EarthLink Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2004 Results

EarthLink Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2004 Results

ATLANTA, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2004. Highlights for the quarter and year include:

* Revenues of $338.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2004, a
3.0 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of 2003, and
$1.382 billion for 2004, a 1.4 percent decrease from 2003.

* Net income of $35.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2004, or
$0.23 per share, compared to $10.7 million, or $0.07 per share, from
the fourth quarter of 2003, and net income of $111.0 million or
$0.70 per share for 2004, compared to a net loss of $(66.8) million, or
($0.42) per share, for 2003.

* Net income before facility exit costs (a non-GAAP measure) of
$139.4 million, or $0.88 per share, for 2004, compared to a net loss
before facility exit costs of $(30.2) million, or ($0.19) per share,
for 2003.

* Earnings before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation
and amortization and facility exit costs (adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP
measure) of $53.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2004, a
47.4 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2003, and
$218.4 million for 2004, a 63.1 percent increase from 2003.

* Operating income of $37.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, an
improvement from $10.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2003, and
$110.8 million for 2004, an improvement from the operating loss of
$(67.0) million for 2003.

* Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) of $44.9 million in the fourth
quarter of 2004, compared to $26.0 million from the fourth quarter of
2003, and $186.1 million for 2004, compared to $93.6 million for 2003.



"EarthLink achieved record net income in 2004, benefiting from greater operational efficiencies and lower telecommunications costs," said Garry Betty, EarthLink president and chief executive officer. "Looking ahead to 2005, we plan to use portions of our cash flow and profits to invest in exciting new initiatives that can potentially transform our business and generate new sources of revenue.

"In particular, the recent announcement of our wireless joint venture with SK Telecom reflects our mission to be the nation's next generation ISP. In addition to offering innovative wireless services and applications, we will also take advantage of the growing convergence of data and voice technologies to launch expanded VoIP and other wireline voice services."

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Subscribers


For the quarter, EarthLink added 84,000 net broadband subscribers and 118,000 net value PeoplePC Online subscribers, while the net premium dial-up subscriber base decreased by 211,000 and Web hosting accounts declined by 5,000. Overall, EarthLink's customer base declined 14,000 during the fourth quarter.

EarthLink ended the quarter with 5.4 million total subscribers, or a 3.5 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2003. EarthLink ended the quarter with 1.4 million broadband customers, an increase of 28.6 percent from a year ago, and 3.9 million total narrowband subscribers, a decrease of 2.6 percent from the fourth quarter of 2003. Total narrowband subscribers include 876,000 PeoplePC Online subscribers, a 106.6 percent increase from December 31, 2003, and 3.0 million premium narrowband subscribers, a 15.6 percent decrease from the end of 2003.

Overall average monthly churn was 4.7 percent during the fourth quarter of 2004, level with the third quarter of 2004, but an increase from 4.1 percent in last year's fourth quarter. The increase in churn was primarily due to the higher level of gross subscriber additions over the past several quarters, primarily related to PeoplePC Online, whose shorter-tenured customers comprise an increasingly greater proportion of our customer base. Other factors include the higher percentage of newer customers for other services who tend to have a higher rate of churn during initial months of service and premium narrowband customers migrating to broadband services as retail broadband prices have declined.

Revenues and Gross Margins Before Sales Incentives

For the quarter, total revenues were $338.1 million, a 3.0 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of 2003. Broadband revenues were $106.2 million, an increase of 8.1 percent over the prior year quarter, driven by the growth in broadband subscribers. Narrowband revenues were $208.6 million, a decline of 9.5 percent from the prior year quarter. The decline in narrowband revenues was primarily due to the shift in the mix of our narrowband customer base from premium narrowband subscribers to PeoplePC Online subscribers. Web hosting, advertising and other value-added services generated revenues of $23.3 million, an increase of 17.0 percent compared to the prior year quarter, driven primarily by increased search-related advertising revenues and ancillary services revenues.

