ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.
Overview
We are an international telecommunications carrier that utilizes the Internet to provide cost-efficient and economical international telecommunication services. Our current operations consist primarily of providing digital voice communications over the Internet using Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (“VoIP”). We provide high quality voice and enhanced telecommunication services to carriers, telephony resellers and other VoIP carriers through various agreements with service providers in the United States, Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Typically, these telecommunications companies offer their services to the public for domestic and international long distance services. In addition, we provide enhanced VoIP services, including fully hosted IP/PBX services, IP trunking, call center applications, prepaid services, interactive voice response auto attendant, call recording, simultaneous calling, voicemail to email conversion, and multiple customized IP/PBX features in a hosted environment for specialized applications.
History
ATSI Communications, Inc., a Nevada corporation, was formed in 2004 as the successor to the business originally incorporated in 1994 as a Canadian holding company, Latcomm International, Inc., with a Texas operating subsidiary, Latin America Telecomm, Inc. We operate through our wholly owned subsidiary, Digerati Networks, Inc. (“Digerati”). Digerati is a premier global VoIP carrier providing international communication services that consist primarily of transporting voice traffic across the world via the Internet. Additionally, we own 49% of ATSI Comunicaciones S.A de C.V. (ATSICOM), a Mexican corporation that holds a 30-year concession allowing for the sale of voice and data services, long distance transport, and the operation of a telecommunications network in Mexico.
Voice over Internet Protocol Networks
The basic technology of traditional telecommunications systems was designed for slow mechanical switches. Communications over the traditional telephone network are routed through circuits that must dedicate all circuit resources to each call from its inception until the call ends, regardless of whether anyone is actually talking on the circuit. This circuit-switching technology incurs a significant cost per call and does not efficiently support the integration of voice with data services. Data networks, however, were designed for electronic switching. They break the data stream into small, individually addressed packages of data (“packets”) that are routed independently of each other from the origin to the destination. Therefore, they do not require a fixed amount of bandwidth to be reserved between the origin and destination of each call and they do not waste bandwidth when it is not being used for actual transmission of information. This allows multiple voice or voice and data calls to be pooled, resulting in these networks being able to carry more calls with an equal amount of bandwidth. Moreover, they do not require the same complex switching methods required by traditional voice telephone networks, instead using a multiplicity of routers to direct each packet to its destination and they automatically route packets around blockages, congestion or outages.
Packet switching can be used within a data network or across networks, including the public Internet. The Internet itself is not a single data network owned by any single entity, but rather a loose interconnection of networks belonging to many owners that communicate using the Internet Protocol (“IP”). By converting voice signals to digital data and handling the voice signals as data, it can be transmitted through the more efficient switching networks designed for data transmissions and through the Internet using the IP. The transmission of voice signals as digitalized data streams over the Internet is known as Voice over Internet Protocol or “VoIP”. A VoIP network has the following advantages over traditional networks:
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Simplification: An integrated infrastructure that supports all forms of communication allows more standardization, a smaller equipment complement, and less equipment management.
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Network Efficiency: The integration of voice and data fills up the data communication channels efficiently, thus providing bandwidth consolidation and reduction of the costs associated with idle bandwidth. This combined infrastructure can support dynamic bandwidth optimization and a fault tolerant design. The differences between the traffic patterns of voice and data offer further opportunities for significant efficiency improvements.
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Co-existence with traditional communication mediums: IP telephony can be used in conjunction with existing PSTN switches, leased and dial-up lines, PBXs and other customer premise equipment (CPE), enterprise LANs, and Internet connections. IP telephony applications can be implemented through dedicated gateways, which in turn can be based on open standards platforms for reliability and scalability.
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Cost reduction: Under the VoIP network, the connection is directly to the Internet backbone and as a result the telephony access charges and settlement fees are avoided.
The growth of voice over the Internet was limited in the past due to poor sound quality caused by technical issues such as delays in packet transmission and by bandwidth limitations related to Internet network capacity and local access constraints. However, the continuing addition of data network infrastructure, improvements in packet switching and compression technology, new software algorithms and improved hardware have substantially reduced delays in packet transmissions and resulted in better sound quality. Nevertheless, certain VoIP routes into countries with limited or poor Internet infrastructure continue to lack the consistent quality required for voice transport and termination.
A number of large long distance carriers have announced Internet telephony service offerings. Smaller Internet telephony service providers have also begun to offer low-cost Internet telephony services from personal computers to telephones and from telephones to telephones. Traditional carriers have substantial investments in traditional telephone network technology, and therefore have been slow to embrace Internet technology.
We believe that the infrastructure required for a global network is too expensive for most companies to acquire and deploy on their own. As a result, many companies use a network consisting of a combination of gateways owned by different operators. For a network to achieve optimal functionality and quality, however, the gateways need to be interoperable, or able to communicate with one another. Technological solutions have emerged that support interoperability between different protocols and/or gateways. Cisco Systems, Inc. has emerged as a dominant supplier of VoIP gateways and other manufacturers often seek to make their equipment interoperable with Cisco.
Long distance telephone calls transported over the Internet are less expensive than similar calls carried over the traditional telephone network primarily because the cost of using the Internet is not determined by the distance those calls need to travel. Also, routing calls over the Internet is more cost-effective than routing calls over the traditional telephone network because the technology that enables Internet telephony is more efficient than traditional telephone network technology. The greater efficiency of the Internet creates cost savings that can be passed on to the consumer in the form of lower long distance rates or retained by the carrier as higher margins.
By using the public Internet, VoIP providers like ATSI are able to avoid direct payment for transport of communications, instead paying for large “pipes” into the public Internet, billed by bandwidth rather than usage, which transmits calls to a distant gateway. The Internet, which has its origins in programs devised by the Department of Defense to provide multiple routes and therefore redundancy which was largely immune from the failure of a single network element, provides great redundancy and can be “self healing” in the event of an outage in a particular network element or transmission path. Moreover, adding an additional entry or exit point (a Point of Presence or “PoP”) does not require any expensive or time consuming reconfiguration or reprogramming of existing network elements. The new element is simply installed with a specific IP address and it can send or receive information to or from any other IP address on the Internet.
Strategy and Competitive Conditions
The long distance telephony market and the Internet telephony market are highly competitive. Our competitors include major telecommunications carriers in the U.S., foreign telecommunications carriers (which may be owned by foreign governments), and numerous small competitors. We expect to face continuing competition based on price and service offerings from existing competitors and new market entrants in the future. The principal competitive factors in our market include price, coverage, customer service, technical response times, reliability, and network size/capacity. The competitive landscape is rapidly altering the number, identity and competitiveness of the marketplace, and we are unable to determine with certainty the impact of potential consolidation in our industry.
A number of large long distance carriers have introduced services that make Internet telephony or voice services over the Internet available to other carriers. All major telecommunications companies either presently do or could route traffic to destinations worldwide and compete directly with us. Smaller Internet telephony service providers have also begun to offer low-cost Internet telephony services from personal computers to telephones and from telephones to telephones. In addition, Internet service providers and other companies currently in related markets have begun to provide voice over the Internet services or adapt their products to enable voice over the Internet services. These related companies may migrate into the Internet telephony market as direct competitors.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, larger customer bases, longer operating histories, greater name recognition and more established relationships in the industry than we have. As a result, certain of these competitors may be able to adopt more aggressive pricing policies that could hinder our ability to market our services. We believe that our key competitive advantages are our ability to deliver reliable, high quality voice service over the Internet in a cost-effective manner. We cannot provide assurances, however, that these advantages will enable us to succeed against comparable service offerings from our competitors.
Our strategy is to take advantage of the increasing demand for international communication services and the global shift from the traditional circuit switched network to the Internet for transporting voice traffic. We target traditional telephone companies migrating towards voice over Internet protocol and emerging VoIP service providers seeking reliable and competitively priced worldwide routes. We are also capitalizing on the continued global trend of demonopolization of foreign telecommunications markets. Historically, telecommunication services in most foreign countries have been provided by state-run companies, operating as a legal or de facto monopoly. Although these companies historically failed to satisfy the demand for services in their countries, the regulatory scheme effectively precluded competition by foreign carriers. As the demonopolization trend continues in the telecommunications industry throughout the world, many foreign countries are in various stages of migration toward a competitive, multi-carrier market. This has created an opportunity for emerging operators, that typically “leap frog” to the most recent VoIP technology, to enter their respective market.
The worldwide demand for telecommunications services has been strengthened by:
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An expanding global market for voice communications growing at approximately 10% per year
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Deregulation and demonopolization of government-owned telecommunication companies in foreign countries
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Global proliferation of communications devices such as mobile and VoIP phones
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Growth in ethnic communities in the United States; approximately 90 million people belong to an ethnic minority group
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Increase in global trade and travel
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Declining rates for communication services as a result of increased competition
We operate through our wholly owned subsidiary, Digerati Networks, Inc., a premier global VoIP carrier providing international communication services that consist primarily of transporting voice traffic via the Internet. Digerati owns and operates its own VoIP network in San Antonio, Texas for processing voice communication traffic between the United States and rapidly expanding markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Through Digerati, we have established numerous partnerships with foreign carriers and network operators to provide our international voice services. In our VoIP operations, Digerati receives voice traffic from originating carriers who are interconnected to its network via the Internet and routes that traffic over the Internet to local service providers and carriers in the destination countries with whom the Company has agreements or partnerships to manage the completion of the call. Our global VoIP service enables carriers and other communications service providers to outsource international voice and fax traffic.
Our customers, while cost conscious, are increasingly demanding high reliability and quality in service delivery. Sustainability and growth in this segment depends on specific competitive advantages including foreign partnerships or presence of an in-country business infrastructure, network reliability, and favorable termination agreements for voice traffic. We compete with other telecom operators, including dominant providers such as Qwest, IBASIS, and AT&T, for transport and termination of international voice services. We believe that our low cost of operations, international relationships, and cost competitive strategy utilizing VoIP technology provides us with a competitive advantage. Our strengths include our in-depth knowledge of, and relationships within, the telecommunications industry in the United States and select foreign markets.
We are also utilizing a platform developed by NetSapiens, Inc. that allows us to offer additional VoIP applications including IP/PBX services, IP trunking, prepaid calling, call center applications, conferencing, messaging and other innovative IP telephony functionality necessary to offer standard and/or custom services to the Residential and Enterprise markets. We are currently marketing these VoIP services to potential customers through established channel partners that includes data network providers, value added resellers, telecom operators, and wireless Internet service providers. Our strategy is to enable our channel partners to provide specialized VoIP services to their established base of customers, thus creating an additional source of revenue for us and our channel partner.
