate Instruments
Variable to Fixed Swaps............. $197.5 $143.5 $36.7 $377.7 $3.7
Average Pay Rate................. 5.5% 4.9% 4.9% 5.2%
Average Receive Rate............. 6.4% 6.0% 6.0% 6.2%
Fixed to Variable Swaps............. $300.0 $150.0 $450.0 $3.2
Average Pay Rate................. 7.5% 7.9% 7.7%
Average Receive Rate............. 8.1% 8.3% 8.2%
---------------------------
The notional amounts of interest rate instruments, as presented in the
table above, are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not
represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The estimated fair value
approximates the proceeds (costs) to settle the outstanding contracts. Interest
rates on variable debt are estimated by us using the average implied forward
London Interbank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") rates for the year of maturity based on
the yield curve in effect at December 31, 2000, plus the borrowing margin in
effect for each credit facility at December 31, 2000. Average receive rates on
the Variable to Fixed Swaps are estimated by us using the average implied
forward LIBOR rates for the year of maturity based on the yield curve in effect
at December 31, 2000. While Swaps, Caps and Collars represent an integral part
of our interest rate risk management program, their incremental effect on
interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was not
significant.
Equity Price Risk Management
During the year ended December 31, 1999, we entered into cashless collar
agreements (the "Equity Collars") covering $1.365 billion notional amount of
investment securities which were accounted for at fair value. The Equity Collars
limit our exposure to and benefits from price fluctuations in the underlying
equity securities. The Equity Collars mature between 2001 and 2003. As we have
accounted for the Equity Collars as a hedge, changes in the value of the Equity
Collars were substantially offset by changes in the value of the underlying
investment securities which were also marked- to-market through accumulated
other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheet.
We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended, on January 1,
2001, as required by the new statement. We refer you to page 29 for a discussion
of the expected impact the adoption of the new statement will have on our
consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $270.7 million as of December 31, 2000
from December 31, 1999. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents resulted from
cash flows from operating, financing and investing activities as explained
below.
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
amounted to $1.219 billion for the year ended December 31, 2000 due principally
to our operating income before depreciation and amortization (see "Results of
Operations"), offset by changes in working capital as a result of the timing of
receipts and disbursements and the effects of net interest and current income
tax expense.
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations, which
includes borrowings and repayments of debt, as well as the issuances and
repurchases of our equity securities, was $271.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000. During the year ended December 31, 2000, we borrowed $5.435
billion, consisting of $2.150 billion of borrowings under Comcast Cable's
commercial paper program, $2.283 billion of borrowings under subsidiary
revolving lines of credit and $1.002 billion through the issuance of our $1.285
billion principal
- 23 -
amount at maturity of Zero Coupon Debentures. During the year ended December 31,
2000, we repaid $5.357 billion of our long-term debt, consisting primarily of
$3.861 billion of repayments on certain of our revolving credit facilities,
$826.7 million of repayments under Comcast Cable's commercial paper program and
$615.7 million of aggregate repurchases of various of our senior notes and of
our senior subordinated debentures. In addition, during the year ended December
31, 2000, we received proceeds of $30.5 million related to issuances of our
common stock and the sale of put options on our common stock, we repurchased
$324.9 million of our common stock, and we incurred $55.8 million of deferred
financing costs.
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $1.219
billion for the year ended December 31, 2000. Net cash used in investing
activities includes the effects of acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $187.3
million, consisting of our acquisition of certain cable communications systems,
investments of $1.011 billion, capital expenditures of $1.637 billion and
additions to deferred charges of $409.2 million, offset by net proceeds from
sales of short-term investments of $1.028 billion and proceeds from sales of
investments of $997.3 million.
Results of Operations
The effects of our recent acquisitions were to increase our revenues and
expenses, resulting in increases in our operating income before depreciation and
amortization. The increases in our property and equipment, deferred charges and
long-term debt (see Notes 5 and 8 to our consolidated financial statements
included in Item 8) and the corresponding increases in depreciation expense,
amortization expense and interest expense from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to
1999 are primarily due to the effects of our acquisitions of Jones Intercable,
Inc. ("Jones Intercable"), Lenfest and Prime in April 1999, January 2000 and
August 2000, respectively, as well as our increased levels of capital
expenditures.
During 2001, we expect to incur $110 million to $150 million of operating
losses before depreciation and amortization, primarily in connection with the
expansion of our new domestic wireline and international wireless business
initiatives. The amount of such operating losses will depend on the timing and
rate at which we elect to deploy resources in the targeted service areas.
Our depreciation expense and amortization expense for years subsequent to
2000 will increase significantly as a result of our cable systems exchanges with
AT&T and Adelphia which closed on December 31, 2000 and January 1, 2001,
respectively.
- 24 -
Our summarized consolidated financial information for the three years ended
December 31, 2000 is as follows (dollars in millions, "NM" denotes percentage is
not meaningful):
Year Ended
December 31, Increase/(Decrease)
2000 1999 $ %
---------- --------- --------- --------
Revenues........................................................ $8,218.6 $6,529.2 $1,689.4 25.9%
Cost of goods sold from electronic retailing.................... 2,284.9 2,060.0 224.9 10.9
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses......... 3,463.4 2,589.2 874.2 33.8
---------- ---------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1) ...... 2,470.3 1,880.0 590.3 31.4
Depreciation.................................................... 837.3 572.0 265.3 46.4
Amortization.................................................... 1,794.0 644.0 1,150.0 NM
---------- ---------
Operating (loss) income......................................... (161.0) 664.0 (825.0) NM
---------- ---------
Interest expense................................................ 691.4 538.3 153.1 28.4
Investment income............................................... (983.9) (629.5) 354.4 56.3
(Income) expense related to indexed debt........................ (666.0) 666.0 1,332.0 NM
Equity in net losses (income) of affiliates..................... 21.3 (1.4) (22.7) NM
Other income.................................................... (2,825.5) (1,409.4) 1,416.1 NM
Income tax expense.............................................. 1,441.3 723.7 717.6 99.2
Minority interest............................................... (115.3) 4.6 (119.9) NM
---------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary items.......................................... $2,045.1 $780.9 $1,264.2 NM
========== =========
Year Ended
December 31, Increase/(Decrease)
1999 1998 $ %
---------- --------- --------- --------
Revenues........................................................ $6,529.2 $5,419.0 $1,110.2 20.5%
Cost of goods sold from electronic retailing.................... 2,060.0 1,735.7 324.3 18.7
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses......... 2,589.2 2,186.6 402.6 18.4
---------- ---------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1) ...... 1,880.0 1,496.7 383.3 25.6
Depreciation.................................................... 572.0 463.9 108.1 23.3
Amortization.................................................... 644.0 475.7 168.3 35.4
---------- ---------
Operating income................................................ 664.0 557.1 106.9 19.2
---------- ---------
Interest expense................................................ 538.3 466.7 71.6 15.3
Investment (income) expense..................................... (629.5) 187.8 (817.3) NM
Expense related to indexed debt................................. 666.0 666.0 NM
Equity in net (income) losses of affiliates..................... (1.4) 515.9 517.3 NM
Gain from equity offering of affiliate.......................... (157.8) (157.8) NM
Other income.................................................... (1,409.4) (2,012.9) (603.5) (30.0)
Income tax expense.............................................. 723.7 594.0 129.7 21.8
Minority interest............................................... 4.6 44.3 (39.7) (89.6)
---------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary items.......................................... $780.9 $1,007.7 ($226.8) (22.5%)
========== =========
- ------------
(1) Operating income before depreciation and amortization is commonly referred
to in our businesses as "operating cash flow." Operating cash flow is a
measure of a company's ability to generate cash to service its obligations,
including debt service obligations, and to finance capital and other
expenditures. In part due to the capital intensive nature of our businesses
and the resulting significant level of non-cash depreciation and
amortization expense, operating cash flow is frequently used as one of the
bases for comparing businesses in our industries, although our measure of
operating cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of
other companies. Operating cash flow is the primary basis used by our
management to measure the operating performance of our businesses.
Operating cash flow does not purport to represent net income or net cash
provided by operating activities, as those terms are defined under
generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as
an alternative to such measurements as an indicator of our performance. See
"Statement of Cash Flows" above for a discussion of net cash provided by
operating activities.
- 25 -
Operating Results by Business Segment
The following represent the operating results of our significant business
segments, including: "Cable" and "Commerce." The remaining components of our
operations are not independently significant to our consolidated financial
position or results of operations (see Note 10 to our consolidated financial
statements included in Item 8).
---------------------------
Cable
The following table presents financial information for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 for our cable segment (dollars in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, Increase
2000 1999 $ %
---------- ---------- -------- -----
Analog video.................................................. $3,536.8 $2,558.0 $978.8 38.3%
Digital video................................................. 114.5 30.9 83.6 NM
Cable modem................................................... 114.4 44.5 69.9 NM
Advertising sales............................................. 290.2 190.3 99.9 52.5
Other......................................................... 129.1 105.6 23.5 22.3
---------- ---------- --------
Service income........................................... 4,185.0 2,929.3 1,255.7 42.9
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses....... 2,285.4 1,576.3 709.1 45.0
---------- ---------- --------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)..... $1,899.6 $1,353.0 $546.6 40.4%
========== ========== ========
Year Ended
December 31, Increase
1999 1998 $ %
---------- ---------- -------- -----
Analog video.................................................. $2,558.0 $2,036.6 $521.4 25.6%
Digital video................................................. 30.9 2.2 28.7 NM
Cable modem................................................... 44.5 14.3 30.2 NM
Advertising sales............................................. 190.3 138.7 51.6 37.2
Other......................................................... 105.6 85.6 20.0 23.4
---------- ---------- --------
Service income........................................... 2,929.3 2,277.4 651.9 28.6
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses....... 1,576.3 1,180.8 395.5 33.5
---------- ---------- --------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)..... $1,353.0 $1,096.6 $256.4 23.4%
========== ========== ========
- ---------------
(a) See footnote (1) on page 25.
Of the $978.8 million increase from 1999 to 2000 in analog video service
income, which consists of our basic, expanded basic, premium and pay-per-view
services, $885.9 million is attributable to the effects of our acquisitions of
Jones Intercable, Lenfest and Prime in April 1999, January 2000 and August 2000,
respectively, and $92.9 million relates principally to changes in rates and
subscriber growth in our historical operations, offset by slightly lower
pay-per-view revenue. The increase from 1999 to 2000 in digital video service
income is due primarily to the addition of approximately 839,000 digital
subscriptions during the year ended December 31, 2000 and, to a lesser extent,
to the effects of a new, higher- priced digital service offering made in the
second half of 2000. The increase from 1999 to 2000 in cable modem service
income is primarily due to the addition of approximately 258,000 cable modem
subscribers during the year ended December 31, 2000. Approximately one- half of
the increase from 1999 to 2000 in advertising sales revenue is attributable to
the effects of our acquisition of Lenfest, with the remaining increase
attributable to the effects of the 2000 political campaigns and increased cable
viewership. The increase from 1999 to 2000 in other service income, which
includes installation revenues, guide revenues, commissions from electronic
retailing and other product offerings, is primarily attributable to our
acquisitions of Lenfest and Jones Intercable.
- 26 -
Of the $521.4 million increase from 1998 to 1999 in analog video service
income, $378.5 million is attributable to the effects of our acquisitions of
Jones Intercable and Greater Philadelphia Cablevision, Inc. in April 1999 and
June 1999, respectively, and $142.9 million relates principally to changes in
rates and subscriber growth in our historical operations and higher pay-per-view
revenue. The increase from 1998 to 1999 in digital video service income is due
primarily to the addition of approximately 437,000 digital subscriptions during
the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase from 1998 to 1999 in cable modem
service income is primarily due to the addition of approximately 91,000 cable
modem subscribers during the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase from
1998 to 1999 in advertising sales revenue is primarily attributable to our
acquisition of Jones Intercable, strong economic conditions and increased cable
viewership. The increase from 1998 to 1999 in other service income is primarily
attributable to our acquisition of Jones Intercable.
The increases in operating, selling, general, and administrative expenses
from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to 1999 are primarily due to the effects of our
acquisitions of Jones Intercable, Lenfest and Prime, increases in the costs of
cable programming as a result of changes in rates, subscriber growth and
additional channel offerings, the effects of cable modem subscriber growth, and,
to a lesser extent, to increases in labor costs and other volume related
expenses in our historical operations. We anticipate the cost of cable
programming will increase in the future as cable programming rates increase and
additional sources of cable programming become available.
Commerce
The following table sets forth the operating results for our commerce
segment, which consists of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries (dollars in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, Increase
2000 1999 $ %
--------- -------- ------- ------
Net sales from electronic retailing........................... $3,535.9 $3,167.4 $368.5 11.6%
Cost of goods sold from electronic retailing.................. 2,284.9 2,060.0 224.9 10.9
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses....... 631.8 568.6 63.2 11.1
--------- -------- -------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)..... $619.2 $538.8 $80.4 14.9%
========= ======== =======
Gross margin.................................................. 35.4% 35.0%
========= ========
Year Ended
December 31, Increase
1999 1998 $ %
--------- -------- ------- ------
Net sales from electronic retailing........................... $3,167.4 $2,676.4 $491.0 18.3%
Cost of goods sold from electronic retailing.................. 2,060.0 1,735.7 324.3 18.7
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses....... 568.6 506.5 62.1 12.3
--------- -------- -------
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)..... $538.8 $434.2 $104.6 24.1%
========= ======== =======
Gross margin.................................................. 35.0% 35.1%
========= ========
- ---------------
(a) See footnote (1) on page 25.
The increase in net sales from electronic retailing from 1999 to 2000 is
primarily attributable to the effects of 4.7%, 10.0% and 41.0% increases in the
average number of homes receiving QVC services in the United States ("US"),
United Kingdom ("UK") and Germany, respectively; increases of 5.5% and 9.4% in
net sales per home in the US and Germany (in Deutschemarks), respectively, and a
10.6% decrease in net sales per home in the UK (in British pounds); and the
negative effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates during the
year.
The increase in net sales from electronic retailing from 1998 to 1999 is
primarily attributable to the effects of 4.1%, 11.4% and 35.2% increases in the
average number of homes receiving QVC services in the US, UK and Germany,
respectively; increases of 8.5%, 8.4% and 90.9% in net sales per home in the US,
UK (in British pounds) and Germany (in Deutschemarks), respectively; and the
negative effect of fluctuations in the Deutschemark exchange rate during the
year.
- 27 -
The increases in cost of goods sold from electronic retailing are primarily
related to the growth in net sales. The changes in gross margin are a result of
shifts in sales mix.
In connection with new accounting guidance issued during the year ended
December 31, 2000 (see discussion of EITF 00-10 in Note 2 to our consolidated
financial statements included in Item 8), QVC reclassified shipping and handling
revenue from cost of goods sold from electronic retailing to net sales from
electronic retailing for all periods presented. This reclassification had no
effect on QVC's reported operating income before depreciation and amortization
and no significant effect on growth in net sales from electronic retailing. The
effect of the reclassification was to increase QVC's net sales from electronic
retailing by approximately 11% and to decrease gross margin by approximately
four percentage points, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1999 and
1998 as compared to the amounts previously reported.
The increases in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses
from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to 1999 are primarily attributable to higher
variable costs and personnel costs associated with the increases in sales
volume.
---------------------------
Consolidated Analysis
Interest Expense
The increases in interest expense from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to 1999
are primarily due to the effects of our acquisitions of Lenfest in January 2000
and Jones Intercable in April 1999 and the issuance of the ZONES in October and
November 1999, offset, in part, by the net effects of our borrowings and
repayments and retirements of debt. We anticipate that, for the foreseeable
future, interest expense will be a significant cost to us.
Investment (Income) Expense
During the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, we recognized
pre-tax gains of $824.6 million, $323.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively,
on sales of certain of our investments.
During the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, in connection with
certain mergers of publicly traded companies held by us and accounted for as
investments available for sale, we recognized pre-tax gains of $62.1 million and
$187.6 million, respectively, representing the difference between the fair value
of the securities received by us and our basis in the securities exchanged. Such
gains were recorded as reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive
income to investment income.
During the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, we recorded investment
expense of $18.1 million and $105.5 million, respectively, related to changes in
the value of and the settlement of call options on certain of our unrestricted
equity investments, all of which expired by November 1999.
During the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, we recorded
pre-tax losses of $74.4 million, $35.5 million and $152.8 million, respectively,
on certain of our investments based on a decline in value that was considered
other than temporary.
(Income) Expense Related to Indexed Debt
The ZONES have been accounted for as an indexed debt instrument since the
maturity value is dependent upon the fair value of Sprint PCS Stock. During the
years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, we recorded (income) expense related to
indexed debt of ($666.0) million and $666.0 million, respectively, to reflect
the (decrease) increase in fair value of the underlying Sprint PCS Stock during
the respective periods.
Equity in Net Losses (Income) of Affiliates
Equity in net losses of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 1998
consists primarily of our proportionate share of the net losses of Sprint PCS,
Comcast UK Cable Partners Limited ("Comcast UK Cable") and Teleport
Communications, Inc. ("Teleport"). As a result of the restructuring of Sprint
PCS, the sale of our interest in Comcast UK Cable and the merger of Teleport
into AT&T during the year ended December 31, 1998 (see "Other Income" below), we
no longer accounted for these investments under the equity method.
Gain From Equity Offering of Affiliate
During the year ended December 31, 1998, in connection with Teleport's
issuance of shares of its Class A Common Stock, we recognized a $157.8 million
increase in our proportionate share of Teleport's net assets as a gain from
equity offering of affiliate.
Other Income
In December 2000, in connection with our cable systems exchange with AT&T
pursuant to which we received cable communications systems serving approximately
770,000 subscribers in exchange for
- 28 -
certain of our cable communications systems serving approximately 700,000
subscribers, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $1.711 billion, representing the
difference between the estimated fair value as of the closing date of the
transaction and our cost basis in the systems exchanged.
In August 2000, we obtained the right to exchange our Excite@Home Series A
Common Stock with AT&T and we waived certain of our Excite@Home Board level and
shareholder rights under a stockholders agreement (see Note 4 to our
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8). In connection with the
transaction, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $1.045 billion, representing the
estimated fair value of the investment as of the closing date.
In August 2000, we exchanged all of the capital stock in a wholly owned
subsidiary which held certain wireless licenses for approximately 3.2 million
shares of AT&T common stock. In connection with the exchange, we recognized a
pre-tax gain of $98.1 million, representing the difference between the fair
value of the AT&T common stock received of $100.0 million and our cost basis in
the subsidiary.
Other income for the year ended December 31, 1999 is primarily attributable
to the receipt of a $1.5 billion termination fee as liquidated damages from
MediaOne Group, Inc. ("MediaOne"), net of transaction costs, in May 1999 as a
result of MediaOne's termination of its Agreement and Plan of Merger with us
dated March 1999.
In November 1998, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $758.5 million on the
restructuring of the ownership and management control of Sprint PCS,
representing the difference between the aggregate fair value of the Sprint PCS
common stock, convertible preferred stock and warrant received by us and our
cost basis in our partnership interest in Sprint PCS.
In October 1998, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $148.3 million on the
exchange of our interest in Comcast UK Cable for approximately 4.8 million
shares of NTL Incorporated ("NTL") common stock, representing the difference
between the fair value of the NTL common stock received by us and our cost basis
in Comcast UK Cable.
In July 1998, AT&T completed its merger with Teleport. Upon closing of the
merger, we received 36.3 million shares (as adjusted for AT&T's 3-for-2 stock
split in April 1999) of AT&T common stock in exchange for the 25.6 million
shares of Teleport Class B Common Stock held by us. As a result of the exchange,
we recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.092 billion, representing the difference
between the fair value of the AT&T common stock received by us and our cost
basis in Teleport.
Income Tax Expense
The increases in income tax expense from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to 1999
are primarily the result of the effects of changes in our income before taxes
and minority interest, and non-deductible goodwill amortization.
Minority Interest
The changes in minority interest from 1999 to 2000 and from 1998 to 1999
are attributable to the effects of our acquisition of a controlling interest in
Jones Intercable in April 1999, our acquisition of the California Public
Employees Retirement System's 45% interest in Comcast MHCP Holdings L.L.C. in
February 2000 and to changes in the net income or loss of our other less than
100% owned consolidated subsidiaries.
Extraordinary Items
Extraordinary items for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
consist of unamortized debt issue costs and debt extinguishment
costs, net of related tax benefits, expensed in connection with the redemption
and refinancing of certain indebtedness.
We believe that our operations are not materially affected by inflation.
Expected Impact of Adoption of SFAS No. 133
We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended, on January 1,
2001, as required by the new statement. This statement establishes accounting
and reporting standards for derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 2 to
our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8). Adoption of the new
statement will affect our accounting for our indexed debt instruments, equity
option agreements, cashless collar agreements on investment securities, equity
warrant agreements, and interest rate exchange agreements.
Under the new statement, our derivative instruments, which are comprised
solely of derivative financial instruments, must be recorded at fair value on
our consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded, except under
specific circumstances, to our consolidated statement of operations. Recording
changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments to our
- 29 -
consolidated statement of operations represents a change from our current
accounting whereby generally these changes are recorded as a component of
stockholders' equity. When specific circumstances exist, hedge accounting is
permitted when the derivative instrument is designated as a hedge. Hedge
accounting permits changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments to be
either substantially offset in our consolidated statement of operations by
changes in the fair value of the hedged item or deferred as a component of
stockholders' equity until the hedged item is recognized in our consolidated
statement of operations.
On January 1, 2001, in connection with our adoption of the new statement,
we reclassified our investment in Sprint PCS from an available for sale security
to a trading security. In connection with this reclassification, we expect to
record pre-tax investment income of approximately $1.1 billion, representing the
accumulated unrealized gain on our investment in Sprint PCS previously recorded
as a component of stockholders' equity. Further, beginning in the first quarter
of 2001, we will record changes in the fair value of our investment in Sprint
PCS to investment income or expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
These adjustments will be substantially offset by the changes in the fair values
of the Equity Collars described on page 23 and the derivative component of our
indexed debt instruments described below.
Upon adoption of the new statement, the balance of our indexed debt
instruments, included in long-term debt, will be reduced by approximately $400
million. The new statement requires that we split our indexed debt instruments
into their derivative and debt components. We will record the debt component at
a discount from its value at maturity. Over the term of the indexed debt
instruments, increases in the value of the debt component will be recorded to
interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations. Changes in the
fair value of the derivative component will be recorded to investment income or
expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
Our right to exchange our Excite@Home common stock with AT&T is a hedge of
our investment in Excite@Home. Therefore, although we have exercised our right
to exchange our investment with AT&T, beginning in the first quarter of 2001 we
will record changes in the fair value of this investment and of our investment
in Excite@Home common stock to investment income or expense in our consolidated
statement of operations until the transaction closes.
In connection with the adoption of the new statement, we expect to
recognize as income a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net
of tax, of approximately $400 million in the first quarter of 2001. This gain
will consist of the $400 million adjustment related to our indexed debt
instruments previously described and approximately $200 million principally
related to the reclassification of gains previously recognized as a component of
other comprehensive income on our equity derivative instruments, net of related
deferred income taxes.
The adoption of the new statement will also result in a decrease in other
comprehensive income as a result of the reclassification to our consolidated
statement of operations of pre-tax gains of approximately $1.3 billion,
primarily related to our investment in Sprint PCS as discussed above. The
decrease will be recorded in the first quarter of 2001, net of related deferred
income taxes, of approximately $450 million.
Adoption of the new statement will likely result in volatility from period
to period in investment (income) expense as reported on our consolidated
statement of operations. We are unable to predict the effects this volatility
may have on our future earnings.
- 30 -
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Comcast Corporation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Comcast
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders'
equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the consolidated financial statements of QVC, Inc.
("QVC") (a consolidated subsidiary) as of December 31, 1998 and for the year
then ended, which statements reflect total revenues constituting 49% of the
Company's consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998. Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us,
and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements for QVC, is based solely upon the report of
such other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of
other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, such
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Comcast Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December
31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 23, 2001
- 31 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in millions, except share data)
December 31,
2000 1999
--------- ---------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................................. $651.5 $922.2
Investments............................................................... 3,059.7 7,606.0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $141.7 and $136.6........................................... 891.9 673.3
Inventories, net.......................................................... 438.5 402.8
Other current assets...................................................... 102.8 100.1
--------- ---------
Total current assets.................................................. 5,144.4 9,704.4
--------- ---------
INVESTMENTS.................................................................. 2,661.9 5,548.8
--------- ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT....................................................... 6,799.2 5,153.2
Accumulated depreciation.................................................. (1,596.5) (1,700.9)
--------- ---------
Property and equipment, net............................................... 5,202.7 3,452.3
--------- ---------
DEFERRED CHARGES
Franchise and license acquisition costs................................... 16,594.4 5,155.7
Excess of cost over net assets acquired and other......................... 10,271.5 7,566.4
--------- ---------
26,865.9 12,722.1
Accumulated amortization.................................................. (4,130.4) (2,742.0)
--------- ---------
Deferred charges, net..................................................... 22,735.5 9,980.1
--------- ---------
$35,744.5 $28,685.6
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................................... $2,852.9 $2,737.5
Accrued interest.......................................................... 105.5 104.5
Deferred income taxes..................................................... 789.9 2,118.6
Current portion of long-term debt......................................... 293.9 517.5
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities............................................. 4,042.2 5,478.1
--------- ---------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion (including adjustment to
carrying value of zero and $666.0 million)................................ 10,517.4 8,707.2
--------- ---------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES........................................................ 5,786.7 3,150.5
--------- ---------
MINORITY INTEREST AND OTHER.................................................. 1,257.2 1,008.5
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 9).......................................
COMMON EQUITY PUT OPTIONS.................................................... 54.6
--------- ---------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - authorized, 20,000,000 shares...........................
5.25% series B mandatorily redeemable convertible, $1,000 par value;
issued, 59,450 and 569,640 at redemption value.......................... 59.5 569.6
Class A special common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
2,500,000,000 shares; issued, 931,340,103 and 716,442,482; outstanding,
908,015,192 and 716,442,482 ............................................ 908.0 716.4
Class A common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
200,000,000 shares; issued, 21,832,250 and 25,993,380................... 21.8 26.0
Class B common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
50,000,000 shares; issued, 9,444,375.................................... 9.4 9.4
Additional capital........................................................ 11,598.8 3,527.0
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)................................... 1,056.5 (619.8)
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................................... 432.4 6,112.7
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity............................................ 14,086.4 10,341.3
--------- ---------
$35,744.5 $28,685.6
========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 32 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1998
-------- ------- -------
REVENUES
Service income........................................................... $4,682.7 $3,361.8 $2,742.6
Net sales from electronic retailing...................................... 3,535.9 3,167.4 2,676.4
-------- ------- -------
8,218.6 6,529.2 5,419.0
-------- ------- -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Operating................................................................ 2,212.5 1,663.1 1,410.3
Cost of goods sold from electronic retailing............................. 2,284.9 2,060.0 1,735.7
Selling, general and administrative...................................... 1,250.9 926.1 776.3
Depreciation............................................................. 837.3 572.0 463.9
Amortization............................................................. 1,794.0 644.0 475.7
-------- ------- -------
8,379.6 5,865.2 4,861.9
-------- ------- -------
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME..................................................... (161.0) 664.0 557.1
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE
Interest expense......................................................... 691.4 538.3 466.7
Investment (income) expense.............................................. (983.9) (629.5) 187.8
(Income) expense related to indexed debt................................. (666.0) 666.0
Equity in net losses (income) of affiliates.............................. 21.3 (1.4) 515.9
Gain from equity offering of affiliate................................... (157.8)
Other income............................................................. (2,825.5) (1,409.4) (2,012.9)
-------- ------- -------
(3,762.7) (836.0) (1,000.3)
-------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX
EXPENSE, MINORITY INTEREST AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS....................... 3,601.7 1,500.0 1,557.4
INCOME TAX EXPENSE.......................................................... 1,441.3 723.7 594.0
-------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
MINORITY INTEREST AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS................................ 2,160.4 776.3 963.4
MINORITY INTEREST........................................................... (115.3) 4.6 44.3
-------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS...................................................... 2,045.1 780.9 1,007.7
GAIN (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of income tax expense
(benefit) of $166.1 million in 1999 and ($19.1) million in 1998......... 335.8 (31.4)
-------- ------- -------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS........................................... 2,045.1 1,116.7 976.3
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS ........................................................ (23.6) (51.0) (4.2)
-------- ------- -------
NET INCOME.................................................................. 2,021.5 1,065.7 972.1
PREFERRED DIVIDENDS......................................................... (23.5) (29.7) (29.1)
-------- ------- -------
NET INCOME FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS.......................................... $1,998.0 $1,036.0 $943.0
======== ======= =======
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items............. $2.27 $1.00 $1.34
Discontinued operations.................................................. .45 (.04)
Extraordinary items...................................................... (.03) (.07) (.01)
-------- ------- -------
Net income............................................................... $2.24 $1.38 $1.29
======== ======= =======
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING................. 890.7 749.1 733.0
======== ======= =======
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items............. $2.16 $.95 $1.25
Discontinued operations.................................................. .41 (.03)
Extraordinary items...................................................... (.03) (.06) (.01)
-------- ------- -------
Net income............................................................... $2.13 $1.30 $1.21
======== ======= =======
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING................................................ 948.7 819.9 806.0
======== ======= =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 33 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1998
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income............................................................................. $2,021.5 $1,065.7 $972.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation......................................................................... 837.3 572.0 463.9
Amortization......................................................................... 1,794.0 644.0 475.7
Non-cash interest (income) expense, net.............................................. (22.6) (27.8) 29.2
Non-cash (income) expense related to indexed debt.................................... (666.0) 666.0
Equity in net losses (income) of affiliates.......................................... 21.3 (1.4) 515.9
Gain from equity offering of affiliate............................................... (157.8)
Gains on investments and other income, net........................................... (3,679.3) (1,917.0) (1,758.5)
Minority interest.................................................................... 115.3 (4.6) (44.3)
Discontinued operations.............................................................. (335.8) 31.4
Extraordinary items.................................................................. 23.6 51.0 4.2
Deferred income taxes and other...................................................... 1,102.3 (31.9) 418.2
--------- --------- ---------
1,547.4 680.2 950.0
Changes in working capital........................................................... (328.1) 569.2 117.7
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations .............. 1,219.3 1,249.4 1,067.7
--------- --------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings............................................................... 5,435.3 2,786.6 1,938.0
Retirements and repayments of debt..................................................... (5,356.5) (1,368.2) (1,113.4)
Issuances of common stock and sales of put options on common stock..................... 30.5 17.1 41.8
Repurchases of common stock............................................................ (324.9) (30.7) (12.9)
Dividends.............................................................................. (9.4) (36.0)
Deferred financing costs............................................................... (55.8) (51.0) (16.3)
Other.................................................................................. (3.0) 8.0
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations ..... (271.4) 1,341.4 809.2
--------- --------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired..................................................... (187.3) (755.2) (309.7)
Proceeds from termination fee, net..................................................... 1,460.0
Proceeds from sales of (purchases of) short-term investments, net...................... 1,028.1 (1,035.5) 145.9
Capital contributions to and purchases of investments.................................. (1,010.7) (2,012.2) (202.1)
Proceeds from sales of investments..................................................... 997.3 599.8 23.6
Proceeds from investees' repayments of loans........................................... 74.7
Capital expenditures................................................................... (1,636.8) (893.8) (898.9)
Sale of subsidiaries, net of cash sold................................................. 361.1 (140.4)
Additions to deferred charges.......................................................... (409.2) (263.5) (108.4)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations................... (1,218.6) (2,539.3) (1,415.3)
--------- --------- ---------
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
- CONTINUING OPERATIONS............................................................... (270.7) 51.5 461.6
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year.............................................. 922.2 870.7 409.1
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year.................................................... $651.5 $922.2 $870.7
========= ========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 34 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
--------------------
Retained Unrealized
Preferred Stock Common Stock Earnings Gains on
------------- ---------------------- (Accum- Market- Cumulative
Series Series Class A Additional ulated able Translation
A B Special Class A Class B Capital Deficit) Securities Adjustments Total
------ ------ ------- ------- ------ --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1998............... $31.9 $513.2 $674.6 $31.8 $8.8 $2,673.0 ($2,415.9) $140.7 ($11.6) $1,646.5
Comprehensive income:
Net income.......................... 972.1
Unrealized gains on marketable
securities, net of deferred
taxes of $489.4................... 908.8
Cumulative translation adjustments.. 11.8
Total comprehensive income............. 1,892.7
Conversion of convertible
subordinated debt to common
stock............................. 20.8 336.8 357.6
Exercise of options................. 3.4 0.6 31.8 35.8
Retirement of common stock.......... (0.4) (0.1) (2.4) (10.0) (12.9)
Cash dividends, common, $.0467
per share......................... (34.4) (34.4)
Cash dividends, Series A preferred.. (1.6) (1.6)
Series B preferred dividends........ 27.5 (27.5)
Temporary equity related to
put options....................... (79.8) (79.8)
Proceeds from sales of put options.. 11.4 11.4
------ ------ ------- ------- ------ --------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998............. 31.9 540.7 698.4 31.7 9.4 2,941.7 (1,488.2) 1,049.5 0.2 3,815.3
Comprehensive income:
Net income.......................... 1,065.7
Unrealized gains on marketable
securities, net of deferred
taxes of $2,730.2................. 5,070.3
Cumulative translation adjustments.. (7.3)
Total comprehensive income............. 6,128.7
Acquisition......................... 8.5 283.2 291.7
Exercise of options................. 2.2 23.7 25.9
Conversion of Series A preferred.... (31.9) 2.7 29.2
Retirement of common stock.......... (0.8) (4.6) (25.3) (30.7)
Cash dividends, Series A preferred.. (0.8) (0.8)
Series B preferred dividends........ 28.9 (28.9)
Share exchange...................... 4.6 (4.9) 172.3 (172.0)
Temporary equity related to
put options....................... 111.2 111.2
------ ------ ------- ------- ------ --------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999 ............ 569.6 716.4 26.0 9.4 3,527.0 (619.8) 6,119.8 (7.1) 10,341.3
Comprehensive income:
Net income.......................... 2,021.5
Unrealized losses on marketable
securities, net of deferred
taxes of $3,055.3................. (5,674.1)
Cumulative translation adjustments.. (6.2)
Total comprehensive loss............... (3,658.8)
Acquisitions........................ 155.7 7,585.2 7,740.9
Exercise of options................. 2.6 53.9 (27.7) 28.8
Retirement of common stock.......... (6.0) (3.1) (42.3) (273.5) (324.9)
Conversion of Series B preferred.... (533.6) 38.3 495.3
Series B preferred dividends........ 23.5 (23.5)
Share exchange...................... 1.0 (1.1) 44.1 (44.0)
Temporary equity related to
put options....................... (40.9) (40.9)
------ ------ ------- ------- ------ --------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2000............. $ $59.5 $908.0 $21.8 $9.4 $11,598.8 $1,056.5 $445.7 ($13.3) $14,086.4
====== ====== ======= ======= ====== ========= =========== ========= ========== =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 35 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
1. BUSINESS
Comcast Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is principally
involved in three lines of business: cable, commerce and content.
The Company's cable business is principally involved in the development,
management and operation of broadband communications networks in the United
States ("US"). The Company's consolidated cable operations served
approximately 7.7 million subscribers and passed approximately 12.9 million
homes as of December 31, 2000.
Commerce is provided through the Company's consolidated subsidiary, QVC,
Inc. ("QVC"). Through QVC, an electronic retailer, the Company markets a
wide variety of products directly to consumers primarily on merchandise-
focused television programs. QVC was available, on a full and part-time
basis, to over 77.9 million homes in the US, over 8.9 million homes in the
United Kingdom ("UK") and over 22.6 million homes in Germany as of December
31, 2000.
Content is provided through the Company's consolidated subsidiaries
including Comcast Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet and E! Entertainment
Television, Inc. ("E! Entertainment"), and through other programming
investments including The Golf Channel, Speedvision and Outdoor Life.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER ITEMS
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all wholly owned or controlled subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have
been eliminated.
Management's Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make 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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Fair Values
The estimated fair value amounts presented in these consolidated financial
statements have been determined by the Company using available market
information and appropriate methodologies. However, considerable judgment
is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair
value. The estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The
use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may
have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Such fair value
estimates are based on pertinent information available to management as of
December 31, 2000 and 1999, and have not been comprehensively revalued for
purposes of these consolidated financial statements since such dates.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist principally of US Government obligations,
commercial paper, repurchase agreements and certificates of deposit with
maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying amounts of
the Company's cash equivalents approximate their fair values.
Inventories - Electronic Retailing
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out
method.
- 36 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Investments
Investments consist principally of equity securities and US Government
obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and certificates of
deposit with maturities of greater than three months when purchased.
Investments in entities in which the Company has the ability to exercise
significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the
investee are accounted for under the equity method. Equity method
investments are recorded at original cost and adjusted periodically to
recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investees' net income or
losses after the date of investment, additional contributions made and
dividends received. The differences between the Company's recorded
investments and its proportionate interests in the book value of the
investees' net assets are being amortized to equity in net income or loss,
primarily over a period of 20 years, which is consistent with the estimated
lives of the underlying assets.
Unrestricted publicly traded investments are classified as available for
sale and recorded at their fair value, with unrealized gains or losses
resulting from changes in fair value between measurement dates recorded as
a component of other comprehensive income.
Restricted publicly traded investments and investments in privately held
companies are stated at cost, adjusted for any known diminution in value
(see Note 4).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided by the
straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings and improvements.................8-40 years
Operating facilities.......................5-20 years
Other equipment............................2-10 years
Improvements that extend asset lives are capitalized; other repairs and
maintenance charges are expensed as incurred. The cost and related
accumulated depreciation applicable to assets sold or retired are removed
from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized as a
component of depreciation expense.
Capitalized Costs
The costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and
distribution facilities and new cable service installations are
capitalized. Costs include all direct labor and materials as well as
certain indirect costs.
Deferred Charges
Franchise and license acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line
basis over their legal or estimated useful lives ranging principally from 3
to 20 years. The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired
is being amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives
ranging principally from 20 to 30 years. QVC and certain of the Company's
content subsidiaries have entered into multi-year affiliation agreements
with various cable and satellite system operators for carriage of their
respective programming. In connection with these affiliation agreements,
the Company's subsidiaries generally pay a fee to the cable or satellite
operator based on the number of subscribers. Cable or satellite
distribution rights are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis
over the term of the related distribution agreements ranging principally
from 6 to 12 years.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived
assets, including property and equipment and deferred charges, using
objective methodologies whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such
methodologies include evaluations based on the cash flows generated by the
underlying assets, profitability information, including estimated future
operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the total
of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the
- 37 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference
between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, where the
functional currency is the local currency, are translated into US dollars
at the December 31 exchange rate. The related translation adjustments are
recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Revenues and
expenses are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the
year. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other
(income) expense.
Revenue Recognition
Service income is recognized as service is provided. Credit risk is managed
by disconnecting services to cable customers who are delinquent. Net sales
from electronic retailing are recognized at the time of shipment to
customers. The Company's policy is to allow customers to return merchandise
for up to thirty days after date of shipment. An allowance for returned
merchandise is provided as a percentage of sales based on historical
experience. Advertising sales revenue is recognized at estimated realizable
values when the advertising is aired.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related
interpretations, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."
Compensation expense for stock options is measured as the excess, if any,
of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant
over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Compensation
expense for restricted stock awards is recorded annually based on the
quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant and the
vesting period. Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights is
recorded annually based on the changes in quoted market prices of the
Company's stock or other determinants of fair value at the end of the year
(see Note 6).
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
The estimated costs of retiree benefits and benefits for former or inactive
employees, after employment but before retirement, are accrued and recorded
as a charge to operations during the years the employees provide services.
Investment Income
Investment income includes interest income, dividend income and gains, net
of losses, on the sales of marketable securities and long-term investments.
Gross realized gains and losses are recognized using the specific
identification method (see Note 4). Investment income also includes
impairment losses resulting from adjustments to the net realizable value of
certain of the Company's investments.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary
differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the
Company's assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net
operating loss carryforwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in
tax rates and laws, if any, applied to the years during which temporary
differences are expected to be settled, are reflected in the consolidated
financial statements in the period of enactment.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company employs derivative financial instruments for a number of
purposes. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates by entering into interest rate exchange agreements ("Swaps"),
interest rate cap agreements ("Caps") and interest rate collar agreements
("Collars"). The Company manages the cost of its share repurchases the sale
of equity put option contracts ("Comcast Put Options"). The Company manages
its exposure to fluctuations in the value of certain of its investments by
entering into equity collar agreements ("Equity Collars") and equity put
option agreements ("Equity Put Options"). The Company makes investments in
businesses, to some degree, through the purchase of equity call option or
call warrant agreements ("Equity Warrants"). The
- 38 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Company has issued indexed debt instruments whose value, in part, is
derived from the market value of Sprint PCS common stock. The Company has
also sold call options on certain of its investments in equity securities
("Covered Call Options").
Swaps, Caps and Collars are matched with either fixed or variable rate debt
and periodic cash payments are accrued on a settlement basis as an
adjustment to interest expense. Any premiums associated with these
instruments are amortized over their term and realized gains or losses as a
result of the termination of the instruments are deferred and amortized
over the remaining term of the underlying debt. Unrealized gains and losses
as a result of these instruments are recognized when the underlying hedged
item is extinguished or otherwise terminated.
Proceeds from sales of Comcast Put Options are recorded in stockholders'
equity and an amount equal to the redemption price of the common stock is
reclassified from permanent equity to temporary equity. Subsequent changes
in the market value of Comcast Put Options are not recorded. Equity
Collars, Equity Put Options and Equity Warrants are marked to market on a
current basis with the result included in accumulated other comprehensive
income in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Covered Call Options
are marked to market on a current basis with the result included in
investment (income) expense in the Company's consolidated statement of
operations.
Those instruments that have been entered into by the Company to hedge
exposure to interest rate risks are periodically examined by the Company to
ensure that the instruments are matched with underlying liabilities, reduce
the Company's risks relating to interest rates and, through market value
and sensitivity analysis, maintain a high correlation to the interest
expense of the hedged item. For those instruments that do not meet the
above criteria, variations in their fair value are marked-to-market on a
current basis in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
The Company does not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for
trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged instruments (see Note 5).
The credit risks associated with the Company's derivative financial
instruments are controlled through the evaluation and monitoring of the
creditworthiness of the counterparties. Although the Company may be exposed
to losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties, the Company
does not expect such losses, if any, to be significant.
Sale of Stock by a Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee
Changes in the Company's proportionate share of the underlying equity of a
consolidated subsidiary or equity method investee which result from the
issuance of additional securities by such subsidiary or investee are
recognized as gains or losses in the Company's consolidated statement of
operations unless gain realization is not assured in the circumstances.
Gains for which realization is not assured are credited directly to
additional capital.
SFAS No. 133, as Amended
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivatives and hedging activities. The new standard requires that all
derivative instruments be reported on the balance sheet at their fair
values. For derivative instruments designated and effective as fair value
hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument will be
substantially offset in the statement of operations by changes in the fair
value of the hedged item. For derivative instruments designated as cash
flow hedges, the effective portion of any hedge is reported in other
comprehensive income until it is recognized in earnings during the same
period in which the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion
of all hedges will be recognized in current earnings each period. Changes
in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as a
hedge will be recorded each period in current earnings.
In July 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137 which deferred the effective
date for implementation of SFAS No. 133 to fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138 which addressed
- 39 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
certain issues causing implementation difficulties for entities that apply
SFAS No. 133. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133, as amended, on January 1,
2001. Instruments that the Company has entered into that will be accounted
for under SFAS No. 133, as amended, include indexed debt instruments,
Swaps, Equity Warrants, Equity Put Options, and Equity Collars. See
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations included in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for a discussion of the expected impact the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will
have on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of
operations.
SFAS No. 140
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." SFAS
No. 140 replaces SFAS No. 125 and addresses certain issues not previously
addressed in SFAS No. 125. SFAS 140 is effective for transfers and
servicing occurring after March 31, 2001. SFAS No. 140 is effective for
disclosures about securitizations and collateral and for the recognition
and reclassification of collateral for fiscal years ending after December
15, 2000. The adoption of SFAS No. 140 did not have a material impact on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
SAB No. 101, as Amended
In December 1999, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements," which provides guidance in applying
generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition
issues. In March 2000 and June 2000, the staff of the SEC amended SAB No.
101 to delay the required implementation date of SAB No. 101 to the fourth
quarter of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1999. The Company
adopted SAB No. 101, as amended, on October 1, 2000. The adoption of SAB
No. 101, as amended, did not have a material impact on the Company's
results of operations.
EITF 00-10
In May, July and September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (the
"EITF") reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 00-10, "Accounting for
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs." EITF No. 00-10 requires that all
amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction for shipping and
handling be classified as revenue. QVC previously classified shipping and
handling revenue as an offset to cost of goods sold from electronic
retailing. The Company has reclassified shipping and handling revenue from
cost of goods sold from electronic retailing to net sales from electronic
retailing for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated
statement of operations.
Securities Lending Transactions
The Company may enter into securities lending transactions pursuant to
which the Company requires the borrower to provide cash collateral equal to
the value of the loaned securities, as adjusted for any changes in the
value of the underlying loaned securities. Loaned securities for which the
Company maintains effective control are included in investments in the
Company's consolidated balance sheet.
- 40 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Earnings for Common Stockholders Per Common Share
Earnings for common stockholders per common share is computed by dividing
net income, after deduction of preferred stock dividends, when applicable,
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
period on a basic and diluted basis. The following table reconciles the
numerator and denominator of the computations of diluted earnings for
common stockholders per common share ("Diluted EPS") for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Year Ended
December 31,
2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ -----------
Net income for common stockholders........................... $1,998.0 $1,036.0 $943.0
Dilutive securities effect on net income for common
stockholders.............................................. 1.0
Preferred dividends.......................................... 23.5 29.7 29.1
------------ ------------ -----------
Net income for common stockholders used for
Diluted EPS............................................... $2,021.5 $1,065.7 $973.1
============ ============ ===========
Basic weighted average number of common shares
outstanding............................................... 890.7 749.1 733.0
Dilutive securities:
1 1/8% discount convertible subordinated debentures,
redeemed March 1998................................... 5.0
Series A and B convertible preferred stock.............. 42.5 44.0 45.2
Stock option and restricted stock plans................. 15.4 26.8 22.8
Put options on Class A Special Common Stock............. 0.1
------------ ------------ -----------
Diluted weighted average number of common shares
outstanding............................................... 948.7 819.9 806.0
============ ============ ===========
Diluted earnings for common stockholders per
common share.............................................. $2.13 $1.30 $1.21
============ ============ ===========
Comcast Put Options on a weighted average 1.5 million shares, 2.7 million
shares and 2.9 million shares of its Class A Special Common Stock (see Note
6) were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively. Comcast Put Options outstanding during the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998 were not included in the computation of Diluted
EPS as the Comcast Put Options' exercise price was less than the average
market price of the Company's Class A Special Common Stock during the
periods.
In December 2000, the Company issued $1.285 billion principal amount at
maturity of Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures due 2020 (the "Zero Coupon
Debentures") (see Note 5). Holders may surrender the Zero Coupon Debentures
for conversion at any time prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed,
but only if the closing sale price of the Company's Class A Special Common
Stock is greater than 110% of the accreted conversion price for at least 20
trading days of the 30 trading days prior to conversion. As the weighted
average closing sale price of the Company's Class A Special Common Stock
was not greater than 110% of the accreted conversion price during the
period from the date of issuance of the Zero Coupon Debentures through
December 31, 2000, the Zero Coupon Debentures have been excluded from
Diluted EPS.
- 41 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' consolidated
financial statements to conform to those classifications used in 2000.
3. ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
AT&T Cable Systems Exchange
On December 31, 2000, the Company completed its previously announced cable
systems exchange with AT&T Corp. ("AT&T") pursuant to which the Company
received cable communications systems serving approximately 770,000
subscribers. In exchange, AT&T received certain of the Company's cable
communications systems serving approximately 700,000 subscribers. In
connection with the exchange, the Company recorded to other income a pre-
tax gain of $1.711 billion, representing the difference between the
estimated fair value as of the closing date of the transaction and the
Company's cost basis in the systems exchanged.
Acquisition of Prime Communications LLC
In December 1998, the Company agreed to invest in Prime Communications LLC
("Prime"), a cable communications company serving approximately 406,000
subscribers. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, in December 1998 the
Company acquired from Prime a $50.0 million 12.75% subordinated note due
2008 issued by Prime. In July 1999, the Company made a loan to Prime in the
form of a $733.5 million 6% ten year note, convertible into 90% of the
equity of Prime. Since that time, the Company made an additional $70.0
million in loans to Prime (on the same terms as the original loan). In
August 2000, the note, plus accrued interest of $51.7 million on the note
and the loans, was converted and the owners of Prime sold their remaining
10% equity interest in Prime to the Company for $87.7 million. As a result,
the Company now owns 100% of Prime and has assumed management control of
Prime's operations (the "Prime Acquisition"). Upon closing, the Company
assumed and immediately repaid $532.0 million of Prime's debt with proceeds
from borrowings under existing credit facilities.
Acquisition of Jones Intercable, Inc.
In April 1999, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Jones
Intercable, Inc. ("Jones Intercable"), a cable communications company
serving approximately 1.1 million subscribers, for aggregate consideration
of $706.3 million in cash. In June 1999, the Company purchased an
additional 1.0 million shares of Jones Intercable Class A Common Stock for
$50.0 million in cash in a private transaction. The Company contributed its
interest in Jones Intercable to Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.
("Comcast Cable"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
In March 2000, the Jones Intercable shareholders approved a merger
agreement pursuant to which the Jones Intercable shareholders, including
Comcast Cable, received 1.4 shares of the Company's Class A Special Common
Stock in exchange for each share of Jones Intercable Class A Common Stock
and Common Stock (the "Jones Merger") and Jones Intercable was merged with
and into a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with the
closing of the Jones Merger, the Company issued approximately 58.9 million
shares of its Class A Special Common Stock to the Jones Intercable
shareholders, including approximately 23.3 million shares to a subsidiary
of the Company and 35.6 million shares with a value of $1.727 billion to
the public shareholders. As required under generally accepted accounting
principles, the shares held by the subsidiary of the Company are presented
as issued but not outstanding (held in treasury) in the Company's December
31, 2000 consolidated balance sheet.
Acquisition of CalPERS' Interest in Jointly Owned Cable Properties
In February 2000, the Company acquired the California Public Employees
Retirement System's ("CalPERS") 45% interest in Comcast MHCP Holdings,
L.L.C. ("Comcast MHCP"), formerly a 55% owned consolidated subsidiary of
the Company which serves subscribers in Michigan, New Jersey and Florida.
As a result, the Company now owns 100% of Comcast MHCP. The consideration
was $750.0 million in cash.
- 42 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Acquisition of Lenfest Communications, Inc.
In January 2000, the Company acquired Lenfest Communications, Inc.
("Lenfest"), a cable communications company serving approximately 1.1
million subscribers primarily in the Philadelphia area from AT&T and the
other Lenfest stockholders for approximately 120.1 million shares of the
Company's Class A Special Common Stock with a value of $6.014 billion (the
"Lenfest Acquisition"). In connection with the Lenfest Acquisition, the
Company assumed approximately $1.326 billion of debt (see Note 5).
Consolidation of Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P.
Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P. ("Garden State Cable") (formerly
Garden State Cablevision L.P.), a cable communications company serving
approximately 216,000 subscribers in New Jersey, is a partnership which was
owned 50% by Lenfest and 50% by the Company. The Company had accounted for
its interest in Garden State Cable under the equity method. As a result of
the Lenfest Acquisition, the Company now owns 100% of Garden State Cable.
As such, the operating results of Garden State Cable have been included in
the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the date of the
Lenfest Acquisition.
Acquisition of Greater Philadelphia Cablevision, Inc.
In June 1999, the Company acquired Greater Philadelphia Cablevision, Inc.
("Greater Philadelphia"), a cable communications company serving
approximately 79,000 subscribers in Philadelphia from Greater Media, Inc.
for approximately 8.5 million shares of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock with a value of $291.7 million.
The acquisitions completed by the Company during the years ended December
31, 2000 and 1999 were accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. As such, the operating results of the acquired systems have
been included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from
the acquisition date. The Company recorded the final purchase price
allocation related to the Company's acquisitions of Lenfest, Garden State
Cable, CalPERS' interest in Comcast MHCP and of the public shareholders'
interest in Jones Intercable during the fourth quarter of 2000. The
allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of Prime and the AT&T
cable systems exchange, is preliminary pending completion of final
appraisals. As the consideration given in exchange for Jones Intercable,
Greater Philadelphia, Lenfest and the additional 50% interest in Garden
State Cable was shares of the Company's Class A Special Common Stock, and
in the case of Prime was primarily the conversion of convertible notes, the
acquisitions of such interests had no significant impact on the Company's
consolidated statement of cash flows during the years ended December 31,
2000 and 1999, respectively (see Note 8).
Unaudited Pro Forma Information
The following unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December
31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 has been presented as if the Jones Merger and the
acquisitions of Lenfest, CalPERS' interest in Comcast MHCP and Prime, the
consolidation of Garden State Cable and the cable systems acquired through
the exchange with AT&T each occurred on January 1, 1999, and the
acquisition of a controlling interest in Jones Intercable and the
acquisition of Greater Philadelphia occurred on January 1, 1998. This
information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for
acquisition costs, and, in the opinion of management, is not necessarily
indicative of what the results would have been had the Company operated
Jones Intercable, Greater Philadelphia, Lenfest, Garden State Cable,
Comcast MHCP, Prime and the AT&T cable systems received in the exchange
since such dates.
(Amounts in millions,
except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1998
---------- ---------- -----------
Revenues ......................................... $8,397.3 $7,566.5 $5,922.7
Income before extraordinary items ................ $1,938.3 $252.2 $925.3
Net income ....................................... $1,914.7 $201.2 $921.1
Diluted EPS ....................................., $1.98 $0.21 $1.13
- 43 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Sale of Comcast Cellular Corporation
In July 1999, the Company sold Comcast Cellular Corporation ("Comcast
Cellular") to SBC Communications, Inc. for $361.1 million in cash and the
assumption of $1.315 billion of Comcast Cellular debt, and recognized a
gain on the sale of $355.9 million, net of income tax expense. The results
of operations of Comcast Cellular have been presented as a discontinued
operation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion
30, "Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of
Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and
Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions." During the year ended
December 31, 1999, the Company recognized losses from discontinued
operations of $20.1 million.
Other Income
In August 2000, the Company obtained the right to exchange its Excite@Home
Corporation ("Excite@Home") Series A Common Stock (the "Excite@Home Stock")
with AT&T and waived certain of its Excite@Home Board level and shareholder
rights under a stockholders agreement. The Company also agreed to cause its
existing appointee to the Excite@Home Board of Directors to resign (see
Note 4). In connection with the transaction, the Company recorded to other
income a pre-tax gain of $1.045 billion, representing the estimated fair
value of the investment as of the closing date.
In August 2000, the Company exchanged all of the capital stock of a wholly
owned subsidiary which held certain wireless licenses for approximately 3.2
million shares of AT&T common stock. In connection with the exchange, the
Company recorded to other income a pre-tax gain of $98.1 million,
representing the difference between the fair value of the AT&T shares
received of $100.0 million and the Company's cost basis in the subsidiary.
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company received a $1.5
billion termination fee as liquidated damages from MediaOne Group, Inc.
("MediaOne") as a result of MediaOne's termination of its Agreement and
Plan of Merger with the Company dated March 1999. The termination fee, net
of transaction costs, was recorded to other income in the Company's
consolidated statement of operations.
Adelphia Cable Systems Exchange
On January 1, 2001, the Company completed its previously announced cable
systems exchange with Adelphia Communications ("Adelphia") pursuant to
which the Company received cable communications systems serving
approximately 460,000 subscribers from Adelphia. In exchange, Adelphia
received certain of the Company's cable communications systems serving
approximately 440,000 subscribers. In connection with the exchange, the
Company expects to record a gain and the acquisition will be accounted for
as a purchase.
AT&T Cable Systems Acquisition
In August 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with AT&T to acquire
cable communications systems serving up to 700,000 subscribers from AT&T in
exchange for AT&T common stock that the Company currently owns or may
acquire, in a transaction intended to qualify as tax-free to both the
Company and to AT&T. Pursuant to the agreement, the agreed upon value of
the cable communications systems to be acquired by the Company from AT&T is
up to $3.2 billion (subject to adjustment based on the actual number of
subscribers acquired). Also pursuant to the agreement, approximately 39.6
million shares of the AT&T common stock currently owned by the Company will
be valued at $54.41 per share. The transaction is subject to customary
closing conditions and regulatory approvals, will be accounted for as a
purchase, and is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2001
(see Note 4).
- 44 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
4. INVESTMENTS
December 31,
2000 1999
----------- -----------
(Dollars in millions)
Fair value method
AT&T Corp.............................. $1,174.3 $2,025.5
Excite@Home Corporation................ 1,479.1 918.0
Internet Capital Group, Inc............ 71.5 4,127.2
Sprint Corp. PCS Group................. 2,149.8 4,234.0
Other.................................. 322.4 667.4
----------- -----------
5,197.1 11,972.1
Cost method................................. 128.4 1,134.6
Equity method............................... 396.1 48.1
----------- -----------
Total investments.................. 5,721.6 13,154.8
Less, current investments................... 3,059.7 7,606.0
----------- -----------
Non-current investments..................... $2,661.9 $5,548.8
=========== ===========
Fair Value Method
The Company holds unrestricted equity investments in certain publicly
traded companies, with an historical cost of $4.490 billion and $2.558
billion as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The unrealized
pre-tax gains on these investments as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 of
$707.1 million and $9.414 billion, respectively, have been reported in the
Company's consolidated balance sheet principally as a component of other
comprehensive income, net of related deferred income tax expense of $240.0
million and $3.294 billion, respectively.
AT&T. In July 1998, AT&T merged with Teleport Communications Group Inc.
("Teleport") with AT&T as the surviving corporation. Upon closing of the
transaction, the Company received approximately 36.3 million shares of
unregistered AT&T common stock (as adjusted for AT&T's 3-for-2 stock split
in April 1999) in exchange for the approximately 25.6 million shares of
Teleport Class B Common Stock held by the Company. As a result of the
exchange, the Company recorded to other income a pre-tax gain of $1.092
billion during the year ended December 31, 1998, representing the
difference between the fair value of the AT&T stock received and the
Company's basis in Teleport.
In March 1999, AT&T merged with Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI"), with
AT&T as the surviving corporation (the "AT&T/TCI Merger"). Upon closing of
the AT&T/TCI Merger, the Company received approximately 3.6 million shares
(as adjusted for AT&T's 3-for-2 stock split in April 1999) of AT&T common
stock in exchange for the approximately 3.1 million shares of TCI Class A
Common Stock held by the Company and the Company received approximately 3.6
million shares of Class A Liberty Media Group Tracking Shares for the
approximately 2.3 million shares of TCI Ventures Group, Inc. ("TCI
Ventures") common stock and the approximately 2.4 million shares of Liberty
Media Group Class A Common Stock held by the Company. As a result of the
exchange, the Company recorded to other income a pre-tax gain of $187.6
million during the year ended December 31, 1999, representing the
difference between the fair value of the stock received and the Company's
basis in TCI and TCI Ventures.
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company holds approximately 68.0
million and 39.9 million shares of AT&T common stock. As of December 31,
2000 and 1999, the Company has recorded its investment in AT&T at its
estimated fair value of $1.174 billion and $2.026 billion, respectively
(see Note 3).