Gross margins before sales incentives (a non-GAAP measure) rose to $236.3 million, an increase of 3.6 percent from the fourth quarter of 2003. Gross margins before sales incentives continued to expand and were 69.9 percent of total revenues during the fourth quarter of 2004, a 450 basis point improvement from the prior year quarter. The increase in gross margins before sales incentives was due to continuing improvements in both narrowband and broadband telecommunications costs per subscriber and management's decision to discontinue sales of PeoplePC hardware bundles in the first quarter of 2004. This decision contributed to the overall decline in equipment and related revenues which tend to have lower margins.

Operating Margins and Net Income

EarthLink's quarterly adjusted EBITDA improved 47.4 percent to $53.8 million, representing 15.9 percent of total revenues, compared to $36.5 million, or 10.5 percent of total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2003. The $17.3 million and 540 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin reflects a significant increase in gross margins before sales incentives and continuing operational efficiencies primarily related to the restructuring of the contact center organization completed in the first quarter of 2004, partially offset by an increase in sales and marketing expenses associated with a greater number of broadband customer additions during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Net income for the quarter was $35.6 million, or $0.23 per share, a $24.9 million increase from $10.7 million, or $0.07 per share, in the prior year quarter. The improvement in net income is the result of the $17.3 million increase in adjusted EBITDA (noted above), a $3.7 million decrease in acquisition-related amortization attributable to subscriber base assets becoming fully amortized, and a $4.9 million decrease in depreciation due primarily to declines in capital expenditures over the past three years and disposed assets as a result of the contact center restructuring.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

The company continued to generate significant free cash flow. In the fourth quarter of 2004, EarthLink had $44.9 million in free cash flow, a 72.9 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2003. The company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of its common stock for $15.8 million in accordance with its share repurchase program. It had $173.5 million remaining under the program as of December 31, 2004. EarthLink's cash and marketable securities were $531.0 million as of December 31, 2004, representing a $22.7 million increase from September 30, 2004.

Non-GAAP Measures

Gross margins before sales incentives, adjusted EBITDA, net earnings (loss) before facility exit costs, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial performance measures. They should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Please refer to the Consolidated Financial Highlights for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial performance measures to the most comparable measures reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and Footnote 4 of the Consolidated Financial Highlights for a discussion of the presentation, comparability and use of such financial performance measures.

Other Fourth Quarter Highlights and Recent Developments

Recognizing the growing importance of the convergence of data and voice services to the company's future, EarthLink launched Free Online Calling during the quarter. The service enables EarthLink high-speed access subscribers to make Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls free of charge and reflects the company's continuing efforts to be a leader in the deployment of VoIP services. Last year, the company became the first major ISP to offer a comprehensive VoIP solution, EarthLink Unlimited Voice, providing subscribers with a flat-rate, broadband telephony service that includes features to connect with wireless or traditional land-based telephones.

EarthLink continued to introduce tools and innovative features to improve the customer's Internet experience and minimize online threats. In particular, EarthLink launched the EarthLink Protection PackPLUS(TM), a suite of protection applications for customers that currently use another provider for their dial-up or high-speed access. EarthLink Protection PackPLUS(TM) is one of the most comprehensive safety and security product bundles available online today.

EarthLink also introduced the latest upgrade to its easy-to-use anti- spyware feature, Spyware Blocker. The product's key enhancement is real-time spyware blocking, which immediately prevents hidden applications from being downloaded onto an unsuspecting consumer's computer.

In addition to launching innovative tools and new services, EarthLink also maintained its reputation for award winning service. During the quarter, EarthLink received the Readers' Choice Award for dial-up service from PC Magazine for the second year in a row.

Finally, in late January, EarthLink and SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM), Korea's leading mobile communications company, announced a definitive agreement to form a joint venture to market wireless voice and data services in the U.S. The new entity, to be called SK-EarthLink ( www.SK-EarthLink.com ) and capitalized with $440 million of partner investments over the next three years, will be a non-facilities-based nationwide mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). SK-EarthLink expects to enter a previously under-served but rapidly growing wireless data and voice market. SK-EarthLink will leverage SK Telecom's expertise in developing and implementing 3G technology and other cutting edge applications and EarthLink's established sales channels, Wi-Fi experience, network data centers and billing capabilities.