Due to the potential cost savings and added features of VoIP, consumers, enterprises, traditional telecommunication service providers and cable television providers view VoIP as the future of telecommunications. This is accelerating the migration from traditional telephone service to VoIP services. The recent growth in VoIP services is primarily due to:
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Demand for a lower cost alternative to traditional telephone service;
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Improved quality and reliability of VoIP calls due to technological advances, increased network development and greater bandwidth capacity; and
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New product innovations that can be provided by VoIP services providers, but not currently offered by traditional telephone companies.
Government Regulation
Our operations are subject to federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. There is significant uncertainty regarding the application of the Communications Act of 1934 and the regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission to Internet telephone and there is a risk that either the FCC or Congress will impose common carrier restrictions and other requirements of traditional telecommunications providers to providers of VoIP services.
U.S Federal and State Regulation of Carrier Services
We believe that, under U.S. law, the Internet-related services that we provide constitute information services as opposed to regulated telecommunications services, and, as such, are not currently regulated as telecommunications common carriers by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or state agencies charged with regulating telecommunications carriers. Nevertheless, aspects of our operations may be subject to state or federal regulation, including regulations governing universal service funding, disclosure of confidential communications and excise tax issues. We cannot provide assurances that Internet-related services will not be actively regulated in the future. Several efforts have been made in the U.S. to enact federal legislation that would either regulate or exempt from regulation services provided over the Internet. Increased regulation of the Internet may slow its growth, particularly if other countries also impose regulations. Such regulation may negatively impact the cost of doing business over the Internet and materially adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and future prospects.
To date, the FCC has declined to classify VoIP providers as telecommunications carriers for regulatory purposes. However, the FCC has ruled that certain traffic carried in part utilizing the Internet protocol format was nonetheless regulated telecommunications for which certain regulatory obligations applied. The FCC has considered whether to impose surcharges or other common carrier regulations upon certain providers of Internet telephony, primarily those which, unlike us, provide Internet telephony services directly to end users. The FCC ruled that interconnected VoIP service providers must make contributions to the Universal Service Fund. Additionally, the FCC has a pending proceeding to further examine the question of whether certain forms of VoIP services are information services or telecommunications services. The two are treated differently in several respects, with certain information services being regulated to a lesser degree. The FCC has noted that certain forms of phone-to-phone VoIP services bear many of the same characteristics as more traditional voice telecommunications services and lack the characteristics that would render them information services. The FCC has indicated that the issues as to applicability of access charges and other matters will be considered in that context. Adverse rulings or rulemakings could subject us to licensing requirements and additional fees and subsidies.
If the FCC were to determine that certain Internet-related services including Internet telephony services are subject to FCC regulations as telecommunications services, the FCC could subject providers of such services to traditional common carrier regulation, including payment of access charges to local telephone companies. A decision to impose such charges could also have retroactive effect. It is also possible that the FCC may adopt a regulatory framework other than traditional common carrier regulation that would apply to Internet telephony providers. Any such determinations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and future prospects to the extent that any such determinations negatively affect the cost of doing business over the Internet or otherwise slow the growth of the Internet.
Other regulations affecting the Internet in the United States.
Congress has enacted legislation that regulates certain aspects of the Internet, including online content, user privacy and taxation. In addition, Congress and other federal entities are considering other legislative and regulatory proposals that would further regulate the Internet. Congress has, for example, considered legislation on a wide range of issues including Internet spamming, database privacy, gambling, pornography and child protection, Internet fraud, privacy and digital signatures. Various states have adopted and are considering Internet-related legislation. Increased U.S. regulation of the Internet may slow its growth, particularly if other governments follow suit, which may negatively impact the cost of doing business over the Internet and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. Legislation has also been proposed that would clarify the regulatory status of VoIP service. The Company has no way of knowing whether legislation will pass or what form it might take.
Domestic Service Regulation.
We are considered a non-dominant domestic interstate carrier subject to minimal regulation by the FCC. We are not required to obtain FCC authority to initiate or expand our domestic interstate operations, but we are required to obtain FCC approval to transfer control or discontinue service and to file various reports and pay various fees and assessments. Among other things, interstate common carriers must offer service on a nondiscriminatory basis at just and reasonable rates. In addition, as a non-dominant carrier, we are subject to the FCC’s complaint jurisdiction.
All interstate telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to the federal universal service programs. The FCC currently is considering revising its universal service funding mechanism. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or their potential effect on us. Although we currently do not provide VoIP services to the end users or consumers, VoIP services that we may provide in the future are not currently subject to direct regulation by the FCC or state regulatory commissions to the extent that they qualify as “enhanced” or “information” services. The FCC defines enhanced services as services that (1) employ computer processing applications that act on the format, content, code, protocol or similar aspects of the subscriber’s transmitted information, (2) provide the subscriber additional, different or restructured information, or (3) involve subscriber interaction with stored information. In 1998, in a non-binding report, the FCC observed that “computer-to-computer” VoIP may be appropriately considered to be unregulated but that “phone-to-phone” VoIP may lack the characteristics that would render them unregulated “information” services. In February 2004, the FCC ruled that free computer-to-computer VoIP service is not “telecommunications service” and that it is an interstate “information service.” Although this order clarifies some of the relevant VoIP issues, the FCC has not yet issued a formal decision as to whether other variations of VoIP services should be subject to traditional common carrier telecommunications service regulation, such as access charge obligations. In March 2004, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) regarding VoIP service. The NPRM specifically addresses the regulatory classification and jurisdiction of VoIP; the application of access charges; and how to preserve key public policy objectives such as universal service, 911/emergency services, law enforcement surveillance requirements, and the needs of persons with disabilities. In November 2004, the FCC ruled that services provided by a particular VoIP provider are interstate in nature, and not subject to entry regulations of the various state Public Service Commissions. The FCC, however, declined to rule on whether the service is a regulated telecommunications service or an unregulated information service. In addition, in December 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled that such VoIP provider’s service is not subject to state regulation. Subsequently, in a series of orders, the FCC has decided to apply universal service, 911/emergency services, law enforcement surveillance requirements, customer privacy requirements, and requirements relating to the provision of services to speech and hearing-impaired persons to providers of “interconnected” VoIP services (i.e., those that are capable of both originating calls from and terminating calls to users of the public switched telephone network), but in each case the FCC has explicitly declined to decide whether such services are “telecommunications” services subject to more comprehensive regulation. Instead, the FCC continues to examine the appropriate regulatory treatment of VoIP on a piecemeal basis. While initial indications from the FCC suggest that regulation of VoIP will be limited in nature, the future regulatory treatment of other variations of VoIP by the FCC and state regulatory bodies continues to be uncertain. Furthermore, Congressional dissatisfaction with the FCC’s treatment of IP telephony could result in legislation requiring the FCC to impose greater or lesser regulation. Changes to, and further clarifications of, the treatment of VoIP services could result in the imposition of burdensome regulation and fees on some of our services and/or increase certain of our operating costs.
International Regulation
The regulatory treatment of Internet telephony outside of the U.S. varies widely from country to country. A number of countries that currently prohibit competition in the provision of voice telephony also prohibit Internet telephony. Other countries permit but regulate Internet telephony. Some countries will evaluate proposed Internet telephony service on a case-by-case basis and determine whether it should be regulated as a voice service or as another telecommunications service. In many countries, Internet telephony has not yet been addressed by legislation or regulation. Increased regulation of the Internet and/or Internet telephony providers or the prohibition of Internet telephony in one or more countries could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and future prospects.
The International Settlements Policy governs settlements between U.S. carriers’ and foreign carriers’ costs of terminating traffic over each other’s networks. The FCC recently enacted certain changes in rules designed to allow U.S. carriers to propose methods to pay for international call termination that deviate from traditional accounting rates and the International Settlement Policy. The FCC has also established lower benchmarks for the rates that U.S. carriers can pay foreign carriers for the termination of international services and these benchmarks may continue to decline. These rule changes have lowered the costs of our competitors to terminate traffic in the United States and are contributing to the downward pricing pressure facing us in the carrier market.
Other General regulations
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecom Act”), which became law in February 1996, was designed to dismantle the monopoly system and promote competition in all aspects of telecommunications. The FCC has promulgated and continues to promulgate major changes to their telecommunications regulations. One aspect of the Telecom Act that is of particular importance to us is that it allows Bell Operating Companies or BOCs to offer in-region long distance service once they have taken certain steps to open their local service monopoly to competition. The FCC has now granted such in-region long distance authorization to BOCs throughout the nation. Given their extensive resources and established customer bases, the entry of the BOCs into the long distance market, specifically the international market, has created increased competition for us.
Although we do not know of any other specific new or proposed regulations that will affect our business directly, the regulatory scheme for competitive telecommunications market is still evolving and there could be unanticipated changes in the competitive environment for communications in general. For example, the FCC is currently considering rules that govern how Internet providers compensate local telephone companies. These rules could affect the role that the Internet ultimately plays in the telecommunications market.
Concession License
The Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes and Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones or Federal Telecommunications Comisión (“COFETEL”) issued ATSICOM a 30-year license in June 1998 to install and operate a public network. Under this license, ATSICOM is required to:
General requirements
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Maintain approximately $10 million in registered and subscribed capital.
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Install and operate a network in Mexico according to an operating plan approved by the Mexican government.
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Continuously develop and conduct training programs for its staff.
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Designate an individual responsible for the technical functions to operate the concession.
Concession services requirements
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Provide continuous and efficient services at all times to its customers.
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Establish a complaint center and correction facilities center and report to the Mexican government on a monthly basis the complaints received and the actions taken to resolve the problems.
Tariff Requirements
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Invoice its customer only tariffs rates that have been approved by the Mexican government.
Verification and Information requirements
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Provide audited financial statements on a yearly basis that include a detailed description of the fixed assets utilized in the network and reporting by region and location of where the services are being provided.
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Provide quarterly reports and updates on the expansion of the network in Mexico and a description of the training programs and research and development programs.
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Provide statistical reports of traffic, switching capacity and other parameters in the network.
Guarantee requirements
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Post a bond/insurance policy for approximately $500,000 payable to the Mexican Federal Treasury Department in the event the concession is revoked for failure to perform any of the requirements.
Under this concession, we have the right to terminate voice and data communications in Mexico. The revocation or modification of this concession would not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Customers and Suppliers
We rely on various suppliers to provide services in connection with our communication services. We use various global VoIP companies to complete our voice over Internet traffic between US, Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Our customers include traditional carriers, telephony resellers and other VoIP carriers. We are not dependent upon any single supplier or customer.