Excite@Home. Excite@Home provides Internet services to subscribers and
businesses over the cable communications infrastructure in a limited number
of cities in the United States. The Company holds approximately
- 45 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
29.1 million shares of Excite@Home Stock and, as of December 31, 2000 and
1999, has earned warrants to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares and
0.6 million shares, respectively, of Excite@Home Stock. As of December 31,
2000 and 1999, 10% and 30% of the Excite@Home shares held by the Company
were contractually restricted shares (the "Restricted Shares") and 90% and
70% of the Excite@Home shares held by the Company were unrestricted shares
(the "Unrestricted Shares"). The Company has recorded the Restricted Shares
at their historical cost of $0.3 million and $0.6 million and the
Unrestricted Shares and warrants, which are classified as available for
sale, at their estimated fair value of $151.8 million and $918.0 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 2000 and 1999. The investment in the
Excite@Home Stock is included in current investments as of December 31,
2000.
On March 28, 2000 (the "Announcement Date"), Excite@Home and its principal
cable partners, including the Company (the "Founding Cable Stockholders"),
entered into an agreement (the "Letter Agreement") pursuant to which
Excite@Home and the Founding Cable Stockholders agreed to enter into
certain transactions which were completed on August 28, 2000. AT&T granted
the Company the right to exchange its Excite@Home Stock with AT&T at any
time between January 1, 2001and June 4, 2002 at a price equal to the higher
of $48 per share or the average per share trading price for a 30-day
trading period (as defined). The aggregate value of the Excite @Home Stock
that AT&T would be required to purchase from the Company is limited to
approximately $1.5 billion. The Company has the right to elect payment in
the form of cash or in shares of AT&T common stock. The Company accounts
for this right as an investment, classified as available for sale, at its
estimated fair value with unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes
between measurement dates recorded as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2000, the Company has recorded
this investment, which is included in current investments in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet, at its estimated fair value of $1.327 billion.
In January 2001, the Company exercised its right to exchange all of its
Excite@Home Corporation Series A Common Stock with AT&T at $48 per share
for approximately 69.6 million shares of AT&T common stock. Under the terms
of such exercise, the transaction is expected to close by March 31, 2001.
The Company agreed to enter into a new non-exclusive distribution agreement
with Excite@Home for the period from June 2002 through June 2006. The
Company may elect to terminate its existing exclusive distribution
agreement with Excite@Home (which would otherwise expire in June 2002) or
the new distribution agreement at any time beginning June 2001 on at least
six months notice. In addition, unearned warrants previously held by the
Company were amended to eliminate any previous performance vesting
conditions and the Company received additional new warrants with an
exercise price of $29.54 per share to purchase two shares of Excite@Home
Stock for each home passed by the Company's cable communications systems at
the Announcement Date. The new warrants and the unearned previously held
warrants vest in installments every six months beginning in June 2001 and
will be fully vested in June 2006 provided that the Company has not elected
to earlier terminate its existing or the new distribution agreement. The
new warrants include customary registration rights and will expire in March
2015. The Company's right to sell its Excite@Home Stock to AT&T is not
dependent upon its election to either continue or terminate its existing or
the new distribution agreement.
Internet Capital Group. In August 1999, Internet Capital Group ("ICG"), an
investee of the Company previously accounted for under the cost method,
completed an initial public offering of its common stock. ICG is an
Internet holding company engaged in managing and operating a network of
business-to-business e-commerce companies. During the year ended December
31, 2000, the Company sold approximately 2.3 million shares of its ICG
common stock for proceeds of $327.1 million and recognized a pre-tax gain
of $325.9 million. Such gain was recorded as a reclassification from
accumulated other comprehensive income to investment income. As of December
31, 2000 and 1999, the Company holds approximately 21.4 million and 23.7
million shares of ICG common stock and warrants and options to purchase
approximately 0.6 million shares of ICG common stock, respectively. As of
December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company has recorded its investment in ICG
at its estimated fair value of $71.5 million and $4.127 billion,
respectively.
- 46 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Sprint PCS. In November 1998, in connection with the restructuring of the
ownership and management control of Sprint PCS, the Company recorded to
other income a pre-tax gain of $758.5 million, representing the difference
between the aggregate fair value of the Sprint PCS common stock,
convertible preferred stock and warrant received by the Company and the
Company's cost basis in its partnership interest in Sprint PCS. As of
December 31, 2000 and 1999, as adjusted for Sprint PCS' 2-for-1 stock split
in February 2000, the Company holds approximately 88.2 million shares and
93.8 million shares of unregistered Sprint PCS common stock, 123,452 shares
of Sprint PCS convertible preferred stock (convertible into approximately
4.0 million shares of unregistered Sprint PCS common stock) and a warrant
to purchase approximately 6.0 million shares of unregistered Sprint PCS
common stock at $12.01 per share (the "Sprint PCS Stock"). The Company has
registration rights, subject to customary restrictions, which will allow
the Company to sell its Sprint PCS Stock. During the year ended December
31, 2000, the Company sold approximately 5.6 million of its shares of
Sprint PCS common stock for proceeds of $312.0 million and recognized a
pre-tax gain of $265.3 million. Such gain was recorded as a
reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to investment
income. As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company has recorded its
investment in Sprint PCS at its estimated fair value of $2.150 billion and
$4.234 billion, respectively (see Note 5).
Equity Price Risk
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company entered into Equity
Collars covering $1.365 billion notional amount of investment securities
which are accounted for at fair value. The Equity Collars limit the
Company's exposure to and benefits from price fluctuations in the
underlying equity securities. The Equity Collars mature between 2001 and
2003. As the Company has accounted for the Equity Collars as a hedge,
changes in the value of the Equity Collars were substantially offset by
changes in the value of the underlying investment securities which were
also marked-to-market through accumulated other comprehensive income in the
Company's consolidated balance sheet.
NTL Incorporated. In October 1998, the Company received approximately 4.8
million shares of NTL Incorporated ("NTL") common stock, an alternative
telecommunications company in the UK, in exchange for all of the shares of
Comcast UK Cable Partners Limited ("Comcast UK Cable"), a consolidated
subsidiary of the Company, held by the Company. As a result of the
exchange, the Company recorded to other income a pre-tax gain of $148.3
million during the year ended December 31, 1998, representing the
difference between the fair value of the NTL common stock received and the
Company's basis in Comcast UK Cable. During the year ended December 31,
1999, the Company sold all 5.8 million shares (as adjusted for NTL's
5-for-4 stock split in October 1999) of its NTL common stock for total
proceeds of $498.3 million and recorded to investment income a pre-tax gain
of $284.2 million.
Sales of Other Investments
During the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company
recorded to investment income pre-tax gains of $233.4 million, $38.8
million and $0.7 million, respectively, on sales of certain of its other
investments.
Impairment Losses
During the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company
recorded to investment expense pre-tax losses of $74.4 million, $35.5
million and $152.8 million, respectively, on certain of its investments
based on declines in value that were considered other than temporary.
Investment Expense Related to Call Options
During the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company recorded
$18.1 million and $105.5 million, respectively, of investment expense
related to changes in the value of and the settlement of call options on
certain of the Company's fair value method investments, all of which
expired by November 1999.
- 47 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Equity Method
The Company records its proportionate interests in the net income (loss) of
certain of its equity method investees in arrears. The Company's recorded
investments exceed its proportionate interests in the book value of the
investees' net assets by $336.3 million as of December 31, 2000 (related to
the Company's investments in The Golf Channel and Susquehanna Cable). Such
excess is being amortized to equity in net income or loss, over a period of
twenty years, which is consistent with the estimated lives of the
underlying assets. The original cost of investments accounted for under the
equity method totaled $506.5 million and $235.6 million as of December 31,
2000 and1999, respectively. Summarized financial information is not
presented for Sprint PCS, Teleport or Birmingham Cable Corporation Limited
and Cable London, PLC (together, the "UK Investees") as of December 31,
2000 and 1999 or for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, as such
investments are no longer accounted for under the equity method. Summarized
financial information for the Company's equity method investees for the
year ended December 31, 1998 is as follows (dollars in millions).
Sprint UK
PCS Teleport Investees Other Combined
--- -------- --------- ----- --------
Year Ended December 31, 1998:
Combined Results of Operations
Revenues, net...................... $1,136.5 $605.8 $197.8 $638.6 $2,578.7
Operating, selling, general and
administrative expenses.......... 2,587.6 558.7 153.3 653.8 3,953.4
Depreciation and amortization...... 749.5 163.4 69.7 69.1 1,051.7
Operating loss..................... (2,200.6) (116.3) (25.2) (84.3) (2,426.4)
Net loss (a)....................... (2,572.8) (190.6) (78.8) (134.2) (2,976.4)
Company's Equity in Net Loss
Equity in current period net loss.. ($385.9) ($27.2) ($28.9) ($66.4) ($508.4)
Amortization expense............... (3.5) (0.5) (3.5) (7.5)
---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Total equity in net loss......... ($389.4) ($27.2) ($29.4) ($69.9) ($515.9)
========== ========== ========= ========== =========
- ---------
(a) Net loss also represents loss from continuing operations before
extraordinary items and cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles.
Golf Channel
During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company exercised a call
option to purchase shares held by certain founding members and members of
management and purchased shares held by other minority shareholders of The
Golf Channel for aggregate consideration of $137.8 million. The Company's
current ownership after these transactions is 60.3%. The Company will
continue to record its investment in The Golf Channel under the equity
method due to certain veto rights that are held by one of the remaining
minority partners.
The Company does not have any additional significant contractual
commitments with respect to any of its investments. However, to the extent
the Company does not fund its investees' capital calls, it exposes itself
to dilution of its ownership interests.
Cost Method
It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the Company's
investments in privately held companies, accounted for under the cost
method, due to a lack of quoted market prices.
- 48 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Gain from Equity Offering of Affiliate
For the year ended December 31, 1998, Teleport issued shares of its Class A
Common Stock. As a result of this stock issuance, the Company recognized a
$157.8 million increase in its proportionate share of Teleport's net assets
as gain from equity offering of affiliate.
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
December 31,
2000 1999
---------- ---------
(Dollars in millions)
Commercial Paper $1,323.5
Notes payable to banks due in installments through 2009...................... 1,751.4 $2,324.0
9-5/8% Senior notes, due 2002................................................ 200.0 200.0
8-1/8% Senior notes, due 2004................................................ 299.9 299.8
8-3/8% Senior notes, due 2005................................................ 696.3
8-3/8% Senior notes, due 2007................................................ 597.2 596.8
8-7/8% Senior notes, due 2007................................................ 249.0 248.9
6.20% Senior notes, due 2008................................................. 798.2 798.1
7-5/8% Senior notes, due 2008................................................ 197.1 196.8
7-5/8% Senior notes, due 2008................................................ 147.4
8-7/8% Senior notes, due 2017................................................ 545.8 545.7
8-1/2% Senior notes, due 2027................................................ 249.6 249.6
10-1/4% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2001............................. 100.4 100.4
9-3/8% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2005.............................. 172.5
9-1/8% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2006.............................. 144.7
10-1/2% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2006............................. 123.8
8-1/4% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2008.............................. 149.1
9-1/2% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2008.............................. 198.5
10-1/2% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2008............................. 100.0
10-5/8% Senior subordinated debentures, due 2012............................. 257.0 257.0
Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures, due 2020................................. 1,002.0
7% Disney Notes, due 2007.................................................... 132.8 132.8
ZONES at principal amount, due 2029.......................................... 1,806.8 1,806.8
Non-cash adjustment to carrying value...................................... 666.0
Other debt, due in installments.............................................. 184.0 186.3
---------- ---------
10,811.3 9,224.7
Less current portion......................................................... 293.9 517.5
---------- ---------
$10,517.4 $8,707.2
========== =========
- 49 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2000 for the
four years after 2001 are as follows (dollars in millions):
2002................................................. $448.0
2003................................................. 69.2
2004................................................. 308.7
2005................................................. 3,303.5
Senior Notes Offerings
In January 2001, Comcast Cable sold an aggregate of $1.5 billion of public
debt consisting of $500.0 million of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2006 and $1.0
billion of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2011. Comcast Cable used substantially
all of the net proceeds from the offerings to repay a portion of the
amounts outstanding under its commercial paper program and bank credit
facility.
Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures
In December 2000, the Company issued $1.285 billion principal amount at
maturity of Zero Coupon Debentures for proceeds of $1.002 billion. In
January 2001, the Company issued an additional $192.8 million principal
amount at maturity of Zero Coupon Debentures for proceeds of $150.3
million. The Company used substantially all of the net proceeds from the
offering to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under Comcast
Cable's commercial paper program and bank credit facility.
The Zero Coupon Debentures have a yield to maturity of 1.25%, computed on a
semi-annual bond equivalent basis. The Zero Coupon Debentures may be
converted, subject to certain restrictions, into shares of the Company's
Class A Special Common Stock at the option of the holder at a conversion
rate of 14.2566 shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity,
representing an initial conversion price of $54.67 per share. The Zero
Coupon Debentures are senior unsecured obligations. The Company may redeem
for cash all or part of the Zero Coupon Debentures on or after December 19,
2005. Holders may require the Company to repurchase the Zero Coupon
Debentures on December 19, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2015. The Company may
choose to pay the repurchase price for 2001, 2003 and 2005 repurchases in
cash or shares of its Class A Special Common Stock or a combination of cash
and shares of its Class A Special Common Stock. The Company may pay the
repurchase price for the 2010 and 2015 repurchases in cash only.
Holders may surrender the Zero Coupon Debentures for conversion at any time
prior to maturity if the closing price of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock is greater than 110% of the accreted conversion price for at
least 20 trading days of the 30 trading days prior to conversion.
Amounts outstanding under the Zero Coupon Debentures are classified as
long-term in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
2000 as the Company has both the ability and the intent to refinance the
Zero Coupon Debentures on a long-term basis with amounts available under
the Comcast Cable Revolver (see "Comcast Cable Refinancing" below) in the
event holders of the Zero Coupon Debentures exercise their rights to
require the Company to repurchase the Zero Coupon Debentures in December
2001.
Comcast Cable Refinancing
In August 2000, the Company repaid and retired all amounts outstanding
under the existing bank credit facilities of its cable communications
subsidiaries, totaling approximately $2.4 billion, with the proceeds from a
new senior bank credit facility and new commercial paper program. The
Company's new senior bank credit facility consists of a $2.25 billion,
five-year revolving credit facility and a $2.25 billion, 364-day revolving
credit facility (together, the "Comcast Cable Revolver"). The 364-day
revolving credit facility supports Comcast Cable's new commercial paper
program. The Company borrowed $1.4 billion under the five-year facility and
$1.0 billion under the commercial paper program to repay and retire the
subsidiaries' credit facilities.
- 50 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program are classified as
long-term in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
2000 as the Company refinanced a portion of these obligations on a
long-term basis with proceeds from the Comcast Cable senior notes offerings
in January 2001 and has both the ability and the intent to refinance these
obligations, if necessary, on a long-term basis with amounts available
under the Comcast Cable Revolver.
ZONES
During the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company issued 2.0% Exchangeable
Subordinated Debentures due 2029 (the "ZONES") in the aggregate principal
amount of $1.807 billion. At maturity, holders of the ZONES are entitled to
receive in cash an amount equal to the higher of (a) the principal amount
of the ZONES, or (b) the market value of two shares of Sprint PCS Stock.
Prior to maturity, each ZONES is exchangeable at the holders option for an
amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of two shares of Sprint PCS
Stock.
The ZONES have been accounted for as an indexed debt instrument since the
maturity value is dependent upon the fair value of Sprint PCS Stock.
Therefore, the carrying value of the ZONES was adjusted each balance sheet
date to reflect the fair value of the underlying Sprint PCS Stock with the
change included in (income) expense related to indexed debt in the
Company's consolidated statement of operations. During the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company recorded (income) expense related
to indexed debt of ($666.0) million and $666.0 million, respectively. The
Company's investment in Sprint PCS was accounted for as available for sale,
with changes in fair value being reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive income (see Note 4). As of December 31, 2000, the number of
Sprint PCS shares held by the Company exceeded the number of ZONES
outstanding.
Debt Assumed
In connection with the Lenfest Acquisition, the consolidation of Garden
State Cable and the Prime Acquisition (see Note 3), the Company assumed
aggregate debt of $2.146 billion with interest rates ranging between 6.95%
and 10.5%, and maturities between 2001 and 2008.
Redemptions of Debt
During 2000, the Company repurchased certain senior subordinated debentures
having an aggregate principal amount of $615.7 million. During 1999, the
Company repurchased certain senior subordinated debentures having an
aggregate principal amount of $192.2 million and repaid $200.0 million in
notes payable to insurance companies having an interest rate of 8.6%. In
March 1999, the Company issued 8.7 million 3.35% Exchangeable Extendable
Subordinated Debentures due 2029 (the "PHONES") for gross proceeds of
$718.3 million. At maturity, holders of the PHONES were entitled to receive
in cash an amount equal to the higher of (a) the principal amount of the
PHONES, or (b) the market value of AT&T common stock. In July 1999, the
Company redeemed all $718.3 million principal amount of the PHONES. The
Company redeemed the PHONES due to its transaction with AT&T in which it
intends to use AT&T shares as consideration for the purchase of cable
systems from AT&T (see Note 3).
In March 1998, the Company completed the redemption of its $541.9 million
principal amount 1 1/8% discount convertible subordinated debentures due
2007 (the "1 1/8% Debentures"). The Company issued 20.8 million shares of
its Class A Special Common Stock upon conversion of $540.2 million
principal amount of 1 1/8% Debentures while $1.7 million principal amount
of 1 1/8% Debentures was redeemed for cash at a redemption price of 67.112%
of the principal amount, together with accrued interest thereon.
Stockholders' equity was increased by the full amount of 1 1/8% Debentures
converted plus accrued interest, less unamortized debt issue costs.
Unamortized debt issue costs related to the 1 1/8% Debentures redeemed for
cash were not significant. The issuance of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock upon conversion of the 1 1/8% Debentures had no impact on the
Company's consolidated statement of cash flows due its noncash nature.
Extraordinary Items
Extraordinary items for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 of
$23.6 million, $51.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively, consist of
unamortized debt issue costs and debt extinguishment costs, net of related
tax
- 51 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
benefits, expensed principally in connection with the redemptions and
refinancings of certain indebtedness described above.
Interest Rates
Bank debt interest rates vary based upon one or more of the following rates
at the option of the Company:
Prime rate to prime plus .75%;
Federal Funds rate plus .5% to 1.25%; and
LIBOR plus .19% to 1.875%.
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company's effective weighted average
interest rate on its variable rate debt outstanding was 7.34% and 6.67%,
respectively.
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company is exposed to the market risk of adverse changes in interest
rates. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, the Company's
policy is to maintain a mix of fixed and variable rate debt and enter into
various interest rate derivative transactions as described below.
Using Swaps, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the
difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by
reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Caps are used to
lock in a maximum interest rate should variable rates rise, but enable the
Company to otherwise pay lower market rates. Collars limit the Company's
exposure to and benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable rate
debt to within a certain range of rates.
All derivative transactions must comply with a board-approved derivatives
policy. In addition to prohibiting the use of derivatives for trading
purposes or that increase risk, this policy requires quarterly monitoring
of the portfolio, including portfolio valuation, measuring counterparty
exposure and performing sensitivity analyses.
The following table summarizes the terms of the Company's existing Swaps,
Caps and Collars as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 (dollars in millions):
Notional Average Estimated
Amount Maturities Interest Rate Fair Value
------ ---------- ------------- ----------
As of December 31, 2000
Variable to Fixed Swaps $377.7 2001-2003 5.2% $3.7
Fixed to Variable Swaps 450.0 2004-2008 7.7% 3.2
As of December 31, 1999
Variable to Fixed Swaps $1,111.8 2000-2003 5.6% $16.9
Fixed to Variable Swaps 300.0 2004 7.7% (3.9)
Caps 140.0 2000 6.8%
Collar 50.0 2000 6.3%/4.0% 0.1
The notional amounts of interest rate instruments, as presented in the
above table, are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not
represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The estimated fair value
approximates the proceeds (costs) to settle the outstanding contracts.
While Swaps, Caps and Collars represent an integral part of the Company's
interest rate risk management program, their incremental effect on interest
expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was not
significant.
Estimated Fair Value
The Company's long-term debt had estimated fair values of $10.251 billion
and $9.231 billion as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The
estimated fair value of the Company's publicly traded debt is based on
quoted
- 52 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
market prices for that debt. Interest rates that are currently available to
the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining
maturities are used to estimate fair value for debt issues for which quoted
market prices are not available.
Debt Covenants
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries' loan agreements contain restrictive
covenants which, for example, limit the subsidiaries' ability to enter into
arrangements for the acquisition of property and equipment, investments,
mergers and the incurrence of additional debt. Certain of these agreements
contain financial covenants which require that certain ratios and cash flow
levels be maintained and contain certain restrictions on dividend payments
and advances of funds to the Company. The Company and its subsidiaries were
in compliance with all financial covenants for all periods presented.
As of December 31, 2000, $286.3 million of the Company's cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments is restricted to use by subsidiaries
of the Company under contractual or other arrangements. Restricted net
assets of the Company's subsidiaries were approximately $1.1 billion as of
December 31, 2000.
Lines and Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2000, certain subsidiaries of the Company had unused
lines of credit of $2.182 billion under their respective credit facilities.
As of December 31, 2000, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries had
unused irrevocable standby letters of credit totaling $138.6 million to
cover potential fundings under various agreements.
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue, in one or more series, up to a maximum
of 20.0 million shares of preferred stock. The shares can be issued with
such designations, preferences, qualifications, privileges, limitations,
restrictions, options, conversion rights and other special or related
rights as the Company's board of directors shall from time to time fix by
resolution.
In June 1997, the Company issued the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B
Preferred Stock has a 5.25% pay-in- kind annual dividend. Dividends are
paid quarterly through the issuance of additional shares of Series B
Preferred Stock (the "Additional Shares") and are cumulative from the
issuance date (except that dividends on the Additional Shares will accrue
from the date such Additional Shares are issued). The Series B Preferred
Stock, including the Additional Shares, is convertible, at the option of
the holder, into 42.4 million shares of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock, subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances, which
equals an initial conversion price of $11.77 per share, increasing as a
result of the Additional Shares to $16.96 per share on June 30, 2004. The
Series B Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable on June 30, 2017, or, at
the option of the Company beginning on June 30, 2004 or at the option of
the holder on June 30, 2004 or on June 30, 2012. Upon redemption, the
Company, at its option, may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock with cash,
Class A Special Common Stock or a combination thereof. The Series B
Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. In December 2000, the Company
issued approximately 38.3 million shares of its Class A Special Common
Stock to the holder in connection with the holder's election to convert
$533.6 million at redemption value of Series B Preferred Stock. As the
Company intends to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock with Class A Special
Common Stock upon redemption, the Series B Preferred Stock has been
classified as a component of stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2000
and 1999.
Common Stock
The Company's Class A Special Common Stock is generally nonvoting and each
share of the Company's Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote. Each
share of the Company's Class B Common Stock is entitled to fifteen
- 53 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
votes and is convertible, share for share, into Class A or Class A Special
Common Stock, subject to certain restrictions.
Stock Split
In March 1999, the Company's board of directors authorized an increase in
the number of authorized shares of the Company's Class A Special Common
Stock from 500 million shares to 2.5 billion shares and also authorized a
two- for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend (the "Stock
Split") payable in May 1999. The dividend was paid in Class A Special
Common Stock to the holders of Class A Common, Class A Special Common and
Class B Common Stock. The average number of shares outstanding and related
prices, per share amounts, share conversions and stock option data have
been retroactively restated to reflect the Stock Split. The Company's board
of directors also eliminated the quarterly cash dividend of $.0117 per
share on all classes of its common stock. The last quarterly cash dividend
was paid in March 1999.
Repurchase Program
Based on the trade date for stock repurchases, during the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company repurchased 9.1 million
shares, 1.0 million shares and 0.6 million shares, respectively, of its
common stock for aggregate consideration of $324.9 million, $30.7 million
and $12.9 million, respectively, pursuant to its Board-authorized
repurchase programs.
As part of the repurchase program, during the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company sold Comcast Put Options on 2.0 million
shares, 5.5 million shares and 4.0 million shares of its Class A Special
Common Stock, respectively. The Comcast Put Options give the holder the
right to require the Company to repurchase such shares at specified prices
on specific dates. All Comcast Put Options sold during 1999 and 1998
expired unexercised. Comcast Put Options on 0.7 million shares expired
unexercised during the fourth quarter of 2000 with the remaining Comcast
Put Options set to mature on specific dates during the first quarter of
2001. The amount the Company would be obligated to pay to repurchase such
shares upon exercise of the outstanding Comcast Put Options, totaling $54.6
million, was reclassified from additional capital to common equity put
options in the Company's December 31, 2000 consolidated balance sheet. The
difference between the proceeds from the sale of the Comcast Put Options
and their estimated fair value was not significant as of December 31, 2000.
Share Exchanges
During the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company issued
approximately 1.0 million shares and 4.6 million shares of its Class A
Special Common Stock, respectively, in exchange for approximately 1.1
million shares and 4.9 million shares of its Class A Common Stock,
respectively. The Class A Common Stock was subsequently retired.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
As of December 31, 2000, the Company and its subsidiaries have several
stock-based compensation plans for certain employees, officers, directors
and other persons designated by the applicable compensation committees of
the boards of directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans
are described below.
Comcast Option Plans. The Company maintains qualified and nonqualified
stock option plans for certain employees, directors and other persons under
which fixed stock options are granted and the option price is generally not
less than the fair value of a share of the underlying stock at the date of
grant (collectively, the "Comcast Option Plans"). Under the Comcast Option
Plans, 59.3 million shares of Class A Special Common Stock were reserved as
of December 31, 2000. Option terms are generally from five to 10 1/2 years,
with options generally becoming exercisable between two and 9 1/2 years
from the date of grant.
- 54 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
A summary of the activity of the Comcast Option Plans as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is presented below (options in
thousands):
2000 1999 1998
--------------------- --------------------- -----------------------
Weighted- Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Options Price Options Price Options Price
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- -----------
Class A Special Common Stock
Outstanding at beginning of year 40,416 $16.01 43,002 $11.09 32,220 $7.75
Granted 15,300 39.43 7,403 34.16 16,350 16.53
Exercised (4,805) 8.60 (7,527) 6.76 (3,970) 6.60
Canceled (1,293) 25.98 (2,462) 12.90 (1,598) 10.48
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding at end of year 49,618 23.69 40,416 16.01 43,002 11.09
========= ========= =========
Exercisable at end of year 13,267 11.35 10,947 8.19 15,390 $7.30
========= ========= =========
Class B Common Stock
Outstanding at beginning of year 658 $2.85
Exercised (658) 2.85
---------
Outstanding at end of year
=========
Exercisable at end of year
=========
The following table summarizes information about the Class A Specia l
Common Stock options outstanding under the Comcast Option Plans as of
December 31, 2000 (options in thousands):
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------------ -------------------------
Weighted-
Average Weighted- Weighted-
Range of Number Remaining Average Number Average
Exercise Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Prices at 12/31/00 Life Price at 12/31/00 Price
------------------- ------------- --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
$4.17 to $10.58 13,088 3.4 years $8.26 8,297 $8.14
$11.00 to $16.94 12,385 7.3 years $16.19 4,182 $15.99
$17.09 to $37.56 13,066 8.6 years $31.61 756 $19.42
$37.75 to $53.13 11,079 9.3 years $40.96 32 $46.00
----------- ----------
49,618 13,267
=========== ==========
The weighted-average fair value at date of grant of a Class A Special
Common Stock option granted under the Comcast Option Plans during 2000,
1999 and 1998 was $21.20, $20.41 and $8.54, respectively. The fair value of
each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
dividend yield of -0-%, -0-% and .44% for 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively; expected volatility of 35.8%, 36.1% and 31.3% for 2000, 1999
and 1998, respectively; risk-free interest rate of 6.3%, 5.8% and 5.6% for
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively; expected option lives of 8.0 years, 9.9
years and 9.9 years for 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively; and a forfeiture
rate of 3.0% for all years.
- 55 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Subsidiary Option Plans. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries maintain
qualified and nonqualified combination stock option/stock appreciation
rights ("SAR") plans (collectively, the "Tandem Plans") for employees,
officers, directors and other designated persons. Under the Tandem Plans,
the option price is generally not less than the fair value, as determined
by an independent appraisal, of a share of the underlying common stock at
the date of grant. If the SAR feature of the Tandem Plans is elected by the
eligible participant, the participant receives 75% of the excess of the
fair value of a share of the underlying common stock over the exercise
price of the option to which it is attached at the exercise date. Option
holders have stated an intention not to exercise the SAR feature of the
Tandem Plans. Because the exercise of the option component is more likely
than the exercise of the SAR feature, compensation expense is measured
based on the stock option component. Under the Tandem Plans, option/SAR
terms are ten years from the date of grant, with options/SARs generally
becoming exercisable over four to five years from the date of grant.
The QVC Tandem Plan is the most significant of the Tandem Plans. Summary
information related to the QVC Tandem Plan as of December 31, 2000, 1999
and 1998 is presented below (options/SARs in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
----------- ---------- -----------
Options/SARs outstanding at end
of year...................................................... 219 200 206
=========== ========== ===========
Weighted-average exercise price of
options/SARs outstanding
at end of year............................................... $789.51 $618.02 $500.82
=========== ========== ===========
Options/SARs exercisable at end
of year...................................................... 79 80 37
=========== ========== ===========
Weighted-average exercise price
of options/SARs exercisable
at end of year............................................... $606.92 $505.86 $397.46
=========== ========== ===========
As of the latest valuation date, the fair value of a share of QVC Common
Stock was $1,216.00.
- 56 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Had compensation expense for the Company's aforementioned stock-based
compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant
dates for awards under those plans under the provisions of SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net income and net income per share would have changed to the
pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in millions, except per share
data):
2000 1999 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income - As reported................................. $2,021.5 $1,065.7 $972.1
Net income - Pro forma................................... 1,918.1 1,005.5 936.4
Net income for common stockholders -
As reported.......................................... $1,998.0 $1,036.0 $943.0
Net income for common stockholders -
Pro forma............................................ 1,894.6 975.8 907.3
Basic earnings for common stockholders
per common share - As reported....................... $2.24 $1.38 $1.29
Basic earnings for common stockholders
per common share - Pro forma......................... 2.13 1.30 1.24
Diluted earnings for common stockholders
per common share - As reported....................... $2.13 $1.30 $1.21
Diluted earnings for common stockholders
per common share - Pro forma......................... 2.02 1.23 1.17
The pro forma effect on net income and net income per share for the years
ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 by applying SFAS No. 123 may not be
indicative of the pro forma effect on net income or loss in future years
since SFAS No. 123 does not take into consideration pro forma compensation
expense related to awards made prior to January 1, 1995 and since
additional awards in future years are anticipated.
Other Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company maintains a restricted stock program under which management
employees may be granted restricted shares of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock. The shares awarded vest annually, generally over a period not
to exceed five years from the date of the award, and do not have voting or
dividend rights until vesting occurs. At December 31, 2000, there were 1.2
million unvested shares granted under the program, of which 728,000 vested
in January 2001. During the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
504,000, 170,000 and 656,000 shares were granted under the program,
respectively, with a weighted-average grant date market value of $37.80,
$43.22 and $17.33 per share, respectively. Compensation expense recognized
during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 under this program
was $9.2 million, $4.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries have SAR plans for certain employees,
officers, directors and other persons (the "SAR Plans"). Under the SAR
Plans, eligible participants are entitled to receive a cash payment equal
to 100% of the excess, if any, of the fair value of a share of the
underlying common stock at the exercise date over the fair value of such a
share at the grant date. The SARs have a term of ten years from the date of
grant and become exercisable over four to five years from the date of
grant. Compensation expense related to the SAR Plans of $2.2 million, $6.4
million and $14.8 million was recorded during the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Compensation expense during the year
ended December 31, 1998 included $11.6 million related to the termination
of a subsidiary SAR Plan.
- 57 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
7. INCOME TAXES
The Company joins with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries (the
"Consolidated Group") in filing consolidated federal income tax returns.
QVC and E! Entertainment, each file separate consolidated federal income
tax returns. Income tax expense consists of the following components:
Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1998
--------- -------- --------
(Dollars in millions)
Current expense
Federal......................................................... $321.4 $606.7 $135.5
State........................................................... 42.8 188.4 27.5
Foreign......................................................... 2.5 2.0
--------- -------- --------
366.7 797.1 163.0
--------- -------- --------
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal......................................................... 998.6 (65.2) 424.6
State........................................................... 76.0 (8.2) 6.4
--------- -------- --------
1,074.6 (73.4) 431.0
--------- -------- --------
Income tax expense.............................................. $1,441.3 $723.7 $594.0
========= ======== ========
The effective income tax expense of the Company differs from the statutory
amount because of the effect of the following items:
Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1998
--------- -------- --------
(Dollars in millions)
-------- --------
Federal tax at statutory rate................................... $1,260.6 $525.0 $545.1
Non-deductible depreciation and amortization.................... 102.1 49.8 41.0
State income taxes, net of federal benefit...................... 77.2 117.1 22.0
Foreign (income) losses and equity in net losses of affiliates.. 8.0 (2.0) (11.2)
Other........................................................... (6.6) 33.8 (2.9)
--------- -------- --------
Income tax expense.............................................. $1,441.3 $723.7 $594.0
========= ======== ========
- 58 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax liability are as
follows:
December 31,
2000 1999
--------- ---------
(Dollars in millions)
---------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards........................ $289.8 $240.0
Reserves for bad debts and obsolete inventory........... 109.0 106.9
Differences between book and tax basis of
indexed debt securities............................... 223.1
Other................................................... 163.5 153.5
Less: Valuation allowance............................... (178.2)
--------- ---------
562.3 545.3
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Temporary differences, principally book and tax basis
of property and equipment and deferred charges........ 5,234.8 1,854.5
Differences between book and tax basis
in investments........................................ 1,838.2 3,959.9
Differences between book and tax basis of
indexed debt securities............................... 65.9
--------- ---------
7,138.9 5,814.4
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax liability................................. $6,576.6 $5,269.1
========= =========
The Company recorded $3.308 billion of deferred income tax liabilities in
2000 in connection with acquisitions principally related to basis
differences in property and equipment and deferred charges. The Company
recorded ($3.055) billion, $2.730 billion and $489.4 million of deferred
income taxes in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, in connection with
unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities which are included in
other comprehensive income.
The Company has recorded net deferred tax liabilities of $789.9 million and
$2.119 billion, as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, which have
been included in current liabilities, related primarily to current
investments. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $470.0 million which expire primarily in periods through
2019.
8. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Company made cash payments for interest of $705.8 million, $529.2
million and $418.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999
and 1998, respectively.
The Company made cash payments for income taxes of $669.0 million, $190.5
million and $129.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999
and 1998, respectively. The current tax payments principally relate to
capital gains on security transactions, liquidated damages, and the income
attributable to QVC.
During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company acquired all of the
capital stock and/or partnership interests not previously owned by the
Company of Lenfest, Garden State Cable, Jones Intercable, Prime and Comcast
MHCP, principally through the issuance of the Company's Class A Special
Common Stock and the conversion of convertible notes. In addition, on
December 31, 2000, the Company completed its cable systems
- 59 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
exchange with AT&T (see Note 3). The fair values of the assets and
liabilities acquired by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2000
are presented as follows (in millions):
Current assets............................... $198.1
Investments.................................. 437.3
Property, plant & equipment.................. 1,030.9
Deferred charges............................. 14,558.6
Current liabilities.......................... (282.4)
Long-term debt............................... (2,146.5)
Deferred income taxes........................ (3,308.0)
------------
Net assets acquired..................... $10,488.0
============
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The Company and the owners of the 34% interest in Comcast Spectacor that
the Company does not own (the "Minority Group") each have the right to
initiate an "exit" process under which the fair market value of Comcast
Spectacor would be determined by appraisal. Following such determination,
the Company would have the option to acquire the interests in Comcast
Spectacor owned by the Minority Group based on the appraised fair market
value. In the event the Company did not exercise this option, the Company
and the Minority Group would then be required to use their best efforts to
sell Comcast Spectacor.
The Walt Disney Company ("Disney"), in certain circumstances, is entitled
to cause Comcast Entertainment Holdings LLC ("Entertainment Holdings"),
which is owned 50.1% by the Company and 49.9% by Disney, to purchase
Disney's entire interest in Entertainment Holdings at its then fair market
value (as determined by an appraisal process). If Entertainment Holdings
elects not to purchase Disney's interests, Disney has the right, at its
option, to purchase either the Company's entire interest in Entertainment
Holdings or all of the shares of stock of E! Entertainment held by
Entertainment Holdings in each case at fair market value. In the event that
Disney exercises its rights, as described above, a portion or all of the
Disney Notes (see Note 5) may be replaced with a three year note due to
Disney.
Liberty Media Group ("Liberty"), a majority owned subsidiary of AT&T, may,
at certain times, trigger the exercise of certain exit rights with respect
to its investment in QVC. If the exit rights are triggered, the Company has
first right to purchase the stock in QVC held by Liberty at Liberty's pro
rata portion of the fair market value (on a going concern or liquidation
basis, whichever is higher, as determined by an appraisal process) of QVC.
The Company may pay Liberty for such stock, subject to certain rights of
Liberty to consummate the purchase in the most tax- efficient method
available, in cash, the Company's promissory note maturing not more than
three years after issuance, the Company's equity securities or any
combination thereof. If the Company elects not to purchase the stock of QVC
held by Liberty, then Liberty will have a similar right to purchase the
stock of QVC held by the Company. If Liberty elects not to purchase the
stock of QVC held by the Company, then Liberty and the Company will use
their best efforts to sell QVC.
- 60 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
Minimum annual rental commitments for office space, equipment and
transponder service agreements under noncancellable operating leases as of
December 31, 2000 are as follows:
(Dollars
in millions)
------------
2001........................................ $73.0
2002........................................ 59.7
2003........................................ 55.9
2004........................................ 50.8
2005........................................ 41.5
Thereafter.................................. 228.0
Rental expense of $76.7 million, $71.1 million and $64.8 million for 2000,
1999 and 1998, respectively, has been charged to operations.
Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount
of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially
affect the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the
Company.
In connection with a license awarded to an affiliate, the Company is
contingently liable in the event of nonperformance by the affiliate to
reimburse a bank which has provided a performance guarantee. The amount of
the performance guarantee is approximately $500 million; however the
Company's current estimate of the amount of expenditures (principally in
the form of capital expenditures) that will be made by the affiliate
necessary to comply with the performance requirements will not exceed $150
million.
- 61 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (Continued)
10. FINANCIAL DATA BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
The following represents the Company's significant business segments,
"Cable" and "Commerce." The components of net income (loss) below operating
income (loss) are not separately evaluated by the Company's management on a
segment basis (see the Company's consolidated statement of operations)
(dollars in millions).
Corporate
Cable Commerce and Other(1) Total
-------- -------- ----------- --------
2000
Revenues ............................................................ $4,185.0 $3,535.9 $497.7 $8,218.6
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (2) .... 1,899.6 619.2 (48.5) 2,470.3
Depreciation and amortization ....................................... 2,417.7 125.9 87.7 2,631.3
Operating income (loss) ............................................. (518.1) 493.3 (136.2) (161.0)
Interest expense .................................................... 515.7 34.9 140.8 691.4
Assets .............................................................. 25,750.3 2,503.0 7,491.2 35,744.5
Long-term debt ...................................................... 6,711.0 302.0 3,504.4 10,517.4
Capital expenditures ................................................ 1,248.1 155.9 232.8 1,636.8
1999
Revenues ............................................................ $2,929.3 $3,167.4 $432.5 $6,529.2
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (2) .... 1,353.0 538.8 (11.8) 1,880.0
Depreciation and amortization ....................................... 1,026.6 117.2 72.2 1,216.0
Operating income (loss) ............................................. 326.4 421.6 (84.0) 664.0
Interest expense .................................................... 353.0 39.6 145.7 538.3
Assets .............................................................. 10,855.3 2,243.6 15,586.7 28,685.6
Long-term debt ...................................................... 4,735.3 476.7 3,495.2 8,707.2
Capital expenditures ................................................ 739.6 80.1 74.1 893.8
1998
Revenues ............................................................ $2,277.4 $2,676.4 $465.2 $5,419.0
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (2) .... 1,096.6 434.2 (34.1) 1,496.7
Depreciation and amortization ....................................... 674.2 126.1 139.3 939.6
Operating income (loss) ............................................. 422.4 308.1 (173.4) 557.1
Interest expense .................................................... 223.6 51.1 192.0 466.7
Assets .............................................................. 6,449.4 2,101.8 6,159.3 14,710.5
Long-term debt ...................................................... 3,462.1 626.8 1,375.3 5,464.2
Capital expenditures ................................................ 711.1 67.2 120.6 898.9
- --------------
(1) Other includes segments not meeting certain quantitative guidelines for
reporting. Other includes certain operating businesses such as
Comcast-Spectacor, E! Entertainment, the Company's domestic wireline
telecommunications and international wireless operations, the Company's
consolidated UK cable and telecommunications operations (prior to October
29, 1998), the Company's DBS operations (prior to April 1, 1998) and
elimination entries related to the segments presented. Corporate and other
assets consist primarily of the Company's investments (see Note 4).
(2) Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is commonly
referred to in the Company's businesses as "operating cash flow (deficit)."
Operating cash flow is a measure of a company's ability to generate cash to
service its obligations, including debt service obligations, and to finance
capital and other expenditures. In part due to the capital intensive nature
of the Company's businesses and the resulting significant level of non-cash
depreciation and amortization expense, operating cash flow is frequently
used as one of the bases for comparing businesses in the Company's
industries, although the Company's measure of operating cash flow may not
be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Operating
cash flow is the primary basis used by the Company's management to measure
the operating performance of its businesses. Operating cash flow does not
purport to represent net income or net cash provided by operating
activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting
principles, and should not be considered as an alternative to such
measurements as an indicator of the Company's performance.
- 62 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 (Concluded)
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
First Second Third Fourth Total
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter (3) Year
------- ------- ------- ---------- ----
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
2000 (1)
Revenues ..................................................... $1,938.9 $1,912.1 $1,960.0 $2,407.6 $8,218.6
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (2) .... 586.9 602.8 605.7 674.9 2,470.3
Operating income (loss) ...................................... 41.2 (31.6) (56.4) (114.2) (161.0)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... (186.4) 198.8 1,249.1 783.6 2,045.1
Basic earnings (loss) for common
stockholders per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... (.23) .21 1.37 .87 2.27
Net income (loss) .......................................... (.24) .20 1.37 .86 2.24
Diluted earnings (loss) for common
stockholders per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... (.23) .20 1.29 .81 2.16
Net income (loss) .......................................... (.24) .19 1.29 .80 2.13
1999 (1)
Revenues ..................................................... $1,446.7 $1,549.2 $1,599.3 $1,934.0 $6,529.2
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (2) .... 425.1 457.3 463.9 533.7 1,880.0
Operating income ............................................. 186.6 149.8 151.0 176.6 664.0
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... 101.8 826.3 20.4 (167.6) 780.9
Basic earnings (loss) for common
stockholders per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... .13 1.10 .02 (.23) 1.00
Net income (loss) .......................................... .10 1.10 .44 (.24) 1.38
Diluted earnings (loss) for common
stockholders per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before extraordinary items .......................... .12 1.01 .03 (.23) .95
Net income (loss) .......................................... .10 1.01 .41 (.24) 1.30
- --------------
(1) Results of operations for 2000 were affected by the Lenfest Acquisition in
the first quarter, the Prime Acquisition and the gain recognized on the
Excite@Home transaction in the third quarter, the gain on the AT&T cable
systems exchange in the fourth quarter and the ZONES fair value adjustments
throughout 2000 (see Notes 3 and 5). Results of operations for 1999 were
affected by the acquisition of a controlling interest in Jones Intercable
and the receipt of the MediaOne termination fee in the second quarter and
the ZONES fair value adjustment in the fourth quarter (see Notes 3 and 5).
(2) See Note 10, note 2.
(3) The Company's consolidated results of operations for the fourth quarter of
2000 and 1999 are also affected by the seasonality of the Company's
commerce operations.
- 63 -
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
The information called for by Item 10, Directors and Executive Officers of
the Registrant (except for the information regarding executive officers called
for by Item 401 of Regulation S-K which is included in Part I hereof as Item 4A
in accordance with General Instruction G(3)), Item 11, Executive Compensation,
Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management, and
Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, is hereby incorporated
by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders presently scheduled to be held in June 2001, which shall be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of our
latest fiscal year.
- 64 -
PART IV
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following consolidated financial statements of ours are included in
Part II, Item 8:
Independent Auditors' Report.................................31
Consolidated Balance Sheet--December 31, 2000 and 1999.......32
Consolidated Statement of Operations--Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.....................33
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Years
Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.....................34
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity--
Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998...............35
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................36
(b) (i) The following financial statement schedules required to be
filed by Items 8 and 14(d) of Form 10-K are included in Part IV:
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Unconsolidated (Parent Only)
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not
required or the required information is included in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
(c) Reports on Form 8-K:
None.
(d) Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
3.1(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on
July 24, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a)
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995).
3.1(b) Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on
July 14, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b)
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995).
3.1(c) Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on
July 12, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(c)
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995).
3.1(d) Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on
June 24, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(d)
to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended,
filed on July 16, 1996).
3.1(e) Form of Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights
of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997).
3.1(f) Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation.
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999).
4.1 Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2(a) to our Registration Statement on
Form S-7 filed on September 17, 1980).
4.2 Specimen Class A Special Common Stock Certificate
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(2) to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986).
4.3 Indenture, dated as of October 17, 1991, between the
Company and Bank of Montreal/Harris Trust (successor to
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York), as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 1991).
- 65 -
4.4 Form of Debenture relating to our 10-1/4% Senior
Subordinated Debentures due 2001 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4(19) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1991).
4.5 Form of Debenture relating to our $300,000,000 10-5/8%
Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2012 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4(17) to our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992).
4.6 Indenture, dated as of February 20, 1991, between us and
Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Registration Statement on
Form S-3, filed on January 11, 1990).
4.7 Form of Debenture relating to our $1,477,750,000 Principal
Amount at Maturity of Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures
due 2020.
10.1* Comcast Corporation 1986 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan,
as amended and restated, effective December 10, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996).
10.2* Comcast Corporation 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended and
restated, effective December 15, 1998 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1998).
10.3* Comcast Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended and
restated, effective June 21, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999).
10.4* Comcast Corporation 1996 Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended and restated, effective December 19, 2000.
10.5* Comcast Corporation 1990 Restricted Stock Plan, as amended
and restated, effective June 21, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999).
10.6* 1992 Executive Split Dollar Insurance Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(12) to our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992).
10.7* Comcast Corporation 1996 Cash Bonus Plan, as amended and
restated, effective December 19, 2000.
10.8* Comcast Corporation 1996 Executive Cash Bonus Plan, as
amended and restated, effective December 19, 2000.
10.9* Compensation and Deferred Compensation Agreement by and
between Comcast Corporation and Ralph J. Roberts, as
amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2000).
10.10* Compensation Agreement by and between Comcast Corporation
and Brian L. Roberts (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2000).
10.11 The Comcast Corporation Retirement-Investment Plan, as
amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2000).
10.12 Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust Agreement, between
Comcast Corporation and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on October 5,
1995).
10.13 Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of December 2, 1992, among
Storer Communications, Inc., TKR Cable I, Inc., TKR Cable
II, Inc., TKR Cable III, Inc., AT&T Corp. (as successor to
Tele-Communications, Inc.), the Company and each of the
Departing Subsidiaries that are signatories thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on December 17, 1992, as amended
by Form 8 filed January 8, 1993).
10.14* Comcast Corporation 1997 Deferred Stock Option Plan, as
amended and restated, effective December 19, 2000.
- ----------
* Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
- 66 -
10.15 Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of
February 9, 1995, among the Company, Comcast QVC, Inc., QVC
Programming Holdings, Inc., Liberty Media Corporation, QVC
Investment, Inc. and Liberty QVC, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.16(a) Credit Agreement, dated as of February 15, 1995, among QVC,
Inc. and the Banks listed therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (b)(6) to Amendment No. 21 to the
Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 14D-1 filed on February
17, 1995 by QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., the Company and
AT&T Corp. (as successor to Tele-Communications, Inc.) with
respect to the tender offer for all outstanding shares of
QVC, Inc.).
10.16(b)** Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 19, 1996, to the Credit
Agreement, dated as of February 15, 1995, among QVC, Inc.
and the Banks listed therein.
10.17 Indenture dated as of May 1, 1997, between Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc. and The Bank of New York (as successor
in interest to Bank of Montreal Trust Company), as Trustee,
in respect of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.'s 8-1/8%
Notes due 2004, 8-3/8% Notes due 2007, 8-7/8% Notes due
2017, 8-1/2% Notes due 2027, 6.20% Notes due 2008, 6.375%
Notes due 2006 and 6.75% Notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 of Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.).
10.18 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 19, 1999
among SBC Communications Inc., Comcast Cellular Holdings
Corporation, Comcast Financial Corporation and Comcast
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998).
10.19 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 16,
1999, by and among Comcast Corporation, Comcast LCI
Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast,
Lenfest Communications, Inc. ("Lenfest") and Lenfest's
stockholders as named therein. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 13, 1999).
10.20 Asset Exchange Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2000,
among AT&T Corp. and Comcast Corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.21 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of August
11, 2000, among Comcast Corporation, Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc., Comcast CCCI II, LLC, Comcast
Teleport, Inc., Comcast Heritage, Inc., Comcast
Communications Properties, Inc., and AT&T Corp
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2000).
10.22 Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August
24, 2000, among Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. and the
Financial Institutions Party Hereto, Banc of America
Securities LLC and Chase Securities Inc., as Joint Lead
Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, BNY Capital Markets,
Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as Co-Arrangers, Bank
of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line
Lender and Letter of Credit Issuing Lender, Chase
Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent and Citibank, N.A.
and The Bank of New York, as Co- Documentation Agents
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Comcast
Cable Communications, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.23 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24,
2000, among Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. and the
Financial Institutions Party Hereto, Banc of America
Securities LLC and Chase Securities Inc., as Joint Lead
Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, BNY Capital Markets,
Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as Co-Arrangers, Bank
of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Chase Securities
Inc., as Syndication Agent and Citibank, N.A. and The Bank
of New York, as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2000).
- ----------
** Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrant agrees
to furnish a copy of the referenced agreement to the Commission upon request.
- 67 -
10.24 Asset Exchange Closing Agreement dated as of January 1,
2001 among Comcast Corporation, the Comcast Parties,
Adelphia Communications Corporation and the Adelphia
Parties.
21 List of Subsidiaries.
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP.
99.1 Report of Independent Public Accountants to QVC, Inc. for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
- 68 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania on March 2, 2001.
By: /s/ Brian L. Roberts
------------------------------
Brian L. Roberts
President and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Ralph J. Roberts Chairman of the Board of Directors; Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Ralph J. Roberts
/s/ Julian A. Brodsky Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors; March 2, 2001
- -------------------------- Director
Julian A. Brodsky
/s/ Brian L. Roberts President; Director (Principal Executive March 2, 2001
- -------------------------- Officer)
Brian L. Roberts
/s/ John R. Alchin Executive Vice President, Treasurer March 2, 2001
- -------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
John R. Alchin
/s/ Lawrence J. Salva Senior Vice President March 2, 2001
- -------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Lawrence J. Salva
/s/ Sheldon M. Bonovitz Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Sheldon M. Bonovitz
/s/ Joseph L. Castle II Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Joseph L. Castle II
/s/ Felix G. Rohatyn Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Felix G. Rohatyn
/s/ Bernard C. Watson Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Bernard C. Watson
/s/ Irving A. Wechsler Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Irving A. Wechsler
/s/ Anne Wexler Director March 2, 2001
- --------------------------
Anne Wexler
- 69 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
------------------------------------
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
-----------------------------------------------
REGISTRANT UNCONSOLIDATED (PARENT ONLY)
---------------------------------------
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions, except share data)
December 31,
ASSETS 1999
- ------ ----------
Cash and cash equivalents............................................. $8.6
Other current assets.................................................. 16.2
----------
Total current assets................................................ 24.8
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries
eliminated upon consolidation....................................... 14,664.6
Property and equipment, net........................................... 11.7
Other assets, net..................................................... 66.7
----------
$14,767.8
==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accrued interest...................................................... $34.9
Other current liabilities............................................. 694.3
----------
Total current liabilities........................................... 729.2
----------
Long-term debt, less current portion (including adjustment
to carrying value of $666.0 million)................................ 3,147.5
----------
Deferred income taxes and other....................................... 549.8
----------
Stockholders' equity
5.25% series B mandatorily redeemable convertible,
$1,000 par value; issued, 569,640 at redemption value............. 569.6
Class A special common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
2,500,000,000 shares; issued, 716,442,482;........................ 716.4
Class A common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
200,000,000 shares; issued, 25,993,380............................ 26.0
Class B common stock, $1 par value - authorized,
50,000,000 shares; issued, 9,444,375.............................. 9.4
Additional capital.................................................. 3,527.0
Accumulated deficit................................................. (619.8)
Accumulated other comprehensive income.............................. 6,112.7
----------
Total stockholders' equity........................................ 10,341.3
----------
$14,767.8
==========
- 70 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
------------------------------------
SCHEDULE I -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
------------------------------------------------
REGISTRANT UNCONSOLIDATED (PARENT ONLY)
---------------------------------------
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
---------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998
---------- ----------
REVENUES, principally intercompany fees eliminated
upon consolidation.............................................. $377.7 $320.1
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES................................ 91.3 83.2
---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME................................................... 286.4 236.9
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE
Interest expense, including intercompany interest, net.......... 275.8 239.1
Expense related to indexed debt................................. 666.0
Equity in net income of affiliates and other.................... (1,652.4) (976.2)
---------- ----------
(710.6) (737.1)
---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT
AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS......................................... 997.0 974.0
INCOME TAX BENEFIT................................................. (113.5) (2.1)
---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS.................................. 1,110.5 976.1
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS................................................ (44.8) (4.0)
---------- ----------
NET INCOME......................................................... 1,065.7 972.1
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
Beginning of year............................................... (1,488.2) (2,415.9)
Retirement of common stock...................................... (25.3) (10.0)
Share exchange.................................................. (172.0)
Cash dividends, $.0467 per share in 1998........................ (34.4)
---------- ----------
End of year..................................................... ($619.8) ($1,488.2)
========== ==========
- 71 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
------------------------------------
SCHEDULE I -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
------------------------------------------------
REGISTRANT UNCONSOLIDATED (PARENT ONLY)
---------------------------------------
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
---------------------------------
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998
---------- ---------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income...................................................... $1,065.7 $972.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................................. 6.8 13.2
Non-cash interest expense, net................................ 3.7
Non-cash expense related to indexed debt...................... 666.0
Equity in net income of affiliates............................ (1,593.0) (976.6)
Extraordinary items........................................... 44.8 4.0
Deferred income taxes and other............................... 292.9 104.2
---------- ---------
483.2 120.6
Changes in working capital.................................... 79.0 155.2
---------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities................. 562.2 275.8
---------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings........................................ 2,525.4
Retirement and repayment of debt................................ (962.9) (50.6)
Issuances of common stock and sales of put options
on common stock............................................... 17.1 41.8
Repurchases of common stock..................................... (30.7) (12.9)
Dividends....................................................... (9.4) (36.0)
Other........................................................... (23.0) (32.8)
---------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities....... 1,516.5 (90.5)
---------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net transactions with affiliates................................ (2,087.1) (164.0)
Capital expenditures and other.................................. (14.2) (2.9)
---------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities..................... (2,101.3) (166.9)
---------- ---------
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS................................................ (22.6) 18.4
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year....................... 31.2 12.8
---------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year............................. $8.6 $31.2
========== =========
- 72 -
COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
------------------------------------
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
-----------------------------------------------
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
--------------------------------------------
(In millions)
Additions
Balance at Charged to Deductions Balance
Beginning Costs and from at End
of Year Expenses Reserves(A) of Year
------- -------- ----------- -------
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
2000 $136.6 $65.9 $60.8 $141.7
1999 120.7 48.6 32.7 136.6
1998 108.8 52.2 40.3 120.7
Allowance for Obsolete
Electronic Retailing Inventories
2000 $89.2 $46.3 $30.0 $105.5
1999 60.9 61.9 33.6 89.2
1998 44.5 39.0 22.6 60.9
(A) Uncollectible accounts and obsolete inventory written off.
- 73 -
EXHIBIT 3.1 (f)
The first paragraph of Article 5 of the corporation's Articles of
Incorporation is amended to read as follows:
"5. The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have
authority to issue is:
Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) shares of Class A Common Stock par
value $1.00 per share, Two Billion Five Hundred Million (2,500,000,000) shares
of Class A Special Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, Fifty Million
(50,000,000) shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and
Twenty Million (20,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, which the Board of
Directors may issue on one or more series, without par value, with full,
limited, multiple, fractional, or no voting rights, with such designations,
preferences, qualifications, privileges, limitations, restrictions, options,
conversion rights and other special or relative rights as shall be fixed"
The remainder of Article 5 of the corporation's Article of Incorporation
shall remain in full force and effect.
FOR PURPOSES OF SECTIONS 1273 AND 1275 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, THE
AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT WITH RESPECT TO EACH $1,000 OF PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF THIS SECURITY IS $220.59, THE ISSUE DATE IS DECEMBER 19, 2000, AND THE
YIELD TO MATURITY IS 1.25% PER ANNUM.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF
TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE
NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE
TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER
USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE
REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE
NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED
IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE
TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY
OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR
A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.
-2-
Certificate Number R-[ ]
Number of Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures due December 19, 2020 represented
hereby: 400,000 (representing $400,000,000.00 in aggregate principal amount at
maturity)
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) ("DTC"), to the
Company (as defined below) or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange
or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co.
or such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and
any payment is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an
authorized representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered
owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for securities in
definitive registered form, this certificate may not be transferred except as a
whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another
nominee of DTC or by DTC or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a
nominee of such successor Depository.
COMCAST CORPORATION
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE
DEBENTURE DUE DECEMBER 19, 2020
(each a "Debenture")
CUSIP 200300 BH 3
Issue Price: $779.41 per $1,000.00 principal amount at maturity
Maturity Amount: $1,000.00
COMCAST CORPORATION, a corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (herein called the "Company", which
term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred
to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
Cede & Co. or its registered assigns,
the Maturity Amount
in any coin or currency of the United States of America which, at the time of
payment is legal tender for public and private debts, upon presentation and
surrender of this Debenture, on the 19th day of December, 2020, at the office or
agency of the Company in New York, New York. The "Maturity Amount" will equal
$1,000.00 per Debenture unless the Company elects to pay cash interest on the
Debentures following a Tax Event, in which case the Maturity Amount will equal
the Restated Principal Amount (as defined on the reverse hereof). No cash
interest will be payable on the Debentures unless the Company elects to do so
following a Tax Event as described on the reverse hereof. Original Issue
Discount will accrue as specified on the reverse hereof. This Debenture is
convertible to the Class A Special Common Stock of the Company and subject to
additional provisions, in each case as specified on the reverse hereof.
Capitalized terms used on the face hereof without definition have the meaning
specified on the reverse hereof.
-3-
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS DEBENTURE ARE CONTINUED ON THE REVERSE HEREOF AND SUCH
CONTINUED PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS THOUGH FULLY
SET FORTH AT THIS PLACE.
This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof or any indenture supplemental thereto, or
become valid or obligatory for any purpose until the Trustee under said
Indenture, or a successor trustee thereunder, shall have signed the form of
certificate of authentication appearing hereon.
* * *
-4-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMCAST CORPORATION has caused this instrument to be
duly executed under its corporate seal.
