<PAGE>   1
 
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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                       OR
 
[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM  ______________ TO  ______________
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-20803
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
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<S>                                           <C>
                   DELAWARE                                     74-2644120
       (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
        INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                      IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
             5000 PLAZA ON THE LAKE, SUITE 200, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (512) 328-1112
 
                            ------------------------
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
                NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED: NONE
 
 SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK, PAR
                              VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes X  No  _
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
 
     The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant on March 21, 1997, based on the closing price
of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on such date, was
$280,181,250.
 
     The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of
March 21, 1997 was 30,799,560 shares.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 1996 in
connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference
into Part III hereof.
 
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<PAGE>   2
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                     INDEX
 
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                                            PART I
Item 1.    Business.....................................................................      1
Item 2.    Properties...................................................................     29
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings............................................................     30
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..........................     30
 
                                            PART II
Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters........     30
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data......................................................     32
Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
           Operations...................................................................     32
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................................     41
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
           Disclosure...................................................................     41
 
                                           PART III
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...........................     41
Item 11.   Executive Compensation.......................................................     41
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management...............     41
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...............................     41
 
                                            PART IV
Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports and Form 8-K............     42
Glossary................................................................................    A-1
Financial Statements....................................................................    F-1
Signatures..............................................................................    I-1
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<PAGE>   3
 
                                     PART I
 
     Certain of the information contained in the Registrant's Form 10-K (the
"Form 10-K"), including information regarding its network expansion and switched
long distance services and related strategy and financing, are forward-looking
statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The Registrant's actual
results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the matters described in the
forward-looking statements, see "Business -- Risk Factors." Certain terms used
herein are defined in the Glossary at page A-1.
 
     As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Company"
refers to IXC Communications, Inc. ("IXC Communications") and its subsidiaries,
including predecessor corporations. Industry data was obtained from a report
issued in March 1996 from the FCC and from reports dated April 1995 and January
1996 from International Data Corporation (an industry research organization),
which the Company has not independently verified.
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION
 
     The development of the long distance telecommunications industry was
strongly influenced by a 1982 court decree requiring the divestiture by AT&T of
its seven RBOCs and dividing the country into approximately 200 LATAs. The seven
RBOCs were allowed to provide local telephone service, local access service to
long distance carriers and intra-LATA long distance service (service within a
LATA), but were prohibited from providing inter-LATA service (service between
LATAs). The right to provide inter-LATA service was given to AT&T and the other
interexchange carriers, including the LECs that are not RBOCs. The FCC requires
all interexchange carriers to allow the resale of their inter-LATA services to
long distance carriers, and the 1982 court decree substantially eliminated
different access arrangements as distinguishing features among long distance
carriers. These and other legislative and judicial factors have helped smaller
long distance carriers emerge as alternatives to AT&T, MCI and Sprint for long
distance services.
 
     In 1996, the federal government enacted the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "Telecommunications Act"), which, among other things, allows the RBOCs and
others such as electric utilities and cable television companies to enter the
long distance business. The Company expects that the Telecommunications Act will
substantially alter the way in which the telecommunications industry is
regulated. Such changes are, however, difficult to predict accurately, because
the FCC has not yet enacted all of the numerous regulations necessary to
implement the Telecommunications Act. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such
as electric utilities, cable television companies or foreign companies into the
long distance business may result in reduced market shares for existing long
distance companies and additional pricing pressure on long distance providers
such as the Company. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition," "-- Risk
Factors -- Recent Legislation and Regulatory Uncertainty" and "-- Regulation."
 
MARKET AND COMPETITION
 
     General.  Companies in the domestic long distance market had estimated
revenues of $75.9 billion in 1995. AT&T is the largest long distance carrier,
with an estimated 56.5% of total market revenues in 1995, while MCI and Sprint
had an estimated 19.7% and 9.4%, respectively, of total market revenues in that
year. These three carriers constitute what generally is referred to as the
"first tier" in the long distance market. Medium-sized long distance companies,
some with national capabilities, such as WorldCom, Frontier, Cable & Wireless
and LCI, constitute the "second tier" of the industry and, cumulatively, are
believed to have accounted for approximately 8.4% of total market revenues in
1995. The remainder of the market share is held by smaller companies, which are
known as "third-tier" carriers. The Company provides private line services to
companies in all three tiers and switched long distance services to companies in
the second and third tiers.
 
                                       -1-
<PAGE>   4
 
     According to data included in Long Distance Market Shares, Fourth Quarter
1995, an FCC report issued in March 1996, while long distance revenues grew at a
compound annual rate of over 8% during the period from 1989 through 1995, the
revenues of all carriers other than the first tier grew in the aggregate at a
compound annual rate of over 22% during the same period. The report also stated
that the smaller second-tier and third-tier carriers increased their market
share sixfold over a ten-year period, increasing from less than 3% in 1984 to
more than 17% in 1994. In addition, industry sources estimate that combined
revenues of second-tier and third-tier carriers grew by 17.9% in 1995.
 
     Competition among the Company's customers and other retail long distance
providers for end-user customers is based upon advertising, pricing, customer
service, network quality and value-added services. The Company believes that
AT&T, MCI and Sprint engage in only limited direct sales to small and
medium-sized commercial users, generally focusing on residential and large
commercial accounts, thus creating opportunities for smaller long distance
providers. Industry observers estimate that over 400 smaller companies have
emerged to compete in the long distance business. See "-- Risk
Factors -- Competition."
 
     Private Line Services.  Long distance companies may be categorized as
facilities-based carriers and nonfacilities-based carriers. Sellers of private
line services are generally facilities-based carriers that own long distance
transmission facilities, such as fiber optic cable or digital microwave
equipment. The first-tier and some second-tier long distance companies are
facilities-based carriers offering private line service nationwide.
Facilitiesbased carriers in the third tier of the market generally offer private
line services only in a limited geographic area. Customers using private line
services include: (i) facilities-based carriers that require long distance
transmission capacity where they have geographic gaps in their facilities, need
additional capacity or require geographically different alternative routing; and
(ii) non-facilities-based carriers requiring long distance transmission capacity
to carry their customers' long distance traffic. The Company's competitors in
the private line business include AT&T, MCI, Sprint and WorldCom and certain
regional carriers. Qwest has announced its intention to construct a
coast-to-coast fiber optic network and Frontier has announced that it will pay
$500.0 million for fibers in Qwest's network. As such network is completed,
Qwest will become a competitor of the Company, and Frontier may also become a
competitor of the Company, in the private line business. Important competitive
factors in the private line business are price, customer service, network
location and quality, reliability and availability. See "-- Private Line
Services."
 
     Switched Long Distance Services.  Long distance companies may be
characterized as switched or switchless carriers. Sellers of switched long
distance services are generally switched carriers, such as the Company, that own
one or more switches that direct telecommunications traffic. Facilities-based
carriers are generally switched carriers. However, many non-facilities based
carriers (i.e., many long distance resellers) have switches. The Company's
customers are switchless carriers that depend on switched carriers to provide
switched long distance services to their end users. The Company's competitors in
the switched long distance business include AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WorldCom and
Frontier and many non-facilities-based switched carriers. Important competitive
factors in the switched long distance business are customer service
(particularly with respect to speed in delivery of computer billing records and
set-up of new end users with the LECs), ability of the network to complete calls
with a minimum of network-caused busy signals, scope of services offered, price,
reliability and transmission quality.
 
CALL ROUTING
 
     An inter-LATA long distance telephone call begins with the caller's LEC
transmitting the call by means of its local switched network to a point of
connection with an interexchange carrier. The interexchange carrier, through its
switches and long distance transmission network, transmits the call to the
called party's LEC, which then completes the call over its local facilities. For
each long distance call, the originating LEC charges an access fee. The
interexchange carrier also charges a fee for its transmission of the call, a
portion of which consists of a fee charged by the LEC used to deliver the call.
Under the Telecommunications Act, state proceedings may in certain instances
determine LEC access charge rates. It is uncertain at this time what effect such
proceedings may have on such rates.
 
                                       -2-
<PAGE>   5
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
     Long distance voice traffic generally is transmitted through digital
microwave or fiber optic systems. Long distance data traffic is generally
transmitted through fiber optic systems or satellites.
 
     Fiber Optic Systems.  Fiber optic systems use laser-generated light to
transmit voice and data in digital format through fine strands of glass. Fiber
optic systems are characterized by large circuit capacity, good sound quality,
resistance to external signal interference and direct interface with digital
switching equipment. A pair of modern fiber optic strands, using current
technology, is capable of carrying 192 DS-3s, or over 129,000 simultaneous
telephone calls. Because fiber optic signals disperse over distance, they must
be regenerated at sites located along the fiber optic cable (on older fiber
optic systems the interval is 20 to 25 miles; on newer systems that utilize
modern fiber optic cable and splicing methods, such as will be used in the
network expansion, it is approximately 50 to 75 miles).
 
     Microwave Systems.  Although limited in capacity in comparison with fiber
optic systems (generally, no more than 28 DS-3s can be transmitted by microwave
between two antennae), digital microwave systems offer an effective and reliable
means of transmitting voice and data signals over intermediate and longer
distances. Microwaves are very high frequency radio waves that can be reflected,
focused and beamed in a line-of-sight transmission path. Because of their
electrophysical properties, microwaves can be used to transmit signals through
the air, with relatively little power. To create a communications circuit,
microwave signals are transmitted through a focusing antenna, received by an
antenna at the next station in the network, then amplified and retransmitted.
Because microwaves attenuate as they travel through the air, this transmission
process must be repeated at repeater stations, which consist of radio equipment,
antennae and back-up power sources, located on average every 25 miles along the
transmission network. As of December 31, 1996, the remaining net depreciated
book value of the Company's microwave equipment was less than 3% of total
assets.
 
     Satellites.  An alternative method of transmitting telecommunications
traffic is through satellite transmission. Satellite transmission is superior to
fiber optic transmission for distribution communications, for example, video
broadcasting. Although satellite transmission is not preferred to fiber optic
transmission for voice traffic in most parts of the United States because it
exhibits a slight (approximately one-quarter-second) time delay, such delay is
not important for many data-oriented uses. In the event the market for data
transmission grows, the Company will compete with satellite carriers in such
market.
 
   
COMPANY OVERVIEW
    
 
     The Company provides two principal services to long distance companies: (i)
transmission of voice and data over dedicated circuits ("private lines"); and
(ii) switched long distance services. The Company is one of only five carriers
that currently own a digital telecommunications network extending from
coast-to-coast (the other carriers are AT&T, MCI, Sprint and WorldCom). As of
February 28, 1997, the Company's network included approximately 10,000 digital
route miles, containing over 96,000 fiber miles (excluding fibers as to which
the Company has sold or exchanged long-term rights to use). Its facilities
include five long distance switches located in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago,
Philadelphia and Atlanta and ten Frame Relay-ATM switches located in major
cities.
 
     The Company had revenues of $203.8 million for 1996, with approximately
$99.8 million generated by its private line business and approximately $104.0
million generated by its switched services business. The Company has private
line circuit contracts with over 200 long distance carriers, including AT&T,
MCI, Sprint, WorldCom, Cable & Wireless, Frontier and LCI. The Company also
provides private line transmission service to customers after contract
expiration on a monthto-month basis. Pursuant to the Company's private line
contracts, customers are required to make fixed monthly payments, generally in
advance. Many of such contracts contain substantial "take or pay" commitments.
The Company has historically enjoyed a high customer retention rate in its
private line business.
 
                                       -3-
<PAGE>   6
 
     The Company expanded into the business of selling switched long distance
services to long distance resellers in order to complement its private line
business and to capitalize on its ability to provide switched services over its
own network. Switched long distance services are telecommunications services
that are processed through the Company's digital switches and carried over long
distance circuits and other transmission facilities owned or leased by the
Company. The Company sells switched long distance services on a per-call basis,
charging by minutes of use ("MOUs"), with payment due monthly after services are
rendered. The Company's switched network became fully operational in February
1996.
 
     The Company has switched long distance services contracts with over 70 long
distance resellers. Excel, the Company's largest customer of switched long
distance services, is contractually obligated to continue to utilize a minimum
of 70 million minutes of traffic per month until reaching total usage of 4.2
billion minutes (subject to Excel's right to reduce or terminate its commitment
under certain circumstances), of which approximately 3.3 billion minutes
remained as of February 28, 1997. The Company's switched long distance business
has grown rapidly, with Excel accounting for most of the growth. The Company's
switched long distance revenues amounted to approximately $104.0 million for
1996, with $3.6 million in the first quarter, $19.0 million in the second
quarter, $35.3 million in the third quarter and $46.1 million in the fourth
quarter. The Company plans to continue to expand the capabilities of the
switched network in 1997 to meet customer demand by adding additional equipment,
including at least three long distance switches anticipated to be located in
Fresno, California, Joplin, Missouri and New York, New York. See "-- Switched
Long Distance Services." The Company believes that it is well-positioned to
continue to attract long distance resellers as customers for its switched long
distance services because: (i) it is not currently a significant competitor for
sales to end users; and (ii) it provides more focused service to its reseller
customers, since servicing such customers is its primary business, unlike its
major competitors whose main business is selling retail long distance service to
end users in competition with their reseller customers.
 
     The Company's primary business objectives over the near term are: (i) to
continue to increase revenue from its switched long distance services business;
(ii) to complete a substantial portion of the network expansion in 1997; and
(iii) to utilize its expanded network to increase its revenues and
profitability.
 
     Because of geographic limitations and capacity constraints, the Company
currently supplements its own facilities with a significant amount of fiber
capacity obtained from other carriers. The Company is currently engaged in a
major expansion of its network, to increase the Company's geographic scope and
network capacity. Prior to beginning construction of the network expansion in
late 1995, the Company owned a coast-to-coast network containing over 1,700
route miles of fiber optic cable and over 5,000 route miles of digital
microwave. The network expansion includes routes planned: (i) from New York to
Los Angeles via Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas and Phoenix; (ii) from Los
Angeles to San Francisco; (iii) from New York to Houston via Atlanta; and (iv)
from Houston to Dallas. These routes would add approximately 7,000 route miles
to the Company's network. As of February 28, 1997, over 3,100 route miles of the
network expansion were complete.
 
     The network expansion is expected to deliver significant strategic and
financial benefits to the Company through:
 
     (i) producing substantial savings by allowing the Company to move a portion
of its excess private line traffic from leased circuits on the networks of other
carriers to its own expanded network;
 
     (ii) providing high-capacity new routes and substantially increasing the
capacity of certain existing routes, allowing the Company to increase revenues
by leasing additional circuits to its customers, including high-capacity
circuits such as OC-48's, OC-12's and OC-3's;
 
     (iii) allowing the Company to improve profitability in its switched long
distance services business by reducing its underlying transmission costs; and
 
     (iv) creating sufficient capacity to support increased demand which may
result from Internet and multimedia applications, Frame Relay and ATM.
 
                                       -4-
<PAGE>   7
 
     The Company plans to meet the costs of the routes from New York to Los
Angeles via St. Louis and from New York to Houston via Atlanta with cash on
hand, the proceeds of a proposed offering of Junior Convertible Preferred Stock
Due 2007 (the "Convertible Preferred Stock") of IXC Communications which is
expected to close at the end of March 1997 or the beginning of April 1997 (the
"Convertible Stock Sale"), the proceeds in connection with a contract with LCI
pursuant to which LCI will purchase an indefeasible right to use fibers from
Chicago to Los Angeles for approximately $97.9 million (the "LCI Fiber Sale")
and a contract with MCI pursuant to which MCI will purchase an indefeasible
right to use fibers from Los Angeles to New York for approximately $121.0
million (the "MCI Fiber Sale"), additional cost-saving arrangements, cash flow
from its operations and vendor financing it may seek. The Company is reducing
the per-route-mile cost of these routes through fiber sales to LCI and MCI,
fiber exchange arrangements with WorldCom and Vyvx and joint construction
arrangements with other carriers.
 
     In 1996 the Company began equipping its network with the data switches and
other equipment necessary to enter into the Frame Relay and ATM transmission
business. This equipment, in connection with the network expansion and
additional equipment and software to be installed in 1997, should allow the
Company to enter into the business of Frame Relay and ATM transmission for
Internet and Intranet providers and other large users of data capacity. The
Company began beta-testing such facilities in late 1996 and will begin such
services in the first half of 1997. Although such services will not be a
significant source of revenues in 1997, the Company expects that the market for
such high-capacity data uses will grow substantially in the future along with
the expected growth of Internet and Intranet use. To position itself to benefit
from such growth, the Company seeks to establish itself as a high quality
provider of choice of these services.
 
     During the last six months, the Company continued to sign contracts with
new and existing customers for switched long distance services and private line
services. During this period, Excel's usage of the Company's network increased
substantially above its 70 million minute per month minimum. In addition, the
Company entered into a significant agreement with a major long distance carrier
that will obtain private line services from the Company. Under this contract the
Company will supply DS-3 circuits for aggregate revenues of over $24.0 million
during 1997-1998. The Company also entered into an interconnection agreement
with Bell Atlantic that will facilitate its entry into the data communications
business.
 
     Over 3,100 route miles of the network expansion had been completed through
February 28, 1997. The Company has entered into several agreements with other
carriers that will result in reductions or offsets to its per-route-mile cost of
construction, including:
 
     (i) a contract with LCI pursuant to which LCI will purchase an indefeasible
right to use fibers from Chicago to Los Angeles for approximately $97.9 million;
 
     (ii) a contract with MCI pursuant to which MCI will purchase an
indefeasible right to use fibers from Los Angeles to New York for approximately
$121.0 million. This contract replaces a $20.0 million lease contract with MCI
for OC-48 capacity announced in January 1997;
 
     (iii) a contract with Vyvx to exchange the use of certain fibers on the
Company's New York to Los Angeles route for the use of fibers on a 1,600-mile
route Vyvx is constructing from Washington, D.C. to Houston;
 
     (iv) joint construction contracts with other carriers: LCI (Youngstown,
Ohio -- Toledo), DTI (Anderson, Missouri -- Kansas City), and CCTS (Riverdale,
Illinois -- Chicago). These arrangements allow the Company and the other
carriers to share the costs of construction of these routes;
 
     (v) a contract with MFS, a recently acquired subsidiary of WorldCom,
pursuant to which MFS will include fibers for the Company in a route MFS is
constructing from Cleveland through upstate New York to New York City. This
route, which replaces a previously planned Company route from Cleveland to
Philadelphia, will substantially increase the scope of the Company's network by
including cities in upstate New York, bring the network to Albany (which may
facilitate a future extension to Boston), and provide many additional fibers
into New York City; and
 
                                       -5-
<PAGE>   8
 
     (vi) other contracts providing for the Company to sell another carrier the
use of fibers in routes the Company is constructing: GST (Phoenix to the
Arizona-New Mexico border) and WorldCom (Phoenix -- Las Vegas).
 
     In January 1997, the Company entered into agreements to purchase two long
distance companies, LDS, a switchless reseller with 1996 revenues of
approximately $30.0 million, and Telecom One, a switchless reseller with 1996
revenues of approximately $8.0 million. The consideration for these acquisitions
will be the Company's common stock (the "Common Stock"). The Company expects to
complete these acquisitions in 1997 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions,
including receipt of regulatory approvals. For a description of how many shares
of the Common Stock will be issued pursuant to these acquisitions, see
"-- Acquisitions."
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's primary business objectives over the near term are: (i) to
continue to increase revenue from its switched long distance services business;
(ii) to complete the route from New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis and a
substantial portion of the route from New York to Houston via Atlanta in 1997;
and (iii) to utilize its expanded network to increase its revenues and
profitability.
 
     The key elements of the Company's strategy to achieve these objectives are:
 
     Reducing Costs.  The Company seeks to achieve substantial cost savings
through the network expansion by reducing the amount of capacity it would
otherwise obtain from other carriers. The Company incurred costs (including
through noncash capacity exchanges) of $60.1 million for off-net fiber optic
capacity from other carriers for 1996. In the event the Company achieves revenue
growth in the private line business or the switched long distance business, its
usage of long distance transmission capacity (including capacity leased from
other carriers) will increase. The Company believes the network expansion will
enable it to reduce expenditures for capacity now leased off-net (and to reduce
the additional expenses for leasing capacity that would otherwise be required to
support revenue growth) and thereby increase its operating cash flow, because
the new fiber routes: (i) should carry much of the traffic that would otherwise
be transmitted over off-net circuits and (ii) may enable the Company to enter
into additional exchanges of fiber capacity with other carriers. See "-- The
Company's Network" and "-- Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Completion of the
Network Expansion."
 
     Increasing Private Line Revenues.  The Company's ability to expand its
private line business has previously been limited because the existing network
owned by the Company is geographically limited and because the digital microwave
portion of its network has been utilized at or near its maximum practical
capacity. The Company seeks through the network expansion to install
high-capacity new routes and substantially increase the capacity of certain
existing routes, allowing the Company to lease additional circuits to its
customers, including high-capacity circuits such as OC-48's, OC-12's and OC-3's.
The network expansion has already enabled the Company to obtain significant
orders for capacity on the new routes. The Company entered into a contract in
September 1996 with a major long distance carrier for the Company to provide
DS-3 circuits, each with a one-year term, principally along the route from New
York to Los Angeles via St. Louis. The carrier has ordered circuits under the
contract for aggregate revenue in excess of $24.0 million during 1997-1998. The
Company continues to seek significant new orders over the network expansion
routes and believes that it is well positioned to obtain such orders.
 
     Establishing a Platform for Capacity-Intensive Data Applications.  The
Company is using advanced fiber optic technology in the network expansion. The
expanded network will have SONET technology and the broadband capabilities to
provide a platform to support advanced, capacity-intensive products such as
Frame Relay, ATM, multimedia and Internet related applications. In 1996 the
Company began equipping its network with the data switches and other equipment
necessary to enter into the Frame Relay and ATM transmission business. This
equipment, in connection with the network expansion and additional equipment and
software to be installed in 1997, should allow the Company to enter into the
business of Frame Relay and ATM transmission for Internet and Intranet providers
and other large users of data capacity. The Company began beta-testing with such
facilities in late 1996 and will begin offering such services in the first half
of 1997.
 
                                       -6-
<PAGE>   9
 
Although such services will not be a significant source of revenues in 1997, the
Company expects that the market for such high-capacity data uses will grow
substantially in the future along with the expected growth of Internet and
Intranet use. To position itself to benefit from such growth, the Company seeks
to establish itself as a high quality provider of choice of these services. The
Company entered into an interconnection agreement with Bell Atlantic in late
1996 that will facilitate its entry into the data services business. See "-- The
Company's Network" and "-- Risk Factors -- Development Risks of the Frame Relay
and ATM Transmission Business."
 
