



But instead, the company disclosed in its earnings release that it projects 2013 capex at $180-190MM for the non-CONE businesses. The equivalent number in 2012 was $140MM, so they're increasing their investment into a declining business. The value creation they promised with one hand through the CONE IPO is being hijacked by management with the other. In addition to which, they're paying certain employees $40-50MM in "IPO success payments". So far, those are the only people who have made any money out of the IPO.

Fortunately we were not bold and our investment was very small (indeed, smaller after today's rout). The good news is that the equity in CBB's remaining business excluding the 69% of CONE they retain is valued at negative $320MM. That's how the market assesses their decision to quicken the pace of fiber-optic investments and the odds that they'll generate a return above their cost of capital.

So now it's over to the activists to impose a taste of corporate democracy on a management team that's lost the plot. As of December 31 holders included Marcato Capital Management, Gabelli and Lonestar Capital Management. Assuming they retain an investment they can't be happy with today's developments. The IPO Success Fee especially grates. We're holding our small position in the knowledge that more value exists than the company's current valuation implies while we await a 13-D filing. It might well be an interesting story to follow.

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