Dated:
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Debentures of the series
referred to on the reverse hereof.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee,
By: _____________________________
Authorized Officer
COMCAST CORPORATION
By: _____________________________
Title:
Attest:
By: _____________________________
Title:
-5-
[Reverse of Debenture]
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE
DEBENTURE DUE DECEMBER 19, 2020
General
- -------
This Debenture is one of a duly authorized issue of debentures, notes,
bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company (herein called the
"Securities") of the series hereinafter specified, all issued or to be issued
under an indenture dated as of June 15, 1999 (herein called the "Indenture")
executed between the Company and The Bank of New York, as successor in interest
to Bank of Montreal Trust Company, a New York banking corporation with its
principal offices in New York, New York (hereinafter called the "Trustee"), to
which indenture and all supplemental indentures reference is hereby made for a
specification of the rights and limitations of rights thereunder of the
registered holders of the Debentures, the rights and obligations thereunder of
the Company and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and
the terms upon which the Debentures are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. The terms of the Indenture are hereby incorporated by reference
herein. The Securities may be issued in one or more series, which different
series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may mature at
different times, may bear interest (if any) at different rates, may be subject
to different redemption or repayment provisions (if any), may be subject to
different sinking, purchase or analogous funds (if any) and may otherwise vary
as provided in the Indenture. This Debenture is one of a series designated as
Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures due December 19, 2020 (hereinafter called the
"Debentures") of the Company, each Debenture representing $1,000.00 principal
amount at maturity, limited in aggregate number to 1,285,000 Debentures (or
$1,285,000,000 in aggregate principal amount at maturity) or 1,477,750
Debentures (or $1,477,750,000 in aggregate principal amount at maturity if the
underwriter's over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Debentures will
be issued in denominations of $1,000 principal amount at maturity and integral
multiples thereof.
The Debentures are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank
equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured
indebtedness of the Company and senior in right of payment to all existing and
future subordinated indebtedness of the Company.
The Maturity Amount, the Redemption Price, the Repurchase Price, the Change
in Control Purchase Price and interest, if any, on the Debentures will be
payable at the office or agency the Company maintains for such purpose within
The City and State of New York or, at the Company's option, payment of cash
interest may be made by check mailed to the holders of the Debentures at their
respective addresses set forth in the register of holders of Debentures;
provided that all cash payments with respect to Debentures to a holder of a
minimum of $100,000 principal amount at maturity of Debentures who has given
written wire transfer instructions, on or prior to the relevant Record Date, to
the paying agent, will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds
to the accounts specified by such holders. Until otherwise designated by the
Company, the Company's office or agency in New York will be the office of the
Trustee maintained for such purpose.
Interest
- --------
No cash interest will be payable on the Debentures unless the Company
elects to do so following a Tax Event as described below. If the principal
amount hereof or any portion of such principal amount is not paid when due
(whether upon acceleration pursuant to Section 4.01 of the Indenture, upon the
date set for payment of the Redemption Price pursuant hereto, upon the date set
for payment of Change in Control Purchase Price pursuant hereto, upon the date
set for payment of the Repurchase Price pursuant hereto or upon the stated
maturity of this Debenture) or if interest due hereon or any portion of such
interest is not paid when due in accordance herewith, then in each such case the
overdue amount shall, to the extent permitted by law, bear interest at the rate
of 2.5% per annum, compounded semi-annually, which interest shall accrue from
the date such overdue
-6-
amount was originally due to the date payment of such amount, including interest
thereon, has been made or duly provided for. All such interest shall be payable
as set forth in the Indenture. The accrual of such interest on overdue amounts
shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, the continued accrual of Original
Issue Discount.
Original Issue Discount (the difference between the Issue Price and the
principal amount at maturity of the Debenture), in the period during which a
Debenture remains outstanding, shall accrue at 1.25% per annum, on a semiannual
bond equivalent basis using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months,
from the Issue Date of this Debenture.
Redemption
- ----------
The Debentures are redeemable for cash at the option of the Company at any
time on or after December 19, 2005, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days
notice by mail to holders of Debentures, for a price equal to the Issue Price
per Debenture plus accrued Original Issue Discount at a rate of 1.25% per annum
compounded semi-annually to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), on
the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The date of any
such redemption is known as the "Redemption Date".
The table below shows Redemption Prices of the Debentures at December 19,
2005, at each following December 19 prior to maturity and at maturity on
December 19, 2020. The prices reflect the accrued Original Issue Discount
calculated through each date. The Redemption Price of a Debenture redeemed
between these dates will include an additional amount reflecting the additional
Original Issue Discount accrued since the immediately preceding date in the
table to the actual Redemption Date.
Accrued Original Redemption
Redemption Date Issue Price Issue Discount Price
- --------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------
December 19, 2005.............. $779.41 $50.11 $829.52
December 19, 2006.............. 779.41 60.51 839.92
December 19, 2007.............. 779.41 71.04 850.45
December 19, 2008.............. 779.41 81.70 861.11
December 19, 2009.............. 779.41 92.50 871.91
December 19, 2010.............. 779.41 103.43 882.84
December 19, 2011.............. 779.41 114.50 893.91
December 19, 2012.............. 779.41 125.71 905.12
December 19, 2013.............. 779.41 137.06 916.47
December 19, 2014.............. 779.41 148.55 927.96
December 19, 2015.............. 779.41 160.19 939.60
December 19, 2016.............. 779.41 171.97 951.38
December 19, 2017.............. 779.41 183.90 963.31
December 19, 2018.............. 779.41 195.98 975.39
December 19, 2019.............. 779.41 208.21 987.62
December 19, 2020.............. 779.41 220.59 1,000.00
From and after the date a Tax Event occurs and the Company elects to pay
cash interest at 1.25% per annum on the Debentures instead of accruing Original
Issue Discount, the principal amount for redemption will be the Restated
Principal Amount (as defined below).
If the Company redeems fewer than all of the outstanding Debentures, the
Trustee will select the Debentures to be redeemed by lot, on a pro rata basis or
by another method the Trustee considers fair and appropriate.
-7-
If the Trustee selects a portion of a holder's Debentures for partial
redemption and the holder converts a portion of the same Debentures, the
converted portion will be deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption.
Each Debenture will be redeemed in whole.
Conversion
- ----------
Holders may convert each Debenture into 14.2566 shares of Class A Special
Common Stock of the Company (the "Class A Special Common Stock") so long as the
conditions described below are met, at any time until the close of business on
the last Business Day prior to December 19, 2020. If a Debenture has been called
for redemption, the holder will be entitled to convert the Debenture until the
close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Redemption Date.
A Holder may convert fewer than all of its Debentures so long as the Debentures
converted are a multiple of $1,000 principal amount at maturity.
Holders may surrender Debentures for conversion into Class A Special Common
Stock only if the Closing Price of the Class A Special Common Stock is greater
than 110% of the Accreted Conversion Price per share for at least 20 Trading
Days (as defined below) of the 30 Trading Days prior to conversion. The
"Accreted Conversion Price" as of any day will equal the sum of the Issue Price
of a Debenture plus the accrued Original Issue Discount for the Debenture, with
that sum divided by the number of Class A Special Common shares issuable upon
conversion of a Debenture on that day. Even if the market price contingency
described above has not occurred, the Debentures may be surrendered for
conversion:
(i) to the extent the Company has called the Debentures for redemption;
Debentures called for redemption may be surrendered for conversion
from the date of notice of the redemption until the close of business
on the Redemption Date;
(ii) if (a) the Company elect to make a distribution to all stockholders
that would result in an adjustment to the conversion rate under
subparagraph (3) or (4) of the paragraph below relating to the
adjustment of the Conversion Rate and that, in the case of
subparagraph (4), has a per share value equal to more than 15% of the
Closing Price of the Class A Special Common Stock on the Trading Day
preceding the declaration date for the distribution and (b) the
Company does not provide that holders of the Debentures may
participate in the distribution; Debentures may be surrendered for
conversion at any time from and after the declaration date for the
distribution until the Business Day immediately prior to its
ex-dividend date or until the Company announces that the distribution
will not take place; and
(iii)if the Company is a party to a consolidation, merger or binding share
exchange pursuant to which the Class A Special Common Stock will be
converted into cash, securities or other property; Debentures may be
surrendered for conversion at any time from and after the date which
is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction
until 15 days after the actual date of the transaction and, at the
effective time of the transaction, the right to convert the Debentures
into Class A Special Common Stock will be changed into a right to
convert them into the kind and amount of cash, securities or other
property which the holder would have received if the holder had
converted the Debentures immediately prior to the transaction.
The "Closing Price" of any security on any date of determination means the
closing sale price (or, if no Closing Price is reported, the last reported sale
price) of such security (regular way) on the NYSE on such date or, if such
security is not listed for trading on the NYSE on any such date, as reported in
the composite transactions for the principal United States securities exchange
on which such security is so listed, or if such security is not so listed on a
United States national or regional securities exchange, as reported by the
Nasdaq National Market, or if such security is not so reported, the last quoted
bid price for such security in the over-the-counter market as reported by the
National Quotation Bureau or similar organization. If no such quotation is
available
-8-
for any day, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to determine the Closing
Price on the basis of such quotations as it considers appropriate. To the extent
that trading of Reference Shares regular way continues past 4:00 p.m., New York
City time, "Closing Price" shall be deemed to refer to the price at the time
that is then customary for determining the Trading Day's index levels for stocks
traded on the primary national securities exchange or automated quotation system
on which the Reference Shares are then traded or quoted. All references to 4:00
p.m., New York City time, in the definition of "Current Market Value" shall
thereafter be deemed to refer to the then customary determination time.
A "Trading Day" is defined as a day on which the security, the Closing
Price of which is being determined, (a) is not suspended from trading on any
national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter
market at the close of business and (b) has traded at least once on the national
or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market that
is the primary market for the trading of such security.
The initial Conversion Rate is 14.2566 shares of Class A Special Common
Stock for each Debenture, subject to adjustment as described below. Holders will
not receive any cash payment representing accrued Original Issue Discount upon
conversion of a Debenture. Instead, upon conversion the Company will deliver to
holders a fixed number of shares of Class A Special Common Stock and any cash
payment to account for fractional shares. The cash payment for fractional shares
will be based on the closing price of the Class A Special Common Stock on the
Trading Day immediately prior to the conversion date. Delivery of shares of
Class A Special Common Stock will be deemed to satisfy the obligation of the
Company to pay the principal amount of the Debenture, including accrued Original
Issue Discount. Accrued Original Issue Discount will be deemed paid in full
rather than canceled, extinguished or forfeited. The Conversion Rate will not be
adjusted to account for the accrued Original Issue Discount.
The Conversion Rate shall be adjusted from time to time by the Company as
follows:
(1) If the Company shall hereafter pay a dividend or make a
distribution to all holders of the outstanding Class A Special Common Stock
in shares of the Company's Class A Special Common Stock, Class A Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Class A Common Stock") or Class B Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Class B Common Stock" and, along with
the Class A Special Common Stock and the Class A Common Stock, the "Common
Stock"), the Conversion Rate shall be increased so that the same shall
equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate in effect at
the opening of business on the date following the date fixed for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other
distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of the
number of shares of Common Stock and the total number of shares
constituting such dividend or other distribution made on all shares of
Common Stock, and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for
such determination, such increase to become effective immediately after the
opening of business on the Trading Day following the date fixed for such
determination. For the purpose of this subparagraph (1), the number of
shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares
held in the treasury of the Company. The Company will not pay any dividend
or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of
the Company. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this
subparagraph (1) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate
shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect
if such dividend or distribution had not been declared, such adjustment to
become effective immediately upon the withdrawal of the declaration;
(2) If outstanding shares of Class A Special Common Stock shall be
subdivided into a greater number of shares of Class A Special Common Stock,
the Conversion Rate in effect at the opening of business on the Trading Day
following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be
proportionately increased, and conversely, in case outstanding shares of
Class A Special Com-
-9-
mon Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares of Class A
Special Common Stock, the Conversion Rate in effect at the opening of
business on the Trading Day following the day upon which such combination
becomes effective shall be proportionately decreased, such increase or
decrease, as the case may be, to become effective immediately after the
opening of business on the Trading Day following the day upon which such
subdivision or combination becomes effective;
(3) If the Company shall issue rights or warrants to all holders of
its outstanding Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase
shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current Market
Price (as defined below) on the date fixed for determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the Conversion
Rate shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by
multiplying the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the date
fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or
warrants by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding on the date fixed for determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants plus the total
number of additional shares of Common Stock offered for subscription or
purchase, and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants
plus the number of shares that the aggregate offering price of the total
number of shares so offered would purchase at such Current Market Price.
Such adjustment shall be successively made whenever any such rights or
warrants are issued, and shall become effective immediately after the
opening of business on the Trading Day following the date fixed for
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock are not delivered after the
expiration of such rights or warrants, the Conversion Rate shall be
readjusted to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the
adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants been made on
the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually
delivered. If such rights or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion
Rate shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Rate that would then be
in effect if such date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled
to receive such rights or warrants had not been fixed. In determining
whether any rights or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock at less than such Current Market Price, and
in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of Common Stock,
there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company
for such rights or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or
conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to
be determined by the Board of Directors.
(4) If the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all
holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness or assets
(including securities, but excluding any rights or warrants referred to in
subparagraph (3) hereof, and excluding any dividend or distribution (x)
paid exclusively in cash or (y) referred to in subparagraph (1) hereof (any
of the foregoing hereinafter in this subparagraph (4) called the "Described
Securities")), then, in each such case (unless the Company elects to
reserve such Securities for distribution to the holders of Debentures upon
the conversion of the Debentures so that any such holder converting
Debentures will receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of
Class A Special Common Stock to which such holder is entitled, the amount
and kind of such Described Securities which such holder would have received
if such holder had converted its Debentures into Class A Special Common
Stock immediately prior to the Record Date hereof for such distribution of
the Described Securities)), the Conversion Rate shall be increased so that
the same shall be equal to the rate determined by multiplying the
Conversion Rate in effect on the Record Date with respect to such
distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Current
Market Price per share of the Class A Special Common Stock, and the
denominator of which shall be the Current Market Price per share of the
Class A Special Common Stock on such Record Date less the fair market value
(as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be
conclusive absent manifest error, and described in a certificate filed with
the Trustee) on the Record Date of the portion of the Described Securities
so distributed applicable to one share of Class A Special Common Stock,
such in-
-10-
crease to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on
the day following such Record Date; provided, however, that if the then
fair market value (as so determined) of the portion of the Described
Securities so distributed applicable to one share of Class A Special Common
Stock is equal to or greater than the Current Market Price of the Class A
Special Common Stock on the Record Date, in lieu of the foregoing
adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each holder of
Debentures shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of
Described Securities such holder would have received had such holder
converted each Debenture on the Record Date. If such dividend or
distribution is not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate shall again be
adjusted to be the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such
dividend or distribution had not been declared, such adjustment to become
effective immediately upon the withdrawal of the dividend or distribution.
If the Board of Directors determines the fair market value of any
distribution for purposes of this subparagraph (4) by reference to the
actual or when issued trading market for any securities, it must in doing
so consider the prices in such market over the same period used in
computing the Current Market Price of the Class A Special Common Stock.
Rights or warrants distributed by the Company to all holders of Class
A Special Common Stock entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or
purchase shares of the Company's capital stock (either initially or under
certain circumstances), which rights or warrants, until the occurrence of a
specified event or events ("Trigger Event"): (i) are deemed to be
transferred with such shares of Class A Special Common Stock; (ii) are not
exercisable; and (iii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of
Class A Special Common Stock, shall be deemed not to have been distributed
for purposes of this subparagraph (and no adjustment to the Conversion Rate
under this subparagraph will be required) until the occurrence of the
earliest Trigger Event, whereupon such rights and warrants shall be deemed
to have been distributed and an appropriate adjustment (if any is required)
to the Conversion Rate shall be made under this subparagraph (4). If any
such right or warrant, including any such existing rights or warrants
distributed prior to the date of original issuance of the Debentures, are
subject to events, upon the occurrence of which such rights or warrants
become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of
indebtedness or other assets, then the date of the occurrence of any and
each such event shall be deemed to be the date of distribution and Record
Date with respect to new rights or warrants with such rights (and a
termination or expiration of the existing rights or warrants without
exercise by any of the holders thereof). In addition, in the event of any
distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights or warrants, or any Trigger
Event or other event (of the type described in the preceding sentence) with
respect thereto that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution
amount for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate under this
subparagraph was made, (a) in the case of any such rights or warrants that
shall all have been redeemed or repurchased without exercise by any holders
thereof, the Conversion Rate shall be readjusted upon such final redemption
repurchase to give effect to such distribution or Trigger Event, as the
case may be, as though it were a cash distribution, equal to the per share
redemption or repurchase price received by a holder or holders of Class A
Special Common Stock with respect to such rights or warrants (assuming such
holder had retained such rights or warrants), made to all holders of Class
A Special Common Stock as of the date of such redemption or repurchase, and
(b) in the case of such rights or warrants that shall have expired or been
terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Rate
shall be readjusted as if such rights and warrants had not been issued.
No adjustment of the Conversion Rate shall be made pursuant to this
subparagraph (4) in respect of rights or warrants distributed or deemed
distributed on any Trigger Event to the extent that such rights or warrants
are actually distributed, or reserved by the Company for
-11-
distribution to holders of Debentures upon conversion by such holders of
Debentures to Class A Special Common Stock. If the Company implements a
stockholder rights plan, the Company agrees that such rights plan will
provide that upon conversion of the Debentures, the holders holding Class A
Special Common Stock issued upon conversion shall receive the rights issued
under such plan in lieu of the Company making an adjustment of the
Conversion Rate pursuant to this subparagraph (4) unless there has already
been an adjustment of the Conversion Rate pursuant to this subparagraph
(4).
For purposes of this subparagraph (4) and subparagraphs (1) and (3),
any dividend or distribution to which this subparagraph (4) is applicable
that also includes shares of Class A Special Common Stock, or rights or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of Class A Special Common
Stock (or both), shall be deemed instead to be (A) a dividend or
distribution of the evidences of indebtedness, assets or shares of capital
stock other than such shares of Class A Special Common Stock or rights or
warrants (and any Conversion Rate increase required by this subparagraph
(4) with respect to such dividend or distribution shall then be made)
immediately followed by (B) a dividend or distribution of such shares of
Class A Special Common Stock or such rights or warrants (and any further
Conversion Rate increase required by subparagraphs (1) and (3) hereof with
respect to such dividend or distribution shall then be made), except (C)
the Record Date of such dividend or distribution shall be substituted as
"the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive
such dividend or other distribution", "the date fixed for the determination
of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants" and "the date
fixed for such determination" within the meaning of subparagraphs (1) and
(3), and (D) any shares of Class A Special Common Stock included in such
dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding at the close of
business on the date fixed for such determination" within the meaning of
subparagraph (1) hereof.
(5) If the Company shall distribute to all or substantially all
stockholders of the Company an all-cash distribution in an aggregate amount
that, together with (a) any cash and the fair market value of any other
consideration payable in respect of a tender offer described in
subparagraph (6) below consummated within the preceding 12 months and not
triggering an adjustment in the Conversion Rate and (b) all other all-cash
distributions to all or substantially all stockholders of the Company made
within the preceding 12 months not triggering an adjustment of the
Conversion Rate pursuant to this subparagraph (5), exceeds an amount equal
to 12.5% of the Current Market Value of all outstanding shares of the
Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the day on which the
Company declared the distribution, then the Conversion Rate shall be
increased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying
the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on
such Record Date by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Current
Market Price of the Class A Special Common Stock on the Trading Day
immediately preceding the day on which the Company declared the
distribution, and the denominator of which shall be the Current Market
Price of the Class A Special Common Stock on the Record Date less the
amount of cash so distributed (and not excluded as provided below)
applicable to one share of Class A Special Common Stock, such increase to
be effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the Trading
Day following the Record Date; provided, however, that if the portion of
the cash so distributed applicable to one share of Class A Special Common
Stock is equal to or greater than the Current Market Price of the Class A
Special Common Stock on the Record Date, in lieu of the foregoing
adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each holder of
Debentures shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of
cash such holder would have received had such holder converted each
Debenture on the Record Date. If such dividend or distribution is not so
paid or made, the Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to be the
Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or
distribution had not been declared. If any adjustment is required to be
made as set forth in this subparagraph (5), such adjustment shall be based
upon the amount by which such distribution exceeds the amount of the
distribution permitted to be excluded pursuant hereto.
-12-
(6) If the Company shall purchase shares of its Common Stock pursuant
to a tender offer made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the
extent that the same involves aggregate consideration to all holders of its
Common Stock that, together with (a) any cash and the fair market value of
any other consideration payable in respect of a tender offer described in
this subparagraph (6) consummated within the preceding 12 months and not
triggering an adjustment in the Conversion Rate and (b) all all-cash
distributions to all or substantially all stockholders of the Company made
within the preceding 12 months not triggering an adjustment of the
Conversion Rate pursuant to subparagraph (5) above, exceeds an amount equal
to 12.5% of the Current Market Value of all outstanding shares of the
Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the day on which the
Company declared the distribution, then the Conversion Rate shall be
increased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying
the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the expiration time (the
"Expiration Time") of such tender offer by a fraction, the numerator of
which shall be the sum of (x) the fair market value of the aggregate
consideration payable to all holders of the Company's Common Stock based on
the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of the tender or
exchange offer) of all shares validly tendered or exchanged and not
withdrawn as of the Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted, up to
any such maximum, being referred to as the "Purchased Shares") and (y) the
product of the number of shares of Class A Special Common Stock outstanding
(less any Purchased Shares) at the Expiration Time and the Current Market
Price of the Class A Special Common Stock on the Trading Day next
succeeding the Expiration Time, and the denominator of which shall be the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (including any tendered or
exchanged shares) at the Expiration Time multiplied by the Current Market
Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration
Time, such increase to become effective immediately prior to the opening of
business on the Trading Day following the Expiration Time. If the Company
is obligated to purchase shares pursuant to any such tender or exchange
offer, but the Company is permanently prevented by applicable law from
effecting any such purchases or all such purchases are rescinded, the
Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Rate that
would then be in effect if such tender or exchange offer had not been made.
"Current Market Price" per share of Common Stock at any date shall be
deemed to be the average of the daily Closing Prices per share of Class A
Special Common Stock for the ten consecutive Trading Days preceding the day
before the Record Date (or, if earlier, the day before the related ex-dividend
date) with respect to any distribution, issuance or other event requiring such
computation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company shall engage in a
transaction described in subparagraphs (1) or (2) relating to the adjustment of
the Conversion Rate that treats unequally the Class A Special Common Stock, the
Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock (provided that distributions of
one class of Common Stock on all classes of Common Stock, or the same class of
Common Stock all shares of such class of Common Stock shall not be deemed to be
unequal treatment), then the Current Market Price of the Class A Common Stock
and the Class B Common Stock shall be adjusted in such manner (as determined by
the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive absent manifest
error, and described in a certificate filed with the Trustee) so as to reverse
the effect of such unequal treatment.
"fair market value" shall mean the amount which a willing buyer would pay a
willing seller in an arm's-length transaction.
"Record Date" shall mean, with respect to any dividend, distribution or
other transaction or event in which the holders of Class A Special Common Stock
have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the
Class A Special Common Stock (or other applicable security) is exchanged for or
converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date
fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to receive such cash,
securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by the Board of
Directors or by statute, contract or otherwise).
-13-
The Company may make such increases in the Conversion Rate, in addition to
those required by subparagraphs (1) through (6) of the paragraph above relating
to the adjustment of the Conversion Rate as the Board of Directors considers to
be advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Class A Special
Common Stock or rights to purchase Class A Special Common Stock resulting from
any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any
event treated as such for income tax purposes.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company from time to time
may increase the Conversion Rate by any amount for any period of time if the
period is at least twenty (20) days, the increase is irrevocable during the
period and the Board of Directors shall have made a determination that such
increase would be in the best interests of the Company, which determination
shall be conclusive. Whenever the Conversion Rate is increased pursuant to the
preceding sentence, the Company shall mail to holders of record of the
Debentures a notice of the increase at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date
the increased Conversion Rate takes effect, and such notice shall state the
increased Conversion Rate and the period during which it will be in effect.
No adjustment in the Conversion Rate shall be required unless such
adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least one percent (1%) in
such rate; provided, however, that any adjustments that by reason of this
paragraph are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into
account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Debenture
shall be made by the Company and shall be made to the nearest cent or to the
nearest one-thousandth (1/1000) of a share, as the case may be. No adjustment
need be made for rights to purchase Class A Special Common Stock pursuant to a
Company plan for reinvestment of dividends or interest. To the extent the
Debentures become convertible into cash, assets, property or securities (other
than capital stock of the Company), no adjustment need be made thereafter as to
the cash, assets, property or such securities. Interest will not accrue on the
cash.
If a holder submits its Debentures for conversion after the Company has
elected to exercise its option to pay cash interest instead of accruing Original
Issue Discount between a Record Date and the opening of business on the next
interest payment date (except for Debentures or portions of Debentures called
for redemption on a redemption date occurring during the period from the close
of business on a Record Date and ending on the opening of business on the first
Business Day after the next interest payment date, or if this interest payment
date is not a business day, the second Business Day after the interest payment
date), the holder must pay funds equal to the interest payable on the converted
principal amount.
To convert a Debenture, a holder must (a) complete and manually sign the
Conversion Notice set forth below and deliver such notice to a Conversion Agent,
(b) surrender the Debenture to a Conversion Agent, (c) furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents if required by a Registrar or a Conversion
Agent, and (d) pay any transfer or similar tax, if required.
Repurchase by the Company at the Option of the Holder
- -----------------------------------------------------
Holders may require the Company to repurchase the Debentures on December
19, 2001, December 19, 2003, December 19, 2005, December 19, 2010 and December
19, 2015 (each, a "Repurchase Date"). The Company must repurchase any
outstanding Debenture for which the holder delivers a written repurchase notice
to the paying agent during the period beginning at any time from the opening of
business on the date that is 20 Business Days prior to the relevant Repurchase
Date until the close of business on the fifth day prior to the Repurchase Date.
If the repurchase notice is given and withdrawn during the period, the Company
shall not be obligated to repurchase the related Debentures.
The repurchase price payable (the "Repurchase Price") will be equal to the
Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount through the Repurchase Date.
The Repurchase Price of a Debenture as of each Repurchase Date will be as
follows:
-14-
$789.18 per Debenture on December 19, 2001;
$809.10 per Debenture on December 19, 2003;
$829.52 per Debenture on December 19, 2005;
$882.84 per Debenture on December 19, 2010; and
$939.60 per Debenture on December 19, 2015.
The Company may pay the Repurchase Price for repurchases on the December
19, 2001, 2003 and 2005 Repurchase Dates in cash or shares of Class A Special
Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Class A Special Common
Stock. The Company may pay the Repurchase Price for repurchases on the December
19, 2010 and 2015 Repurchase Dates in cash only.
If the Company has previously exercised its option to pay cash interest
instead of accruing Original Issue Discount on the Debentures following a Tax
Event, the Repurchase Price will be equal to the Restated Principal Amount plus
the accrued and unpaid interest that accrued from the date the Company exercised
its option through the Repurchase Date.
Tax Event
- ---------
The Company may pay cash interest on the Debentures from and after the date
a Tax Event (as defined below) occurs instead of accruing Original Issue
Discount. The principal amount will be restated (the "Restated Principal
Amount") and will be fixed in an amount calculated by adding the Issue Price and
the Original Issue Discount which had accrued up until the date on which the
Company exercised the option to commence paying cash interest. This Restated
Principal Amount will be the amount due at maturity. If the Company elects this
option, interest will be based on a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day
months. Interest will accrue from the option exercise date and will be payable
semiannually on each June 19 and December 19.
A "Tax Event" occurs when the Company receives an opinion from an
experienced independent tax counsel stating that, as a result of either:
(i) any amendment, change or announced prospective change in the laws or
regulations of the United States or any of its political subdivisions
or taxing authorities of the United States; or
(ii) any amendment, change, interpretation or application of the laws or
regulations by any legislative body, court, government agency or
regulatory authority,
there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest, including Original Issue
Discount, payable on the Debentures either
(i) would not be deductible on a current accrual basis; or
(ii) would not be deductible under any other method,
in whole or in part, by the Company for United States federal income tax
purposes.
If interest is payable on a date that is not a Business Day (as defined at
the end of this paragraph), payment will be made on the next Business Day (and
without any interest or other payment in respect of such de-
-15-
lay). However, if the next Business Day is in the next calendar year, payment of
interest will be made on the preceding Business Day. A "Business Day" means each
day except Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions in The
City of New York are authorized or required by law to close.
Change in Control
- -----------------
If the Company undergoes a Change in Control, Holders may require the
Company to purchase the Debentures 35 Business Days after the Change in Control
(the "Purchase Date"). The Company will pay a purchase price equal to the
initial Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount through the Purchase
Date or, if the Company has elected to pay cash interest on the Debentures
following a Tax Event, the Restated Principal Amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest through the Purchase Date (the "Change in Control Purchase Price").
Holders may require the Company to purchase all or any part of the Debentures so
long as the principal amount at maturity of the Debentures being purchased is a
multiple of $1,000.
A "Change in Control" is defined as follows:
(i) any person or group (other than the Company, its Subsidiaries or any
Permitted Holder, as defined below) after the first issuance of
Debentures becomes the beneficial owner of voting stock of the Company
representing more than 50% of the total voting power of all classes of
voting stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election
of the members of the Board of Directors; or
(ii) the Company consolidates with or merges into another person (other
than a Subsidiary), the Company sells, conveys, transfers or leases
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a person
(other than a Subsidiary), or any person (other than a Subsidiary)
consolidates with or merges with or into the Company, and the
outstanding common stock of the Company is reclassified into,
exchanged for or converted into the right to receive any other
property or security; provided that none of these circumstances will
be a Change in Control if, after a transaction, the persons that
beneficially owned the voting stock of the Company immediately prior
to the transaction beneficially own, in substantially the same
proportion, shares with a majority of the total voting power of all
outstanding voting securities of the surviving or transferee person
that are entitled to vote generally in the election of that person's
board of directors;
unless, in each case, at least 80% of the consideration, other than cash
payments for fractional shares, in the transaction or transactions constituting
the Change in Control, consists of shares of voting common stock of the person
that are, or upon issuance will be, traded on a national securities exchange or
approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market
in the United States.
A "Permitted Holder" means (i) Mr. Brian L. Roberts, his spouse or
children, any trust for his benefit or the benefit of his spouse or children, or
any corporation or partnership in which the direct and beneficial owner of all
of the equity interest is he or his spouse or children or any trust for the
benefit of him, his heirs, executors, administrators or personal representatives
upon his death or upon his incompetency or disability for purposes of the
protection and management of his assets, and (ii) any person or group controlled
by each or any of the persons referred to in clause (i). For purposes of this
definition "beneficially own," "beneficial owner" and "beneficial ownership"
shall have the meaning as defined pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the
Exchange Act (except that a person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
ownership" of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether
the right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, upon the
happening of an event or otherwise).
Holders must deliver a written notice to the paying agent prior to the
close of business on the Business Day prior to the date on which the Debentures
are to be repurchased to exercise the repurchase right upon a
-16-
Change in Control. This notice must specify the Debentures submitted for
repurchase. Holders may withdraw the notice by delivering a written notice of
withdrawal to the paying agent before the same date.
Within 15 Business Days after a Change in Control, the Company will publish
and mail to the Trustee and to each holder of the Debentures a written notice of
the Change in Control which specifies the terms and conditions and the
procedures required for exercise of a Holder's right to require the Company to
purchase its Debentures.
Events of Default; Remedies
- ---------------------------
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur and
be continuing, the Maturity Amount of all Debentures then outstanding under the
Indenture may be declared, or may become, due and payable upon the conditions
and in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
Calculations in Respect of the Debentures
- -----------------------------------------
The Company will be responsible for making all calculations called for
under the Debentures. The Company must make all these calculations in good faith
and such calculations are final and binding on holders of the Debentures, absent
manifest error. The Company will provide a schedule of its calculations to the
Trustee and the Trustee is entitled to rely upon the accuracy of such
calculations, without independent verification. The Trustee shall be entitled to
conclusively rely on the accuracy of the information and calculations contained
in each Officers' Certificate delivered under this Debenture and shall have no
responsibility for verifying the accuracy thereof.
Modifications
- -------------
To the extent permitted by, and as provided in the Indenture, modifications
or alterations of the Indenture, or of any indenture supplemental thereto, and
of the rights and obligations of the Company and of the holders of the
Securities, may be made by the Company with the consent of the holders of not
less than a majority of the principal amount (for the purposes of the
Debentures, the principal amount of the Debentures for consenting holders and
all holders shall be calculated by reference to the principal amount at maturity
of such Debentures) of the Securities then Outstanding of each series affected
thereby; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall (i)
change the stated maturity of the Principal of, or any sinking fund obligation
or any installment of interest on, such holder's Security; (ii) reduce the
Principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon, or any premium payable with
respect thereto; (iii) change any place of payment where, or the currency in
which, any Security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable; (iv)
change the provisions for calculating the optional redemption price, including
the definitions relating thereto; (v) make any change to Section 4.07 or 4.10
(except to include other provisions subject to Section 4.10); (vi) reduce the
percentage in principal amount of outstanding Securities of the relevant series
the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture,
for any waiver of compliance with any provisions of the Indenture or any
defaults and their consequences provided for in the Indenture; (vii) alter or
impair the right to convert any Security at the rate and upon the terms provided
in Article 12; (viii) waive a default in the payment of Principal of or interest
on any Security of such holder (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration
pursuant to Section 4.01); (ix) adversely affect the rights of such holder under
any mandatory redemption or repurchase provision or any right of redemption or
repurchase at the option of such holder; (x) modify any of the provisions of
Section 7.02, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain
other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the
consent of the holder of each outstanding Security affected thereby; or (xi)
change or waive any provision that, pursuant to a board resolution or indenture
supplemental hereto establishing the terms of one or more series of Securities,
is prohibited to be so changed or waived.
-17-
It is also provided in the Indenture that the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount (the principal amount of the Debentures for
consenting holders and all holders shall be calculated by reference to the
principal amount at maturity of such Debentures) of the Debentures then
Outstanding may on behalf of the holders of all the Debentures under
circumstances specified in the Indenture, waive a past Event of Default under
the Indenture and its consequences, except a default in the payment of Principal
of or interest on the Debentures. Any such consent or waiver by the holder of
this Debenture shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all
future holders of this Debenture and of any Debenture or Debentures issued in
exchange or substitution herefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation of
such consent or waiver is made in this Debenture.
Miscellaneous
- -------------
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Debenture or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on this Debenture at the place, at the respective times, at the rate,
and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.
The Indenture permits both covenant defeasance and legal defeasance of the
Debentures pursuant to Article 9 of the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions setting forth certain conditions to the
institution of proceedings by holders of the Debentures with respect to this
Debenture and the Indenture and the enforcement of remedies under this Debenture
and the Indenture, including, without limitation, the appointment of a receiver
or trustee. However, no reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of
this Debenture or the Indenture shall impair or affect the right of any holder
of any Debenture to receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on such Debenture on or after the respective dates expressed in this
Debenture, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or
after such respective dates and any such right or such enforcement thereof shall
not require the consent of any other such holder.
The transfer of this Debenture is registrable by the registered holder
hereof, in person or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, on the books of
the Company to be kept for that purpose at the office or agency of the Company
in New York, New York, upon surrender and cancellation of this Debenture and
upon presentation of a duly executed written instrument of transfer, and
thereupon a new Debenture or Debentures of authorized denominations for the same
aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee or transferees in
exchange herefor; and this Debenture may be in like manner exchanged for one or
more Debentures of other authorized denominations but of the same aggregate
principal amount, all in the manner and subject to the conditions in the
Indenture contained and without payment of any service or other charge, except
for any stamp or other tax or governmental charge in connection therewith. Prior
to due presentment of this Debenture for registration or transfer, the Company,
the Trustee, any paying agent and any Debenture registrar may deem and treat the
person in whose name this Debenture is registered as the absolute owner hereof
for the purpose of receiving payment hereof or on account hereof or of interest
hereon (subject to the provisions of the first paragraph on the face hereof) and
for all other purposes.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of Principal of or interest on
this Debenture or for any claim based hereon or otherwise in any manner in
respect hereof, or in respect of the Indenture, against any subsidiary,
incorporator, stockholder, officer, director or employee, as such past, present
or future, of the Company or any subsidiary, incorporator, stockholder, officer,
director or employee, as such, past, present or future, of any predecessor or
successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitutional provision or
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or in
any other manner, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the
acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof.
-18-
The Indenture and this Debenture shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed
in accordance with the laws of said jurisdiction, except that the rights,
duties, obligations, immunities and limitations of rights of the Trustee
pursuant to the Indenture and the Debenture shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
All capitalized terms used in this Debenture and not otherwise defined
herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.
-19-
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this Debenture, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM- as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT-.....Custodian......
TEN ENT- as tenants by the entireties (Cust) (Minor)
JT TEN - as joint tenants with right of under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act______
survivorship and not as (State)
tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
___________________________
For Value Received, ___________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s)
unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
: :
: :
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
the within Debenture and all rights thereunder, irrevocably constituting and
appointing _____________, Attorney to transfer said Debenture on the books of
the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE
NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN
EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR
ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
--------------------------------------
Name:
COMCAST CORPORATION
1996 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
December 19, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
Page
----
ARTICLE 1 - CONTINUATION AND COVERAGE OF PLAN..................................1
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS........................................................1
ARTICLE 3 - INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS...................................8
ARTICLE 4 - MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION............................................13
ARTICLE 5 - BOOK ACCOUNTS.....................................................14
ARTICLE 6 - NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS.........................................15
ARTICLE 7 - DEATH OF PARTICIPANT..............................................15
ARTICLE 8 - HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTIONS............................................16
ARTICLE 9 - INTERPRETATION....................................................16
ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.........................................17
ARTICLE 11 - WITHHOLDING OF TAXES.............................................17
ARTICLE 12 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.........................................18
ARTICLE 13 - EFFECTIVE DATE...................................................18
-i-
COMCAST CORPORATION
1996 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(As Amended and Restated, Effective December 19, 2000)
ARTICLE 1 - CONTINUATION AND COVERAGE OF PLAN
1.1. Continuation of Plan. COMCAST CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania corporation,
hereby amends and restates the Comcast Corporation 1996 Deferred Compensation
Plan (the "Plan"), effective December 19, 2000. The Plan was initially adopted
effective February 12, 1974 and was amended and restated effective August 15,
1996, and was further amended and restated effective June 21, 1999.
1.2. Plan Unfunded and Limited to Outside Directors and Select Group of
Management or Highly Compensated Employees. The Plan is unfunded and is
maintained primarily for the purpose of providing outside directors and a select
group of management or highly compensated employees the opportunity to defer the
receipt of compensation otherwise payable to such outside directors and eligible
employees in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS
2.1. "Account" means the bookkeeping accounts established pursuant to
Section 5.1 and maintained by the Administrator in the names of the respective
Participants, to which all amounts deferred and earnings allocated under the
Plan shall be credited, and from which all amounts distributed pursuant to the
Plan shall be debited.
2.2. "Active Participant" means:
(a) Each Participant who is in active service as an Outside Director;
and
(b) Each Participant who is actively employed by a Participating
Company as an Eligible Employee.
2.3. "Administrator" means the Committee.
2.4. "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that,
directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term "control,"
including its correlative terms "controlled by" and "under common control with,"
mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
2.5. "Annual Rate of Pay" means, as of any date, an employee's annualized
base pay rate. An employee's Annual Rate of Pay shall not include sales
commissions or other similar payments or awards.
2.6. "Applicable Interest Rate" means:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.6(b), the Applicable
Interest Rate means 12% per annum, compounded annually as of the last day of the
calendar year.
(b) Except to the extent otherwise required by Section 10.2, effective
for the period extending from a Participant's employment termination date to the
date the Participant's Account is distributed in full, the Administrator, in its
sole discretion, may designate the term "Applicable Interest Rate" for such
Participant's Account to mean the lesser of (i) the rate in effect under Section
2.6(a) or (ii) the Prime Rate plus one percent, compounded annually as of the
last day of the calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator
may delegate its authority to determine the Applicable Interest Rate under this
Section 2.6(b) to an officer of the Company or committee of two or more officers
of the Company.
2.7. "Beneficiary" means such person or persons or legal entity or
entities, including, but not limited to, an organization exempt from federal
income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, designated by a Participant or
Beneficiary to receive benefits pursuant to the terms of the Plan after such
Participant's or Beneficiary's death. If no Beneficiary is designated by the
Participant or Beneficiary, or if no Beneficiary survives the Participant or
Beneficiary (as the case may be), the Participant's Beneficiary shall be the
Participant's Surviving Spouse if the Participant has a Surviving Spouse and
otherwise the Participant's estate, and the Beneficiary of a Beneficiary shall
be the Beneficiary's Surviving Spouse if the Beneficiary has a Surviving Spouse
and otherwise the Beneficiary's estate.
2.8. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company, or the Executive
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.9. "Change of Control" means any transaction or series of transactions as
a result of which any Person who was a Third Party immediately before such
transaction or series of transactions directly or indirectly owns
then-outstanding securities of the Company having more than 50 percent of the
voting power for the election of directors of the Company.
2.10. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.11. "Committee" means the Subcommittee on Performance Based Compensation
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.12. "Company" means Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation,
including any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, acquisition of all or
substantially all the assets thereof, or otherwise.
2.13. "Company Stock" means Comcast Corporation Class A Special Common
Stock, par value, $1.00, including a fractional share, or such other securities
issued by Comcast Corporation as may be subject to adjustment in the event that
shares of Company Stock are changed into, or exchanged for, a different number
or kind of shares of stock or other securities of the Company, whether through
merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock
split-up or other substitution of securities of the Company. In such event, the
Committee shall make appropriate equitable anti-dilution adjustments to the
number and class of
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hypothetical shares of Company Stock credited to Participants' Accounts under
the Company Stock Fund. Any reference to the term "Company Stock" in the Plan
shall be a reference to the appropriate number and class of shares of stock as
adjusted pursuant to this Section 2.13. The Committee's adjustment shall be
effective and binding for all purposes of the Plan.
2.14. "Company Stock Fund" means a hypothetical investment fund pursuant to
which income, gains and losses are credited to a Participant's Account as if the
Account, to the extent deemed invested in the Company Stock Fund, were invested
in hypothetical shares of Company Stock, and all dividends and other
distributions paid with respect to Company Stock were held uninvested in cash,
and reinvested in additional hypothetical shares of Company Stock as of the next
succeeding December 31 (to the extent the Account continues to be deemed
invested in the Company Stock Fund through such December 31), based on the Fair
Market Value of the Company Stock for such December 31.
2.15. "Compensation" means:
(a) In the case of an Outside Director, the total cash remuneration
for services as a member of the Board and as a member of any Committee of the
Board; and
(b) In the case of an Eligible Employee, the total cash remuneration
for services payable by a Participating Company, excluding sales commissions or
other similar payments or awards.
2.16. "Death Tax Clearance Date" means the date upon which a Deceased
Participant's or a deceased Beneficiary's Personal Representative certifies to
the Administrator that (i) such Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's
Death Taxes have been finally determined, (ii) all of such Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Death Taxes apportioned against the
Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Account have been paid in full
and (iii) all potential liability for Death Taxes with respect to the Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Account has been satisfied.
2.17. "Death Taxes" means any and all estate, inheritance,
generation-skipping transfer, and other death taxes as well as any interest and
penalties thereon imposed by any governmental entity (a "taxing authority") as a
result of the death of the Participant or the Participant's Beneficiary.
2.18. "Deceased Participant" means a Participant whose employment, or, in
the case of a Participant who was an Outside Director, a Participant whose
service as an Outside Director, is terminated by death.
2.19. "Disabled Participant" means:
(a) A Participant whose employment or, in the case of a Participant
who is an Outside Director, a Participant whose service as an Outside Director,
is terminated by reason of disability;
(b) The duly-appointed legal guardian of an individual described in
Section 2.19(a) acting on behalf of such individual.
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2.20. "Eligible Employee" means:
(a) Each employee of a Participating Company who, as of December 31,
1989, was eligible to participate in the Prior Plan;
(b) Each employee of a Participating Company who was, at any time
before January 1, 1995, eligible to participate in the Prior Plan and whose
Annual Rate of Pay is $90,000 or more as of both (i) the date on which an
Initial Election with respect to the deferral of Compensation is filed with the
Administrator and (ii) the first day of each calendar year beginning after
December 31, 1994.
(c) Each employee of a Participating Company whose Annual Rate of Pay
is $125,000 or more as of both (i) the date on which an Initial Election is
filed with the Administrator and (ii) the first day of the calendar year in
which such Initial Election is filed.
(d) Each employee of a Participating Company who has a title at or
above the level of vice president whose Annual Rate of Pay is $100,000 or more
as of both (i) the date on which an Initial Election is filed with the
Administrator and (ii) the first day of the calendar year in which such Initial
Election is filed.
(e) Each New Key Employee.
(f) Each other employee of a Participating Company who is designated
by the Committee, in its discretion, as an Eligible Employee.
2.21. "Fair Market Value"
(a) If shares of Company Stock are listed on a stock exchange, Fair
Market Value shall be determined based on the last reported sale price of a
Share on the principal exchange on which Shares are listed on the last trading
day prior to the date of determination; or
(b) If shares of Company Stock are not so listed, but trades of Shares
are reported on the Nasdaq National Market the last quoted sale price of a share
on the Nasdaq National Market on the last trading day prior to the date of
determination.
(c) If shares of Company Stock are not so listed nor trades of Shares
so reported, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good
faith.
2.22. "Former Eligible Employee" means an employee of a Participating
Company who, as of any relevant date, does not satisfy the requirements of an
"Eligible Employee" but who previously met such requirements under the Plan or
the Prior Plan.
2.23. "Grandfathered Participant" means an Inactive Participant who, on or
before December 31, 1991, entered into a written agreement with the Company to
terminate service to the Company or gives written notice of intention to
terminate service to the Company, regardless of the actual date of termination
of service.
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2.24. "Hardship" means a Participant's severe financial hardship due to an
unforeseeable emergency resulting from a sudden and unexpected illness or
accident of the Participant, or, a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of
a dependent (as defined by section 152(a) of the Code) of the Participant, or
loss of the Participant's property due to casualty, or other similar and
extraordinary unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond
the control of the Participant. A need to send the Participant's child to
college or a desire to purchase a home is not an unforeseeable emergency. No
Hardship shall be deemed to exist to the extent that the financial hardship is
or may be relieved (a) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or
otherwise, (b) by borrowing from commercial sources on reasonable commercial
terms to the extent that this borrowing would not itself cause a severe
financial hardship, (c) by cessation of deferrals under the Plan, or (d) by
liquidation of the Participant's other assets (including assets of the
Participant's spouse and minor children that are reasonably available to the
Participant) to the extent that this liquidation would not itself cause severe
financial hardship. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the
Participant's resources shall be deemed to include those assets of his spouse
and minor children that are reasonably available to the Participant; however,
property held for the Participant's child under an irrevocable trust or under a
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act custodianship or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
custodianship shall not be treated as a resource of the Participant. The Board
shall determine whether the circumstances of the Participant constitute an
unforeseeable emergency and thus a Hardship within the meaning of this Section.
Following a uniform procedure, the Board's determination shall consider any
facts or conditions deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, and the
Participant shall be required to submit any evidence of the Participant's
circumstances that the Board requires. The determination as to whether the
Participant's circumstances are a case of Hardship shall be based on the facts
of each case; provided however, that all determinations as to Hardship shall be
uniformly and consistently made according to the provisions of this Section for
all Participants in similar circumstances.
2.25. "Inactive Participant" means each Participant (other than a Retired
Participant, Deceased Participant or Disabled Participant) who is not in active
service as an Outside Director and is not actively employed by a Participating
Company.
2.26. "Income Fund" means a hypothetical investment fund pursuant to which
income, gains and losses are credited to a Participant's Account as if the
Account, to the extent deemed invested in the Income Fund, were credited with
interest at the Applicable Interest Rate.
2.27. "Initial Election" means a written election on a form provided by the
Administrator, filed with the Administrator in accordance with Article 3,
pursuant to which an Outside Director or an Eligible Employee may:
(a) Elect to defer all or any portion of the Compensation payable for
the performance of services as an Outside Director or as an Eligible Employee
following the time that such election is filed; and
(b) Designate the time of payment of the amount of deferred
Compensation to which the Initial Election relates.
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2.28. "Insider" means an Eligible Employee or Outside Director who is
subject to the short-swing profit recapture rules of section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.29. "New Key Employee" means each employee of a Participating Company:
(a) Hired on or after August 15, 1996, whose Annual Rate of Pay on
such employee's date of hire is $125,000 or more;
(b) Hired on or after June 21, 1999, who has a title at or above the
level of vice president and whose Annual Rate of Pay on such employee's date of
hire is $100,000 or more; and
(c) Who first becomes an Eligible Employee as a result of the
amendment of the Plan effective June 21, 1999.
2.30. "Normal Retirement" means:
(a) For a Participant who is an employee of a Participating Company
immediately preceding his termination of employment, a termination of employment
that is treated by the Participating Company as a retirement under its
employment policies and practices as in effect from time to time; and
(b) For a Participant who is an Outside Director immediately preceding
his termination of service, his normal retirement from the Board.
2.31. "Outside Director" means a member of the Board, who is not an
employee of a Participating Company.
2.32. "Participant" means each individual who has made an Initial Election,
and who has an undistributed amount credited to an Account under the Plan,
including an Active Participant, a Deceased Participant and an Inactive
Participant.
2.33. "Participating Company" means:
(a) The Company;
(b) Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries;
(c) Comcast International Holdings, Inc.;
(d) Comcast Online Communications, Inc.;
(e) Comcast Business Communications, Inc.; and
(f) Any other entities identified in the discretion of the Committee.
2.34. "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust or any other entity or organization.
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2.35. "Plan" means the Comcast Corporation 1996 Deferred Compensation Plan,
as set forth herein, and as amended from time to time.
2.36. "Prime Rate" means the annual rate of interest identified by PNC Bank
as its prime rate as of a Participant's employment termination date and as of
the first day of each calendar year beginning thereafter.
2.37. "Prior Plan" means the Comcast Corporation Deferred Compensation
Plan.
2.38. "Retired Participant" means a Participant who has terminated service
pursuant to a Normal Retirement.
2.39. "Roberts Family" means each of the following:
(a) Brian L. Roberts;
(b) A lineal descendant of Brian L. Roberts; or
(c) A trust established for the benefit of any of Brian L. Roberts
and/or a lineal descendant or descendants of Brian L. Roberts.
2.40. "Severance Pay" means any amount identified by a Participating
Company as severance-pay, or any amount which is payable on account of periods
beginning after the last date on which an employee (or former employee) is
required to report for work for a Participating Company.
2.41. "Subsequent Election" means a written election on a form provided by
the Administrator, filed with the Administrator in accordance with Article 3,
pursuant to which a Participant or Beneficiary may elect to defer (or, in
limited cases, accelerate) the time of payment or to change the manner of
payment of amounts previously deferred in accordance with the terms of a
previously made Initial Election or Subsequent Election.
2.42. "Surviving Spouse" means the widow or widower, as the case may be, of
a Deceased Participant or a Deceased Beneficiary (as applicable).
2.43. "Terminating Event" means either of the following events:
(a) The liquidation of the Company; or
(b) A Change of Control.
2.44. "Third Party" means any Person, together with such Person's
Affiliates, provided that the term "Third Party" shall not include the Company,
an Affiliate of the Company or any member or members of the Roberts Family.
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ARTICLE 3 - INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS
3.1. Elections.
(a) Initial Elections. Each Outside Director and Eligible Employee
shall have the right to defer all or any portion of the Compensation (including
bonuses, if any) that he would otherwise be entitled to receive in a calendar
year by filing an Initial Election at the time and in the manner described in
this Article 3; provided that Severance Pay shall be included as "Compensation"
for purposes of this Section 3.1 only to the extent permitted by the
Administrator in its sole discretion. The Compensation of such Outside Director
or Eligible Employee for a calendar year shall be reduced in an amount equal to
the portion of the Compensation deferred by such Outside Director or Eligible
Employee for such calendar year pursuant to such Outside Director's or Eligible
Employee's Initial Election. Such reduction shall be effected on a pro rata
basis from each periodic installment payment of such Outside Director's or
Eligible Employee's Compensation for the calendar year (in accordance with the
general pay practices of the Participating Company), and credited, as a
bookkeeping entry, to such Outside Director's or Eligible Employee's Account in
accordance with Section 5.1.
(b) Subsequent Elections. Each Participant or Beneficiary shall have
the right to elect to defer (or, in limited cases, accelerate) the time of
payment or to change the manner of payment of amounts previously deferred in
accordance with the terms of a previously made Initial Election pursuant to the
terms of the Plan by filing a Subsequent Election at the time, to the extent,
and in the manner described in this Article 3.
3.2. Filing of Initial Election: General. An Initial Election shall be made
on the form provided by the Administrator for this purpose. Except as provided
in Section 3.3, no such Initial Election shall be effective unless it is filed
with the Administrator on or before December 31 of the calendar year preceding
the calendar year to which the Initial Election applies.
3.3. Filing of Initial Election by New Key Employees. Notwithstanding
Section 3.1 and Section 3.2, a New Key Employee may elect to defer all or any
portion of his Compensation to be earned in the calendar year in which the New
Key Employee was employed, beginning with the payroll period next following the
filing of an Initial Election with the Administrator and before the close of
such calendar year by making and filing the Initial Election with the
Administrator within 30 days of such New Key Employee's date of hire. Any
Initial Election by such New Key Employee for succeeding calendar years shall be
made in accordance with Section 3.1 and Section 3.2.
3.4. Calendar Years to which Initial Election May Apply. A separate Initial
Election may be made for each calendar year as to which an Outside Director or
Eligible Employee desires to defer all or any portion of such Outside Director's
or Eligible Employee's Compensation. The failure of an Outside Director or
Eligible Employee to make an Initial Election for any calendar year shall not
affect such Outside Director's or Eligible Employee's right to make an Initial
Election for any other calendar year.
3.5. Initial Election of Distribution Date. Each Outside Director or
Eligible Employee shall, contemporaneously with an Initial Election, also elect
the time of payment of
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the amount of the deferred Compensation to which such Initial Election relates;
provided, however, that, subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 3.6(d) or
(e), Section 3.7, Section 7.1, 7.2, or Article 8, no distribution may commence
earlier than January 2nd of the second calendar year beginning after the date
the Initial Election is filed with the Administrator, nor later than January 2nd
of the eleventh calendar year beginning after the date the Initial Election is
filed with the Administrator. Further, each Outside Director or Eligible
Employee may select with each Initial Election the manner of distribution in
accordance with Article 4.
3.6. Subsequent Elections.
(a) Active Participants. Each Active Participant, who has made an
Initial Election, or who has made a Subsequent Election, may elect to change the
manner of distribution or defer the time of payment of any part or all of such
Participant's Account for a minimum of two and a maximum of ten additional years
from the previously-elected payment date, by filing a Subsequent Election with
the Administrator on or before the close of business on June 30 of the calendar
year preceding the calendar year in which the lump-sum distribution or initial
installment payment would otherwise be made. The number of Subsequent Elections
under this Section 3.6(a) shall not be limited.
(b) Inactive Participants. The Committee may, in its sole and absolute
discretion, permit an Inactive Participant to make a Subsequent Election to
change the manner of distribution, or defer the time of payment of any part or
all of such Inactive Participant's Account for a minimum of two years and a
maximum of ten additional years from the previously-elected payment date, by
filing a Subsequent Election with the Administrator on or before the close of
business on June 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which
the lump-sum distribution or initial installment payment would otherwise be
made. The number of Subsequent Elections under this Section 3.6(b) shall be
determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.
(c) Surviving Spouses.
(i) General Rule. A Surviving Spouse who is a Deceased
Participant's Beneficiary may elect to change the manner of distribution, or
defer the time of payment, of any part or all of such Deceased Participant's
Account the payment of which would be made neither within six (6) months after,
nor within the calendar year of, the date of such election. Such election shall
be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the Administrator in which the
Surviving Spouse shall specify the change in the manner of distribution or the
change in the time of payment, which shall be no less than two nor more than ten
years from the previously-elected payment date, or such Surviving Spouse may
elect to defer payment until such Surviving Spouse's death. A Surviving Spouse
may make a total of two (2) Subsequent Elections under this Section 3.6(c)(i),
with respect to all or any part of the Deceased Participant's Account.
Subsequent Elections pursuant to this Section 3.6(c)(i) may specify different
changes with respect to different parts of the Deceased Participant's Account.
(ii) Exception. Notwithstanding the above Section 3.6(c)(i), a
Subsequent Election may be made by a Surviving Spouse within sixty (60) days of
the Deceased Participant's death; provided, however, such election may only be
made with respect to amounts
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which would not be paid under the Deceased Participant's election as in effect
on the date of the Deceased Participant's death until a date which is at least
six (6) months from the Deceased Participant's date of death. Such election
shall be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the Administrator in which
the Surviving Spouse shall specify the change in the manner of distribution or
the change in the time of payment, which shall be no less than two (2) nor more
than ten (10) years from the previously-elected payment date, or such Surviving
Spouse may elect to defer payment until such Surviving Spouse's death. A
Surviving Spouse may only make one (1) Subsequent Election under this Section
3.6(c)(ii) with respect to all or any part of the Deceased Participant's
Account. Such Surviving Spouse may, however, make one additional Subsequent
Election under Section 3.6(c)(i) in accordance with the terms of Section
3.6(c)(i). The one (1) Subsequent Election permitted under this Section
3.6(c)(ii) may specify different changes for different parts of the Deceased
Participant's Account.
(d) Beneficiary of a Deceased Participant Other Than a Surviving
Spouse.
(i) General Rule. A Beneficiary of a Deceased Participant (other
than a Surviving Spouse) may elect to change the manner of distribution, or
defer the time of payment, of any part or all of such Deceased Participant's
Account the payment of which would be made neither within six (6) months after,
nor within the calendar year of, the date of such election. Such election shall
be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the Administrator in which the
Beneficiary shall specify the change in the manner of distribution or the change
in the time of payment, which shall be no less than two (2) nor more than ten
(10) years from the previously-elected payment date. A Beneficiary may make one
(1) Subsequent Election under this Section 3.6(d)(i), with respect to all or any
part of the Deceased Participant's Account. Subsequent Elections pursuant to
this Section 3.6(d)(i) may specify different changes for different parts of the
Deceased Participant's Account.
(ii) Exception. Notwithstanding the above Section 3.6(d)(i), a
Subsequent Election may be made by a Beneficiary within sixty (60) days of the
Deceased Participant's death; provided, however, such election may only be made
with respect to amounts which would not be paid under the Deceased Participant's
election as in effect on the date of the Deceased Participant's death until a
date which is at least six (6) months from the Deceased Participant's date of
death. Such election shall be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the
Administrator in which the Beneficiary shall specify the change in the manner of
distribution or the change in the time of payment, which shall be no less than
two (2) nor more than ten (10) years from the previously-elected payment date. A
Beneficiary may make one (1) Subsequent Election under this Section 3.6(d)(ii)
with respect to all or any part of the Deceased Participant's Account.
Subsequent Elections pursuant to this Section 3.6(d)(ii) may specify different
changes for different parts of the Deceased Participant's Account.