     Providing Backup Routing for Major Carriers.  An area of growth in certain
markets for the Company in recent years has been the provision of circuits to
facilities-based carriers such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint and WorldCom (the other four
companies that currently own coast-to-coast digital networks), to be used as
alternative routes by such carriers in the event of a service outage. Such
companies prefer alternative routes separated geographically from their routes
to increase the possibility that the alternative route will be functional in the
event of a natural disaster. The Company has planned the network expansion to be
separated geographically as far as practicable from the existing fiber routes of
such carriers. The Company believes that the network expansion, with the
resulting significant increase in fiber optic geographic coverage and capacity,
will greatly increase the attractiveness of the Company's network as alternative
routing to certain major carriers as a backup to their own networks.
 
     Capitalizing on Excel Relationship.  The Company views Excel as the "anchor
tenant" of its switched network, providing the Company with significant traffic
volumes on which to base its entry into the switched long distance services
business. The Company seeks to maintain and increase its level of traffic from
Excel, which currently obtains the bulk of the switched long distance services
it requires from other carriers, through customer service, network quality and
geographic availability. See "-- Switched Long Distance Services -- Customers
and Marketing." Excel entered into a four-year, $900.0 million contract to
purchase switched long distance services from WorldCom and a two-year, $120.0
million contract to purchase switched long distance services from MCI. Although
the Company believes that Excel's commitments to WorldCom, MCI and its other
suppliers will not impair Excel's relationship with the Company, WorldCom and
MCI will be significant competitors for Excel's business. See "-- Risk
Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers."
 
     Establishing Other Long-Term Relationships.  The Company seeks to establish
a dependable revenue stream through long-term relationships with its customers.
The Company has private line contracts (generally on a long-term basis) with
over 200 long distance carriers, including AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WorldCom, Cable &
Wireless, Frontier and LCI. The Company has historically enjoyed a high customer
retention rate in its private line business. Although the Company's switches
first became fully operational in the first quarter of 1996, the Company has
already entered into contracts with over 70 long distance resellers.
 
     Providing an Automated Software Interface.  The Company seeks to increase
its attractiveness to existing and potential customers of switched long distance
services by providing a sophisticated automated interface to the Company's
computer system through its proprietary IXC Online software. Utilizing IXC
Online, customers are able to access up-to-date information regarding their
end-user customers and the calls made by such end-users. IXC Online is designed
to allow each of the Company's carrier customers to: (i) download call detail
records for its end-users for billing purposes; (ii) arrange with the
appropriate LEC to register the carrier as the designated long distance carrier
for its new end-users; and (iii) file trouble reports for resolution.
 
     Acting as an Alternative Switched Long Distance Services Provider.  The
Company believes that it is well positioned to attract long distance resellers
as customers for its switched long distance services because: (i) it is not
currently a significant competitor for sales to end users; and (ii) it provides
more focused service to its reseller customers, since servicing such customers
is its primary business, unlike its major competitors (AT&T, MCI, Sprint,
WorldCom and Frontier) whose main business is selling retail long distance
service to end-users in competition with their reseller customers. See
"-- Switched Long Distance Services" and "-- Risk Factors -- Development Risks
and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business."
 
     Acquisitions.  As part of its growth strategy, the Company has agreed to
acquire LDS and Telecom One and may, from time to time, acquire businesses,
assets or securities of companies which it believes provide a
 
                                       -7-
<PAGE>   10
 
strategic fit with its business and network. Although the Company currently has
no commitments or agreements with respect to any possible acquisitions other
than with LDS and Telecom One, it has reviewed potential acquisition candidates
and has held preliminary discussions with a number of these candidates. The
Company will use shares of its Common Stock as consideration for the LDS and
Telecom One acquisitions and may use Common Stock as consideration for other
acquisitions. See "-- Acquisitions" and "-- Risk Factors -- Acquisition Risks."
 
THE COMPANY'S NETWORK
 
  Services
 
     The Company provides two basic services: (i) private line services; and
(ii) switched long distance services. In addition, the Company is entering into
the business of providing data services.
 
     Private Line Services.  A private line is an unswitched telecommunications
transmission circuit used by customers, such as non-facilities-based carriers
that have switches but do not own transmission facilities, to transport their
traffic between LATAs. Calls being transmitted over a private line circuit for a
carrier customer are generally routed by the customer through a switch to a
receiving terminal in the Company's network. The Company transmits the signals
over a private line to the terminal where the signals exit the Company's
network. The signals are generally then routed by the carrier customer through
another switch and to the call recipient through a LEC. The Company typically
bills carrier customers a fixed monthly rate depending on the capacity and
length of the circuit, regardless of the amount the circuit is actually used.
See "-- Private Line Services."
 
     Switched Long Distance Services.  Switched long distance services are
telecommunications services such as residential and commercial long distance
service that involve processing calls through the switches of a carrier. Among
the Company's switched long distance services product offerings are two basic
services: (i) call origination and termination services and (ii) call
termination services. For non-facilities-based carriers such as switchless
carriers, the Company provides call origination and termination. This generally
includes: (i) arranging with the caller's LEC to connect the call to the
Company's switching center (this is referred to as "origination") and (ii)
transmitting the call to another Company switching center or a hub connecting
the call to the recipient's LEC and arranging with the LEC to connect the call
to the recipient (this is referred to as "termination"). Other customers (for
example, non-facilities based carriers with regional switches in certain areas
but not in others) require termination but not origination services. In this
case, the customer delivers a call to the Company's switching center and the
Company transmits the call to the recipient's LEC, which then terminates the
call. The Company typically bills the customer at a variable rate depending on
the duration, day and time of day of the call and whether the call is
intrastate, interstate or international. See "-- Switched Long Distance
Services."
 
     Data Services.  Data services are telecommunications services such as ATM
and Frame Relay that provide highspeed transmission of data. The Company will
offer these services to carriers for resale to end users. Although the Company
is still beta-testing its data services facilities, when these facilities are in
commercial use the Company intends to bill customers for data services generally
at a variable rate depending on usage.
 
  Facilities
 
     The Company is one of only five carriers that currently owns a
coast-to-coast digital network. As of February 28, 1997, the Company's network
included approximately 10,000 route miles (containing over 96,000 fiber miles).
Prior to beginning construction of the network expansion in late 1995, the
Company owned a coast-to-coast network containing over 1,700 route miles of
fiber optic cable and over 5,000 route miles of digital microwave. As of
February 28, 1997, the Company and its partners in cost-saving arrangements had
substantially completed over 3,100 fiber route miles of the network expansion.
 
     The Company's own facilities are supplemented with over 200,000 DS-3 miles
of fiber capacity obtained from other carriers. Of such capacity, over 161,000
DS-3 miles are leased by the Company. Approximately
 
                                       -8-
<PAGE>   11
 
39,000 DS-3 miles of such capacity are obtained by the Company through long-term
capacity-exchange agreements with MCI and WorldCom whereby the Company trades
capacity or fibers on its fiber network for capacity on the other carriers'
networks. In addition, the Company has recently entered into agreements with
CCTS and LCI to exchange OC-48 capacity on certain routes. The Company has been
able to negotiate these significant exchange agreements because of the placement
of the Company's existing networks in locations where other facilities-based
carriers require additional capacity and the comparatively large expense to such
other carriers of constructing new fiber optic facilities. Such exchange
agreements increase the scope of the Company's network through the addition of
the exchanged capacity while reducing the Company's cash expenditures for
off-net facilities.
 
     The Company's network includes five digital switches located in Los
Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta, each directly connected over
either on-net or off-net private line circuits: (i) to at least two other
switching centers; (ii) to certain of the Company's over 50 Hubs (local
connection points); and (iii) to certain LEC Central Office switches. The
Company plans to install additional switches in 1997 in Fresno, California,
Joplin, Missouri and New York, New York. The Hubs are connected (generally by
off-net circuits) to LEC Central Office switches, which in turn are connected to
end-user telephone lines. The switches utilize common channel signaling (SS7),
which reduces connect time delays and directs calls using least-cost routing.
The Company's network also includes ten Frame Relay-ATM data switches located in
major cities. The Company's switched operations are supplemented by agreements
with Allnet and WorldCom. Under such agreements, Allnet and WorldCom supply
switched capacity to the Company on a per-minute basis, automatically handling
calls routed through LEC Central Offices not connected to the Company's Hubs or
switches and calls which exceed the capacity of the Company's switched network.
 
     The capacity of the Company's switches may be expanded with processor
upgrades, additional memory and ports. The Company plans to add more ports and
other equipment for its existing switches and to add additional switches as
required to accommodate customer demand. While the Company cannot yet ascertain
the capital cost of such ports, additional equipment and switches, the Company
anticipates that it will be able, subject to certain restrictions under the
indenture (the "Indenture") for the Company's outstanding $285.0 million
principal amount of 12 1/2% Senior Notes due 2005 (the "Senior Notes"), to
obtain such equipment under capital leases.
 
  Network Reliability
 
     The Company's network offers a reliable means of transmitting large volumes
of voice and data signals. To assist in providing reliable and high-quality
transmission service, all important functions of the network are monitored
during regular business hours from regional operations centers in Columbus,
Kansas City, Fort Worth and Tucson. Thereafter, monitoring is conducted from the
Company's national operations center in its Austin headquarters. The national
center also provides overall system monitoring on a 24-hour basis. This system
alerts the Company to situations which could affect customer transmission and
generally allows the Company to take remedial actions before customer service is
affected. In addition, at December 31, 1996, the Company employed approximately
34 operations personnel who are based along the network to perform preventative
maintenance as well as repair functions on its private line network. Company
operations personnel conduct annual system performance testing and make periodic
unannounced visits to terminal sites to evaluate technician performance. At
December 31, 1996, the Company maintained a staff of 21 technicians to provide
maintenance and other technical support services for switched long distance
services.
 
  Network Expansion
 
     In 1995 the Company undertook a significant increase in its network. The
Company believes the network expansion will improve its profitability and cash
flow by improving its cost of communications services as it moves traffic onto
facilities it owns and increasing its revenues by allowing the lease of
substantial additional private line capacity. The network expansion is planned
to add thousands of additional fiber route miles to increase the geographic
scope and capacity of the Company's previously existing network. It will connect
the Company's switches with high-capacity private line circuits, utilizing
advanced fiber optic technology capable of efficiently transmitting
capacity-intensive services, such as Internet, Intranet and multimedia
applications,
 
                                       -9-
<PAGE>   12
 
Frame Relay and ATM. The routes of the network expansion are planned to be
generally geographically diverse from the existing fiber networks of AT&T, MCI,
Sprint and WorldCom.
 
     In 1996 the Company began equipping its network with the data switches and
other equipment necessary to enter into the Frame Relay and ATM transmission
business. This equipment, in connection with the network expansion and
additional equipment and software being installed in 1997, should allow the
Company to enter into the business of Frame Relay and ATM transmission for
Internet and Intranet providers and other large users of data capacity. The
Company began beta-testing such facilities in late 1996 and will begin offering
such services in the first half of 1997. Although such services will not be a
significant source of revenues in 1997, the Company expects that the market for
such high-capacity data uses will grow substantially in the future along with
the expected growth of Internet and Intranet use. To position itself to benefit
from such growth, the Company seeks to establish itself as a high quality
provider of choice of these services.
 
     The Company estimates that the network expansion will produce additional
cost savings by supporting growth in its private line and switched long distance
businesses which would otherwise require significant off-net capacity usage. The
network expansion will enable the Company to avoid increased expenditures for
leasing off-net capacity because the new fiber routes: (i) should carry much of
the traffic that would otherwise be transmitted over off-net circuits and (ii)
may enable the Company to enter into additional exchanges of fiber capacity with
other carriers. In this way, the Company seeks to improve cash flow through
increasing revenues and improving certain costs. The network expansion has
already enabled the Company to obtain significant orders for capacity on the new
routes. The Company entered into a contract in September 1996 with a major long
distance carrier for the Company to provide DS-3 circuits, each with a one-year
term, principally along the new route from New York to Los Angeles via St.
Louis. The Company will supply circuits under the contract for aggregate
revenues in excess of $24.0 million during 1997-1998. The Company continues to
seek significant new orders over the network expansion routes and believes that
it is well positioned to obtain such orders.
 
     Construction.  The Company has planned the network expansion to cover, to
the greatest extent practicable, routes where one or more of the following
factors are present: (i) customer demand indicates a need for high-capacity
fiber network on the route; (ii) the route is attractive as a complement to the
routes of other carriers, which may enable the Company to lease its new capacity
on the route to other carriers or exchange a portion of its new capacity on the
route for capacity from other carriers; or (iii) the capacity will replace
capacity leased by the Company from other carriers. At the time of the initial
public offering of the Company's Common Stock (the "IPO") in July 1996, the
Company had planned to construct the network expansion in two phases: Phase I
from Philadelphia through Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix to Los Angeles and Phase
II from New York to Houston along with additional spurs to the Phase I route.
The Company's plans for the network expansion routes and the scheduled
completion of such routes have changed because the Company has been successful
in selling capacity on certain uncompleted routes and in entering advantageous
cost-saving arrangements and because of certain delays in constructing portions
of the planned routes. The most significant route changes made include (i)
acceleration of the Joplin, Missouri to Kansas City route originally planned for
Phase II because significant new capacity on the route has been ordered by the
Company's customers; (ii) replacement of the AkronPittsburgh-Philadelphia route
with a Cleveland-upstate New York-New York City route because of a cost-saving
arrangement with MFS through which MFS will include fibers for the Company in
the route which MFS is constructing for its own use, and (iii) acceleration of
the Washington, D.C. to Houston route originally planned for Phase II because,
pursuant to the cost-saving arrangement entered into with Vyvx, Vyvx will
construct such route (at no cash cost to the Company other than the costs of
electronics to equip the route) for the Company in exchange for fibers elsewhere
on the Company's network.
 
     Although such changes in the planned routes make exact comparisons
impossible, the Company believes that the network expansion is progressing well,
without significant delays or cost overruns. The Cleveland to Phoenix portion of
the route from New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis is now complete. In
addition, to meet customer demand, the Company has augmented that route to
include: (i) a Kansas City to Joplin, Missouri route and other routes not
originally planned for Phase I; and (ii) substantially more electronics than
 
                                      -10-
<PAGE>   13
 
originally planned. The New York to Cleveland portion of the network expansion
is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 1997. The Phoenix to Los
Angeles portion of the network expansion is also scheduled for completion in
1997.
 
     The Company presently plans to complete the network expansion along the
following routes (the routes and expected delivery dates are subject to change):
 
     (i) One route will consist of a fiber optic route to supplement the
Company's existing New York-Los Angeles route, which consists primarily of
digital microwave facilities which are now used to capacity. This coast-to-coast
route is to extend from New York to Los Angeles over new fiber optic cable
through upstate New York, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas and Phoenix.
This route, much of which is already complete, is scheduled for completion in
1997.
 
     (ii) An additional route is now under construction from New York via
Washington, D.C. and Atlanta to Houston. The Washington-Houston portion of the
route will be constructed by Vyvx and is scheduled for completion by the end of
1997. The portion of the route from New York to Washington, D.C. is also
scheduled to be completed by the end of 1997.
 
     (iii) Routes are also planned for later construction from Los Angeles to
San Francisco, from Houston to Dallas, from Toledo to Detroit, and from South
Bend to Chicago.
 
     Additional routes will be added to the network expansion as opportunities
for advantageous cost sharing or exchange arrangements arise or as customer
demand requires.
 
     The Company plans generally to light initially only four of the new fibers
in the route from New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis and the route from New
York to Houston via Atlanta (which will add an aggregate of approximately
350,000 DS-3 miles to the Company's network). Certain of the remaining fibers
will be reserved and used as a platform to support emerging capacity-intensive
data and multimedia applications. The Company intends to light additional fibers
as needed in the future and may use the other additional fibers for sale or
exchange arrangements. See "-- Business Strategy" and "-- Risk Factors -- Risks
Relating to the Network Expansion."
 
     A portion of the network expansion is being constructed in connection with
an agreement entered into with WorldCom (the "WorldCom Fiber Build Agreement").
Pursuant to this agreement, each company is constructing a fiber route
approximately 1,100 miles long and placing fibers for both companies in the
route. WorldCom's route extends from Akron through Indianapolis to a suburb of
St. Louis, with a spur from Indianapolis to a suburb of Chicago. The Company's
route extends from Dallas to Phoenix. Each party will maintain the fiber in its
route at no cost to the other party. This arrangement will result in substantial
savings for the Company as compared to constructing both routes by itself.
 
     In December 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Vyvx whereby
the Company will provide Vyvx with the use of fibers from Los Angeles to New
York in exchange for the use of fibers from Houston to Washington, D.C. The
parties are required to complete their routes by December 31, 1997, with
penalties taking effect in July 1998 if one party, but not the other, has failed
to complete its route. Although the Company anticipates that it will complete
its route in time to avoid any penalty, there can be no assurance in this
regard. Such penalties increase from $400,000 per month commencing July 1998 to
$800,000 per month commencing October 1998.
 
     The Company has entered into several additional agreements with others that
will result in reductions to its per-route-mile cost of construction, including:
 
     (i) the LCI Fiber Sale pursuant to which LCI will purchase an indefeasible
right to use fibers from Chicago to Los Angeles for approximately $97.9 million;
 
     (ii) the MCI Fiber Sale pursuant to which MCI will purchase an indefeasible
right to use fibers from Los Angeles to New York for approximately $121.0
million. This contract replaces a $20.0 million lease contract with MCI for
OC-48 capacity announced in January 1997;
 
                                      -11-
<PAGE>   14
 
     (iii) a contract with Vyvx to exchange the use of certain fibers on the
Company's New York to Los Angeles route for the use of fibers on a 1,600-mile
route to be constructed by Vyvx from Washington, D.C. to Houston;
 
     (iv) joint construction contracts with other carriers: LCI (Youngstown,
Ohio -- Toledo), DTI (Anderson, Missouri -- Kansas City), and CCTS (Riverdale,
Illinois -- Chicago). These arrangements allow the Company and the other
carriers to share the costs of construction of these routes;
 
     (v) a contract with MFS, a recently acquired subsidiary of WorldCom,
pursuant to which MFS will include fibers for the Company in a route MFS is
constructing from Cleveland through upstate New York to New York City. This
route, which replaces a previously planned Company route from Cleveland to
Philadelphia, will substantially increase the scope of the Company's network by
including cities in upstate New York, bring the network to Albany (which may
facilitate a future extension to Boston), and provide many additional fibers
into New York City; and
 
     (vi) other contracts providing for the Company to sell another carrier the
use of fibers in routes the Company is constructing: GST (Phoenix to the
Arizona-New Mexico border) and WorldCom (Phoenix -- Las Vegas).
 
     Cost.  The principal components of the cost of the network expansion will
include: (i) fiber optic cable; (ii) engineering and construction; (iii)
electronics; and (iv) rights-of-way. The rights-of-way will be provided pursuant
to long-term leases or other arrangements (some of which may provide for
substantial continuing payments) entered into with railroads, highway
commissions, pipeline owners, utilities or others. Although the Company has not
yet obtained all the necessary rights-of-way along the planned routes, the
Company anticipates that the rights-of-way will be available.
 
     Through the WorldCom Fiber Build Agreement, the Vyvx fiber exchange and the
other cost-saving arrangements described above, the Company has reduced its
expected cost of the network expansion. The Company seeks to enter into
additional cost-saving arrangements such as: (i) including additional fibers in
the network expansion for lease or sale to other carriers; (ii) exchanging
excess fibers or capacity on the Company's expanded network for excess fibers or
capacity on other carriers' networks; and (iii) obtaining the right to install
Company-owned fibers in new fiber optic routes being constructed by other
carriers along the proposed network expansion routes in exchange for the Company
(a) sharing construction costs with the other carrier, (b) allowing the other
carrier to use excess Company fiber elsewhere in the Company's network, or (c)
allowing the other carrier to add its own fibers to segments of the network
expansion. The Company has had experience with arrangements of this type with
several major carriers, including MCI, Sprint, Cable & Wireless, WorldCom and
LCI.
 
     The Company anticipates that the routes from New York to Los Angeles via
St. Louis and from New York to Houston via Atlanta will cost approximately
$310.0 million (taking into account the effect of cost-saving arrangements it
has already entered into). After deducting the net proceeds of the LCI Fiber
Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale, the net cost of these routes will be less than
$120.0 million or approximately $19,000 per route mile. The Company will seek to
meet the remaining costs of the 1997 and 1998 network expansion through: (i)
cash on hand; (ii) the proceeds of the Convertible Stock Sale; (iii) the
proceeds of the LCI Fiber Sale, the MCI Fiber sale or other fiber sales; (iv)
additional costsaving arrangements; (v) cash flow from its existing operations;
(vi) increased cash flow resulting from reduced off-net capacity costs as
segments of the network expansion are completed; (vii) if the Company is able to
successfully develop the switched-products business, increased cash flow from
the switched-products business; and (viii) vendor financing the Company may
seek. In the event no other cost-saving arrangements are entered into, and the
sources of cash referred to above are not available as soon as desired, the
Company anticipates that, to complete the network expansion, it will be
necessary either: (i) to meet the remaining costs through a combination of debt
or equity funding (subject to the restrictions set forth in the Indenture); or
(ii) to slow or delay the construction until sufficient funds are available.
There can be no assurance that sufficient cash will in fact be available from
the sources listed above. See "-- The Company's Network," "-- Business
Strategy," "-- Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to the Network Expansion" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                      -12-
<PAGE>   15
 
     Construction Management.  The Company's management and staff have
substantial experience in the construction of long-haul telecommunications
systems. The Company's existing nationwide digital network including 3,100 miles
of fiber optic cable completed as part of the network expansion and its 346-mile
Texas fiber network constructed in 1993, were engineered and constructed by the
Company. The completed segments of the network expansion and Texas fiber network
incorporated modern fiber optic cable and SONET optronics. In addition, the
Company successfully closed contracts on its Texas fiber network with AT&T, MCI
and Sprint after such companies carefully reviewed the Company's engineering and
operations capabilities. The Company believes that its experienced engineering
and operations management and staff have the requisite skills and experience to
successfully complete the network expansion.
 
PRIVATE LINE SERVICES
 
  Overview
 
     Substantially all of the Company's 1995 revenues, approximately 49% of its
revenues in 1996 and approximately 37% of its revenues in the fourth quarter of
1996 were generated by its private line business. The Company has private line
circuit contracts with over 200 long distance carriers.
 