Business Outlook

These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. See comments under "Cautionary Information Regarding Forward- Looking Statements" below. The company undertakes no obligation to update these statements.

Based on current market trends and operating plans, EarthLink expects to increase the number of its paying subscribers by approximately 200,000 to 250,000 in 2005 through expected growth in its value narrowband and broadband offerings, after it transfers its wireless operations in connection with the formation of the SK-EarthLink joint venture.

EarthLink will transfer approximately 30,000 wireless subscribers to the joint venture. For 2005, we expect the transfer of these customers will negatively impact revenues by approximately $35 million, but we expect the transfer of the wireless operations will be approximately neutral for adjusted EBITDA and net income. In addition to the transfer of EarthLink's current wireless customers, we expect our proportionate share of the joint venture's 2005 net losses will be approximately $0 to $(20) million, which are expected to be reflected as "net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates." However, we expect these equity method losses will be partially offset by $3 to $8 million in service revenues and management fees received from the joint venture.

For 2005, EarthLink expects to experience continued overall revenue growth in its broadband and value narrowband services offset by declines in its premium narrowband and web hosting services. As a result of these trends and the transfer of our wireless operations, we expect overall revenues of $1.3 to $1.34 billion for the full year 2005.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2005, EarthLink will be required to adopt the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (R) and expense the fair value of stock options over the vesting period of the options. We expect this will result in $9 million of additional expense in the last half of 2005. Additionally, EarthLink expects to incur an estimated $15 million of expense to fund certain growth initiatives in the latter half of 2005. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA for 2005 is expected to be in the range of $180 to $200 million.

Depreciation expense is expected to be approximately $40 million in 2005, reflecting the reduction in capital expenditures in recent years. Acquisition-related amortization is expected to decline to approximately $13 million as intangible assets from prior acquisitions become fully amortized. Net income is expected to be in the range of $106 to $146 million for 2005.

In the first quarter of 2005, EarthLink expects to add 20,000 to 50,000 subscribers, driven by continued growth in our broadband and value narrowband offerings. EarthLink anticipates gross margins before sales incentives for the first quarter of 2005 will be consistent with levels experienced in the fourth quarter of 2004 on expected revenues of $330 to $335 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to decline slightly compared to the fourth quarter 2004 to $45 to $50 million due to transaction legal expenses arising from the formation of SK-EarthLink, and net income is expected to be in the range of $28 to $33 million.

Conference Call for Analysts and Investors

Investors in the U.S. and Canada interested in participating in the conference call on February 8, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) may dial 1-800-706-0730 and reference the EarthLink call. Other international investors may dial 1-706-634-5173 and also reference the EarthLink call. EarthLink recommends dialing into the call approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Investors also will have the opportunity to listen to a live Webcast of the conference call via the Internet at the following site: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77594&p=irol-IRHome

A taped replay will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. EST on February 8, 2005 through midnight on February 15, 2005 by dialing 1-800-642-1687. International callers should dial 1-706-645-9291. The replay confirmation code is 2879376.

The Webcast of this call will be archived on our site at: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77594&p=irol-audioArchives