Employees
As of July 31, 2010, we had 11 employees, all of whom performed operational, technical and administrative functions. We believe our future success will depend to a large extent on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified employees. We consider our employee relations to be good. None of these aforementioned employees belong to labor unions.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
Our business is subject to various operational and financial risks that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or our results of operations. In addition the general economic risks associated with operation of a small company in a regulated industry dominated by large well-financed competitors, some of the risk factors that may apply specifically to us are set forth below.
Our results of operations fluctuate from period to period. Our revenue and results of operations have fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter in the future due to a number of factors over which we have no control, including:
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Many of our customers are not obligated to route a minimum amount of traffic over our system and the amount of traffic we handle may decline if our customers elect to route traffic over systems they operate or systems operated by other providers;
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increased competition from other telecommunication service providers or from service companies in related fields that offer telecommunication services may adversely affect the amount we can charge for traffic routed over our system;
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we may be required to reduce our charges for routing traffic to maintain high utilization of our equipment;
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the termination fees, connection fees and other charges from our suppliers;
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fraudulently sent or received traffic for which we are obligated to pay but which we are unable to bill to any customer;
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changes in call volume among the countries to which we complete calls;
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technical difficulties or failures of our network systems or third party delays in expansion or provisioning system components; and
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our ability to manage our traffic on a constant basis so that routes are profitable.
We rely on third parties to provide and maintain the networks over which we transmit traffic. Our business model depends on the availability of the Internet and traditional telephone networks to transmit voice and data. Third parties own and maintain the equipment that translates calls from traditional voice networks to the Internet and vice versa. If the owners of these systems fail to maintain their lines properly, fail to maintain the ability to terminate calls, or otherwise disrupt our ability to provide service to our customers, our ability to complete calls or provide other services could be interrupted.
Our suppliers could increase the cost of services they provide or deny us access to systems that they operate. We maintain relationships with communications service providers in many countries and with other carriers to carry traffic on their systems. There is no assurance that these services will continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to replace any provider that ceases to provide services to us on acceptable terms, or to identify and develop relationships with new service providers, our ability to provide services in certain countries may be adversely affected.
We are subject to downward pricing pressures and a continuing need to renegotiate overseas rates. As a result of numerous factors, including increased competition and global deregulation of telecommunications services, prices for international long distance calls have been decreasing. This downward trend of prices to end-users has caused us to lower the prices we charge communication service providers for call completion on our network. If this downward pricing pressure continues, we may not be able to offer VoIP services at costs lower than or competitive with, the traditional voice network services with which we compete. Moreover, in order for us to lower our prices, we have to renegotiate rates with our foreign service providers who complete calls for us. We may not be able to renegotiate these terms favorably enough, or fast enough, to allow us to continue to offer services in a particular country on a cost-effective basis. The continued downward pressure on prices and our inability to renegotiate favorable terms in a particular country could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our network.
We are subject to risks relating to operations in foreign countries. Because we provide many of our services internationally, we are subject to additional risks related to providing services into foreign countries. Associated risks include:
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unexpected changes in tariffs, trade barriers and regulatory requirements relating to Internet access or VoIP;
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economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets;
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difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;
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tax, consumer protection, telecommunications, and other laws;
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foreign currency fluctuations, which could result in increased operating expenses and reduced revenues; and
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unreliable government power to protect our rights.
International governmental regulation and legal uncertainties and other laws could limit our ability to provide our services, make them more expensive, or subject us to legal liability. Many countries currently prohibit or limit competition in the provision of traditional voice telephony services. In some of those countries, licensed telephony carriers as well as government regulators and law enforcement authorities have questioned the legal authority of VoIP services. Our failure to qualify as a properly licensed service provider, or to comply with other foreign laws and regulations, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. It is also possible that countries may apply to our activities laws relating to services provided over the Internet, including laws governing:
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user privacy;
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pricing controls and termination costs;
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characteristics and quality of products and services;
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qualification to do business;
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consumer protection;
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cross-border commerce, including laws that would impose tariffs, duties and other import restrictions;
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copyright, trademark and patent infringement; and
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claims based on the nature and content of Internet materials, including defamation, negligence and the failure to meet necessary obligations.
If foreign governments or other bodies begin to impose related restrictions on VoIP or our other services or otherwise enforce other laws against us or our foreign suppliers, such actions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
If we are not able to keep up with rapid technological change in a cost-effective way, the relative quality of our services could suffer. The technology upon which our services depend is changing rapidly. Significant technological changes could render the hardware and software that we use obsolete, and competitors may begin to offer new services that we are unable to offer. If we are unable to respond successfully to these developments or do not respond in a cost-effective way, we may not be able to offer competitive services and our business results may suffer.
We may not be able to expand and upgrade our network adequately and cost-effectively to accommodate any future growth. Our VoIP business requires that we handle a large number of international calls simultaneously. As we expand our operations, we expect to handle significantly more calls. If we do not expand and upgrade our hardware and software quickly enough, we will not have sufficient capacity to handle the increased traffic and growth in our operating performance would suffer as a result. Even with such expansion, we may be unable to manage new deployments or utilize them in a cost-effective manner. In addition to lost growth opportunities, any such failure could adversely affect customer confidence in our network and services.
Single points of failure on our network may make our business vulnerable. We operate one network control center in San Antonio, Texas. We have not yet designed a redundant system, provided for excess capacity, or taken other precautions against platform and network failures as well as facility failures relating to power, air conditioning, destruction, or theft. We are vulnerable to a network failure that may prohibit us from offering services.
We depend on our current personnel and may have difficulty attracting and retaining the skilled employees we need to execute our business plan. Our future success will depend, in large part, on the continued service of our key management and technical personnel. If any of these individuals or others we employ are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.
If the Internet infrastructure is not adequately maintained, we may be unable to maintain the quality of our services and provide them in a timely and consistent manner. Our future success will depend upon the maintenance of the Internet infrastructure, including a reliable network backbone with the necessary speed, data capacity and security for providing reliability and timely Internet access and services. To the extent that the Internet continues to experience increased numbers of users, frequency of use or bandwidth requirements, the Internet may become congested and be unable to support the demands placed on it and its performance or reliability may decline thereby impairing our ability to complete calls and provide other services using the Internet at consistently high quality. The Internet has experienced a variety of outages and other delays as a result of failures of portions of its infrastructure or otherwise. Future outages or delays could adversely affect our ability to complete calls and provide other services. Moreover, critical issues concerning the commercial use of the Internet, including security, cost, ease of use and access, intellectual property ownership and other legal liability issues, remain unresolved and could materially and adversely affect both the growth of Internet usage generally and our business in particular. Finally, important opportunities to increase traffic on our network will not be realized if the underlying infrastructure of the Internet does not continue to be expanded to more locations worldwide.
Vulnerability of the Internet to malicious activity. The Internet, and certain components thereof, is susceptible to malicious damage or destruction by the creation and distribution of software designed to interrupt or corrupt the transmission of data, by concerted efforts to cause congestion, and other malicious activities. If such activities are successful in interrupting the transmission of data between our network and the destination of the transmission, it could have an adverse effect on client confidence in our ability to maintain a stable and reliable network. Since we do not control access to the servers, gateways, and other components of the Internet that are used to transmit traffic, we are not able to protect such components from attack.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not Applicable
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
Our executive office is located at 3201 Cherry Ridge, Building C, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas, in leased space consisting of 3,618 square feet. The lease for this facility will expire on November 15, 2011. We pay annual rent of $53,398. We believe that our leased facilities are suitable and adequate for their intended use.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On December 12, 2008 we were sued in the 133rd Judicial District of Harris County, Texas by Christian & Smith, LLP and John M. O’Quinn & Associates, LLP. The plaintiffs claimed that we are the company responsible for the payment of contingent fees in connection with a suit filed by the plaintiffs as our lawyers against The Shaar Fund. We have denied any liability for the contingent fees because the case filed against The Shaar Fund was dismissed without recovering any damages. In July 2010 the case was dismissed against the Company and all claims were dropped or nonsuited "without prejudice"", but the plaintiffs retain their rights to pursue such claims against us in the future. We intend to vigorously defend such claims if the plaintiffs reassert such claims. No suit is pending as of July 31, 2010.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
(REMOVED AND RESERVED)
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market for Common Equity
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “ATSX”. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock for the two most recently completed fiscal years, as reported by Bloomberg, LP. Price quotations on the OTC Bulletin Board reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Holders
As of October 1, 2010 we had approximately 6,706 common stockholders.
Dividends
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock because we have not generated sufficient earnings. We do not anticipate paying a dividend in the future and expect to use all available earnings to provide funds for growth of our business.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information regarding securities that have been or are authorized to be issued under our equity compensation plans as of July 31, 2010:
The material features of each equity compensation plan are described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not Applicable
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
SPECIAL NOTE: This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. “Forward looking statements” are those statements that describe management’s beliefs and expectations about the future. We have identified forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “may,” “expect,” and “intend,” or words of similar import. Although we believe these expectations are reasonable, our operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those listed in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and actual results may be materially different than our expectations.
The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of ATSI Communications, Inc., for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009. It should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes thereto, and the other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. For purposes of the following discussion, fiscal 2010 or 2010 refers to the year ended July 31, 2010 and fiscal 2009 or 2009 refers to the year ended July 31, 2009.
Sources of revenue and direct cost
Sources of revenue:
VoIP Services: We currently provide VoIP communication services to U.S. and foreign telecommunications companies that lack transmission facilities, require additional capacity or do not have the regulatory licenses to terminate traffic in Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Typically, these telecommunications companies offer their services to the public for domestic and international long distance services
Enhanced VoIP Services: We provide enhanced VoIP services to resellers and enterprise customers. The service include fully hosted IP/PBX services, IP trunking, call center applications, prepaid services, interactive voice response auto attendant, call recording, simultaneous calling, voicemail to email conversion, and multiple customized IP/PBX features in a hosted environment for specialized applications.
Direct Costs:
VoIP Services: We incur transmission and termination charges from our suppliers and the providers of the infrastructure and network. The cost is based on rate per minute, volume of minutes transported and terminated through the network. Additionally, we incur fixed Internet bandwidth charges and per minute billing charges. In some cases we incur installation charges from certain carriers. These installation costs are passed on to our customers for the connection to our VoIP network.
Enhanced VoIP Services: We incur bandwidth and co-location charges in connection with enhanced VoIP Services. The bandwidth charges are incurred as part of the connection between our customers to allow them access to our services.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain items included in our results of operations in thousands of dollars amounts and variances between periods for the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009.