  Strategy
 
     The Company is seeking to increase revenues in its private line business
through meeting these primary objectives: (i) expanding its network to provide
additional capacity on its existing routes and high-capacity new routes to
provide access to major population centers (including routes which may be
attractive to major carriers as backup routes); (ii) providing high-quality,
reliable private line services on a fixed-cost basis at rates generally below
those currently offered by AT&T and competitive with those offered by other
carriers; and (iii) using the expanded network as a platform to support
increased private line circuit demand which may result in the future from Frame
Relay, ATM, multimedia, Internet and other capacity-intensive applications.
 
     The Company is seeking to decrease expenses in its private line business
through the network expansion, which the Company anticipates will allow it to
move traffic from circuits leased from other carriers to its own network.
 
  Customers and Marketing
 
     The Company has private line contracts with over 200 long distance
carriers, including AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WorldCom, Cable & Wireless, Frontier and
LCI. The Company also provides private line transmission to customers after
contract expiration on a month-to-month basis. The Company's private line
contracts provide for fixed monthly payments, generally in advance. Many of such
contracts contain substantial "take or pay" commitments. The Company has
historically enjoyed a high customer retention rate in its private line
business.
 
     The Company markets its private line circuit capacity generally to: (i)
facilities-based carriers that require private line capacity where they have
geographic gaps in their facilities, need additional capacity or require
geographically different, alternative routing; and (ii) non-facilities-based
carriers requiring private line capacity to carry their customers' long distance
traffic. The Company focuses most of its direct sales efforts on providing
customer support services to existing customers and on adding new customers. The
Company's long-haul circuit sales force at December 31, 1996 consisted of ten
account managers based at the Company's headquarters in Austin and at direct
sales offices in or near Washington, D.C., New Haven, San Francisco, Kansas
City, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston and Sunrise Beach, Missouri.
 
     During 1994, 1995 and 1996, WorldCom and Frontier, the Company's two
largest private line customers, accounted for 25% and 23%, 20% and 21%, and 8%
and 10% respectively, of the Company's revenues. During 1996, the Company leased
transmission capacity to 252 customers. The ten largest private line customers
during that year accounted for approximately 36% of revenues. See "-- Risk
Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers."
 
                                      -13-
<PAGE>   16
 
  Prices and Contracts
 
     The Company's strategy is to offer prices generally lower than those of
AT&T and competitive with the prices of other carriers, to permit the Company's
customers, through a stable, long-term fixed pricing structure, to maintain
control over transmission costs. The Company's private line transmission
agreements with its customers generally provide for original terms of one to
three years and for monthly payment in advance on a fixed-rate basis, calculated
according to the capacity and length of the circuit. Many of such contracts
contain substantial "take or pay" commitments. Furthermore, circuit orders under
private line agreements are generally for a term of one year or more and may not
be cancelled by the customer. However, the agreements generally provide that the
customer may terminate the affected service without penalty "for cause" in the
event of substantial and prolonged outages arising from causes within the
Company's control, and for certain other defined causes. Generally, the lease
agreements further provide that the customer may terminate the agreement "for
convenience" at its discretion at any time upon notice to the Company. However,
termination for convenience generally requires either full payment of all
charges through the end of the lease term or the payment of substantial
termination fees intended to allow the Company to recover certain costs and, in
some cases, lost profits. Damages attributable to a customer's termination of
the agreement are generally reduced, however, by an offset for any income the
Company earns from re-leasing the terminated capacity during the remaining
portion of the lease term.
 
  Competition
 
     In providing private line capacity, the Company competes with AT&T, which
is the largest supplier of long distance voice and data transmission services in
the United States, MCI, WorldCom and Sprint, all of which have substantially
greater financial resources than the Company and a far more extensive
transmission network than the Company's network. As a result of the
Telecommunications Act and recent WTO Agreement (as defined below), the Company
and its customers will also face competition from the RBOCs, GTE and others such
as electric utilities, cable television companies and foreign companies. Qwest
has announced its intention to construct a coast-to-coast fiber optic network
and Frontier has announced that it will pay $500 million for fibers in Qwest's
network. As such network is completed, Qwest will become a competitor of the
Company and Frontier may also become a competitor of the Company in the
long-haul business. Important competitive factors in the long-haul business are
price, customer service, network location and quality, reliability and
availability. See "-- Private Line Services." The Company also competes on a
regional basis with major regional carriers. Important competitive factors in
the long-haul business are price, customer service, network location and
quality, reliability and availability. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
SWITCHED LONG DISTANCE SERVICES
 
  Overview
 
     In late 1995, the Company expanded into the business of selling switched
long distance services to long distance resellers in order to complement its
private line business and to capitalize on its ability to provide switched
services over its own network. Switched long distance services are
telecommunications services that are processed through the Company's digital
switches and carried over long-haul circuits and other transmission facilities
owned or leased by the Company. During 1995, the Company set up the
infrastructure for its switched long distance business by installing its
switches, connecting them to its network and to the LECs, acquiring software,
hiring personnel and entering into contracts with customers. The Company's
switched network became fully operational in February 1996. The Company sells
switched long distance services on a per-call basis, charging by MOUs with
payment due monthly after services are rendered. The Company believes that it is
well-positioned to attract long distance resellers as customers for its switched
long distance services because: (i) it is not currently a significant competitor
for sales to end users; and (ii) it provides more focused service to its
reseller customers, since servicing such customers is its primary business,
unlike its major competitors whose main business is selling retail long distance
service to end users.
 
                                      -14-
<PAGE>   17
 
  Strategy
 
     The Company seeks to rapidly increase revenues from its switched long
distance business through: (i) long-term arrangements with significant customers
and customers the Company considers likely to grow quickly; (ii) providing a
sophisticated automated software interface with its customers; (iii) offering
pricing which is generally lower than that charged by AT&T and competitive with
that of other long distance service providers; and (iv) acquisitions. The
Company seeks to increase the profitability of its switched long distance
services business by decreasing its average cost per MOU through efficiencies
achieved with higher volumes and through reducing network costs through the
network expansion. See "-- Business Strategy."
 
  Customers and Marketing
 
     The Company focuses its sales efforts on directly contacting large reseller
customers with monthly volumes of at least $1 million and smaller, growing
resellers with volumes between $50,000 and $250,000 per month that the Company
expects to be reasonably likely to grow to the $1 million per month level. The
Company's switched-products sales force at December 31, 1996 included 29 sales
executives based at the Company's headquarters in Austin and at direct sales
offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles. Although sales of switched
long distance services to end-user customers do not currently account for a
significant portion of the Company's switched long distance business, LDS and
Telecom One, companies which the Company expects to acquire, do sell directly to
end users. In addition, the Company may, from time to time, consider acquiring
other long distance resellers or end-user customer bases. Notwithstanding such
potential acquisitions, however, the Company does not expect to change its
strategic focus from its reseller customers. Instead, the Company intends to
operate any such acquired companies separately from its reseller business so as
to ensure its continued focus on reseller customers.
 
     Excel.  Excel, the Company's largest customer of switched long distance
services, is contractually obligated to utilize at least 70 million minutes of
traffic per month. Excel's commitment continues through the earlier of the date
on which Excel has routed 4.2 billion minutes over the Company's network or June
30, 2001. As of February 28, 1997, approximately 3.3 billion minutes of the
commitment remained. The minimum commitment is subject to reduction or
termination: (i) if Excel installs its own switches and invites the Company to
bid along with other carriers (to win such bids, the Company would have to be
the lowest bidder) to provide Excel with the long-haul circuits utilized by such
switches (even if this did occur, Excel would still have to meet the minimum
commitment of 70 million minutes per month until June 30, 1998); or (ii) for
breach of contract by the Company or for other reasons which the Company
believes should be under its control. Although Excel's minimum commitment is 70
million minutes per month, its usage increased substantially above the minimum
commitment by December 1996. The Company is Excel's main or sole supplier of 1
Plus Switched Service in over 50 LATAs. The Company believes that Excel will
utilize the Company's 1 Plus Switched Service for most or all of Excel's growth
in such LATAs.
 
     Customer Contracts.  The Company's rates for switched long distance
services generally vary with the duration of the call, the day and the time of
day the call was made and whether the traffic is intrastate, interstate or
international. The rates charged are not affected by which facilities are
selected by the Company's switching centers for transmission of the call or by
the distance of the call. Different rates are applied to combined origination
and termination services than are applied to termination services. The
agreements between the Company and its customers for switched long distance
services generally provide for payment in arrears based on MOUs. The agreements
generally also provide that the customer may terminate the affected service
without penalty in the event of substantial and prolonged outages arising from
causes within the Company's control, and for certain other defined causes.
Generally, the agreements provide that the customer, in order to avoid being
obligated to pay higher rates (or, in some cases, penalties), must utilize at
least a minimum dollar amount (measured by dollars or MOUs) of switched long
distance services per month for the term of the agreement.
 
     Customer Care.  The Company believes that customer support is an important
factor in attracting and retaining customers for its switched long distance
services. Customer service for switched long distance services includes
processing new accounts, responding to inquiries and disputes relating to
billing, credit
 
                                      -15-
<PAGE>   18
 
adjustments and cancellations and conducting technical repair and other support
services. IXC Online is designed to allow each of the Company's carrier
customers to: (i) download current call detail records for its end-users for
billing purposes; (ii) arrange with the appropriate LEC to register the carrier
as the designated long distance carrier for its new end users; and (iii) file
trouble reports for resolution. The Company employed approximately 45 people in
its switched long distance services customer service group as of December 31,
1996. See "-- Risk Factors -- Development Risks and Dependence on Switched Long
Distance Business."
 
  Decreased Costs through Increased Volumes
 
     Large MOU volumes should enable the Company to spread its fixed costs over
more MOUs and to more efficiently configure its network, reducing the cost per
MOU. The Company seeks to efficiently configure the circuits available so that
calls are completed on a cost-effective basis. The Company periodically analyzes
calling patterns using mathematical formulas to determine the circuit capacity
required to cost-effectively service the expected call volume. For example, if
there is sufficient calling traffic available, the Company may upgrade
transmission circuitry in an area from DS-1 to DS3. A similar analysis will be
made when deciding whether to install a new switch in a region.
 
  Services
 
     The Company markets a variety of switched long distance services, including
operator services, directory assistance, international service and the
following:
 
     1 Plus Switched Service.  Provides direct-dial service over the Company's
digital network.
 
     1 Plus Dedicated Service.  Provides direct-dial service over the Company's
digital network for end users that have arranged to connect to the Company's
nearest hub through a local loop. This service is less expensive than 1 Plus
Switched Service because the access charges of the end-user's LEC are reduced.
 
     800/888 Switched Service.  Provides 800/888 service over the Company's
digital network.
 
     800/888 Dedicated Service.  Provides 800/888 service over the Company's
digital network for end users that have arranged to connect to the Company's
nearest hub through a local loop. This service is less expensive than 800/888
Switched Service because the access charges of the end-user's LEC are reduced.
 
     Calling Card Service.  Provides telephone card service.
 
     Debit Card Service.  Provides prepaid telephone card service.
 
     Switched Termination Service.  Provides carrier customers having use of a
switch in one area with termination services in other areas.
 
  Acquisitions
 
     As part of its growth strategy, the Company has agreed to acquire LDS and
Telecom One and may, from time to time, acquire businesses, assets or securities
of companies which it believes provide a strategic fit with its business and
network. Although the Company currently has no commitments or agreements with
respect to any possible acquisitions other than with LDS and Telecom One, it has
reviewed potential acquisition candidates and has held preliminary discussions
with a number of these candidates. The Company will use shares of its Common
Stock as payment for the LDS and Telecom One acquisitions and may use Common
Stock as consideration for other acquisitions.
 
     In January 1997, the Company agreed to purchase all the stock of LDS, a
switchless reseller, for a purchase price payable in the Company's Common Stock.
LDS is based in Los Angeles and markets to niche ethnic markets (for example,
immigrants from Mexico, India and Asia). The acquisition by the Company of LDS
is contingent on the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including receipt
of certain regulatory approvals from federal and state agencies. There can be no
assurance that such regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the other
conditions will be satisfied. The exact number of shares to be paid to the LDS
shareholders will not be determined until the closing date. The purchase price
has two components:
 
                                      -16-
<PAGE>   19
 
(i) 1,015,385 shares of Common Stock (calculated to be worth $29.7 million based
on a per share price of $29.25, the 20-day average closing price of the Common
Stock when the agreement was reached), the number of shares will be adjusted
depending on the LDS balance sheet at the closing date; and (ii) in the event
the five-day average closing price of the Common Stock prior to the closing has
increased above $29.25 per share, a number of shares of Common Stock having a
market value on the closing date equal to 150,000 multiplied by the amount of
the increase. In addition, the Company has agreed to grant certain registration
rights to the LDS shareholders upon the closing of the acquisition of LDS. The
Company anticipates that this acquisition will be completed in mid-1997.
 
     In January 1997, the Company agreed to purchase all the stock of Telecom
One, a switchless reseller with an agent program, for a purchase price payable
in the Company's Common Stock. Telecom One's agent program is an arrangement in
which Telecom One pays commissions to agents who sell Telecom One's services to
end users. The acquisition by the Company of Telecom One is contingent on the
satisfaction of a number of conditions, including the receipt of certain
regulatory approvals from federal and state agencies. There can be no assurance
that such regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the other conditions
will be satisfied. The shareholders of Telecom One will be paid Common Stock in
two installments: at the closing date and at the end of 1999. The value of the
Common Stock to be issued to the shareholders of Telecom One on the closing date
will be equal to 50% of the estimated value of Telecom One, calculated based on
revenues. The value of the Common Stock to be issued at the end of 1999 will be
equal to 50% of the estimated value of Telecom One, calculated based on its then
current revenues and EBITDA. The amount of these payments will be adjusted
depending on the Telecom One balance sheet at the payment dates. The Company
estimates that the initial payment will be approximately 106,000 shares of
Common Stock (or approximately $3.0 million based on a per-share price of
$28.14, the average closing price of the Common Stock during the 20-day period
prior to the date of the acquisition agreement). In addition, the Company has
agreed to grant certain registration rights to the Telecom One shareholders. The
Company anticipates that this acquisition will be completed in mid-1997.
 
     The Company estimates that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
to be issued to the shareholders of LDS at the closing of the LDS acquisition
and in the initial installment of the Telecom One acquisition will be between
1.1 million and 1.3 million. In addition, at the end of 1999, the Company will
be required to pay the Telecom One shareholders additional shares of Common
Stock, depending upon the future revenues of Telecom One and the balance sheet
of Telecom One at the end of 1999, which the Company estimates is unlikely to
exceed 200,000 shares.
 
     The Company expects that the acquisitions of LDS and Telecom One will
result in increased revenues to the Company. In addition, the Company believes
it can improve the profitability of the acquired companies because it can lower
their costs of call transmission. These acquisitions are a part of a Company
strategy to expand by acquiring select resellers on advantageous terms as
opportunities arise. The Company believes that LDS's niche marketing business
and that Telecom One's agent program present solid opportunities for continued
growth. The Company does not expect these acquisitions to change its strategic
focus of providing services to its reseller customers. Instead, the Company
intends to operate the acquired companies under their own names and separately
from its reseller business so as to ensure the Company's continued focus on
reseller customers. Accordingly, the Company does not believe these acquisitions
will adversely affect the Company's relationship with its existing reseller
customers although there can be no assurance in this regard. See "-- Risk
Factors -- Acquisition Risks."
 
  Competition
 
     The Company competes with numerous facilities-based interexchange carriers,
some of which are substantially larger, have substantially greater financial,
technical and marketing resources and utilize larger transmission systems than
the Company. AT&T is the largest supplier of switched long distance services in
the United States inter-LATA market. The Company also competes in selling
switched long distance services with: (i) other facilities-based carriers, such
as MCI, Sprint, WorldCom and certain regional carriers, and (ii) certain
nonfacilities-based carriers. Qwest has announced its intention to construct a
coast-to-coast fiber optic network and Frontier has announced that it will pay
$500 million for fibers in Qwest's network. Upon
 
                                      -17-
<PAGE>   20
 
completion of segments of such network, Qwest and Frontier may also become
competitors of the Company. As a result of the Telecommunications Act and recent
WTO Agreement, the Company will also now face competition from the RBOCs, GTE
and others such as electric utilities, cable television companies and foreign
companies. The Company believes that the principal competitive factors affecting
it are customer service (particularly with respect to speed in delivery of
computer billing records and set-up of new end users with the LECS), ability of
the network to complete calls with a minimum of network-caused busy signals,
scope of services offered, price, reliability and transmission quality. The
Company seeks to compete effectively with other interexchange carriers and
resellers on the basis of these factors. The ability of the Company to compete
effectively will depend upon its ability to maintain high-quality services at
prices generally equal to or below those charged by its competitors. In the
United States, price competition in the long distance business has been
intensive over the last five years. The FCC has, on several occasions since
1984, approved or required price decreases by AT&T through the imposition of
"price cap" regulations. However, the FCC recently classified AT&T as a
"non-dominant interexchange carrier," with the effect that AT&T is no longer
subject to price regulation of its long distance services. Since the Company
believes that its customers generally price their service offerings at or below
the prices charged by AT&T for its telecommunications services, reductions by
AT&T in its rates may necessitate similar price decreases by the Company. See
"-- Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
     An alternative method of transmitting telecommunications traffic is through
satellite transmission. Satellite transmission is superior to fiber optic
transmission for distribution communications, for example, video broadcasting.
Although satellite transmission is not preferred to fiber optic transmission for
voice traffic in most parts of the United States because it exhibits a slight
(approximately one-quarter-second) time delay, such delay is not important for
many data-oriented uses. In the event the market for data transmission grows,
the Company will compete with satellite carriers in such market. Also, at least
one satellite company, Orion Network Systems, Inc., has announced its intent to
provide internet access services to businesses through satellite technology.
 
REGULATION
 
     Certain subsidiaries of the Company operate as communications common
carriers. These subsidiaries are subject to applicable FCC regulations under the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), some of which
may be affected by the Telecommunications Act and regulations being promulgated
thereunder. See "-- Risk Factors -- Recent Legislation and Regulatory
Uncertainty." In addition, those subsidiaries which operate the Company's
microwave network are subject to applicable FCC regulations for use of the radio
frequencies. The FCC issues licenses to use certain radio frequency spectrum at
transmitter site locations. Each license gives the Company the right to operate
the microwave radio station for the term of the license. Currently, the Company
holds licenses to operate the microwave sites in the Company's network. The
licenses all expire in 2001. These licenses are renewable upon application
containing a statement that they are used in compliance with the applicable FCC
rules. The Company expects that the FCC will renew its licenses in due course.
The Communications Act currently limits ownership of an entity holding such
licenses by non-U.S. citizens, foreign corporations and foreign governments. The
Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration with
respect to the construction of transmission towers and to certain local zoning
regulation affecting construction of towers and other facilities.
 
     Recent court decisions (which were issued before the Telecommunications
Act) require the FCC to require carriers to file tariffs. However, the FCC
currently does not actively exercise its authority to regulate such carriers'
rates and services. Moreover, the Telecommunications Act gives the FCC authority
to forbear from applying provisions of the Communications Act, including the
requirement that carriers file tariffs. The FCC has recently issued an order
implementing a mandatory detariffing policy that eliminates the tariff
requirements for non-dominant interstate, interexchange carriers. A court
challenge of the FCC's order resulted in the order being stayed. (Oral argument
is scheduled for September 1997.) The FCC will retain jurisdiction to act upon
complaints against any common carrier for failure to comply with its statutory
obligations as a common carrier.
 
                                      -18-
<PAGE>   21
 
     In addition, the FCC recently freed AT&T from price cap regulation. This
FCC action may affect the Company, because it competes with AT&T. The FCC's
current and future actions could result in decreases in the rates charged to
end-user customers by AT&T and other competitors for their services. Thus, one
effect of the FCC's action may be to further intensify price competition among
long distance companies.
 
     The FCC regulates many of the rates, charges and services provided by the
local exchange carriers. Such regulation can also affect the costs of business
for the Company, its customers and its competitors, because carriers such as the
Company must purchase local access services from LECs to originate and terminate
calls. The FCC's current price cap regulation of the RBOCs and other LECs
provides them with considerable flexibility in pricing their services. The
pricing of transport services is under an interim rate structure which is a
transitional step toward pro-competitive, cost-based transport rates. The FCC
has commenced a proceeding to reform access charges and transport rate structure
and pricing. As part of access charge reform, the FCC is considering whether to
use: (i) a market-based approach, which would ultimately deregulate LEC
interstate access services when such services are subject to substantial
competition; or (ii) a prescriptive approach, under which the FCC would adopt
rules to drive access rates to economically efficient levels. The outcome of the
FCC proceeding is impossible to predict, but future changes with respect to
access charges are likely.
 
     The Telecommunications Act, among other things, allows the RBOCs and others
to enter the long distance business. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such
as electric utilities and cable television companies into the long distance
business may have a negative impact on the Company or its customers. In
addition, the Telecommunications Act provides that State proceedings may in
certain instances determine access charge rates the Company and its customers
are required to pay to the LECs. It is uncertain at this time what effect such
proceedings may have on such rates. There can be no assurance that such rates
will not be increased. Such increases could have a material adverse effect on
the Company and its customers. See "-- Risk Factors -- Recent Legislation and
Regulatory Uncertainty" and "-- Industry Overview."
 
     The ability of the Company to provide long distance services within any
State is generally subject to regulation by a regulatory board in that State. As
of December 31, 1996, the Company is operating in the 48 contiguous continental
United States. The Company has obtained the requisite licenses and approvals in
46 of those States, and is being permitted to operate in the two remaining
States while its applications are pending. The Company expects to obtain all
such licenses and approvals by the end of 1997.
 
MEXICAN JOINT VENTURE
 
     The Company is indirectly participating in the development of a long
distance network to engage in the telecommunications business in Mexico by
Marca-Tel. The Company indirectly owns 24.5% of Marca-Tel through its ownership
of 50% of Progress International which owns 49% of Marca-Tel. The remaining 51%
of Marca-Tel is owned by a Mexican individual and Fomento Radio Beep, S.A. de
C.V. The other 50% of Progress International is owned by Westel.
 
     Progress International, which is seeking FCC authority to operate in the
United States as an international resale carrier, is responsible for providing
all the capital that may be required from Marca-Tel's stockholders in order to
finance Marca-Tel. The Company and Westel jointly have contributed funds to
Progress International (approximately $7.3 million by the Company as of December
31, 1996), substantially all of which has been used to fund Marca-Tel. Although
the Company cannot accurately predict the capital that will be required from
Progress International to implement the MarcaTel business plan, it estimates
that an additional $45.0 million (and possibly significantly more) will be
required by Marca-Tel from the stockholders of Progress International during
1997-1998. Progress International is considering selling equity interests in
Progress International to one or more third parties who could assist Progress
International with the funding of Marca-Tel. However, Progress International has
not had any material discussions in this regard and there can be no assurance
that any such funding will be available on satisfactory terms or at all. The
Company is currently, and may remain, the primary source of funds available to
Progress International for investment in Marca-Tel. Since the ownership
interests of the Company and Westel in Progress International are to be
proportional to their respective capital contributions, the Company's percentage
ownership of Progress International, and therefore its indirect ownership
interest in Marca-Tel, could increase if it makes additional
 
                                      -19-
<PAGE>   22
 
capital contributions. The Indenture contains significant limitations on the
Company's ability to invest in Progress International or Marca-Tel.
 