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM), EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed and dial up Internet Service Providers. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, web hosting, wireless voice and data services, or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking, security or voice over IP, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release includes "forward-looking" statements (rather than historical facts) that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Although we believe that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot promise that our expectations will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from and worse than our expectations. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be required pursuant to applicable law. With respect to forward-looking statements in this press release, the company seeks the protections afforded by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These risks include, without limitation, (1) that we may not be able to successfully implement our broadband strategy which would materially and adversely affect our subscriber growth rates and future overall revenues; (2) that we may not successfully enhance existing or develop new products and services in a cost-effective manner to meet customer demand in the rapidly evolving market for Internet and wireless telecommunications services; (3) that our service offerings may fail to be competitive with existing and new competitors; (4) that competitive product, price or marketing pressures could cause us to lose existing customers to competitors, or may cause us to reduce prices for our services; (5) that our commercial and alliance arrangements, including marketing arrangements with Sprint and Dell, may be terminated or may not be as beneficial to us as management anticipates; (6) that declining levels of economic activity, increasing maturity of the market for Internet access, or fluctuations in the use of the Internet could negatively impact our subscriber growth rates and incremental revenue levels; (7) that we may experience other difficulties that limit our growth potential or lower future overall revenues; (8) that service interruptions could harm our business; (9) that we have historically not been profitable and we may not be able to sustain profitability; (10) that our third party network providers may be unwilling or unable to provide Internet and wireless telecommunications access; (11) that we may be unable to maintain or increase our customer levels if we do not have uninterrupted and reasonably priced access to local and long-distance telecommunications systems for delivering dial-up and/or broadband access, including, specifically, that incumbent local exchange carriers and cable companies may not provide last mile broadband access to the company on a wholesale basis or on terms or at prices that allow the company to grow and be profitable in the broadband market; (12) that we may not be able to protect our proprietary technologies or successfully defend infringement claims and may be required to enter licensing arrangements on unfavorable terms; (13) that government regulations could force us to change our business practices; (14) that we do not consummate the EarthLink-SK Telecom joint venture transaction, or that if we do consummate the transaction, the company does not realize the benefits it is seeking from the joint venture as a result of lower than predicted revenues or subscriber levels, larger funding requirements or otherwise; and (15) that some other unforeseen difficulties may occur. This list is intended to identify some of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements included herein. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of all risks and uncertainties inherent in the company's business, and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed cautionary statements included in EarthLink's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2003 2004 2003 2004
Statement of Operations Data (in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:
Narrowband access $230,431 $208,559 $965,025 $874,010
Broadband access 98,190 106,177 361,124 419,411
Web hosting 12,319 11,226 49,902 47,547
Advertising and other value-
added services 7,636 12,116 25,879 41,234
Total revenues 348,576 338,078 1,401,930 1,382,202

Operating costs and expenses:
Telecommunications service
and equipment costs 120,454 101,798 519,149 431,162
Sales incentives 4,350 2,331 21,176 10,040
Total cost of revenues 124,804 104,129 540,325 441,202

Sales and marketing 100,237 105,279 382,965 417,250
Operations and customer
support 73,331 60,476 297,045 255,192
General and administrative 30,850 26,669 127,664 105,043
Acquisition-related
amortization 8,680 4,946 84,299 24,363
Facility exit costs (1) - (597) 36,596 28,394
Total operating costs and
expenses 337,902 300,902 1,468,894 1,271,444

Income (loss) from operations 10,674 37,176 (66,964) 110,758
Loss on investments in other
companies (202) (694) (202) (1,420)
Interest income and other, net 246 1,801 4,972 6,131
Income (loss) before income
taxes 10,718 38,283 (62,194) 115,469
Provision for income taxes (2) - 2,694 - 4,460
Net income (loss) 10,718 35,589 (62,194) 111,009
Deductions for accretion
dividends (3) - - (4,586) -
Net income (loss) attributable
to common stockholders $10,718 $35,589 $(66,780) $111,009

Basic net income (loss) per
share $0.07 $0.24 $(0.42) $0.72

Diluted net income (loss) per
share $0.07 $0.23 $(0.42) $0.70

Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding 159,399 149,233 157,321 154,233

Diluted weighted average
common shares outstanding 162,774 153,665 157,321 157,815


Other Financial Data

Net Earnings (Loss) Before Facility
Exit Costs (a non-GAAP measure) (4):
Net income (loss) attributable
to common stockholders $10,718 $35,589 $(66,780) $111,009
Facility exit costs (1) - (597) 36,596 28,394
Net earnings (loss) before
facility exit costs (4) $10,718 $34,992 $(30,184) $139,403

Diluted earnings (loss) per
share before facility exit
costs (4) $0.07 $0.23 $(0.19) $0.88

Weighted average common shares
outstanding used to compute
diluted earnings (loss) per
share before facility exit
costs 162,774 153,665 157,321 157,815

Earnings Before Interest,
Income Taxes, Depreciation
and Amortization and Facility
Exit Costs (Adjusted EBITDA,
a non-GAAP measure)(4):