Year Ended July 31, 2010 Compared to Year ended July 31, 2009
Operating Revenues. VoIP services revenue increased by $1,048,000, or 5%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. VoIP minutes carried by our network on which we generated revenues increased by 30% from approximately 391,925,140 minutes of voice traffic during fiscal 2009 to approximately 510,317,281 minutes of voice traffic during fiscal 2010. Despite the increase in traffic, our average revenue per minute (ARPM) decreased by 19% from $0.05068 during fiscal 2009 to $0.04088 for fiscal 2010. The decline in the ARPM is a direct result of the price pressures in the global markets encountered in our industry. The majority of our customers seek higher quality destinations at a lowest possible cost per minute, thus the constant balance between quality and price among international carriers.
Cost of Services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). The consolidated cost of services increased by $846,000, or 5%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The increase in cost of services is a direct result of the increase in VoIP services revenue. Cost of services, as a percentage of revenue decreased slightly between periods, from 93.19% of revenue during fiscal 2009 to 92.55% of revenue during fiscal 2010. The decrease in cost of services as a percentage of revenue is a result of decreases received from our vendors during the period. As a result of the increase in VoIP revenues, our gross margin increased by $202,000 or 15% to $1,560,000 for fiscal 2010 compared to $1,358,000 for fiscal 2009.
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses (exclusive of legal and professional fees). SG&A expenses decreased by $759,000, or 35%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in non-cash compensation expense to employees. During fiscal 2009 we recognized $389,000 in non-cash compensation expense to employees. In comparison, we only recognized $22,334 in non-cash compensation expense to employees during fiscal 2010. Additionally, we recognized between periods a decrease in salaries of approximately $188,000. This reduction in salaries was primarily due to the expense control measures implemented during fiscal 2010.
Legal and Professional Fees. Legal and professional fees decreased between periods by approximately $81,000, or 23%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The decrease is attributable to the decrease in investor relations fees, audit fees and attorney's fees related to litigation.
Bad Debt Expense. Bad debt expense improved by $2,000, or 100%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2009, we recognized $2,000 in bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts. We did not incur similar expenses during fiscal 2010.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $13,000 or 9%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The increase is attributed to additional amortization expense associated with the new computers acquired during fiscal 2010.
Operating Income (loss). The Company’s operating loss improved by $1,031,000, or 79%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The improvement in operating loss between periods is a result of the increase in margin, decrease in SG&A expenses and decrease in legal and professional fees between periods.
Other Income (expense). Other expense increased by $56,000 from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. Other expense during fiscal 2009 included a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $108,000 which was attributed to a discount recognized as part of a settlement of a promissory note with The Shaar Fund. However, the gain was offset by interest expense of $196,000 recognized during the period. We did not recognize a gain on early extinguishment of debt during fiscal 2010.
Net Loss. Net loss improved by $975,000 or 70%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The improvement in net loss between periods is attributed to the improvement between periods in operating income and the decrease between periods in other expenses.
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Loss attributed to noncontrolling interest improved by $138,000, or 121%, from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2009, we recognized $114,000 associated to the losses incurred in Fiesta and Telefamilia, however, during fiscal 2010 we only recognized $24,000 associated to the losses incurred in Fiesta and Telefamilia.
Net Loss Attributable to ATSI Communications, Inc. The Company reported a net loss of $395,000 for fiscal 2010 compared to a net loss to common stockholders of $1,508,000 for fiscal 2010. The improvement in net loss to common stockholders between periods is attributed to the increase in margin and the decrease in SG&A expenses and the decrease in legal and professional fees between periods.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Position: We had a cash balance of $73,000 as of July 31, 2010. Net cash consumed by operating activities during fiscal 2010 was approximately $301,000. Investing activities during the fiscal 2010 generated $263,000, consisting of $325,000 from the sale of certificates of deposit. This was slightly offset by $62,000 associated with the acquisition of various servers and computers. Financing activities during fiscal 2010 consumed $526,000 in cash. The cash consumed during the period is associated with the debt principal payments of $775,000 related to various notes payable and principal payments of $1,000 associated with a capital lease obligation. Additionally, we received proceeds of $250,000 from various promissory notes during fiscal 2010. Overall, our net operating, investing and financing activities during fiscal 2010 consumed $564,000 of our available cash.
We are currently utilizing our available cash to fund any deficiencies in our cash flows from operations. During fiscal years ended July 31, 2010 we received $250,000 from Texas Ventures under three 24 month promissory notes. On August 2, 2010, we entered into a $750,000 revolving credit facility with Thermo Credit to finance our expected growth during the year ending July 31, 2011.
Our current cash expenses are expected to be approximately $180,000 per month, including wages, rent, utilities, corporate professional fees and debt service. We are currently using $162,000 in cash generated from operations and approximately $18,000 per month of our available cash to cover all monthly cash outflows. We anticipate that the July 31, 2010 cash balance of $73,000, the $750,000 revolving credit facility with Thermo Credit, combined with our ability to raise additional cash from our funding sources and expected net cash flow generated from future operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital asset expenditures for the next twelve months.
Our working capital (deficit) was $590,000 as of July 31, 2010. This represents a deficiency of $16,000 from our working capital (deficit) at July 31, 2009 of $574,000.
Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition. We derive our revenue from VoIP Services and Network Services. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, service or network capacity has been provided, the price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and there are no significant obligations remaining.
We record and report our revenue on the gross amount billed to our customers in accordance with the following “gross indicators”:
·
ATSI is the primary obligor in its arrangements,
·
ATSI has latitude in establishing pricing,
·
ATSI changes the product or performs part of the service and is involved in the determination of the product or service specifications,
·
ATSI has discretion in supplier selection; and
·
ATSI assumes credit risk for the amount billed to the customer
We recognize revenue from VoIP Services in the period the service is provided, net of revenue reserves for potential billing credits. Such disputes can result from disagreements with customers regarding the duration, destination or rates charged for each call. ATSI recognizes enhanced VoIP services revenue during the period the services are provided.
Direct Cost of Revenue. We incur termination charges in connection with providing VoIP services and Internet, co-location and fiber optic charges in connection with providing enhanced VoIP services. Termination charges, connection charges and other direct costs of revenue are recognized during the period incurred.
Stock-based Compensation. We account for share-based compensation in accordance with provisions on share-based payments which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We use the following key assumptions in determining the fair market value of its options:
Derivative financial instruments. We do not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. However, we evaluate the application of derivative accounting for all convertible financial instruments and freestanding warrants.
For derivative financial instruments that meet the definition of liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported as charges or credits to income. For option-based derivative financial instruments, we use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the derivative instruments. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not Applicable
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
ATSI Communications, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ATSI Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of July 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of ATSI’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. ATSI is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of ATSI’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ATSI as of July 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated results of their operations and its cash flows for each of the two years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
MALONEBAILEY, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
October 8, 2010
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 2010 AND 2009
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to financial statements
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business. ATSI Communications, Inc. was incorporated in Nevada on May 24, 2004. ATSI is an international telecommunications carrier that utilizes the Internet to provide economical international communication services to carriers and telephony resellers around the world. ATSI’s continuing operations consist of VoIP carrier services and network services. ATSI’s primary business consists of providing VoIP communication services to U.S. and foreign telecommunications companies that lack transmission facilities and require additional capacity or do not have the regulatory licenses to terminate traffic in Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. ATSI recently installed a VoIP technology platform that allows the Company to offer other VoIP applications including IP/PBX services, IP trunking, prepaid calling, call center applications, conferencing, messaging and other innovative IP telephony functionality.
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and its subsidiaries, which are either majority owned or controlled by the Company. In accordance with ASC 810-10-05 which sets out the guidance on consolidation of variable interest entities, the Company identifies entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights (a "variable interest entity" or "VIE") and determines when and which business enterprise, if any, should consolidate the VIE. In addition, the Company discloses information pertaining to such entities wherein the Company is the primary beneficiary or other entities wherein the Company has a significant variable interest. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the current year for comparative purposes.
Use of Estimates. In preparing financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and revenue and expenses in the statement of expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject ATSI to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables. In the normal course of business, ATSI provides credit terms to its customers. Accordingly, ATSI performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for possible losses, which, when realized, have been within the range of management’s expectations. ATSI maintains cash in bank deposits accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. ATSI has not experienced any losses in such accounts and ATSI does not believe ATSI is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition. ATSI derives revenue from two product offerings VoIP Carrier Services and Enhanced VoIP Services. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been provided, the price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and there are no significant obligations remaining.
ATSI records and reports its revenue on the gross amount billed to its customers in accordance with the following indicators:
·
ATSI is the primary obligor in its arrangements,
·
ATSI has latitude in establishing pricing,
·
ATSI changes the product or performs part of the service and is involved in the determination of the product or service specifications,
·
ATSI has discretion in supplier selection and
·
ATSI assumes credit risk for the amount billed to the customer.
VoIP Service: ATSI provides VoIP communication services to U.S. and foreign telecommunications companies, who lack transmission facilities, require additional capacity or do not have the regulatory licenses to terminate traffic in Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Typically these telecommunications companies offer their services to the public for domestic and international long distance services. Carrier service revenue is derived through transporting and terminating minutes of telecommunications traffic over ATSI’s owned or leased VoIP network (Voice over Internet Protocol). ATSI recognizes revenue in the period the service is provided, net of revenue reserves for potential billing credits. Such disputes can result from disagreements with customers regarding the duration, destination or rates charged for each call.
Enhanced VoIP Services: ATSI provides enhanced VoIP services to resellers and enterprise customers. The service include fully hosted IP/PBX services, IP trunking, call center applications, prepaid services, interactive voice response auto attendant, call recording, simultaneous calling, voicemail to email conversion, and multiple customized IP/PBX features in a hosted environment for specialized applications. Currently Enhanced VoIP services are less than 0.01% of total revenue.
Direct Cost of Revenue.
VoIP Services: Under carrier services, ATSI incurs termination charges. These charges are related to the fees that ATSI is charged by carriers/vendors for the termination of phone calls into their infrastructure and network to terminate traffic in Mexico, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The cost is based on a per minute rate and volume. ATSI also incurs installation charges from various carriers; this cost is passed on to customers for the connection to the VoIP network from ATSI’s carriers.
Enhanced VoIP Services: ATSI incurs bandwidth and co-location charges in connection with enhanced VoIP Services. The bandwidth charges are incurred as part of the connection between our customers to allow them access to our services.
Certificates of Deposit.
On July 23, 2009 ATSI purchased a $215,000 certificate of deposit, with a one month maturity and a variable interest rate of return, from Wells Fargo Bank. The certificate of deposit automatically renews on a monthly basis. The certificate of deposit was terminated during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010.