     Marca-Tel is deploying three switching centers and a fiber optic route
linking Mexico's three major cities (Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara),
with interconnection to the Company's U.S. network at its border crossing at
Reynosa/McAllen. Marca-Tel has entered into a turnkey contract with a major
international supplier of telecommunications equipment for a portion of this
build that provides for interim vendor financing for the equipment and fiber
purchases as well as a portion of the construction work. The Company anticipates
that Marca-Tel may be able to obtain additional funding through some combination
of the following: (i) offerings of debt or equity securities; (ii) other
incurrences of debt; (iii) joint venture arrangements with third parties; and
(iv) additional vendor financing of equipment purchases. Initially, such sources
of capital likely will not be adequate to meet the needs of Marca-Tel, and the
Company anticipates that, until such sources are adequate to enable Marca-Tel to
continue to pursue its business plan, it will be necessary for Progress
International to fund the shortfall. The Company is not obligated to continue to
fund Progress International; however, if Progress International does not fund
Marca-Tel's needs, the Company's interest in Progress International, and thus
its indirect interest in Marca-Tel, may be diluted or lost entirely. Although
the Indenture generally restricts the amount of funding the Company can provide
Progress International, the Indenture does allow the Company to use the $12.5
million proceeds from the sale of 840,053 shares of Common Stock to GEPT in a
private placement which occurred simultaneously with the closing of the IPO (the
"GEPT Private Placement") for Progress International (as of February 28, 1997
approximately $1.1 million of such proceeds remained available for this
purpose). The Indenture also allows the Company to fund Progress International
with the proceeds of certain equity offerings or, under certain circumstances,
with funds raised through debt incurrence or, provided that the Company meets
certain financial ratios, from working capital. No assurance can be given that
adequate funding sources will be available from Progress International or from
third parties to implement Marca-Tel's business plan or, if implemented, that
such business plan will be successful.
 
HISTORY
 
     IXC Communications, a holding company formed in July 1992, acquired a
one-half interest in Electra Communications Corporation ("Electra"), the owner
of a fiber optic network in Texas, for $9.0 million. IXC Communications became
the sole owner of Electra in 1993 when stock held by the other stockholder was
redeemed for $13.7 million. IXC Communications acquired I-Link, Inc., the owner
of another fiber optic network in Texas, in 1994 in a stock-for-stock merger. At
the same time, it also acquired IXC Carrier, Inc. in a stock-for-stock merger.
IXC Carrier has certain subsidiaries that have been active in the communications
business for over 25 years, initially serving as analog microwave carriers for
television signals for cable operators in Ohio and Texas. Commencing in 1979,
IXC Carrier, then a subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company ("Times Mirror"),
entered into long-term circuit lease agreements with various carriers such as
MCI in Texas and Sprint in the Ohio Valley and began the development of a
coast-to-coast network through the acquisition, construction and leasing of
microwave and fiber optic facilities.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed 520 people, of whom 242
provided operational and technical services, 58 provided engineering services
and the balance were engaged in administration and marketing. The Company's
employees are not represented by any labor union. The Company considers its
employee relations to be good and has not experienced any work stoppages.
 
                                      -20-
<PAGE>   23
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the
Company's expectations with respect to its network expansion, related financings
and fiber sale and cost-saving agreements, future operations and other
information, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology,
such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "seek" or "continue"
or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology,
are forward-looking statements. The discussions set forth below constitute
cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such
forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties, that could cause
actual results to differ materially from results referred to in the
forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Company's
expectations regarding any of these matters will be fulfilled.
 
RELIANCE ON CONVERTIBLE STOCK SALE
 
     Although the Company is seeking to realize approximately $96.5 million in
proceeds, after applicable discounts and commissions, from the Convertible Stock
Sale, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
completing the Convertible Stock Sale, or, if completed, in a sufficient amount
so as to realize net proceeds in such amount. The ability of the Company to
complete the Convertible Stock Sale is dependent on many factors, including the
future prospects of the Company and its industry in general, sales, earnings and
other financial and operating results of the Company in recent periods and
market conditions. An inability to complete the Convertible Stock Sale would
prevent or significantly delay the completion of the network expansion and would
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
NEGATIVE CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
     The Company's total capital expenditures were $136.4 million for 1996 and
the Company's EBITDA minus interest expense and capital expenditures (adjusted
for the change in working capital) was negative $130.2 million. The Company
estimates that the total capital expenditures for 1997 will be $340.0 million
(of which $49.7 million were made in the first two months of 1997) and the
Company expects to continue to make substantial capital expenditures thereafter.
The Company anticipates meeting the cash requirements relating to such capital
expenditures from cash on hand, the proceeds of the Convertible Stock Sale, the
proceeds of the LCI Fiber Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale, additional cost-saving
arrangements, cash flow from its operations and vendor financing it may seek.
The amount of actual capital expenditures may vary materially as a result of
cost-saving arrangements, increases or decreases in the amount of traffic on the
Company's network, unexpected costs, delays or advances in the timing of certain
capital expenditures and other factors. See "-- Acquisitions." The Company's
ability to meet the cash costs of such capital expenditures is dependent upon
the Company's ability to complete the construction of the network expansion in a
timely manner and otherwise perform its obligations so that it can complete the
LCI Fiber Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale, to enter into cost- saving arrangements
with carriers or other large users of fiber capacity, to otherwise raise
significant capital and/or to significantly increase its cash flow. The failure
of the Company to accomplish any of the foregoing may significantly delay or
prevent such capital expenditures, which would have a material adverse effect on
the Company and the value of the Convertible Preferred Stock and the Common
Stock.
 
     The Company's switched long distance business will require cash to meet
operating expenses. In order to offer switched long distance services, the
Company installed switches, connected them to its network and to the LECs,
acquired software and hired the personnel needed to establish a national
switched network. Taken on a stand-alone basis, the switched long distance
business generated negative gross margins over the first two quarters of 1996
and began to generate slightly positive gross margins during the third and
fourth quarters of 1996 as the Company began to carry more switched long
distance traffic. After allocating selling, general and administrative expense
to the switched long distance business, however, it would have generated
negative EBITDA for each of the four quarters of 1996. The Company expects that
the network expansion will result in an improvement in the gross margins and
EBITDA generated by its switched long distance business. For a discussion of
important factors that could cause the Company's switched long distance business
to fail to generate positive EBITDA, see "-- Risk Factors -- Development Risks
and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business."
 
                                      -21-
<PAGE>   24
 
     The forward-looking statements set forth above with respect to the
estimated cash requirements relating to capital expenditures, the Company's
ability to meet such cash requirements, and the Company's ability to improve its
gross margins and EBITDA in its switched long distance business are based on
certain assumptions, including that: (i) there will be no significant delays or
cost overruns with respect to the network expansion; (ii) the Company's
contractors and partners in cost-saving arrangements will perform their
obligations; (iii) rights-of-way can be obtained on a timely, cost-effective
basis; (iv) the routes of the network expansion scheduled for completion in 1997
are substantially completed on schedule; (v) the Company will continue to
increase traffic on its switched network; (vi) the Company can successfully
commence service for new switched long distance customers and successfully
provide switched long distance services on a cost effective basis (including the
provision of billing information in an accurate and timely manner) for volumes
that it has not previously handled; (vii) the Company can successfully complete
the LCI Fiber Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale; and (viii) the Company can obtain
vendor financing. See "-- Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to the Network
Expansion," "-- Risk Factors -- Development Risks and Dependence on Switched
Long Distance Business," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "-- The Company's Network."
 
     The cash requirements described above do not include any cash which may be
required for acquisitions the Company may make. See "-- Risk
Factors -- Acquisition Risks" and "-- Acquisitions."
 
RISKS RELATING TO THE NETWORK EXPANSION
 
     The continuing network expansion is an essential element of the Company's
future success. Although the Company has made significant progress, right-of-way
acquisition for, and construction of, the New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis
route are not yet complete. The Company has, from time to time, experienced
delays with respect to the construction of certain portions of the network
expansion and may experience similar delays in the future. These delays have not
had a material effect on the Company to date but have delayed the receipt of
certain revenues from its private line business and have affected operating
results, including EBITDA, by delaying the Company's ability to carry long
distance traffic over its owned facilities instead of facilities it leases from
other carriers. The Company has substantial existing commitments to purchase
materials and labor for construction of the network expansion, and will need to
obtain additional materials and labor which may cost more than anticipated. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources." Substantial segments of the
route from New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis and all the route from
Washington to Houston via Atlanta are being constructed by contractors or,
pursuant to cost-saving arrangements, by third parties such as right-of-way
providers or carriers that will include the Company's fiber in routes such
carriers are constructing for their own use. See "-- The Company's Network" for
a description of such cost-saving arrangements. The successful completion of
these routes is dependent, among other things, on the performance of such
contractors, right-of-way providers and carriers and on the Company's ability:
(i) to obtain rights-of-way; (ii) to manage effectively the construction of the
new fiber routes; and (iii) to enter into additional cost-saving arrangements,
obtain additional financing and/or significantly increase its cash flow.
Difficulties or delays with respect to any of the foregoing may significantly
delay or prevent the completion of the network expansion, which would have a
material adverse effect on the Company, its financial results and the value of
the Common Stock.
 
     The Company has entered into an agreement with WorldCom, relating to the
construction by each party of a fiber route approximately 1,100 miles long and
the placing of fiber for the use of both parties in such route. WorldCom's route
extends from Akron through Indianapolis to the Missouri-Oklahoma border, with a
spur from Indianapolis to a suburb of Chicago. The Company's route extends from
Dallas to Phoenix with a spur to Ft. Worth.
 
     In December 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Vyvx whereby
the Company will provide Vyvx with the right to use fibers from Los Angeles to
New York in exchange for the right to use fibers from Houston to Washington,
D.C. The parties are required to complete their routes by December 31, 1997,
with penalties taking effect in July 1998 if one party, but not the other, has
failed to complete its route. Although the Company anticipates that it will
complete its route in time to avoid any penalty, there can be no
 
                                      -22-
<PAGE>   25
 
assurance in this regard. Such penalties increase from $400,000 per month
commencing in July 1998 to $800,000 per month commencing in October 1998.
 
     The Company entered into a significant agreement with a major long distance
carrier that will obtain private line services from the Company utilizing routes
included in the network expansion, including routes under construction. Under
this contract, the Company will supply DS-3 circuits for aggregate revenues of
over $24.0 million during 1997-1998. Delays in completion of such routes could
result in cancellation of orders under such contract.
 
     In February 1997, the Company agreed to make the LCI Fiber Sale. The
agreement provides for (i) the Company to issue credits to LCI in the amount of
$3.00 per route mile per day on uncompleted sections if the route is not
completed by September 1, 1997 and (ii) the Company to provide OC-48 capacity to
LCI along uncompleted sections (which capacity may have to be obtained by the
Company from other carriers), if the route is not completed by December 1, 1997.
 
     In March 1997, the Company agreed to make the MCI Fiber Sale. The agreement
provides for the Company to issue a credit to MCI of $100 per route mile per
month along any incomplete route segment, commencing January 1, 1998.
 
     Although the Company does not anticipate undue difficulty in obtaining
performance by its contractors or by its partners in cost-sharing arrangements
or in acquiring the necessary rights-of-way or in managing the construction of
the network expansion, there can be no assurance that such third parties
(including WorldCom and Vyvx) will perform or that such rights will be acquired
or that the network expansion routes (including the routes from New York to Los
Angeles via St. Louis and from New York to Houston via Atlanta) will be
completed without significant delays or penalties, within its budget or at all.
Increased costs or significant delays in the completion of these routes,
including the portion to be constructed by WorldCom or Vyvx, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common Stock. See
"-- The Company's Network."
 
PRICING PRESSURES AND RISKS OF INDUSTRY OVER-CAPACITY
 
     The long distance transmission industry has generally been characterized by
over-capacity and declining prices since shortly after the AT&T divestiture in
1984. The Company believes that, in the last several years, increasing demand
has ameliorated the over-capacity and that pricing pressure has been reduced.
However, the Company anticipates that prices for its services will continue to
decline over the next several years. The Company is aware that certain long
distance carriers (WorldCom, MCI, LCI and others) are expanding their capacity
and believes that other long distance carriers, as well as potential new
entrants to the industry, are considering the construction of new fiber optic
and other long distance transmission networks. In particular, Qwest has
announced its intention to construct a coast-to-coast fiber optic network and
Frontier has announced it will purchase fibers for $500 million in Qwest's
network. Although the Company believes that there are significant barriers to
entry for some new entrants that may consider building a new fiber optic
network, such as substantial construction costs, and the difficulty and expense
of securing appropriate rights-of-way, establishing and maintaining a sufficient
customer base, recruiting and retaining appropriate personnel and maintaining a
reliable network, certain of these barriers may not apply to some new entrants
(such as Qwest, utility companies or railroads which already have significant
rights-of-way). Since the cost of the actual fiber is a relatively small portion
of building new transmission lines, companies building such lines are likely to
install fiber that provides substantially more transmission capacity than will
be needed over the short or medium term. Further, recent technological advances
have shown the potential to greatly expand the capacity of existing and new
fiber optic cable. Although such technological advances may enable the Company
to increase its capacity, an increase in the capacity of the Company's
competitors could adversely affect the Company's business. In addition, the LCI
Fiber Sale, the MCI Fiber Sale and the Company's cost-saving arrangements with
other carriers, which involve the sale or lease of capacity or fibers on the
network expansion, will result in competitors having capacity on the Company's
routes, which may in turn result in pricing pressures with respect to traffic
carried along these routes. If industry capacity expansion results in capacity
that exceeds overall demand in general or along any of the Company's routes,
severe additional
 
                                      -23-
<PAGE>   26
 
pricing pressure could develop. In addition, strategic alliances or similar
transactions, such as the long distance capacity purchasing alliance among
certain RBOCs announced in the spring of 1996, could result in additional
pricing pressure on long distance carriers. Furthermore, the marginal cost of
carrying additional calls over existing fiber optic cable is extremely low. As a
result, certain industry observers have predicted that, within a few years,
there may be dramatic and substantial price reductions and that long distance
calls will not be materially more expensive than local calls. Price reductions
could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common
Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Overview."
 
DEVELOPMENT RISKS AND DEPENDENCE ON SWITCHED LONG DISTANCE BUSINESS
 
     The success of the Company in the switched long distance business is
dependent on the Company's ability to generate significant customer traffic, to
manage an efficient switched long distance network and related customer service
and the timely completion of the network expansion, especially the route from
New York to Los Angeles via St. Louis. Prior to 1996 the Company had not
previously managed a switched long distance network and there can be no
assurance that its switched long distance services can generate positive EBITDA
or net income. The failure of the Company to generate increased customer
traffic, to complete these routes in a timely manner, or to effectively manage
the switched network and related customer service or to generate positive EBITDA
or net income from the switched long distance business would have a material
adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common Stock. The Company's
switched long distance business will require cash to meet its operating
expenses. In order to offer switched long distance services, the Company
installed switches, connected them to its network and to the LECs, acquired
software and hired the personnel needed to establish a national switched
network. Taken on a stand-alone basis, the switched long distance business
generated negative gross margins over the first two quarters of 1996 and began
to generate slightly positive gross margins during the third and fourth quarters
of 1996 as the Company began to carry more switched long distance traffic. After
allocating selling, general and administrative expense to the switched long
distance business, however, it would have generated negative EBITDA for each of
the four quarters of 1996. The Company expects that the network expansion will
result in an improvement in the gross margins and EBITDA generated by its
switched long distance business. The Company has experienced and expects to
continue to experience difficulties in commencing services for end users of
carrier customers. In late 1996, Excel experienced service interruptions and
other difficulties in connection with transferring its end users to the networks
of MCI, WorldCom and the Company. The Company has encountered similar
difficulties in transferring end user customers of other carriers to its
network. These difficulties have, on occasion, led to billing disputes and
requests by carrier customers that the Company provide refunds or credits.
Although the Company believes that its performance with respect to these matters
has met or exceeded industry norms, such difficulties may adversely affect the
Company's relationships with its customers.
 
     Important factors that could cause the Company's switched long distance
business to fail to generate positive EBITDA include changes in the businesses
of the Company's reseller customers, an inability to attract new customers, or
to quickly transfer new customers to its network without problems, the loss of
existing customers, problems in the operation of the switched network, the
Company's lack of experience with switched long distance services, increases in
operating expenses or other factors affecting the Company's revenue or expenses,
including delays in the construction of the network expansion. If such traffic
does not increase, there can be no assurance that the switched long distance
business will ever generate positive EBITDA. In addition, to the extent that
LECs grant volume discounts with respect to local access charges, the Company
may have a cost disadvantage versus the larger carriers. Furthermore, the credit
risk for the Company's switched long distance business is substantially greater
than the credit risk for the Company's long-haul business, because switched long
distance customers will be charged in arrears on the basis of MOUs (which are
frequently subject to dispute), and because many switched long distance
customers (in particular, resellers of debit card services) are not as well
capitalized as most of the Company's private line customers. See "-- Switched
Long Distance Services."
 
                                      -24-
<PAGE>   27
 
RISKS INHERENT IN RAPID GROWTH
 
     Part of the Company's strategy is to achieve rapid growth through expanding
its switched long distance business and through completing the network
expansion. In addition, the Company may from time to time make acquisitions of
resellers which it believes provide a strategic fit with its business and
network. See "-- Acquisition Risks." The Company's rapid growth has placed, and
its planned future growth will continue to place, a significant and increasing
strain on the Company's financial, management, technical, information and
accounting resources. Continued rapid growth would require: (i) the retention
and training of new personnel; (ii) the satisfactory performance by the
Company's customer interface and billing systems; (iii) the development and
introduction of new products; and (iv) the control of the Company's expenses
related to the expansion into the switched long distance business and the
network expansion. The failure by the Company to satisfy these requirements, or
otherwise to manage its growth effectively, would have a material adverse effect
on the Company and the value of the Common Stock. See "-- Private Line Services"
and "-- Switched Long Distance Services." An area of recent and anticipated
growth for the Company has been in selling private lines to Internet service
providers. Because such customers are generally not as well capitalized as most
of the Company's private line customers, sales to such customers increase the
Company's collection risks.
 
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS
 
     The Company is highly leveraged. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had
approximately $302.3 million of longterm debt and capital lease obligations
(including the current portion thereof) principally related to the Senior Notes.
In addition, the Company is engaged in discussion with potential lenders
regarding a revolving credit facility (the "Proposed Credit Facility"). The
Company anticipates that borrowings under the Proposed Credit Facility would be
available with respect to a percentage of its eligible accounts receivable.
Although the total availability under the Proposed Credit Facility will vary
from time to time according to the aggregate amount of eligible accounts
receivable, the Company anticipates that the lender will impose a limit on
borrowings under the facility. There can be no assurance that the Company will
obtain the Proposed Credit Facility. The Company's significant debt burden could
have several important consequences to the Company, including, but not limited
to: (i) the cash received from operations may be insufficient to meet the
principal and interest due on the Senior Notes, in addition to paying the other
indebtedness of the Company as it becomes due and cash dividends on the
Company's 10% Junior Series 3 Preferred Stock (the "Series 3 Preferred Stock")
and the Convertible Preferred Stock; (ii) a significant portion of the Company's
cash flow from operations must be used to service its debt instead of being used
in the Company's business; and (iii) the Company's flexibility to obtain
additional financing in the future, as needed to continue the network expansion
or any other reason, may be impaired by the amount of debt outstanding and the
restrictions imposed by the covenants contained in the Indenture or in
agreements relating to other indebtedness. The ability of the Company to meet
its obligations will be subject to financial, business and other factors,
including factors beyond its control, such as prevailing economic conditions.
There can be no assurance that the Company's cash flow from operations will be
sufficient to meet its obligations under the Senior Notes or other indebtedness
or the Series 3 Preferred Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock as payments
become due or that the Company will be able to refinance the Senior Notes or
other indebtedness at maturity or the Convertible Preferred Stock upon mandatory
redemption.
 
ACQUISITION RISKS
 
     As part of its growth strategy, the Company has agreed to acquire LDS and
Telecom One and may, from time to time, acquire businesses, assets or securities
of companies which it believes provide a strategic fit with its business and
network. Although the Company currently has no commitments or agreements with
respect to any possible acquisitions other than with LDS and Telecom One, it has
reviewed potential acquisition candidates and has held preliminary discussions
with a number of these candidates. Any such acquisitions will be accompanied by
the risks commonly associated with acquisitions. These risks include potential
exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies, the difficulty and
expense of integrating the operations and
 
                                      -25-
<PAGE>   28
 
personnel of the companies, the potential disruption to the business of the
Company, the potential diversion of management time and attention, the
impairment of relationships with and the possible loss of key employees and
customers of the acquired business, the incurrence of amortization expenses if
an acquisition is accounted for as a purchase and dilution to the stockholders
of the Company if the acquisition is made for stock. Any acquired businesses
will need to be integrated with the Company's existing operations. This will
entail, among other things, integration of switching, transmission, technical,
sales, marketing, billing, accounting, quality control, management, personnel,
payroll, regulatory compliance and other systems and operating hardware and
software, some or all of which may be incompatible with the Company's existing
systems. The Company has limited expertise dealing with these problems. In
addition, persons receiving Common Stock in an acquisition may sell such stock,
which could have a negative impact on the market price of the Common Stock.
There can be no assurance that services, technologies or businesses of acquired
companies will be effectively assimilated into the business or product offerings
of the Company or that they will contribute to the Company's revenues or
earnings to any material extent. In addition, the Company's relationships with
its carrier customers are based, in part, on the fact that the Company generally
does not compete with its carrier customers for end users. To the extent that
the Company is perceived as competing for end users, it may be viewed as a less
attractive supplier by its carrier customers. The risks associated with
acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the value
of the Common Stock.
 
     The closings of the LDS and Telecom One acquisitions are subject to the
satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of any
required approvals of state and federal regulators. There can be no assurance
that such conditions will be satisfied or that such approvals will be obtained
in a timely manner or at all. A failure to satisfy or to obtain waivers to such
conditions or to obtain such regulatory approvals would prevent consummation of
the related acquisition.
 
RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     The Company's ten largest customers in 1996 accounted for approximately 70%
of its revenues, with Excel, WorldCom and Frontier as its three largest
customers. Excel first became a customer in 1996 and accounted for 35% of the
Company's revenues (69% of the Company's switched long distance revenues) during
1996. During 1994, 1995 and 1996, WorldCom accounted for approximately 25%, 20%
and 8% respectively, of the Company's revenues (the Company derived no revenues
from capacity-exchange arrangements with WorldCom in 1994, and approximately 4%
and 3% of its revenues from such arrangements with WorldCom in 1995 and 1996,
respectively) and Frontier (including Allnet) accounted for 23%, 21% and 10%,
respectively, of the Company's revenues.
 
     The Company's strategy for establishing and growing its switched long
distance business is based in large part on its relationship with Excel. The
failure by the Company to fulfill its obligations to provide a reliable switched
network for use by Excel or the failure by Excel: (i) to fulfill its obligations
to utilize the Company's switched long distance services (even though such
failure could give rise in certain circumstances to claims by the Company); (ii)
to utilize the volume of MOUs that the Company expects it to utilize or (iii) to
maintain and expand its business, could result in a material adverse effect on
the Company and the value of the Common Stock. In addition to its commitments to
its other suppliers, Excel has entered into a four-year, $900.0 million contract
to purchase switched long distance services from WorldCom and a two-year, $120.0
million contract to purchase switched long distance services from MCI. Although
the Company believes that Excel's commitments to WorldCom and MCI will not
impair Excel's relationship with the Company, WorldCom and MCI are significant
competitors to the Company for Excel's business. In the event the Company is not
able to effectively compete with WorldCom, MCI or other Excel suppliers, it may
not continue to obtain revenues from Excel after Excel's commitment to the
Company has been satisfied. Excel has announced that it intends to commence
development of its own nationwide long distance network, including acquiring or
leasing switches and long distance transmission circuits. To the extent Excel
implements its own network, it will utilize the network to transmit traffic
which would otherwise have been transmitted over the network of the Company or
another of Excel's suppliers. In such event, subject to contractual minimums,
Excel may reduce its traffic on the Company's network. Furthermore, such
minimums may be reduced or eliminated after June 30, 1998 under certain
circumstances if Excel allows the Company to
 
                                      -26-
<PAGE>   29
 
bid on the long distance transmission circuits for Excel's network. The loss of
Excel as a customer after Excel's commitment has been satisfied or a significant
reduction by Excel of its commitment to the Company (as is permitted in certain
circumstances by the terms of its contract with the Company) could have a
material adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common Stock. See
"-- Switched Long Distance Services."
 
     WorldCom has grown substantially in recent years, largely through
acquisitions, including the acquisition of certain customers of the Company. In
1995, WorldCom acquired WilTel, a facilities-based carrier that has been both a
long-term customer of, and supplier to, the Company. The Company believes that
as a result of WorldCom's ownership of the WilTel long distance transmission
network, WorldCom is likely to transfer private line circuits now leased from
the Company, other than the private line circuits under capacity exchange
arrangements with the Company, to its own network when its leases expire. During
1996, the Company had revenues from WorldCom of approximately $16.8 million. Of
such revenues, approximately 38% related to capacity-exchange agreements, 36%
related to leases expiring in 1997, and 26% related to leases expiring after
1997. Prior to its acquisition in 1995 by Frontier (which is also a customer of
the Company), Allnet was a large customer of the Company, accounting for
approximately 18% and 17% of the Company's revenues in 1993 and 1994,
respectively. Frontier has announced that it will pay $500.0 million to obtain
fibers in the coast-tocoast system Qwest is constructing, which will reduce
Frontier's need to lease circuits from the Company. The Company does not expect
an immediate loss of Frontier's business because: (i) Frontier has "take or pay"
commitments to the Company for the period 1997 through 2000 of over $14.2
million as of December 31, 1996; (ii) Frontier does not currently own
significant long distance network capacity; and (iii) the Company believes that
the acquisition of Allnet by Frontier will not affect the combined carrier's
requirements for long distance transmission circuits. However, as segments of
the Qwest network are completed, it is likely that Frontier will not renew
circuits on the Company's network that can be carried on such completed
segments. Although there can be no assurance, the Company believes that if
revenues from WorldCom or from Frontier do not continue or are reduced, they can
be replaced over time with revenues generated from other customers. However, in
such event, the Company's revenues may in the short-term be adversely affected
and if such revenues are not replaced, then the loss of, or reductions in the
revenues from, Excel, WorldCom, Frontier or other significant customers could
have a material adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common Stock.
In addition, construction by other customers of the Company of their own
facilities or further consolidations in the telecommunications industry
involving the Company's customers could have a material adverse effect on the
Company and the value of the Common Stock. See "-- Private Line Services."
 
COMPETITION
 
     The telecommunications industry is highly competitive. Many of the
Company's competitors (such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WorldCom and others) and
potential competitors (such as Qwest and Frontier) have substantially greater
financial, personnel, technical, marketing and other resources than those of the
Company and a far more extensive transmission network than the Company. Such
competitors may build additional fiber capacity in the geographic areas to be
served by the network expansion. Qwest has announced that it intends to build a
new nationwide long distance fiber optic network and Frontier has announced that
it will pay $500 million to obtain fibers in Qwest's network. In addition, many
telecommunications companies are acquiring switches and users of switches will
have an increasing number of alternative providers of switched long distance
services. The Company competes primarily on the basis of pricing, availability,
transmission quality, customer service (including the capability of making rapid
additions to add end users and access to end-user traffic records) and variety
of services. The ability of the Company to compete effectively will depend on
its ability to maintain highquality services at prices generally equal to or
below those charged by its competitors.
 
     An alternative method of transmitting telecommunications traffic is through
satellite transmission. Satellite transmission is superior to fiber optic
transmission for distribution communications, for example, video broadcasting.
Although satellite transmission is not preferred to fiber optic transmission for
voice traffic in most parts of the United States because it exhibits a slight
(approximately one-quarter-second) time delay,
 
                                      -27-
<PAGE>   30
 
such delay is not important for many data-oriented uses. In the event the market
for data transmission grows, the Company will compete with satellite carriers in
such market. Also, at least one satellite company, Orion Network Systems, Inc.,
has announced its intention to provide internet access services to businesses
through satellite technology.
 
     In the United States, price competition in the long distance business has
generally been intensive. The FCC has, on several occasions since 1984, approved
or required price decreases by AT&T through the imposition of "price cap"
regulations. However, the FCC recently classified AT&T as a "non-dominant
interexchange carrier," with the effect that AT&T is no longer subject to price
regulation of its long distance services. Since the Company believes that its
customers generally price their service offerings at or below the prices charged
by AT&T for its telecommunications services, reductions by AT&T in its rates may
necessitate similar price decreases by the Company. In addition, the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecommunications Act") will allow the
RBOCs and others such as electric utilities and cable television companies to
enter the long distance market, and has removed restraints on GTE. In fact, the
RBOCs have begun providing out-of-region interLATA long distance services.
Ameritech recently filed (but withdrew without prejudice) an application for
authorization to provide in-region long distance services. Ameritech has stated
that it intends to refile its application at the end of March, 1997. Other RBOCs
are actively working to satisfy prerequisites for re-entry into the in-region
long distance business. Formal RBOC applications are likely to be filed soon.
GTE has begun providing both out-of-region interLATA long distance services and
in-region long distance services. Further, a continuing trend toward
consolidation, mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances in the
telecommunications industry could also give rise to significant new competitors
to the Company or to the Company's customers. See "-- Recent Legislation and
Regulatory Uncertainty," "-- Industry Overview," "-- Private Line Services,"
"-- Switched Long Distance Services" and "-- Regulation."
 
     On February 15, 1997, the United States Trade Representative designate
announced that an agreement had been reached with World Trade Organization
("WTO") countries to open world telecommunications markets to competition. The
agreement, known as the WTO Basic Telecommunications Services Agreement ("WTO
Agreement"), is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 1998. The WTO
Agreement will provide U.S. companies with foreign market access for local, long
distance, and international services, either on a facilities basis or through
resale of existing network capacity. The WTO Agreement also provides that U.S.
companies can acquire, establish or hold a significant stake in
telecommunications companies around the world. Conversely, foreign companies
will be permitted to enter domestic U.S. telecommunications markets and acquire
ownership interest in U.S. companies. Therefore, foreign telecommunications
companies could also be significant new competitors to the Company or the
Company's customers. See "-- Industry Overview," "-- Private Line Services,"
"-- Switched Long Distance Services."
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company's businesses are managed by a small number of key executive
officers, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company believes that its growth and future success will depend in large
part on its continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified
personnel. The loss of one or more members of senior management or the failure
to recruit additional qualified personnel in the future could significantly
impede attainment of the Company's financial, expansion, marketing and other
objectives.
 
DEVELOPMENT RISKS OF THE FRAME RELAY AND ATM TRANSMISSION BUSINESS
 
     The Company will soon begin offering Frame Relay, ATM and other data
transmission services. Although the Company has not yet made a material
investment for, or generated material revenues from, this business, the Company
believes that data transmission services present a promising opportunity for the
Company. To succeed in providing these services, the Company must compete with
AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WorldCom and other large competitors. In addition, the
Company expects that it will be necessary to continue to make upgrades to its
network (in advance of related revenues) to be competitive in providing these
services. The provision of data transmission services involves technical issues
with which the Company has very limited experience. In addition, the provision
of these services must be successfully integrated with the Company's
 
                                      -28-
<PAGE>   31
 
existing businesses. To the extent the Company does not successfully compete in
providing these services, it will not realize a return on its investment in data
switches and other equipment and it will not benefit from the growth, if any, in
demand for these services. A failure to successfully compete in data
transmission services could have a material adverse effect on the Company and
the value of the Common Stock.
 
RECENT LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY UNCERTAINTY
 
     Certain of the Company's operations are subject to regulation by the FCC
under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"). In
addition, certain of the Company's businesses are subject to regulation by state
public utility or public service commissions. Changes in the regulation of, or
the enactment or changes in interpretation of legislation affecting, the
Company's operations could have a material adverse affect on the Company and the
value of the Common Stock. In 1996 the federal government enacted the
Telecommunications Act, which, among other things, allows the RBOCs and others
to enter the long distance business. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such
as electric utilities and cable television companies into the long distance
business may have a negative impact on the Company or its customers. The Company
anticipates that certain of such entrants will be strong competitors because,
among other reasons, they may enjoy one or more of the following advantages:
they may (i) be well capitalized; (ii) already have substantial end-user
customer bases; and/or (iii) enjoy cost advantages relating to local loops and
access charges. The introduction of additional strong competitors into the
switched long distance business would mean that the Company and its customers
would face substantially increased competition. This could have a material
adverse effect on the Company and the value of the Common Stock. Further, the
FCC has recently commenced rulemaking proceedings relating to universal service
funding by interstate telecommunications carriers, and to the access charges the
Company and its customers are required to pay to LECs. The outcomes of these FCC
proceedings are impossible to predict. In addition, the Telecommunications Act
provides that state proceedings may in certain instances determine access
charges the Company and its customers are required to pay to the LECs. There can
be no assurance that such proceedings will not result in increases in such
rates. Such increases could have a material adverse effect on the Company or its
customers and on the value of the Common Stock. See "-- Industry Overview" and
"-- Regulation."
 
RISKS RELATED TO RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES
 
     The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes
in technology. For example, there have been recent technological advances that
show the potential to greatly expand the capacity of existing and new fiber
optic cable, which could greatly increase supply. There can be no assurance that
the Company will maintain competitive services or that the Company will obtain
appropriate new technologies on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms. Such an
increase in supply or failure by the Company to maintain competitive services or
obtain new technologies could have a material adverse effect on the Company and
the value of the Common Stock. See "-- Industry Overview -- Technology."
 
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.
 
     The principal properties owned by the Company consist of: (i) the Michigan,
Texas and New York to Washington, D.C. fiber optic systems, including the fiber
optic cable and associated electronics and other equipment; (ii) the portion of
the network expansion completed or under construction; and (iii) the coast-to-
coast microwave system, consisting of microwave transmitters, receivers, towers
and antennae, auxiliary power equipment, transportation equipment, equipment
shelters and miscellaneous components. Generally, the Company's fiber optic
system and microwave relay system components are standard commercial products
available from a number of suppliers.
 
     The principal offices of the Company are located in approximately 44,000
square feet of space in Austin. The Company leases approximately 38,000 square
feet of such space under an agreement which expires in December 2000, at a
current annual base rental of approximately $750,000, and has an option to renew
the lease for a five-year term at the then-prevailing market rate (but not less
than the then-current rental rate) at the time of renewal, and leases
approximately 6,000 square feet of such space under an agreement which expires
in November 2000 at a current annual base rental of approximately $121,000. The
Company has
 
                                      -29-
<PAGE>   32
 
additional offices in two other locations in Austin, consisting of approximately
16,000 square feet and 57,000 square feet. The Company leases the space in the
first location under an agreement which expires in the year 2000, at a current
annual base rental of approximately $163,000, and subleases the space in the
second location under an agreement which expires in 1997, at a current annual
base rental of approximately $450,000. Upon the expiration of the sublease in
the second location, the Company will lease such space from the landlord under
an agreement which expires in January 2003, at an annual base rental of
approximately $570,000.
 
     The Company leases sites for its switches in or near Los Angeles, Dallas,
Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia under lease agreements that expire between
2000 and 2005. The total current rental commitments for the switch site leases
are approximately $30,000 per month. The Company's five switches are leased
under capital leases from DSC Finance Corporation over a term of five years.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
     The Company is involved in various legal proceedings, all of which have
arisen in the ordinary course of business and some of which are covered by
insurance. In the opinion of the Company's management, none of the claims
relating to such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
 
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market (the
"NNM") under the trading symbol "IIXC." The Company commenced its IPO on July 2,
1996 at a per share price of $16.00. The following table sets forth, on a per
share basis for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices for
the Common Stock as reported by the NNM.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PRICE RANGE
                                                                            --------------
                                                                            HIGH       LOW
                                                                            ---        ---
    <S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
    Fiscal Year 1996
      Third quarter (from July 3,1996)....................................  $21 1/8    $11 1/2
      Fourth quarter......................................................   30 3/4     19 5/8
 
    Fiscal Year 1997
      First Quarter (through March 21, 1997)..............................   36         21
</TABLE>
 
     The closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported by the NNM on March
21, 1997 was $22 3/8. As of March 3, 1997, there were approximately 93 holders
of record of the Common Stock and approximately 86 holders of record of Series 3
Preferred Stock.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     IXC Communications has never paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock
and does not expect to pay cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable
future. The terms of the Indenture restrict the payment of cash dividends. No
dividends may be paid on the Common Stock until all dividends are paid in full
on the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock and Series 3 Preferred Stock.
Assuming completion of the Convertible Stock Sale, dividends on the Convertible
Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly in cash (or on or prior to two years
after the date of issuance, at the option of the Company, in additional shares
of Convertible Preferred Stock) in arrears from the date of issuance at a rate
of 7 1/4% per annum of the
 
                                      -30-
<PAGE>   33
 
liquidation preference ($100.0 million), commencing in June 1997. The Company's
ability to pay cash dividends on shares of Convertible Preferred Stock will be
limited by the terms of the Indenture and by the terms of the Series 3 Preferred
Stock. As of December 31, 1996 the Company's Series 3 Preferred Stock had a
liquidation preference, including cumulative and unpaid dividends, of $19.1
million. Dividends on the Series 3 Preferred Stock accumulate at an annual rate
of 10% (based on the liquidation preference) plus interest. IXC Communications
anticipates paying the dividends on the Series 3 Preferred Stock (and related
interest) when cash is available after funding its cash needs for operations and
capital expenditures and provided that the amount of such payment is permitted
under the terms of the Indenture and applicable provisions of state law. In
addition to paying such dividends, IXC Communications currently intends to
retain future earnings, if any, to finance its operations and fund the growth of
its business. Any payment of future dividends on its Common Stock will be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors of IXC Communications and will depend upon,
among other things, IXC Communications' earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual and legal restrictions with
respect to the payment of dividends and other factors that IXC Communications'
Board of Directors deems relevant.
 
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
     On July 9, 1996, IXC Communications issued and sold 840,053 shares of
Common Stock to Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust ("GEPT") (the "GEPT
Private Placement") for an aggregate purchase price of $12.5 million
concurrently with the closing of IXC Communications' initial public offering.
The sale and issuance of the Common Stock in the GEPT Private Placement was
deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") in reliance upon Section 4(2) thereof, as
transactions not involving a public offering. GEPT represented its intention to
acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to the
distribution thereof. Appropriate legends were affixed to the certificates
representing the securities issued in the GEPT Private Placement. GEPT had
adequate access, through its relationships with the Company, to sufficient
information about the Company to make an informed investment decision. No
underwriter or placement agent was employed with respect to such sale.
 
     During the period from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996, IXC
Communications granted stock options to 79 individuals (including two executive
officers) covering an aggregate of 1,138,350 shares of Common Stock. No
consideration was paid for such options. Such grants were exempt from the
registration requirement of the Securities Act as not involving the sale of a
security. Stock options representing such shares have been subsequently
registered under the Securities Act.
 
                                      -31-
<PAGE>   34
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain selected historical financial data
of the Company and its predecessor. The historical financial data for the
Company has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of
the Company as of and for the periods ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993
and 1992. The historical financial data for the period January 1, 1992 through
August 14, 1992 relates to the "Company's Predecessor", IXC Carrier, Inc. ("IXC
Carrier"), and has been derived from unaudited financial statements. The data
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements,
related Notes, and other financial information included herein.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THE
                                                                                            COMPANY'S
                                                        THE COMPANY                        PREDECESSOR
                                    ----------------------------------------------------   -----------
                                                                                AUG. 15      JAN. 1
                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            THROUGH      THROUGH
                                    -----------------------------------------   DEC. 31,    AUG. 14,
                                      1996       1995       1994       1993       1992        1992
                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -----------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net operating revenues..........  $203,761   $ 91,001   $ 80,663   $ 71,123   $ 23,893    $   42,081
  Operating income (loss).........   (14,016)     1,429     14,085    (10,596)    (4,487)       (5,778)
  Net income (loss)...............   (37,448)    (4,965)     7,315    (23,317)    (4,328)      (24,559)
  Net income (loss) per common and
     common equivalent share......  $  (1.39)  $   (.27)  $    .22   $  (1.04)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF
  PERIOD):
  Total assets....................  $459,151   $336,475   $105,409   $ 94,281   $117,741    $  195,288
  Total debt and capital lease
     obligations..................   302,281    298,794     69,124     59,954     32,891       329,242
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
 
     The following should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this
on Form 10-K.
 
OVERVIEW
 
     The Company provides two principal services to long distance companies: (i)
transmission of voice and data over dedicated circuits (referred to as private
line services) and (ii) switched long distance services. The Company is one of
only five carriers that currently own a digital telecommunications network
extending from coast-to-coast. The Company's facilities also include five long
distance switches located in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia and
Atlanta and ten Frame Relay-ATM switches located in major cities.
 
   
     Private Line Business.  Substantially all of the Company's revenues in 1995
and prior years and approximately 49% of its revenues for 1996 (37% for the
fourth quarter of 1996) were generated by its private line business, which has
historically provided positive cash flow (even in years when the Company had net
losses, as in 1993, 1995 and 1996). The Company provides private line service to
customers generally either on a "take or pay" long-term basis or, after contract
expiration, on a month-to-month basis. The Company's private line transmission
agreements are generally long-term leases which provide for monthly payment in
advance on a fixed-rate basis, calculated according to the capacity and length
of the circuit used. Many of such contracts contain substantial "take or pay"
commitments. During 1996, the Company leased transmission capacity to 252
customers, with the ten largest private line customers during that year
accounting for approximately 36% of revenues. The Company's two largest private
line customers, Frontier and WorldCom, accounted for approximately 10% and 8%,
respectively, of the Company's revenues in 1996. See "-- Business -- Risk
Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers."
    
 
                                      -32-
<PAGE>   35
 
     Substantially all of the costs of services of the private line business are
fixed. The largest component of such costs for the private line business is the
expense of leasing off-net capacity from other carriers to meet customer needs
which the Company cannot currently meet with its own network due to capacity or
geographic constraints. In addition to such leases, in the normal course of
business, the Company enters into capacity-exchange agreements with other
carriers. Pursuant to such agreements, the Company exchanges excess capacity on
its network with other carriers for capacity on the other carrier's network. As
such exchange agreements generally do not provide for cash payments to be made,
they allow the Company to substantially reduce the cash payments it must make
for off-net capacity from other carriers. Such exchanges are accounted for at
the fair value of the capacity exchanged, as non-cash revenue and expense in
equal amounts, which reduce the Company's overall gross margin as a percentage
of revenues. In 1995 and in 1996 the Company recorded revenue and expense of
$13.8 million and $14.0 million, respectively, relating to such exchanges. In
addition, certain right-of-way arrangements in connection with the construction
of the Company's network constitute operating leases and will contribute to the
cost of communications services in the future. The amount of such operating
leases for prior periods, including 1996, was immaterial.
 
     Switched Long Distance Business.  The Company recently expanded into the
business of selling switched long distance services to long distance resellers.
The Company sells switched long distance services on a per-call basis, charging
by MOUs, with payment due monthly after services are rendered. The Company's
rates for calls generally vary with the duration of the call, the day and time
of day the call was made and whether the traffic is intrastate, interstate or
international. The Company has contracts with over 70 long distance resellers.
The Company's largest switched long distance customer, Excel, accounted for
approximately 35% of the Company's revenues in 1996. See "-- Business -- Risk
Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers" and "Business -- Switched Long Distance
Services."
 
     The three main components of the costs of the switched long distance
business are LEC access charges, long distance network leasing costs (including
MOUs and long distance circuits) and operations and administration expenses. The
LEC access charges, which are variable, represent a significant majority of the
total cost for the switched long distance business. As the Company transfers
traffic onto its newly constructed network routes, the Company expects to
realize cost savings for the switched long distance business because it will be
able to reduce the amount of long distance network capacity that otherwise would
be required to be leased from other parties. However, the Company does not
intend to expand its network to all areas of the United States. Accordingly, the
Company anticipates that it will continue to need to lease a significant amount
of capacity from other carriers regardless of the network expansion. Because the
switched long distance business generally has lower margins than the private
line business, increases in switched long distance volumes have caused and will
continue to cause a decrease in the Company's overall margins.
 