(e) Other Deferral and Acceleration by a Beneficiary. Any Beneficiary
(other than a Surviving Spouse who has made a Subsequent Election under Section
3.6(c) or a Beneficiary who has made a Subsequent Election under Section 3.6(d))
may elect to change the manner of distribution from the manner of distribution
in which payment of a Deceased Participant's Account would otherwise be made,
and
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(i) Defer the time of payment of any part or all of the Deceased
Participant's Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account for one additional year
from the date a payment would otherwise be made or begin (provided that if a
Subsequent Election is made pursuant to this Section 3.6(e)(i), the Deceased
Participant's Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account shall be in all events
distributed in full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Deceased
Participant's or a deceased Beneficiary's death); or
(ii) Accelerate the time of payment of a Deceased Participant's
Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account from the date or dates that payment
would otherwise be made or begin to the date that is the later of (A) six (6)
months after the date of the Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's
death and (B) January 2nd of the calendar year beginning after the Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's death, provided that if a Subsequent
Election is made pursuant to this Section 3.6(e)(ii), the Deceased Participant's
Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account shall be distributed in full on such
accelerated payment date.
A Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section 3.6(e) must be filed with the
Administrator within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's death. One and only one Subsequent
Election shall be permitted pursuant to this Section 3.6(e) with respect to a
Deceased Participant's Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account, although if
such Subsequent Election is filed pursuant to Section 3.6(e)(i), it may specify
different changes for different parts of the Account.
(f) Disabled Participant. A Disabled Participant (who has not been
permitted to make a Subsequent Election under Section 3.6(h)) may elect to
change the form of distribution from the form of distribution that the payment
of the Disabled Participant's Account would otherwise be made and may elect to
accelerate the time of payment of the Disabled Participant's Account from the
date payment would otherwise be made to January 2nd of the calendar year
beginning after the Participant became disabled. A Subsequent Election pursuant
to this Section 3.6(f) must be filed with the Administrator on or before the
close of business on the later of (i) the June 30 following the date the
Participant becomes a Disabled Participant if the Participant becomes a Disabled
Participant on or before May 1 of a calendar year; (ii) the 60th day following
the date the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant if the Participant
becomes a Disabled Participant after May 1 and before November 2 of a calendar
year or (iii) the December 31 following the date the Participant becomes a
Disabled Participant if the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant after
November 1 of a calendar year.
(g) Retired Participant. A Retired Participant (who has not been
permitted to make a Subsequent Election under Section 3.6(h)) may elect to
change the form of distribution from the form of distribution that payment of
the Retired Participant's Account would otherwise be made and may elect to defer
the time of payment of the Retired Participant's Account for a minimum of two
additional years from the date payment would otherwise be made (provided that if
a Subsequent Election is made pursuant to this Section 3.6(g), the Retired
Participant's Account shall be distributed in full on or before the fifth
anniversary of the Retired Participant's Normal Retirement). A Subsequent
Election pursuant to this Section 3.6(g) must be filed with the Administrator on
or before the close of business on the later of (i) the June 30 following the
Participant's Normal Retirement on or before May 1 or a calendar year, (ii) the
60th day following the Participant's Normal Retirement after May 1 and before
November 2 of a calendar
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year or (iii) the December 31 following the Participant's Normal Retirement
after November 1 of a calendar year.
(h) Retired Participants and Disabled Participants. The Committee may,
in its sole and absolute discretion, permit a Retired Participant or a Disabled
Participant to make a Subsequent Election to change the form of distribution
that the payment of the Retired Participant's account would otherwise be made or
to defer the time of payment of any part or all of such Retired or Disabled
Participant's Account for a minimum of two years and a maximum of ten additional
years from the previously-elected payment date, by filing a Subsequent Election
with the Administrator on or before the close of business on June 30 of the
calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the lump-sum distribution or
initial installment payment would otherwise be made. The number of Subsequent
Elections under this Section 3.6(h) shall be determined by the Committee in its
sole and absolute discretion.
(i) Most Recently Filed Initial Election or Subsequent Election
Controlling. Subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 3.6(e) or 3.6(f),
Section 3.7 or Section 7.1, no distribution of the amounts deferred by a
Participant for any calendar year shall be made before the payment date
designated by the Participant or Beneficiary on the most recently filed Initial
Election or Subsequent Election with respect to each deferred amount.
3.7. Distribution in Full Upon Terminating Event. The Company shall give
Participants at least thirty (30) days notice (or, if not practicable, such
shorter notice as may be reasonably practicable) prior to the anticipated date
of the consummation of a Terminating Event. The Committee may, in its
discretion, provide in such notice that notwithstanding any other provision of
the Plan or the terms of any Initial Election or Subsequent Election, upon the
consummation of a Terminating Event, the Account balance of each Participant
shall be distributed in full and any outstanding Initial Elections or Subsequent
Elections shall be revoked.
3.8. Withholding and Payment of Death Taxes.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary,
including but not limited to the provisions of Article 3 and Article 7, or any
Initial or Subsequent Election filed by a Deceased Participant or a Deceased
Participant's Beneficiary (for purposes of this Section, the "Decedent"), the
Administrator shall apply the terms of Section 3.8(b) to the Decedent's Account
unless the Decedent affirmatively has elected, in writing, filed with the
Administrator, to waive the application of Section 3.8(b).
(b) Unless the Decedent affirmatively has elected, pursuant to Section
3.8(a), that the terms of this Section 3.8(b) not apply:
(i) The Administrator shall prohibit the Decedent's Beneficiary
from taking any action under any of the provisions of the Plan with regard to
the Decedent's Account other than the Beneficiary's making of a Subsequent
Election pursuant to Section 3.6;
(ii) The Administrator shall defer payment of the Decedent's
Account until the later of the Death Tax Clearance Date and the payment date
designated in the Decedent's Initial Election or Subsequent Election;
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(iii) The Administrator shall withdraw from the Decedent's Account
such amount or amounts as the Decedent's Personal Representative shall certify
to the Administrator as being necessary to pay the Death Taxes apportioned
against the Decedent's Account; the Administrator shall remit the amounts so
withdrawn to the Personal Representative, who shall apply the same to the
payment of the Decedent's Death Taxes, or the Administrator may pay such amounts
directly to any taxing authority as payment on account of Decedent's Death
Taxes, as the Administrator elects;
(iv) If the Administrator makes a withdrawal from the Decedent's
Account to pay the Decedent's Death Taxes and such withdrawal causes the
recognition of income to the Beneficiary, the Administrator shall pay to the
Beneficiary from the Decedent's Account, within thirty (30) days of the
Beneficiary's request, the amount necessary to enable the Beneficiary to pay the
Beneficiary's income tax liability resulting from such recognition of income;
additionally, the Administrator shall pay to the Beneficiary from the Decedent's
Account, within thirty (30) days of the Beneficiary's request, such additional
amounts as are required to enable the Beneficiary to pay the Beneficiary's
income tax liability attributable to the Beneficiary's recognition of income
resulting from a distribution from the Decedent's Account pursuant to this
Section 3.8(b)(iv);
(v) Amounts withdrawn from the Decedent's Account by the
Administrator pursuant to Sections 3.8(b)(iii) and 3.8(b)(iv) shall be withdrawn
from the portions of Decedent's Account having the earliest distribution dates
as specified in Decedent's Initial Election or Subsequent Election; and
(vi) Within a reasonable time after the later to occur of the
Death Tax Clearance Date and the payment date designated in the Decedent's
Initial Election or Subsequent Election, the Administrator shall pay the
Decedent's Account to the Beneficiary.
ARTICLE 4 - MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION
4.1. Manner of Distribution. Amounts credited to an Account shall be
distributed, pursuant to an Initial Election or Subsequent Election in either
(a) a lump sum payment or (b) substantially equal annual installments over a
five (5), ten (10) or fifteen (15) year period or (c) substantially equal
monthly installments over a period not exceeding fifteen (15) years.
Notwithstanding any Initial Election or Subsequent Election to the contrary,
distributions pursuant to Initial Elections or Subsequent Elections made after
December 10, 1996 shall be made in one lump sum payment unless the portion of a
Participant's Account subject to distribution, as of both the date of the
Initial Election or Subsequent Election and the benefit commencement date, is
more than $10,000.
4.2. Determination of Account Balances for Purposes of Distribution. The
amount of any distribution made pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be based on the
balances in the Participant's Account on the date of distribution. For this
purpose, the balance in a Participant's Account shall be calculated by crediting
income, gains and losses under the Company Stock Fund and Income Fund, as
applicable, through the date immediately preceding the date of distribution.
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ARTICLE 5 - BOOK ACCOUNTS
5.1. Deferred Compensation Account. A deferred Compensation Account shall
be established for each Outside Director and Eligible Employee when such Outside
Director or Eligible Employee becomes a Participant. The balance of each
Participant's Account as of January 1, 1997 shall include the balance of such
Participant's account under the Prior Plan as of December 31, 1996. Compensation
deferred pursuant to the Plan shall be credited to the Account on the date such
Compensation would otherwise have been payable to the Participant. Income, gains
and losses on the balance of the Account shall be credited to the Account as
provided in Section 5.2.
5.2. Crediting of Income, Gains and Losses on Accounts.
(a) In General. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.2, the
Administrator shall credit income, gains and losses with respect to each
Participant's Account as if it were invested in the Income Fund.
(b) Investment Fund Elections.
(i) Each Active Participant, other than an Active Participant who
is an Insider, may elect to have all or any portion of his Account (to the
extent credited through the December 31 preceding the effective date of such
election) credited with income, gains and losses as if it were invested in the
Company Stock Fund or the Income Fund.
(ii) An investment fund election shall continue in effect until
revoked or superseded, provided that notwithstanding any investment fund
election to the contrary, as of the valuation date (as determined under Section
4.2) for the distribution of all or any portion of a Participant's Account that
is subject to distribution in the form of installments described in Section
4.1(b) or (c), such Account, or portion thereof, shall be deemed invested in the
Income Fund (and transferred from the Company Stock Fund to the Income Fund, to
the extent necessary) until such Account, or portion thereof, is distributed in
full.
(iii) In the absence of an effective election, a Participant shall
be deemed to have elected to have the Account credited with income, gains and
losses as if it were invested in the Income Fund.
(iv) Investment fund elections under this Section 5.2(b) shall be
effective as of the first day of each calendar year beginning on and after
January 1, 1997, provided that the election is filed with the Committee on or
before the close of business on December 31 of the calendar year preceding such
calendar year. An Active Participant may only make an investment fund election
with respect to the Participant's accumulated Account as of December 31, and not
with respect to Compensation to be deferred for a calendar year.
(v) If an Active Participant who was not an Insider becomes an
Insider, then, notwithstanding the foregoing, such Active Participant may elect
to transfer the portion of his Account, if any, deemed invested in the Company
Stock Fund to be deemed invested in the Income Fund, effective as of the first
day of any calendar month beginning after such Active Participant becomes an
Insider.
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(vi) If a Participant ceases to continue in service as an Active
Participant, then, notwithstanding any election to the contrary, such
Participant's Account shall be deemed invested in the Income Fund, effective as
of the first day of any calendar year beginning after such Participant ceases to
continue in service as an Active Participant.
(c) Timing of Credits. Compensation deferred pursuant to the Plan
shall be deemed invested in the Income Fund on the date such Compensation would
otherwise have been payable to the Participant. Accumulated Account balances
subject to an investment fund election under Section 5.2(b) shall be deemed
invested in the applicable investment fund as of the effective date of such
election. The value of amounts deemed invested in the Company Stock Fund shall
be based on hypothetical purchases and sales of Company Stock at Fair Market
Value as of the effective date of an investment election.
5.3. Status of Deferred Amounts. Regardless of whether or not the Company
is a Participant's employer, all Compensation deferred under this Plan shall
continue for all purposes to be a part of the general funds of the Company.
5.4. Participants' Status as General Creditors. Regardless of whether or
not the Company is a Participant's employer, an Account shall at all times
represent a general obligation of the Company. The Participant shall be a
general creditor of the Company with respect to this obligation, and shall not
have a secured or preferred position with respect to the Participant's Accounts.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to create an escrow, trust, custodial
account or fiduciary relationship of any kind. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed to eliminate any priority or preferred position of a Participant in a
bankruptcy matter with respect to claims for wages.
ARTICLE 6 - NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the right of any
Participant or Beneficiary to any benefit or interest under any of the
provisions of this Plan shall not be subject to encumbrance, attachment,
execution, garnishment, assignment, pledge, alienation, sale, transfer, or
anticipation, either by the voluntary or involuntary act of any Participant or
any Participant's Beneficiary or by operation of law, nor shall such payment,
right, or interest be subject to any other legal or equitable process.
ARTICLE 7 - DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
7.1. Death of Participant. A Deceased Participant's Account shall be
distributed in accordance with the last Initial Election or Subsequent Election
made by the Deceased Participant before the Deceased Participant's death, unless
the Deceased Participant's Surviving Spouse or other Beneficiary timely elects
to accelerate or defer the time or change the manner of payment pursuant to
Section 3.6.
7.2. Designation of Beneficiaries. Each Participant and Beneficiary shall
have the right to designate one or more Beneficiaries to receive distributions
in the event of the Participant's or Beneficiary's death by filing with the
Administrator a Beneficiary designation on the form provided by the
Administrator for such purpose. The designation of a Beneficiary or
Beneficiaries may be changed by a Participant or Beneficiary at any time prior
to such
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Participant's or Beneficiary's death by the delivery to the Administrator of a
new Beneficiary designation form.
ARTICLE 8 - HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTIONS
Notwithstanding the terms of an Initial Election or Subsequent Election,
if, at the Participant's request, the Board determines that the Participant has
incurred a Hardship, the Board may, in its discretion, authorize the immediate
distribution of all or any portion of the Participant's Account.
ARTICLE 9 - INTERPRETATION
9.1. Authority of Committee. The Committee shall have full and exclusive
authority to construe, interpret and administer this Plan and the Committee's
construction and interpretation thereof shall be binding and conclusive on all
persons for all purposes.
9.2. Claims Procedure. An individual (hereinafter referred to as the
"Applicant," which reference shall include the legal representative, if any, of
the individual) does not receive timely payment of benefits to which the
Applicant believes he is entitled under the Plan, the Applicant may make a claim
for benefits in the manner hereinafter provided.
An Applicant may file a claim for benefits with the Administrator on a form
supplied by the Administrator. If the Administrator wholly or partially denies a
claim, the Administrator shall provide the Applicant with a written notice
stating:
(a) The specific reason or reasons for the denial;
(b) Specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the
denial is based;
(c) A description of any additional material or information necessary
for the Applicant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material
or information is necessary; and
(d) Appropriate information as to the steps to be taken in order to
submit a claim for review.
Written notice of a denial of a claim shall be provided within 90 days of the
receipt of the claim, provided that if special circumstances require an
extension of time for processing the claim, the Administrator may notify the
Applicant in writing that an additional period of up to 90 days will be required
to process the claim.
If the Applicant's claim is denied, the Applicant shall have 60 days from
the date of receipt of written notice of the denial of the claim to request a
review of the denial of the claim by the Administrator. Request for review of
the denial of a claim must be submitted in writing. The Applicant shall have the
right to review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments to the
Administrator in writing. The Administrator shall provide a written decision
within 60 days of its receipt of the Applicant's request for review, provided
that if special
-16-
circumstances require an extension of time for processing the review of the
Applicant's claim, the Administrator may notify the Applicant in writing that an
additional period of up to 60 days shall be required to process the Applicant's
request for review.
It is intended that the claims procedures of this Plan be administered in
accordance with the claims procedure regulations of the Department of Labor set
forth in 29 CFR ss. 2560.503-1.
Claims for benefits under the Plan must be filed with the Administrator at
the following address:
Comcast Corporation
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: General Counsel
ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
10.1. Amendment or Termination. Except as otherwise provided by Section
10.2, the Company, by action of the Board or by action of the Committee,
reserves the right at any time, or from time to time, to amend or modify this
Plan. The Company, by action of the Board, reserves the right at any time to
terminate this Plan.
10.2. Amendment of Rate of Credited Earnings. No amendment shall change the
Applicable Interest Rate with respect to the portion of a Participant's Account
that is attributable to an Initial Election or Subsequent Election made with
respect to Compensation earned in a calendar year and filed with the
Administrator before the date of adoption of such amendment by the Board. For
purposes of this Section 10.2, a Subsequent Election to defer the payment of
part or all of an Account for an additional period after a previously-elected
payment date (as described in Section 3.6) shall be treated as a separate
Subsequent Election from any previous Initial Election or Subsequent Election
with respect to such Account.
ARTICLE 11 - WITHHOLDING OF TAXES
Whenever the Participating Company is required to credit deferred
Compensation to the Account of a Participant, the Participating Company shall
have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Participating Company
an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax
requirements prior to the date on which the deferred Compensation shall be
deemed credited to the Account of the Participant, or take any action whatever
that it deems necessary to protect its interests with respect to tax
liabilities. The Participating Company's obligation to credit deferred
Compensation to an Account shall be conditioned on the Participant's compliance,
to the Participating Company's satisfaction, with any withholding requirement.
To the maximum extent possible, the Participating Company shall satisfy all
applicable withholding tax requirements by withholding tax from other
Compensation payable by the Participating Company to the Participant, or by the
Participant's delivery of cash to the Participating Company in an amount equal
to the applicable withholding tax.
-17-
ARTICLE 12 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12.1. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed as conferring upon any Participant the right to remain in service as
an Outside Director or in the employment of a Participating Company as an
executive or in any other capacity.
12.2. Expenses of Plan. All expenses of the Plan shall be paid by the
Participating Companies.
12.3. Gender and Number. Whenever any words are used herein in any specific
gender, they shall be construed as though they were also used in any other
applicable gender. The singular form, whenever used herein, shall mean or
include the plural form, and vice versa, as the context may require.
12.4. Law Governing Construction. The construction and administration of
the Plan and all questions pertaining thereto, shall be governed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and other
applicable federal law and, to the extent not governed by federal law, by the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
12.5. Headings Not a Part Hereof. Any headings preceding the text of the
several Articles, Sections, subsections, or paragraphs hereof are inserted
solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of the Plan,
nor shall they affect its meaning, construction, or effect.
12.6. Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Plan is
determined to be void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Plan shall
continue to operate and, for the purposes of the jurisdiction of that court
only, shall be deemed not to include the provision determined to be void.
ARTICLE 13 - EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this amendment and restatement of the Plan shall be
December 19, 2000.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMCAST CORPORATION has caused this Plan to be executed
by its officers thereunto duly authorized, and its corporate seal to be affixed
hereto, as of the 19th day of December, 2000.
COMCAST CORPORATION
BY:
--------------------------------------
ATTEST:
-----------------------------------------
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COMCAST CORPORATION
1996 CASH BONUS PLAN
(Amended and Restated, Effective December 19, 2000)
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the ability of Comcast
Corporation (the "Company") and its Affiliates (as defined below) to retain and
recruit employees and enhance the growth and profitability of the Company by
providing the incentive of short-term and long-term cash bonus awards for
continued employment and the attainment of performance objectives.
2. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other person
that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term
"control," including its correlative terms "controlled by" and "under common
control with," mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
(b) "Award" or "Cash Bonus Award" means a cash bonus award granted
under the Plan.
(c) "Award Period" means the period extending from January 1 of the
first Plan Year to which an Award applies through December 31 of the last Plan
Year to which such Award applies.
(d) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) "Change of Control" means any transaction or series of
transactions as a result of which any Person who was a Third Party immediately
before such transaction or series of transactions directly or indirectly owns
then-outstanding securities of the Company having more than 50 percent of the
voting power for the election of directors of the Company.
(f) "Committee" means the Subcommittee on Performance Based
Compensation of the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(g) "Company means Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation,
including any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, acquisition of all or
substantially all the assets thereof, or otherwise.
(h) "Date of Grant" means the date on which an Award is granted.
(i) "Eligible Employee" means an employee of the Company or an
Affiliate of the Company, as determined by the Committee.
(j) "Grantee" means an Eligible Employee who is granted an Award.
(k) "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust or any other entity or organization.
(l) "Plan" means the Comcast Corporation 1996 Cash Bonus Plan, as
set forth herein, and as amended from time to time.
(m) "Plan Year" means the calendar year.
(n) "Roberts Family." Each of the following is a member of the
Roberts Family:
(i) Brian L.Roberts;
(ii) a lineal descendant of Brian L. Roberts; or
(iii) a trust established for the benefit of any of Brian L.
Roberts and/or a lineal descendant or descendants of Brian L. Roberts.
(o) "Target" means, for any Plan Year or Award Period, the
performance objective or objectives established by the Committee.
(p) "Terminating Event" means any of the following events:
(i) the liquidation of the Sponsor; or
(ii) a Change of Control.
(q) "Third Party" means any Person, together with such Person's
Affiliates, provided that the term "Third Party" shall not include the Company,
an Affiliate of the Company or any member or members of the Roberts Family.
-2-
3. RIGHTS TO BE GRANTED
Rights that may be granted under the Plan are rights to cash
payments, payable in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the Award
document.
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
(a) Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the
Committee.
(b) Grants. Subject to the express terms and conditions set forth
in the Plan, the Committee shall have the power, from time to time, to:
(i) select those Eligible Employees to whom Awards shall be
granted under the Plan, to determine the amount of cash to be paid pursuant to
each Award, and, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, to determine the terms
and conditions of each Award; and
(ii) interpret the Plan's provisions, prescribe, amend and
rescind rules and regulations for the Plan, and make all other determinations
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
The determination of the Committee in all matters as stated above shall be
conclusive.
(c) Meetings. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and
places as it may determine. Acts approved at a meeting by a majority of the
members of the Committee or acts approved in writing by the unanimous consent of
the members of the Committee shall be the valid acts of the Committee.
(d) Exculpation. No member of the Committee shall be personally
liable for monetary damages for any action taken or any failure to take any
action in connection with the administration of the Plan or the granting of
Awards thereunder unless (i) the member of the Committee has breached or failed
to perform the duties of his office, and (ii) the breach or failure to perform
constitutes self-dealing, wilful misconduct or recklessness; provided, however,
that the provisions of this Paragraph 4(d) shall not apply to the responsibility
or liability of a member of the Committee pursuant to any criminal statute.
(e) Indemnification. Service on the Committee shall constitute
service as a member of the Board. Each member of the Committee shall be entitled
without further act on his part to indemnity from the Company to the fullest
extent provided by applicable law and the Company's Articles of Incorporation
and By-laws in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding
with respect to the administration of the Plan or the granting of Awards
thereunder in which he may be involved by reason of his being or having been a
member of the
-3-
Committee, whether or not he continues to be such member of the Committee at the
time of the action, suit or proceeding.
5. ELIGIBILITY
Awards may be granted only to Eligible Employees of the Company
and its Affiliates, as determined by the Committee. No Awards shall be granted
to an individual who is not an Eligible Employee of the Company or an Affiliate
of the Company.
6. CASH BONUS AWARDS
The Committee may grant Awards in accordance with the Plan. The
terms and conditions of Awards shall be set forth in writing as determined from
time to time by the Committee, consistent, however, with the following:
(a) Time of Grant. Awards may be granted at any time from the date
of adoption of the Plan by the Board until the Plan is terminated by the Board
or the Committee.
(b) Non-uniformity of Awards. The provisions of Awards need not be
the same with respect to each Grantee.
(c) Awards and Agreements. The terms of each Award shall be
reflected in an Award document in form and substance satisfactory to the
Committee.
(d) Conditions to Payment of Awards. The Committee shall establish
such conditions on the payment of a bonus pursuant to an Award as it may, in its
sole discretion, deem appropriate. The conditions shall be set forth in the
Award document. The Award may provide for the payment of Awards in installments,
or upon the satisfaction of divisional or Company-wide Targets, as determined by
the Committee. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, waive, in whole or in
part, any remaining conditions to payment of a Grantee's Award. The Grantee
shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign any amount payable
pursuant to the Plan or an Award (provided that the right to payment under an
Award may pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution).
(e) Termination of Grantee's Employment.
(1) A transfer of an Eligible Employee between two employers,
each of which is the Company or an Affiliate of the Company (a "Transfer"),
shall not be deemed a termination of employment. The Committee may grant Awards
pursuant to which the Committee reserves the right to modify the calculation of
an Award in connection with a Transfer. In general, except as otherwise provided
by the Committee at the time an Award is granted or in connection with a
Transfer, upon the Transfer of a Grantee between divisions while
-4-
an Award is outstanding and unexpired, the outstanding Award shall be treated as
having terminated and expired, and a new Award shall be treated as having been
made, effective as of the effective date of the Transfer, for the portion of the
Award which had not expired or been paid, but subject to the performance and
payment conditions applicable generally to Awards for Grantees who are employees
of the transferee division, all as shall be determined by the Committee in an
equitable manner.
(2) In the event that a Grantee terminates employment with the
Company and its Affiliates, all Awards remaining subject to conditions to
payment shall be forfeited by the Grantee and deemed canceled by the Company.
(f) Time of Grant. Subject to Paragraph 7, following the
satisfaction of the conditions to payment of an Award, the Company shall pay the
Grantee (or the person to whom the right to payment may have passed by will or
the laws of descent and distribution) the amount payable in connection with the
lapse of such restrictions.
7. TAXES
The Company shall withhold the amount of any federal, state, local
or other tax, charge or assessment attributable to the grant of any Award or
lapse of restrictions under any Award as it may deem necessary or appropriate,
in its sole discretion.
8. TERMINATING EVENTS
The Committee shall give Grantees at least thirty (30) days' notice
(or, if not practicable, such shorter notice as may be reasonably practicable)
prior to the anticipated date of the consummation of a Terminating Event. The
Committee may, in its discretion, provide in such notice that upon the
consummation of such Terminating Event, any remaining conditions to payment of a
Grantee's Award shall be waived, in whole or in part.
9. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
The Plan may be terminated by the Board or the Committee at any
time. The Plan may be amended by the Board or the Committee at any time. No
Award shall be affected by any such termination or amendment without the written
consent of the Grantee.
10. EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this amendment and restatement of the Plan is
December 19, 2000, the date on which it was adopted by the Committee. To the
extent provided by the Committee, the rules of the Plan, as amended and
restated, shall apply to the
-5-
determination of payments to be made pursuant to the Plan on and after the
effective date of this amendment and restatement of the Plan.
11. GOVERNING LAW
The Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant to
the Plan shall be governed in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
Executed this 19th day of December, 2000.
COMCAST CORPORATION
BY:______________________________________
ATTEST:__________________________________
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COMCAST CORPORATION
1996 EXECUTIVE CASH BONUS PLAN
(as amended through December 19, 2000)
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Plan is to provide, subject to shareholder approval
and approval by the Committee (as defined below), performance-based cash bonus
compensation for certain employees of Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania
corporation (the "Company") in accordance with a formula that is based on the
financial success of the Company as part of an integrated compensation program
which is intended to assist the Company in motivating and retaining employees of
superior ability, industry and loyalty.
2. DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases as used herein shall have the following
meanings, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:
"Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Cash Flow" shall mean the operating income before depreciation and
amortization for the Company and those of its affiliates which are included with
the Company in its consolidated financial statements as prepared by the Company
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
"Committee" shall mean the Subcommittee on Performance-Based
Compensation of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
"Company" shall mean Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation,
and any successor thereto.
"First Tier Goal" shall mean the performance goal, measured in terms of
level of Cash Flow, as established by the Committee for each Plan Year. The
First Tier Goal is the performance measure which, if achieved, permits payment
to each Participant of 66% of the Participant's Target Bonus. The Committee
shall in all events establish the First Tier Goal for each Plan Year no later
than 90 days after the first day of the Plan Year or, if sooner, within the
first 25% of the Plan Year. The First Tier Goal shall be established at the
discretion of the Committee, provided, however, that the Committee must
determine that, as of the date the First Tier Goal is established, it is
substantially uncertain whether the level of Cash Flow required to meet the
First Tier Goal will be achieved.
"Participant" shall mean those persons eligible to participate in the
Plan in accordance with Section 3.
"Plan" shall mean the 1996 Comcast Corporation Executive Cash Bonus
Plan.
"Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year, except that the first Plan
Year shall be the period from July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996.
"Second Tier Goal" shall mean the performance goal, measured in terms
of level of Cash Flow, as established by the Committee for each Plan Year. The
Second Tier Goal is the performance measure which, if achieved, permits payment
to each Participant of 100% of the Participant's Target Bonus. The Committee
shall establish the Second Tier Goal for each Plan Year at the same time that it
establishes the First Tier Goal for such Plan Year. The Second Tier Goal shall
be a level of Cash Flow chosen at the discretion of the Committee that is higher
than the level of Cash Flow chosen for the Plan Year as the First Tier Goal.
"Target Bonus" shall mean, with respect to any Participant for any Plan
Year, the sum of (a) the Target Percentage of the Participant's base salary and
any guaranteed bonus (other than any bonus awarded on account of the termination
as of December 31, 1993, of the Company's discretionary cash bonus plan) as of
the first day of the Plan Year and (b) the amount, if any, of such Participant's
Target Bonus for any prior Plan Year which was not earned due to failure to meet
the First Tier Goal or the Second Tier Goal; provided, however, that in no event
shall any Participant's Target Bonus for any Plan Year exceed $3,000,000.
"Target Percentage" shall mean, with respect to any Participant for any
Plan Year, a percentage, not to exceed 150%, established by the Committee with
respect to such Participant and such Plan Year. If no other percentage is
selected by the Committee, the Target Percentage shall be 50%.
3. PARTICIPATION
The Participants in the Plan shall be
(a) Brian L. Roberts, Lawrence S. Smith, John R. Alchin and Stanley
Wang;
(b) Effective for Plan Years beginning after 1999, Brian L. Roberts,
Lawrence S. Smith, John R. Alchin, Stanley Wang, Stephen B. Burke, Michael A.
Tallent, Bradley P. Dusto and David N. Watson;
(c) Effective for Plan Years beginning after 2000, Brian L. Roberts,
Lawrence S. Smith, John R. Alchin, Stanley Wang, Stephen B. Burke, Michael A.
Tallent, Bradley P. Dusto, David N. Watson, Arthur R. Block, Mark A. Coblitz and
Robert A. Pick; and
(d) Effective for Plan Years beginning after 2004, Brian L. Roberts,
Lawrence S. Smith, John R. Alchin, Stanley Wang, Stephen B. Burke, Michael A.
Tallent, Bradley P. Dusto, David N. Watson, Arthur R. Block, Mark A. Coblitz,
Robert A. Pick and Lawrence J. Salva.
In addition, Participants in the Plan shall include such other key executives as
may be designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan from time to time.
4. TERM OF PLAN
Subject to approval of the Plan by the Committee and the shareholders
of the Company, the Plan shall be in effect as of July 1, 1996 and shall
continue until all amounts required to be paid with respect to all Plan Years up
through and including the Plan Year ending December 31, 2003 are paid by the
Company, unless sooner terminated by the Board of Directors.
5. BONUS ENTITLEMENT
Each Participant shall be entitled to receive a bonus in accordance
with the provisions of Section 6 of the Plan only after certification by the
Committee that the performance goals set forth in Section 6 have been satisfied.
The bonus payment under the Plan shall be paid to each Participant as soon as
practicable following the close of the Plan Year with respect to which the bonus
is to be paid. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no
bonus shall be payable under the Plan without the prior disclosure of the terms
of the Plan to the shareholders of the Company and the approval of the Plan by
such shareholders.
6. AMOUNT OF PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION BONUS
(a) Each Participant in the Plan shall be entitled to a bonus with
respect to a Plan Year which is equal to 66% of the Participant's Target Bonus
if the Company's Cash Flow for the Plan Year is at least equal to the First Tier
Goal, and 100% of the Target Bonus if the Company's Cash Flow for the Plan Year
is at least equal to the Second Tier Goal. If the level of Cash Flow for the
Plan Year is higher than the First Tier Goal and lower than the Second Tier
Goal, the bonus with respect to such Plan Year shall be such percentage of the
Participant's Target Bonus in excess of 66% as is determined by prorating the
difference between 100% and 66% according to the level of Cash Flow in excess of
the First Tier Goal divided by the difference between the levels of Cash Flow
represented by the Second Tier Goal and the First Tier Goal. If the level of
Cash Flow for a Plan Year is below the First Tier Goal established with respect
to such Plan Year, no bonus shall be payable under the Plan for that Plan Year.
(b) In the event any payment of a bonus otherwise payable under the
Plan occurs more than two months after the close of the Plan Year with respect
to which the bonus is paid because the required disclosure of the terms of the
Plan to the shareholders of the Company and the approval of the Plan by such
shareholders delays such bonus payment, the amount of the bonus otherwise
payable shall be increased by the amount such bonus payment would earn if it
were invested in an investment bearing a 7% annual rate of return, compounded
daily, or such other reasonable rate of interest as may be determined by the
Committee, during the period from the close of the Plan Year with respect to
which such bonus is paid and the date the bonus is actually paid.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the
event there is a significant acquisition or disposition of any assets, business
division, company or other business operations of the Company that is reasonably
expected to have an effect on Cash Flow as otherwise determined under the terms
of the Plan, the First Tier Goal and the Second Tier Goal shall be adjusted to
take into account the impact of such acquisition or disposition by increasing or
decreasing such goals in the same proportion as Cash Flow of the Company would
have been affected for the prior Plan Year on a pro forma basis had such an
acquisition or disposition occurred on the same date during the prior Plan Year
(except in the case of the first Plan Year the adjustment shall be made by
reference to the effect such an acquisition or disposition on the same date
during the prior calendar year would have had on Cash Flow for the period
commencing July 1, 1995 and ending December 31, 1995). Such adjustment shall be
based upon the historical equivalent of Cash Flow of the assets so acquired or
disposed of for the prior Plan Year, as shown by such records as are available
to the Company, as further adjusted to reflect any aspects of the transaction
that should be taken into account to ensure comparability between amounts in the
prior Plan Year and the current Plan Year.
(d) Notwithstanding the determination of the amount of a Participant's
bonus payable with respect to any Plan Year under Section 6(a), the Committee
shall have the discretion to reduce or eliminate the bonus otherwise payable to
a Participant if it determines that such a reduction or elimination of the bonus
is in the best interests of the Company.
7. COMMITTEE
(a) Powers. The Committee shall have the power and duty to do all
things necessary or convenient to effect the intent and purposes of the Plan and
not inconsistent with any of the provisions hereof, whether or not such powers
and duties are specifically set forth herein, and, by way of amplification and
not limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power to:
(i) provide rules and regulations for the management, operation and
administration of the Plan, and, from time to time, to amend or supplement such
rules and regulations;
(ii) construe the Plan, which construction, as long as made in good
faith, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties hereto; and
(iii) correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any
inconsistency in the Plan in such manner and to such extent as it shall deem
expedient to carry the same into effect, and it shall be the sole and final
judge of when such action shall be appropriate.
The resolution of any questions with respect to payments and
entitlements pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be determined by the
Committee, and all such determinations shall be final and conclusive.
(b) Indemnity. No member of the Committee shall be directly or
indirectly responsible or under any liability by reason of any action or default
by him as a member of the Committee, or the exercise of or failure to exercise
any power or discretion as such member. No member of the Committee shall be
liable in any way for the acts or defaults of any other member of the Committee,
or any of its advisors, agents or representatives. The Company shall indemnify
and save harmless each member of the Committee against any and all expenses and
liabilities arising out of his own membership on the Committee.
(c) Compensation and Expenses. Members of the Committee shall receive
no separate compensation for services other than compensation for their services
as members of the Board of Directors, which compensation can include
compensation for services at any committee meeting attended in their capacity as
members of the Board of Directors. Members of the Committee shall be entitled to
receive their reasonable expenses incurred in administering the Plan. Any such
expenses, as well as extraordinary expenses authorized by the Company, shall be
paid by the Company.
(d) Participant Information. The Company shall furnish to the Committee
in writing all information the Company deems appropriate for the Committee to
exercise its powers and duties in administration of the Plan. Such information
shall be conclusive for all purposes of the Plan and the Committee shall be
entitled to rely thereon without any investigation thereof; provided, however,
that the Committee may correct any errors discovered in any such information.
(e) Inspection of Documents. The Committee shall make available to each
Participant, for examination at the principal office of the Company (or at such
other location as may be determined by the Committee), a copy of the Plan and
such of its records, or copies thereof, as may pertain to any benefits of such
Participant under the Plan.
8. EFFECTIVE DATE, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
(a) Effective Date of Participation in Plan. Subject to shareholder and
Committee approval of the Plan, participation in this Plan shall be effective as
of July 1, 1996 and shall continue thereafter until the Plan is terminated.
(b) Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Plan may be terminated
or revoked by the Company at any time and amended by the Company from time to
time, provided that neither the termination, revocation or amendment of the Plan
may, without the written approval of the Participant, reduce the amount of a
bonus payment that is due, but has not yet been paid, and provided further that
no changes that would increase the amount of bonuses determined under provisions
of the Plan shall be effective without approval by the Committee and without
disclosure to and approval by the shareholders of the Company in a separate vote
prior to payment of such bonuses. In addition, the Plan may be modified or
amended by the Committee, as it deems appropriate, in order to comply with any
rules, regulations or other guidance promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service
with respect to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), as they relate to the exemption for "performance-based
compensation" under the limitations on the deductibility of compensation imposed
under Code Section 162(m).
9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(a) Unsecured Creditor Status. A Participant entitled to a bonus
payment hereunder, shall rely solely upon the unsecured promise of the Company,
as set forth herein, for the payment thereof, and nothing herein contained shall
be construed to give to or vest in a Participant or any other person now or at
any time in the future, any right, title, interest, or claim in or to any
specific asset, fund, reserve, account, insurance or annuity policy or contract,
or other property of any kind whatever owned by the Company, or in which the
Company may have any right, title, or interest, nor or at any time in the
future.
(b) Other Company Plans. It is agreed and understood that any benefits
under this Plan are in addition to any and all benefits to which a Participant
may
otherwise be entitled under any other contract, arrangement, or voluntary
pension, profit sharing or other compensation plan of the Company, whether
funded or unfunded, and that this Plan shall not affect or impair the rights or
obligations of the Company or a Participant under any other such contract,
arrangement, or voluntary pension, profit sharing or other compensation plan.
(c) Separability. If any term or condition of the Plan shall be invalid
or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of the
Plan, with the exception of such invalid or unenforceable provision, shall not
be affected thereby, and shall continue in effect and application to its fullest
extent.
(d) Continued Employment. Neither the establishment of the Plan, any
provisions of the Plan, nor any action of the Committee shall be held or
construed to confer upon any Participant the right to a continuation of
employment by the Company. The Company reserves the right to dismiss any
employee (including a Participant), or otherwise deal with any employee
(including a Participant) to the same extent as though the Plan had not been
adopted.
(e) Incapacity. If the Committee determines that a Participant is
unable to care for his affairs because of illness or accident, any benefit due
such Participant under the Plan may be paid to his spouse, child, parent, or any
other person deemed by the Committee to have incurred expense for such
Participant (including a duly appointed guardian, committee, or other legal
representative), and any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the
Company's obligation hereunder.
(g) Jurisdiction. The Plan shall be construed, administered, and
enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, except to
the extent that such laws are preempted by the Federal laws of the United States
of America.
(h) Withholding. The Participant shall make appropriate arrangements
with the Company for satisfaction of any federal, state or local income tax
withholding requirements and Social Security or other tax requirements
applicable to the accrual or payment
of benefits under the Plan. If no other arrangements are made, the Company may
provide, at its discretion, for any withholding and tax payments as may be
required.
Executed this 19th day of December, 2000.
COMCAST CORPORATION
BY:_______________________________________
ATTEST:___________________________________
COMCAST CORPORATION
1997 DEFERRED STOCK OPTION PLAN
(As Amended and Restated Effective December 19, 2000)
December 19, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1 - CONTINUATION AND COVERAGE OF PLAN..................................1
1.1. Continuation of Plan..................................................1
1.2. Plan Unfunded and Limited to Outside Directors and Select Group of
Management or Highly Compensated Employees............................1
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS........................................................1
2.1. "Account".............................................................1
2.2. "Active Participant"..................................................1
2.3. "Administrator".......................................................1
2.4. "Affiliate"...........................................................1
2.5. "Annual Rate of Pay"..................................................2
2.6. "Beneficiary".........................................................2
2.7. "Board"...............................................................2
2.8. "Change of Control"...................................................2
2.9. "Code"................................................................2
2.10. "Comcast Option Plan or Plans"......................................2
2.11. "Comcast Plan"......................................................2
2.12. "Committee".........................................................3
2.13. "Common Stock"......................................................3
2.14. "Company"...........................................................3
2.15. "Date of Grant".....................................................3
2.16. "Death Tax Clearance Date"..........................................3
2.17. "Death Taxes".......................................................3
2.18. "Deceased Participant"..............................................3
2.19. "Deferred Stock Units"..............................................4
2.20. "Disabled Participant"..............................................4
2.21. "Eligible Employee".................................................4
2.22. "Fair Market Value".................................................5
2.23. "Former Eligible Employee"..........................................5
2.24. "Former Outside Director"...........................................5
2.25. "Immediate Family"..................................................5
2.26. "Initial Election"..................................................5
2.27. "New Key Employee"..................................................6
2.28. "Normal Retirement".................................................6
2.29. "Option"............................................................6
2.30. "Option Shares".....................................................6
2.31. "Other Available Shares"............................................6
2.32. "Outside Director"..................................................7
2.33. "Participant".......................................................7
2.34. "Participating Company".............................................7
Page
2.35. "Permitted Transferee"..............................................7
2.36. "Person"............................................................7
2.37. "Personal Representative"...........................................8
2.38. "Plan"..............................................................8
2.39. "Prime Rate"........................................................8
2.40. "Related Corporation"...............................................8
2.41. "Retired Participant"...............................................8
2.42. "Roberts Family"....................................................8
2.43. "Share" or "Shares".................................................8
2.44. "Share Withholding Election"........................................8
2.45. "Special Common Stock"..............................................9
2.46. "Subsequent Election"...............................................9
2.47. "Successor-in-Interest".............................................9
2.48. "Surviving Spouse"..................................................9
2.49. "Terminating Event".................................................9
2.50. "Third Party".......................................................9
ARTICLE 3 - INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS..................................10
3.1. Elections............................................................10
3.2. Filing of Initial Election: General..................................10
3.3. Options to which Initial Elections May Apply.........................10
3.4. Initial Election of Distribution Date................................10
3.5. Subsequent Elections.................................................10
3.6. Distribution in Full upon Terminating Event..........................14
3.7. Withholding and Payment of Death Taxes...............................14
ARTICLE 4 - MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION............................................15
4.1. Manner of Distribution...............................................15
ARTICLE 5 - BOOK ACCOUNTS.....................................................15
5.1. Account..............................................................15
5.2. Crediting of Dividend Equivalents....................................15
5.3. Status of Deferred Amounts...........................................15
5.4. Participants' Status as General Creditors............................15
ARTICLE 6 - NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS.........................................16
6.1. Alienation Prohibited................................................16
ARTICLE 7 - DEATH OF PARTICIPANT..............................................16
7.1. Death of Participant.................................................16
7.2. Designation of Beneficiaries.........................................16
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Page
ARTICLE 8 - INTERPRETATION....................................................16
8.1. Authority of Committee...............................................16
8.2. Claims Procedure.....................................................16
ARTICLE 9 - AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION..........................................17
9.1. Amendment or Termination.............................................17
ARTICLE 10 - WITHHOLDING OF TAXES ON EXERCISE OF OPTION.......................18
10.1. In General........................................................18
10.2. Share Withholding Election........................................18
ARTICLE 11 - CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS..............................................18
11.1. Capital Adjustments...............................................18
ARTICLE 12 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.........................................19
12.1. No Right to Continued Employment..................................19
12.2. Expenses of Plan..................................................19
12.3. Gender and Number.................................................19
12.4. Law Governing Construction........................................19
12.5. Headings Not a Part Hereof........................................19
12.6. Severability of Provisions........................................19
12.7. Expiration of Options.............................................19
ARTICLE 13 - EFFECTIVE DATE...................................................20
13.1. Effective Date....................................................20
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COMCAST CORPORATION
1997 DEFERRED STOCK OPTION PLAN
(as amended and restated effective December 19, 2001)
ARTICLE 1 - CONTINUATION AND COVERAGE OF PLAN
1.1. Continuation of Plan. COMCAST CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania corporation,
hereby amends and restates the Comcast Corporation 1997 Deferred Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan"), effective December 19, 2000. The Plan was initially adopted
effective September 16, 1997 and was amended and restated effective June 21,
1999.
1.2. Plan Unfunded and Limited to Outside Directors and Select Group of
Management or Highly Compensated Employees. The Plan is unfunded and is
maintained primarily for the purpose of providing outside directors and a select
group of management or highly compensated employees the opportunity to defer the
receipt of Shares and corresponding recognition of compensation income upon the
exercise of Options.
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS
2.1. "Account" means the bookkeeping accounts established pursuant to
Section 5.1 and maintained by the Administrator in the names of the respective
Participants, to which Deferred Stock Units, dividend equivalents and earnings
on dividend equivalents shall be credited, and from which all amounts
distributed pursuant to the Plan shall be debited.
2.2. "Active Participant" means:
(a) Each Participant who is in active service as an Outside Director;
(b) Each Participant who is actively employed by a Participating
Company as an Eligible Employee; and
(c) A Permitted Transferee of an individual described in Section
2.2(a) or Section 2.2(b), if applicable.
2.3. "Administrator" means the Committee.
2.4. "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that,
directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term "control,"
including its correlative terms "controlled by" and "under common control with,"
mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
2.5. "Annual Rate of Pay" means, as of any date, an employee's annualized
base pay rate. An employee's Annual Rate of Pay shall not include sales
commissions or other similar payments or awards.
2.6. "Beneficiary" means such person or persons or legal entity or
entities, including, but not limited to, an organization exempt from federal
income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, designated by a Participant or
Beneficiary to receive benefits pursuant to the terms of the Plan after such
Participant's or Beneficiary's death. If no Beneficiary is designated by the
Participant or Beneficiary or if no Beneficiary survives the Participant or
Beneficiary (as the case may be), the Participant's Beneficiary shall be the
Participant's Surviving Spouse if the Participant has a Surviving Spouse and
otherwise the Participant's estate and the Beneficiary of a Beneficiary shall be
the Beneficiary's Surviving Spouse if the Beneficiary has a Surviving Spouse and
otherwise the Beneficiary's estate.
2.7. "Board" ans the Board of Directors of the Company, or the Executive
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.8. "Change of Control" means any transaction or series of transactions as
a result of which any Person who was a Third Party immediately before such
transaction or series of transactions directly or indirectly owns
then-outstanding securities of the Company having more than 50 percent of the
voting power for the election of directors of the Company.
2.9. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.10. "Comcast Option Plan or Plans" means the Comcast Corporation 1986
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the Comcast Corporation 1987 Stock Option Plan,
or the Comcast Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, or any other incentive or
non-qualified stock option plan subsequently adopted by the Company or a Related
Corporation.
2.11. "Comcast Plan" means any restricted stock, stock bonus, stock option
or other compensation plan, program or arrangement established or maintained by
the Company or an Affiliate, including, but not limited to this Plan, the
Comcast Corporation 1990 Restricted Stock Plan and the Comcast Option Plans.
2.12. "Committee" means the Subcommittee on Performance Based Compensation
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.13. "Common Stock" means the Company's Class A Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per share, including a fractional share.
2.14. "Company" means Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation,
including any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, acquisition of all or
substantially all the assets thereof, or otherwise.
2.15. "Date of Grant" means the date as of which an Option is granted.
2.16. "Death Tax Clearance Date" means the date upon which a Deceased
Participant's or a deceased Beneficiary's Personal Representative certifies to
the Administrator that (i) such Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's
Death Taxes have been finally determined, (ii) all of such Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Death Taxes apportioned against the
Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Account have been
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paid in full and (iii) all potential liability for Death Taxes with respect to
the Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's Account has been satisfied.
2.17. "Death Taxes" means any and all estate, inheritance,
generation-skipping transfer, and other death taxes as well as any interest and
penalties thereon imposed by any governmental entity (a "taxing authority") as a
result of the death of the Participant or the Participant's Beneficiary.
2.18. "Deceased Participant" means:
(a) A Participant whose employment, or, in the case of a Participant
who was an Outside Director, a Participant whose service as an Outside Director,
is terminated by death;
(b) A Participant who dies following termination of active employment
or active service; or
(c) A Permitted Transferee of an individual described in Section
2.18(a) or 2.18(b), if applicable.
2.19. "Deferred Stock Units" mean the number of hypothetical Shares
determined as the excess of (a) the number of Option Shares over (b) the number
of Other Available Shares having a Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise
of an Option equal to the exercise price for such Option Shares (hereinafter
referred to in this Section 2.19 as the "Payment Shares"), as to which an
Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former Eligible
Employee or Successor-in-Interest provides to the Company evidence of ownership
of sufficient Payment Shares to pay the exercise price for such Option Shares;
provided, however, that if the Option is for Common Stock, the Deferred Stock
Units shall be credited to the Participant's Account as Deferred Common Stock
Units, and if the Option is for Special Common Stock, the Deferred Stock Units
shall be credited to the Participant's Account as Deferred Special Common Stock
Units. Provision of a notarized statement under oath to the Company by the
Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former Eligible
Employee or Successor-in-Interest attesting to the number of Payment Shares
owned by the Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee,
Former Eligible Employee or Successor-in-Interest and held by a securities
broker for the Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee,
Former Eligible Employee or Successor-in-Interest in "street name" or provision
of the certificate numbers to the Company by the Outside Director, Former
Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee or
Successor-in-Interest of the Payment Share stock certificates actually held by
the Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former
Eligible Employee or Successor-in-Interest shall constitute acceptable evidence
of ownership.
2.20. "Disabled Participant" means:
(a) A Participant whose employment or, in the case of a Participant
who is an Outside Director, a Participant whose service as an Outside Director,
is terminated by reason of disability;
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(b) A Participant who becomes disabled (as determined by the
Committee) following termination of active service;
(c) The duly-appointed legal guardian of an individual described in
Section 2.20(a) or 2.20(b) acting on behalf of such individual; or
(d) A Permitted Transferee of an individual described in Section
2.20(a) or 2.20(b), if applicable.
2.21. "Eligible Employee" means:
(a) Each employee of a Participating Company whose Annual Rate of Pay
is $125,000 or more as of both (i) the date on which an Initial Election is
filed with the Administrator and (ii) the first day of the calendar year in
which such Initial Election is filed;
(b) Each employee of a Participating Company who has a title at or
above the level of vice president whose Annual Rate of Pay is $100,000 or more
as of both (i) the date on which an Initial Election is filed with the
Administrator and (ii) the first day of the calendar year in which such Initial
Election is filed;
(c) Each New Key Employee; and
(d) Each other employee of a Participating Company who is designated
by the Committee, in its discretion, as an Eligible Employee.
2.22. "Fair Market Value" shall mean:
(a) If Shares are listed on a stock exchange, Fair Market Value shall
be determined based on the last reported sale price of a Share on the principal
exchange on which Shares are listed on the last trading day prior to the date of
determination.
(b) If Shares are not so listed, but trades of Shares are reported on
the NASDAQ National Market, the last quoted sale price of a share on the NASDAQ
National Market on the last trading day prior to the date of determination.
(c) If Shares are not so listed nor trades of Shares so reported, Fair
Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good faith.
2.23. "Former Eligible Employee" means an individual who has ceased to be
actively employed by a Participating Company for any reason but who, immediately
preceding his termination of employment, was an Eligible Employee.
2.24. "Former Outside Director" means an individual who has ceased to be a
member of the Board, but who, immediately preceding his cessation of service as
a member of the Board was an Outside Director.
2.25. "Immediate Family" means an Outside Director's, Former Outside
Director's, Eligible Employee's or Former Eligible Employee's spouse and lineal
descendants, any trust all
-4-
beneficiaries of which are any of such persons and any other entity all members
or owners of which are any of such persons.
2.26. "Initial Election" means a written election on a form provided by the
Administrator, filed with the Administrator in accordance with Article 3,
pursuant to which an Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible
Employee, Former Eligible Employee, Successor-in-Interest or Permitted
Transferee who:
(a) Elects, within the time or times specified in Article 3, to defer
the receipt of Shares pursuant to the exercise of all or part of an Option; and
(b) Designates the time that such Shares and any dividend equivalents
shall be distributed.
2.27. "New Key Employee" means each employee of a Participating Company:
(a) Hired on or after the effective date of the Plan whose Annual Rate
of Pay on such employee's date of hire is $125,000 or more;
(b) Hired on or after June 21, 1999, who has a title at or above the
level of vice president and whose Annual Rate of Pay on such employee's date of
hire is $100,000 or more; and
(c) Who first becomes an Eligible Employee as a result of the
amendment of the Plan effective June 21, 1999.
2.28. "Normal Retirement" means:
(a) For a Participant who is an employee of a Participating Company
immediately preceding his termination of employment, a termination of employment
that is treated by the Participating Company as a retirement under its
employment policies and practices as in effect from time to time; and
(b) For a Participant who is an Outside Director immediately preceding
his termination of service, his normal retirement from the Board.
2.29. "Option" means a non-qualified stock option to purchase Shares
granted pursuant to a Comcast Option Plan; provided that each Option with a
different Date of Grant shall be considered a separate Option.
2.30. "Option Shares" mean the Shares that are subject to the portion of an
Option as to which an Initial Election or Subsequent Election is in effect as
adjusted to reflect a Share Withholding Election.
2.31. "Other Available Shares" means, as of any date, the excess, if any
of:
(a) The total number of Shares owned by a Person; over
-5-
(b) The sum of:
(i) The number of Shares owned by such Person for less than six
months; plus
(ii) The number of Shares owned by such Person that has, within
the preceding six months, been the subject of a withholding certification under
any Comcast Plan; plus
(iii) The number of Shares owned by such Person that has, within
the preceding six months, been received in exchange for Shares surrendered as
payment, in full or in part of the exercise price for an option to purchase any
securities of the Company or an Affiliate under any Comcast Plan, but only to
the extent of the number of Shares surrendered; plus
(iv) The number of Shares owned by such Person as to which
evidence of ownership has, within the preceding six months, been provided to the
Company in connection with the crediting of Deferred Stock Units to such
Person's Account.
For purposes of this Section 2.31, a Share that is subject to a deferral
election pursuant to this Plan or another Comcast Plan shall not be treated as
owned by a Person until all conditions to the delivery of such Share have
lapsed. The number of Other Available Shares shall be determined separately for
Common Stock and Special Common Stock.
2.32. "Outside Director" means a member of the Board, who is not an
employee of a Participating Company.
2.33. "Participant" means each Outside Director, Former Outside Director,
Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee, Successor-in-Interest or Permitted
Transferee who is the grantee or transferee of an Option that has made an
Initial Election or Subsequent Election and that has an undistributed amount
credited to an Account under the Plan.
2.34. "Participating Company" means the Company and each Related
Corporation.
2.35. "Permitted Transferee" means a member of the Immediate Family of an
Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee or Former Eligible
Employee to whom the right to exercise an Option has been transferred pursuant
to a Comcast Option Plan.
2.36. "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust or any other entity or organization.
2.37. "Personal Representative" means the executor, the administrator, or
the personal representative of a deceased individual's estate.
2.38. "Plan" means the Comcast Corporation 1997 Deferred Stock Option Plan,
as set forth herein, and as amended from time to time.
2.39. "Prime Rate" means the annual rate of interest identified by PNC Bank
as its prime rate as of the first day of each calendar year.
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2.40. "Related Corporation" means a corporate subsidiary of the Company, as
defined in section 424(f) of the Code, or the corporate parent of the Company,
as defined in section 424(e) of the Code.
2.41. "Retired Participant" means a Participant who has terminated
employment pursuant to a Normal Retirement.
2.42. "Roberts Family" means each of the following:
(a) Brian L. Roberts;
(b) A lineal descendant of Brian L. Roberts; or
(c) A trust established for the benefit of Brian L. Roberts and/or a
lineal descendant or descendants of Brian L. Roberts.
2.43. "Share" or "Shares" means for all purposes of the Plan, a share or
shares of Common Stock or Special Common Stock, or such other securities as may
be issued by the Company, subject to adjustment as provided in Article 11.
2.44. "Share Withholding Election" means a written election on a form
provided by the Administrator, filed with the Administrator in accordance with
the rules applicable to the filing of Initial Elections under Article 3,
pursuant to which an Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee,
Successor-in-Interest or Permitted Transferee elects to have the number of
Shares deferred pursuant to the exercise of all or part of an Option and
credited under the Plan as Deferred Stock Units adjusted so that Deferred Stock
Units that would, but for a Share Withholding Election, be credited to an
Account under the Plan, shall be deemed distributed pursuant to the Plan to
satisfy applicable withholding tax liabilities, as described in Section 10.2.
With respect to Options that become subject to an Initial Election after June
21, 1999, a Share Withholding Election must be filed not later than the
applicable deadline for filing such Initial Election under Article 3. With
respect to Options that are subject to an Initial Election on June 21, 1999, a
Share Withholding Election must be filed on or before February 26, 1999.
2.45. "Special Common Stock" means the Company's Class A Special Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share, including a fractional share.
2.46. "Subsequent Election" means a written election on a form provided by
the Administrator, filed with the Administrator in accordance with Article 3,
pursuant to which a Participant or Beneficiary may elect to defer (or, in
limited cases, accelerate) the time of receipt of Shares previously deferred in
accordance with the terms of a previously made Initial Election or Subsequent
Election.
2.47. "Successor-in-Interest" means the Beneficiary of a deceased Former
Outside Director, a deceased Former Eligible Employee or another deceased
Participant, to whom the right to exercise an Option or the right to payment
under the Plan shall have passed, as applicable.
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2.48. "Surviving Spouse" means the widow or widower, as the case may be, of
a Deceased Participant or a Deceased Beneficiary (as applicable).
2.49. "Terminating Event" means either of the following events:
(a) The liquidation of the Company; or
(b) A Change of Control.
2.50. "Third Party" means any Person, together with such Person's
Affiliates, provided that the term "Third Party" shall not include the Company,
an Affiliate of the Company or any member or members of the Roberts Family.
ARTICLE 3 - INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS
3.1. Elections.
(a) Initial Elections. Each Outside Director, Former Outside Director,
Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee, Successor-in-Interest or Permitted
Transferee who is the grantee or transferee of an Option, shall have the right
to make an Initial Election to defer the receipt of Shares upon exercise of all
or part of such Option by filing an Initial Election at the time and in the
manner described in this Article 3.
(b) Subsequent Elections. Each Participant and Beneficiary shall have
the right to elect to defer (or, in limited cases, accelerate) the time of
receipt of Shares previously deferred in accordance with the terms of a
previously made Initial Election by filing a Subsequent Election at the time, to
the extent, and in the manner described in this Article 3.
3.2. Filing of Initial Election: General. An Initial Election shall be made
on the form provided by the Administrator for this purpose. No such Initial
Election shall be effective unless it is filed with the Administrator on or
before a date that is both (i) more than six (6) months prior to the exercise of
such Option and (ii) in the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which
such Option is exercised, provided that an Initial Election filed with the
Administrator on or before December 31, 1997, shall be effective with respect to
the exercise of any Option after December 31, 1997.
3.3. Options to which Initial Elections May Apply. A separate Initial
Election may be made for each Option, or a portion of such Option, with respect
to which an Outside Director, Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former
Eligible Employee, Successor-in-Interest or Permitted Transferee desires to
defer receipt of Shares upon exercise of all or a portion of such Option. The
failure of such a Person to make an Initial Election with respect to an Option
shall not affect such Person's right to make an Initial Election for any other
Option.
3.4. Initial Election of Distribution Date. Each Participant who elects to
defer the receipt of Shares shall, on the Initial Election, also elect the
distribution date for such Shares; provided, however, that subject to
acceleration pursuant to Section 3.5(d), Section 3.5(e), Section 3.6 or Section
7.1, no distribution may be made earlier than January 2nd of the third calendar
year beginning after the date of the Initial Election nor later than January 2nd
of the eleventh
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calendar year beginning after the date of the Initial Election. The designation
of the distribution date for Shares may vary with each separate Initial
Election.