On July 9, 2009 ATSI purchased a $110,000 certificate of deposit, with a monthly maturity and a variable interest rate of return, from Wells Fargo Bank. The certificate of deposit is pledged as collateral on a $100,000 promissory note with Wells Fargo Bank. The certificate of deposit automatically renews on a monthly basis. The certificate of deposit was terminated during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Bad debt expense is recognized based on management’s estimate of likely losses each year based on past experience and an estimate of current year uncollectible amounts. As of July 31, 2010 and 2009, ATSI’s allowance for doubtful accounts balance was approximately $10,000.
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries.
ATSI Comunicaciones S.A de C.V., (ATSICOM)
On May 22, 2003 ATSI sold 51% of its interest in ATSI Comunicaciones S.A de C.V., (ATSICOM) As of July 31, 2008, ATSI has a 49% interest in the profits and equity of ATSICOM, a Mexican corporation engaged in providing telecommunication services. During fiscal 2003, ATSI recorded the investment in the unconsolidated subsidiary in conformity with the equity method of accounting. During the year ended July 31, 2004, ATSI determined that the estimated future cash flows expected from the concession license were less than its carrying value. As a result ATSI recorded an impairment loss of approximately $702,000 to reduce the recorded value of the concession license to zero. Although there is no assurance of future value appreciation, from time to time ATSI will conduct a valuation of its investment in the concession license and record the determined value, if any, in its financial statements. As of July 31, 2010, nothing has come to management’s attention that would require ATSI to make any adjustment to its financial statement.
Property and equipment. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Additions are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions of equipment are reflected in operations. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are one to five years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. ATSI reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. ATSI assesses recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition. If the future net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair value.
Derivative financial instruments. ATSI does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. However, ATSI analyzes its convertible instruments and free-standing instruments such as warrants for derivative liability accounting.
For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported as charges or credits to income. For option-based derivative financial instruments, ATSI uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the derivative instruments.
The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date. As of July 31, 2010 and 2009, ATSI has derivative instruments related to warrants issued with debt (see Note 5)
Income taxes. ATSI recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered. ATSI provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which it does not consider realization of such assets to be more likely than not.
Since January 1, 2007, ATSI accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the authoritative guidance issued by the FASB on income taxes which addresses how an entity should recognize, measure and present in the financial statements uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. Pursuant to this guidance, ATSI recognizes a tax benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent the “more likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position is measured as the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. No liability for unrecognized tax benefits was recorded as of July 31, 2010 and 2009.
Stock-based compensation. ATSI accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the provisions on share-based payments which require measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Basic and diluted net loss per share. The basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss adjusted on an “as if converted” basis, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potential dilutive securities. For the year ended July 31, 2010, potential dilutive securities had an anti-dilutive effect and were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. For certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of our long-term debt approximates its fair value based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements. During the second quarter of the year ended July 31, 2010, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP”) which establishes the Codification as the sole source for authoritative U.S. GAAP and will supersede all accounting standards in U.S. GAAP, aside from those issued by the SEC. The adoption of the Codification did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Since the adoption of the ASC, the Company’s notes to the consolidated financial statements will no longer make reference to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) or other U.S. GAAP pronouncements.
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This update provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 and requires new disclosures for 1) significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 and the reasons for such transfers and 2) activity in Level 3 fair value measurements to show separate information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. In addition, this update amends Subtopic 820-10 to clarify existing disclosures around the desegregation level of fair value measurements and disclosures for the valuation techniques and inputs utilized (for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements). The provisions in ASU 2010-06 are applicable to interim and annual reporting periods beginning subsequent to December 15, 2009, with the exception of Level 3 disclosures of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, which will be required in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not impact the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows and related disclosures.
In February 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements. This update amends Subtopic 855-10 and gives a definition to the Securities and Exchange Commission filer, and requires SEC filers to assess for subsequent events through the issuance date of the financial statements. This amendment states that an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated for a reporting period. ASU 2010-09 becomes effective upon issuance of the final update. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-09 for the year ended July 31, 2010.
ATSI does not expect the adoption of any other recently issued accounting pronouncements to have a significant impact on ATSI’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE 2 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
On December 12, 2007, ATSI entered into a $3,000,000 accounts receivable financing agreement with Wells Fargo Business Credit (“WFBC”), a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. On March 26, 2008, WFBC increased the accounts receivable financing to $5,000,000. ATSI may offer to sell with recourse not less than $350,000 and no more than $5,000,000 of its accounts receivable to WFBC each month. WFBC pays to ATSI 85% of the aggregate amount of each account transferred under the Account Transfer Agreement. Once the account is collected by WFBC, it retains the amount originally paid for the account plus a daily factoring rate of 0.0349% for each day outstanding measured from the funding date and until the account is paid by ATSI’s customer. If an account is not paid within 90 days, ATSI must repurchase the account for the amount that it originally received for the account and pay the factor rate that has accrued prior to repurchase. The factoring agreement is for twelve months and ATSI can terminate this agreement upon 30 days written notice, subject to a $15,000 early termination fee. As of July 31, 2010 ATSI had approximately $93,789 in outstanding factored accounts. On August 4, 2010, ATSI terminated its financing agreement with WFBC.
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
During fiscal 2008 ATSI loaned $150,000 to NetSapiens Inc. The note receivable had a maturity date of June 26, 2008 with interest at 8% per year. The note was secured by NetSapiens’ proprietary Starter Platform License and SNAPsolution modules. On June 26, 2008 ATSI converted the outstanding interest and principal balance into a lifetime and perpetual NetSapiens’ License. The License provides ATSI with the ability to offer Hosted PBX (Private Branch eXchange), IP Centrex application, prepaid calling, call center, conferencing, messaging and other innovative telephony functionality necessary to offer standard and/or custom services to the Residential and Enterprise markets. The NetSapiens’ License is being amortized equally over a period of 10 years.
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Following is a summary of ATSI’s property and equipment at July 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
For the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, depreciation and amortization totaled approximately $165,000 and $152,000, respectively.
NOTE 5 - DEBT
At July 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, outstanding debt consisted of the following: (In thousands, except per share amounts).
ATSI analyzed these instruments for derivative accounting consideration and determined that the warrants issued to ATVF, Scott Crist, Roderick Ciaccioa & Vencore Solutions qualify as derivative instruments, due to the put right. ATSI estimated the fair market value of the put to be the difference between the potential cash settlement price per share and the exercise price, or approximately $85,000 which is the maximum amount of potential cash settlement by ATSI. Because the maximum cash settlement was greater than the fair value of the warrants, ATSI recorded the maximum cash settlement of $85,000 as a liability. Additionally, ATSI analyzed the rest of the instruments for derivative accounting and determined that liability treatment was not applicable.
NOTE 6 - GAIN ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT
In December 2007, ATSI entered into a promissory note payable with The Shaar Fund, Ltd. The promissory note was entered into as a result of the settlement agreement reached in which all parties agreed to release each other from all claims relating to the Series D Preferred Stock. As part of the settlement ATSI agreed to pay to The Shaar Fund, Ltd. the sum of $75,000 in cash in December 2007 and issue to The Shaar Fund a promissory note in the original principal amount of $450,000, bearing interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum and payable in 16 quarterly payments over 48 months. If paid in full within the first 18 months, ATSI is entitled to a discount of 22.5% on the then outstanding principal balance. On October 30, 2008, ATSI entered into a note discharged agreement and agreed to pay to The Shaar Fund, Ltd. $290,000 to satisfy the principal and accrued interest outstanding of $390,625 and $7,534, respectively. As a result of the discharge agreement, ATSI recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $108,160 for the year ended July 31, 2009.
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
At July 31, 2010, ATSI had a consolidated net operating loss carry-forward (“NOL”) of approximately $18,512,697 expiring in 2020 through 2029. The loss carry forwards are subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code including Section 382 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
ATSI conducts a periodic examination of its valuation allowance. Factors considered in the evaluation include recent and expected future earnings and ATSI’s liquidity and equity positions. As of July 31, 2010, ATSI has determined that a valuation allowance is necessary for the entire amount of deferred tax assets.
Deferred tax assets are comprised of the following as of July 31, 2010 and 2009:
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases:
ATSI leases its office space with monthly payments of $4,367; the lease expires in November 2011. The annual rent expense under the operating lease was $50,937 and $52,398 for 2009 and 2010, respectively. The future minimum lease payments under the operating lease are as follows:
NOTE 9 - EQUITY
Common Stock
During the year ended July 31, 2009 ATSI issued:
-
637,723 common shares to the holders of the Convertible Debentures in lieu of the conversion of notes payable in the principal amount of $166,400 and accrued interest of $5,785 at a conversion price of $0.27, in accordance with the original terms of the notes which allowed for voluntary conversion by the company at a conversion price at the higher of (a) $0.27 per share or (b) the average closing price of ATSI’s common stock for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of conversion.
-
5,611,963 common shares to its employees and Directors for services rendered. ATSI recorded the fair value of $225,000 as the compensation expense in its statement of operations
Preferred Stock
The terms of ATSI’s preferred stock restrict ATSI from declaring and paying dividends on ATSI’s common stock until such time as all outstanding dividends have been fulfilled related to the preferred stock. The outstanding preferred stock have liquidation preference prior to common stock and ratably with each other.
Series D Preferred Stock
Series D Preferred Stock was issued in February 2000. The Series D Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per annum payable quarterly. The Series D Preferred Stock and any accumulated, unpaid dividends may be converted into Common Stock for up to two years at the lesser of a) the market price on the day prior to closing or b) 83% of the five lowest closing bid prices on the ten days preceding conversion. The terms of ATSI’s Series D Preferred Stock allow for mandatory redemption by the holder upon certain conditions. The Series D Preferred Stock allows the holder to elect redemption upon the change of control of ATSI at 120% of the sum of $1,300 per share and accrued and unpaid dividends. Additionally, the holder may elect redemption at $1,270 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends if ATSI refuses to honor conversion notice or if a third party challenges conversion. The Series D Preferred Stock holders are not entitled to vote.
On December 10, 2007, ATSI and The Shaar Fund entered into a settlement agreement relating to certain litigation. ATSI paid $75,000 on December 12, 2007 and agreed to pay another $450,000 with interest at 7.5% per annum in quarterly payments of $16,667 on each of January 31, 2008 and April 30, 2008, and in quarterly payments of $26,042 commencing on July 31, 2008 and continuing until April 30, 2012. If paid in full within the first 18 months, ATSI will be entitled to a discount of 22.5% on the then outstanding principal balance. On October 30, 2008, ATSI entered into a note discharged agreement and subsequently paid The Shaar Fund, Ltd. $290,000 to satisfy the principal and accrued interest outstanding of $390,625 and $7,534, respectively. As a result of the discharge agreement ATSI recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $108,160 for the year ended July 31, 2009.