Reconciliation of net income
(loss) to EBITDA before
facility exit costs (Adjusted
EBITDA) (4):
Net income (loss) $10,718 $35,589 $(62,194) $111,009
Provision for income taxes (2) - 2,694 - 4,460
Depreciation and
amortization 25,815 17,214 164,244 79,219
Loss on investments in other
companies 202 694 202 1,420
Interest income and other,
net (246) (1,801) (4,972) (6,131)
Facility exit costs (1) - (597) 36,596 28,394
EBITDA before facility
exit costs (Adjusted
EBITDA) (4) $36,489 $53,793 $133,876 $218,371

Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation - cost of
revenues $9,065 $6,588 $42,132 $27,313
Depreciation - other 8,070 5,680 37,813 27,543
Acquisition-related
amortization 8,680 4,946 84,299 24,363
Depreciation and
amortization $25,815 $17,214 $164,244 $79,219


Gross Margins Before Sales
Incentives (a non-GAAP
measure) (4):
Total revenues $348,576 $338,078 $1,401,930 $1,382,202

Total cost of revenues 124,804 104,129 540,325 441,202
Sales incentives (4,350) (2,331) (21,176) (10,040)
Telecommunications service
and equipment costs 120,454 101,798 519,149 431,162

Gross margins before sales
incentives (4) $228,122 $236,280 $882,781 $951,040

Gross margins before sales
incentives as a percentage
of total revenues 65% 70% 63% 69%


Free Cash Flow (a non-GAAP
measure) (4):

Reconciliation of income
(loss) from operations to
free cash flow (4):
Income (loss) from
operations $10,674 $37,176 $(66,964) $110,758
Facility exit costs (1) - (597) 36,596 28,394
Depreciation and
amortization 25,815 17,214 164,244 79,219
Purchases of property and
equipment (6,439) (8,425) (28,445) (29,890)
Purchase of subscriber bases (4,063) (435) (11,867) (2,419)
Free cash flow (4) $25,987 $44,933 $93,564 $186,062



Other Data
December 31, September 30, December 31,
2003 2004 2004
Key Operating Data:
Narrowband subscribers 3,984,000 3,973,000 3,880,000
Broadband subscribers 1,061,000 1,280,000 1,364,000
Web hosting accounts 161,000 149,000 144,000
Total subscriber count at
end of period 5,206,000 5,402,000 5,388,000

Number of employees at end of
period (5) 3,335 2,040 2,067


December 31, September 30, December 31,
2003 2004 2004
(in thousands)

Cash and marketable securities $487,865 $508,298 $530,970
Stockholders' equity 543,663 522,715 547,607



Reconciliation of Guidance Provided in
Non-GAAP Measures (amounts are estimates) (4)
Three
Months Year
Ending Ending
March 31, December 31,
2005 2005
(in millions)
Reconciliation of Net Income to
EBITDA Before Facility Exit Costs
(Adjusted EBITDA) (4):
Net income $28-$33 $106-$146
Provision for income taxes (2) 3 13
Depreciation 10 40
Acquisition-related amortization 4 13
Interest income and other, net (3) (12)
Net losses of equity affiliates 3 0-20
EBITDA before facility exit
costs (Adjusted EBITDA) (4) $45-$50 $180-$200

Footnotes

1. During the quarter ended March 31, 2003, EarthLink executed a plan to
streamline its contact center facilities to increase operational
efficiencies and reduce costs. In connection with the plan, EarthLink
closed contact center operations in Seattle, Washington; Dallas,
Texas; Sacramento, California; and Pasadena, California. The plan
directly impacted 1,220 employees and resulted in a net reduction of
920 employees, primarily customer support personnel. As a result of
the plan, EarthLink recorded facility exit costs of $36.6 million
during the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, EarthLink executed a plan to
restructure and further streamline its contact center operations. In
connection with the plan, EarthLink closed contact center operations
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Roseville, California; San Jose,
California; and Pasadena, California and reduced its contact center
operations in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately 1,140 employees were
directly impacted, primarily customer support personnel. As a result
of the plan, EarthLink recorded facility exit costs of $30.2 million
during the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2004, EarthLink reduced its
estimates for real estate commitments associated with the 2003 and
2004 contact center plans by $0.5 million based on recent events. In
addition, EarthLink reduced its estimates for severance by
$0.1 million. As a result, EarthLink reduced facility exit costs by
$0.6 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.