3.5. Subsequent Elections.
(a) Active Participants. Each Active Participant who has made an
Initial Election, or who has made a Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section
3.5(a), may elect to defer the time of payment of part or all of such Active
Participant's Account for a minimum of two and a maximum of ten additional years
from the previously-elected payment date, by filing a Subsequent Election with
the Administrator on or before the close of business on June 30 of the calendar
year preceding the calendar year in which the distribution would otherwise be
made. The number of Subsequent Elections under this Section 3.5(a) shall not be
limited.
(b) Surviving Spouses.
(i) General Rule. A Surviving Spouse who is a Deceased
Participant's Beneficiary may elect to defer the time of payment, of any part or
all of such Deceased Participant's Account the payment of which would be made
neither within six (6) months after, nor within the calendar year of, the date
of such election. Such election shall be made by filing a Subsequent Election
with the Administrator in which the Surviving Spouse shall specify the change in
the time of payment, which shall be no less than two nor more than ten years
from the previously-elected payment date, or such Surviving Spouse may elect to
defer payment until such Surviving Spouse's death. A Surviving Spouse may make a
total of two (2) Subsequent Elections under this Section 3.5(b)(i), with respect
to all or any part of the Deceased Participant's Account. Subsequent Elections
pursuant to this Section 3.5(b)(i) may specify different changes with respect to
different parts of the Deceased Participant's Account.
(ii) Exception. Notwithstanding the above Section 3.5(b)(i), a
Subsequent Election may be made by a Surviving Spouse within sixty (60) days of
the Deceased Participant's death; provided, however, such election may only be
made with respect to amounts which would not be paid under the Deceased
Participant's election as in effect on the date of the Deceased Participant's
death until a date which is at least six (6) months from the Deceased
Participant's date of death. Such election shall be made by filing a Subsequent
Election with the Administrator in which the Surviving Spouse shall specify the
change in the time of payment, which shall be no less than two (2) nor more than
ten (10) years from the previously-elected payment date, or such Surviving
Spouse may elect to defer payment until such Surviving Spouse's death. A
Surviving Spouse may only make one (1) Subsequent Election under this Section
3.5(b)(ii) with respect to all or any part of the Deceased Participant's
Account. Such Surviving Spouse may, however, make one additional Subsequent
Election under Section 3.5(b)(i) in accordance with the terms of Section
3.5(b)(i). The one (1) Subsequent Election permitted under this Section
3.5(b)(ii) may specify different changes for different parts of the Deceased
Participant's Account.
(c) Beneficiary of a Deceased Participant Other Than a Surviving
Spouse
(i) General Rule. A Beneficiary of a Deceased Participant (other
than a Surviving Spouse) may elect to defer the time of payment, of any part or
all of such
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Deceased Participant's Account the payment of which would be made neither within
six (6) months after, nor within the calendar year of, the date of such
election. Such election shall be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the
Administrator in which the Beneficiary shall specify the change in the time of
payment, which shall be no less than two (2) nor more than ten (10) years from
the previously-elected payment date. A Beneficiary may make one (1) Subsequent
Election under this Section 3.5(c)(i), with respect to all or any part of the
Deceased Participant's Account. Subsequent Elections pursuant to this Section
3.5(c)(i) may specify different changes for different parts of the Deceased
Participant's Account.
(ii) Exception. Notwithstanding the above Section 3.5(c)(i), a
Subsequent Election may be made by a Beneficiary within sixty (60) days of the
Deceased Participant's death; provided, however, such election may only be made
with respect to amounts which would not be paid under the Deceased Participant's
election as in effect on the date of the Deceased Participant's death until a
date which is at least six (6) months from the Deceased Participant's date of
death. Such election shall be made by filing a Subsequent Election with the
Administrator in which the Beneficiary shall specify the change in the time of
payment, which shall be no less than two (2) nor more than ten (10) years from
the previously-elected payment date. A Beneficiary may make one (1) Subsequent
Election under this Section 3.5(c)(ii) with respect to all or any part of the
Deceased Participant's Account. Subsequent Elections pursuant to this Section
3.5(c)(ii) may specify different changes for different parts of the Deceased
Participant's Account.
(d) Other Deferral and Acceleration by a Beneficiary. Any Beneficiary
(other than a Surviving Spouse who has made a Subsequent Election under Section
3.5(b) or a Beneficiary who has made a Subsequent Election under Section 3.5(c))
may elect to:
(i) Defer the time of payment of any part or all of the Deceased
Participant's Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account for one additional year
from the date payment would otherwise be made (provided that if a Subsequent
Election is made pursuant to this Section 3.5(d)(i), the Deceased Participant's
Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account shall be in all events distributed in
full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Deceased Participant's or
deceased Beneficiary's death); or
(ii) Accelerate the time of payment of a Deceased Participant's
Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account from the date or dates that payment
would otherwise be made to the date that is the later of (A) six (6) months
after the date of the Deceased Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's death and
(B) January 2nd of the calendar year beginning after the Deceased Participant's
or deceased Beneficiary's death, provided that if a Subsequent Election is made
pursuant to this Section 3.5(d)(ii), the Deceased Participant's Account or
deceased Beneficiary's Account shall be distributed in full on such accelerated
payment date.
A Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section 3.5(d) must be filed with the
Administrator within one hundred twenty (120) days following the Deceased
Participant's or deceased Beneficiary's death. One and only one Subsequent
Election shall be permitted pursuant to this Section 3.5(d) with respect to a
Deceased Participant's Account or deceased Beneficiary's Account, although if
such Subsequent Election is filed pursuant to Section 3.5(d)(i), it may specify
different changes for different parts of the Account.
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(e) Acceleration by Disabled Participant or Permitted Transferee of
Disabled Participant. A Disabled Participant, or the Permitted Transferee of a
Disabled Participant if applicable, may elect to accelerate the time of payment
of the Disabled Participant's Account from the date payment would otherwise be
made to January 2nd of the calendar year beginning after the Participant became
disabled. A Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section 3.5(e) must be filed
with the Administrator on or before the close of business on the later of (i)
the June 30 following the date the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant if
the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant on or before May 1 of a calendar
year, (ii) the 60th day following the date the Participant becomes a Disabled
Participant if the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant after May 1 and
before November 2 of a calendar year or (iii) the December 31 following the date
the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant if the Participant becomes a
Disabled Participant after November 1 of a calendar year.
(f) Retired Participants and Disabled Participants. The Committee may,
in its sole and absolute discretion, permit a Retired Participant or a Disabled
Participant to make a Subsequent Election to defer the time of payment of any
part or all of such Retired or Disabled Participant's Account for a minimum of
two years and a maximum of ten additional years from the previously-elected
payment date, by filing a Subsequent Election with the Administrator on or
before the close of business on June 30 of the calendar year preceding the
calendar year in which the lump-sum distribution or initial installment payment
would otherwise be made. The number of Subsequent Elections under this Section
3.5(f) shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.
(g) Retired Participant or Permitted Transferee of Retired
Participant. A Retired Participant (who has not been permitted to make a
Subsequent Election under Section 3.5(f)) or a Permitted Transferee of a Retired
Participant may elect to defer the time of payment of the Retired Participant's
Account for a minimum of two additional years from the date payment would
otherwise be made (provided that if a Subsequent Election is made pursuant to
this Section 3.5(g), the Retired Participant's Account shall be distributed in
full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Retired Participant's Normal
Retirement). A Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section 3.5(g) must be filed
with the Administrator on or before the close of business on the later of (i)
the June 30 following the Participant's Normal Retirement on or before May 1 of
a calendar year, (ii) the 60th day following the Participant's Normal Retirement
after May 1 and before November 2 of a calendar year or (iii) the December 31
following the Participant's Normal Retirement after November 1 of a calendar
year.
(h) Disabled Participant or Permitted Transferee of Disabled
Participant. A Disabled Participant (who has not been permitted to make a
Subsequent Election under 3.5(f)) or a Permitted Transferee of a Disabled
Participant may elect to defer the time of payment of the Disabled Participant's
Account for a minimum of two additional years from the date payment would
otherwise be made (provided that if a Subsequent Election is made pursuant to
this Section 3.5(h), the Disabled Participant's Account shall be distributed in
full on or before the fifth anniversary of the date the Participant became a
Disabled Participant). A Subsequent Election pursuant to this Section 3.5(h)
must be filed with the Administrator on or before the close of business on the
later of (i) the June 30 following the date the Participant becomes a Disabled
Participant if the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant on or before May 1
of a calendar year, (ii) the 60th day following the date the Participant becomes
a Disabled Participant
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if the Participant becomes a Disabled Participant after May 1 and before
November 2 of a calendar year or (iii) the December 31 following the date the
Participant becomes a Disabled Participant if the Participant becomes a Disabled
Participant after November 1 of a calendar year.
(i) Most Recently Filed Initial Election or Subsequent Election
Controlling. Subject to acceleration pursuant to Section 3.5(d), or 3.5(e),
Section 3.6 or 7.1, no distribution of the amounts deferred pursuant to this
Article 3 for any calendar year shall be made before the distribution date
designated by the Participant or Beneficiary, Permitted Transferee or
Successor-in-Interest, as applicable, on the most recently filed Initial
Election or Subsequent Election with respect to each deferred amount.
3.6. Distribution in Full upon Terminating Event. The Company shall give
Participants at least thirty (30) days notice (or, if not practicable, such
shorter notice as may be reasonably practicable) prior to the anticipated date
of the consummation of a Terminating Event. The Company may, in its discretion,
provide in such notice that notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or
the terms of any Initial or Subsequent Election, upon the consummation of a
Terminating Event, the Account balance of each Participant shall be distributed
in full and any outstanding Initial Elections or Subsequent Elections shall be
revoked.
3.7. Withholding and Payment of Death Taxes.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary,
including but not limited to the provisions of Article 3 and Article 7, or any
Initial or Subsequent Election filed by a Deceased Participant or a Deceased
Participant's Beneficiary (for purposes of this Section, the "Decedent"), the
Administrator shall apply the terms of Section 3.7(b) to the Decedent's Account
unless the Decedent affirmatively has elected, in writing, filed with the
Administrator, to waive the application of Section 3.7(b).
(b) Unless the Decedent affirmatively has elected, pursuant to Section
3.7(a), that the terms of this Section 3.7(b) not apply:
(i) The Administrator shall prohibit the Decedent's Beneficiary
from taking any action under any of the provisions of the Plan with regard to
the Decedent's Account other than the Beneficiary's making of a Subsequent
Election pursuant to Section 3.5;
(ii) The Administrator shall defer payment of the Decedent's
Account until the later of the Death Tax Clearance Date and the payment date
designated in the Decedent's Initial Election or Subsequent Election;
(iii) The Administrator shall withdraw from the Decedent's Account
such amount or amounts as the Decedent's Personal Representative shall certify
to the Administrator as being necessary to pay the Death Taxes apportioned
against the Decedent's Account; the Administrator shall remit the amounts so
withdrawn to the Personal Representative, who shall apply the same to the
payment of the Decedent's Death Taxes, or the Administrator may pay such amounts
directly to any taxing authority as payment on account of Decedent's Death
Taxes, as the Administrator elects;
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(iv) If the Administrator makes a withdrawal from the Decedent's
Account to pay the Decedent's Death Taxes and such withdrawal causes the
recognition of income to the Beneficiary, the Administrator shall pay to the
Beneficiary from the Decedent's Account, within thirty (30) days of the
Beneficiary's request, the amount necessary to enable the Beneficiary to pay the
Beneficiary's income tax liability resulting from such recognition of income;
additionally, the Administrator shall pay to the Beneficiary from the Decedent's
Account, within thirty (30) days of the Beneficiary's request, such additional
amounts as are required to enable the Beneficiary to pay the Beneficiary's
income tax liability attributable to the Beneficiary's recognition of income
resulting from a distribution from the Decedent's Account pursuant to this
Section 3.7(b)(iv);
(v) Amounts withdrawn from the Decedent's Account by the
Administrator pursuant to Sections 3.7(b)(iii) and 3.7(b)(iv) shall be withdrawn
from the portions of Decedent's Account having the earliest distribution dates
as specified in Decedent's Initial Election or Subsequent Election; and
(vi) Within a reasonable time after the later to occur of the
Death Tax Clearance Date and the payment date designated in the Decedent's
Initial Election or Subsequent Election, the Administrator shall pay the
Decedent's Account to the Beneficiary.
ARTICLE 4 - MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION
4.1. Manner of Distribution. Deferred Stock Units credited to an Account
shall be distributed in a lump sum in shares of Common Stock and/or Special
Common Stock, as applicable. Dividend equivalents shall be distributed in a lump
sum in cash.
ARTICLE 5 - BOOK ACCOUNTS
5.1. Account. An Account shall be established for each Outside Director,
Former Outside Director, Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee,
Successor-in-Interest or Permitted Transferee when such Person becomes a
Participant. Deferred Stock Units shall be credited to the Account as of the
date of exercise of an Option as to which an Initial or Subsequent Election is
in effect.
5.2. Crediting of Dividend Equivalents. The Account of each Participant
shall be credited with dividend equivalents at the same rate per Deferred Stock
Unit as are actually paid per Share. Dividend equivalents credited to Accounts
shall be credited with interest annually at the Prime Rate.
5.3. Status of Deferred Amounts. Regardless of whether or not the Company
is a Participant's employer, all Deferred Stock Units and dividend equivalents
under this Plan shall continue for all purposes to be a part of the general
funds of the Company.
5.4. Participants' Status as General Creditors. Regardless of whether or
not the Company is a Participant's employer, an Account shall at all times
represent a general obligation of the Company. The Participant shall be a
general creditor of the Company with respect to this obligation, and shall not
have a secured or preferred position with respect to the Participant's Accounts.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to create an escrow, trust, custodial
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account or fiduciary relationship of any kind. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed to eliminate any priority or preferred position of a Participant in a
bankruptcy matter with respect to claims for wages.
ARTICLE 6 - NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS
6.1. Alienation Prohibited. Except as otherwise required by applicable law,
the right of any Participant or Beneficiary to any benefit or interest under any
of the provisions of this Plan shall not be subject to encumbrance, attachment,
execution, garnishment, assignment, pledge, alienation, sale, transfer, or
anticipation, either by the voluntary or involuntary act of any Participant or
any Participant's Beneficiary or by operation of law, nor shall such payment,
right, or interest be subject to any other legal or equitable process.
ARTICLE 7 - DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
7.1. Death of Participant. Except as provided in Section 3.7, a Deceased
Participant's Account shall be distributed in accordance with the last Initial
Election or Subsequent Election made by the Deceased Participant before the
Deceased Participant's death, unless the Deceased Participant's Surviving
Spouse, Permitted Transferee, Successor-in-Interest or Beneficiary timely elects
to accelerate or defer the time of payment pursuant to Section 3.5(b), Section
3.5(c), Section 3.5(d), Section 3.5(e), or Section 3.5(f).
7.2. Designation of Beneficiaries. Each Participant and Beneficiary shall
have the right to designate one or more Beneficiaries to receive distributions
in the event of the Participant's or Beneficiary's death by filing with the
Administrator a Beneficiary designation on the form provided by the
Administrator for such purpose. The designation of a Beneficiary or
Beneficiaries may be changed by a Participant or Beneficiary at any time prior
to such Participant's or Beneficiary's death by the delivery to the
Administrator of a new Beneficiary designation form.
ARTICLE 8 - INTERPRETATION
8.1. Authority of Committee. The Committee shall have full and exclusive
authority to construe, interpret and administer this Plan and the Committee's
construction and interpretation thereof shall be binding and conclusive on all
persons for all purposes.
8.2. Claims Procedure. An individual (hereinafter referred to as the
"Applicant," which reference shall include the legal representative, if any, of
the individual) does not receive timely payment of benefits to which the
Applicant believes he is entitled under the Plan, the Applicant may make a claim
for benefits in the manner hereinafter provided.
An Applicant may file a claim for benefits with the Administrator on a form
supplied by the Administrator. If the Administrator wholly or partially denies a
claim, the Administrator shall provide the Applicant with a written notice
stating:
(a) The specific reason or reasons for the denial;
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(b) Specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the
denial is based;
(c) A description of any additional material or information necessary
for Applicant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or
information is necessary; and
(d) Appropriate information as to the steps to be taken in order to
submit a claim for review.
Written notice of a denial of a claim shall be provided within 90 days of the
receipt of the claim, provided that if special circumstances require an
extension of time for processing the claim, the Administrator may notify the
Applicant in writing that an additional period of up to 90 days will be required
to process the claim.
If the Applicant's claim is denied, the Applicant shall have 60 days from
the date of receipt of written notice of the denial of the claim to request a
review of the denial of the claim by the Administrator. Request for review of
the denial of a claim must be submitted in writing. The Applicant shall have the
right to review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments to the
Administrator in writing. The Administrator shall provide a written decision
within 60 days of its receipt of the Applicant's request for review, provided
that if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the
review of the Applicant's claim, the Administrator may notify the Applicant in
writing that an additional period of up to 60 days shall be required to process
the Applicant's request for review.
It is intended that the claims procedures of this Plan be administered in
accordance with the claims procedure regulations of the Department of Labor set
forth in 29 CFR ss. 2560.503-1.
Claims for benefits under the Plan must be filed with the Administrator at
the following address:
Comcast Corporation
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: General Counsel
ARTICLE 9 - AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
9.1. Amendment or Termination. The Company, by action of the Board or by
action of the Committee, reserves the right at any time, or from time to time,
to amend or modify this Plan. The Company, by action of the Board, reserves the
right to terminate this Plan at any time.
ARTICLE 10 - WITHHOLDING OF TAXES ON EXERCISE OF OPTION
10.1. In General. Whenever the Company proposes or is required to credit
Deferred Stock Units to an Account in connection with the exercise of an Option,
the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the
Company an amount sufficient to satisfy any
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federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to the date on which
Deferred Stock Units shall be deemed credited to the Account, or take any action
whatever that it deems necessary to protect its interests with respect to tax
liabilities. The Company's obligation to credit Deferred Stock Units to an
Account on the exercise of an Option subject to an Initial or Subsequent
Election shall be conditioned on the Participant's compliance, to the Company's
satisfaction, with any withholding requirement. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 10.2, the Company shall satisfy all applicable withholding tax
requirements by withholding tax from other compensation payable by the Company
to the Participant, or by the Participant's delivery of cash or other property
acceptable to the Company having a value equal to the applicable withholding
tax.
10.2. Share Withholding Election. With respect to any Option subject to an
Initial Election, an Eligible Employee, Former Eligible Employee,
Successor-in-Interest or Permitted Transferee may elect to have the number of
Option Shares determined such that Shares subject to such Option are withheld by
the Company to the extent necessary to satisfy any withholding tax liabilities
incurred in connection with the exercise of such Option. The number of Shares
subject to an Option to be withheld pursuant to such a Share Withholding
Election shall have a Fair Market Value approximately equal to the sum of:
(a) The minimum amount of withholding taxes required to be withheld by
the Company under applicable law, plus
(b) Either (i) the minimum amount of withholding taxes arising because
of the recognition of income (and consequent non-deferral of income) with
respect to such withheld Shares, or (ii) the amount of withholding taxes arising
because of the recognition of income (and consequent non-deferral of income)
with respect to such withheld Shares, calculated at the highest applicable
marginal tax rates, as indicated on the Share Withholding Election.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or the terms of any Initial or
Subsequent Election, the number of Deferred Stock Units credited to
Participants' Accounts shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect the
withholding of Shares pursuant to such Share Withholding Elections.
ARTICLE 11 - CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS
11.1. Capital Adjustments. In the event that the Common Stock or Special
Common Stock is changed into, or exchanged for, a different number or kind of
shares of stock or other securities of the Company, whether through merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividends, stock
split-ups or other substitution of securities of the Company, the Committee
shall make appropriate equitable anti-dilution adjustments to the number of
Deferred Stock Units credited to Participants' Accounts. The Committee's
adjustment shall be effective and binding for all purposes of the Plan.
ARTICLE 12 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12.1. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed as conferring upon any Participant the right to remain in service as
an Outside Director or in the employment of a Participating Company as an
executive or in any other capacity.
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12.2. Expenses of Plan. All expenses of the Plan shall be paid by the
Participating Companies.
12.3. Gender and Number. Whenever any words are used herein in any specific
gender, they shall be construed as though they were also used in any other
applicable gender. The singular form, whenever used herein, shall mean or
include the plural form, and vice versa, as the context may require.
12.4. Law Governing Construction. The construction and administration of
the Plan and all questions pertaining thereto, shall be governed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and other
applicable federal law and, to the extent not governed by federal law, by the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
12.5. Headings Not a Part Hereof. Any headings preceding the text of the
several Articles, Sections, subsections, or paragraphs hereof are inserted
solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of the Plan,
nor shall they affect its meaning, construction, or effect.
12.6. Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Plan is
determined to be void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Plan shall
continue to operate and, for the purposes of the jurisdiction of that court
only, shall be deemed not to include the provision determined to be void.
12.7. Expiration of Options. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or
an Initial or Subsequent Election, no Initial or Subsequent Election shall be
effective with respect to an Option that has expired. In addition, no provision
of the Plan or an Initial or Subsequent Election shall be construed to extend
the expiration date of any Option.
ARTICLE 13 - EFFECTIVE DATE
13.1. Effective Date. The effective date of the Plan this amendment and
restatement of the Plan shall be December 19, 2000.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMCAST CORPORATION has caused this Plan to be executed
by its officers thereunto duly authorized, and its corporate seal to be affixed
hereto, as of the 19th day of December, 2000.
COMCAST CORPORATION
BY:
--------------------------------------
ATTEST:
-----------------------------------------
-17-
ASSET EXCHANGE CLOSING AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 2001
AMONG
COMCAST CORPORATION,
THE COMCAST PARTIES,
ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AND
THE ADELPHIA PARTIES
Table of Contents
PAGE
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Terms Defined in this Section...................................1
Section 1.02. Other Definitions...............................................9
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction..........................................12
ARTICLE 2
EXCHANGE
Section 2.01. Exchange of Comcast Assets and Adelphia Assets.................12
Section 2.02. Comcast Assumed Liabilities....................................17
Section 2.03. Adelphia Assumed Liabilities...................................18
Section 2.04. Adelphia Adjustments...........................................19
Section 2.05. Comcast Adjustments............................................21
Section 2.06. Final Working Capital Adjustment...............................22
Section 2.07. Capacity Adjustment............................................24
Section 2.08. Post-Closing Allocations.......................................26
ARTICLE 3
RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Employees......................................................26
Section 3.02. Use of Names and Logos.........................................29
Section 3.03. Transfer Laws..................................................30
Section 3.04. Further Assurances.............................................30
Section 3.05. Use Of Qualified Intermediaries................................30
ARTICLE 4
COMCAST'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.01. Organization and Qualification of Comcast......................32
Section 4.02. Authority......................................................33
Section 4.03. No Conflicts; Required Consents................................33
Section 4.04. Assets, Title, Condition, and Sufficiency......................33
Section 4.05. Comcast Systems Franchises, Systems Licenses,
Systems Contracts, Owned Property and Real Property
Interests......................................................34
Section 4.06. Employee Benefits..............................................36
Section 4.07. Litigation.....................................................36
Section 4.08. Cable Operations...............................................37
Section 4.09. Tax Returns; Other Reports.....................................37
Section 4.10. Comcast Systems Information....................................37
i
PAGE
Section 4.11. Compliance with Legal Requirements.............................38
Section 4.12. Real Property..................................................41
Section 4.13. Financial Statements...........................................41
Section 4.14. Interim Operation of Systems...................................42
Section 4.15. Employees......................................................43
Section 4.16. Environmental..................................................44
Section 4.17. Accounts Receivable............................................45
Section 4.18. Transactions with Affiliates...................................45
Section 4.19. System Intellectual Property Rights............................45
Section 4.20. Bonds..........................................................45
Section 4.21. Taxpayer Identification Number.................................45
Section 4.22. Undisclosed Material Liabilities...............................45
Section 4.23. Insurance......................................................46
Section 4.24. Intellectual Property..........................................46
Section 4.25. Brokers........................................................46
Section 4.26. Systems Options................................................46
Section 4.27. Comcast Pole Audits............................................46
Section 4.28. Inventory......................................................47
Section 4.29. Internet Services..............................................47
Section 4.30. Telephony Assets...............................................47
Section 4.31. Capital Leases.................................................47
Section 4.32. Capitalization of the Comcast LLCs.............................47
Section 4.33. Ownership of the Comcast LLC Interests.........................47
Section 4.34. Comcast LLC Assets and Liabilities.............................47
ARTICLE 5
ADELPHIA'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 5.01. Organization and Qualification of Adelphia.....................48
Section 5.02. Authority......................................................48
Section 5.03. No Conflicts; Required Consents................................48
Section 5.04. Assets, Title, Condition, and Sufficiency......................49
Section 5.05. Adelphia Systems Franchises, Systems Licenses,
Systems Contracts, Owned Property and Real Property
Interests......................................................49
Section 5.06. Employee Benefits..............................................51
Section 5.07. Litigation.....................................................52
Section 5.08. Cable Operations...............................................52
Section 5.09. Tax Returns; Other Reports.....................................52
Section 5.10. Adelphia Systems Information...................................53
Section 5.11. Compliance with Legal Requirements.............................53
Section 5.12. Real Property..................................................56
Section 5.13. Financial Statements...........................................57
Section 5.14. Interim Operations of Systems..................................57
Section 5.15. Employees......................................................58
Section 5.16. Environmental..................................................59
Section 5.17. Accounts Receivable............................................60
ii
PAGE
Section 5.18. Transactions with Affiliates...................................60
Section 5.19. System Intellectual Property Rights............................60
Section 5.20. Bonds..........................................................60
Section 5.21. Taxpayer Identification Number.................................60
Section 5.22. Undisclosed Material Liabilities...............................61
Section 5.23. Insurance......................................................61
Section 5.24. Intellectual Property..........................................61
Section 5.25. Brokers........................................................61
Section 5.26. Systems Options................................................61
Section 5.27. Adelphia Pole Audits...........................................62
Section 5.28. Inventory......................................................62
Section 5.29. Internet Services..............................................62
Section 5.30. Telephony Assets...............................................62
Section 5.31. Capital Leases.................................................62
ARTICLE 6
COVENANTS
Section 6.01. Confidentiality and Publicity..................................62
Section 6.02. Title Defects..................................................63
Section 6.03. Leased Vehicles and Other Capital Leases.......................64
Section 6.04. Post-closing Obtaining Of Consents.............................64
Section 6.05. Transitional Services..........................................65
Section 6.06. Cooperation upon Inquiries as to Rates.........................70
Section 6.07. Books and Records..............................................71
Section 6.08. Taxes..........................................................71
Section 6.09. Estoppel Certificates..........................................72
Section 6.10. Termination of Certain Affiliate Contracts.....................72
Section 6.11. Change of Names of Comcast LLCs................................72
Section 6.12. Payment of Gateway Proceeds....................................73
Section 6.13. Telephony Services.<...........................................73
Section 6.14. Transfer of Jones Telecommunications...........................73
ARTICLE 7
CLOSING
Section 7.01. Closing........................................................74
Section 7.02. Adelphia's Obligations.........................................74
Section 7.03. Comcast's Obligations..........................................75
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.01. Indemnification by Adelphia....................................77
Section 8.02. Indemnification by Comcast.....................................78
Section 8.03. Procedure for Certain Indemnified Claims.......................79
Section 8.04. Determination of Indemnification Amounts and Related Matters...80
iii
PAGE
Section 8.05. Time and Manner of Certain Claims..............................80
Section 8.06. Other Indemnification..........................................81
Section 8.07. Exclusivity....................................................81
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 9.01. Expenses.......................................................81
Section 9.02. Brokers........................................................81
Section 9.03. Performance of Obligations of Parties..........................82
Section 9.04. Waivers........................................................82
Section 9.05. Notices........................................................82
Section 9.06. Entire Agreement; Prior Representations; Amendments............83
Section 9.07. Specific Performance...........................................83
Section 9.08. Jurisdiction...................................................84
Section 9.09. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL...........................................84
Section 9.10. Binding Effect; Benefits.......................................84
Section 9.11. Headings and Schedules.........................................84
Section 9.12. Counterparts...................................................85
Section 9.13. GOVERNING LAW..................................................85
Section 9.14. Severability...................................................85
Section 9.15. Third Parties; Joint Ventures..................................85
Section 9.16. Construction...................................................85
Section 9.17. Attorneys' Fees................................................85
Section 9.18. Tax Consequences...............................................85
Section 9.19. Time...........................................................86
iv
EXHIBIT A......... Intentionally Deleted
EXHIBIT B-1....... Comcast Converted LLCs
EXHIBIT B-2....... Comcast New LLCs
EXHIBIT C......... Comcast Systems
v
ASSET EXCHANGE CLOSING AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET EXCHANGE CLOSING AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered
into as of January 1, 2001 among Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation
("Comcast"), and the Comcast Parties (as defined below), on the one hand, and
Adelphia Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Adelphia"), and
the Adelphia Parties (as defined below), on the other hand.
RECITALS
A. Comcast and Adelphia entered into a letter agreement dated as of May
25, 1999 (the "Comcast/Adelphia Letter Agreement") providing for, among other
things, an exchange of certain cable television systems.
B. Jones Intercable Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Jones"), and Adelphia
entered into a letter agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 (the "Jones/Adelphia
Letter Agreement", and together with the Comcast/Adelphia Letter Agreement, the
"Letter Agreements") providing for, among other things, an exchange of certain
cable television systems.
C. After entering into the Jones/Adelphia Letter Agreement, Jones became
a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast and thereafter was merged with and into
Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Comcast.
D. This Agreement supersedes the Letter Agreements and sets forth the
terms and conditions on which the Comcast Parties (as defined below) are
conveying to the Adelphia Entities (as defined below) substantially all of the
assets of the Comcast Systems (as defined below), and the Adelphia Entities are
conveying to the Comcast Parties substantially all of the assets of the Adelphia
Systems (as defined below), in such a manner as to effect a like-kind exchange
of such assets under Section 1031 of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
AGREEMENTS
In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth in this
Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Terms Defined in this Section. In addition to terms defined
elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms with initial capital letters,
when used in this Agreement, will have the meanings set forth below:
1
"@Home Solutions" means At Home Network Solutions, Inc.
"Adelphia Entities" means Adelphia and the Adelphia Parties.
"Adelphia Leased Property" means the premises demised under the Adelphia
Leases.
"Adelphia Parties" means those entities listed on Schedule 1.01, which
Schedule includes for each such entity its Employee Identification Number for
federal tax purposes.
"Adelphia Service Area" means any geographic area in which the Adelphia
Systems (i) are authorized to provide cable television service pursuant to an
Adelphia Systems Franchise or (ii) provide cable television service and in which
a franchise or other authorization is not required pursuant to applicable Legal
Requirements.
"Adelphia Systems" means the cable television systems operating under the
Adelphia Systems Franchises listed on Schedule 2.01(b)(iii)(B) and any closely
related multi-channel video systems. For the avoidance of doubt, the Adelphia
Systems include the internet service operations of those systems, including
internet service contracts with Subscribers.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person, with
"control" for such purpose meaning the possession, directly or indirectly, of
the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or voting interests,
by contract or otherwise. For purposes hereof, (i) Montgomery Cablevision
Associates, L.P. and Adelphia Cablevision Associates of Radnor, L.P. shall be
treated as Affiliates of Adelphia and (ii) no party hereto will be treated as an
Affiliate of Excite@Home or ServiceCo LLC, or any of their respective
Affiliates.
"Assets" means the Comcast Assets or the Adelphia Assets, as the context
requires.
"Assumed Liabilities" means the Comcast Assumed Liabilities or the Adelphia
Assumed Liabilities, as the context requires.
"AT&T Transaction" means the exchange of cable television systems
contemplated by the Asset Exchange Agreement dated as of August 11, 2000, as
amended from time to time, among Comcast, certain Affiliates of Comcast, AT&T
Corp. and certain Affiliates of AT&T Corp.
"Basic Service Tier" means the lowest service tier offered to Subscribers
of a System, as identified on Schedules 4.10 and 5.10, as applicable.
2
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on
which banks in New York, New York are authorized or required to be closed.
"Cable Act" means Title VI of the Communications Act, 47 USC ss. 521, et
seq.
"CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C.A.ss.ss.9601 et seq.).
"Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.
"Closing Time" means 12:01 a.m., local time in the location of each System,
on the Closing Date.
"Cut-Off Date" means December 31, 2000.
"Cut-Off Time" means 11:59 p.m., local time in the location of each System,
on the Cut-Off Date.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
"Comcast Converted LLCs" means the limited liability companies listed on
Exhibit B-1.
"Comcast New LLCs" means the limited liability companies listed on Exhibit
B-2.
"Comcast Entities" means Comcast and the Comcast Parties.
"Comcast Leased Property" means premises demised under the Comcast Leases.
"Comcast LLC's" means the Comcast Converted LLCs and the Comcast New LLCs.
"Comcast Parties" means Comcast Cablevision Corporation of California, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company, Jones Cable Holdings II, LLC, a Colorado
limited liability company, and Comcast Cablevision of Muncie, LP, an Indiana
limited partnership.
"Comcast Service Area" means any geographic area in which the Comcast
Systems are authorized to provide cable television service pursuant to a Comcast
Systems Franchise or provide cable television service in which a franchise or
other authorization is not required pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements.
"Comcast Systems" means the cable television systems listed on Exhibit C.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Comcast Systems include (i) the
3
Internet service operations of those systems, including internet service
contracts with Subscribers, (ii) interests in advertising sales businesses that
are primarily related to the Comcast Systems and (iii) operations primarily
related to the provision of wide area network services to the Palmdale School
District, Palmdale, California.
"Communications Act" means the Communications Act of 1934.
"Contract" means any written agreement, contract, mortgage, deed of trust,
bond, indenture, lease, license, note, franchise, certificate, option, warrant
or right, and any oral obligation, right or agreement.
"Copyright Act" means the Copyright Act of 1976.
"Deposits" means all monies which are on deposit with third parties as of
the Cut-Off Time for the account of Transferor (or a Comcast LLC), or as
security for such party's performance of its obligations (other than any
deposits which are Excluded Assets or the full benefit of which will not be
available to Transferee (or a Comcast LLC) following Closing), including
deposits on real property leases and deposits for utilities.
"Environmental Law" means any Legal Requirement or agreement with third
parties whether now or hereafter in effect concerning human health, safety,
welfare or the environment, including Legal Requirements relating to emissions,
discharges, releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances into the
environment, air (including both ambient and within buildings and other
structures), surface water, ground water or land or otherwise relating to the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, presence,
disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Substances.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
"ERISA Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any trade or business, whether
or not incorporated, which together with such Person would be deemed a single
employer within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.
"Excite@Home" means the Excite @ Home Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
"Excluded Assets" means the Comcast Excluded Assets or the Adelphia
Excluded Assets, as the context requires.
"Expanded Basic Services" means the service tier or tiers identified as
such on Schedules 4.10 and 5.10.
"FAA" means the Federal Aviation Administration.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
4
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
consistently applied, including the statements and interpretations of the U.S.
Financial Accounting Standards Board.
"Gateway Partnership Agreement" means the Limited Partnership Agreement of
Gateway/Jones Communications Ltd. dated September 12, 1998 by and between Jones
Intercable of Ft. Myers, Inc. and Gateway/Jones Communications Services, Inc.
"Gateway Partnership Interest" means the 5% general partner interest in
Gateway/Jones Communications, Ltd.
"Governmental Authority" means (i) the United States of America, (ii) any
state, commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States of America and
any political subdivision thereof (including counties, municipalities,
provinces, parishes and the like), (iii) any foreign (as to the United States of
America) sovereign entity and any political subdivision thereof and (iv) any
court, quasi-governmental authority, tribunal, department, commission, board,
bureau, agency, authority or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.
"Hazardous Substances" means (i) any pollutant, contaminant, waste or
chemical or any toxic, radioactive, ignitable, corrosive or otherwise hazardous
substance, waste or material, (ii) any "hazardous waste" as defined by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) (42 U.S.C.A. ss.ss. 6901
et seq.); (iii) any "hazardous substance" as defined by CERCLA; (iv) any
substance regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (42 U.S.C. ss.
2601 et seq.); (v) asbestos or asbestos-containing material of any kind or
character; (vi) polychlorinated biphenyls; (vii) any substances regulated under
the provisions of Subtitle I of RCRA relating to underground storage tanks;
(viii) any substance the presence, use, treatment, storage or disposal of which
is prohibited by or regulated under any Legal Requirement; and (ix) any other
substance which by any Legal Requirement requires special handling, reporting or
notification of or to any Governmental Authority in its collection, storage,
use, treatment, presence or disposal.
"Jones Telecommunications" means Jones Telecommunications of California,
LLC, a Colorado limited liability company.
"Judgment" means any judgment, judicial decision, writ, order, injunction,
award or decree of or by any Governmental Authority.
"Leased Property" means Comcast Leased Property or Adelphia Leased
Property, as the context requires.
"Legal Requirement" means applicable common law and any statute, ordinance,
code, law, rule, regulation, order, technical or other written standard,
requirement or procedure enacted, adopted, promulgated, applied or followed by
5
or any agreement entered into by any Governmental Authority, including any
Judgment.
"Lien" means, with respect to any property or asset, any security
agreement, financing statement filed with any Governmental Authority,
conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement
relating to such property or asset, any lease, consignment or bailment given for
purposes of security, any right of first refusal, equitable interest, lien,
mortgage, indenture, pledge, option, charge, encumbrance, adverse interest,
constructive trust or other trust, claim, attachment, exception to or defect in
title or other ownership interest (including reservations, rights of entry,
possibilities of reverter, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, restrictive
covenants, leases and licenses) of any kind, which otherwise constitutes an
interest in or claim against property, whether arising pursuant to any Legal
Requirement, any Contract or otherwise.
"Litigation" means any claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration,
investigation, hearing or other activity or procedure that could result in a
Judgment, and any notice of any of the foregoing.
"Losses" means any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, Liens, penalties,
costs and expenses, including interest which may be imposed in connection
therewith, reasonable expenses of investigation, reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel and other experts and the cost to any Person making a
claim or seeking indemnification under this Agreement with respect to funds
expended by such Person by reason of the occurrence of any event with respect to
which indemnification is sought and the reasonable costs of enforcing
indemnification rights in respect thereof, but will in no event include
incidental or consequential damages.
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on: (i) the
Comcast Assets or the Adelphia Assets, as the context requires, taken as a
whole, (ii) the business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of
the Comcast Systems or the Adelphia Systems, as the context requires, taken as a
whole or (iii) the business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of
the Comcast Entities or the Adelphia Entities, as the context requires, taken as
a whole, in the case of each of the foregoing, without giving effect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (except for purposes of Sections
4.03 or 5.03) or the announcement thereof or changes in conditions that are
applicable to the economy or the cable television industry in general.
"Material Adelphia Contracts" means (i) all Adelphia Systems Franchises and
(ii) the Adelphia Systems Licenses and Adelphia Systems Contracts required by
Section 5.05(a) to be disclosed on Schedule 2.01(b)(iv)(B) or 2.01(b)(v)(B),
respectively.
"Material Comcast Contracts" means (i) all Comcast Systems Franchises and
(ii) the Comcast Systems Licenses and Comcast Systems
6
Contracts required by Section 4.05(a) to be disclosed on Schedule 2.01(b)(iv)(A)
or 2.01(b)(v)(A), respectively.
"Owned Property" means the Comcast Owned Property or Adelphia Owned
Property, as the context requires.
"Parent" means Comcast or Adelphia, as the context requires.
"Party" or "party" means a Comcast Entity or an Adelphia Entity, as the
context requires.
"Pay TV" means a la carte tiers or premium programming services selected by
and sold to Subscribers on a per channel or per program basis.
"Permitted Lien" means any (i) Lien securing Taxes, assessments and
governmental charges not yet due and payable or being contested in good faith
(and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established), (ii)
customary zoning law or ordinance or any similar Legal Requirement, (iii)
customary rights reserved to any Governmental Authority to regulate the affected
property, (iv) as to all Owned Property and Real Property Interests, any Lien
(other than Liens securing indebtedness or arising out of the obligation to pay
money) which (A) does not and will not individually or in the aggregate with one
or more other Liens interfere with the right or ability to own, use, enjoy or
operate the Owned Property and Real Property Interests as currently being used
or operated, or materially detract from their value, or (B) is disclosed, in the
case of the Comcast Parties, on Schedule 6.02(a) or, in the case of the Adelphia
Parties, on Schedule 6.02(b), (v) in the case of Leased Property, the rights of
any lessor or any Lien granted by any lessor of Leased Property and (vi) any
inchoate materialmen's, mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's or other like Liens
arising in the ordinary course of business; provided that "Permitted Liens" will
not include any Lien securing a debt or other claim (other than any Lien
described in clause (v) above) which could prevent or interfere with the conduct
of the business of the affected System as it is currently being conducted.
"Person" means any human being, Governmental Authority, corporation,
limited liability company, general or limited partnership, joint venture, trust,
association or unincorporated entity of any kind.
"Post-Closing Tax Period" means with respect to a taxable period which
commences before but ends after the date hereof, the portion of such period
after but not including the date hereof.
"Powerlink" means the internet services provided by Adelphia and its
Affiliates which are offered under the "Powerlink" trademark.
"Pre-Closing Tax Period" means (i) any taxable period ending on or before
the Closing Date and (ii) with respect to a taxable period that commences
7
before but ends after the date hereof, the portion of such period up to and
including the date hereof.
"Prime Rate" means the prime rate of interest, as announced from time to
time, of The Bank of New York in New York City.
"Real Property Interests" means the Comcast Real Property Interests or
Adelphia Real Property Interests, as the context requires.
"Service Area" means a Comcast Service Area or an Adelphia Service Area, as
the context requires.
"Subscriber" means a subscriber of a System.
"Subscriber Determination Date" means any date as of which the number of
Individual Subscribers and Subscriber Equivalents is to be determined under the
terms of this Agreement.
"System" means any of the Comcast Systems or the Adelphia Systems, as the
context requires.
"Systems Franchises" means the Comcast Systems Franchises or Adelphia
Systems Franchises, as the context requires.
"Systems Licenses" means the Comcast Systems Licenses or Adelphia Systems
Licenses, as the context requires.
"Tangible Personal Property" means the Comcast Tangible Personal Property
or Adelphia Tangible Personal Property, as the context requires.
"Taxes" means all levies and assessments of any kind or nature imposed by
any Governmental Authority, including all income, sales, use, ad valorem, value
added, franchise, severance, net or gross proceeds, withholding, payroll,
employment, FICA, excise or property taxes, levies, and any payment required to
be made to any state abandoned property administrator or other public official
pursuant to an abandoned property, escheat or similar law (an "Escheat
Payment"), together with any interest thereon and any penalties, additions to
tax or additional amounts applicable thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, an
Escheat Payment shall be attributable to a Pre-Closing Tax Period and treated as
a liability of the relevant Transferor (and shall not be included among the
Assumed Liabilities of the relevant Transferee) if the relevant abandoned or
unclaimed property was either accrued as an unclaimed property liability during
the Pre-Closing Tax Period or first proffered by the applicable System at least
one year before the Cut-Off Date.
"Title Policies" means the Comcast Title Policies and the Adelphia Title
Policies.
8
"Transaction Documents" means the instruments and documents described in
Sections 7.02 and 7.03 which are being executed and delivered by or on behalf of
the Comcast Entities or the Adelphia Entities, as the case may be, or any of
their respective Affiliates in connection with this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby.
"Transferee" means a Comcast Party or an Adelphia Party, as applicable,
insofar as the term refers to a party to this Agreement that will receive
Systems (either directly or through the transfer of Comcast LLC Interests) from
another party to this Agreement. The Parent of a Transferee may, with respect to
any given System or portion thereof to be received by such Transferee, designate
an entity that is directly wholly owned by such Transferee and a disregarded
entity for United States federal income tax purposes to serve as a substitute
transferee of such System or portion thereof and for purposes of this Agreement
such entity shall be treated as the Transferee in respect of such System or
portion thereof except as the Agreement may otherwise require.
"Transferor" means a Comcast Party or an Adelphia Party, as applicable,
insofar as the term refers to a party to this Agreement that will transfer
Systems (either directly or through the transfer of Comcast LLC Interests) to
another party to this Agreement.
SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions. The following terms are defined in the
Sections indicated:
Term Section
450 MHZ 2.07(b)
550 MHZ 2.07(b)
750 MHZ 2.07(b)
1031 Exchange 2.01(a)
@Home Solutions Service Fee 6.05(f)
@Home Solutions Service Period 6.05(b)(viii)
Adelphia Preamble
Adelphia Assets 2.01(b)
Adelphia Assumed Liabilities 2.03
Adelphia Billing Services Separation 6.05(a)(i)
Adelphia Designated Employees 3.01(a)
Adelphia Environmental Permits 5.16(c)
Adelphia Estoppel Certificates 6.09
Adelphia Excluded Assets 2.01(c)
Adelphia Excluded Liabilities 2.02
Adelphia Leases 5.12
Adelphia Owned Property 2.01(b)(ii)
Adelphia Plans 5.06
Adelphia Real Property Interests 2.01(b)(ii)
Adelphia Recipient 7.02(k)
Adelphia System Employees 5.15(a)
9
Term Section
Adelphia Systems Contracts 2.01(b)(v)
Adelphia Systems Financial Statements 5.13
Adelphia Systems Franchises 2.01(b)(iii)
Adelphia Systems Licenses 2.01(b)(iv)
Adelphia Systems Option 5.26
Adelphia Tangible Personal Property 2.01(b)(i)
Adelphia Title Policies 7.02(d)
Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment 2.04(a)
Adjustment Certificate 2.06(a)
Adlink 1.02, 2.01(a)
Advertising Accounts Receivable 2.04(c)(ii)
Agreement Preamble
Apportioned Obligations 6.08(b)
Base Amount 2.07(c)
Books and Records 2.01(b)(vii)
Business Employees 3.01(a)
Cap 8.04(a)
Capacity Adjustment 2.07(c)
Capacity Certification 2.07(a)
CARS 2.01(b)(iv)
Closing 7.01
Comcast Preamble
Comcast/Adelphia Letter Agreement Recitals
Comcast Assets 2.01(b)
Comcast Assumed Liabilities 2.02
Comcast Designated Employees 3.01(a)
Comcast Environmental Permits 4.16(c)
Comcast Estoppel Certificates 6.09
Comcast Excluded Assets 2.01(c)
Comcast Excluded Liabilities 2.03
Comcast Leases 4.12
Comcast LLC Interests 2.01(a)
Comcast Owned Property 2.01(b)(ii)
Comcast PA 2.01(a)
Comcast Parties 2.01(a)
Comcast Plans 4.06
Comcast Provider 7.02(k)
Comcast Real Property Interests 2.01(b)(ii)
Comcast System Employees 4.15(a)
Comcast Systems Contracts 2.01(b)(v)
Comcast Systems Financial Statements 4.13
Comcast Systems Franchises 2.01(b)(iii)
Comcast Systems Licenses 2.01(b)(iv)
Comcast Systems Option 4.26
Comcast Tangible Personal Property 2.01(b)(i)
10
Term Section
Comcast Title Policies 7.03(d)
Comcast Working Capital Adjustment 2.05(a)
Confidential Information 6.01(a)
Customer Accounts Receivable 2.04(c)(i)(A)
Designated Employees 3.01(a)
Dispute Notice 2.06(a)
EEO 4.11(b)
Eligible Accounts Receivable 2.04(c)(i)(B)
Estimated Working Capital Deficit 2.06(a)
Final Working Capital Deficit 2.06(b)
Franchise Matter 8.03
Gateway Partnership 2.01(b)(viii)
Gateway Payment 6.12
Gateway Proceeds 6.12
Gateway Services Agreement 7.02(k)
Hired Employees 3.01(d)(i)
Indemnitee 8.03
Indemnitor 8.03
Independent Accountant 2.06(a)
Initial Period 2.06(b)
Insurance Proceeds 2.01(b)(viii)
Internet Service Fee 6.05(d)
Internet Service Period 6.05(a)(vii)
Jones Recitals
Jones/Adelphia Letter Agreement Recitals
Jones Holdings 6.14
Letter Agreements Recitals
LLC Transfer Consents 2.01(a)
mile 2.07(b)
Minimum Damage Requirement 8.04(a)
Other Relinquished Property Agreements 3.05(f)
Other Replacement Property Agreements 3.05(g)
Palmdale License 6.14
Proprietary Rights 3.02
Rate Regulatory Matter 6.06(c)
Rebuild Differential 2.07(b)
Retained Employee Benefits 3.01(c)
Retained Employees 3.01(a)
Solution Services 6.05(b)(viii)
Title Commitments 6.02
Title Company 6.02
Transfer Taxes 6.08(c)
Transitional Services 6.05
WARN 4.15(b)
Working Capital Deficit 2.06(a)
Working Capital Adjustment 2.06(a)
11
SECTION 1.03. Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise expressly provided in
this Agreement (a) accounting terms used in this Agreement will have the
meaning, ascribed to them under GAAP; (b) words used in this Agreement,
regardless of the gender used, will be deemed and construed to include any other
gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the context requires; (c) the word
"including" is not limiting, and the word "or" is not exclusive; (d) the
capitalized term "Section" refers to sections of this Agreement unless the
context otherwise requires; (e) references to a particular Section include all
subsections thereof, (f) references to a particular statute or regulation
include all amendments thereto, rules and regulations thereunder and any
successor statute, rule or regulation, or published clarifications or
interpretations with respect thereto, in each case as from time to time in
effect; (g) references to a Person include such Person's successors and assigns
to the extent not prohibited by this Agreement; and (h)references to a "day" or
number of "days" (without the explicit qualification "Business") will be
interpreted as a reference to a calendar day or number of calendar days.
"Knowledge" and words of similar import, when used with reference to a party,
mean the actual knowledge of a particular matter of (i) with respect to
Adelphia, Bob Wall, Steve Delgado, Larry Brett and any other regional vice
presidents for each of the states in which the Adelphia Systems are located, and
(ii) with respect to Comcast, Rick Palmer, John Barrett and the regional vice
presidents for each of the states in which the Comcast Systems are located.
Reference to any Comcast Party's Assets (or any category thereof), Systems or
Excluded Assets will be deemed to refer to the portion of the Comcast Assets (or
such category), Systems or Excluded Assets, respectively, owned or operated by
such Comcast Party or a Comcast LLC owned by such Comcast Party. Reference to
any Comcast LLC's Assets (or any category thereof) or Systems will be deemed to
refer to that portion of the Comcast Assets (or such category) or Systems,
respectively, owned or operated by such Comcast LLC. Reference to any Adelphia
Party's Assets (or any category thereof), Systems or Excluded Assets will be
deemed to refer to the portion of the Adelphia Assets (or such category),
Systems or Excluded Assets, respectively, owned or operated by such Adelphia
Party. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to "Transferor" will be
deemed to refer to each Transferor with respect to the Systems to be transferred
by it pursuant to this Agreement (either directly or through the transfer of
Comcast LLC Interests), and references to "Transferee" will be deemed to refer
to each Transferee with respect to the Systems to be transferred to it pursuant
to this Agreement (either directly or through the transfer of Comcast LLC
Interests).
ARTICLE 2
EXCHANGE
SECTION 2.01. Exchange of Comcast Assets and Adelphia Assets.
12
(a) Exchange Covenant. On the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Comcast Parties and the Adelphia Parties are exchanging at
Closing simultaneously all of the right, title and interest of the Adelphia
Parties in, to and under the Adelphia Assets for all of the right, title and
interest of the Comcast Parties in, to and under the Comcast Assets, in each
case free and clear of all Liens (except Permitted Liens); provided that this
Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign any Asset or any claim or
right or any benefit arising thereunder or resulting therefrom without the
consent of a third party thereto if such assignment without such consent would
constitute a breach or other contravention of such Asset or in any way adversely
affect the rights of the Transferee thereunder. Each of the Comcast Entities and
the Adelphia Entities acknowledges that the parties to this Agreement desire and
intend to effect their respective transfers and acquisitions of the Adelphia
Assets or the Comcast Assets, as the case may be, pursuant to this Agreement as
one or more exchanges of like-kind properties under Section 1031 of the Code (a
"1031 Exchange"). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
the exchange is occurring in accordance with the match-ups and in the manner set
forth in Schedule 2.01(a). It is understood that if, pursuant to such match-ups,
a System is divided so that it is transferred in part to one Transferee and in
part to one or more other Transferees (or is divided between two or more Comcast
LLCs in accordance with the following paragraph) such division will be
disregarded for purposes of the representations and warranties set forth in
Articles 4 and 5.
Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph and other provisions of this
Agreement, the Parties agree that in lieu of the Comcast Parties transferring to
the Adelphia Parties at Closing the Comcast Assets and in lieu of the Adelphia
Parties assuming the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities, the following applies: Prior
to the Closing and subject to the receipt of applicable consents ("LLC Transfer
Consents"), the Comcast LLCs collectively hold all of the Comcast Assets and are
liable for all of the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities in the following manner: (i)
with respect to the Comcast New LLCs, the Comcast Parties have transferred or
caused to be transferred certain Comcast Assets to the Comcast New LLCs and the
Comcast New LLCs have assumed certain Adelphia Assumed Liabilities and (ii) with
respect to the Comcast Converted LLCs, certain Comcast Affiliates which held
Comcast Assets and are liable for Adelphia Assumed Liabilities have been
converted (either by merger or statutory conversion) into limited liability
companies. Each of the Comcast LLCs is a wholly owned disregarded entity for
United States federal income tax purposes. At the Closing, the Comcast Parties
are transferring to the Adelphia Parties 100% of the interests in each Comcast
LLC (collectively, "Comcast LLC Interests"), free and clear of all Liens, which,
for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a direct
transfer of the Comcast Assets. In addition, at the Closing, Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Comcast ("Comcast PA"), is transferring all of the limited liability company
interests in Adlink Cable Advertising, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
("Adlink") which it holds to ACC Operations, Inc. Except as the context may
13
otherwise require, the term "Comcast Parties" as used in this Agreement shall
include the Comcast LLCs and the Comcast Affiliates who owned the Comcast
Systems prior to or in connection with the reorganization that resulted in the
Comcast Systems being owned by the Comcast LLCs. The other provisions of this
Agreement shall be construed consistently with the intent of this paragraph. To
the extent that any LLC Transfer Consent has not been obtained prior to Closing,
the provisions of Section 6.04 shall apply.
(b) Comcast and Adelphia Assets. "Comcast Assets" and "Adelphia Assets"
mean all of the assets and properties, real and personal, tangible and
intangible, owned, held for use or used by the Comcast Entities (or their
Affiliates) or the Adelphia Entities (or their Affiliates), respectively,
primarily in the operation of the Comcast Systems or the Adelphia Systems,
respectively, as of the Closing Time that are not Comcast Excluded Assets or
Adelphia Excluded Assets, including the following types of assets and
properties:
(i) Tangible Personal Property. All tangible personal property,
including towers, tower equipment, aboveground and underground cable,
distribution systems, head-end equipment, line amplifiers, microwave
equipment, converters, testing equipment, motor vehicles, office equipment,
furniture, fixtures, supplies, inventory and other physical assets (the
"Comcast Tangible Personal Property" or the "Adelphia Tangible Personal
Property," as the case may be), including, with respect to the Comcast
Tangible Personal Property, the items described on Schedule 2.01(b)(i)(A)
and, with respect to the Adelphia Tangible Personal Property, the items
described on Schedule 2.01(b)(i)(B);
(ii) Real Property. All fee interests in real property (including
improvements thereon) (the "Comcast Owned Property" or the "Adelphia Owned
Property," as the case may be), including the interests described as
Comcast Owned Property on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) or Adelphia Owned
Property on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B), as the case may be, and all leases
(including Comcast Leases or Adelphia Leases, as the case may be),
easements, rights of access and other interests in real property (the
"Comcast Real Property Interests" or the "Adelphia Real Property
Interests," as the case may be), including, with respect to the Comcast
Real Property Interests, those described on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) and,
with respect to the Adelphia Real Property Interests, those described on
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B);
(iii) Franchises. All franchises and similar authorizations or similar
permits issued by any Governmental Authority (the "Comcast Systems
Franchises" or the "Adelphia Systems Franchises," as the case may be),
including, with respect to the Comcast Systems Franchises, those described
on Schedule 2.01(b)(iii)(A) and, with respect to the Adelphia Systems
Franchises, those described on Schedule 2.01(b)(iii)(B);
14
(iv) Licenses. All cable television relay service ("CARS") and
business radio licenses, copyright notices and other licenses,
authorizations, consents or permits issued by the FCC or any other
Governmental Authority (other than the Comcast Systems Franchises and the
Adelphia Systems Franchises) (the "Comcast Systems Licenses" or the
"Adelphia Systems Licenses," as the case may be), including, with respect
to the Comcast Systems Licenses, those described on Schedule 2.01(b)(iv)(A)
and, with respect to the Adelphia Systems Licenses, those described on
Schedule 2.01(b)(iv)(B);
(v) Contracts. All pole line or joint line agreements, underground
conduit agreements, crossing agreements, bulk service, commercial service
or multiple-dwelling agreements (including the relevant portions of any
national multiple dwelling unit agreements to the extent necessary to
permit the assignment of single property supplement agreements related
thereto), access agreements, system specific programming agreements or
signal supply agreements, agreements with community groups, commercial
leased access agreements, capacity license agreements, partnership, joint
venture or other similar agreements or arrangements, Contracts relating to
the use of Assets to provide, or the provision by the Systems of, telephone
or high speed data services, advertising interconnect agreements and other
Contracts (including all Contracts in respect of Real Property Interests)
(the "Comcast Systems Contracts" or the "Adelphia Systems Contracts," as
the case may be), including with respect to the Comcast Systems Contracts,
those described on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(A) and, with respect to the Adelphia
Systems Contracts, those described on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(B);
(vi) Accounts Receivable and Current Assets. All Subscriber, trade and
other accounts receivable (including advertising accounts receivable) and
pre-paid expense items;
(vii) Books and Records. All engineering records, files, data,
drawings, blueprints, schematics, reports, lists, plans and processes and
all files of correspondence, lists, records and reports concerning
Subscribers and prospective Subscribers of the Comcast Systems or Adelphia
Systems, signal and program carriage and dealings with Governmental
Authorities, including all reports filed by or on behalf of either party
with the FCC and statements of account filed by or on behalf of either
party with the U.S. Copyright Office (the "Books and Records"); and
(viii) Insurance Claims. All rights to insurance proceeds receivable
after the Closing in respect of any Comcast Assumed Liabilities or Adelphia
Assumed Liabilities insured on a "claims made" basis and all insurance
proceeds (to the extent not already expended by the Transferor to restore
or replace the lost or damaged asset, which replacement asset shall be a
transferred Asset) received prior to Closing in respect of any
15
asset which, if held by a Comcast Entity at the Closing would be a Comcast
Asset, or by an Adelphia Entity at the Closing, would be an Adelphia Asset
("Insurance Proceeds");
in the case of each of the foregoing, owned, held for use or used primarily in
the operation of the Comcast Systems or the Adelphia Systems, as applicable;
provided that, in addition to the foregoing, the Comcast Assets shall also
include all of the limited liability company interests in Adlink owned by
Comcast PA. For the avoidance of doubt, no adjustments will be made under
Section 2.04 or 2.07 in respect of the cable television system operated by the
Gateway Partnership.