     During 1995, the Company set up the infrastructure for its switched long
distance business by installing its switches, connecting them to its network and
to the LECs, leasing related long distance circuits, acquiring software and
hiring personnel and entering into contracts with customers. The Company's
switched network became fully operational in February 1996 and the Company did
not have material revenues from the switched long distance business during 1995.
The switched long distance business generated revenues of $104.0 million for
1996, the majority of which was in the third and fourth quarters. The
development and further expansion of the Company's switched long distance
business requires significant expenditures, a substantial portion of which will
be incurred before the realization of operating cash flow from such activities.
Taken on a stand-alone basis, the switched long distance business generated
negative gross margins over the first two quarters of 1996 and began to generate
slightly positive gross margins during the third and fourth quarters of 1996 as
the Company began to carry more switched long distance traffic. After allocating
selling, general and administrative expense to the switched long distance
business, however, it would have generated negative EBITDA for each of the four
quarters of 1996. For a discussion of important factors that could cause the
Company's switched long distance business to fail to generate positive cash
flows as described, see "Business -- Risk Factors -- Development Risks and
Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business." The Company will fund such
negative EBITDA from cash flow from its private line business and cash on hand.
If such traffic does not increase, there can be no assurance that the switched
long distance business will
 
                                      -33-
<PAGE>   36
 
generate positive EBITDA. See, "-- Business -- Risk Factors -- Development Risks
and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business."
 
     Capital Expenditures.  The Company has spent significant amounts of capital
to develop its coast-to-coast network to service its private line and switched
long distance businesses and is currently engaged in a substantial expansion of
its network. The Company spent $136.4 million for capital expenditures during
1996 and estimates that it will spend approximately $340.0 million in 1997 (of
which $49.7 million was spent in the first two months of 1997) and the Company
expects to continue to make substantial capital expenditures thereafter.
However, the amount of actual capital expenditures may vary materially as a
result of cost-saving arrangements, increases or decreases in the amount of
traffic on the Company's network, unexpected costs, delays or advances in the
timing of certain capital expenditures and other factors. The Company's ability
to meet the cash costs of such capital expenditures is dependent upon the
Company's ability to complete the construction of the network expansion in a
timely manner and otherwise perform its obligations so that it can complete the
LCI Fiber Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale, to enter into costsaving arrangements
with carriers or other large users of fiber capacity, to otherwise raise
significant capital and/or to significantly increase its cash flow. The failure
of the Company to accomplish any of the foregoing may significantly delay or
prevent such capital expenditures, which would have a material adverse effect on
the Company and the value of the Common Stock. See "-- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
     Pricing; Net Losses.  The Company expects that, as competition increases,
prices for both private line and switched services will decline. The Company
incurred an operating loss during 1996 and does not expect to generate net
income in 1997 due to substantial interest expense associated with the Senior
Notes and operating expenses associated with the switched long distance
business. As the Company transfers traffic onto its newly constructed network
routes, the Company expects to realize cost savings by reducing the amount of
off-net capacity it leases from other carriers. However, reductions in lease
expense as a result of transferring traffic onto its newly constructed routes
will be offset to some extent by increased depreciation expense as the
investment in the newly constructed network routes is depreciated.
 
     Acquisition and Financing Transactions.  In 1994, the Company and Excel
formed Switched Services Communications, L.L.C. ("SSC"), a joint venture, to
lease, install and operate the five switches and to provide switched long
distance services to the Company and Excel. In January 1996, the Company
purchased Excel's interest in SSC for a short-term noninterest bearing note for
approximately $6.2 million which was fully paid in 1996. Excel continues to have
a contractual commitment to use the Company's network. See
"-- Business -- Switched Long Distance Services -- Excel."
 
     In August 1994, IXC Communications acquired an 85% interest in MSM
Associates, Limited Partnership ("MSM"), which owns fiber capacity in Michigan
and Indiana, from GE Capital Corporation. Frontier, the owner of the remaining
15% minority interest of MSM, is a customer of the Company.
 
     In October 1995, the Company issued $285.0 million of Senior Notes
primarily to finance a portion of the network expansion.
 
     In July 1996, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $83.3
million (before deducting certain expenses) through its IPO and $12.5 million
from the GEPT Private Placement.
 
     Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V. ("Marca-Tel"), a joint venture in which the Company
indirectly holds a minority interest, has been successful in obtaining a license
from the Mexican government to provide certain telecommunication services in
Mexico. However, the Marca-Tel services in Mexico are not yet in operation. The
Company and Westel jointly have contributed funds (approximately $7.3 million by
the Company as of December 31, 1996) to the company which owns a 49% interest in
Marca-Tel, substantially all of which has been used to fund Marca-Tel. See
"-- Business -- Mexican Joint Venture."
 
     The Company has entered into agreements to acquire LDS and Telecom One and
has had discussions with several other telecommunications companies that it may
acquire. Other than agreements with LDS and Telecom One, no commitment or
agreement has been reached with any acquisition candidates as of the date of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). See "-- Business -- Acquisitions."
 
                                      -34-
<PAGE>   37
 
     Fiber Sales.  In February 1997, the Company and LCI entered into an
agreement providing for the LCI Fiber Sale for approximately $97.9 million.
Assuming that the network expansion between Los Angeles and Chicago proceeds
according to schedule, the Company expects to receive this amount in 1997.
 
   
     In February 1997, the Company entered into the MCI Fiber Sale agreement
under which the Company is entitled to receive approximately $121.0 million.
Assuming that the network expansion proceeds according to schedule, this amount
will be due in January 1998. However, MCI has the option to pay this amount over
a period of up to 24 months commencing January 1998.
    
 
                                      -35-
<PAGE>   38
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  1996 Compared With 1995
 
     Net operating revenues for 1996 increased 124.0% to $203.8 million from
$91.0 million for 1995. The increase is primarily a result of the successful
commencement of the Company's switched long distance business (particularly the
addition of Excel as a customer). Switched long distance services revenues were
$104.0 million for 1996 (compared to $1.4 million for 1995). The vast majority
of these revenues were generated in the third and fourth quarters of 1996.
Billable MOUs were 1,105.2 million for 1996. Revenue per MOU decreased from
10.7c. in the first quarter of 1996 to 9.2c. in the fourth quarter of 1996. This
decrease resulted from continuing competitive price pressure, which is expected
to continue. Revenues for the Company's private line business for 1996 increased
11.4% to $99.8 million from $89.6 million for 1995.
 
     Cost of communication services consists principally of access charges paid
to LECs and transmission lease payments to, and exchanges with, other carriers.
Cost of communication services for 1996 increased 259.6% to $143.5 million from
$39.9 million for 1995. The increase is primarily a result of the addition of
long distance leases supporting the switched long distance business, MOUs leased
from other carriers and access charges paid to LECs in connection with the
switched long distance business. The Company did not incur any significant
expenses for the switched long distance business during 1995. The Company has
historically had a relatively low cost of communications services as a
percentage of revenues because substantially all its revenues were derived from
private line services, generally made at a relatively low cost over its own
network. The Company expects that, in the event it achieves increases in private
line revenues, its cost of communications services as a percentage of such
revenues will increase because additional leases (or exchanges) of capacity from
other carriers at a relatively high cost will be required to support new
business. The cost of communications services as a percentage of revenues in the
switched long distance business is substantially greater than that in the
private line business due to the relatively high cost of LEC access charges,
leases for long distance circuits and MOUs leased from other carriers.
Accordingly, increases in switched long distance revenues are expected to
further increase the Company's cost of communications services as a percentage
of revenues.
 
     Operations and administration expenses for 1996 increased 45.8% to $47.1
million from $32.3 million for 1995. This increase is primarily the result of
operating expenses associated with the Company's switched network. The Company
anticipates that as it expands its switched service business, operations and
administration expenses will continue to increase, but will decline as a
percentage of revenue. In addition, the Company expects that for 1997 operations
and administration expenses will increase slightly due to the integration of LDS
and Telecom One into the Company's operations.
 
     Depreciation and amortization for 1996 increased 56.3% to $27.2 million
from $17.4 million for 1995. The increase is primarily the result of
depreciation related to capital expenditures associated with the Company's
expansion and improvement of its network. Depreciation and amortization will
increase in subsequent periods, as the Company's investment in newly constructed
routes and other network equipment is depreciated.
 
     Interest income for 1996 increased to $10.2 million from $3.0 million for
1995. The increase is primarily related to interest earned on the investment of
the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes issued in October 1995 and the
interest earned in 1996 on the investment of the proceeds from the IPO and the
GEPT Private Placement.
 
     Interest expense for 1996 increased to $37.1 million from $14.6 million for
1995. The increase is primarily the result of interest expense attributable to
the Senior Notes, which were issued during the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
     Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries for 1996 was a
loss of $2.0 million in 1996 compared to slight income for 1995. The loss was
primarily the result of start-up losses relating to the Company's investment in
its Mexican Joint Venture.
 
                                      -36-
<PAGE>   39
 
     Income taxes for 1996 resulted in a $6.0 million tax benefit compared to a
benefit of $1.7 million for 1995. The difference between the tax benefits
recorded for 1996 and the expected benefit at the federal statutory rate is
primarily due to state taxes, losses incurred (the tax benefit of which is not
recorded due to uncertainty regarding its realization), and resolution of
Federal income tax examinations which were concluded in the second and third
quarters of 1996.
 
     The Company experienced a net loss of $37.4 million for 1996 compared to a
net loss of $5.0 million for 1995 as a result of the factors discussed above.
 
  1995 Compared With 1994
 
     The year ended December 31, 1995 was a period of increased revenues, but a
net loss for the Company, primarily due to start-up and operational expenses
related to the Company's switched long distance business. Reduced operating
income and a significant increase in interest expense because of the issuance of
the Senior Notes during the fourth quarter of 1995 resulted in a net loss for
the year.
 
     Net operating revenues for 1995 increased 12.8% to $91.0 million from $80.7
million in 1994. The increase is primarily the result of: (i) an increase in
non-cash revenues attributable to network capacity exchanged with other carriers
from $8.0 million in 1994 to $13.8 million in 1995; (ii) additional revenue in
the amount of $5.4 million associated with MSM (IXC Communications' 85% interest
in MSM was acquired in August 1994); and (iii) increased long-haul traffic in
the amount of $1.6 million due to the Company's expansion of its fiber optic
network in South Texas. These increases were partially offset by $2.5 million in
proceeds from an escrow account used to supplement lease payments in 1994, which
did not occur in 1995.
 
     Cost of communication services for 1995 increased 17.7% to $39.9 million
(or 43.8% of net operating revenues) from $33.9 million (or 42.0% of net
operating revenues) in 1994. The increase is primarily a result of an increase
in transmission lease expense (to $38.7 million in 1995 from $29.3 million in
1994) associated with: (i) an increase of $3.6 million in leases for
transmission services primarily to support the switched long distance business;
and (ii) an increase in non-cash expense attributable to network capacity
exchanged with other carriers from $8.0 million in 1994 to $13.8 million in
1995. These increases were partially offset by a non-recurring decrease in lease
expenses under certain operating equipment leases as a result of a May 1994
lease restructuring (such leases generated no expense in 1995 as opposed to $3.4
million in 1994).
 
     Operations and administration expenses for 1995 increased 56.8% to $32.3
million from $20.6 million in 1994. The increase is primarily the result of $9.4
million of start-up and operating expenses associated with the Company's
implementation of its switched network and the inclusion in the Company's
results of operations of an increase in the Company's operating expenses of $1.1
million associated with the MSM network.
 
     Depreciation and amortization for 1995 increased 43.8% to $17.4 million
from $12.1 million in 1994. The increase is primarily the result of depreciation
associated with the MSM network, together with increased depreciation associated
with the Company's development of its switched network.
 
     Interest income for 1995 increased to $3.0 million from $.2 million in
1994. The increase is primarily related to interest earned on investment of the
proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes issued in the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
     Interest expense for 1995 increased to $14.6 million from $6.1 million in
1994. The increase is primarily the result of interest expense attributable to
the Senior Notes issued in the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
     Income taxes for 1995 resulted in a $1.7 million tax benefit as opposed to
a provision for income taxes of $3.2 million in 1994. In 1995 and 1994, the
Company's effective tax rate did not significantly differ from the federal
statutory rate.
 
     Minority interest during 1995 was $5.2 million resulting primarily from
Excel's share of operations and administration expenses and the cost of
communications services associated with its minority share of SSC, a joint
venture formed in 1995. In January 1996 the Company purchased Excel's interest
in SSC, thereby eliminating the minority interest in SSC for 1996 and future
years.
 
                                      -37-
<PAGE>   40
 
     In 1994, the Company exercised a debt prepayment option in connection with
financing of debt that resulted in a net extraordinary gain of $2.3 million.
 
     The Company experienced a net loss of $5.0 million in 1995 as opposed to
net income of $7.3 million in 1994 as a result of the factors discussed above.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Except for the historical information contained below, the matters
discussed in this section are forward-looking statements that involve a number
of risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual liquidity needs, capital
resources and results may differ materially from the discussion set forth below
in such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that
could materially affect such matters, see "Business -- Risk Factors."
 
     The Company's private line operations have historically provided positive
cash flow (even in years of net losses, as in 1993 and 1995), which has provided
adequate liquidity to meet the Company's operational needs. However, the
Company's capital expenditures and, since the issuance of the Senior Notes in
the fourth quarter of 1995, its interest expense have been financed with the
proceeds of debt and equity securities. The Company expects to be able to
service its interest expense in 1997 and subsequent periods with internal cash
flow, although there can be no assurance in this regard. For 1995 and 1996, the
Company's EBITDA minus interest expense minus capital expenditures plus the
increases in working capital was negative $13.1 million and negative $130.2
million, respectively.
 
     Cash used in operating activities was $28.7 million in 1996, as compared to
cash provided by operating activities of $11.6 million in 1995, primarily as a
result of start-up and operational expenses associated with the Company's
development of its switched services business. The Company's switched long
distance business will require cash to meet operating expenses. For a discussion
of important factors that could cause the Company's switched long distance
business to fail to generate positive EBITDA, see "Business -- Risk Factors
-- Development Risks and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business."
 
     Cash used in investing activities in 1995 was $221.9 million, primarily as
a result of the Company investing the proceeds of the Senior Notes. Cash
provided by investing activities in 1996 was $10.4 million, resulting from the
release of funds from the escrow under the Senior Notes and offset by purchases
of property and equipment. The Company's total capital expenditures were $136.4
million for 1996 and $23.7 million for 1995 (including capital expenditures
relating to the construction of network routes and related equipment).
 
     Cash provided by financing activities was $72.7 million in 1996 and $211.2
million in 1995. The cash provided by financing activities in 1995 resulted
primarily from the issuance of the Senior Notes, partially offset by payments on
long-term debt and capital lease obligations. The cash provided by financing
activities in 1996 resulted primarily from the issuance of Common Stock in the
IPO and in the GEPT Private Placement, partially offset by payments on long-term
debt and capital lease obligations.
 
     As of February 28, 1997, the Company had approximately $31.0 million in
cash. The net proceeds to the Company of the Convertible Stock Sale are
estimated to be $96.5 million. There can be no assurance that the Company can
complete the Convertible Stock Sale. See "-- Business -- Risk
Factors -- Reliance on Convertible Stock Sale. In February 1997, the Company and
LCI entered into the LCI Fiber Sale which will result in proceeds to the Company
of approximately $97.9 million. The Company expects to receive all of such
amount in 1997, assuming the construction of the network expansion between Los
Angeles and Chicago proceeds according to schedule. In addition, the Company is
engaged in discussions with potential lenders regarding the Proposed Credit
Facility under which it expects to be able to borrow up to a certain percentage
of eligible accounts receivable. Although the total availability under the
Proposed Credit Facility will vary from time to time according to the aggregate
amount of eligible accounts receivable, the Company anticipates that the lender
will impose a limit on borrowings under the facility. There can be no assurance
that the Company will obtain such facility. The Company expects that its EBITDA
for 1997 will increase significantly over EBITDA for 1996. Although there can be
no assurance, the Company expects EBITDA for 1997 to be modestly below analysts'
estimates of $78.0 million to $90.0 million. In particular, the Company expects
that
 
                                      -38-
<PAGE>   41
 
operating income and EBITDA in the first half of 1997 will be less than
originally anticipated due to planned delays in the network fiber expansion and
increased start-up costs in the switched long distance business. The preceding
forward-looking statements regarding the Company's operating income and EBITDA
for 1997 are based on certain assumptions as to future events, many of which are
not within the Company's control. Important factors that could adversely affect
the Company's ability to achieve the EBITDA results discussed above include: (i)
delays or cost overruns with respect to the network expansion; (ii) delays by
the Company's contractors and partners in cost-saving arrangements in fulfilling
their obligations; (iii) delays or higher-than-expected costs in obtaining
rights-of-way; (iv) delays in the completion of the routes of the network
expansion scheduled for completion in 1997; (v) an inability by the Company to
continue to increase traffic on its switched network, in particular, higher
margin traffic; (vi) an inability by the Company to successfully commence
service for new switched long distance services on a cost-effective basis
(including the provision of billing information in an accurate and timely
manner) for volumes that it has not previously handled, (vii) the loss of one or
more large customers; (viii) increases in expenses; and (ix) decreases in the
Company's rates caused by the competitive pressures. See "-- Business -- Risk
Factors -- Risks Relating to the Network Expansion," "Business -- Risk
Factors -- Development Risks and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business,"
"Business -- Risk Factors -- Risks Inherent in Rapid Growth," and
"Business -- Risk Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers."
 
     The Company anticipates the following major uses for its available cash:
(i) the network expansion and other capital expenditures; (ii) debt service;
(iii) lease payments; (iv) funding its joint venture in Mexico; and (v) working
capital.
 
     The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for 1997 will be as
follows: (i) for construction of the network expansion, approximately $201.0
million; and (ii) for other capital expenditures, approximately $139.0 million.
Approximately $49.7 million of capital expenditures were made in the first two
months of 1997. The Company expects to continue to make substantial capital
expenditures in 1998 and thereafter.
 
     The Company is required to make interest payments in the amount of $35.6
million on the Senior Notes each year. For 1996, EBITDA was insufficient to
cover the Company's debt service requirements under the Senior Notes. The
Company anticipates that such payments during 1997 will be made from cash on
hand. For a discussion of important factors that may cause actual results,
including the Company's assumption that increases in its EBITDA will occur as a
result of the successful completion and utilization of the network expansion and
growth in the switched long distance business, to differ materially from the
foregoing forward-looking statement, see "Business -- Risk
Factors -- Development Risks and Dependence on Switched Long Distance Business."
The Company is also required to make principal payments of $1.63 million on
other debt in 1997 and quarterly principal payments of $560,000 on another debt
instrument from March 31, 1998 through December 31, 1999. At December 31, 1996,
there were approximately $6.5 million of accrued and unpaid dividends on the
Series 3 Preferred Stock. Such dividends accrue at an annual rate of 10% (based
on the liquidation preference) plus interest. The Company will also be required
(except in certain limited circumstances) to pay quarterly cash dividends on the
Convertible Preferred Stock (at an annual rate of 7 1/4%) beginning June 30,
1999 (and prior to such time such dividends may be paid in cash or additional
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock). Payment of dividends on the Convertible
Preferred Stock is not currently permitted under the terms of the Indenture
until certain financial conditions have been met or under the terms of the
Series 3 Preferred Stock until the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, is amended (which is expected to occur in May 1997).
 
     The Company is required to make minimum annual lease payments for
facilities, equipment and transmission capacity used in its operations. In 1997,
1998 and 1999, the Company is currently required to make payments of
approximately $6.6 million, $5.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively, on
capital leases and $22.6 million, $13.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively,
on operating leases. The Company expects to incur additional operating and
capital lease costs in connection with the network expansion.
 
     In connection with its fiber optic network expansion, the Company has
entered into various construction and installation agreements with contractors.
Total commitments remaining under these agreements were approximately $39.6
million at December 31, 1996.
 
                                      -39-
<PAGE>   42
 
     In connection with the network expansion, as of December 31, 1996, the
Company had committed to pay $32.9 million for fiber usage rights on other long
distance carriers' networks. Pursuant to these agreements relating to the
construction of the network expansion, the Company has committed to pay a total
of $28.2 million for periods ranging from twenty to twenty-five years for
maintenance and license fees. For 1997, estimates of these shared construction
costs are included in the Company's capital expenditure estimates.
 
     The Company expects to meet its needs for cash in 1997 by using cash on
hand, the proceeds of the Convertible Stock Sale, cash generated by operations,
the proceeds of the LCI Fiber Sale, additional cost-saving arrangements and
vendor financing it may seek. In addition, the Company is engaged in discussions
with potential lenders regarding the Proposed Credit Facility under which it
expects to be able to borrow up to a certain percentage of eligible accounts
receivable. Although the total availability under the Proposed Credit Facility
will vary from time to time according to the aggregate amount of eligible
accounts receivable, the Company anticipates that the lender will impose a limit
on borrowings under the facility. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in obtaining the necessary cash or the Proposed Credit
Facility to meet its needs. A failure to raise such cash would delay or prevent
such capital expenditures and the construction of the network expansion. Also,
the foregoing capital expenditure and cash requirements for 1997 and 1998 do not
take into account any acquisitions. See "-- Business -- Acquisitions."
 
     The Company is indirectly participating in the development of a long
distance network to engage in the telecommunications business in Mexico by
Marca-Tel. The Company indirectly owns 24.5% of Marca-Tel through its ownership
of 50% of Progress International LLC ("Progress International"), which owns 49%
of Marca-Tel. The remaining 51% of MarcaTel is owned by a Mexican individual and
Fomento Radio Beep, S.A. de C.V. The other 50% of Progress International is
owned by Westel. See "-- Business -- Mexican Joint Venture."
 
     Progress International, which is seeking FCC authority to operate in the
United States as an international resale carrier, is responsible for providing
all the capital that may be required from Marca-Tel's stockholders in order to
finance Marca-Tel. The Company and Westel jointly have contributed funds to
Progress International (approximately $7.3 million by the Company as of December
31, 1996), substantially all of which has been used to fund Marca-Tel. Although
the Company cannot accurately predict the capital that will be required from
Progress International to implement the MarcaTel business plan, it estimates
that an additional $45.0 million (and possibly significantly more) will be
required by Marca-Tel from the stockholders of Progress International during
1997-1998. Progress International is considering selling equity interests in
Progress International to one or more third parties who could assist Progress
International with the funding of Marca-Tel. However, Progress International has
not had any material discussions in this regard and there can be no assurance
that any such funding will be available on satisfactory terms or at all. The
Company is currently, and may remain, the primary source of funds available to
Progress International for investment in Marca-Tel. Since the ownership
interests of the Company and Westel in Progress International are to be
proportional to their respective capital contributions, the Company's percentage
ownership of Progress International, and therefore its indirect ownership
interest in Marca-Tel, could increase if it makes additional capital
contributions. The Indenture contains significant limitations on the Company's
ability to invest in Progress International or Marca-Tel.
 