The components of the facility exit costs are as follows:

Three Months Twelve Months
Ended Ended
Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2003 2004 2003 2004
(in thousands)
Severance, employee and
personnel related costs $- $(61) $10,737 $10,606
Real estate and service
termination costs - (536) 18,207 9,223
Fixed asset disposals - - 7,652 8,565
Total facility exit costs $- $(597) $36,596 $28,394


2. EarthLink has historically reported net losses and, in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States,
has not recorded any income tax benefits from those losses because of
uncertainty regarding their realization. EarthLink reported net
income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
Although EarthLink utilized net operating loss carryforwards to offset
taxable income in 2004, EarthLink expects alternative minimum tax
amounts to be payable primarily due to the net operating loss
carryforward limitations associated with the alternative minimum tax
calculation, and the estimated alternative minimum tax amounts due are
included in the provision for income taxes. The provision for income
taxes also includes a deferred tax provision associated with the
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards which were acquired in
connection with the acquisitions of OneMain.Com, Inc., Cidco
Incorporated and PeoplePC Inc.

EarthLink continues to maintain a valuation allowance against its
deferred tax assets, consisting primarily of net operating loss
carryforwards, and EarthLink may recognize deferred tax assets in
future periods when they are estimated to be realizable. To the
extent EarthLink reports income in future periods, EarthLink intends
to use its net operating loss carryforwards to the extent available to
offset taxable income and reduce cash outflows for income taxes.

3. Reflects the accretion of Liquidation Dividends on Series A and
Series B convertible preferred stock at a 3% annual rate, compounded
quarterly, and the accretion of a dividend related to the beneficial
conversion feature in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue
No. 98-5, "Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial
Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios."
During the three months ended June 30, 2003, all remaining Series A
and Series B convertible preferred stock were converted to common
stock, and as a result, there are no shares of Series A or Series B
convertible preferred stock outstanding and no associated dividend
obligations.

4. Net earnings (loss) before facility exit costs, including the related
diluted per share amounts, earnings before interest income and
expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and
facility exit costs (Adjusted EBITDA), and free cash flow are non-GAAP
measures and are not determined in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. These financial
performance measures are not indicative of cash provided or used by
operating activities and may differ from comparable information
provided by other companies, and they should not be considered in
isolation, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than measures of
financial performance determined in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. These financial
performance measures are commonly used in the industry and are
presented because EarthLink believes they provide relevant and useful
information to investors. EarthLink utilizes these financial
performance measures to assess its ability to meet future capital
expenditures and working capital requirements, to incur indebtedness
if necessary, and to fund continued growth. EarthLink also uses these
financial performance measures to evaluate the performance of its
business, for budget planning purposes and as factors in its employee
compensation programs. Since the elements of these financial
performance measures are determined using the accrual basis of
accounting and exclude the effects of certain capital, financing,
acquisition-related, and facility exit costs, investors should use
them to analyze and compare companies on the basis of current period
operating performance.

Gross margins before sales incentives is also a non-GAAP measure and
is not determined in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. EarthLink utilizes and has presented
gross margins before sales incentives to allow investors to analyze
margins on direct telecommunications service and equipment costs
incurred to generate revenues. Gross margins before sales incentives
should not be considered in isolation, as an alternative to or more
meaningful than measures of financial performance determined in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States and may differ materially from comparable information provided
by other companies.

5. Represents full-time equivalents.



Source: EarthLink

CONTACT: Media, Dan Greenfield, mobile, +1-404-432-6526, or
greenfie@corp.earthlink.net , or Investors, Michael Gallentine,
+1-404-748-7153, or mobile, +1-404-395-5155, or
gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net , both of EarthLink

Web site: http://www.earthlink.net/
http://www.sk-earthlink.com/
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=77594&p=irol-IRHome
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