NOTE 10 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION TO EMPLOYEES
In September 2005, ATSI adopted its 2005 stock compensation plan. This plan, as amended, authorizes the grant of up to 17.5 million warrants, stock options, restricted common shares, non-restricted common shares and other awards to employees, Directors, and certain other persons. The plan is intended to permit ATSI to retain and attract qualified individuals who will contribute to the overall success of ATSI. ATSI’s Board of Directors determines the terms of any grants under the plan. Exercise prices of all warrants, stock options and other awards vary based on the market price of the shares of common stock as of the date of grant. The warrants, stock options, restricted common stock, non-restricted common stock and other awards vest based on the terms of the individual grant.
During the year ended July 31, 2009, ATSI granted:
- an option to an employee to purchase 75,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.16 per share, the closing price of ATSI’s common stock on the grant date, September 23, 2008. The options vest equally at each anniversary of the grant date over a three year period. All options expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. ATSI recognized over the relevant service periods $9,990 of non-cash compensation expense related to these options.
- an option to an employee to purchase 200,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.13 per share, the closing price of ATSI’s common stock on the grant date, October 13, 2008. The options vest equally at each anniversary of the grant date over a three year period. All options expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. ATSI recognized over the relevant service periods $22,156 of non-cash compensation expense related to these options.
- an option to an employee to purchase 60,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.13 per share, the closing price of ATSI’s common stock on the grant date, November 4, 2008. The options vest equally at each anniversary of the grant date over a three year period. All options expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. ATSI recognized over the relevant service periods $6,681 of non-cash compensation expense related to these options.
- options to two (2) employees to purchase an aggregate of 520,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.08 per share, the closing price of ATSI’s common stock on the grant date, January 30, 2009, 250,000 vests September 1, 2009, 10,000 vests November 1, 2009, 250,000 vests September 1, 2010 and 10,000 vests November 1, 2010. All options expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. ATSI recognized over the relevant service periods $35,564 of non-cash compensation expense related to these options.
- On January 30, 2009, ATSI’s Board of Directors approved the amendment of previously awarded stock options and as a result ATSI cancelled 8,239,000 stock options and reissued 7,619,000 stock options to various employees. The new exercise price of these options is set at $0.08 per share, the closing price as of the date of the amendment of the terms. The options vested upon issuance and will expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. Under the guidance on share-based payments, a modification of the terms of an award that makes it more valuable shall be treated as an exchange of the original award for a new award. In substance, the entity repurchases the original instrument by issuing a new instrument of greater value, incurring additional compensation cost for that incremental value. The incremental value shall be measured by the difference between (a) the fair value of the modified option determined in accordance with the provisions of this section and (b) the value of the old option immediately before its terms are modified, determined based on the shorter of (1) its remaining expected life or (2) the expected life of the modified option. Upon issuance, ATSI recognized $46,038 of non-cash incremental compensation expense. These options were subsequently canceled during fiscal 2009.
- On July 16, 2009, ATSI’s Board of Directors approved the amendment of previously awarded stock options and as a result ATSI cancelled 7,619,000 stock options and reissued 7,619,000 stock options to various employees. The new exercise price of these options is set at $0.04 per share, the closing price as of the date of the amendment of the terms. The options vested upon issuance and will expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. Under the guidance on share-based payments, a modification of the terms of an award that makes it more valuable shall be treated as an exchange of the original award for a new award. In substance, the entity repurchases the original instrument by issuing a new instrument of greater value, incurring additional compensation cost for that incremental value. The incremental value shall be measured by the difference between (a) the fair value of the modified option determined in accordance with the provisions of this section and (b) the value of the old option immediately before its terms are modified, determined based on the shorter of (1) its remaining expected life or (2) the expected life of the modified option. Upon issuance, ATSI recognized $9,747 of non-cash incremental compensation expense.
- On July 16, 2009, ATSI’s Board of Directors approved the amendment of previously awarded stock options and as a result ATSI reissued 520,000 stock options to two employees at an exercise price of $0.04 per share, the closing price as of the date of the amendment of the terms, 250,000 vest September 1, 2009, 10,000 vest November 1, 2009, 250,000 vest September 1, 2010 and 10,000 vest November 1, 2010. All options expire if not exercised on or before the seventh anniversary of the grant date. ATSI recognized over the relevant service periods $19,439 of non-cash compensation expense related to these options.
During the year ended July 31, 2009:
-
ATSI forfeited 720,000 options to purchase common shares to various employees that were terminated during fiscal 2009. None of the options had vested.
During the year ended July 31, 2010:
-
ATSI forfeited 780,000 options to purchase common shares to various employees that were terminated or departed during fiscal 2010, 260,000 had vested at an exercise price of $0.04, which was higher than the market price at the time of termination or departure.
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
ATSI recognized $22,000 and $$388,000 in stock based compensation expense to employees during years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Unamortized compensation cost totaled $2,778 and $27,960 at July 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively.
ATSI estimates the expected life of its options using the “simplified method” allowed for under SAB 107 which is the average between the contract term and the weighted average vesting period of the options.
The aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding as of July 31, 2010 and 2009 is $0 and $68,340, respectively.
A summary of the options as of July 31, 2010 and 2009 and the changes during the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:
NOTE 11 - WARRANTS ISSUED FOR SERVICES
During the year ended July 31, 2009, ATSI issued warrants to purchase 425,000 common shares to ATVF, Scott Crist, Roderick Ciaccio & Vencore solutions.
These warrants have the following “Put” and “Call” rights:
Put right. From and after the second anniversary of the warrants, the holder has the right to require ATSI to redeem the warrants upon five (5) Business days prior notice at price of $0.39 per share of common stock.
Call right. At any time any warrants are outstanding ATSI may require the purchaser to exercise the warrants and pay the exercise price therefore upon five (5) business days written notice if the last sale price of ATSI’s common stock is greater than $.80 per share for ten (10) consecutive trading days.
The fair value of the warrants was estimated to be $70,760 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
ATSI analyzed these warrants for derivative accounting consideration and determined that the warrants qualify as derivative instruments due to the put right. ATSI estimated the fair market value of the put to be the difference between the potential cash settlement price per share and the exercise price, or approximately $85,000 which is the maximum amount of potential cash settlement by ATSI. Because the maximum cash settlement was greater than the fair value of the warrants, ATSI recorded the maximum cash settlement of $85,000 as a liability.
A summary of the warrants as of July 31, 2010 and 2009 and the changes during the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:
The warrants outstanding as of July 31, 2010 and 2009 have an intrinsic value of zero.
NOTE 12 - NON-STANDARDIZED PROFIT SHARING PLAN
We currently provide a Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan. The Board of Directors approved the plan on September 15, 2006. Under the plan our employees qualified to participate in the plan after one year of employment. Contributions under the plan are based on 25% of the annual base salary of each eligible employee up to $46,000 per year. Contributions under the plan are fully vested upon funding. During fiscal 2010 and 2009, we contributed under the plan $0 and $174,000, respectively.
NOTE 13 - FINANCIAL CONSOLIDATION OF FIESTA COMMUNICATIONS
On May 1, 2008, ATSI sold all of the outstanding shares of Telefamilia Communications, Inc. to Fiesta Communications, Inc. for 975,000 shares of common stock in Fiesta Communications and $30,000 in cash to be paid through a promissory note in July 2008. With the 975,000 shares obtained from Fiesta, ATSI owns approximately 19.5% of Fiesta. Additionally, on May 1, 2008, Fiesta entered into convertible promissory note with ATSI for $52,984, with a maturity date of May 1, 2011 and an interest rate of 9%. Under the convertible promissory note, Fiesta agreed to pay twelve (12) equal quarterly payments of $5,088 starting on August 1, 2008 and continuing each quarterly period thereafter until all accrued and unpaid interest has been paid.
On October 31, 2008, ATSI and Fiesta agreed to extend the maturity date on the $30,000 promissory note to April 30, 2009 and all other terms remained the same. On October 31, 2008, Fiesta entered into a note payable with ATSI for $95,000, with a maturity date of April 30, 2009 and an interest rate of 10%. Additionally, on October 31, 2008, Fiesta paid in full to ATSI a promissory note with a principal balance of $35,000 and $1,467 in accrued interest. During the year ended July 31, 2009, ATSI also advanced additional $80,000 to Fiesta; the promissory note has a maturity date of January 31, 2010 and an interest rate of 8%. This note is secured by Fiesta’s assets, including contracts and intangible assets.
During the year ended July 31, 2009, ATSI reconsidered its investment in Fiesta under the guidance on consolidation of VIE's and concluded that because of the additional funding provided to Fiesta during fiscal 2009, ATSI became the primary beneficiary of Fiesta. ATSI will absorb a majority of losses of Fiesta. During year ended July 31, 2009, ATSI financially consolidated Fiesta. All significant intercompany transactions and balances were eliminated.
During the year ended July 31, 2010, ATSI reconsidered its investment with Fiesta and determined that it no longer qualified as a primary beneficiary under the guidance on consolidation of VIE’s subsequent to the first quarter of the year ended July 31, 2010. Consequently, Fiesta was no longer consolidated with ATSI as of such date and the related investment was written off.
NOTE 14 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND MAJOR VENDORS
ATSI generated 15 percent of its revenues from three customers during the year ended July 31, 2010 and 20 percent of its revenues from three customers during the year ended July 31, 2009 Although the Company believes that in the event of loss of such customers, the Company will still be able to generate comparable sales, there can be no assurance concerning such revenues.
ATSI incurred 20 percent of its cost of revenues to three vendors during the year ended July 31, 2010 and 28 percent of its cost of revenues to three vendors during the year ended July 31, 2009. The Company believes that there are potential alternative vendors and that it will be necessary to establish relationships with new providers. However, there can be no assurance that the Company can establish such relationships or that they will result in increased revenues.