     Marca-Tel is deploying three switching centers and a fiber optic route
linking Mexico's three major cities (Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara),
with interconnection to the Company's U.S. network at its border crossing at
Reynosa/McAllen. Marca-Tel has entered into a turn-key contract with a major
international supplier of telecommunications equipment for a portion of this
build that provides for interim vendor financing for the equipment and fiber
purchases as well as a portion of the construction work. The Company anticipates
that Marca-Tel may be able to obtain additional funding through some combination
of the following: (i) offerings of debt or equity securities; (ii) other
incurrences of debt; (iii) joint venture arrangements with third parties; and
(iv) additional vendor financing of equipment purchases. Initially, such sources
of capital likely will not be adequate to meet the needs of Marca-Tel, and the
Company anticipates that, until such sources are adequate to enable Marca-Tel to
continue to pursue its business plan, it will be necessary for Progress
International to fund the shortfall. The Company is not obligated to continue to
fund Progress International; however, if Progress International does not fund
Marca-Tel's needs, the Company's
 
                                      -40-
<PAGE>   43
 
interest in Progress International, and thus its indirect interest in Marca-Tel,
may be diluted or lost entirely. Although the Indenture generally restricts the
amount of funding the Company can provide Progress International, the Indenture
does allow the Company to use the $12.5 million proceeds of the GEPT Private
Placement for Progress International (as of February 28, 1997 approximately $1.1
million of such proceeds remained available for this purpose). The Indenture
also allows the Company to fund Progress International with the proceeds of
certain equity offerings or, under certain circumstances, with funds raised
through debt incurrence or, provided that the Company meets certain financial
ratios, from working capital. No assurance can be given that adequate funding
sources will be available from Progress International or from third parties to
implement Marca-Tel's business plan or, if implemented, that such business plan
will be successful. See "-- Business -- Mexican Joint Venture."
 
     The forward-looking statements set forth above with respect to the
estimated cash requirements relating to capital expenditures, the Company's
ability to meet such cash requirements, the Company's ability to service its
debt, the Company's and Westel's ability to fund Marca-Tel and the successful
completion and operation of Marca-Tel's fiber optic system in Mexico are based
on certain assumptions as to future events. Important factors that could
adversely affect the Company's ability to achieve the results discussed above
include that: (i) there will be no significant delays or cost overruns with
respect to the network expansion; (ii) the Company's contractors and partners in
cost-saving arrangements will perform their obligations; (iii) rights-of-way can
be obtained in a timely, cost-effective basis; (iv) the routes of the network
expansion scheduled for completion in 1997 are substantially completed on
schedule; (v) the Company will continue to increase traffic on its switched
network; (vi) the Company can successfully commence service for new switched
long distance services on a cost effective basis (including the provision of
billing information in an accurate and timely manner) for volumes that it has
not previously handled; (vii) the Company can successfully complete the LCI
Fiber Sale and the MCI Fiber Sale; and (viii) the Company can obtain vendor
financing.
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
     See the Index included at "Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
and Reports on Form 8-K."
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
     None.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
                                      -41-
<PAGE>   44
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         -----
      <S>    <C>                                                                         <C>
      (1) Index to Financial Statements:
             Report of Independent Auditors............................................  F-1
             Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995..............  F-2
             Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended        December
             31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...................................................  F-3
             Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years
             ended        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.............................  F-4
             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended        December
             31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...................................................  F-5
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................  F-7
      (2) Index to Financial Statement Schedules:
             All information required in Financial Statement Schedules for which
             provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the
             Commission (i) are included in the notes to the financial statements
             included in this report or (ii) are not required under the related
             instruction or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
      (3)(a) Exhibits:
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                            DESCRIPTION
------         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <C>  <S>
  3.1        + Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended.
  3.2        + Bylaws of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended.
  4.1          Specimen certificate representing shares of Common Stock of IXC Communications,
               Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.
               Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on May 20, 1996, as
               amended (File No. 333-4061)(the "S-1")).
  4.2          Indenture dated as of October 5, 1995 by and among IXC Communications, Inc., on
               its behalf and as successor-in-interest to I-Link Holdings, Inc. and IXC Carrier
               Group, Inc., each of IXC Carrier, Inc., on its behalf and as
               successor-in-interest to I-Link, Inc., CTI Investments, Inc., Texas Microwave,
               Inc. and WTM Microwave, Inc., Atlantic States Microwave Transmission Company,
               Central States Microwave Transmission Company, Telcom Engineering, Inc., on its
               behalf and as successor-in-interest to SWTT Company and Microwave Network, Inc.,
               Tower Communication Systems Corp., West Texas Microwave Company, Western States
               Microwave Transmission Company, Rio Grande Transmission, Inc., IXC Long Distance,
               Inc., Link Net International, Inc. (collectively, the "Guarantors") and IBJ
               Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee, with respect to the 12 1/2% Series A
               and Series B Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of
               IXC Communications, Inc.'s and each of the Guarantor's Registration Statement on
               Form S-4 filed with the Commission on April 1, 1996, as amended (File No.
               333-2936) (the "S-4")).
  4.3          Purchase Agreement dated October 5, 1995 by and among IXC Communications, Inc.,
               and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the
               S-4).
  4.4          A/B Exchange Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995 by and
               among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors and the Purchasers named therein
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the S-4).
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      -42-
<PAGE>   45
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                            DESCRIPTION
------         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <C>  <S>
  4.5          Escrow Account and Disbursement Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995 by and
               among IXC Communications, Inc., IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Escrow
               Holder, and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Collateral Agent (incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the S-4).
  4.6          Escrow Account Security Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995 by and between IXC
               Communications, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the S-4).
  4.7          Form of 12 1/2% Series A Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.6 of the S-4).
  4.8          Form of 12 1/2% Series B Senior Notes due 2005 and Subsidiary Guarantee
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the S-1).
  4.9          Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 6, 1992 by and among Telecom
               Services Group, Inc., predecessor-in-interest to IXC Communications, Inc., and
               each of the signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the
               S-1).
  4.10         Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1996 by and among
               IXC Communications, Inc. and each of the signatories thereto (incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the S-1).
  4.11         Amendment No. 1 to Indenture and Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of June 4, 1996 by
               and among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors and the Trustee (incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the S-1).
  4.12         Stock Exchange Agreement dated as of June 10, 1996 by and between IXC
               Communications, Inc., and Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust ("GEPT")
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the S-1).
  4.13         Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 10, 1996 by and among IXC
               Communications, Inc., GEPT and certain stockholders of IXC Communications, Inc.
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the S-1).
 10.1          Office Lease dated June 21, 1989 with USAA Real Estate Company, as amended
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the S-4).
 10.2          Equipment Lease dated as of December 1, 1994 by and between DSC Finance
               Corporation and Switched Services Communications, L.L.C.; Assignment Agreement
               dated as of December 1, 1994 by and between Switched Services Communications,
               L.L.C. and DSC Finance Corporation; and Guaranty dated December 1, 1994 made in
               favor of DSC Finance Corporation by IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the S-4).
 10.3       *+ Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended.
 10.4        * Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1994 Stock Plan of IXC
               Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the S-4).
 10.5          Form of IXC Communications, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the S-4).
 10.6          Form of IXC Communications, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the S-4).
 10.7          Amended and Restated Development Agreement by and between Intertech Management
               Group, Inc. and IXC Long Distance, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.7 of the S-4).
 10.8          Second Amended and Restated Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 by and
               between Switched Services Communications, L.L.C. and Excel Telecommunications,
               Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the S-4).
</TABLE>
 
                                      -43-
<PAGE>   46
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                            DESCRIPTION
------         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <C>  <S>
 10.9          Equipment Purchase Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996 by and between Siecor
               Corporation and IXC Carrier, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of
               the S-4).
 10.10      *+ 1996 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended.
 10.11         IRU Agreement dated as of November 1995 between WorldCom, Inc. and IXC Carrier,
               Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the S-4).
 10.12      *+ Outside Directors' Phantom Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended.
 10.13       * Business Consultant and Management Agreement dated as of January 3, 1995 by and
               between IXC Communications, Inc. and Culp Communications Associates (incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the S-1).
 10.14       * Employment Agreement dated December 28, 1995 by and between IXC Communications,
               Inc. and James F. Guthrie (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the
               S-1).
 10.15       * Employment Agreement dated August 28, 1995, by and between IXC Communications,
               Inc. and David J. Thomas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the S-1).
 10.16      *+ Special Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc.
 10.17       + Stock Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 17, 1997 by
               and among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC Long Distance, Inc., IXC-One Acquisition
               Corp., L.D. Services, Inc. and the Shareholders named therein.
 11.1        + Statement of Computation of Earnings per Share.
 21.1        + Subsidiaries of IXC Communications, Inc.
 23.1        + Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
 24.1        + Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE>
    
 
---------------
 
* Management contract or executive compensation plan or arrangement required to
  be indicated as such and filed as an exhibit pursuant to applicable rules of
  the Commission.
 
+ Filed herewith.
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
 
     None.
 
                                      -44-
<PAGE>   47
 
                                    GLOSSARY
 
     Access charges -- The fees paid by long distance carriers to LECs for
originating and terminating long distance calls on their local networks.
 
     ALC -- ALC Communications Corporation, the parent of Allnet. ALC was
acquired by Frontier in August, 1995.
 
     Allnet -- Allnet Communication Services, Inc.
 
     Ameritech -- Ameritech Communications, Inc.
 
     ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) -- An information transfer standard that
is one of a general class of technologies that relay traffic by way of an
address contained within the first five bytes of a standard 53-byte-long packet
or cell. The ATM format can be used by many different information systems,
including local area networks, to deliver traffic at varying rates, permitting a
mix of voice, video and data (multimedia).
 
     AT&T -- AT&T Corp.
 
     Backbone -- The through-portions of a transmission network, as opposed to
spurs which branch off the throughportions.
 
     Bandwidth -- The range of frequencies that can be transmitted through a
medium, such as glass fibers, without distortion. The greater the bandwidth, the
greater the information-carrying capacity of such medium.
 
     Broadband -- Broadband communications systems can transmit large quantities
of voice, data and video. Examples of broadband communication systems include
DS-3 fiber optic systems, which can transmit 672 simultaneous voice
conversations, or a broadcast television station signal, that transmits high
resolution audio and video signals into the home. Broadband connectivity is also
an essential element for interactive multimedia applications.
 
     Cable & Wireless -- Cable & Wireless, P.L.C.
 
     CAP (Competitive Access Provider) -- A company that provides its customers
with an alternative to the LEC for local transport of private line, special
access and interstate transport of switched access telecommunications service.
 
     Capacity-intensive -- Refers to products which use comparatively large
amounts of bandwidth.
 
     Carriers -- Companies that provide telecommunications transmission
services.
 
     CCTS -- Consolidated Communications Telecom Services, Inc.
 
     Central Offices -- The switching centers or central switching facilities of
the LECs.
 
     Dedicated -- Refers to telecommunications lines dedicated or reserved for
use by particular customers along predetermined routes.
 
     Digital -- A method of storing, processing and transmitting information
through the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that represent the
binary digits 0 and 1. Digital transmission and switching technologies (both
fiber and microwave) employ a sequence of these pulses to represent information
as opposed to the continuously variable analog signal. The precise digital
numbers minimize distortion (such as graininess or snow in the case of video
transmission, or static or other background distortion in the case of audio
transmission). Both the Company's microwave and fiber optic facilities transmit
digital information.
 
     Digital route miles -- Route miles of the Company's microwave and fiber
optic routes.
 
     DS-1, DS-3 -- Standard telecommunications industry digital signal formats,
which are distinguishable by bit rate (the number of binary digits (0 and 1)
transmitted per second). DS-0 service has a bit rate of 64 kilobits per second
and can transmit only one voice or data transmission at a time. DS-1 service has
a bit rate of 1.544 megabits per second and can transmit 24 simultaneous voice
or data transmissions. DS-3 service has a bit rate of 45 megabits per second and
can transmit 672 simultaneous voice or data transmissions.
 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>   48
 
     DS-3 miles -- A measure of the total capacity and length of a transmission
path, calculated as the capacity of the transmission path in DS-3s multiplied by
the length of the path in miles.
 
     DTI -- Digital Teleport, Inc.
 
     EBITDA -- Operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP, should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared
in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily comparable with similarly titled
measures for other companies.
 
     800/888 service -- A telecommunications service for businesses that allows
calls to be made to a specific location at no charge to the calling party. Use
of the "800" or "888" service code denotes calls that are to be billed to the
receiving party. A computer database in the provider's network translates the
800 or 888 number into a conventional telephone number.
 
     Enhanced data services -- Products and services designed for the transport
and delivery of integrated information to include voice, data and video and any
combination thereof.
 
     Excel -- EXCEL Communications, Inc.
 
     Facilities-based carrier -- Carriers who own transmission facilities.
 
     FCC -- Federal Communications Commission.
 
     Fiber miles -- The number of fiber route miles of a fiber optic route
multiplied by the number of fiber strands in the route.
 
     Frame Relay -- A high-speed, data-packet switching service used to transmit
data between computers. Frame Relay supports data units of variable lengths at
access speeds ranging from 56 kilobits per second to 1.5 megabits per second.
This service is well-suited for connecting local area networks, but is not
appropriate for voice and video applications due to the variable delays which
can occur. Frame Relay was designed to operate at high speeds on modern fiber
optic networks.
 
     Frontier -- Frontier Corporation.
 
     GAAP -- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
 
     GE Capital Communication -- GE Capital Communication Services Corporation.
 
     GEIC -- General Electric Investment Corporation.
 
     GST -- GST Net, Inc.
 
     GTE -- GTE Corporation.
 
     Hubs -- Collection centers located centrally in an area where
telecommunications traffic can be aggregated for transport and distribution.
 
     ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) -- A complex networking concept
designed to provide a variety of voice, data and digital interface standards.
Incorporated into ISDN are many new enhanced services, such as high-speed data
file transfer, desktop video conferencing, telepublishing, telecommuting,
telepresence learning-remote collaboration, data network linking and home
information services.
 
     Interexchange Carrier -- A company providing inter-LATA or long distance
services between LATAs on an intrastate or interstate basis.
 
     Inter-LATA -- InterLATA calls are calls that pass from one LATA to another.
Typically, these calls are referred to as long distance calls.
 
     Intra-LATA -- IntraLATA calls are those local calls that originate and
terminate within the same LATA.
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   49
 
     Intranet -- An infrastructure based on Internet standards and technologies
that provides access to information within limited and well-defined groups such
as universities, governments and other large organizations.
 
     Kilobit -- One thousand bits of information. The information-carrying
capacity (i.e., bandwidth) of a circuit may be measured in "kilobits per
second."
 
     LATAs (local access and transport areas) -- The approximately 200
geographic areas that define the areas between which the RBOCs were prohibited
from providing long distance services prior to the Telecommunications Act.
 
     LCI -- LCI International Management Services, Inc.
 
     LDS -- L.D. Services, Inc.
 
     LEC (local exchange carrier) -- A company providing local telephone
services.
 
     Local loop -- A circuit within a LATA.
 
     MCI -- MCI Communications Corporation.
 
     Megabit -- One million bits of information. The information-carrying
capacity (i.e., bandwidth) of a circuit may be measured in "megabits per
second."
 
     MFS -- MFS Network Technologies, Inc.
 
     MOUs -- Minutes of use of long distance service.
 
     Non-facilities based carrier -- Carriers that do not own transmission
facilities.
 
     OC-3, OC-12 and OC-48 -- Standard telecommunications industry measurements
for optical transmission capacity distinguishable by bit rate transmitted per
second and the number of voice or data transmissions that can be simultaneously
transmitted through fiber optic cable. An OC-3 is generally equivalent to three
DS-3s and has a bit rate of 155.52 megabits per second and can transmit 2,016
simultaneous voice or data transmissions. An OC-12 has a bit rate of 622.08
megabits per second and can transmit 8,064 simultaneous voice or data
transmissions. An OC-48 has a bit rate of 2,488.32 megabits per second and can
transmit 32,256 simultaneous voice or data transmissions.
 
     Off-net -- Refers to circuits on transmission facilities not owned by the
Company.
 
     On-net -- Refers to circuits on transmission facilities owned by the
Company.
 
     Optronic -- a combination of optical and electronic equipment.
 
     Private lines -- Transmission of voice and data over dedicated circuits.
 
     Qwest -- Qwest Communications Corporation.
 
     RBOCs (regional Bell operating companies) -- The seven local telephone
companies (formerly part of AT&T) established by court decree in 1982.
 
     Rockwell International -- Rockwell International Corp.
 
     Route miles -- The measure of the length of a transmission path in miles.
 
     SONET (synchronous optical network technology) -- An electronics and
network architecture for variable-bandwidth products which enables transmission
of voice, video and data (multimedia) at very high speeds.
 
     Sprint -- Sprint Corp.
 
     Switch -- A device that opens or closes circuits or selects the paths or
circuits to be used for transmission of information. Switching is a process of
interconnecting circuits to form a transmission path between users.
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   50
 
     Switched long distance services -- Telecommunications services such as
residential long distance services that are processed through digital switches
and delivered over long-haul circuits and other transmission facilities.
 
     Telecom One -- Telecom One, Inc.
 
     Vyvx -- Vyvx, Inc., a subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc.
 
     Westel -- Westel International, Inc.
 
     WilTech -- The WilTech Group.
 
     WilTel -- WilTel Network Services, Inc.
 
     WorldCom -- WorldCom, Inc.
 
                                       A-4
<PAGE>   51
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Auditors........................................................   F-2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995..........................   F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
  1994................................................................................   F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994....................................................   F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
  1994................................................................................   F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................   F-8
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   52
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
IXC Communications, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IXC
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IXC
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Austin, Texas
February 28, 1997, except for
  the third paragraph of Note 19,
  as to which the date is
  March 17, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   53
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                           1996         1995
                                                                         --------     --------
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents..............................................  $ 61,340     $  6,915
Accounts receivable:
     Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,030,000 in
      1996 and $1,769,000 in 1995......................................    45,102        5,537
     Other.............................................................     2,466          782
                                                                         --------     --------
                                                                           47,568        6,319
Income tax receivable..................................................        --        1,296
Deferred tax assets (Note 12)..........................................       463          450
Prepaid expenses.......................................................     1,734        1,069
                                                                         --------     --------
     Total current assets..............................................   111,105       16,049
Property and equipment, net (Note 4)...................................   268,609      106,399
Escrow under Senior Notes (Note 5).....................................    51,412      198,266
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries..............................     5,486          187
Deferred charges and other non-current assets..........................    22,539       15,574
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total assets.................................................  $459,151     $336,475
                                                                         ========     ========
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Accounts payable -- trade..............................................  $ 64,923     $  6,792
Accrued liabilities (Note 6)...........................................    18,928       14,306
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Notes
  7 and 8).............................................................     6,750        4,534
                                                                         --------     --------
     Total current liabilities.........................................    90,601       25,632
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Notes 7 and 8)...........   295,531      294,260
Deferred tax liability (Note 12).......................................     2,434        8,303
Other noncurrent liabilities...........................................     6,201          469
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 16)
Minority interest......................................................       905          953
 
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock; 3,000,000 shares authorized:
     10% Junior Series 3 cumulative preferred stock, $.01 par value;
      12,550 shares issued and outstanding in 1996 and 1995 (aggregate
      liquidation preference of $19,059,000 at December 31, 1996)......        13           13
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; shares
     issued and outstanding 30,795,014 in 1996 and 24,335,255 in
     1995..............................................................       308          243
  Additional paid-in capital...........................................   123,434       29,430
  Accumulated deficit..................................................   (60,276)     (22,828)
                                                                         --------     --------
  Total stockholders' equity...........................................    63,479        6,858
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................  $459,151     $336,475
                                                                         ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   54
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1996         1995        1994
                                                              --------     --------     -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                            DATA)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Net operating revenues (Note 10):
  Private line..............................................  $ 99,793     $ 89,563     $80,663
  Switched long distance....................................   103,968        1,438          --
                                                              --------     --------     -------
                                                              $203,761     $ 91,001     $80,663
 
Operating expenses:
  Cost of services..........................................   143,469       39,852      33,896
  Operations and administration.............................    47,067       32,282      20,561
  Depreciation and amortization.............................    27,241       17,438      12,121
                                                              --------     --------     -------
     Operating income (loss)................................   (14,016)       1,429      14,085
Interest income.............................................     2,838          468         211
Interest income on escrow under Senior Notes................     7,404        2,552          --
Interest expense............................................   (37,076)     (14,597)     (6,105)
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated
  subsidiaries..............................................    (1,961)          19         (94)
                                                              --------     --------     -------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests and
  extraordinary gain (loss).................................   (42,811)     (10,129)      8,097
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (Note 12)..............     5,981        1,693      (3,157)
Minority interests..........................................      (618)       5,218          77
                                                              --------     --------     -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary gain (loss)..............   (37,448)      (3,218)      5,017
 