(c) Comcast and Adelphia Excluded Assets. "Comcast Excluded Assets" and
"Adelphia Excluded Assets" mean all: (i) cable programming services agreements
(including cable guide contracts but excluding system specific programming
agreements listed on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(A) with respect to the Comcast Entities
or on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(B) with respect to the Adelphia Entities) and any
payments received or to be received with respect thereto, and retransmission
consent agreements (other than those listed on Schedule 2.01(c)(i) with respect
to the Comcast Entities or on Schedule 2.01(c)(ii) with respect to the Adelphia
Entities); (ii) vehicle leases and capital leases of Tangible Personal Property
(it being understood and agreed that the vehicles and Tangible Personal Property
covered by such leases will be transferred to Transferee (or owned by a Comcast
LLC) at Closing free and clear of any obligations or Liens under such leases in
accordance with Section 6.03 hereof); (iii) all employee benefit plans of any
nature and their assets, except as expressly provided to the contrary in Section
3.01; (iv) insurance policies, other than the matters described in Section
2.01(b)(viii); (v) bonds, letters of credit, surety instruments and other
similar items and any stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit and similar
investments; (vi) cash and cash equivalents, other than (A) Insurance Proceeds
and (B) petty cash; (vii) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service
marks, service names, logos and similar proprietary rights (subject to Section
3.02); (viii) contracts for Subscriber billing services and any equipment leased
with respect to the provision of services under such contracts (subject to
Section 6.05); (ix) all contracts relating to national advertising sales
representation; (x) any master purchasing agreements which relate to both the
Systems and other cable television systems of Transferor or its Affiliates; (xi)
rights or obligations under any agreement governing or evidencing an obligation
of Transferor (or a Comcast LLC) for borrowed money; (xii) Subscriber deposits
and advance payments held by Transferor (or a Comcast LLC) as of the Cut-Off
Time for which an adjustment is made in favor of Transferee pursuant to Section
2.04(b)(vi) or 2.05(b)(vi); (xiii) the account books of original entry, general
ledgers, and financial records used in connection with the Systems, provided
that Transferor will, at Transferee's request, provide copies of, or information
contained in, such books, records and ledgers (other than information pertaining
to programming agreements other than System-specific programming) to the extent
reasonably requested by the
16
Transferee after the Closing Date; (xiv) all proprietary software of the Comcast
Entities and the Adelphia Entities and their respective Affiliates and licenses
relating to third party software and maintenance agreements with respect
thereto; (xv) all contracts with ServiceCo LLC, Excite@Home, PowerLink, @Home
Solutions or any other data service providers relating to the provision of high
speed internet access or with any competitive local exchange carrier service
provider providing for the use of the System's distribution plant, except, in
the case of Comcast, contracts with Teleport Communications Group Inc. set forth
on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(A) and, in the case of Adelphia, contracts with Adelphia
Business Solutions, Inc. (f/k/a Hyperion Telecommunications, Inc.) set forth on
Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(B); (xvi) all accounts receivable from Comcast or any of its
Affiliates, in the case of the Comcast Excluded Assets, and from Adelphia or any
of its Affiliates, in the case of the Adelphia Excluded Assets; (xvii) all
accounts receivable from or loans to employees rendering service in connection
with the Assets; (xviii) all cooperative marketing receivables; (xix) all
contracts and assets related primarily to paging services; (xx) all accounts
receivables arising under infomercial programming agreements; (xxi) the Gateway
Partnership Interest; and (xxii) contracts and/or assets specifically described
on Schedule 2.01(c)(i) with respect to the Comcast Entities and Schedule
2.01(c)(ii) with respect to the Adelphia Entities.
(d) Each Parent will cause any of its Affiliates that owns any Asset, but
that is not a Party to this Agreement, to transfer such Asset to the appropriate
Transferee (or Comcast LLC) promptly.
SECTION 2.02. Comcast Assumed Liabilities. After Closing, the Comcast
Entities will assume, pay, discharge and perform the following (the "Comcast
Assumed Liabilities"): (i) obligations and liabilities under the Adelphia
Systems Franchises, Adelphia Systems Licenses or Adelphia Systems Contracts
except for liabilities or obligations to the extent arising from or relating to
any breach of or default under any of the foregoing occurring at or prior to the
Closing Time; (ii) obligations and liabilities of the Adelphia Entities arising
prior to the Closing Time in connection with the ownership of the Adelphia
Assets or the operation of the Adelphia Systems but only to the extent that
there is an adjustment in favor of the Comcast Entities with respect thereto
pursuant to Section 2.04; and (iii) all other obligations and liabilities to the
extent attributable to actions occurring or conditions first occurring after the
Closing Time and arising out of or relating to the ownership of the Adelphia
Assets or operation of the Adelphia Systems after Closing, except to the extent
that such obligations or liabilities relate to any Adelphia Excluded Asset and
except to the extent otherwise provided for by . All obligations and liabilities
arising out of or relating to the Adelphia Assets or the Adelphia Systems other
than the Comcast Assumed Liabilities will remain and be the obligations and
liabilities solely of the Adelphia Entities (the "Adelphia Excluded
Liabilities"), including (A) any long-term debt (including the current portion
thereof) and any interest thereon; (B) any obligation or liability with respect
to periods prior to and including the Closing Time (y) for payment of
17
franchise fees pertaining to the Adelphia System, except as set forth in Section
2.04(b)(iv); and (z) for the refund of monies to Subscribers of the Adelphia
Systems, other than any refunds referred to in Section 2.04(b)(vi); (C) any
liability or obligation of the Adelphia Entities, or any member of any
consolidated, affiliated, combined or unitary group of which any of the Adelphia
Entities is or has been a member, for Taxes; provided that Transfer Taxes
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
Apportioned Obligations shall be paid in the manner set forth in Section 6.08
hereof; (D) any intercompany accounts payable; (E) any line expense accrual with
respect to PowerLink and @ Home Solutions; (F) any Retained Employee Benefits of
Adelphia or any of its Affiliates; (G) Escheat Payments attributable to a
Pre-Closing Tax Period; (H) any liabilities related to or arising from Harron
Communications Corp.'s (d/b/a Adelphia) attachments on poles owned by The
Detroit Edison Company except for obligations and liabilities arising after the
Closing (and not relating to any pre-closing breach or default) pursuant to the
Pole and Conduit Use Agreement dated January 31, 1977 between The Detroit Edison
Company and Harron Cablevision of Michigan, Inc., as successor in interest to
Huron CATV, Inc.; (I) liabilities relating primarily to paging services; and (J)
copyright royalty payments to be paid by an Adelphia Entity.
SECTION 2.03. Adelphia Assumed Liabilities. After Closing, the Adelphia
Entities will assume, pay, discharge and perform the following (the "Adelphia
Assumed Liabilities"): (i) obligations and liabilities under the Comcast Systems
Franchises, Comcast Systems Licenses or Comcast Systems Contracts except for
liabilities or obligations to the extent arising from or relating to any breach
of or default under any of the foregoing occurring at or prior to the Closing
Time; (ii) obligations and liabilities of the Comcast Entities arising prior to
the Closing Time in connection with the ownership of the Comcast Assets or the
operation of the Comcast Systems but only to the extent that there is an
adjustment in favor of the Adelphia Entities with respect thereto pursuant to
Section 2.05; and (iii) all other obligations and liabilities to the extent
attributable to actions occurring or conditions first occurring after the
Closing Time and arising out of or relating to the ownership of the Comcast
Assets or operation of the Comcast Systems after Closing, except to the extent
that such obligations or liabilities relate to any Comcast Excluded Asset and
except to the extent otherwise provided for by Section 6.08. All obligations and
liabilities arising out of or relating to the Comcast Assets or the Comcast
Systems other than the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities will remain and be the
obligations and liabilities solely of the Comcast Entities (not including the
Comcast LLCs) (the "Comcast Excluded Liabilities"), including (A) any long-term
debt (including the current portion thereof) and any interest thereon; (B) any
obligation or liability with respect to periods prior to and including the
Closing Time (y) for payment of franchise fees pertaining to the Comcast
Systems, except as set forth in Section 2.05(b)(iv); and (z) for the refund of
monies to Subscribers of the Comcast Systems, other than any refunds referred to
in Section 2.05(b)(vi); (C) any liability or obligation of the Comcast Entities,
or any member of any consolidated, affiliated, combined or
18
unitary group of which any of the Comcast Entities is or has been a member, for
Taxes; provided that Transfer Taxes incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and Apportioned Obligations shall be paid in the
manner set forth in Section 6.08 hereof and (D) any intercompany accounts
payable; (E) any Retained Employee Benefits of Comcast or any of its Affiliates
(including, prior to the Closing Time, the Comcast LLCs); (F) Escheat Payments
attributable to a Pre-Closing Tax Period; (G) liabilities relating primarily to
paging services; and (H) copyright royalty payments to be paid by a Comcast
Entity (excluding the Comcast LLCs).
SECTION 2.04. Adelphia Adjustments.
(a) The "Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment," which may be a positive or a
negative number, shall be the number obtained by subtracting (x) the sum of the
liabilities of the Adelphia Entities (as defined and determined in accordance
with GAAP) on the Cut-Off Date which constitute Comcast Assumed Liabilities,
from (y) the sum of the current assets of the Adelphia Entities (as defined and
determined in accordance with GAAP, except that inventory shall not be included
as a current asset) on the Cut-Off Date which are included within the Adelphia
Assets; provided that for such purpose, (i) the amount of accounts receivable
included in such current assets shall be calculated as set forth in Section
2.04(c) and (ii) Insurance Proceeds and Gateway Proceeds shall be disregarded.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with the determination of
the Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment:
(i) The amount of service charges of the Adelphia Systems that have
been prepaid by subscribers shall be a liability;
(ii) The amount of accrued but unpaid pole rentals of the Adelphia
Systems, if any, shall be a liability;
(iii) The amount of prepaid pole rental expense and pole rental
deposits of Adelphia Entities to the extent that the Comcast Entities
receive the benefit thereof shall be a current asset;
(iv) The amount of franchise fees of Adelphia Entities payable by
Comcast Entities after the Cut-Off Date covering periods prior to the
Cut-Off Date shall be a liability, and the accrued but unpaid liabilities
under all agreements which constitute Adelphia Assets shall be liabilities;
(v) The economic value of accrued vacation time credited by a Comcast
Party to any Hired Employees as provided in Section 3.01(d) shall be a
liability;
19
(vi) The amount of all refundable deposits, including accrued interest
if applicable, from subscribers of the Adelphia Systems for converters,
encoders, decoders and any related equipment, and any other prepaid item
shall be a liability;
(vii) The amount of all prepaid expenses of Adelphia Entities which
are part of the Adelphia Assets (except for prepaid expenses related to the
Adelphia Excluded Assets, inventory or any insurance or bonds) shall be
current assets, but only to the extent that such prepaid expenses will
accrue to the benefit of any Comcast Entity upon and after the Cut-Off
Date; and
(viii) The amount of any previously paid launch fees relating to any
cable programming services agreements that are Adelphia Excluded Assets
shall not be liabilities.
(c) The amount of accounts receivable included in the Adelphia Working
Capital Adjustment shall equal the Customer Accounts Receivable of the Adelphia
Systems plus 100% of the Advertising Accounts Receivable of the Adelphia Systems
that are 120 or fewer days past due as of the Cut-Off Date, in the case of
national agency accounts, or 90 or fewer days past due as of the Cut-Off Date,
in the case of all other Advertising Accounts Receivable.
(i) Eligible Accounts Receivable.
(A) "Customer Accounts Receivable" shall equal (x) 100% of the
face amount of all Eligible Accounts Receivable of the Comcast or
Adelphia Systems, as the case may be, that are 30 or fewer days past
due as of the Cut-Off Date, plus (y) 95% of the face amount of all
Eligible Accounts Receivable of such Systems that are more than 30 but
less than 60 days past due as of the Cut-Off Date plus (z) 50% of the
face amount of all Eligible Accounts Receivable of such Systems that
are more than 60 days but less than 90 days past due as of the Cut-Off
Date.
(B) "Eligible Accounts Receivable" of a System means accounts
receivable arising in the ordinary course of business resulting from
the provision of cable television, Internet or wide area network
services to that System's Subscribers as of the Cut-Off Date and that
relate to periods of time prior to the Cut-Off Date. Accounts
receivable from Subscribers whose service has been disconnected shall
not be included in Eligible Accounts Receivable. In the event that any
account receivable consists of more than one portion that is past due,
each such portion shall be deemed to be past due for the number of
days such portion is past due. For purposes of making "past due"
calculations under this subsection (i), the billing statements of a
20
System will be deemed to be due and payable on the first day of the
service period to which such billing statements relates. Cash received
after the billing cutoff date immediately preceding the Cut-Off Date
will be applied to the current portion of receivables.
(ii) Advertising Accounts Receivable. "Advertising Accounts
Receivable" of a System means accounts receivable arising in the ordinary
course of business representing amounts owed to a System in connection with
commercial advertising that is cablecast on a System, net of commissions
payable to third parties. In the event that any account receivable consists
of more than one portion that is past due, each such portion shall be
deemed to be past due for the number of days such portion is past due. For
purposes of making "past due" calculations under this subsection (ii),
invoices will be deemed to be due and payable upon invoice.
SECTION 2.05. Comcast Adjustments.
(a) The "Comcast Working Capital Adjustment," which may be a positive or
negative number, shall be the number obtained by subtracting (x) the sum of the
liabilities of the Comcast Entities (as defined and determined in accordance
with GAAP) on the Cut-Off Date which constitute Adelphia Assumed Liabilities,
from (y) the sum of the current assets of the Comcast Entities (as defined and
determined in accordance with GAAP, except that inventory shall not be included
as a current asset) on the Cut-Off Date which are included within the Comcast
Assets; provided that for such purpose, (i) the amount of accounts receivable
included in such current assets shall be calculated as set forth in Section
2.05(c), and (ii) Insurance Proceeds shall be disregarded.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with the determination of
the Comcast Working Capital Adjustment:
(i) The amount of service charges of the Comcast Systems that have
been prepaid by subscribers shall be a liability;
(ii) The amount of accrued but unpaid pole rentals of the Comcast
Systems, if any, shall be a liability;
(iii) The amount of prepaid pole rental expenses and pole rental
deposits of Comcast Entities to the extent that the Adelphia Entities
receive the benefit thereof shall be a current asset;
(iv) The amount of franchise fees of Comcast Entities payable by
Adelphia Entities after the Cut-Off Date covering periods prior to the
Cut-Off Date shall be a liability, and the accrued but unpaid liabilities
under all agreements which constitute Comcast Assets shall be liabilities;
21
(v) The economic value of accrued vacation time credited by an
Adelphia Party (including the Comcast LLCs) to any Hired Employees as
provided in Section 3.01(d) shall be a liability;
(vi) The amount of all refundable deposits, including accrued interest
if applicable, from subscribers of the Comcast Systems for converters,
encoders, decoders and any related equipment, and any other prepaid item
shall be a liability;
(vii) The amount of all prepaid expenses of Comcast Entities which are
part of the Comcast Assets (except for prepaid expenses related to the
Comcast Excluded Assets, inventory or any insurance or bonds) shall be
current assets, but only to the extent that such prepaid expenses will
accrue to the benefit of any Adelphia Entity upon and after the Cut-Off
Date; and
(viii) The amount of any previously paid launch fees relating to any
cable programming services agreements that are Comcast Excluded Assets
shall not be liabilities.
(c) The amount of accounts receivable included in the Comcast Working
Capital Adjustment shall be determined in the same manner as provided in Section
2.04(c) with respect to the Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment.
(d) For purposes of this Section 2.05, the fact that the Comcast Parties
are transferring to the Adelphia Parties Comcast LLC Interests rather than
assets and liabilities shall be disregarded.
SECTION 2.06 . Final Working Capital Adjustment. (a) On or before 90 days
after the Closing Date, each Parent shall prepare in good faith and deliver to
the other a final calculation of the Working Capital Adjustment applicable to
the Systems transferred by such Parent's Affiliates (each an "Adjustment
Certificate"), together with appropriate supporting documentation, which shall
evidence in reasonable detail the nature and extent of each adjustment. The
Parties shall cooperate with one another and provide reasonable access to their
personnel and records to permit the other Parties to prepare and review the
Adjustment Certificates. Within 3 Business Days of receipt by Adelphia and
Comcast of the other Parent's Adjustment Certificate (the day upon which the
later of the two Adjustment Certificates is so received, the "Receipt Date"),
the Parent which has the Working Capital Deficit (as defined below) shall pay an
amount equal to the Working Capital Deficit to the other Parent, together with
interest thereon at the Prime Rate from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding the date of payment. As used herein, "Working Capital Adjustment"
means the Comcast Working Capital Adjustment or the Adelphia Working Capital
Adjustment. As used herein, "Working Capital Deficit" means the excess of the
larger Working Capital Adjustment over the smaller Working Capital Adjustment.
"Estimated Working Capital Deficit" means the Working
22
Capital Deficit based on the Adjustment Certificates as delivered by the parties
pursuant to this Section 2.06(a). For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the Parent
with the smaller Working Capital Adjustment shall be the Parent with a Working
Capital Deficit, (ii) any positive number is greater than any negative number
and (iii) a smaller negative number is greater than a larger negative number.
(b) Within 30 days of the Receipt Date (such 30 day period, the "Initial
Period"), each of Adelphia and Comcast may give the other Parent written notice
of such Parent's objections, if any, to the other Parent's Adjustment
Certificate. Such notice (the "Dispute Notice") shall describe in reasonable
detail the dispute and shall set forth the disagreeing Parent's determination as
to the applicable Working Capital Adjustment, together with appropriate
supporting documentation, which shall evidence in reasonable detail the nature
and extent of each adjustment. If a Parent fails to so object to the Adjustment
Certificate delivered by the other Parent within the Initial Period, the Working
Capital Adjustment set forth in such Adjustment Certificate will be final and
conclusive. The Parents shall negotiate in good faith for a period of fifteen
(15) days, or such longer period of time as agreed by the Parents to resolve any
disputed items. If, after such fifteen (15) day period (as extended by mutual
written agreement, if applicable), the Parents fail so to resolve such disputed
items the Parents agree to engage promptly (and in any event within 10 days) the
New York office of PricewaterhouseCoopers or, if unavailable, another "big five"
accounting firm which is not the auditor of either Parent and is mutually
acceptable to both Parents (the "Independent Accountant") to resolve the dispute
within fifteen (15) days after such engagement. The determination of the
Independent Accountant as to each item in dispute will be within the range for
such item as set forth in the Adjustment Certificate, on the one hand, and in
the Dispute Notice, on the other hand. The Independent Accountant's
determination shall be final and binding on the parties. All fees and costs of
the Independent Accountant shall be borne one-half by each Parent. Within two
Business Days after both the Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment and the Comcast
Working Capital Adjustment have been conclusively determined as provided above
(whether as a result of a Parent failing to deliver a Dispute Notice within the
Initial Period, as a result of an agreement by the Parents or as a result of a
determination by the Independent Accountant), the parties shall recalculate the
Working Capital Deficit by using the Adelphia Working Capital Adjustment and the
Comcast Working Capital Adjustment, in each case as so conclusively determined
(such recalculated amount, the "Final Working Capital Deficit").
(c) Within two Business Days after the date on which the Final Working
Capital Deficit has been calculated, the difference between the Estimated
Working Capital Deficit and the Final Working Capital Deficit shall be paid by
Adelphia or Comcast, as the case may be, together with interest thereon at the
Prime Rate from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the date of
payment.
23
(d) (i) All payments to be made pursuant to this Section 2.06 shall be paid
by wire or accounts transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
designated by the recipient by written notice to the party owing such payment.
(ii) Each Parent shall be entitled to assign to one or more
subsidiaries the obligation to make, or the right to receive, any payment
under this Section 2.06, provided that any Parent assigning any such
obligation shall be responsible for any breach by its assignee.
SECTION 2.07. Capacity Adjustment. (a) Within ninety (90) days after the
Closing Date, each Parent will deliver to the other Parent a certification (the
"Capacity Certification") of the actual miles of plant included in the Systems
transferred to such Parent's Affiliates as of the Closing Date and the actual
technical capacity of such plant as of the Cut-Off Date expressed in MHZ, as
determined by a physical survey and engineering review of such plant. Each
Parent will have ten (10) Business Days after the date that both Parents have
received the other Parent's Capacity Certification to raise in writing to such
other Parent any objections to such other Parent's Capacity Certification. If no
objections are raised to a Parent's Capacity Certification during such ten (10)
Business Day period, the Capacity Certification shall be deemed final. If a
Parent raises an objection in writing to the other Parent during such ten (10)
Business Day period, the Parents shall then attempt for a ten (10) Business Day
period to resolve among themselves the matters in dispute. If no resolution is
reached during such ten (10) Business Day period, the matters shall be
immediately submitted to a mutually acceptable independent engineering
consultant who shall deliver a determination as to any disputes within 20
Business Days of the end of the ten (10) Business Day dispute resolution period
referred to above and whose determination with respect to the matters in dispute
shall be final and binding on the Parents. The parties shall provide each other
reasonable access to their Systems for purposes of making the determinations
hereunder.
(b) The Parents (and any engineer engaged under Section 2.08(a)) shall
calculate the cost to rebuild/upgrade each Parent's Systems to 750 MHZ basing
the cost per mile to upgrade on the following:
Adelphia Systems
----------------
450 MHZ $20,000 per mile
550 MHZ $9,000 per mile
Comcast Systems
---------------
450 MHZ (California) $23,000 per mile
450 MHZ (Florida) $20,000 per mile
550 MHZ (California) $11,000 per mile
550 MHZ (Florida) $9,000 per mile
24
The amount by which one Parent's rebuild/upgrade expense calculated in
accordance with the foregoing exceeds the other Parent's rebuild/upgrade expense
is herein referred to as the "Rebuild Differential" and, for the avoidance of
doubt, the Parent with the smaller rebuild/upgrade expense shall be deemed to
have the Rebuild Differential in its favor.
As used in Sections 2.07, 4.10(a) and 5.10(a).
"450 MHZ" means any System or portion thereof which does not meet the
criteria of 550 MHZ or 750 MHZ.
"550 MHZ" means any System or portion thereof which (i) has a forward
bandwidth of at least 550 MHZ and (ii) is return activation capable.
"750 MHZ" means any System or portion thereof which (i) has a forward
bandwidth of 750 MHZ or greater, (ii) has fiber deployed to nodes serving home
counts no greater than 2,000 and (iii) is return activation capable.
"mile" means (i) for an aerial System or portion thereof, one (1) mile of
cable bearing strand and (ii) for an underground System or portion thereof, one
(1) mile of trench.
(c) The parties acknowledge that, based on preliminary information provided
by each party and set forth on Schedule 2.08, there is a $49,754,380 Rebuild
Differential in favor of Comcast (the "Base Amount"). In the event the final
Capacity Certifications of the Parents reflect a Rebuild Differential in favor
of Comcast equal to the Base Amount there shall be no additional cash payments
due from either Parent under this . If, however, the final Capacity
Certifications reflect a Rebuild Differential in favor of Comcast of greater
than the Base Amount, then Adelphia shall pay to Comcast, as agent for the
Comcast Parties, an amount equal to the excess over the Base Amount. Conversely,
if the Capacity Certifications show a Rebuild Differential in favor of Comcast
of less than the Base Amount, then Comcast shall pay to Adelphia, as agent for
the Adelphia Parties, an amount equal to the shortfall below the Base Amount.
Any payments required hereunder shall be made within five (5) Business Days of
final determination of the amount due, together with interest thereon at the
Prime Rate from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the date of
payment, and shall be paid as set forth in Section 2.06(d). Any payment made
under this Section 2.07 is referred to herein as the "Capacity Adjustment".
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, no party shall have any claim in respect of
a breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.10(a) or
5.10(a), to the extent the information that would constitute such a breach was
taken into account in a final Capacity Certification.
(e) Each Parent shall be entitled to assign to one or more subsidiaries
(or, with respect to receipts of payment, to qualified intermediaries) the
obligation
25
to make, or the right to receive, any payment under Section 2.07(c), provided
that any Parent assigning any such obligation shall be responsible for any
breach by its assignee.
SECTION 2.08. Post-Closing Allocations. The Comcast Entities and the
Adelphia Entities will each use commercially reasonable efforts to reach
agreement on the allocated value of each class of the Comcast Assets and the
Adelphia Assets. Each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities will
file all tax returns and schedules thereto, including those returns and forms
required by Section 1031 or 1060 of the Code, consistent with any such
agreed-upon allocations, unless otherwise required by applicable Legal
Requirements. In the event the parties do not reach agreement on such
allocations, the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities will each reflect
the Assets acquired by such party on its books for tax reporting purposes in
accordance with such party's own determination of such allocations.
ARTICLE 3
RELATED MATTERS
SECTION 3.01. Employees.
(a) Each Transferor has provided to the Transferee a written list of those
employees primarily rendering services in connection with the Assets (the
"Business Employees"), and identified on such list those of such Transferor's
Business Employees such Transferor desired to retain as an employee after the
date hereof ("Retained Employees"). Each Transferee provided to the Transferor a
written list of those Business Employees, other than Retained Employees, of the
Transferor that the Transferee desired to employ (or have a Comcast LLC employ)
as of the date hereof (the "Adelphia Designated Employees," in the case of the
Adelphia Parties as Transferors, and the "Comcast Designated Employees," in the
case of the Comcast Parties as Transferors, and together the "Designated
Employees"). As of the date hereof, the Comcast LLCs have no employees, other
than Comcast Designated Employees. Effective as of the date hereof, the Comcast
Parties have extended offers of employment to each of the Adelphia Designated
Employees, and the Comcast LLCs, at the direction of Adelphia, have extended
offers to each of the Comcast Designated Employees, in accordance with the
following provisions. Each Transferor has cooperated in all reasonable respects
with Transferee to allow Transferee to evaluate and interview employees other
than Retained Employees in order to make hiring decisions. Each Transferor has
permitted Transferee, at Transferee's cost, to conduct pre-employment physical
examinations (including drug-screening tests) and other appropriate pre-hire
investigations of such of the Transferor's Business Employees (other than
Retained Employees) that the Transferee has designated, and each Transferor has
permitted Transferee to make any offer of employment, or continuing employment,
to any Designated Employee of Transferor conditional
26
upon Transferee's receipt, review and approval of the results of such pre-hire
examinations and investigations; provided that no such offer of employment shall
have been effective until the date hereof. Transferee represents and agrees on
behalf of itself and its Affiliates that it has not solicited and will not
solicit, between the date hereof and the first anniversary of the date hereof,
the performance of services by any Retained Employee of the Transferor; provided
that this clause shall not prevent Transferee from hiring any Retained Employee
as a result of placing general advertisements in trade journals, newspapers or
similar publications which are not directed at Transferor, its Affiliates or the
Retained Employees.
(b) All claims and obligations under, pursuant to or in connection with any
welfare, medical, insurance, disability or other employee benefit plans of
Transferor or its Affiliates or arising under any Legal Requirement affecting
employees of Transferor or its Affiliates incurred through and including the
date hereof will remain the responsibility of Transferor, whether or not such
employees have been or are employed by Transferee or its Affiliates after the
date hereof. Except as expressly provided in this Section 3.01, Transferee will
not have or assume any obligation or liability under or in connection with any
such plan maintained by Transferor or Transferor's Affiliates.
(c) Except as expressly provided in this Section 3.01, Transferor will
remain solely responsible for, and will indemnify and hold harmless Transferee
from and against, all Losses arising from or with respect to, all salaries,
phantom awards and stock incentive and all severance, vacation, medical, sick,
holiday, continuation coverage and other compensation or benefits to which
Transferor's or its Affiliates' employees may be entitled (including "sticking"
or "staying" bonuses), whether or not such employees have been or are employed
by Transferee or its Affiliates after the date hereof, as a result of their
employment by Transferor or its Affiliates, the termination of their employment
by Transferor or its Affiliates, the consummation of the transactions effected
hereby or pursuant to any applicable Legal Requirement (including without
limitation the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act) or otherwise
relating to their employment by Transferor or its Affiliates. All such salaries,
compensation or benefit obligations of a Transferor or its Affiliates, except as
expressly provided in this Section 3.01, are referred to herein as the "Retained
Employee Benefits."
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.01, each
Transferee and its Affiliates will, effective as of January 1, 2001:
(i) permit those Designated Employees of the Transferor or its
Affiliates who become Transferee's or its Affiliates' employees pursuant to
this Section 3.01 (the "Hired Employees") and the Hired Employees'
dependents, to participate in Transferee's and its Affiliates' employee
benefit plans to the same extent as similarly situated employees of
Transferee and its Affiliates and their dependents; provided that nothing
in this Agreement shall limit or affect Transferee's or its Affiliates'
right to
27
limit or alter future participation by Hired Employees in Transferee's or
its Affiliates' employee benefit plans;
(ii) give each Hired Employee credit for his or her past service with
Transferor or its Affiliates (including past service with any prior owner
or operator of a System) for purposes of eligibility to participate,
benefit eligibility and vesting under its employee benefit and other plans,
as well as for all purposes under any post-retirement medical or life
insurance benefit plan maintained by Transferee or its Affiliates, to the
extent such service was credited under the corresponding plan or plans
maintained by Transferor or its Affiliates;
(iii) not subject any Hired Employee to any limitations regarding
benefits for pre-existing conditions (except to the extent applicable under
the corresponding benefit plan of Transferor or its Affiliates prior to the
date hereof);
(iv) give each Hired Employee credit for accrued vacation time to the
same extent as Transferee's and its Affiliates' similarly situated
employees (taking into account such Hired Employee's past service with
Transferor or its Affiliates (including past service with any prior owner
or operator of a System)); provided that Transferor or its Affiliates shall
pay to such Hired Employee, promptly after the date hereof, an amount equal
to the excess, if any, of the value of the vacation time credited to such
Hired Employee by Transferee or its Affiliates as of January 1, 2001, over
the vacation time that would have been accrued by such employee as of
January 1, 2001, as an employee of Transferor or its Affiliates, had the
transactions contemplated herein not occurred; and
(e) Adelphia or its Affiliates shall promptly pay to each Adelphia
Designated Employee who is a Hired Employee the value of such Hired Employee's
accrued sick days as of December 31, 2000, which could have been carried over
under Adelphia's sick day policy to subsequent years had the transactions
contemplated herein not occurred.
(f) Transferor will retain full responsibility and liability for offering
and providing "continuation coverage" of any "qualified beneficiary" who was,
immediately prior to the date hereof, covered by a "group health plan" sponsored
or contributed to by Transferor or its Affiliates and who has experienced a
"qualifying event" or is receiving "continuation coverage" through and including
the date hereof. Transferee and its Affiliates have not taken and will not take
any actions that would alter its medical or dental plans from the provisions in
effect immediately prior to the date hereof in a manner that would provide
incentive for Hired Employees to elect continuation coverage under Transferor's
or its Affiliates' medical or dental plans in lieu of coverage under its medical
or dental plans, unless such modifications will apply equally to the Hired
Employees and other employees covered by Transferee's and its Affiliates'
medical and dental
28
plans. As used in this Section 3.01(i), "continuation coverage," "qualified
beneficiary," "group health plan," and "qualifying event" all will have the
meanings given such terms under Code Section 4980B.
(g) As soon as practicable after the date hereof, each Transferor shall
cause each of its former Business Employees who was employed, prior to the date
hereof, by Transferor or its Affiliates and who becomes a Hired Employee of
Transferee or its Affiliates, to be permitted to elect to receive a distribution
of the full account balances of such former Business Employee under any Code
Section 401(k) plan maintained by such Transferor, and the Transferee or its
Affiliates shall in each case permit to the extent allowed by Code Section
402(c) the Hired Employee to roll over any amounts so distributed in cash into a
Code Section 401(k) plan maintained by the Transferee or its Affiliates.
(h) If Transferee or its Affiliates discharge any Hired Employee without
"cause" (as defined in the applicable severance plan) within six months after
the date hereof and such Hired Employee would have been entitled to severance
pursuant to Transferor's or its Affiliates' severance plan if such Hired
Employee had been discharged without "cause" by Transferor or its Affiliates
prior to the date hereof, then Transferee or its Affiliates will pay severance
benefits to such Hired Employee equal to the amount payable to such Hired
Employee under Transferee's or its Affiliates' severance plan, if any, counting
the period of employment with both Transferee, Transferor and their respective
Affiliates for purposes of calculating such benefits.
(i) Each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities agrees to
cooperate with the other Parties and to exchange all information required to
implement the provisions of this Section 3.01.
(j) Nothing in this Section 3.01 or elsewhere in this Agreement will be
deemed to make any employee of the Parties a third party beneficiary of this
Agreement.
(k) For purposes hereof, the Comcast LLCs are Affiliates of Comcast prior
to the Closing and Affiliates of Adelphia following the Closing.
SECTION 3.02. Use of Names and Logos. For a period of 90 days after
Closing, each Transferee will be entitled to use the trademarks, trade names,
service marks, service names, logos and similar proprietary rights of the
related Transferor to the extent incorporated in or on the Assets it receives
(collectively, the "Proprietary Rights"); provided that (i) each Transferee
acknowledges that the Proprietary Rights belong to such Transferor, and that
Transferee acquires no rights therein during or pursuant to such 90-day period;
(ii) all such Assets will be used in a manner consistent with the use made by
the Transferor of such Assets prior to Closing; and (iii) each Transferee will
exercise reasonable efforts to remove all Proprietary Rights from the Assets it
receives as soon as reasonably practicable following Closing. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a Transferee will
29
not be required to remove or discontinue using any such Proprietary Rights that
are affixed to converters or other items located in customer homes or properties
such that prompt removal is impracticable for Transferee; provided that such
Proprietary Rights will be removed or discontinued promptly upon the return of
such converters or other items to Transferee's possession. The Comcast LLCs will
be treated as Transferees for purposes of the foregoing.
SECTION 3.03. Transfer Laws. Each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia
Entities waives compliance by all other Parties with Legal Requirements relating
to bulk transfers applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 3.04. Further Assurances. After Closing, each of Comcast and
Adelphia, at the request of the other, will promptly execute and deliver, or
cause to be executed and delivered, to the other all such documents and
instruments, in addition to those otherwise required by this Agreement, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other as the other may reasonably
request in order to carry out or evidence the terms of this Agreement and to
vest in the Transferee (or in the case of the Comcast Entities as Transferor, in
the Comcast LLCs) good and marketable title to the Assets. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia
Entities will take, or cause to be taken, all actions consistent with the terms
of this Agreement, including execution and delivery of any documents or
instruments, as the other may reasonably request to effect the qualification of
the transactions contemplated hereby as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031
of the Code and will adhere to Section 1060 of the Code relating to allocations.
Section 3.05 . Use Of Qualified Intermediaries.
(a) The Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities each desire to exchange
the Comcast Assets and the Adelphia Assets in a 1031 Exchange and to have the
flexibility to effectuate such 1031 Exchange with one or more "qualified
intermediaries," as defined in Section 1.1031(k)-1(g)(4) of the Treasury
Regulations.
(b) To facilitate the completion of such 1031 Exchanges, concurrently with,
or, with respect to receipt of the Capacity Adjustment, subsequent to the
execution of this Agreement, each of the Comcast Entities or the Adelphia
Entities, as the case may be, may be assigning or may assign, as the case may
be, to one or more qualified intermediaries: (i) its rights and obligations
(including any and all rights under this Agreement) with respect to the transfer
of all or a portion of its Assets (to be treated as "relinquished property," as
defined in Section 1.1031(k)-1(a) of the Treasury Regulations, in connection
with one or more such 1031 Exchanges) and/or (ii) its respective rights to
receive all or a portion of the Assets it is to receive (to be treated as
"replacement property," as defined in Section 1.1031(k)-1(a) of the Treasury
Regulations, in connection with one or more such 1031 Exchanges) and any
applicable Capacity Adjustment or Gateway Payment.
30
(c) (i) No party is assuming any responsibility for the tax consequences to
any other party arising out of such 1031 Exchanges; (ii) if a party is assigning
any portion of this Agreement to a qualified intermediary, any consents or
approvals required by this Agreement to be obtained by such party from another
shall have been obtained from the other to the same extent as if the assigning
party had never assigned this Agreement to the qualified intermediary, and any
notices to be given to the assigning party shall have been given to the
assigning party to the same extent as if the assigning party had never assigned
this Agreement to the qualified intermediary; and (iii) assignment(s) by a party
to a qualified intermediary do not limit or modify any obligations or
liabilities of any party set forth in this Agreement, and, notwithstanding any
such assignment(s), the assigning party remains directly and primarily bound by
all representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement and
all remedies related thereto to the same extent as if such party had never
assigned this Agreement to a qualified intermediary.
(d) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to implement such
1031 Exchanges, each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities may be
entering or may have entered into a written contract with a qualified
intermediary pursuant to which: (i) the qualified intermediary is agreeing or
agreed to acquire all or a portion of the Comcast or Adelphia Assets from such
Comcast Entity or Adelphia Entity and transfer all or a portion of the Comcast
or Adelphia Assets to the applicable Adelphia Entity or Comcast Entity, as the
case may be, and to acquire and transfer to such party replacement property
designated by such Comcast Entity or Adelphia Entity in accordance with Section
1.1031(k)-1(g)(4)(iii)(B) of the Treasury Regulations under Section 1031 of the
Code; (ii) this Agreement is being assigned to the qualified intermediary
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) concurrently with
the execution of this Agreement, the qualified intermediary is directing such
Comcast Entity or Adelphia Entity to directly transfer the Comcast or Adelphia
Assets, as the case may be, to the applicable Adelphia Entity or Comcast Entity,
as the case may be, and after consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Section, the qualified intermediary will reassign the Agreement to the
original party.
(e) If any Comcast Entity or Adelphia Entity is assigning to a qualified
intermediary its rights and obligations under this Agreement to dispose of the
relinquished property and/or to acquire the replacement property, such party's
Parent has notified the other of its intent to do so and has furnished to the
other a copy of the form of applicable assignment within five (5) days prior to
the date hereof.
(f) The Adelphia Entities and the Comcast Entities may be assigning to a
qualified intermediary one or more agreements ("Other Relinquished Property
Agreements") to dispose of assets other than those which are the subject of this
Agreement to one or more parties other than the Comcast Entities or the Adelphia
Entities. Each of the Adelphia Entities and the Comcast Entities acknowledges
that the proceeds received by such qualified intermediary may be
31
used to purchase a portion of the Comcast or Adelphia Assets, as the case may
be. The Adelphia Entities' and Comcast Entities' intention in connection with
any such assignment of Other Relinquished Property Agreements to a qualified
intermediary is to cause all or a portion of proceeds from the sale of the
assets subject to the Other Relinquished Property Agreements to be used by the
qualified intermediary to purchase a portion of the Comcast or Adelphia Assets,
as the case may be, pursuant to a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the
Code.
(g) The Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities may be assigning to a
qualified intermediary one or more agreements ("Other Replacement Property
Agreements") to acquire assets other than those which are subject to this
Agreement from one or more parties other than Adelphia Entities or Comcast
Entities. Each of the Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities acknowledges
that any cash proceeds received by any such qualified intermediary from the
disposition of the Comcast Assets or the Adelphia Assets, as the case may be,
may be used to acquire the property which is the subject of one or more Other
Replacement Property Agreements pursuant to a like-kind exchange under Section
1031 of the Code.
(h) Unless the context otherwise requires, "Comcast Party" and "Comcast
Entity" as used in this Section 3.05 shall not include the Comcast LLCs.
(i) Each of the Adelphia Parties hereby appoints Adelphia as its agent to
execute any agreements or instruments in connection with the assignment by one
or more of the Comcast Entities of its rights and obligations hereunder to a
qualified intermediary and any transactions or other matters in connection
therewith.
ARTICLE 4
COMCAST'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each of the Comcast Entities (but not the Comcast LLCs) represents and
warrants to the Adelphia Entities as at the Closing Date, as follows:
SECTION 4.01 . Organization and Qualification of Comcast. Each of the
Comcast Entities is a corporation, limited partnership or a limited liability
company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite corporate, limited
partnership or limited liability company power and authority to own and lease
the Comcast Assets owned or leased by it and to conduct its activities as such
activities are currently conducted. Each of the Comcast Entities is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign entity and is in good standing in all
jurisdictions in which the ownership or leasing of the Comcast Assets or the
nature of its activities in connection with the Comcast Systems makes such
qualification necessary, with
32
only such exceptions as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.02. Authority. Each of the applicable Comcast Entities has all
requisite corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Transaction
Documents to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby by each applicable Comcast Entity have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate, limited partnership or limited liability
company action on the part of each such Comcast Entity. Each of this Agreement
and the Transaction Documents has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by each applicable Comcast Entity and is a valid and binding obligation of each
such Comcast Entity which is a party, enforceable against each such Comcast
Entity in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
now or hereafter in effect relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies.
SECTION 4.03. No Conflicts; Required Consents. Except as described on
Schedule 4.03 or 4.26, and subject to compliance with the HSR Act, the
execution, delivery and performance by each applicable Comcast Entity of this
Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not and will
not: (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the organizational documents
of such Comcast Entity; (ii) violate any provision of any Legal Requirement;
(iii) without regard to requirements of notice, lapse of time, or elections of
other Persons, or any combination thereof, conflict with, violate, result in a
breach of, constitute a default under or give rise to any third party's right(s)
of first refusal or right of cancellation or termination, or accelerate or
permit the acceleration of the performance required by, or otherwise adversely
affect the rights or obligations of any Comcast Entity under, any Comcast
Systems Contract, Comcast Systems Franchise or Comcast Systems License; (iv)
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien against or upon any of the
Comcast Assets other than a Permitted Lien; or (v) require any consent, approval
or authorization of, or filing of any certificate, notice, application, report
or other document with, any Governmental Authority or other Person, in the case
of clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) with only such exceptions as would not
individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or materially delay or prevent the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 4.04. Assets, Title, Condition, and Sufficiency. (a) The Comcast
LLCs have good, marketable and indefeasible title to all of the material Comcast
Assets (other than Comcast Assets that are leased), and all material Comcast
Assets are free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens. The Comcast LLCs
have valid leasehold interests in all leased Comcast Assets. Schedule
2.01(b)(i)(A) lists all material Comcast Tangible Personal Property. Schedule
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2.01(b)(ii)(A) lists all material Comcast Owned Property and Comcast Real
Property Interests. Except as described on Schedule 2.01(b)(i)(A), the Comcast
Tangible Personal Property and improvements on Comcast Owned Property and
Comcast Leased Property have no material defect, are in good operating condition
and repair, and have been reasonably maintained consistent with standards
generally followed in the industry (giving due account to the age and length of
use of same, ordinary wear and tear excepted), are adequate and suitable for
their present uses and, in the case of plants, buildings and other structures,
are structurally sound.
(b) Except for items included in the Comcast Excluded Assets, (i) the
Comcast Assets are all of the assets of the Comcast Entities or their Affiliates
owned, used or held for use primarily in connection with the Comcast Systems and
(ii) together with the Adelphia Transitional Services, the right, title and
interest in the Comcast Assets held by the Comcast LLCs at Closing will be
sufficient to permit the Comcast LLCs to operate the Comcast Systems
substantially as they are being operated and in compliance with all material
applicable Legal Requirements and contractual requirements, and to enable
performance of all of the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities.
(c) There are no developments affecting any of the material Comcast Assets
pending or, to Comcast's knowledge threatened, which might materially detract
from the value, materially interfere with any present or intended use or
materially adversely affect the marketability of such Comcast Assets.
Section 4.05. Comcast Systems Franchises, Systems Licenses, Systems
Contracts, Owned Property and Real Property Interests. (a) Except as described
on Schedules 2.01(b)(ii)(A), (iii)(A), (iv)(A), (v)(A) or 2.01(c)(i) and except
for the Comcast Excluded Assets, no Comcast Entity is bound or affected by any
of the following that relate wholly or primarily to the Comcast Assets or the
Comcast Systems: (i) leases of real or material personal property; (ii)
franchises, and similar authorizations or permits for the construction or
operation of cable television systems, or Contracts of substantially equivalent
effect; (iii) other licenses, authorizations, consents or permits of the FCC or,
to the extent material, any other Governmental Authority; (iv)material crossing
agreements, easements, rights of way or access agreements; (v)pole line or joint
line agreements or underground conduit agreements; (vi) bulk service, commercial
service or multiple-dwelling unit service or access agreements (other than
customary subscription agreements to provide cable service with respect to
commercial accounts and customary non-bulk-billed access agreements); (vii)
system specific programming agreements or signal supply agreements; (viii) any
agreement with the FCC or any other Governmental Authority relating to the
operation or construction of the Comcast Systems that are not fully reflected in
the Comcast Systems Franchises, or any agreements with community groups or
similar third parties restricting or limiting the types of programming that may
be shown on any of the Comcast Systems; (ix) commercial leased access agreements
or capacity license agreements; (x) any partnership, joint venture or other
similar agreement
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or arrangement; (xi) any agreement that limits the freedom of the Comcast
Systems to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any area or
which would so limit the freedom of any of the Adelphia Entities after the
Closing Date; (xii) any must-carry elections or retransmission consents relating
to the Comcast Systems or Assets; (xiii) any advertising interconnect agreement;
(xiv) any agreement with any employee of the Comcast Systems; (xv) any Contract
granting any Person the right to use any portion of the Comcast Systems' cable
plant included within the Comcast Assets; (xvi)any Contract that is not the
subject matter of any other clause of this Section 4.05(a) that will remain
effective for more than one year after Closing or (xvii) any Contract other than
those described in any other clause of this Section 4.05(a) which individually
provides for payments by or to any Comcast Entity in any twelve-month period
exceeding $100,000 individually or is otherwise material to the Comcast Systems.
Except for the facilities agreements with Teleport Communications Group, Inc.
which are set forth on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(A) and the Excluded Assets, no
Comcast Entity is bound or affected by any of the following that relate wholly
or primarily to the Comcast Assets or the Comcast Systems: (i) any contract with
ServiceCo LLC, PowerLink or Excite@Home or any of their respective Affiliates or
(ii) except for customary contracts with internet service Subscribers, any
Contract providing for the use of Comcast Assets to provide, or for the
provision by the Comcast Systems of, telephone or high speed data services.
(b) Comcast has provided to Adelphia true and complete copies of each of
the contracts and agreements set forth in Schedules 2.01(b)(ii)(A), (iii)(A),
(iv)(A) and (v)(A) (together with any notices alleging continuing non-compliance
with the requirements of any such contract or agreement, and including in each
case any amendments thereto, and in the case of oral contracts and agreements,
true and complete written summaries thereof) and of each document evidencing or
insuring any Comcast Entity's ownership of the Comcast Owned Property. Except as
described in Schedule 4.05(b): (i) the Comcast Entities are in compliance in all
material respects with each of the Material Comcast Contracts; (ii) each of the
Comcast Entities has fulfilled when due, or has taken all action necessary to
enable it to fulfill when due, all of its respective material obligations under
each of the Material Comcast Contracts to which it is a party; (iii) there has
not occurred any material default (without regard to lapse of time or to the
giving of notice, or both) by a Comcast Entity and, to the knowledge of Comcast,
there has not occurred any material default (without regard to lapse of time or
the giving of notice, or both) by any Person, under any of the Material Comcast
Contracts; and (iv) the Material Comcast Contracts are valid and binding
agreements and are in full force and effect.
(c) Schedule 4.05(c) lists the date on which each Comcast Systems Franchise
will expire. There are no applications relating to any Comcast Systems Franchise
or Comcast Systems Licenses pending before any Governmental Authority that are
material to any of such Comcast Systems. No Comcast Entity has received, nor
does any Comcast Entity have notice that it will receive, from
35
any Governmental Authority a preliminary assessment that a Comcast Systems
Franchise should not be renewed as provided in Section 626(c)(1) of the
Communications Act. No Comcast Entity or any Governmental Authority has
commenced or requested the commencement of an administrative proceeding
concerning the renewal of a Comcast Systems Franchise as provided in Section
626(c)(1) of the Communications Act. The Comcast Entities have timely filed
notices of renewal in accordance with the Communications Act with all
Governmental Authorities with respect to each Comcast Systems Franchise expiring
within 36 months of the date of this Agreement. Such notices of renewal have
been filed pursuant to the formal renewal procedures established by Section
626(a) of the Communications Act. To Comcast's knowledge, there exist no facts
or circumstances that make it likely that any Comcast Systems Franchise will not
be renewed or extended on commercially reasonable terms. As of the date hereof,
no Governmental Authority has commenced, or given notice that it intends to
commence, a proceeding to revoke or suspend a Comcast Systems Franchise.
SECTION 4.06 . Employee Benefits. "Comcast Plans" shall mean each employee
benefit plan or arrangement, including each pension or welfare benefit plan,
employment agreement, incentive compensation arrangement or multi-employer plan
(as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA), in which any Comcast System Employees
(as defined in Section 4.15) participate. The Comcast Plans are set forth in
Schedule 4.06. None of the Comcast Entities, any of their ERISA Affiliates, any
Comcast Plan other than a multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA), or to the knowledge of Comcast, any Comcast Plan that is a
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) is in material
violation of any provision of ERISA with respect to a Comcast Plan. No material
"reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043(c)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7),
(10) and (13) of ERISA), "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section
302 of ERISA) or "withdrawal liability" (as determined under Section 4201 et.
seq. of ERISA) has occurred or exists and is continuing with respect to any
Comcast Plan other than a multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA), or to the knowledge of Comcast, any Comcast Plan that is a
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA). After the date
hereof, none of the Adelphia Entities or any of their respective ERISA
Affiliates will be required, under ERISA, the Code or any collective bargaining
agreement, to establish, maintain or continue or contribute to any Comcast Plan
currently or in the past maintained or contributed to by any Comcast Entity or
any of their current or former ERISA Affiliates. Since December 31, 1999 there
has been no change in the Comcast Plans or level of compensation provided
Comcast System Employees that would materially increase the cost of operating
the Comcast Systems.
SECTION 4.07 . Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.07: (i) there
is no Litigation pending or, to Comcast's knowledge, threatened, by or before
any Governmental Authority or private arbitration tribunal, against any Comcast
Entity and (ii) there is no Judgment requiring any Comcast Entity to take any
action of any kind with respect to the Comcast Assets or the operation of the
36
Comcast Systems, or to which any Comcast Entity (with respect to the Comcast
Systems), the Comcast Systems or the Comcast Assets are subject or by which they
are bound or affected, in either case, which could, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
materially delay or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
SECTION 4.08. Cable Operations. Except as described on Schedule 4.08 and
other than SMATV system operators and direct broadcast satellite service
providers, no Person, other than the Transferors, is providing wireline cable
television services or multipoint multichannel distribution service or other
multichannel video programming services or, to the knowledge of Comcast,
intending to provide any such services in the Comcast Service Areas. Except as
described in Schedule 4.08, no Person, other than the Transferors, has been
granted or, to the knowledge of Comcast, has a current application pending for a
franchise or other operating authority for a wireline cable television franchise
or open video system in any of the communities or unincorporated areas presently
served by the Comcast Systems.
SECTION 4.09. Tax Returns; Other Reports. With respect to the Comcast
Systems, the Comcast Entities have timely filed in proper form all federal,
state, local and foreign tax returns and other reports required to be filed, and
have timely paid all Taxes which have become due and payable, whether or not so
shown on any such return or report, the failure to file or pay which could have
affected or resulted in the imposition of a Lien upon the Comcast Assets, except
such amounts as are being contested diligently and in good faith and for which
appropriate reserves have been established. No Comcast Entity has received
notice of, and Comcast has no knowledge of, any deficiency or assessment or
proposed deficiency or assessment from any Governmental Authority which could
have affected or resulted in the imposition of a Lien upon the Comcast Assets.
Except as described on Schedule 4.09, there are no pending or ongoing property,
sales and use, or franchise fee or tax audits relating to the Comcast Systems,
and no Comcast Entity has received any property, sales and use, or franchise fee
or tax audit notice with respect thereto.
SECTION 4.10. Comcast Systems Information. Schedule 4.10 sets forth a true
and complete description in all material respects of the following information:
(a) as of September 30, 2000, for each Comcast System the approximate
number of miles of plant, aerial and underground and the technical capacity of
such plant expressed in MHZ, included in such Comcast System;
(b) as of the date set forth on such Schedule (which shall be no earlier
than September 30, 2000), the number of cable television Subscribers served by
each of the Comcast Systems, determined in accordance with past practice for
each such System; provided that bulk-billed and other accounts not billed by
37
individual unit shall be equivalatized in accordance with past practice for each
such System;
(c) as of the date set forth on such Schedule (which shall be no earlier
than September 30, 2000) a description of basic and optional or tier services
available from each of the Comcast Systems on a headend-by-headend basis and the
rates charged by the applicable Comcast Entity for each;
(d) the stations and signals carried by each of the Comcast Systems and the
channel position of each such signal and station;
(e) the municipalities served by each of the Comcast Systems;
(f) the channel capacity of each of the Comcast Systems; and
(g) the rate increases instituted by each of the Comcast Systems in the
previous 12 months ending on the date of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.11 . Compliance with Legal Requirements. (a) Except as set forth
in Schedule 4.11 and except with respect to those matters covered by Sections
4.11(b), (c), (d) and (e), which matters are covered exclusively by such
sections, the operation of the Comcast Systems has not violated or infringed,
and does not violate or infringe, in any material respect any Legal Requirement.
No Comcast Entity has received notice or has knowledge of any violation by a
Comcast Entity or the Comcast Systems of any material Legal Requirement
applicable to the operation of the Comcast Systems.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, and subject to the limitations
set forth in Sections 4.11(d) and (e), with respect to the Comcast Systems, each
Comcast Entity has been and is in compliance in all material respects with the
Communications Act and the Cable Act, including requirements of those Acts
specifically referred to herein; there have been submitted to the FCC all
material required filings, including cable television registration statements,
annual reports and aeronautical frequency usage notices, to utilize all
frequencies currently used in the frequency bands 108-137 and 225-400 MHZ in the
manner currently used that are required under the rules and regulations of the
FCC; the operation of the Comcast Systems has been and is in material compliance
with the rules and regulations of the FCC, and no Comcast Entity has received
notice from the FCC of any violation of its rules and regulations with respect
to the Comcast Systems; each Comcast Entity is and since 1992 has been with
respect to the Comcast Systems certified as in compliance with the FCC's equal
employment opportunity ("EEO") rules and has received no written notices with
respect to non-compliance with EEO rules; the Comcast Systems are in compliance
with all signal leakage criteria prescribed by the FCC; each Comcast Entity has
filed all FCC Forms 320 for the Comcast Systems for the last two reporting
periods, and all such Forms 320 show "passing" or "satisfactory" signal leakage
scores; for each semi-annual reporting period since 1997-1; each Comcast Entity
has filed
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with the United States Copyright Office all required Statements of Account in
proper form, and has paid when due all required copyright royalty fee payments,
relating to the Comcast Systems' carriage of television and radio broadcast
signals; and each Comcast Entity is otherwise in compliance with the
requirements of the compulsory copyright license described in Section 111 of the
Copyright Act and with all applicable rules and regulations of the Copyright
Office. Comcast has provided to Adelphia true and complete copies of all reports
and filings for the past year, made or filed pursuant to FCC and Copyright
Office rules and regulations by the Comcast Entities with respect to the Comcast
Systems and will provide to Adelphia, upon Adelphia's request, all other past
reports and filings made or filed pursuant to FCC and Copyright Office rules and
regulations by the Comcast Entities with respect to the Comcast Systems within
the past five (5) years. The Comcast Entities hold all licenses, registrations
or permits from the FCC for business radio, satellite earth receiving facilities
and CARS or private operational fixed service microwave facilities, that are
necessary or appropriate to carry on the business of the Comcast Systems as
conducted on the date hereof. Each of the Comcast Systems Licenses is in full
force and effect and has not been revoked, canceled, encumbered or adversely
affected in any manner. Each Comcast System has provided all required Subscriber
privacy notices to new Subscribers at the time of installation and to all
Subscribers on an annual basis, and the Comcast Systems have taken commercially
reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to personally identifiable
information. Each Comcast System has provided all customer notices required by
the Cable Act, including customer service, notices of availability of basic
service, and equipment compatibility. All notifications to the FAA have been
made with respect to the antenna structures which are being used in connection
with the operation of the Comcast Systems, and all such antenna structures that
require registration with the FCC have been so registered by Comcast. No Comcast
Entity has received any request for commercial leased access with respect to the
Comcast Systems within the past 120 days, except for those requests set forth in
Schedule 4.11(b). There are no complaints or other proceedings instituted before
the FCC concerning commercial leased access, program access, or any other aspect
of the Comcast Systems' operations.
(c) Except as provided in Schedule 4.11, with respect to the Comcast
Systems, the Comcast Entities are and have been in compliance in all material
respects with the must carry and retransmission consent provisions of the Cable
Act, including, (i) duly and timely notifying "local commercial television
stations" of inadequate signal strength or increased copyright liability, if
applicable, (ii) to the extent required, duly and timely notifying
non-commercial educational stations of the location of the cable system's
principal head-end, (iii) duly and timely notifying Subscribers of the channel
alignment on the Comcast Systems, (iv) duly and timely notifying "local
commercial and noncommercial television stations" of the broadcast signals
carried on the Comcast Systems and their channel positions, if applicable, (v)
maintaining the requisite public file identifying broadcast signal carriage,
(vi) carrying the broadcast signals after
39
January 1, 2000, on the Comcast Systems for all "local commercial television
stations" which elected must carry status and, if required, up to two "qualified
low power stations," (vii) complying with applicable channel placement
obligations, and (viii) obtaining retransmission consent for all commercial
broadcast signals carried on the Comcast Systems after January 1, 1997, except
for the signals carried pursuant to a must carry election. No oral or written
notices have been received from the FCC, the United States Copyright Office, any
local or other television station or system or from any other person or entity,
station or Governmental Authority claiming to have a right of objection
challenging or questioning the right of the Comcast Systems to carry or furnish,
or not to carry or furnish, any of the signals or any other station or service
to any Subscriber. Except as provided in Schedule 4.11, no Comcast Entity has
received with respect to any of the Comcast Systems any notification of any
petition or submission that is currently pending before the FCC to modify any
television market or for a waiver of any rules or regulations of the FCC as they
apply to such Comcast System. Each Comcast Entity has complied with all written
requests it has received for network nonduplication, syndicated exclusivity, and
sports blackout protection which are applicable to the Comcast Systems.
(d) Each Comcast Entity has used commercially reasonable efforts to
establish rates charged and a la carte packages provided to Subscribers of the
Comcast Systems, effective as of September 2, 1993, that would be allowable
under the Cable Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Comcast Entities make no
representation or warranty that the rates charged to Subscribers would be
allowable under any rules or regulations of the FCC or any authoritative
interpretation thereof promulgated after the date of Closing. Comcast has
provided to Adelphia true and complete copies of all rate Forms (and any
associated Forms 1200, any successive Forms 1210, and Forms 1205 filed within
the one year period immediately preceding the date of this Agreement) that have
been prepared with respect to the Comcast Systems, copies of all correspondence
with any Governmental Authority relating to rate regulation generally or
specific rates charged to Subscribers of the Comcast Systems, and any other
documentation supporting an exemption from the rate regulation provisions of the
Cable Act claimed by the Comcast Entities with respect to the Comcast Systems.
Schedule 4.11(d) sets forth a list of (i) all pending complaints with respect to
any rates which have been filed with the FCC for the Comcast Systems and (ii)
those franchising authorities that have been certified upon filing FCC Form 328
or have filed FCC Form 328 with the FCC for certification to regulate any of the
Comcast Systems' rates. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11(d), each Comcast
System is operating pursuant to a valid franchise or similar authorization or
permit issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority in every market in which
such System is supplying cable television service.
(e) Each Comcast Entity has used commercially reasonable efforts to comply
in all material respects with any customer service standards applicable to it
with respect to the Comcast Systems. The Comcast Entities have received no
40
written notice with respect to the Comcast Systems from any Governmental
Authority with respect to an intention to enforce customer service standards
pursuant to the Cable Act and no Comcast Entity has agreed with any Governmental
Authority to establish customer service standards in respect of the Comcast
Systems that exceed the FCC standards promulgated pursuant to the Cable Act.