NOTE 15 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On August 2, 2010, ATSI entered into a $750,000 revolving credit facility with Thermo Credit, LLC., with a maturity date of August 2, 2012. This credit facility is secured by ATSI's accounts receivables; bears an annual interest rate equivalent to the lesser of the maximum rate (the maximum rate permitted by the United States federal law or Louisiana law, whichever is greater) and the greater of the prime rate plus 8.25% and 11.5%, a commitment fee of 2% and weekly monitoring fee of .05%. The credit facility requires interest and weekly monitoring fee payments during the first twenty-three months and a balloon payment on the twenty-fourth month. ATSI can terminate this agreement upon 30 days written notice, subject to a 4% prepayment fee, calculated using the unpaid principal balance times the prepayment fee and prorated based on the months still remaining before maturity. Under the revolving credit facility, ATSI is required to maintain the following financial covenants: 1) A consolidated debt service coverage ratio, for the 12-month period, of not less than 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter and 2) A consolidated operating income, for the 12-month period, of not less than zero as of the last day of each fiscal year
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15a-15, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of July 31, 2010.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2010 in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Business Experience
The following table contains the name, age of our Directors and executive officers.
Name
Age
Position Held
Held Office Since
Arthur L. Smith
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Ruben R. Caraveo
Sr. Vice President, Operations and Technology
Antonio Estrada Jr.
Sr. Vice President, Finance & Corporate Controller
John R. Fleming
Director, Interim Executive Chairman of the Board
Murray R. Nye
Director
Our Directors are elected for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. Our officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and may be removed at any time. We do not have an employment contract or other agreement under which any person was elected as one of our officers or Directors. There are no family relationships between any of our Directors or officers.
Arthur L. Smith has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Director since May 2003. Mr. Smith also served as the President of ATSI de Mexico S.A de C.V. from August 2002 to April 2003, as our Chief Executive Officer and a Director from June 1996 to July 2002 and as our President since our formation in June 1996 to July 1998. Mr. Smith also served as President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of ATSI-Canada since its formation in May 1994. From December 1993 until May 1994, Mr. Smith served in the same positions with Latcomm International Inc., which amalgamated with Willingdon Resources Ltd. to form ATSI-Canada in May 1994. Mr. Smith also served as Chairman of the Board of ATSI’s subsidiary, Globalscape, Inc. (NYSE:GSB), until its spin-off and subsequent sale in June 2002. From June 1989 to December 1993, Mr. Smith was employed as Director of international sales by GeoComm Partners, a satellite-based telecommunications company located in San Antonio, providing telecommunications services to Latin America. Mr. Smith has over 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry.
Ruben R. Caraveo has served as our Sr. Vice President of Operations and Technology since August 2006, and is also the President for our wholly-owned subsidiary Digerati Networks, Inc. Prior to joining ATSI, Mr. Caraveo served as Vice President of Vycera Communications where he was responsible for overseeing wholesale carrier sales, and daily operations, including Engineering, Marketing, and the Network Operations Center. His prior experience also includes management positions with Worldtel Interactive, Frontier, and WorldCom. Mr. Caraveo has more than 20 years’ telecommunications industry experience, specializing in the areas of Carrier Sales, Network Operations, Engineering, Data and Systems Analysis, Product Marketing, and Systems Development. Mr. Caraveo attended California State University, Northridge, School of Engineering.
Antonio Estrada Jr. has served as our Sr. Vice President of Finance since August 2007. From May 2003 to July 2007, Mr. Estrada served as the Corporate Controller. From January 2002 through January 2003, Mr. Estrada served as our Director of International Accounting and Treasurer. From January 2001 to January 2002, Mr. Estrada served in various roles, including International Accounting Manager and General Accountant. Prior to joining ATSI in 1999 he served as a Senior Accountant for the Epilepsy Association of San Antonio and South Texas. Mr. Estrada has more than 12 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, financial reporting, treasury management, internal audit, SOX compliance, and accounting. Mr. Estrada graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio, with a Bachelors of Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting.
John R. Fleming has served as our Non-executive Chairman of the Board since August 2002 and as one of our Directors since January 2001. Mr. Fleming is the principal and founder of Vision Corporation, an early-stage investment company that focuses on communications technologies, service and hardware. Mr. Fleming also sits on the board of Mediaxstream Communications which is a high definition delivery system that services major studios and sports venues throughout the country. Prior to forming Vision Corporation, Mr. Fleming served as President, International of IXC Communications, Inc. from April 1998 to December 1999. Immediately prior to that he served as IXC’s President of Emerging Markets from December 1997, as Executive Vice President of IXC from March 1996 through November 1997 and as Senior Vice President of IXC from October 1994 through March 1996. He served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of IXC from its formation in July 1992 until October 1994. Prior to that, Mr. Fleming served as Director of Business Development and Director of Carrier Sales of CTI from 1986 to March 1990 and as Vice President of Marketing and Sales of CTI from March 1990 to July 1992. Mr. Fleming was a Branch Manager for Satellite Business Systems from 1983 to 1986 (a unit of IBM).
Murray R. Nye has served as one of our Directors since our formation in June 1996. Mr. Nye also served as the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of ATSI-Canada from its formation in May 1994. From December 1993 until May 1994, Mr. Nye served in the same positions with Latcomm International Inc., which company amalgamated with Willingdon Resources Ltd. to form ATSI-Canada in May 1994. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Nye served as President of Kirriemuir Oil & Gas Ltd. From 1989 until 1992, Mr. Nye was self-employed as a consultant and Mr. Nye is again currently self-employed as a consultant. Mr. Nye serves as a Director of D.M.I. Technologies, Inc., an Alberta Stock Exchange-traded company.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our Directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file various reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning their holdings of, and transactions in, securities we issued. Each such person is required to provide us with copies of the reports filed. Based on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and other information, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010, none of our officers, Directors or owners of 10% of any class of our securities failed to report transactions in our securities or reported transactions in our securities late.
Code of Ethics
We adopted an Executive Code of Ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other members of our management team. The Executive Code of Ethics may be viewed on our Website, www.atsi.net. A copy of the Executive Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon written request to ATSI Communications, Inc., 3201 Cherry Ridge, Building C, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78230.
Nominating Committee and Nomination of Directors
We do not have a formal nominating committee because the size of our Board of Directors is too small to establish separate standing committees. Our Directors perform the function of a nominating committee.
The Directors consider candidates recommended by other members of the Board of Directors, by executive officers and by one or more substantial, long-term stockholders. In addition, the Board of Directors may seek candidates through a third person recruiter. Generally, stockholders who individually or as a group have held 5% of our shares for over one year will be considered substantial, long-term stockholders. In considering candidates, the Directors take into consideration the needs of the Board of Directors and the qualifications of the candidate. The Board of Directors has not established a set of criteria or minimum qualifications for candidacy and each candidate is considered based on the demonstrated competence and knowledge of the individual. To have a candidate considered by the Directors, a stockholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:
·
The name of the stockholder and evidence of ownership of our shares, including the number of shares owned and the length of time of ownership; and
·
The name of the candidate, the candidate’s resume or a listing of her or his qualifications to be one of our Directors and the person’s consent to be named as a Director if nominated by the Directors.
The stockholder’s recommendation and information described above must be sent to us at 3201 Cherry Ridge, Building C, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78230 and, if the nominee is to be elected at a meeting of the stockholders, must be received by the Chief Executive Officer at least 180 days prior to the anniversary date of our most recent annual meeting of stockholders.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
We do not have an audit or other committee of our Board of Directors that performs equivalent functions. Our Board of Directors performs all functions of the audit committee. We do not have an audit committee financial expert because none of our current Directors have the necessary training or experience to qualify as a financial expert.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Our compensation programs are designed to meet the following objectives:
·
Offer compensation opportunities that attract highly qualified executives, reward outstanding initiative and achievement, and retain the leadership and skills necessary to build long-term stockholder value;
·
Emphasize pay-for-performance by maintaining a portion of executives’ total compensation at risk, tied to both our annual and long-term financial performance and the creation of stockholder value; and
·
Further our short and long-term strategic goals and values by aligning executive officer compensation with business objectives and individual performance.
Our Board of Directors believes that an executive’s compensation should be tied to the performance of the individual and the performance of the complete executive team against both financial and non-financial goals, some of which are subjective and within the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Our executive compensation program is intended to be simple and clear, and consists of the following elements (depending on individual performance):
·
Base salary;
·
Annual performance-based cash bonus;
·
Long-term incentives in the form of stock options; and
·
Benefits that are offered to executives on the same basis as our non-executive employees.
Role of Management in Determining Compensation Decisions
At the request of our Board of Directors, our management makes recommendations to our Board of Directors relating to executive compensation program design, specific compensation amounts, bonus targets, incentive plan structure and other executive compensation related matters for each of our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer. Our Board of Directors maintains decision-making authority with respect to these executive compensation matters.
Our Board of Directors reviews the recommendations of our management with respect to total executive compensation and each element of compensation when making pay decisions. In allocating compensation among compensation elements, we emphasize incentive, not fixed compensation to ensure that executives only receive superior pay for superior results. We equally value short- and long-term compensation because both short- and long-term results are critical to our success. In addition, our compensation program includes various benefits provided to all employees, including life insurance, health insurance and other customary benefits. The objectives and details of why each element of compensation is paid are described below.
Base Salary. Our objective for paying base salaries to executives is to reward them for performing the core responsibilities of their positions and to provide a level of security with respect to a portion of their compensation. We consider a number of factors when setting base salaries for executives, including:
·
Existing salary levels;
·
Competitive pay practices;
·
Individual and corporate performance; and
·
Internal equity among our executives, taking into consideration their relative contributions to our success.
Annual Incentive Awards. Our objective for offering annual cash bonus awards to our named executive officers is to motivate them to achieve our annual financial goals, while taking into account their individual goals and responsibilities. Our Board of Directors implemented our executive officer bonus plan, effective as of the first quarter of fiscal 2009 pursuant to which our named executive officers became eligible to receive cash bonus awards calculated and paid on a quarterly basis. The amounts payable under our executive officer bonus plan were to be calculated based on our revenue, margin, cash balance and net income for 2010 against the 2010 financial plan approved by our Board of Directors.
Under our executive officer bonus plan, we assigned a specific bonus target to each executive for performance during the fiscal year. Our Board of Directors designed these bonus targets to allow for additional compensation in the event we meet our targets set fort under the financial plan approved by our Board of Directors. Cash bonus targets were determined based on individual responsibility levels and performance expectations and would be payable in a proportionate amount representing the percentage of our targeted corporate net income goal pursuant to our financial plan for the fiscal year. After discussion and deliberation, our Board of Directors ultimately approved our management’s recommendations as detailed below:
Payouts under our executive officer bonus plan are dependent on our achievement towards our revenue, margin, cash balance and net income goal such that 100% of the bonus target amounts would be paid upon achievement of 100% of the net income goal. Above and below target performance methodologies were also established
We consider the specific performance goals established in the 2009 and 2010 financial plan to be our confidential information, the disclosure of which would cause us to experience financial harm. We believe that tying annual bonus payments for each of our named executive officers to the achievement of challenging revenue, margin, cash balance and net income goals best aligns the interest of our executives with the interests of our stockholders and promotes a unity of purpose among our key business leaders. Regardless of our actual financial performance under our 2009 and 2010 financial plan, our Board of Directors retained the discretion to adjust bonuses payable under our 2009 and 2010 executive officer bonus plan up or down as it deemed appropriate.
Long-term Incentive Awards. We award long-term incentive compensation to focus our executives on our long-term growth and stockholder return, as well as to encourage our executives to remain with us for the long-term. Long-term incentive awards are primarily in the form of grants of stock options and/or stock award pursuant to our 2005 Stock Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). We selected this form because of the favorable accounting and tax treatment and the expectation of key employees in our industry that they would receive stock options and/or stock grants. We do not have pre-established target award amounts for long-term incentive grants. In determining long-term incentive awards for the named executive officers, our Board of Directors relies on recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer, who considers the individual performance of the executives, the relation of the award to base salary and annual incentive compensation, and associated accounting expense. The terms of and amount of awards are made by our Board of Directors in accordance with the Plan.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
(1)
Bonus amounts paid during fiscal 2010 are based on achieving monthly margin requirements as stipulated in the annual compensation plan. Bonus amounts during fiscal 2009 were paid for achieving profitability and positive working capital during fiscal 2008 and one-time bonus for services provided in previous fiscal years without compensation.
(2)
A description of the assumptions made in valuation of options granted can be found in Note 10 to the Financial Statements, which is deemed to be a part of this Item.
(3)
All other compensation consists of contributions to the Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan.
Equity-based Compensation Plans
Our Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Stock Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan the Board of Directors may grant up to 17,500,000 shares of our common stock to our officers, Directors, employees and consultants. Grants may be in the form of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock awards, and/or unrestricted stock awards. The number and terms of each award is determined by the Board of Directors, subject to the limitation that the exercise price of any option may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The Board of Directors has not retroactively granted options, but has repriced options under the Plan. The following tables set forth information about the number of grants made during fiscal 2010 and 2009 and the number of outstanding stock options held by each of our named executive officers as of July 31, 2010.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
(1)
Contributions to the Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan during fiscal
(2)
This represents the repricing of previously issued stock options. A description of the assumptions made in valuation of options granted can be found in Note 10 to the Financial Statements, which is deemed to be a part of this Item.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan
We currently provide a Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan. The Board of Directors approved the plan on September 15, 2006. Under the plan our employees qualified to participate in the plan after one year of employment. Contribution under the plan by us is based on 25% of the annual base salary of each eligible employee up to $46,000 per year. Contributions under the plan are fully vested upon funding. The following table contains certain information relating to the benefits accrued under the Non-Standardized Profit Sharing Plan for the named executive officers.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
(1)
All amounts reported in this column are included as Other Compensation for fiscal 2010 in the Summary Compensation Table.
(2)
All amounts reported in this column are included as Other Compensation for fiscal 2009 in the Summary Compensation Table.
Compensation of Directors
Each Director that is not an officer of the Company receives $2,000 for each meeting of the Board attended in person and $500 for each meeting attended by telephone. In addition to the foregoing, each Director is reimbursed the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their travel to an attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
We do not have a compensation committee of our Board of Directors or other committee that performs the same functions. Mr. Arthur L. Smith is presently our Chief Executive Officer and serves on our Board of Directors and participates in deliberations concerning executive compensation.
Compensation Committee Report
Our Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such discussion, included the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information regarding securities authorized to be issued under equity compensation plans is set forth under Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table lists the beneficial ownership of shares of our Common Stock (i) each person know to the Company to own more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities issued by the Company, (ii) each Director and nominee, (iii) the named executive officers, and (iv) all Directors and officers as a group. Information with respect to officers, Directors and their families is as of July 31, 2010 and is based on the books and records of the Company and information obtained from each individual. Information with respect to other stockholders is based upon the Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G filed by such stockholders with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise stated, the business address of each individual or group is the same as the address of the Company’s principal executive office and all securities are beneficially owned solely by the person indicated.
(1)
Based upon 52,271,120 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2010. Any shares represented by options exercisable within 60 days after July 31, 2010 are treated as being outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class for such person but not otherwise.
(2)
Includes 1,695,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
(3)
Includes 1,475,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
(4)
Includes 1,447,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
(5)
Includes 1,075,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
(6)
Includes 1,075,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
(7)
Includes 6,767,000 shares subject to options exercisable at July 31, 2010.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Our CEO and President, Arthur L Smith, is a 16% stockholder of Fiesta Communications, Inc. On May 1, 2008, we sold all of the outstanding shares of Telefamilia Communications, Inc. to Fiesta for 975,000 shares of common stock in Fiesta and a $30,000 promissory note due in July 2008. With the 975,000 shares obtained from Fiesta, we owned approximately 19.5% of Fiesta. Also on May 1, 2008, we lent Fiesta $52,984 to Fiesta in return for a convertible promissory note with a maturity date of May 1, 2011 and an interest rate of 9%. Under the convertible promissory note, Fiesta agreed to pay twelve (12) equal quarterly payments of $5,088 starting on August 1, 2008 and continuing each quarterly period thereafter until all accrued and unpaid interest has been paid.
On October 31, 2008, we agreed to extend the maturity date on the $30,000 promissory note to April 30, 2009. Also on October 31, 2008, we lent Fiesta $95,000 pursuant to a secured promissory note due April 30, 2009 and an interest rate of 10%. A portion of the proceeds from the $95,000 promissory note was used to pay the principal and accrued interest under the $30,000 promissory note received on May 1, 2008. During the year ended July 31, 2009, we advanced Fiesta an additional $80,000 in exchange for a promissory note due January 31, 2010 and bearing an interest rate of 8%. This note is secured by Fiesta’s assets, including contracts and intangible assets.
During the year ended July 31, 2009, we reconsidered its investment in Fiesta under the guidance of FIN46R and concluded that because the additional funding provided to Fiesta during fiscal 2009, we became the primary beneficial owner of Fiesta and Fiesta was fully consolidated. During the year ended July 31, 2010, we wrote-off our investment in Fiesta and recognized a $24,000 net loss applicable to noncontrolling interest.
Except as set forth above, we have not engaged in any transactions in which a member of the Board of Directors had an interest. Our Board of Directors has determined that the Directors other than Mr. Smith are independent as that term is defined in New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.02.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid to Malone & Bailey, PC for audit services rendered in connection with the audits and reviews of ATSI’s consolidated financial statements and reports for the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009.
The Board of Directors has instructed Malone and Bailey, PC that any fees for non-audit services must be approved before being incurred. We did not incur any non-audit fees to Malone and Bailey, PC during fiscal 2010.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
The following documents are exhibits to this report.
2.1
Plan and Agreement of Merger of ATSI Communications, Inc. with and into ATSI Merger Corporation, dated as of March 24, 2004. (Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K of ATSI filed on May 24, 2004)
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of ATSI Merger Corporation. (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of ATSI filed on May 24, 2004)
3.2
Bylaws of ATSI Merger Corporation. (Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K of ATSI filed on May 24, 2004)
3.3
Articles of Merger of ATSI Communications, Inc. with and into ATSI Merger Corporation. (Exhibit 3.3 to Form 8-K of ATSI filed on May 24, 2004)
4.1
Promissory note payable to Alfonso Torres dated October 1, 2007 in the principal amount of $459,170. (Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-QSB for the period ended October 31, 2006 filed December 1 4, 2007)
4.2
Promissory Notes payable to several holders dated September 26, 2008 in the principal amount of $850,000. (Exhibit 4.6 to Form 10-KSB for the period ended July 31, 2008 filed October 29, 2008)
4.3
Promissory note payable to San Antonio National Bank dated October 23, 2008 in the principal amount of $425,000. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-KSB for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed December 15, 2008)
4.4
Promissory note payable and security agreement with ATV Texas Ventures III, LP., dated November 11, 2009 in the principal amount of $100,000. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed December 12, 2009)
4.5
Promissory note payable and security agreement with ATV Texas Ventures III, LP., dated January 10, 2010 in the principal amount of $100,000. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2010 filed
March 12, 2010)
4.6
Promissory note payable and security agreement with ATV Texas Ventures III, LP., dated March 16, 2010 in
the principal amount of $50,000. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K for the period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 9, 2010)
4.7
Loan and Security Agreement and Promissory Note dated August 2, 2010 between ATSI Communications, Inc. and Thermo Credit, LLC. (Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to Form 8-K for ATSI filed August 19, 2010)
10.1
Interconnection Agreement TELMEX and ATSICOM (English summary) (Exhibit 10.26 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended July 31, 2003 filed November 12, 2003)
10.2
Interconnection Agreement TELMEX and ATSICOM (English Translation) (Exhibit 10.27 to Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended July 31, 2003 filed March 2, 2004)
10.3
Settlement Agreement dated December 10, 2007 between ATSI Communications, Inc. and The Shaar Fund, Inc. (Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-QSB for the period ended October 31, 2006 filed December 1 4, 2007)
10.4
Confidential Settlement Agreement dated August 27, 2007 between ATSI Communications, Inc. and RGC International Investors, LDC. (Exhibit 10.7 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the period ended July 31, 2007 filed October 17, 2007)
10.5
Settlement Agreement dated October 20, 2008 between ATSI Communications, Inc. and the 9% Convertible Debenture holders. (Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-KSB for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed December 15, 2008)
21.1
Subsidiary List *
31.1
Certification of our President and Chief Executive Officer, under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
31.2
Certification of our Corporate Controller and Principal Financial Officer, under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.1
Certification of our President and Chief Executive Officer, under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.2
Certification of our Corporate Controller and Principal Financial Officer, under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
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.
ATSI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Date: October 8,
By:
/s/ Arthur L. Smith
Arthur L. Smith
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Arthur L. Smith
Principal Executive Officer and Director
October 8, 2010
Arthur L. Smith
/s/ Antonio Estrada Jr.
Principal Accounting Officer
October 8, 2010
Antonio Estrada Jr.
Principal Finance Officer
/s/ John R. Fleming
Director
October 8, 2010
John R. Fleming
/s/ Murray R. Nye
Director
October 8, 2010
Murray R. Nye
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
Description
21.1
Subsidiary List
31.1
Certification of our President and Chief Executive Officer, under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of our Corporate Controller and Principal Financial Officer, under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of our President and Chief Executive Officer, under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of our Corporate Controller and Principal Financial Officer, under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.