SECTION 4.12. Real Property. Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) sets forth all leases
included in the Comcast Real Property Interests ("Comcast Leases") and all
ownership interests in real property included in the Comcast Owned Property. The
Comcast Owned Property and Comcast Real Property Interests include all leases,
fee interests, material easements, material access agreements and other material
real property interests necessary to operate the Comcast Systems as currently
conducted. The current use and occupancy of all Comcast Owned Property and the
Comcast Leased Property do not constitute nonconforming uses under any
applicable Legal Requirement in the nature of a zoning law or ordinance. Each
parcel of Comcast Owned Property and, to Comcast's knowledge, each parcel of
Comcast Leased Property has access to and over public streets, or private
streets or property for which the applicable Comcast Entity has a valid right of
ingress and egress, (ii) conforms in its current use, occupancy and operation to
all material zoning requirements without reliance upon a variance issued by a
Governmental Authority or a classification of the parcel in question as a
nonconforming use and (iii) conforms in its use, occupancy and operation to all
restrictive covenants, if any, or other encumbrances affecting all or part of
such parcel. Each Person upon, under or across whose property any of the Comcast
Assets are located, maintained, installed or operated (other than drop lines to
customer dwellings) has granted to the applicable Comcast Entity such easements,
licenses or rights of way as are necessary for the location, maintenance,
installation and operation of such Comcast Assets upon, under or across such
property, except where the failure to have any such easements, licenses or
rights of way would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.13. Financial Statements. Comcast has provided to Adelphia
financial statements for the Comcast Systems consisting of balance sheets and
statements of operations as of and for the 12 months ended December 31, 1999 and
as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 (the "Comcast Systems
Financial Statements"). The Comcast Systems Financial Statements are management
reports that fairly present in accordance with GAAP, except for the absence of
footnotes, in all material respects, such Comcast Systems' financial position,
and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated, subject
to normal adjustments, allocations and accruals (none of which will be material
to the financial position or operating results of the Systems) and exclusive of
the final allocation of Comcast's purchase price to acquire Systems. Such
purchase price allocations would primarily affect franchise costs, property and
equipment, depreciation and amortization.
41
SECTION 4.14. Interim Operation of Systems. Except as set forth on
Schedule 4.14, since May 25, 1999
(a) there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Comcast
Assets, the Comcast Entities or the Comcast Systems;
(b) neither the Comcast Assets nor the financial condition or operations of
the Comcast Systems have been materially and adversely affected as a result of
any fire, explosion, accident, casualty, labor trouble, flood, drought, riot,
storm, condemnation, or act of God or public force or otherwise;
(c) the Comcast Entities have, with respect to the Comcast Systems, made
capital expenditures in the ordinary course consistent with past practices;
(d) each of the Comcast Entities has with respect to its Systems and
Assets:
(i) operated or caused to be operated its Systems only in the usual,
regular and ordinary course and in accordance with applicable Legal
Requirements (including commencing and continuing planned upgrades and
rebuild of Systems, completing line extensions, placing conduit or cable in
new developments, fulfilling installation requests and continuing work on
existing construction projects) and, to the extent consistent with such
operation, (i) used its reasonable best efforts to preserve the business
organization of its Systems intact, including preserving existing
relationships with Governmental Authorities, suppliers, customers and
others having business dealings with its Systems, (ii) used commercially
reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its employees
providing services in connection with its Systems, and (iii) continued
normal marketing, advertising and promotional expenditures with respect to
its Systems;
(ii) maintained or caused to be maintained its books, records and
accounts with respect to its Assets and the operation of its Systems in the
usual, regular and ordinary manner on a basis consistent with past
practices; and
(iii) maintained inventory sufficient for the operation of its
Systems, in the ordinary course of business for a period of at least 30
days; and
(e) none of the Comcast Entities has, with respect to its Systems or
Assets:
(i) engaged in any marketing, Subscriber installation or collection
practices other than in the ordinary course of business except as set forth
in Schedule 4.14(e)(i);
42
(ii) except (x) for "staying" or "sticking" bonuses to induce such
employees to remain with such Comcast Entity which have been paid for by
such Comcast Entity on or prior to Closing or (y) as may be done in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, granted or
agreed to grant to any employee of the Systems any increase in (i) wages or
bonuses or (ii) any severance, profit sharing, retirement, deferred
compensation, insurance or other compensation or benefits; or
(iii) sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of any of the
Assets except in the ordinary course of business and except for (i) the
disposition of obsolete or worn-out equipment, (ii) dispositions with
respect to which such Assets are replaced with Assets of at least equal
value and (iii) assignments and transfers carried out in order to transfer
to the Comcast LLCs the Comcast Assets.
SECTION 4.15. Employees. (a) There are no collective bargaining agreements
applicable to any persons employed by any Comcast Entity or any of their
respective Affiliates that primarily render services in connection with the
Comcast Systems ("Comcast System Employees"), and no Comcast Entity or any of
their respective Affiliates has any duty to bargain with any labor organization
with respect to any such persons. There are not pending any unfair labor
practice charges against any Comcast Entity or any of their respective
Affiliates, or any demand for recognition, or any other request or demand from a
labor organization for representative status, with respect to any Comcast System
Employees.
(b) Each Comcast Entity has, with respect to the Comcast System Employees,
complied in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements
relating to the employment of labor, including, the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 2101, et seq. ("WARN"), ERISA,
continuation coverage requirements with respect to group health plans and those
relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, unemployment insurance,
worker's compensation, equal employment opportunity, age, sex, race and
disability discrimination, immigration control and the payment and withholding
of Taxes. No Comcast Entity is a party to any material labor or employment
dispute involving any of its employees who render services in connection with
the Comcast Systems.
(c) Except as described on Schedule 4.15(c), no Comcast Entity has
employment agreements, either written or oral, with any Comcast System Employee,
and none of the employment agreements listed on Schedule 4.15(c) require
Adelphia to employ any person after the date hereof.
(d) No Comcast Entity has a sick day policy (or its equivalent) that
permits employees to carry over accrued sick days (or their equivalent) past the
end of a calendar year.
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SECTION 4.16. Environmental. (a) No Comcast Entity has received any
notice, notification, demand, request for information, citation, summons or
order relating to any "Superfund" evaluation or investigation, and no Comcast
Entity is the subject of any pending or, to Comcast's knowledge, threatened
investigation, action, claim, suit, review, complaint, penalty or proceeding of
any Governmental Authority or other Person with respect to (i) the Comcast
Systems or the Comcast Assets, including the Comcast Owned Property or the
Comcast Leased Property and any property previously owned, operated or leased by
any Comcast Entity in connection with the Comcast Systems and (ii) relating to
or arising out of any Environmental Law.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.16, no Hazardous Substance has been
discharged, disposed of, dumped, injected, pumped, deposited, spilled, leaked,
emitted, or released at, on or under any Comcast Owned Property or Comcast
Leased Property or other Comcast Asset.
(c) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.16, each Comcast Entity is in
material compliance with all Environmental Laws, insofar as they relate to the
Comcast Assets, the Comcast Owned Property or the Comcast Leased Property.
Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.16, each Comcast Entity has been and is in
compliance with all permits, licenses, franchises, certificates, approvals and
other similar authorizations of Governmental Authorities relating to or required
by Environmental Laws and affecting, or relating in any way to, the Comcast
Systems or the Comcast Assets ("Comcast Environmental Permits"). Such Comcast
Environmental Permits are valid and in full force and effect and are
transferable and will not be terminated or impaired or become terminable as a
result of the transactions contemplated hereby. No Comcast Entity has received
any notice of, has any knowledge of circumstances relating to, and there are no
past events, facts, conditions, circumstances, activities, practices or
incidents (including but not limited to the presence, use, generation,
manufacture, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances
from or on the Comcast Assets, the Comcast Owned Property or the Comcast Leased
Property), which could interfere with or prevent compliance with or which have
resulted in or are reasonably likely to give rise to any liability of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or
otherwise, arising under or relating to any Environmental Law and in connection
with the Comcast Systems or the Comcast Assets, including, without limitation,
the Comcast Owned Property and the Comcast Leased Property. Except as disclosed
on Schedule 4.16, no Comcast Owned Property or Comcast Leased Property nor any
property to which Hazardous Substances located on or resulting from the use of
any Comcast Asset, Comcast Owned Property or Comcast Leased Property or any
property previously owned, leased or operated by any Comcast Entity in
connection with the Comcast Systems have been transported is listed or, to
Comcast's knowledge, proposed for listing on the National Priorities List
promulgated pursuant to CERCLA, or CERCLIS (as defined in CERCLA) or on
44
any similar federal, state, local or foreign list of sites requiring
investigation or cleanup.
(d) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.16, no polychlorinated biphenyls,
electromagnetic fields, radioactive material, lead, asbestos-containing
material, incinerator, sump, surface impoundment, lagoon, landfill, septic,
wastewater treatment or other disposal system or underground storage tank
(active or inactive) is or has been present at, on or under any Comcast Owned
Property or Comcast Leased Property or in any Comcast Asset.
(e) Comcast has provided or made available to Adelphia copies of all
environmental assessments, studies, audits, tests, reviews or other analyses of
or relating to the Comcast Assets and/or Systems prior to the date hereof.
(f) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.16, none of the Comcast Owned
Property or Comcast Leased Property is located in New Jersey or Connecticut.
SECTION 4.17. Accounts Receivable. All of the accounts receivable that are
the subject of the adjustments provided in Section 2.05 have arisen from bona
fide transactions in the ordinary course of the business of the Comcast Systems,
consistent with past practices.
SECTION 4.18. Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on Schedule
4.18, with respect to the Comcast Systems, no Comcast Party is a party to any
Contract or any other arrangement of any kind whatsoever with any Affiliate.
SECTION 4.19. System Intellectual Property Rights. There is no trademark,
trade name, service mark, service name, logo or similar proprietary right owned,
licensed, used or held for use by Comcast or any of its Affiliates primarily in
the operation of the Comcast Systems.
SECTION 4.20. Bonds. Schedule 4.20 contains a list of all franchise,
construction, fidelity, performance or other bonds and copies of all letters of
credit posted by any Comcast Entity or any of their respective Affiliates in
connection with its Systems or its Assets.
SECTION 4.21. Taxpayer Identification Number. The U.S. Taxpayer
Identification Number of each Comcast Entity is as set forth in Schedule 4.21.
SECTION 4.22. Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no liabilities
of the Comcast Systems of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent,
absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, and there is no existing
condition, situation or set of circumstances which would reasonably be expected
to result in such a liability, other than:
(a) the Comcast Excluded Liabilities;
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(b) the liabilities disclosed on Schedule 4.22;
(c) the liabilities disclosed in the Comcast Systems Financial Statements
or the notes thereto;
(d) the liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business since
September 30, 2000; and
(e) other liabilities which, individually or in the aggregate, are not
material to the Comcast Systems.
SECTION 4.23. Insurance. All material Comcast Assets are covered by
currently effective insurance policies in such types and amounts as are
consistent with customary practices and standards in the cable television
industry. Comcast does not know of any threatened termination of, premium
increase with respect to, or material alteration of coverage under, any of such
policies. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.23, after the Closing the Comcast
Entities shall continue to have coverage under such policies and bonds with
respect to events occurring prior to the Closing.
SECTION 4.24. Intellectual Property. Except as would not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the
Comcast Systems have been operated in such a manner so as not to violate or
infringe upon the rights, or give rise to any rightful claim of any Person for
copyright, trademark, service mark, patent, license or other intellectual
property right infringement.
SECTION 4.25. Brokers. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or
other intermediary which has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf
of any Comcast Entity who might be entitled to any fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 4.26. Systems Options. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.26, none
of the Comcast Systems or any material Comcast Assets are subject to any
purchase option, right of first refusal or similar arrangement which would be
triggered by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ("Comcast Systems
Option"). All Comcast System Options have been waived in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 4.27. Comcast Pole Audits. Schedule 4.27 lists and describes the
results of any audits or investigations conducted by any of the parties to the
pole attachment agreements for the Comcast Systems during the previous three (3)
years. All fees due and payable under the pole attachment agreements for the
Comcast Systems have been paid.
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SECTION 4.28. Inventory. The Comcast Assets include such amounts of
inventory as are sufficient to operate the Comcast Systems in a manner
consistent with past practice for a period not less than 30 days.
SECTION 4.29. Internet Services. All assets that are part of a headend and
that are used to provide internet services to Subscribers within the Comcast
Systems are included in the Comcast Assets.
SECTION 4.30. Telephony Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.30, no
residential telephony services are being provided by Comcast or its Affiliates
in connection with or utilizing the Comcast Systems.
SECTION 4.31. Capital Leases. There are no capital leases of real property
included in the Comcast Assets.
SECTION 4.32. Capitalization of the Comcast LLCs. The Comcast LLC
Interests constitute 100% of the equity interests in the Comcast LLCs. The
Comcast LLC Interests have been duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid.
Except as set forth in this Section, there are outstanding (a) no securities of
the Comcast LLCs convertible into or exchangeable for equity interests of the
Comcast LLCs, and (b) no options or other rights to acquire and no obligation of
the Comcast LLCs to issue any equity interests.
SECTION 4.33. Ownership of the Comcast LLC Interests. The Comcast Parties
are the holders of record and the beneficial owners of 100% of the Comcast LLC
Interests, free and clear of any Lien and any other limitation or restriction
(including any restriction on the right to sell, vote or otherwise dispose of
the Comcast LLC Interests) and at the Closing the Comcast Parties will transfer
and deliver to the Adelphia Parties valid title to the Comcast LLC Interests
free and clear of any Lien and any such limitation or restriction.
SECTION 4.34. Comcast LLC Assets and Liabilities. The Comcast New LLCs
have no assets, and no liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued,
contingent, absolute, determined, determinable, or otherwise, and there is no
existing condition, situation or set of circumstances which could reasonably be
expected to result in such a liability, in each case, other than the Comcast
Assets and the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities. Except for such assets and
liabilities as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the applicable Comcast Converted
LLC, no Comcast Converted LLC has any assets, or any liabilities of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable, or
otherwise, and there is no existing condition, situation or set of circumstances
which could reasonably be expected to result in such a liability, in each case,
other than the Comcast Assets and the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities.
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ARTICLE 5
ADELPHIA'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each of the Adelphia Entities represent and warrant to the Comcast Entities
as at the Closing Date, as follows:
SECTION 5.01. Organization and Qualification of Adelphia. Each of the
Adelphia Entities is a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite corporate, limited
partnership or limited liability company power and authority to own and lease
the Adelphia Assets owned or leased by it and to conduct its activities as such
activities are currently conducted. Each of the Adelphia Entities is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign entity and is in good standing in all
jurisdictions in which the ownership or leasing of the Adelphia Assets or the
nature of its activities in connection with the Adelphia Systems makes such
qualification necessary, with only such exceptions as would not, individually or
in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.02. Authority. Each of the applicable Adelphia Entities has all
requisite corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Transaction
Documents to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby by each applicable Adelphia Entity have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited partnership or limited
liability company action on the part of each such Adelphia Entity. Each of this
Agreement and the Transaction Documents has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each applicable Adelphia Entity and is a valid and binding
obligation of each such Adelphia Entity which is a party, enforceable against
each such Adelphia Entity in accordance with its terms, except as the same may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally or by principles governing the availability of
equitable remedies.
SECTION 5.03. No Conflicts; Required Consents. Except as described on
Schedules 5.03 or 5.26, and subject to compliance with the HSR Act, the
execution, delivery and performance by each applicable Adelphia Entity of this
Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not and will
not: (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the organizational documents
of such Adelphia Entity; (ii) violate any provision of any Legal Requirement;
(iii) without regard to requirements of notice, lapse of time, or elections of
other Persons, or any combination thereof, conflict with, violate, result in a
breach of, constitute a default under or give rise to any third party's right(s)
of first refusal or right of cancellation or termination, or accelerate or
permit the acceleration of the
48
performance required by, or otherwise adversely affect the rights or obligations
of any Adelphia Entity under, any Adelphia Systems Contract, Adelphia Systems
Franchise or Adelphia Systems License; (iv) result in the creation or imposition
of any Lien against or upon any of the Adelphia Assets other than a Permitted
Lien; or (v) require any consent, approval or authorization of, or filing of any
certificate, notice, application, report or other document with, any
Governmental Authority or other Person, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii), (iv)
and (v) with only such exceptions as would not individually or in the aggregate
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or materially delay or
prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 5.04. Assets, Title, Condition, and Sufficiency. (a) The Adelphia
Entities have good, marketable and indefeasible title to all of the material
Adelphia Assets (other than Adelphia Assets that are leased), and all material
Adelphia Assets are free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens. The
Adelphia Entities have valid leasehold interests in all leased Adelphia Assets.
Schedule 2.01(b)(i)(B) lists all material Adelphia Tangible Personal Property.
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B) lists all material Adelphia Owned Property and Adelphia
Real Property Interests. Except as described on Schedule 2.01(b)(i)(B), the
Adelphia Tangible Personal Property and improvements on Adelphia Owned Property
and Adelphia Leased Property have no material defect, are in good operating
condition and repair, and have been reasonably maintained consistent with
standards generally followed in the industry (giving due account to the age and
length of use of same, ordinary wear and tear excepted), are adequate and
suitable for their present uses and, in the case of plants, buildings and other
structures, are structurally sound.
(b) Except for items included in the Adelphia Excluded Assets, (i) the
Adelphia Assets are all of the assets of the Adelphia Entities or their
Affiliates owned, used or held for use primarily in connection with the Adelphia
Systems, and (ii) together with the Comcast Transitional Services, the right,
title and interest in the Adelphia Assets conveyed to the Comcast Entities at
Closing will be sufficient to permit the Comcast Entities to operate the
Adelphia Systems substantially as they are being operated and in compliance with
all material applicable Legal Requirements and contractual requirements, and to
enable performance of all of the Comcast Assumed Liabilities.
(c) There are no developments affecting any of the material Adelphia Assets
pending or, to Adelphia's knowledge threatened, which might materially detract
from the value, materially interfere with any present or intended use or
materially adversely affect the marketability of such Adelphia Assets.
SECTION 5.05. Adelphia Systems Franchises, Systems Licenses, Systems
Contracts, Owned Property and Real Property Interests. (a) Except as described
on Schedules 2.01(b)(ii)(B), (iii)(B), (iv)(B) or (v)(B) or 2.01(c)(ii) and
except for the Adelphia Excluded Assets, no Adelphia Entity is bound or affected
by any of the following that relate wholly or primarily to the Adelphia Assets
or the
49
Adelphia Systems: (i) leases of real or material personal property; (ii)
franchises, and similar authorizations or permits for the construction or
operation of cable television systems, or Contracts of substantially equivalent
effect; (iii) other licenses, authorizations, consents or permits of the FCC or,
to the extent material, any other Governmental Authority; (iv)material crossing
agreements, easements, rights of way or access agreements; (v)pole line or joint
line agreements or underground conduit agreements; (vi) bulk service, commercial
service or multiple-dwelling unit service or access agreements (other than
customary subscription agreements to provide cable service with respect to
commercial accounts and customary non-bulk-billed access agreement); (vii)
system specific programming agreements or signal supply agreements; (viii) any
agreement with the FCC or any other Governmental Authority relating to the
operation or construction of the Adelphia Systems that are not fully reflected
in the Adelphia Systems Franchises, or any agreements with community groups or
similar third parties restricting or limiting the types of programming that may
be shown on any of the Adelphia Systems; (ix) commercial leased access
agreements or capacity license agreements; (x) any partnership, joint venture or
other similar agreement or arrangement; (xi) any agreement that limits the
freedom of any of the Adelphia Systems to compete in any line of business or
with any Person or in any area or which would so limit the freedom of the
Comcast Entities after the Closing Date; (xii) any must-carry elections or
retransmission consents relating to the Adelphia Systems or Assets; (xiii)any
advertising interconnect agreement; (xiv) any agreement with any employee of the
Adelphia Systems; (xv) any Contract granting any Person the right to use any
portion of the Adelphia Systems' cable plant included within the Adelphia
Assets; (xvi) any Contract that is not the subject matter of any other clause of
this Section 5.05(a) that will remain effective for more than one year after
Closing; or (xvii) any Contract other than those described in any other clause
of this Section 5.05(a) which individually provides for payments by or to any
Adelphia Entity in any twelve-month period exceeding $100,000 individually or is
otherwise material to the Adelphia Systems. Except for the facilities agreements
with Adelphia Business Solution, Inc. and its Subsidiaries which are set forth
on Schedule 2.01(b)(v)(B) and the Excluded Assets, no Adelphia Entity is bound
or affected by any of the following that relate wholly or primarily to the
Adelphia Assets or the Adelphia Systems: (i) any contract with ServiceCo LLC,
PowerLink or Excite@Home or any of their respective Affiliates or (ii) except
for customary contracts with internet service Subscribers, any Contract
providing for the use of Adelphia Assets to provide, or for the provision by the
Adelphia Systems of, telephone or high speed data services.
(b) Adelphia has provided to Comcast true and complete copies of each of
the contracts and agreements set forth in Schedules 2.01(b)(ii)(B), (iii)(B),
(iv)(B) and (v)(B) (together with any notices alleging continuing non-compliance
with the requirements of any such contract or agreement, and including in each
case any amendments thereto, and in the case of oral contracts and agreements,
true and complete written summaries thereof) and of each document evidencing
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or insuring any Adelphia Entity's ownership of the Adelphia Owned Property.
Except as described in Schedule 5.05(b): (i) the Adelphia Entities are in
compliance in all material respects with each of the Material Adelphia
Contracts; (ii) each of the Adelphia Entities has fulfilled when due, or has
taken all action necessary to enable it to fulfill when due, all of its
respective material obligations under each of the Material Adelphia Contracts to
which it is a party; (iii) there has not occurred any material default (without
regard to lapse of time or to the giving of notice, or both) by an Adelphia
Entity and, to the knowledge of Adelphia, there has not occurred any material
default by any Person, under any of the Material Adelphia Contracts; and (iv)
the Material Adelphia Contracts are valid and binding agreements and are in full
force and effect.
(c) Schedule 5.05(c) lists the date on which each Adelphia Systems
Franchise will expire. There are no applications relating to any Adelphia
Systems Franchise or Adelphia Systems Licenses pending before any Governmental
Authority that are material to any of such Adelphia Systems. No Adelphia Entity
has received, nor does any Adelphia Entity have notice that it will receive,
from any Governmental Authority a preliminary assessment that an Adelphia
Systems Franchise should not be renewed as provided in Section 626(c)(1) of the
Communications Act. No Adelphia Entity or any Governmental Authority has
commenced or requested the commencement of an administrative proceeding
concerning the renewal of an Adelphia Systems Franchise as provided in Section
626(c)(1) of the Communications Act. The Adelphia Entities have timely filed
notices of renewal in accordance with the Communications Act with all
Governmental Authorities with respect to each Adelphia Systems Franchise
expiring within 36 months of the date of this Agreement. Such notices of renewal
have been filed pursuant to the formal renewal procedures established by Section
626(a) of the Communications Act. To Adelphia's knowledge, there exist no facts
or circumstances that make it likely that any Adelphia Systems Franchise will
not be renewed or extended on commercially reasonable terms. As of the date
hereof, no Governmental Authority has commenced, or given notice that it intends
to commence, a proceeding to revoke or suspend an Adelphia Systems Franchise.
Section 5.06. Employee Benefits. "Adelphia Plans" shall mean each employee
benefit plan or arrangement, including each pension or welfare benefit plan,
employment agreement, incentive compensation arrangement or multi-employer plan
(as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA), in which any Adelphia System Employees
(as defined in Section 5.15) participate. The Adelphia Plans are set forth in
Schedule 5.06. None of the Adelphia Entities, any of their ERISA Affiliates, any
Adelphia Plan other than a multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA), or to the knowledge of Adelphia, any Adelphia Plan that is a
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) is in material
violation of any provision of ERISA with respect to an Adelphia Plan. No
material "reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043(c)(1), (2), (3), (5),
(6), (7), (10) and (13) of ERISA), "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined
in Section
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302 of ERISA) or "withdrawal liability" (as determined under Section 4201 et.
seq. of ERISA) has occurred or exists and is continuing with respect to any
Adelphia Plan other than a multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA), or to the knowledge of Adelphia, any Adelphia Plan that is a
multi-employer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA). After the date
hereof, none of the Comcast Entities or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates
will be required, under ERISA, the Code or any collective bargaining agreement,
to establish, maintain or continue or contribute to any Adelphia Plan currently
or in the past maintained or contributed to by any Adelphia Entity or any of
their current or former ERISA Affiliates. Since December 31, 1999 there has been
no change in the Adelphia Plans or level of compensation provided Adelphia
System Employees that would materially increase the cost of operating the
Adelphia Systems.
SECTION 5.07. Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.07: (i) there
is no Litigation pending or, to Adelphia's knowledge, threatened, by or before
any Governmental Authority or private arbitration tribunal, against any Adelphia
Entity, and (ii) there is no Judgment requiring any Adelphia Entity to take any
action of any kind with respect to the Adelphia Assets or the operation of the
Adelphia Systems, or to which any Adelphia Entity (with respect to the Adelphia
Systems), the Adelphia Systems or the Adelphia Assets are subject or by which
they are bound or affected, in either case, which could, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
materially delay or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
SECTION 5.08. Cable Operations. Except as described on Schedule 5.08 and
other than SMATV system operators and direct broadcast satellite service
providers, no Person, other than the Transferors, is providing wireline cable
television services or multipoint multichannel distribution service or other
multichannel video programming services or, to the knowledge of Adelphia,
intending to provide any such services in the Adelphia Service Areas. Except as
described on Schedule 5.08, no Person, other than the Transferors, other than
the Adelphia Entities has been granted or, to the knowledge of Adelphia, has a
current application pending for a franchise or other operating authority for a
wireline cable television franchise or open video system in any of the
communities or unincorporated areas presently served by the Adelphia Systems.
SECTION 5.09. Tax Returns; Other Reports. With respect to the Adelphia
Systems, the Adelphia Entities have timely filed in proper form all federal,
state, local and foreign tax returns and other reports required to be filed, and
have timely paid all Taxes which have become due and payable, whether or not so
shown on any such return or report, the failure to file or pay which could have
affected or resulted in the imposition of a Lien upon the Adelphia Assets,
except such amounts as are being contested diligently and in good faith and for
which appropriate reserves have been established. No Adelphia Entity has
received notice of, and Adelphia has no knowledge of, any deficiency or
assessment or proposed deficiency or assessment from any Governmental Authority
which
52
could have affected or resulted in the imposition of a Lien upon the Adelphia
Assets. Except as described on Schedule 5.09, there are no pending or ongoing
property, sales and use, or franchise fee or tax audits relating to the Adelphia
Systems, and no Adelphia Entity has received any property, sales and use, or
franchise fee or tax audit notice with respect thereto.
SECTION 5.10. Adelphia Systems Information. Schedule 5.10 sets forth a
true and complete description in all material respects of the following
information:
(a) as of September 30, 2000, for each Adelphia System the approximate
number of miles of plant, aerial and underground and the technical capacity of
such plant expressed in MHZ, included in such Adelphia System;
(b) as of the date set forth on such Schedule (which shall be no earlier
than September 30, 2000), the number of cable television Subscribers served by
each of the Adelphia Systems, determined in accordance with past practice for
each such System; provided that bulk-billed and other accounts not billed by
individual unit shall be equivalatized in accordance with past practice for each
such System;
(c) as of the date set forth on such Schedule (which shall be no earlier
than September 30, 2000), a description of basic and optional or tier services
available from each of the Adelphia Systems on a headend-by-headend basis and
the rates charged by the applicable Adelphia Entity for each;
(d) the stations and signals carried by each of the Adelphia Systems and
the channel position of each such signal and station;
(e) the municipalities served by each of the Adelphia Systems;
(f) the channel capacity of each of the Adelphia Systems; and
(g) the rate increases instituted by each of the Adelphia Systems in the
previous 12 months ending on the date of this Agreement.
SECTION 5.11. Compliance with Legal Requirements. (a) Except as set forth
in Schedule 5.11, and except with respect to those matters covered by Sections
5.11(b), (c), (d) and (e), which matters are covered exclusively by such
sections, the operation of the Adelphia Systems has not violated or infringed,
and does not violate or infringe, in any material respect any Legal Requirement.
No Adelphia Entity has received notice and has no knowledge of any violation by
any Adelphia Entity or the Adelphia Systems of any material Legal Requirement
applicable to the operation of the Adelphia Systems.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11, and subject to the limitations
set forth in Sections 5.11(d) and (e): with respect to the Adelphia Systems,
each
53
Adelphia Entity has been and is in compliance in all material respects with the
Communications Act and the Cable Act, including requirements of those Acts
specifically referred to herein; there have been submitted to the FCC all
material required filings, including cable television registration statements,
annual reports and aeronautical frequency usage notices, to utilize all
frequencies currently used in the frequency bands 108-137 and 225-400 MHZ in the
manner currently used that are required under the rules and regulations of the
FCC; the operation of the Adelphia Systems has been and is in material
compliance with the rules and regulations of the FCC, and no Adelphia Entity has
received notice from the FCC of any violation of its rules and regulations with
respect to the Adelphia Systems; each Adelphia Entity is and since 1992 has been
with respect to the Adelphia Systems certified as in compliance with the FCC's
EEO rules and has received no written notices with respect to non-compliance
with EEO rules; the Adelphia Systems are in compliance with all signal leakage
criteria prescribed by the FCC; each Adelphia Entity has filed all FCC Forms 320
for the Adelphia Systems for the last two reporting periods, and all such Forms
320 show "passing" or "satisfactory" signal leakage scores; for each semi-annual
reporting period since 1997-1; each Adelphia Entity has filed with the United
States Copyright Office all required Statements of Account in proper form, and
has paid when due all required copyright royalty fee payments, relating to the
Adelphia Systems' carriage of television and radio broadcast signals; and each
Adelphia Entity is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the
compulsory copyright license described in Section 111 of the Copyright Act and
with all applicable rules and regulations of the Copyright Office. Adelphia has
provided to Comcast true and complete copies of all reports and filings for the
past year, made or filed pursuant to FCC and Copyright Office rules and
regulations by the Adelphia Entities with respect to the Adelphia Systems and
will provide to Comcast, upon Comcast's request, all other past reports and
filings made or filed pursuant to FCC and Copyright Office rules and regulations
by the Adelphia Entities with respect to the Adelphia Systems within the past
five (5) years. The Adelphia Entities hold all licenses, registrations or
permits from the FCC for business radio, satellite earth receiving facilities
and CARS or private operational fixed service microwave facilities, that are
necessary or appropriate to carry on the business of the Adelphia Systems as
conducted on the date hereof. Each of the Adelphia Systems Licenses is in full
force and effect and has not been revoked, canceled, encumbered or adversely
affected in any manner. Each Adelphia System has provided all required
Subscriber privacy notices to new Subscribers at the time of installation and to
all Subscribers on an annual basis, and the Adelphia Systems have taken
commercially reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to personally
identifiable information. Each Adelphia System has provided all customer notices
required by the Cable Act, including customer service, notices of availability
of basic service, and equipment compatibility. All notifications to the FAA have
been made with respect to the antenna structures which are being used in
connection with the operation of the Adelphia Systems, and all such antenna
structures that require registration with the FCC have been so registered by
Adelphia. No Adelphia Entity has received any request for commercial leased
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access with respect to the Adelphia Systems within the past 120 days, except for
those requests set forth on Schedule 5.11(b). There are no complaints or other
proceedings instituted before the FCC concerning commercial leased access,
program access, or any other aspect of the Adelphia Systems' operations.
(c) Except as provided in Schedule 5.11, with respect to the Adelphia
Systems, the Adelphia Entities are and have been in compliance in all material
respects with the must carry and retransmission consent provisions of the Cable
Act, including, (i) duly and timely notifying "local commercial television
stations" of inadequate signal strength or increased copyright liability, if
applicable, (ii) to the extent required, duly and timely notifying
non-commercial educational stations of the location of the cable system's
principal head-end, (iii) duly and timely notifying Subscribers of the channel
alignment on the Adelphia Systems, (iv) duly and timely notifying "local
commercial and noncommercial television stations" of the broadcast signals
carried on the Adelphia Systems and their channel positions, if applicable, (v)
maintaining the requisite public file identifying broadcast signal carriage,
(vi) carrying the broadcast signals after January 1, 2000, on the Adelphia
Systems for all "local commercial television stations" which elected must carry
status and, if required, up to two "qualified low power stations," (vii)
complying with applicable channel placement obligations, and (viii) obtaining
retransmission consent for all commercial broadcast signals carried on the
Adelphia Systems after January 1, 1997, except for the signals carried pursuant
to a must carry election. No oral or written notices have been received from the
FCC, the United States Copyright Office, any local or other television station
or system or from any other person or entity, station or Governmental Authority
claiming to have a right of objection challenging or questioning the right of
the Adelphia Systems to carry or furnish, or not to carry or furnish, any of the
signals or any other station or service to any Subscriber. Except as provided in
Schedule 5.11, no Adelphia Entity has received with respect to any of the
Adelphia Systems any notification of any petition or submission that is
currently pending before the FCC to modify any television market or for a waiver
of any rules or regulations of the FCC as they apply to such Adelphia System.
Each Adelphia Entity has complied with all written requests it has received for
network nonduplication, syndicated exclusivity, and sports blackout protection
which are applicable to the Adelphia Systems.
(d) Each Adelphia Entity has used commercially reasonable efforts to
establish rates charged and a la carte packages provided to Subscribers of the
Adelphia Systems, effective as of September 2, 1993, that would be allowable
under the Cable Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adelphia Entities make
no representation or warranty that the rates charged to Subscribers would be
allowable under any rules or regulations of the FCC or any authoritative
interpretation thereof promulgated after the date of Closing. Adelphia has
provided to Comcast true and complete copies of all rate Forms (and any
associated Forms 1200, any successive Forms 1210, and Forms 1205 filed within
the one year period immediately preceding the date of this Agreement) that have
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been prepared with respect to the Comcast Systems, copies of all correspondence
with any Governmental Authority relating to rate regulation generally or
specific rates charged to Subscribers of the Adelphia Systems, and any other
documentation supporting an exemption from the rate regulation provisions of the
Cable Act claimed by the Adelphia Entities with respect to the Adelphia Systems.
Schedule 5.11(d) sets forth a list of (i) all pending complaints with respect to
any rates which have been filed with the FCC for the Adelphia Systems and (ii)
those franchising authorities that have been certified upon filing FCC Form 328
or have filed FCC Form 328 with the FCC for certification to regulate any of the
Adelphia Systems' rates. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11(d), each Adelphia
System is operating pursuant to a valid franchise or similar authorization or
permit issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority in every market in which
such System is supplying cable television service.
(e) Each Adelphia Entity has used commercially reasonable efforts to comply
in all material respects with any customer service standards applicable to it
with respect to the Adelphia Systems. The Adelphia Entities have received no
written notice with respect to the Adelphia Systems from any Governmental
Authority with respect to an intention to enforce customer service standards
pursuant to the Cable Act and no Adelphia Entity has agreed with any
Governmental Authority to establish customer service standards in respect of the
Adelphia Systems that exceed the FCC standards promulgated pursuant to the Cable
Act.
SECTION 5.12. Real Property. Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B) sets forth all leases
included in the Adelphia Real Property Interests (the "Adelphia Leases") and all
ownership interests in real property included in the Adelphia Owned Property.
The Adelphia Owned Property and Adelphia Real Property Interests include all
leases, fee interests, material easements, material access agreements and other
material real property interests necessary to operate the Adelphia Systems as
currently conducted. The current use and occupancy of all Adelphia Owned
Property and the Adelphia Leased Property do not constitute nonconforming uses
under any applicable Legal Requirement in the nature of a zoning law or
ordinance. Each parcel of Adelphia Owned Property and, to Adelphia's knowledge,
each parcel of Adelphia Leased Property has access to and over public streets,
or private streets or property for which the applicable Adelphia Entity has a
valid right of ingress and egress, (ii) conforms in its current use, occupancy
and operation to all material zoning requirements without reliance upon a
variance issued by a Governmental Authority or a classification of the parcel in
question as a nonconforming use and (iii) conforms in its use, occupancy and
operation to all restrictive covenants, if any, or other encumbrances affecting
all or part of such parcel. Each Person upon, under or across whose property any
of the Adelphia Assets are located, maintained, installed or operated (other
than drop lines to customer dwellings) has granted to the applicable Adelphia
Entity such easements, licenses or rights of way as are necessary for the
location, maintenance, installation and operation of such Adelphia Assets upon,
under or
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across such property, except where the failure to have any such easements,
licenses or rights of way would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.13. Financial Statements. Adelphia has provided to Comcast
financial statements for the Adelphia Systems consisting of balance sheets and
statements of operations as of and for the 12 months ended December 31, 1999 and
as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 (the "Adelphia Systems
Financial Statements"). The Adelphia Systems Financial Statements are management
reports that fairly present in accordance with GAAP except for the absence of
footnotes, in all material respects, such Adelphia Systems' financial position,
and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated, subject
to normal adjustments, allocations and accruals (none of which will be material
to the financial position or operating results of the Systems).
SECTION 5.14. Interim Operations of Systems. Except as set forth in
Schedule 5.14, since May 25, 1999
(a) there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Adelphia
Assets, the Adelphia Entities that are Transferors or the Adelphia Systems;
(b) neither the Adelphia Assets nor the financial condition or operations
of the Adelphia Systems have been materially and adversely affected as a result
of any fire, explosion, accident, casualty, labor trouble, flood, drought, riot,
storm, condemnation, or act of God or public force or otherwise;
(c) the Adelphia Entities have, with respect to the Adelphia Systems made
capital expenditures in the ordinary course consistent with past practices;
(d) each of the Adelphia Entities has with respect to its Systems and
Assets:
(i) operated or caused to be operated its Systems only in the usual,
regular and ordinary course and in accordance with applicable Legal
Requirements (including commencing and continuing planned upgrades and
rebuild of Systems, completing line extensions, placing conduit or cable in
new developments, fulfilling installation requests and continuing work on
existing construction projects) and, to the extent consistent with such
operation, (i) used its reasonable best efforts to preserve the business
organization of its Systems intact, including preserving existing
relationships with Governmental Authorities, suppliers, customers and
others having business dealings with its Systems, (ii) used commercially
reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its employees
providing services in connection with its Systems, and (iii) continued
normal marketing, advertising and promotional expenditures with respect to
its Systems;
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(ii) maintained or caused to be maintained its books, records and
accounts with respect to its Assets and the operation of its Systems in the
usual, regular and ordinary manner on a basis consistent with past
practices; and
(iii) maintained inventory sufficient for the operation of its
Systems, in the ordinary course of business for a period of at least 30
days; and
(e) none of the Adelphia Entities has, with respect to its Systems or
Assets:
(i) engaged in any marketing, Subscriber installation or collection
practices other than in the ordinary course of business except as set forth
in Schedule 5.14(e)(i);
(ii) except (x) for "staying" or "sticking" bonuses to induce such
employees to remain with such Adelphia Entity which have been paid for by
such Adelphia Entity on or prior to Closing or (y) as may be done in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, granted or
agreed to grant to any employee of the Systems any increase in (i) wages or
bonuses or (ii) any severance, profit sharing, retirement, deferred
compensation, insurance or other compensation or benefits; or
(iii) sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of any of the
Assets except in the ordinary course of business and except for (i) the
disposition of obsolete or worn-out equipment, or (ii) dispositions with
respect to which such Assets are replaced with Assets of at least equal
value.
SECTION 5.15. Employees. (a) There are no collective bargaining agreements
applicable to any persons employed by any Adelphia Entity or any of their
respective Affiliates that primarily render services in connection with the
Adelphia Systems ("Adelphia System Employees"), and no Adelphia Entity or any of
their respective Affiliates has any duty to bargain with any labor organization
with respect to any such persons. There are not pending any unfair labor
practice charges against any Adelphia Entity or any of their respective
Affiliates, or any demand for recognition, or any other request or demand from a
labor organization for representative status, with respect to any Adelphia
System Employees.
(b) Each Adelphia Entity has, with respect to the Adelphia System
Employees, complied in all material respects with all applicable Legal
Requirements relating to the employment of labor, including WARN, ERISA,
continuation coverage requirements with respect to group health plans and those
relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, unemployment insurance,
worker's compensation, equal employment opportunity, age, sex, race and
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disability discrimination, immigration control and the payment and withholding
of Taxes. No Adelphia Entity is a party to any material labor or employment
dispute involving any of its employees who render services in connection with
the Adelphia Systems.
(c) Except as described on Schedule 5.15(c), no Adelphia Entity has
employment agreements, either written or oral, with any Adelphia System
Employee, and none of the employment agreements listed on Schedule 5.15(c)
require Comcast to employ any person after the date hereof.
SECTION 5.16. Environmental. (a) No Adelphia Entity has received any
notice, notification, demand, request for information, citation, summons or
order relating to any "Superfund" evaluation or investigation, and no Adelphia
Entity is the subject of any pending or, to Adelphia's knowledge, threatened
investigation, action, claim, suit, review, complaint, penalty or proceeding of
any Governmental Authority or other Person with respect to (i) the Adelphia
Systems or the Adelphia Assets, including the Adelphia Owned Property or the
Adelphia Leased Property and any property previously owned, operated or leased
by any Adelphia Entity in connection with the Adelphia Systems and (ii) relating
to or arising out of any Environmental Law.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.16, no Hazardous Substance has been
discharged, disposed of, dumped, injected, pumped, deposited, spilled, leaked,
emitted, or released at, on or under any Adelphia Owned Property or Adelphia
Leased Property or other Adelphia Asset.
(c) Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.16, each Adelphia Entity is in
material compliance with all Environmental Laws, insofar as they relate to the
Adelphia Assets, the Adelphia Owned Property or the Adelphia Leased Property.
Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.16, each Adelphia Entity has been and is in
compliance with all permits, licenses, franchises, certificates, approvals and
other similar authorizations of Governmental Authorities relating to or required
by Environmental Laws and affecting, or relating in any way to, the Adelphia
Systems or the Adelphia Assets ("Adelphia Environmental Permits"). Such Adelphia
Environmental Permits are valid and in full force and effect and are
transferable and will not be terminated or impaired or become terminable as a
result of the transactions contemplated hereby. No Adelphia Entity has received
any notice of, any knowledge of circumstances relating to, and there are no past
events, facts, conditions, circumstances, activities, practices or incidents
(including but not limited to the presence, use, generation, manufacture,
disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances from or on
the Adelphia Assets, the Adelphia Owned Property or the Adelphia Leased
Property), which could interfere with or prevent compliance with or which have
resulted in or are reasonably likely to give rise to any liability of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or
otherwise, arising under or relating to any Environmental Law and in connection
with the Adelphia Systems or the Adelphia Assets, including, without limitation,
the
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Adelphia Owned Property and the Adelphia Leased Property. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 5.16, no Adelphia Owned Property or Adelphia Leased Property nor any
property to which Hazardous Substances located on or resulting from the use of
any Adelphia Asset, Adelphia Owned Property or Adelphia Leased Property or any
property previously owned, leased or operated by any Adelphia Entity in
connection with the Adelphia Systems have been transported is listed or, to
Adelphia's knowledge, proposed for listing on the National Priorities List
promulgated pursuant to CERCLA, or CERCLIS (as defined in CERCLA) or on any
similar federal, state, local or foreign list of sites requiring investigation
or cleanup.
(d) Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.16, no polychlorinated biphenyls,
electromagnetic fields, radioactive material, lead, asbestos-containing
material, incinerator, sump, surface impoundment, lagoon, landfill, septic,
wastewater treatment or other disposal system or underground storage tank
(active or inactive) is or has been present at, on or under any Adelphia Owned
Property or Adelphia Leased Property or in any Adelphia Asset.
(e) Adelphia has provided or made available to Comcast copies of all
environmental assessments, studies, audits, tests, reviews or other analyses of
or relating to the Adelphia Assets and/or Systems prior to the date hereof.
(f) Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.16, none of the Adelphia Owned
Property or Adelphia Leased Property is located in New Jersey or Connecticut.
SECTION 5.17. Accounts Receivable. All of the accounts receivable that are
the subject of the adjustments provided in Section 2.05 have arisen from bona
fide transactions in the ordinary course of the business of the Adelphia
Systems, consistent with past practices.
SECTION 5.18. Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on
Schedule 5.18, with respect to the Adelphia Systems, no Adelphia Party is a
party to any Contract or any other arrangement of any kind whatsoever with any
Affiliate.
SECTION 5.19. System Intellectual Property Rights. There is no trademark,
trade name, service mark, service name, logo or similar proprietary right owned,
licensed, used or held for use by Adelphia or any of its Affiliates primarily in
the operation of the Adelphia Systems.
SECTION 5.20. Bonds. Schedule 5.20 contains a list of all franchise,
construction, fidelity, performance or other bonds and copies of all letters of
credit posted by any Adelphia Entity or any of their respective Affiliates in
connection with its Systems or its Assets.
SECTION 5.21. Taxpayer Identification Number. The U.S. Taxpayer
Identification Number of each Adelphia Entity is as set forth in Schedule 1.01.
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SECTION 5.22. Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no liabilities
of the Adelphia Systems of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent,
absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, and there is no existing
condition, situation or set of circumstances which would reasonably be expected
to result in such a liability, other than:
(a) the Adelphia Excluded Liabilities;
(b) the liabilities disclosed on Schedule 5.22;
(c) the liabilities disclosed in the Adelphia Systems Financial Statements
or the notes thereto;
(d) the liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business since
September 30, 2000; and
(e) other liabilities which, individually or in the aggregate, are not
material to the Adelphia Systems.
SECTION 5.23. Insurance. All material Adelphia Assets are covered by
currently effective insurance policies in such types and amounts as are
consistent with customary practices and standards in the cable television
industry. Adelphia does not know of any threatened termination of, premium
increase with respect to, or material alteration of coverage under, any of such
policies. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.23, after the Closing the Adelphia
Entities shall continue to have coverage under such policies and bonds with
respect to events occurring prior to the Closing.
SECTION 5.24. Intellectual Property. Except as would not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the
Adelphia Systems have been operated in such a manner so as not to violate or
infringe upon the rights, or give rise to any rightful claim of any Person for
copyright, trademark, service mark, patent, license or other intellectual
property right infringement.
SECTION 5.25. Brokers. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or
other intermediary which has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf
of any Adelphia Entity who might be entitled to any fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.26. Systems Options. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.26, none
of the Adelphia Systems or any material Adelphia Assets are subject to any
purchase option, right of first refusal or similar arrangement which would be
triggered by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ("Adelphia Systems
Option"). All Adelphia Systems Options have been waived in connections with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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SECTION 5.27. Adelphia Pole Audits. Schedule 5.27 lists and describes the
results of any audits or investigations conducted by any of the parties to the
pole attachment agreements for the Adelphia Systems during the previous three
(3) years. All fees due and payable under the pole attachment agreements for the
Adelphia systems have been paid.
SECTION 5.28. Inventory. The Adelphia Assets include such amounts of
inventory as are sufficient to operate the Adelphia Systems in a manner
consistent with past practice for a period not less than 30 days.
SECTION 5.29. Internet Services. All assets that are part of a headend and
that are used to provide internet services to Subscribers within the Adelphia
Systems are included in the Adelphia Assets.
SECTION 5.30. Telephony Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.30, no
residential telephony services are being provided by Adelphia or its Affiliates
in connection with or utilizing the Adelphia Systems.
SECTION 5.31. Capital Leases. There are no capital leases of real property
included in the Adelphia Assets.
ARTICLE 6
COVENANTS
SECTION 6.01. Confidentiality and Publicity. (a) Following the Closing,
each party and its Affiliates will keep confidential any non-public information
that such party or its Affiliates received from another party or its Affiliates
in connection with this Agreement unrelated to the Systems or Assets transferred
by the other party or its Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement as well as any
non-public information in the possession of such party or its Affiliates related
to the Systems or Assets transferred by such party or its Affiliates to the
other party or its Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement (any such information
that a party is required to keep confidential pursuant to this sentence shall be
referred to as "Confidential Information"). Each party and its Affiliates will
not disclose any Confidential Information to any other Person (other than its
Affiliates and its and its Affiliates' directors, officers and employees, and
representatives of its advisers and lenders, in each case, whose knowledge
thereof is necessary in order to facilitate the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, in which case such party shall be responsible for any
breach by any such Person) or use such information to the detriment of the
other; provided that (i) such party and its Affiliates may use and disclose any
such information once it has been publicly disclosed (other than by such party
or any of its Affiliates in breach of the obligations under this Section) or
which, to its knowledge, rightfully has come into the possession of such party
or its Affiliates (other than from the other party or its Affiliates), and (ii)
to the extent that such party or its Affiliates may, in the reasonable judgment
of its counsel, be compelled by Legal Requirements to
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disclose any of such information, such party or its Affiliates may disclose such
information if it has used commercially reasonable efforts, and has afforded the
other the opportunity, to obtain an appropriate protective order, or other
satisfactory assurance of confidential treatment, for the information compelled
to be disclosed.
(b) Adelphia and Comcast each will consult with and cooperate with the
other with respect to the content and timing of all press releases and other
public announcements, and any oral or written statements to Comcast System
Employees and Adelphia System Employees concerning this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except as required by applicable Legal
Requirements or by any national securities exchange or quotation system, neither
Adelphia nor Comcast will make any such release, announcement or statement
without the prior written consent and approval of the other not to be
unreasonably withheld. Adelphia and Comcast will each respond promptly to any
such request for consent and approval.
SECTION 6.02. Title Defects. (a) Prior to Closing, the Parent of each
Transferee has had the option to obtain at its own expense, (i) commitments to
issue to such Transferee title insurance policies ("Title Commitments") in
amounts reasonably satisfactory to such Transferee's Parent at ordinary premium
rates without any requirement for additional premiums to be issued by a
nationally recognized title insurance company (a "Title Company") and
containing, to the extent available, legible photocopies of all recorded items
described as exceptions therein, committing to insure good and marketable fee or
a valid leasehold title, as applicable, in such Transferee to each parcel of
Transferor's Owned Real Property or Leased Property marked by an asterisk on
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) or Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B), as applicable, by ALTA
extended coverage owner's or leasehold policies, as applicable, of title
insurance, and (ii) surveys of each parcel of Transferor's Owned Property or
Leased Property marked by a double asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) or
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B) ("Surveys"), in such form as is necessary to obtain the
title insurance to be issued pursuant to the related Title Commitments with the
standard printed exceptions relating to survey matters deleted, certified to
such Transferee and to the Title Company with respect to that Owned Property or
Leased Property. The cost to obtain such Title Commitments and Surveys and other
documents required by the Title Company to issue such policies and Surveys was
borne by Transferee and the cost to delete or insure over any title defects was
borne by Transferor.
(b) With respect to the title defects listed on Schedule 6.02(a) in the
case of a Comcast Party as Transferor, and Schedule 6.02(b)-Part I, in the case
of an Adelphia Party as Transferor, each Transferor of the applicable parcel of
Owned Property or the leaseholds for the applicable Leased Property will use
commercially reasonable efforts for 180 days following Closing to remedy the
title defect following Closing on terms satisfactory to such Transferee, in its
reasonable discretion.
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(c) With respect to the title defect(s) listed on Schedule 6.02(b) - Part
II ("Part II Defects"), on or before March 1, 2001 Adelphia will either (i)
deliver a deed conveying good, marketable and insurable title to the Adelphia
Owned Property so identified, or (ii) Adelphia will commence and diligently
thereafter prosecute to completion such proceedings to "quiet title" (or similar
proceedings), and shall otherwise take such actions, as are necessary to vest in
the Comcast Transferee good, marketable, and insurable title to the applicable
Adelphia Owned Property, in either case subject only to Permitted Liens existing
on the date hereof other than the Part II Defect (unless such Lien hereafter
arises out of the acts or omissions of a Comcast Party or affiliate).
(d) With respect to the title defects listed on Schedule 6.02(b)-Part III
(the "Part III Defects"), at the Closing, (i) at Adelphia's request and expense,
Comcast Cablevision Communications, Inc. (successor by merger to Jones
Intercable, Inc.), in its capacity as general partner of Cable TV Fund 12-A,
Ltd. in the exercise of its powers under the partnership agreement of Cable TV
Fund 12-A Ltd. following its dissolution, shall execute and deliver a deed
without warranty transferring each applicable Adelphia Owned Property to Ft.
Myers Acquisition Limited Partnership and (ii) Ft. Myers Acquisition Limited
Partnership will execute and deliver a special warranty deed transferring the
Adelphia Owned Property to the applicable Comcast Transferee. All transfer taxes
will be paid by Adelphia.
(e) With respect to the title defect listed on Schedule 6.02(b)-Part IV
(the "Part IV Defect"), if the Part IV Defect is not remedied within 90 days
following the Closing, Adelphia will promptly thereafter commence and diligently
prosecute to completion such proceedings to "quiet title" or other similar
proceedings, and shall otherwise take such action, as may be necessary to
discharge the Part IV Defect of record.
(f) The obligations of the parties under this Section 6.02 are in addition
to, and not in substitution for, their obligations under Sections 8.01 and 8.02.
SECTION 6.03. Leased Vehicles and Other Capital Leases. Each Transferor
has paid the remaining balances on any leases for vehicles included in its
Tangible Personal Property and any other capital leases of Tangible Personal
Property and Real Property and will deliver (either directly or through the
delivery of the Comcast LLC Interests) title to such vehicles and Tangible
Personal Property free and clear of all Liens to its Transferee at Closing.
Section 6.04. Post-closing Obtaining Of Consents. (a) Each Transferor will
use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain consents, authorizations and
approvals required to be obtained in connection with the transfer of Assets or
Comcast LLC Interests by such Transferor to the extent such consents,
authorizations and approvals were not obtained prior to Closing. Each Transferee
will cooperate with its Transferor in connection with the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Transferor shall have no obligation to make any
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payment (other than customary filing fees) to any Person to obtain any such
consent, authorization or approval, and Transferor will afford the Parent of the
applicable Transferee the opportunity to review and approve the form of such
other consents, authorizations and approvals prior to delivery to the Person
whose consent, authorization or approval is sought and Transferor will not
accept or agree or accede to any modifications or amendments to, or any
conditions to the transfer of, any of the Systems Franchises, Systems Licenses,
Systems Contracts or Real Property Interests of Transferor's Systems that are
not approved in writing by the Parent of the applicable Transferee, which
approval will not be unreasonably withheld. In addition, no party will have any
obligation to obtain any consent, authorization or approval:
(i) with respect to license agreements relating to pole attachments
where the licensing authority will not consent to an assignment of such
license agreement but requires that the Transferee enter into a new
agreement with such licensing authority on overall terms which are no less
favorable to the applicable Transferee than the original license agreement
was to the Transferor, in which case the applicable Transferee shall use
its commercially reasonable efforts to enter into such agreement and
Transferor will cooperate with and assist the applicable Transferee in
obtaining such agreements; or
(ii) with respect to Contracts evidencing Leased Property, if the
Transferor has obtained and made properly operational prior to Closing
substitute Leased Property that is reasonably satisfactory to the Parent of
the applicable Transferee.
(b) In those instances where a consent, authorization or approval has not
been obtained prior to Closing, the relevant Transferor and its Transferee will
cooperate in a mutually agreeable arrangement under which such Transferee will
obtain the benefits and be responsible for the obligations in accordance with
this Agreement in respect of any Asset of such Transferor or any claim or right
or any benefit arising thereunder the assignment of which without the consent of
the third party thereto would constitute a breach or other contravention of such
Asset or in any way adversely affect the rights of such Transferee thereunder,
including sub-contracting, sub-licensing, or sub-leasing to such Transferee, or
under which such Transferor will enforce for the benefit of such Transferee,
with such Transferee assuming such Transferor's obligations, any and all rights
of such Transferor against the third party in question. Such Transferor will
promptly pay to such Transferee when received all monies received by such
Transferor in respect of any such Asset or any claim or right or any benefit
arising thereunder. For purposes of the foregoing, the term "Transferee" shall
include the Comcast LLCs.
SECTION 6.05 . Transitional Services. Following the Closing, the Comcast
Parties and the Adelphia Parties, as applicable, will provide the services set
forth in this Section (the "Transitional Services") for the periods indicated to
allow for
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conversion of existing or replacement arrangements. All Transitional Services
will be provided on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to both Parents
and at the actual out-of-pocket cost to the provider thereof except with respect
to the Transitional Services described in Sections 6.05(a)(vii), 6.05(a)(viii)
and 6.05(b)(iv), payment for which is set forth in Sections 6.05(d), 6.05(e) and
6.05(f), respectively. The provision of a Transitional Service (or component
thereof) shall be terminated at the request of the recipient of such service
upon 15 days notice to the Parent of the party providing such service.
(a) The Adelphia Parties shall provide the following Transitional Services
to the Comcast Parties for the periods indicated below; provided that, upon the
request of the Comcast Parties, the Adelphia Parties will provide any or all
such Transitional Services for such additional period as may be reasonably
requested by the Comcast Parties if the Comcast Parties are unable to begin
providing the relevant service to one or more of the Adelphia Systems due to the
failure of Adelphia or Adelphia's third party service provider to facilitate in
a timely manner the commencement of such service by Comcast or Comcast's third
party service provider.
(i) billing services for the Adelphia Systems and for all Subscribers
served by the Adelphia Systems, including Subscribers receiving internet
services from Powerlink and Solution Services, for a period ending 60 days
after the relevant third party provider of billing services for each of the
Adelphia Systems completes the segregation of the cable television systems
owned and operated by Adelphia and its Affiliates which are not part of the
Adelphia Systems from the Adelphia Systems (the "Adelphia Billing Services
Separation"); provided that in the case of Powerlink- and Solution
Services-related billing services, such services shall be provided for a
period ending 270 days after Closing;
(ii) customer service call center services for the Adelphia Systems
located in New Mexico, Indiana, Michigan and (for overnight calls only)
Pennsylvania for a period ending on the later of (x) 180 days after the
Closing Date and (y) 90 days after the Adelphia Billing Services
Separation;
(iii) maintenance of addressable controllers for the Adelphia Systems
located in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey for a period ending on the
later of (x) 120 days after the Closing Date and (y) 60 days after the
Adelphia Billing Services Separation;
(iv) payment processing and remittance services for the Adelphia
Systems for a period ending 90 days after the Adelphia Billing Services
Separation;
(v) refund processing for the Adelphia Systems for a period ending 30
days after the Adelphia Billing Services Separation;
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(vi) provision of daily, weekly and monthly System billing reports for
all services provided in relation to the Adelphia Systems including
internet-related services related to Powerlink and the Solution Services,
together with the data necessary to close the System books and records for
accounting purposes for the Adelphia Systems, for a period ending 60 days
after the Adelphia Billing Services Separation; and
(vii) in respect of all Subscribers within the Adelphia Systems who
receive internet-related services from Powerlink, for a period of 270 days
after the Closing Date (the "Adelphia Internet Service Period") and subject
to Section 6.05(d),
(A) maintain technical and customer service support in a manner
consistent with past practice, including Tier 1 service, Tier 2
service and technical troubleshooting service;
(B) provide email forwarding/DHCP capabilities and maintain
current systems related to such features;
(C) maintain all internet circuits;
(D) maintain all networking equipment, including CMTS, switches,
and proxy servers located at any headends; and
(E) maintain email support through Powerlink and web ordering
through the Adelphia.com world wide web site, if available.
(viii) in respect of all Subscribers within the Adelphia Systems who
receive internet-related or other services from @Home Solutions ("Solution
Services") for a period of 270 days after the Closing Date (the "@Home
Solutions Service Period") and subject to Section 6.05(f),
(A) maintain technical and customer service support in a manner
consistent with past practice, including Tier 1 service, Tier 2
service and technical troubleshooting service;
(B) provide email forwarding, if necessary, DHCP capabilities and
maintain current systems related to such features;
(C) maintain all internet circuits;
(D) maintain all networking equipment, including CMTS, switches,
proxy servers located at any headends, and modems, if applicable; and
(E) maintain email support through @Home Solutions.
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For the avoidance of doubt, the Adelphia Parties shall be obligated to provide
the services set forth in clauses (i), (vii) and (viii) through the end of the
applicable service period both for Adelphia's Subscribers within the Adelphia
Systems who receive Powerlink internet services and Solutions Services as of the
Closing Date and for Subscribers within the Adelphia System who begin receiving
such services after the Closing Date but prior to the termination of the
applicable service period.
(b) The Comcast Parties shall provide the following Transitional Services
to the Adelphia Parties for the periods indicated below; provided that, upon the
request of the Adelphia Parties, the Comcast Parties will provide any or all
such Transitional Services for such additional period as may be reasonably
requested by the Adelphia Parties if the Adelphia Parties are unable to begin
providing the relevant service to the Comcast Systems due to the failure of
Comcast or Comcast's third party service provider to facilitate in a timely
manner the commencement of such service by Adelphia or Adelphia's third party
service provider.
(i) billing services for the Comcast Systems and for all Subscribers
served by the Comcast Systems, including Subscribers receiving internet
services from Excite@Home, for a period ending 60 days after the Closing
Date; provided that in the case of Excite@Home related billing services,
such services shall be provided during the Comcast Internet Service Period;
(ii) provision of daily, weekly and monthly System billing reports,
together with the data necessary to close the System books and records for
accounting purposes for the Comcast Systems for a period ending 90 days
after the Closing Date;
(iii) payment processing and remittance services for the Comcast
Systems for a period ending 60 days after the Closing Date; and
(iv) in respect of all Subscribers within the Comcast Systems who
receive internet-related services from Excite@Home, for a period ending on
the earlier to occur of (i) 270 days after the Closing Date and (ii) the
termination by Excite@Home of its services to Comcast in any Comcast System
or portion thereof (the "Comcast Internet Service Period") and subject to
Section 6.05(e)
(A) maintain technical and customer service support in a manner
consistent with past practice, including Tier 1 service, Tier 2
service and technical troubleshooting service;
(B) provide email forwarding/DHCP capabilities and maintain
current systems related to such features;
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(C) maintain all internet circuits;
(D) maintain all networking equipment, including CMTS, switches,
and proxy servers located at any headends; and
(E) maintain email support through Excite@Home.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Comcast Parties shall be obligated to
provide the services set forth in clauses (i) and (iv) through the end of the
applicable service period both for Comcast's Subscribers within the Comcast
Systems who receive Excite@Home internet services as of the Closing Date and for
Subscribers within the Comcast System who begin receiving such services after
the Closing Date but prior to the termination of the applicable service period.
(c) The Adelphia Parties will provide the Comcast Parties (or, following
the consummation of the AT&T Transaction, an Affiliate of AT&T) with the
following services with respect to the Comcast Broward, Florida cable television
system: (i) customer service call center services for a period ending 120 days
after the Closing Date and (ii) billing services for a period ending 180 days
after the Closing Date.
(d) In consideration for the Transitional Services to be provided by the
Adelphia Parties described in Section 6.05(a)(vii), Comcast shall pay Adelphia
an amount equal to 35% of all internet service fees (to the extent related to
Powerlink-related services) received by Comcast and its Affiliates from
subscribers within the Adelphia Systems who receive internet services from
Powerlink during the Adelphia Internet Service Period (the "Adelphia Internet
Service Fee"). The Adelphia Internet Service Fee shall be payable no later than
10 days after the end of each calendar month in which the fees are received by
Comcast and its Affiliates.
(e) In consideration for the Transitional Services to be provided by the
Comcast Parties described in Section 6.05(b)(iv), Adelphia shall pay Comcast an
amount equal to 35% of all internet service fees (to the extent related to
Excite@Home-related services) received by Adelphia and its Affiliates from
subscribers within the Comcast Systems who receive internet services from
Excite@Home during the Comcast Internet Service Period (the "Comcast Internet
Service Fee"). The Comcast Internet Service Fee shall be payable no later than
10 days after the end of each calendar month in which the fees are received by
Adelphia and its Affiliates.
(f) In consideration for the Solution Services to be provided by the
Adelphia Parties described above, Comcast shall pay Adelphia an amount equal to
35% of all Solution Service fees (to the extent related to Solution Services)
received by Comcast and its Affiliates from subscribers within the Adelphia
Systems who receive Solution Services during the @Home Solutions Service Period
(the "@Home Solutions Service Fee"). The @Home Solutions Service
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Fee shall be payable no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar month
in which the fees are received by Comcast and its Affiliates.
(g) Comcast and Adelphia agree that in respect of all commercial
Subscribers within the Comcast Systems who receive high speed data services from
Comcast, Comcast and Adelphia shall make a good faith effort to agree upon terms
and conditions for the delivery by Comcast of transition services after the
Closing Date. To the extent that it is commercially reasonable, Comcast shall
make a good faith effort to provide such services for a 180 day period.
SECTION 6.06. Cooperation upon Inquiries as to Rates. Each Transferor and
its related Transferee agree as follows:
(a) For a period of twelve (12) months after Closing, Transferor will
cooperate with and assist Transferee by providing, upon request, all information
in Transferor's possession (and not previously provided to Transferee) relating
directly to the rates set forth in Schedules 4.10 or 5.10, as applicable, or on
any of the FCC Forms identified in Sections 4.11(d) or 5.11(d) that Transferee
may reasonably require to justify such rates in response to any inquiry, order
or requirement of any Governmental Authority or any Rate Regulatory Matter (as
defined below) instituted before or after the date of this Agreement.
(b) If at any time after Closing, any Governmental Authority continues or
commences a Rate Regulatory Matter with respect to a System transferred to
Transferee involving any time period prior to Closing, Transferee will (i)
promptly notify Transferor, and (ii) keep Transferor informed as to the progress
of any such proceeding. Transferor will have the right to participate, at its
expense, in the defense of such matter. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth
in Article 8 of this Agreement, Transferee may settle any such Rate Regulatory
Matter only upon Transferor's prior written consent, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, if Transferor will bear any liability with respect to
such settlement in accordance with Article 8 hereof or otherwise.
(c) For purposes hereof, "Rate Regulatory Matter" means any proceeding or
investigation with respect to a System arising out of or related to the Cable
Act (other than those affecting the cable television industry generally) dealing
with, limiting or affecting the rates which can be charged by such System for
programming, equipment, installation, service or otherwise.
(d) If Transferor is required following Closing pursuant to any Rate
Regulatory Matter or any other Legal Requirement, settlement or otherwise to
reimburse any Subscribers of Transferor's Systems any Subscriber payments
previously made by it, including fees for cable television service, late fees
and similar payments, Transferee will, at Transferor's request, make such
reimbursement through Transferee's billing system on terms reasonably specified
by Transferee. In such event, Transferor will pay to Transferee all such
payments made by Transferee through its billing system. Without limiting the
foregoing,
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Transferee will provide to Transferor all information in its possession that is
reasonably required by Transferor in connection with such reimbursement.
(e) For purposes of the foregoing, the fact that the Comcast Parties are
transferring to the Adelphia Parties Comcast LLC Interests rather than assets
and liabilities shall be disregarded.
SECTION 6.07. Books and Records. Each party agrees to maintain in its
possession for a period of 3 years after Closing, and provide access by the
other party upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times to, all books and
records transferred to such party pursuant to this Agreement (or transferred to
a Comcast LLC prior to the execution of this Agreement); provided that a party
may destroy any such books and records so transferred after having given the
other party reasonable notice of its intent to do so and a reasonable
opportunity to obtain such books and records.
SECTION 6.08. Taxes. (a) Each party agrees to furnish or cause to be
furnished to each other party, upon request, as promptly as practicable, such
information and assistance relating to the Assets (including, without
limitation, access to books and records) as is reasonably necessary for the
filing of all Tax returns, the making of any election relating to Taxes, the
preparation for any audit by any taxing authority, and the prosecution or
defense of any claim, suit or proceeding relating to any Tax. Each party shall
retain all books and records with respect to Taxes pertaining to the Assets for
a period of at least six years following the date hereof. At the end of such
period, each party shall provide the other with at least ten days prior written
notice before destroying any such books and records, during which period the
party receiving such notice can request the party possessing such books and
records to retain them for an additional reasonable period of time by notice to
the party possessing such records specifying the reason for such request.
Approval of such request shall not be unreasonably withheld by the party
possessing such books and records. Each party shall cooperate with each other in
the conduct of any audit or other proceeding relating to Taxes involving the
Assets.
(b) All real property taxes, personal property taxes and similar ad valorem
obligations levied with respect to the Assets for a taxable period which
includes (but does not end on) the date hereof (collectively, the "Apportioned
Obligations") shall be apportioned between the applicable Transferor and the
applicable Transferee based on the number of days of such taxable period
included in the Pre-Closing Tax Period and the number of days of the
Post-Closing Tax Period. Such Transferor shall be liable for the proportionate
amount of such taxes that is attributable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period, and
such Transferee shall be liable for the proportionate amount of such taxes that
is attributable to the Post-Closing Tax Period.
(c) All sales, use, transfer and similar taxes or assessments, including
transfer fees and similar assessments for Franchises, Licenses and Contracts,
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arising from or payable by reason of the conveyance of the Adelphia Assets and
the Comcast Assets (collectively, "Transfer Taxes"), will be paid by the
applicable Transferor. Each applicable Transferor represents and warrants to the
applicable Transferee that, with respect to the transactions contemplated by
this agreement, such Transferor is entitled to an exemption from Transfer Taxes
for isolated, casual or occasional sales in each jurisdiction that would
otherwise impose a Transfer Tax on the transactions. Each such Transferor and
Transferee shall cooperate in providing each other with any appropriate resale
exemption certifications and other similar documentation.
(d) Apportioned Obligations and Transfer Taxes shall be timely paid, and
all applicable filings, reports and returns shall be timely filed, as provided
by applicable law. The paying party shall be entitled to reimbursement from the
non-paying party in accordance with this Section 6.08(a). Upon payment of any
such Apportioned Obligation or Tax, the paying party shall present a statement
to the non-paying party setting forth the amount of reimbursement to which the
paying party is entitled under this Section 6.08, together with such supporting
evidence as is reasonably necessary to calculate the amount to be reimbursed.
The non-paying party shall make such reimbursement promptly but in no event
later than 10 days after the presentation of such statement. Any payment not
made within such time shall bear interest at the Prime Rate for each day until
paid.
SECTION 6.09. Estoppel Certificates. Prior to Closing, each Transferor,
with respect to each of its Systems and Assets, has used its commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain certificates in form reasonably acceptable to its
Transferee, executed by the lessor of each of the Comcast Leases under which a
Comcast Entity is a lessee and which is preceded by a triple asterisk on
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A), in the case of a Comcast Entity (the "Comcast Estoppel
Certificates"), and by the lessor of each of the Adelphia Leases under which an
Adelphia Entity is a lessee and which is preceded by a triple asterisk on
Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B), in the case of an Adelphia Entity (the "Adelphia
Estoppel Certificates"), each certifying that the respective real property lease
has not been modified except as shown and is in full force and effect and that
the parties are not in default thereunder, and stating the amount of the rent
payable thereunder.
SECTION 6.10. Termination of Certain Affiliate Contracts. The Comcast
Entities have terminated prior to Closing all Contracts listed on Schedule 4.18
(except for those agreements designated with an asterisk) and the Adelphia
Entities have terminated prior to Closing all contracts listed on Schedule 5.18
(except for those agreements designated with an asterisk).
SECTION 6.11. Change of Names of Comcast LLCs. Adelphia shall, promptly
and in any event within 90 days after the Closing Date, change the name of each
Comcast LLC with the relevant authority in each Comcast LLC's jurisdiction of
formation to remove "Comcast" and "Jones" from the name of each such entity.
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SECTION 6.12. Payment of Gateway Proceeds. If Adelphia or any of its
Affiliates sells the Gateway Partnership Interest pursuant to the right of first
refusal set forth in Section 12.1 of the Gateway Partnership Agreement or
otherwise, and such sale occurs on or prior to June 30, 2001, Adelphia shall pay
to Comcast, or any Affiliate designated by Comcast, the greater of the proceeds
of such sale or $247,900 (the "Gateway Proceeds") within 5 days of such sale. If
such sale does not occur by June 30, 2001 and on such date there are no consents
required to be obtained to transfer the Gateway Partnership Interest pursuant to
the Gateway Partnership Agreement and Adelphia has complied with Section 12.1 of
the Gateway Partnership Agreement, Adelphia shall transfer the Gateway
Partnership Interest to Comcast or its designated Affiliate free and clear of
any Liens except those under the Gateway Partnership Agreement; provided,
however, that if Adelphia or any of its Affiliates shall fail to receive any
consents required by the Gateway Partnership Agreement or fail to comply with
Section 12.1 of the Gateway Partnership Agreement, then on June 30, 2001,
Adelphia shall pay Comcast $247,900. The payment of the Gateway Proceeds upon
the sale by Adelphia or any of its Affiliates of the Gateway Partnership
Interest or $247,900 on June 30, 2001 shall hereinafter be referred to as the
"Gateway Payment." Adelphia shall provide two (2) days' written notice to
Comcast in advance of any payments due pursuant to this Section 6.13.
SECTION 6.13 . Telephony Services. (a) Comcast and its Affiliates shall
assume the Service Agreement effective as of December 1, 1997 between Adelphia
Communications Corporation and PECO Adelphia Communications (the "Lansdale
Agreement") subject to the right of termination set forth therein. If Comcast at
any time elects to terminate the Lansdale Agreement in accordance with its
terms, Adelphia shall promptly cause PECO Adelphia Communications to remove all
equipment owned or leased by it located on real property owned or leased by
Comcast or its Affiliates. Adelphia shall indemnify Comcast against any Losses
arising out of the removal of such equipment.
SECTION 6.14 . Transfer of Jones Telecommunications. Within 5 days of the
approval of the revocation of the CPCN (the "Palmdale License") by the
California Public Utility Commission, Comcast shall cause Jones Holdings II,
LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("Jones Holdings"), to transfer to
Adelphia Business Solutions Operations, Inc. all of Jones Holdings' right, title
and interest in, to and under substantially all of the assets utilized in
connection with the operation of an ATM network for the Palmdale School
District, except for the Palmdale License, and Adelphia Business Solutions
Operations, Inc. shall assume all related liabilities and obligations. For the
avoidance of doubt, such assets are not being transferred at Closing, and the
failure to transfer such assets at Closing will not constitute a breach of any
provision of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE 7
CLOSING
SECTION 7.01. Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement ("Closing") is taking place promptly after the execution and
delivery of this Agreement at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450
Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
SECTION 7.02. Adelphia's Obligations. At Closing, Adelphia or the
applicable Adelphia Party is delivering or causing to be delivered to Comcast or
the applicable Comcast Party the following:
(a) Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreements. An executed Bill
of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreements in the form of Exhibit 7.02(a).
(b) Vehicle Titles. Title certificates to all vehicles included among the
Adelphia Assets, endorsed for transfer of title to the applicable Comcast
Entity, and separate bills of sale therefor, if required by the laws of the
States in which such vehicles are titled.
(c) Deeds and Other Real Estate Transfer Documents. Special warranty deeds
conveying to the applicable Comcast Entity, subject only to Permitted Liens,
each parcel of the Adelphia Owned Property, assignments of leases of Adelphia
Leased Property and such other documents as may be necessary to convey other
Real Property Interests, in each case, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Comcast.
(d) Title Policies. ALTA extended coverage owner's and leasehold policies
of title insurance (the "Adelphia Title Policies"), insuring the applicable
Comcast Entity's fee or leasehold title in each parcel of the Adelphia Owned
Property and Leased Property marked by an asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B)
endorsed to delete or modify to the satisfaction of Comcast the standard printed
exceptions (including, only with respect to those Adelphia Owned and Leased
Properties marked by a double asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(B), with respect
to survey matters) and to delete or insure over any title defects, other than
Permitted Liens, or the irrevocable written commitment of the Title Company to
deliver the Adelphia Title Policies.
(e) Adelphia FCC Counsel Opinion. An opinion of Fleischman & Walsch,
special FCC counsel to Adelphia, dated as of Closing.
(f) Adelphia Counsel Opinion. An opinion of Colin Higgin, deputy counsel to
Adelphia, dated as of Closing.
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(g) Estoppel Certificates. Any estoppel certificates obtained in respect of
the Adelphia Leases.
(h) Lien Releases. Evidence satisfactory to Comcast that all Liens (other
than Permitted Liens) affecting or encumbering the Adelphia Assets have been
terminated, released or waived, as appropriate, or original, executed
instruments in form and substance satisfactory to Comcast effecting such
terminations, releases or waivers.
(i) FIRPTA Certificate. A FIRPTA Non-Foreign Seller Certificate certifying
that none of the Adelphia Entities is a foreign person within the meaning of
Section 1445 of the Code, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
Comcast.
(j) Books and Records. All Adelphia Books and Records. Delivery of the
foregoing will be deemed made to the extent such lists, files and records are
then located at any of the offices included in the Adelphia Owned Property or
Leased Property.
(k) Services Agreement. A services agreement between Ft. Myers Cablevision,
LLC ("Adelphia Recipient") and Comcast Cablevision Corporation of California,
LLC ("Comcast Provider") providing for the management by the Comcast Provider of
cable services to the Gateway cable television system located in Fort Lee,
Florida from the date hereof until June 30, 2001 (the "Gateway Services
Agreement") duly executed by the Adelphia Recipient.
(l) Other. Documents evidencing the Adelphia Entities' existence, good
standing and authority to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 7.03. Comcast's Obligations. At Closing, Comcast or the applicable
Comcast party is delivering or causing to be delivered to Adelphia or the
applicable Adelphia party the following:
(a) Assignment of LLC Interests. Instruments of assignment for the Comcast
LLC Interests with any required transfer stamps affixed thereto.
(b) Vehicle Titles. To the extent not previously transferred to the
applicable Comcast New LLC or registered in the name of a Comcast Converted LLC,
title certificates to all vehicles included among the Comcast Assets, endorsed
for transfer of title to the applicable Comcast LLC, and separate bills of sale
therefor, if required by the laws of the States in which such vehicles are
titled.
(c) Deeds and Other Real Estate Transfer Documents. To the extent not
previously transferred to the applicable Comcast New LLC or recorded in the name
of a Comcast Converted LLC, special warranty deeds conveying to the applicable
Comcast LLC, subject only to Permitted Liens, each parcel of the
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Comcast Owned Property, assignments of leases of Comcast Leased Property and
such other documents as may be necessary to convey other Real Property
Interests, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Adelphia.
(d) Title Policies. ALTA extended coverage owner's and leasehold policies
of title insurance (the "Comcast Title Policies"), insuring the applicable
Comcast LLC's fee or leasehold title in each parcel of the Comcast Owned
Property and Leased Property marked by an asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A),
endorsed to delete or modify to the satisfaction of Adelphia the standard
printed exceptions (including, only with respect to those Comcast Owned and
Leased Properties marked by a double asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A), with
respect to survey matters) and to delete or insure over any title defects, other
than Permitted Liens, or the irrevocable written commitment of the Title Company
to deliver the Comcast Title Policies.
(e) Comcast FCC Counsel Opinion. An opinion of Dow, Lohnes & Albertson,
special FCC counsel to Comcast, dated as of the Closing.
(f) Comcast Counsel Opinion. An opinion of Arthur Block, counsel to
Comcast, dated as of Closing.
(g) Estoppel Certificates. Any estoppel certificates obtained in respect of
the Comcast Leases.
(h) Lien Releases. Evidence satisfactory to Adelphia that all Liens (other
than Permitted Liens) affecting or encumbering the Comcast Assets have been
terminated, released or waived, as appropriate, or original, executed
instruments in form and substance satisfactory to Adelphia effecting such
terminations, releases or waivers.
(i) FIRPTA Certificate. A FIRPTA Non-Foreign Seller Certificate certifying
that none of the Comcast Entities is a foreign person within the meaning of
Section 1445 of the Code, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
Adelphia.
(j) Books and Records. All Comcast Books and Records. Delivery of the
foregoing will be deemed made to the extent such lists, files and records are
then located at any of the offices included in the Comcast Owned Property or
Leased Property.
(k) Assignment of Adlink Interest. An instrument of assignment for all
limited liability company interests of Adlink held by Comcast PA.
(l) Gateway Services Agreement. The Gateway Services Agreement duly
executed by the Comcast Provider.
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(m) Other. Documents evidencing the Comcast Entities' and Comcast LLCs'
existence and good standing and the Comcast Entities' authority to enter into
the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.01. Indemnification by Adelphia. From and after Closing, the
Adelphia Entities, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless
Comcast and its Affiliates, shareholders, officers, employees, agents and
representatives, and any Person claiming by or through any of them, as the case
may be, from and against any and all Losses arising out of or resulting from:
(a) any representations and warranties made by any of the Adelphia Entities
in this Agreement or in any Transaction Document not being true and accurate in
all respects (determined without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse
Effect qualification contained therein) when made or at Closing (or, in the case
of any representation or warranty made as of a specific date, as of such date);
(b) any failure by the Adelphia Entities (or, after the Closing, the
Comcast LLCs) to perform in all respects any of their respective covenants,
agreements, or obligations in this Agreement or in any Transaction Document;
(c) other than with respect to Comcast Assumed Liabilities, the ownership
or operation of the Adelphia Assets or the Adelphia Systems prior to the Closing
Time;
(d) all Adelphia Excluded Liabilities;
(e) the Adelphia Assumed Liabilities;
(f) the Adelphia Excluded Assets;
(g) any Asset or any claim or right or any benefit arising thereunder held
by a Comcast Entity for the benefit of an Adelphia Entity or a Comcast LLC
pursuant to Section 6.04(b);
(h) with respect to the Adelphia Systems or Assets, any Environmental Law
and actions occurring or conditions existing on or prior to the Closing Date
(including matters disclosed or required to be disclosed in Schedule 5.16);
(i) any failure to obtain any consent, approval or authorization disclosed
on Schedule 5.03 or 5.26 or which would have been required to be disclosed on
either such Schedule if all qualifications as to materiality or Material Adverse
Effect contained therein were removed provided, however, that the
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Adelphia Entities shall be liable for all Losses (including, for purposes of
this proviso, incidental and consequential losses) related to or arising out of
their failure to comply with any applicable provision of the New Jersey
Industrial Site Recovery Act in connection with this transaction;
(j) any title defect listed on Schedule 6.02(b); or
(k) any deed delivered by Comcast Cablevision Communications, Inc. pursuant
to Section 6.02(d)(i).
If, by reason of the claim of any third party relating to any of the
matters subject to such indemnification, a Lien is placed or made upon any of
the properties or assets owned or leased by a Comcast Entity or any other
Indemnitee under this Section, in addition to any indemnity obligation of the
Adelphia Entities under this Section, Adelphia will furnish a bond sufficient to
obtain the prompt release thereof within 10 days after receipt from Comcast of
notice thereof.
SECTION 8.02. Indemnification by Comcast. From and after Closing, the
Comcast Entities (other than the Comcast LLCs), jointly and severally, will
indemnify and hold harmless Adelphia, its Affiliates (including, after the
Closing, the Comcast LLCs), officers and directors, employees, agents and
representatives, and any Person claiming by or through any of them, as the case
may be, from and against any and all Losses arising out of or resulting from:
(a) any representations and warranties made by any Comcast Entity in this
Agreement or in any Transaction Document not being true and accurate in all
respects (determined without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse
Effect qualification contained therein when made or at Closing (or, in the case
of any representation or warranty made as of a specific date, as of such date));
(b) any failure by the Comcast Entities (including, prior to the Closing,
the Comcast LLCs,) to perform in all respects any of their respective covenants,
agreements, or obligations in this Agreement or in any Transaction Document;
(c) other than with respect to Adelphia Assumed Liabilities, the ownership
or operation of the Comcast Assets or the Comcast Systems prior to the Closing
Time;
(d) all Comcast Excluded Liabilities;
(e) the Comcast Assumed Liabilities;
(f) the Comcast Excluded Assets;
(g) any Asset or any claim or right or any benefit arising thereunder held
by an Adelphia Entity for the benefit of a Comcast Entity pursuant to Section
6.04(b);
78
(h) with respect to the Comcast Systems or Assets, any Environmental Law
and actions occurring or conditions existing on or prior to the Closing Date
(including matters disclosed or required to be disclosed in Schedule 4.16);
(i) any failure to obtain any consent, approval or authorization disclosed
on Schedule 4.03 or 4.26 or which would have been required to be disclosed on
either such Schedule if all qualifications as to materiality or Material Adverse
Effect contained therein were removed; or
(j) any title defect listed on Schedule 6.02(a).
If, by reason of the claim of any third party relating to any of the
matters subject to such indemnification, a Lien is placed or made upon any of
the properties or assets owned or leased by an Adelphia Entity or any other
Indemnitee under this Section, in addition to any indemnity obligation of the
Comcast Entities under this Section, Comcast will furnish a bond sufficient to
obtain the prompt release thereof within 10 days after receipt from Adelphia of
notice thereof.
SECTION 8.03. Procedure for Certain Indemnified Claims. Promptly after
receipt by a party entitled to indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnitee") of
written notice of the assertion or the commencement of any Litigation with
respect to any matter referred to in Sections 8.01 or 8.02 or the assertion by
any Governmental Authority of a claim of noncompliance under any Franchise
relating, in whole or in part, to any pre-Closing period (a "Franchise Matter"),
the Indemnitee will give written notice thereof to the party or parties from
whom indemnification is sought pursuant hereto (the "Indemnitor") and thereafter
will keep the Indemnitor reasonably informed with respect thereto; provided that
failure of the Indemnitee to give the Indemnitor notice and keep it reasonably
informed as provided herein will not relieve the Indemnitor of its obligations
hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice will prejudice
any defense or claim available to the Indemnitor. The Indemnitor will be
entitled to assume the defense of any such Litigation or Franchise Matter with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee, at the Indemnitor's sole
expense. If the Indemnitor assumes the defense of any Litigation or Franchise
Matter, (i) it will not settle the Litigation or Franchise Matter unless the
settlement will include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the
claimant or the plaintiff of a release of the Indemnitee, satisfactory to the
Indemnitee, from all liability with respect to such Litigation or Franchise
Matter and (ii) it shall indemnify and hold the Indemnitee harmless from and
against any and all Losses caused by or arising out of any settlement or
judgment of such claim and may not claim that it does not have an
indemnification obligation with respect thereto. If the Indemnitor does not
assume the defense of any Litigation or Franchise Matter, the Indemnitee may
defend against or settle such claim in such manner and on such terms as it in
good faith deems appropriate and shall be entitled to indemnification in respect
thereof in accordance with Section 8.01 or 8.02, as applicable. Each party shall
cooperate, and cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate, in the defense or
prosecution of any Litigation or Franchise Matter and shall furnish or cause to
be
79
furnished such records, information and testimony, and attend such conferences,
discovery proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals, as may be reasonably
requested in connection therewith.
SECTION 8.04. Determination of Indemnification Amounts and Related
Matters. (a) The Adelphia Entities will have no liability under Section 8.01(a)
unless the aggregate amount of Losses otherwise subject to their indemnification
obligations thereunder exceeds $5.0 million (the "Minimum Damage Requirement"),
in which case the Adelphia Entities, jointly and severally, shall be liable for
the full amount of such Losses and not just for the amount of such excess;
provided that for purposes of this paragraph the Minimum Damage Requirement will
not apply to any Losses resulting from or arising out of breaches of the
representations and warranties in Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 (relating to
title to the Adelphia Assets), 5.09, 5.15, 5.25, 5.26, 5.28 or 5.31. The maximum
liability of the Adelphia Entities in the aggregate under Section 8.01(a) shall
not exceed $200.0 million (the "Cap"); provided that for purposes of this
paragraph the Cap shall not apply to breaches of the representations and
warranties in Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 (relating to title to the Adelphia
Assets), 5.09, 5.15, 5.25, 5.26, 5.28 or 5.31.
(b) The Comcast Entities will have no liability under Section 8.02(a)
unless the aggregate amount of Losses otherwise subject to their indemnification
obligations thereunder exceeds the Minimum Damage Requirement, in which case the
Comcast Entities, jointly and severally, shall be liable for the full amount of
such Losses and not just for the amount of such excess; provided that for
purposes of this paragraph the Minimum Damage Requirement will not apply to any
Losses resulting from or arising out of breaches of the representations and
warranties in Sections 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04 (relating to title to the Comcast
Assets) 4.09, 4.15, 4.25, 4.26, 4.28, 4.31, 4.32, 4.33 or 4.34. The maximum
liability of the Comcast Entities in the aggregate under Section 8.02(a) shall
not exceed the Cap; provided that for purposes of this paragraph the Cap shall
not apply to breaches of the representations and warranties in Sections 4.01,
4.02, 4.03, 4.04 (relating to title to the Comcast Assets), 4.09, 4.15, 4.25,
4.26, 4.28, 4.31, 4.32, 4.33 or 4.34.
(c) Amounts payable by the Indemnitor to the Indemnitee in respect of any
Losses under Sections 8.01 or 8.02 will be payable by the Indemnitor as incurred
by the Indemnitee, and will bear interest at the Prime Rate plus 2% from the
date the Losses for which indemnification is sought were incurred by the
Indemnitee until the date of payment of indemnification by the Indemnitor.
SECTION 8.05. Time and Manner of Certain Claims. The representations and
warranties of Comcast and Adelphia in this Agreement and any Transaction
Document will survive Closing for a period of 12 months; provided that the
representations and warranties of the parties contained in Sections 4.04 and
5.04 of this Agreement relating to the title to a parcel of Owned Property or a
Real Property Interest marked by an asterisk on Schedule 2.01(b)(ii)(A) or
Schedule
80
2.01(b)(ii)(B), as applicable, shall not survive the Closing if a Title Policy
is delivered with respect to such Owned Property or Real Property Interest at
Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the liability of the parties will
extend beyond the 12-month period following Closing with respect to any claim
which has been asserted in a bona fide written notice before the expiration of
such 12-month period specifying in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances
giving rise to such right, (ii) all such representations and warranties with
respect to any federal, state or local Taxes (Sections 4.09 and 5.09), with
respect to any FCC or Copyright matters (Sections 4.11 and 5.11) and with
respect to any environmental matters (Sections 4.16 and 5.16) will survive until
the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (giving effect to any
waiver, mitigation or extension thereof), and (iii) the representations and
warranties of the parties in Sections 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.15, 4.25, 4.26, 4.28,
4.31, 4.32, 4.33, 4.34, 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.15, 5.25, 5.26, 5.28 or 5.31 will
survive Closing and will continue in full force and effect without limitation.
SECTION 8.06. Other Indemnification. The provisions of Sections 8.03, 8.04
and 8.05 will be applicable to any claim for indemnification made under any
other provision of this Agreement, and all references in Sections 8.03, 8.04 and
8.05 to Sections 8.01 and 8.02 will be deemed to be references to such other
provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.07. Exclusivity. Except as specifically set forth in this
Agreement, each Party waives any rights and claims it may have against the other
Parties to this Agreement, whether in law or in equity, relating to the Systems
or the Assets or the transactions contemplated hereby. After the Closing,
Article 8 will provide the exclusive remedy for any misrepresentation or breach
of warranty arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.01. Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided in
Section 9.17 or elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the parties will pay its
own expenses (including any expenses related to such party's use of a qualified
intermediary) and the fees and expenses of its counsel, accountants, and other
experts in connection with this Agreement; provided that all filing fees under
the HSR Act will be divided equally between the Parents.
SECTION 9.02. Brokers. The Adelphia Entities, jointly and severally, will
indemnify and hold Comcast and its Affiliates harmless from and against any and
all Losses arising from any employment by Adelphia or its Affiliates of, or
services rendered to it or its Affiliates by, any finder, broker, agency or
other intermediary, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or
any allegation of any such employment or services. The Comcast Entities (other
than the Comcast LLCs), jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold Adelphia
and
81
its Affiliates harmless from and against any and all Losses arising from any
employment by Comcast or its Affiliates of, or services rendered to it or its
Affiliates by, any finder, broker, agency or other intermediary, in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, or any allegation of any such
employment or services.
SECTION 9.03. Performance of Obligations of Parties. Each Parent agrees to
take all action necessary to cause its Affiliates which are Parties to this
Agreement (and, in the case of Adelphia, the Comcast LLCs) to perform their
respective obligations under this Agreement as if such Parent were a party to
such obligations and were directly responsible therefor.
SECTION 9.04. Waivers. No action taken pursuant to this Agreement,
including any investigation by or on behalf of any party hereto, will be deemed
to constitute a waiver by the party taking the action of compliance with any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein or in any
Transaction Document. The waiver by any party hereto of any condition or of a
breach of another provision of this Agreement or any Transaction Document will
be in writing and will not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other
condition or subsequent breach. The waiver by any party of any of the conditions
precedent to its obligations under this Agreement will not preclude it from
seeking redress for breach of this Agreement other than with respect to the
condition so waived.
SECTION 9.05. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, applications,
services of process and other communications which are required to be or may be
given under this Agreement or any Transaction Document will be in writing and
will be deemed to have been duly given if sent by telecopy or facsimile
transmission, upon answer back requested, or delivered by courier or mailed,
certified first class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the
parties at the following addresses:
To Adelphia: Adelphia Communications Corporation
1 North Main Street
Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915
ATTN: Colin Higgin, Esq.
Fax: (814) 274-6586
Phone: (814) 274-9830
And
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation
One Oxford Centre
301 Grant Street-- 20th Floor
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
ATTN: Bruce I. Booken
Fax: (412) 562-1041
82
Phone: (412) 562-8839
To Comcast: Comcast Corporation
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-2184
ATTN: General Counsel
Fax: (215) 981-7794
Phone: (215) 665-1700
Copies (which shall not Davis Polk & Wardwell
constitute notice) 450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
ATTN: William L. Taylor
Fax: (212) 450-4800
Phone: (212) 450-4000
or to such other address as any party will have furnished to the other by notice
given in accordance with this Section. Such notice will be effective, (i) if
delivered in person or by courier, upon actual receipt by the intended
recipient, or (ii) if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission, upon
confirmation of transmission received, or (iii) if mailed, upon the date of
delivery as shown by the return receipt therefor.
SECTION 9.06. Entire Agreement; Prior Representations; Amendments. This
Agreement supersedes the Letter Agreements and embodies the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior representations, agreements and understandings, oral or
written, with respect thereto. Notwithstanding any representations which may
have been made by either party in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, each party acknowledges that it has not relied on any
representation by the other party with respect to such transactions, the Assets,
or the Systems except those contained in this Agreement, the Schedules or the
Exhibits hereto. This Agreement may not be modified orally, but only by an
agreement in writing signed by the party or parties against whom any waiver,
change, amendment, modification or discharge may be sought to be enforced.
SECTION 9.07. Specific Performance. The parties recognize that their
rights under this Agreement are unique and, accordingly, the parties will, in
addition to such other remedies as may be available to any of them at law or in
equity, have the right to enforce their rights hereunder by actions for
injunctive relief and specific performance to the extent permitted by applicable
law so long as the party seeking such relief is prepared to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and the transactions will be accomplished in a
manner that qualifies as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Code.
The parties agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for
any loss incurred by reason of a breach of the provisions of this Agreement and
hereby agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a
remedy at
83
law would be adequate. The parties waive any requirement for security or the
posting of any bond or other surety in connection with any temporary or
permanent award or injunctive, mandatory or other equitable relief.
SECTION 9.08. Jurisdiction. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, the parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding seeking
to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in
connection with, this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby may be brought in the United States District
Court for the District of Delaware or any Delaware State court, and each of the
parties hereby consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the
appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding
and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection
which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit,
action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or
proceeding which is brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served
on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction
of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that
service of process on such party as provided in Section 9.05 shall be deemed
effective service of process on such party.
SECTION 9.09. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.
SECTION 9.10. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement will inure to the
benefit of and will be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. None of the
Comcast Entities or the Adelphia Entities will assign this Agreement or delegate
any of its duties hereunder to any other Person without the prior written
consent of the other Parent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld;
provided, however, that pursuant to Section 3.05, each of the Comcast Entities
and the Adelphia Entities may assign this Agreement to one or more qualified
intermediaries for the purposes of one or more 1031 Exchanges. For purposes of
this Section, any change in control of Comcast or Adelphia will not constitute
an assignment by it of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.11. Headings and Schedules. The section and other headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Reference to Schedules will,
unless otherwise indicated, refer to the Schedules attached to this Agreement,
which will be incorporated in and constitute a part of this Agreement by such
reference.
84
SECTION 9.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which, when executed, will be deemed to be an original
and all of which together will be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
SECTION 9.13. GOVERNING LAW. THE VALIDITY, PERFORMANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT OF
THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE
CONTRARY, WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING
EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW OF SUCH STATE.
SECTION 9.14. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement which
is invalid or unenforceable will be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity
or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining
rights of the Person intended to be benefitted by such provision or any other
provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.15. Third Parties; Joint Ventures. This Agreement constitutes an
agreement solely among the parties hereto, and, except as otherwise provided in
Article 8, is not intended to and will not confer any rights, remedies,
obligations, or liabilities, legal or equitable, including any right of
employment, on any Person other than the parties hereto and their respective
successors, or assigns, or otherwise constitute any Person a third party
beneficiary under or by reason of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, is intended to or will constitute the parties hereto
partners or participants in a joint venture.
SECTION 9.16. Construction. This Agreement has been negotiated by Comcast
and Adelphia and their respective legal counsel, and legal or equitable
principles that might require the construction of this Agreement or any
provision of this Agreement against the party drafting this Agreement will not
apply in any construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.17. Attorneys' Fees. If any Litigation between an Adelphia
Entity and a Comcast Entity with respect to this Agreement, the Transaction
Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will be resolved or
adjudicated by a Judgment of any court, the party prevailing under such Judgment
will be entitled, as part of such Judgment, to recover from the other party its
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs and expenses of litigation.
SECTION 9.18. Tax Consequences. No party to this Agreement makes any
representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the tax
implications of any aspect of this Agreement on any other party to this
Agreement, and all parties expressly disclaim any such representation or
warranty with respect to any tax consequences arising under this Agreement. Each
party has relied solely on its own tax advisors with respect to the tax
implications of this Agreement.
85
SECTION 9.19. Time. Time is of the essence under this Agreement. If the
last day for the giving of any notice or the performance of any act required or
permitted under this Agreement is a day that is not a Business Day, the time for
the giving of such notice or the performance of such act will be extended to the
next succeeding Business Day.
86
The Comcast Entities and the Adelphia Entities have executed this Agreement
as of the date first written above.
COMCAST CORPORATION
By:
---------------------------------
Name: Arthur R. Block
Title: Senior Vice President
COMCAST CABLEVISION
CORPORATION OF
CALIFORNIA, LLC
By: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS,
INC., its managing member
By:
------------------------------
Name: Arthur R. Block
Title: Senior Vice President
COMCAST CABLEVISION OF MUNCIE, LP.
By: COMCAST CABLEVISION OF
MUNCIE, LLC, its general
partner
By: COMCAST CABLEVISION
CORPORATION OF
CALIFORNIA, LLC,
its managing member
By: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS,
INC., its managing member
By:
-----------------------------
Name: Arthur R. Block
Title: Senior Vice President
JONES CABLE HOLDINGS II, LLC
By: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
its managing member
By:
------------------------------------------
Name: Arthur R. Block
Title: Senior Vice President
ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:
------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
ADELPHIA CABLEVISION ASSOCIATES OF RADNOR, L.P.
By: Highland Video Associates, L.P.,
its general partner
By: Highland Holdings, its general partner
By:
---------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
CENTURY NEW MEXICO CABLE TELEVISION CORP.
By:
------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
CLEAR CABLEVISION, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
FRONTIERVISION OPERATING PARTNERS, L.P.
By: FrontierVision Holdings, L.P.,
its general partner
By: FrontierVision Partners, L.P.,
its general partner
By: Adelphia GP Holdings, LLC,
its general partner
By: ACC Operations, Inc.,
its sole member
By:
-------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
FT. MYERS ACQUISITION L.P.
By: Olympus Communications, L.P.,
its general partner
By: ACC Operations, Inc.,
its general partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
FT. MYERS CABLEVISION, LLC
By: Ft. Myers Acquisition L.P.,
its sole member
By: Olympus Communications, L.P.,
its general partner
By: ACC Operations, Inc.,
its general partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
HARRON CABLEVISION OF MICHIGAN, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
HARRON COMMUNICATIONS CORP.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
HUNTINGTON CATV, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
MANCHESTER CABLEVISION, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
MICKELSON MEDIA, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
MONTGOMERY CABLEVISION ASSOCIATES, L.P.
By: Highland Video Associates, L.P.,
its general partner
By: Highland Holdings, its general partner
By:
---------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
SENTINEL COMMUNICATIONS OF MUNCIE,
INDIANA, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
UCA, LLC
By: ACC Operations, Inc., its sole member
By:
------------------------------------
Name: Michael J. Rigas
Title: Secretary
EXHIBIT A
[Intentionally Deleted]
EXHIBIT B-1
COMCAST CONVERTED LLCs
Comcast Cablevision of Orange County, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Fontana, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Inland Empire, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of San Bernardino, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Newport Beach, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Santa Ana, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Seal Beach, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Simi Valley, LLC (DE)
Jones Communications of California, LLC (CO)
California Ad Sales, LLC (DE)
Jones Cable Holdings II, LLC (CO)
Comcast Cablevision Corporation of California, LLC (DE)
EXHIBIT B-2
COMCAST NEW LLCs
Comcast Cablevision of Pennsylvania, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of Orange County II, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of West Palm Beach III, LLC (DE)
Jones Communications of California II, LLC (DE)
Comcast Cablevision of West Palm Beach, LLC (FL)
Comcast Cablevision of Boca Raton, LLC (FL)
Comcast Cablevision of West Palm Beach II, LLC (FL)
Comcast Cablevision of West Palm Beach IV, LLC (FL)
Comcast Cablevision of West Palm Beach V, LLC (FL)
Jones Communications of California III, LLC (CA)
Comcast Cablevision of New Jersey, LLC (NJ)
Comcast Cablevision of Muncie, LLC
EXHIBIT C
COMCAST SYSTEMS
Inland Empire, CA
Orange County, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Palmdale/Littlerock, CA
Oxnard, CA
Palm Beach County, FL (Boca & West Palm Beach)
Entity Name Organization Place
----------- ------------------
1227844 Ontario Ltd. Ontario
Affiliate Investment, Inc. DE
Affiliate Marks Investment, Inc. DE
Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc. DE
Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Inc. DE
BroadNet Austria GmbH Austria
BroadNet Czech s.r.o. Czech Republic
BroadNet Deutschland GmbH Germany
BroadNet Europe SPRL Belgium
BroadNet France S.A.S. France
BroadNet Hellas S.A. Greece
BroadNet Holdings B.V. The Netherlands
BroadNet Hungary Holdings Ltd UK
BroadNet Italy Holdings Ltd UK
BroadNet Italy SPA Italy
BroadNet Magyarorszag Kft Hungary
BroadNet Norge AS Norway
BroadNet Poland Holdings Ltd UK
BroadNet Polska s.p.z.o.o. Poland
BroadNet Slovakia s.r.o. Slovakia
BroadNet Suisse A.S. Switzerland
BroadNet UK Ltd. UK
Cable TV Fund 12-B, Ltd. CO
Cable TV Fund 12-B/C/D Venture CO
Cable TV Fund 12-C, Ltd. CO
Cable TV Fund 12-D, Ltd. CO
Cable TV Fund 14-A, Ltd. CO
Cable TV Fund 14-B, Ltd. CO
Cablevision Investment of Detroit, Inc. MI
CAH, Inc. PA
CDirect Mexico I, Inc. DE
CDirect Mexico II, Inc. DE
Classic Services, Inc. DE
Clinton Cable TV Investors, Inc. MI
Coastal Cable TV, Inc. CT
COM Indiana, Inc. DE
COM Indianapolis, Inc. DE
COM Inkster, Inc. MI
COM MH, Inc. DE
COM South Limited Partnership DE
Entity Name Organization Place
----------- ------------------
COM South, Inc. CO
COM Sports Holding Company, Inc. DE
COM Sports Ventures, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Chicago, LLC DE
Comcast 38GHZ, Inc. DE
Comcast Asbc, Inc. DE
Comcast Brazil, Inc. DE
Comcast BroadNet Payroll Services, Inc. DE
Comcast Business Communications Purchasing, LLC DE
Comcast Business Communications, Inc. PA
Comcast Business Telephony Services, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Communications of Pennsylvania, Inc. PA
Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC DE
Comcast Cable Funding DE
Comcast Cable Funding GP, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Funding LP, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Funding, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Funding, L.P. DE
Comcast Cable Investors, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable of Indiana, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable of Maryland, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable SC Investment, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Tri-Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Cable Trust I DE
Comcast Cable Trust II DE
Comcast Cable Trust III DE
Comcast Cablevision Corporation of Alabama AL
Comcast Cablevision Corporation of California, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision Corporation of Connecticut CT
Comcast Cablevision Investment Corporation DE
Comcast Cablevision of Alabama, Inc. AL
Comcast Cablevision of Arkansas, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Avalon, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Bryant, Inc. AR
Comcast Cablevision of Burlington County, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Carolina, Inc. SC
Comcast Cablevision of Central New Jersey, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Chesterfield County, Inc. VA
Comcast Cablevision of Clinton MI
Comcast Cablevision of Clinton, Inc. CT
Entity Name Organization Place
----------- ------------------
Comcast Cablevision of Clinton, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Danbury, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Delmarva, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Detroit MI
Comcast Cablevision of Detroit, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Flint, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Fort Wayne Limited Partnership IN
Comcast Cablevision of Garden State, L.P. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Georgia/South Carolina, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of Gloucester County, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Grosse Pointe, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Groton, Inc. CT
Comcast Cablevision of Harford County, Inc. MD
Comcast Cablevision of Hopewell Valley, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of Howard County, Inc. MD
Comcast Cablevision of Indianapolis, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Indianapolis, L.P. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Inkster Limited Partnership MI
Comcast Cablevision of Jersey City, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of Lake County, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Laurel, Inc. MS
Comcast Cablevision of Lawrence, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of Little Rock, Inc. AR
Comcast Cablevision of Lompoc, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Long Beach Island, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Lower Merion, Inc. PA
Comcast Cablevision of Macomb County, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Macomb, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Marianna, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Maryland Limited Partnership MD
Comcast Cablevision of Maryland LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Maryland, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of Mercer County, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of Meridian, Inc. MS
Comcast Cablevision of Middletown, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Missouri, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of Monmouth County, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Mt. Clemens MI
Comcast Cablevision of Mt. Clemens, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Muncie, LLC IN
Comcast Cablevision of Muncie, LP IN
Entity Name Organization Place
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Comcast Cablevision of New Castle County, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of New Haven, Inc. CT
Comcast Cablevision of New Jersey, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of New Jersey, LLC NJ
Comcast Cablevision of New Mexico, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of Northwest New Jersey, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Ocean County, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Paducah, Inc. KY
Comcast Cablevision of Panama City, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Pennsylvania, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Perry, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Philadelphia Area I, Inc. PA
Comcast Cablevision of Philadelphia Area I, LLC PA
Comcast Cablevision of Philadelphia, Inc. PA
Comcast Cablevision of Plainfield, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Potomac, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Quincy, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Santa Maria, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Shelby, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of South Jersey, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of Southeast Michigan, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. PA
Comcast Cablevision of Sterling Heights, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Tallahassee, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Taylor, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of the District, LLC DC
Comcast Cablevision of the Meadowlands, Inc. NJ
Comcast Cablevision of the South CO
Comcast Cablevision of the South, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of the South, L.P. DE
Comcast Cablevision of the South, LLC DE
Comcast Cablevision of Tupelo, Inc. MS
Comcast Cablevision of Utica, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of Virginia, Inc. CO
Comcast Cablevision of Warren MI
Comcast Cablevision of Warren, Inc. MI
Comcast Cablevision of West Florida, Inc. DE
Comcast Cablevision of Willow Grove, Inc. PA
Comcast Cablevision of Wisconsin, Inc. CO
Comcast Capital Corporation DE
Comcast CCCI II, LLC DE
Entity Name Organization Place
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Comcast CCCI, LLC DE
Comcast CICG GP, Inc. DE
Comcast CICG LP, Inc. DE
Comcast CICG, L.P. DE
Comcast Commercial Online Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast Communications Properties, Inc. DE
Comcast Concurrent Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Corporate Investments II, Inc. DE
Comcast Corporate Investments, Inc. DE
Comcast Corporation Trust I DE
Comcast Corporation Trust II DE
Comcast Corporation Trust III DE
Comcast Crystalvision, Inc. DE
Comcast DC Radio, Inc. DE
Comcast do Brasil Ltda. Brazil
Comcast Entertainment Holdings LLC DE
Comcast Financial Agency Corporation DE
Comcast Florida Programming Investments, Inc. DE
Comcast Funding GP, Inc. DE
Comcast Funding LP, Inc. DE
Comcast Funding, L.P. DE
Comcast FW, Inc. DE
Comcast Garden State LP, Inc. DE
Comcast Garden State, Inc. DE
Comcast Hattiesburg Holding Company, Inc. DE
Comcast Heritage, Inc. DE
Comcast HTS Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast HTS, LLC DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 1, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 10, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 2, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 3, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 4, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 5, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 6, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 7, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 8, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG Holdings 9, Inc. DE
Comcast ICG, Inc. DE
Comcast International Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Investment Holdings, Inc. DE
Entity Name Organization Place
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Comcast LCI Bond Holdings, LLC DE
Comcast LCP, Inc. DE
Comcast Life Insurance Holding Company DE
Comcast MAC Baltimore County, LLC MD
Comcast MAC Harford County, LLC MD
Comcast MAC Howard County, LLC MD
Comcast MAC Maryland, LLC MD
Comcast MH Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast MH Telephony Communications of Michigan, Inc. MI
Comcast MH Telephony Communications of New Jersey, Inc. NJ
Comcast MHCP Holdings, L.L.C. DE
Comcast Michigan Holdings, Inc. MI
Comcast Midwest Management, Inc. DE
Comcast Netherlands, Inc DE
Comcast Network Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast New Media Development, Inc. PA
Comcast Online Communications Investment Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Online Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast Online Communications, LLC DE
Comcast Online Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 1, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 10, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 2, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 3, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 4, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 5, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 6, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 7, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 8, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments Holdings 9, Inc. DE
Comcast PC Investments, Inc. DE
Comcast Philadelphia Interconnect Partner, Inc. DE
Comcast Prime, LLC DE
Comcast Primestar Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Programming Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Programming Ventures II, Inc. PA
Comcast Programming Ventures, Inc. DE
Comcast PSM Holdings, Inc. PA
Comcast QIH GP, Inc. DE
Comcast QIH LP, Inc. DE
Comcast QIH, L.P. DE
Entity Name Organization Place
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Comcast QVC, Inc. DE
Comcast Rapid, LLC DE
Comcast Real Estate Holdings of Alabama, Inc. AL
Comcast SC Investment, Inc. DE
Comcast SCH Holdings, LLC DE
Comcast Soccer, LLC DE
Comcast Southeast Sports Channel, LLC DE
Comcast Spectacor Foundation PA
Comcast Spectacor, L.P. PA
Comcast Sports Holding Company, Inc. DE
Comcast Technology, Inc. DE
Comcast Telecommunications of Michigan, LLC DE
Comcast Telephony Communications Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Telephony Communications of California, Inc. CA
Comcast Telephony Communications of Connecticut, Inc. CT
Comcast Telephony Communications of Delaware, Inc. DE
Comcast Telephony Communications of Florida, Inc. FL
Comcast Telephony Communications of Georgia, Inc. GA
Comcast Telephony Communications of Indiana, Inc. IN
Comcast Telephony Communications of Maryland, Inc. MD
Comcast Telephony Communications of Michigan, Inc. MI
Comcast Telephony Communications of New Jersey, Inc. NJ
Comcast Telephony Communications of Pennsylvania, Inc. PA
Comcast Telephony Communications of South Carolina, Inc. SC
Comcast Telephony Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast Telephony Services Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast Teleport, Inc. DE
Comcast TM, Inc. DE
Comcast TSIX Holdings, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS Communications, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME02, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME04, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME05, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME16, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME19, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME22, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME26, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS ME28, Inc. DE
Comcast WCS Merger Holdings, LLC DE
Comcast WCS MergerCo, Inc. DE
Comcast Wink, Inc. DE
Entity Name Organization Place
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ComCon Entertainment Holdings, Inc. DE
CV Directo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. Mexico
CVN Companies, Inc. MN
CVN Distribution Co., Inc. MN
Diamonique Corporation PA
Diamonique Corporation NJ
E! Entertainment Television International Holdings, Inc. DE
E! Entertainment Television, Inc. DE
E! Online, Inc. DE
E! Online, LLC CA
Eastecnica IV S.G.P.S. Portugal
ER Marks, Inc. DE
Exclamation Music, Inc. CA
Exclamation Productions, Inc. CA
EZShop International, Inc. DE
First Television Corporation DE
Florida Telecommunications Services, Inc. FL
Flyers Skate Zone, Inc. PA
Flyers Skate Zone, L.P. PA
FPS Rink, Inc. PA
FPS Rink, L.P. PA
G4 Media, LLC DE
Garden State Telecommunications LLC DE
Global Spectrum, Inc. PA
Globe Facilities Limited Partnership DE
IDS/Jones Joint Venture Partners CO
Innovative Retailing, Inc. DE
Interactive Technology Acquisitions, Inc. DE
Interactive Technology Holdings, LLC DE
Interactive Technology Services, Inc. PA
Jones Cable Corporation CO
Jones Cable Holdings II, LLC CO
Jones Cable Holdings, Inc. CO
Jones Cable Income Fund 1-B/C Venture CO
Jones Communications of Arizona, Inc. CO
Jones Futurex, Inc. CO
Jones Panarama Properties, LLC DE
Jones Panorama Properties, Inc. CO
Jones Programming Services, Inc. CO
Jones Spacelink Cable Corporation CO
Jones Telecommunications of Maryland, Inc. CO
Entity Name Organization Place
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Jones Telecommunications of Virginia, Inc. VA
LenComm, Inc. CA
Lenfest Advertising, Inc. DE
Lenfest Atlantic Communications, Inc. DE
Lenfest Australia Group Pty Ltd. Australia
Lenfest Australia Investment Pty Ltd. Australia
Lenfest Australia, Inc. DE
Lenfest Clearview, Inc. DE
Lenfest Delaware Properties, Inc. DE
Lenfest International, Inc. DE
Lenfest Investments, Inc. DE
Lenfest Jersey, Inc. DE
Lenfest MCN Delmarva Associates, L.P. DE
Lenfest MCN Delmarva Investments, Inc. DE
Lenfest MCN Delmarva, Inc. DE
Lenfest MCN, Inc. DE
Lenfest New Castle County DE
Lenfest Oaks, Inc. PA
Lenfest Philadelphia Interconnect, Inc. DE
Lenfest Raystay Holdings, Inc. DE
Lenfest West, Inc. CA
Lenfest York, Inc. DE
M H Lightnet Inc. DE
Mobile Enterprises, Inc. DE
Mt. Clemens Cable TV Investors, Inc. MI
MTCB S.A. Brazil
New England Microwave, Inc. CT
Ovations Food Services, Inc. PA
Ovations Food Services, L.P. PA
Pattison Development, Inc. PA
Pattison Realty, Inc. PA
Philadelphia 76ers, Inc. DE
Philadelphia 76ers, L.P. DE
Philadelphia Flyers Enterprises Co. Nova Scotia
Philadelphia Phantoms, Inc. PA
Philadelphia Phantoms, L.P. PA
Philadelphia Sports Media, Inc. PA
Philadelphia Sports Media, L.P. PA
Pioneer Studios, Inc. DE
Q The Music, Inc. DE
Q2, Inc. NY
Entity Name Organization Place
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QDirect Ventures, Inc. DE
QExhibits, Inc. DE
QFit, Inc. DE
QHealth, Inc. DE
QK Holdings, Inc. DE
QVC UK
QVC Britain UK
QVC Britain I, Inc. DE
QVC Britain II, Inc. DE
QVC Britain III, Inc. DE
QVC Chesapeake, Inc. VA
QVC de Mexico de C.V. Mexico
QVC Delaware, Inc. DE
QVC Deutschland GmbH Germany
QVC Germany I, Inc. DE
QVC Germany II, Inc. DE
QVC Handel GmbH Germany
QVC Holdings, Inc. DE
QVC International, Inc. DE
QVC Local, Inc. DE
QVC Logistik GmbH Germany
QVC Mexico II, Inc. DE
QVC Mexico III, Inc. DE
QVC Mexico, Inc. DE
QVC Middle East, Inc. DE
QVC ProductWorks, Inc. DE
QVC Properties Ltd. UK
QVC Publishing, Inc. DE
QVC Realty, Inc. PA
QVC Rocky Mount, Inc. NC
QVC San Antonio, Inc. TX
QVC St. Lucie, Inc. FL
QVC Studio GmbH Germany
QVC Virginia, Inc. VA
QVC, Inc. DE
Raystay Co. PA
Saturn Cable TV, Inc. CO
SCI 11, Inc. DE
SCI 34, Inc. DE
SCI 36, Inc. DE
SCI 37, Inc. DE
Entity Name Organization Place
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SCI 38, Inc. DE
SCI 48, Inc. DE
SCI 55, Inc. DE
Selkirk Communications (Delaware) Corporation DE
shop.eonline.com, LLC CA
Spectacor Adjoining Real Estate New Arena, L.P. DE
Spectrum Arena Limited Partnership PA
StarNet Development, Inc. UT
StarNet Interactive Entertainment, Inc. DE
StarNet, Inc. DE
Suburban Digital Services, Inc. DE
Suburban Networks, Inc. DE
Tele-Link Telecomunicacoes S.A. Brazil
TGC, Inc. DE
TGW Telecomunicacoes S.A. Brazil
The Comcast Foundation DE
The Intercable Group, Ltd. CO
Tri-State Media, Inc. DE
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Comcast Corporation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of Comcast Corporation and it's subsidiaries (the "Company") on Form
S-3 and S-8 of our report dated February 23, 2001, appearing in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Comcast Corporation and its subsidiaries for the year
ended December 31, 2000.
Registration Statements on Form S-8:
Registration
Title of Securities Registered Statement Number
The Comcast Corporation Retirement Investment Plan 33-63223
Stock Options Plans 33-56903
The 1996 Comcast Corporation Stock Option Plan 333-08577
The 1996 Comcast Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan 333-18715
Comcast Spectacor 401(k) Plan 333-69709
Registration Statements on Form S-3:
Title of Securities Registered
Senior Debt Securities; Subordinated Debt Securities; Warrants; Purchase
Contracts; Units Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities; Guaranteed Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantees; Preferred Stock, without par value; Depository
Shares; Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value; and Class A Special Common
Stock, $1.00 par value 333-81391
Senior Debt Securities; Subordinated Debt Securities; Preferred Stock, without
par value; Depositary Shares; Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value; Class A
Special Common Stock, $1.00 par value; Warrants; Purchase Contracts; Units;
Guaranteed Trust; and Preferred Securities Guarantees 333-54032
Our audits of the financial statements referred to in our aforementioned report
also included the financial statement schedules of the company, listed in Item
14(b)(i). These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our
audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
February 23, 2001
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants The Board of Directors QVC, Inc.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 33-63223, 33-56903, 333-08577, 333-18715 and 333-69709) on Form S-8 and (Nos. 333-54032 and 333-81391) on Form S-3 of Comcast Corporation of our report dated February 3, 1999, with respect to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1998 (such consolidated financial statements are not separately presented herein), which report is included as an exhibit to the Form 10-K of Comcast Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/ KPMG LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 28, 2001
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
QVC, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998
of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries. These consolidated financial statements, which
are not separately presented herein, are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of
QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1998, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 3, 1999