Extraordinary gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt
  (involving a related party in 1994), less applicable
  (provision) benefit for income taxes of $1,164,000 in 1995
  and ($1,472,000) in 1994..................................        --       (1,747)      2,298
                                                              --------     --------     -------
Net income (loss)...........................................   (37,448)      (4,965)      7,315
Dividends applicable to preferred stock.....................     1,739        1,843       1,752
                                                              --------     --------     -------
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders.........  $(39,187)    $ (6,808)    $ 5,563
                                                              ========     ========     =======
Income (loss) per common and common equivalent share:
  Before extraordinary gain (loss)..........................  $  (1.39)    $   (.20)    $   .13
  Extraordinary gain (loss).................................        --         (.07)        .09
                                                              --------     --------     -------
  Net income (loss).........................................  $  (1.39)    $   (.27)    $   .22
                                                              ========     ========     =======
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares used in
  computation of income (loss) per share....................    28,209       25,108      24,993
                                                              ========     ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   55
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 10% SENIOR SERIES   10% JUNIOR SERIES
                                         1                   3
                                  PREFERRED STOCK     PREFERRED STOCK     COMMON STOCK
                                 ------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ADDITIONAL                   TOTAL
                                 NUMBER OF           NUMBER OF          NUMBER OF           PAID-IN    ACCUMULATED  STOCKHOLDERS'
                                  SHARES    AMOUNT    SHARES    AMOUNT   SHARES    AMOUNT   CAPITAL      DEFICIT       EQUITY
                                 ---------  -------  ---------  ------  ---------  ------  ----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                              <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993....      1     $ 1,460      13      $ 13     24,274    $242    $ 29,428    $ (24,272)    $   6,871
  Issuance of common stock......     --          --      --        --         61       1           2           --             3
  Net income....................     --          --      --        --         --      --          --        7,315         7,315
                                    ---     -------     ---      ----     ------    ----    --------     --------      --------
Balance at December 31, 1994....      1       1,460      13        13     24,335     243      29,430      (16,957)       14,189
  Redemption of preferred
    stock.......................     (1)     (1,460)     --        --         --      --          --           --        (1,460)
  Net loss......................     --          --      --        --         --      --          --       (4,965)       (4,965)
  Dividends paid -- preferred
    stock -- 10% Senior Series
    1...........................     --          --      --        --         --      --          --         (505)         (505)
  Dividends paid -- preferred
    stock of consolidated
    subsidiary..................     --          --      --        --         --      --          --         (401)         (401)
                                    ---     -------     ---      ----     ------    ----    --------     --------      --------
Balance at December 31, 1995....     --          --      13        13     24,335     243      29,430      (22,828)        6,858
  Issuance of common stock......     --          --      --        --      6,460      65      94,004           --        94,069
  Net loss......................     --          --      --        --         --      --          --      (37,448)      (37,448)
                                    ---     -------     ---      ----     ------    ----    --------     --------      --------
Balance at December 31, 1996....     --     $    --      13      $ 13     30,795    $308    $123,434    $ (60,276)    $  63,479
                                    ===     =======     ===      ====     ======    ====    ========     ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   56
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               --------------------------------
                                                                 1996        1995        1994
                                                               --------     -------     -------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>         <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)............................................  $(37,448)    $(4,965)    $ 7,315
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided
  by operating activities:
  Depreciation...............................................    23,695      16,608      11,131
  Amortization...............................................     3,546         830         990
  Amortization of debt issue costs and Senior Note
     discount................................................     1,086         858         472
  Provision for doubtful accounts............................     3,060       1,505       1,565
  Equity in net (income) loss of unconsolidated
     subsidiaries............................................     1,961         (19)         94
  Minority interest in net income (loss) of subsidiaries.....       618      (5,218)        (77)
  Compensation expense on stock options......................       182          --          --
  Extraordinary (gain) loss on early extinguishment of
     debt....................................................        --       2,911      (3,770)
  Gain on sale of property and equipment.....................        --          --         (90)
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of
     acquisitions:
     Increase in accounts receivable.........................   (44,309)     (4,108)     (1,000)
     Decrease (increase) in other current assets.............       490      (1,466)        141
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable - trade.........    17,950       5,196      (4,619)
     Increase in accrued liabilities.........................     4,436       7,503         139
     Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes............    (5,882)     (1,847)      2,847
     Decrease in deferred charges and other non-current
       assets................................................    (4,538)     (4,092)       (854)
     Increase (decrease) in other noncurrent liabilities.....     6,466      (2,089)       (752)
                                                               --------     -------     -------
       Total adjustments.....................................     8,761      16,572       6,217
                                                               --------     -------     -------
          Net cash provided by (used in) operating
            activities.......................................   (28,687)     11,607      13,532
                                                               --------     -------     -------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   57
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ------------------------------------
                                                             1996          1995          1994
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Release of funds from escrow under Senior Notes..........  $ 154,244     $   4,300     $     --
Deposit into escrow under Senior Notes...................     (7,404)     (202,552)          --
Purchase of property and equipment.......................   (136,391)      (23,670)      (7,087)
Sale of property and equipment...........................         --            --          235
Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash received...         --            --      (11,976)
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing
            activities...................................     10,449      (221,922)     (18,828)
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of
  discount...............................................         --       277,148           --
Capital contribution in subsidiary by minority
  shareholders...........................................         --         6,002           --
Capital contribution to unconsolidated subsidiary........     (7,319)           --           --
Proceeds from long-term debt.............................         --        18,695       12,999
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease
  obligations............................................    (12,786)      (76,490)      (7,837)
Payments from escrow.....................................         --            --        1,500
Payment of debt issue costs..............................     (1,301)      (10,407)      (1,551)
Redemption of preferred stock............................         --        (1,460)          --
Redemption of preferred stock of consolidated subsidiary
  held by minority interests.............................         --        (1,400)          --
Dividend payments........................................         --          (906)          --
Issuance of common stock.................................     94,069            --            3
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
          Net cash provided by financing activities......     72,663       211,182        5,114
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.....     54,425           867         (182)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...........      6,915         6,048        6,230
                                                           ---------     ---------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.................  $  61,340     $   6,915     $  6,048
                                                           =========     =========     ========
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid (received) for:
     Income taxes........................................  $    (832)    $   1,240     $    891
                                                           =========     =========     ========
     Interest............................................  $  37,561     $   4,955     $  4,496
                                                           =========     =========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   58
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND ACQUISITIONS
 
     IXC Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as
"IXC" or the "Company") is an Austin, Texas based supplier of telecommunications
services. IXC provides two principal services to long distance companies: (i)
private line voice and data circuits and (ii) switched long distance services.
Consistent with industry practice, the Company considers itself to be operating
in one business segment.
 
     Long distance companies may be categorized as facilities-based carriers or
non-facilities-based carriers. Sellers of private line services are generally
facilities-based carriers, like IXC, that own private line transmission
facilities, such as fiber optic or digital microwave transmission facilities.
Customers using private line services include: (i) facilities-based carriers
that require private line capacity where they have geographic gaps in their
facilities, need additional capacity or require geographically different
routing; and (ii) non-facilities-based carriers requiring private line capacity
to carry their customers' long distance traffic. The Company provides private
line services to customers either on a "take-or-pay" long term basis, or after
contract expiration on a month-to-month basis.
 
     In late 1995, the Company expanded into the business of selling switched
long distance services to long distance resellers. Long distance companies may
be characterized as switched or switchless carriers. Sellers of switched long
distance services are generally switched carriers, like IXC, that own one or
more switches that direct telecommunications traffic. Customers using the
Company's switched long distance service generally are switchless carriers that
depend on switched carriers to provide long distance services to their users.
The Company sells switched long distance services on a per-call basis, with
payment due monthly after services are rendered.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     IXC, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in 1992 and, through a series
of transactions through 1994, acquired various wholly-owned and majority-owned
subsidiaries which are included in the consolidated financial statements. The
consolidated financial statements of IXC include the accounts of IXC
Communications, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The
Company has a 50% interest in Progress International L.L.C. ("Progress") which
is accounted for using the equity method. Progress has a 49% interest in
Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V. ("Marca-Tel"), a telecommunications company located in
Mexico. The Company also accounts for its 25% interest in U.S. Advantage Long
Distance, Inc., a reseller of long distance minutes, using the equity method.
Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the
consolidated financial statements.
 
  Revenues
 
     Private line voice and data circuit revenues are generated primarily by
providing capacity on the Company's fiber optic and microwave transmission
network at rates established under long-term contractual arrangements or on a
month-to-month basis after contract expiration. Revenues are recognized as
services are provided.
 
     Switched long-distance service revenues are generated primarily by
providing voice and data communications. Revenues are recognized as services are
provided.
 
     The Company accounts for capacity exchange agreements with other carriers
by recognizing the fair value of the revenue earned and expense incurred under
the respective agreements.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   59
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market funds and all
investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. All cash
equivalents are recorded at cost and classified as available for sale.
Short-term investments held in the Company's escrow related to the Senior Notes
(see Note 5) are not included as a cash equivalent. Escrow investments are
recorded at cost.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets,
ranging from three to twenty years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to
operations as incurred. Property and equipment recorded under capital leases are
included with the Company's owned assets. Amortization of assets recorded under
capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
 
     Costs associated with uncompleted portions of the fiber optic network are
classified as construction in progress in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets. Upon completion, the costs will be classified as transmission systems
and depreciated over their useful lives.
 
     Upon indication of an impairment, the Company records a loss on its
long-lived assets when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by
those assets are less than the related carrying amount of the assets.
 
  Fiber Exchange Agreements
 
     In connection with its fiber optic network expansion, the Company has
entered into various agreements to purchase, sell or exchange fiber usage
rights. Purchases of fiber usage rights from other carriers are recorded at cost
as a separate component of property and equipment. The recorded assets are
amortized over the lesser of the term of the related agreement or the estimated
life of the fiber optic cable. Sales of fiber usage rights are recorded as
deferred revenue and are included in other non-current liabilities in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues are recognized over the terms
of the related agreements. Non-monetary exchanges of fiber usage rights (swaps
of fiber usage rights with other long distance carriers) are recorded at the
cost of the asset transferred.
 
  Capitalization of Interest
 
     Interest costs are capitalized as part of the cost of constructing the
Company's fiber optic network. Interest costs capitalized during construction
periods are computed by determining the average accumulated expenditures for
each interim capitalization period and applying the interest rate related to the
specific borrowings associated with each construction project. Total interest
incurred during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $40.0
million, $15.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of which, $2.9 million,
$0.4 million and $34,000 was capitalized.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method as
required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes.
 
     Deferred income taxes are provided for net operating losses and for
temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting and income tax reporting. Investment tax credits are accounted for by
the flow-through method.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   60
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
  Deferred Charges and Other Non-current Assets
 
     Costs incurred in connection with obtaining long-term financing have been
deferred and are being amortized as interest expense over the terms of the
related debt agreements. Deferred costs relating to long-term financing at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $11.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively.
Accumulated amortization of these costs at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $1.4
million and $0.5 million, respectively.
 
     Costs incurred to obtain certain regulatory licenses are amortized on a
straight-line basis over ten to forty years.
 
     Certain costs incurred in connection with installation of the switched long
distance network have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over four years. Deferred network costs at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were
$5.0 million and $1.8 million, with accumulated amortization of $1.0 million and
$0.1 million, respectively.
 
     The acquisition cost of customer accounts obtained through an outside sales
organization have been deferred and amortized over the estimated average term of
the related customer contracts.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation
 
     The Company has elected to account for its employee stock options under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations, because, the alternative fair
value accounting provided for under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," requires use of option valuation models that were not developed
for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25 compensation expense is
recognized only when the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options
is less than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
 
  Income (Loss) Per Common and Common Equivalent Share
 
     Income (loss) per common share is based on net income (loss) less preferred
stock dividend requirements, divided by the weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Outstanding options are
included in the calculation to the extent they are dilutive or were issued
within one year of the Company's initial public offering. Income (loss) per
share on a fully diluted basis is not presented as the fully diluted effect is
either antidilutive or not materially different from primary income (loss) per
common share, as computed.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, funds held
in escrow and trade receivables. The Company places its cash equivalents and
funds held in escrow in quality investments with reputable financial
institutions. Trade receivables include significant balances due from a small
number of customers. At December 31, 1996,
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   61
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
$9.1 million in trade receivables from the Company's private line services are
due from seven customers. Switched long distance services receivables are also
concentrated, with $21.1 million in trade receivables due from one customer. If
any of these individually significant customers experienced deteriorating
financial condition, results of operations of the Company could be adversely
affected. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition. IXC has not experienced significant losses from sales to
any of its significant customers. (See Note 10)
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the
1996 presentation.
 
3.  ACQUISITION OF MINORITY INTEREST
 
     Effective January 1, 1996, IXC purchased the minority interest in a joint
venture for $6.2 million. The acquisition of the minority interest was accounted
for as a purchase and the financial statements of the former joint venture have
been consolidated with the Company from the date of acquisition. The purchase
price was allocated based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
The excess of purchase price over net assets acquired was $5.6 million and is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Unaudited pro forma
operating results for the year ended December 31, 1995 as if the minority
interest had been acquired as of January 1, 1995, are as follows (in thousands,
except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                         <C>
    Net operating revenues..................................................    $ 91,001
                                                                                ========
    Loss before income taxes, minority interests and extraordinary loss.....    $(11,246)
                                                                                ========
    Net loss................................................................    $ (9,352)
                                                                                ========
    Loss per common and common equivalent share:
      Before extraordinary loss.............................................    $   (.38)
      Extraordinary loss....................................................        (.07)
                                                                                --------
         Net loss...........................................................    $   (.45)
                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     The following table summarizes the Company's property and equipment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                       1996         1995
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    Land and right of ways.......................................    $  2,345     $  2,344
    Buildings and improvements...................................       5,048        4,021
    Transmission systems.........................................     181,170      137,398
    Furniture and other..........................................       4,629        2,407
    Fiber usage rights...........................................      38,533           --
    Construction in progress.....................................     106,017        5,658
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                      337,742      151,828
    Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization..............     (69,133)     (45,429)
                                                                     --------     --------
    Property and equipment, net..................................    $268,609     $106,399
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   62
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
5.  ESCROW UNDER SENIOR NOTES
 
     Under the terms of the Company's Senior Notes, issued in October 1995, the
Company was required to place $200 million of Senior Notes proceeds in an escrow
account, which proceeds and the earnings thereon are restricted in their use to
network expansion, capital expenditures, certain interest, principal and other
payments on the Senior Notes and other permitted uses (see Note 7). Such funds
have been invested in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      --------------------
                                                                       1996         1995
                                                                      -------     --------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                               <C>         <C>
    Overnight investments...........................................  $14,201     $ 96,975
    U.S. Government securities......................................   37,211      101,291
                                                                      -------     --------
                                                                      $51,412     $198,266
                                                                      =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
     The escrow account is subject to a security interest under the Company's
Senior Notes. The investments in the escrow account at December 31, 1996 and
1995 were all due in three months or less and classified as available for sale.
 
6.  ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
     The following table summarizes the Company's accrued liabilities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                        1996        1995
                                                                       -------     -------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    Accrued taxes..................................................    $ 2,750     $ 2,924
    Deferred revenue...............................................      3,044       1,693
    Accrued interest...............................................      8,906       8,748
    Other..........................................................      4,228         941
                                                                       -------     -------
                                                                       $18,928     $14,306
                                                                       =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
7.  LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt and capital lease obligations of IXC consisted of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                       1996         1995
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    Senior Notes -- 12.5%, net of unamortized discount of
      $7,344,000 and $7,762,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
      respectively.................................................  $277,656     $277,238
    Senior subordinated note -- 7%.................................     3,046        4,416
    Promissory note -- 9%..........................................     3,717        3,401
    Capital lease obligations......................................    17,862       13,697
    Other debt.....................................................        --           42
                                                                     --------     --------
         Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations........  $302,281     $298,794
    Less current portion...........................................    (6,750)      (4,534)
                                                                     --------     --------
    Long-term debt and capital lease obligations...................  $295,531     $294,260
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   63
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
7.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
  Senior Notes
 
     On October 5, 1995, the Company issued $285 million of 12 1/2% Senior Notes
(effective rate 12.8%) due October 1, 2005, with interest payable semi-annually.
In July 1996, the Company exchanged certain of the Senior Notes for registered
Senior Notes. Until the exchange was consummated, the Company was required to
make additional interest payments at the rate of .5% per annum on the principal
amount.
 
     The Senior Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, on or after October 1, 2000 at a premium declining to zero in 2004. At
any time prior to October 1, 1998, the Company may redeem Senior Notes with an
aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million at a redemption price of 112.5%
of the principal amount from the net proceeds of a sale of Capital Stock of the
Company, provided that at least $100 million in aggregate principal amount of
Senior Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such
redemption and that the redemption occurs within 35 days of the date of the
closing of the offering of such equity securities. Also, the Senior Notes
contain provisions that, in the event of a Change in Control (which meets the
definition set forth in the Indenture) of the Company, provide their holders the
right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of the Senior Notes
at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest.
 
     Of the net proceeds of approximately $277 million, $200 million was
deposited into an escrow account primarily restricted for the construction of a
major network expansion program (see Note 5). Approximately $53.7 million of the
net proceeds was used to repay or repurchase certain previously-existing
indebtedness of the Company, including $22.7 million paid to certain
stockholders. This resulted in an extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of
debt of $1.7 million in 1995, net of applicable income tax benefit of $1.2
million. In addition, approximately $3.8 million was used to redeem certain
preferred stock.
 
     The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, except
for a security interest in the escrow account, and are guaranteed on a senior
unsecured basis by certain wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries of IXC.
The obligations of each guarantor are limited to the minimum extent necessary to
prevent the guarantee from violating or becoming voidable under applicable law
relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally. See Note 20 for financial
information for guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.
 
     The Senior Notes contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of the
Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and issue certain
preferred stock, pay dividends or make other distributions, repurchase equity
interests or subordinated indebtedness, engage in sale and leaseback
transactions, create certain liens, enter into certain transactions with
affiliates, sell assets of the Company or its subsidiaries, issue or sell equity
interests of the Company's subsidiaries or enter into certain mergers and
consolidations.
 
  Senior Subordinated Note
 
     During 1994, the Company issued a $6.2 million, 7% senior subordinated
promissory note to a minority investor in one of IXC's subsidiaries. Under the
terms of the senior subordinated promissory note, principal and interest are due
in monthly installments of $136,000 through December 31, 1998.
 
  Promissory Note
 
     During 1994, to facilitate an acquisition, the Company issued a $3.0
million 9% promissory note to a minority investor in the acquired entity. Under
the terms of the promissory note, principal and interest payments of $560,000
are due quarterly beginning March 31, 1998 and ending December 31, 1999. Thus,
accrued interest is reflected in the balance of the note.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   64
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
7.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
     Annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1996 are as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                 <C>
                1997..............................................  $  1,470
                1998..............................................     3,170
                1999..............................................     2,123
                2005..............................................   285,000
                                                                    --------
                                                                     291,763
                Less discount on Senior Notes.....................    (7,344)
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $284,419
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
8.  CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES
 
     The Company leases certain facilities, equipment and transmission capacity
used in its operations under noncancellable capital and operating leases. Future
minimum annual lease payments under these lease agreements at December 31, 1996,
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  CAPITAL     OPERATING
                                                                  LEASES       LEASES
                                                                  -------     ---------
        <S>                                                       <C>         <C>
        1997....................................................  $ 6,599      $22,597
        1998....................................................    5,120       13,432
        1999....................................................    4,616        4,029
        2000....................................................    3,737        1,211
        2001....................................................    1,143          712
                                                                  -------
                                                                   21,215
        Less amounts related to interest........................   (3,353)
                                                                  -------
        Present value of capital lease obligations..............   17,862
        Less current portion....................................   (5,280)
                                                                  -------
        Long-term capital lease obligations.....................  $12,582
                                                                  =======
</TABLE>
 
     The gross amount of assets recorded under capital leases at December 31,
1996 and 1995 was $22.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively. The related
accumulated amortization was $5.9 million and $4.1 million at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
     Lease expense relating to facilities, equipment and transmission capacity
leases, excluding amortization of fiber exchange agreements, was approximately
$49.9 million, $29.1 million and $28.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     In November 1994, IXC entered into an agreement whereby certain deferred
lease obligations payable through 1998 were restructured resulting in all the
deferred obligations, $4.4 million, being due during 1995. These obligations
were repaid in 1995 from the proceeds the Company received from the issuance of
the Senior Notes.
 
     In 1996 and 1995, the Company entered into equipment leases for network
switching equipment, for which the lease obligations had a present value of $7.2
million and $9.8 million, respectively. In 1996, the Company entered into
equipment leases for broadband network switching equipment for which the lease
obligations had a present value of $1.3 million.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   65
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
9.  COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Preferred Stock
 
     The 10% Junior Series 3 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series 3
Preferred Stock") votes as a single class with IXC's common stock, is entitled
to elect one director and may be redeemed at the Company's option in whole or in
part at any time, subject to certain debt covenants, at a price of $1,000 per
share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and accrued interest. The
liquidation value of each Series 3 Preferred share is $1,000 plus any
accumulated and unpaid dividends including accrued interest. The Series 3
Preferred Stock is nonparticipatory and has no mandatory redemption
requirements. Dividends are payable at the determination of the Board of
Directors, subject to debt covenants. Interest accrues on unpaid dividends at an
annual rate of 10%. Cumulative preferred dividends in arrears, including
interest, at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $6.5 million ($518.65 per share)
and $4.8 million ($380.59 per share), respectively.
 
     IXC's 10% Senior Series 1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock was
non-voting and was redeemed on October 6, 1995 from the proceeds of the Senior
Notes for $2.0 million, including cumulative dividends in arrears and related
interest of $505,000.
 
     During 1993, an indirect subsidiary of IXC issued 1,400 shares of 10%
Senior Series 1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "ILHI Series 1
Preferred Stock") at $1,000 per share to stockholders of IXC. The ILHI Series 1
Preferred Stock was redeemed on October 6, 1995 from the proceeds of the Senior
Notes for $1.8 million, including cumulative dividends in arrears and related
interest of $401,000.
 
  Common Stock
 
     During 1996, the Company issued 6,440,000 shares of Common Stock in an
initial public offering and a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of
$94.0 million. At December 31, 1996, the Company has 3,382,435 shares reserved
for future issuance under stock option plans.
 
     During 1996, the Company effected stock splits resulting in a 2.4249 for 1
split of the Company's common stock (with fractional shares paid in cash). The
Company also increased the number of authorized shares of its common stock to
100,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of its preferred stock to
3,000,000. The accompanying financial statements have been retroactively
adjusted to reflect the stock splits and the increase in authorized shares.
 
  Stock Option and Award Plans
 
     In November 1994, the Board of Directors adopted the IXC Communications,
Inc. Stock Plan, as amended (the "1994 Stock Plan"), which provides for the
issuance of restricted stock or the granting of stock options for up to
1,212,450 shares of common stock to key employees and others. Awards under the
1994 Stock Plan are given at the discretion of the Board of Directors and
include common stock options with exercise prices at least equal to the fair
market value at the date of grant. Options granted may be either "incentive
stock options," within the meaning of Section 422(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code, or non-qualified options. The options expire after 10 years and generally
vest at rates of 25% and 33% per year commencing one year after the date of
grant, with the exception of two options covering 84,871 shares which were 100%
vested upon grant.
 
     In 1996, IXC adopted the IXC Communications, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan, as
amended (the "1996 Stock Plan"), which provides for the issuance of restricted
stock or the granting of stock options for up to 2,121,787 shares of common
stock to key employees and others. Awards under the 1996 Stock Plan are given at
the discretion of the Board of Directors and include common stock options with
exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value at the date of grant.
Options granted may be either "incentive stock options," within the meaning of
Section 422(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-qualified options. The
options expire after
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   66
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
9.  COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
10 years and generally vest at rates of 25% and 33% per year commencing one year
after the date of grant. During 1996, 476,600 options were granted under the
1996 Stock Plan.
 
     The Company has not issued any restricted stock under the 1994 Stock Plan
or the 1996 Stock Plan. All options granted under the 1994 Stock Plan and the
1996 Stock Plan were granted at estimated market value at the date of grant. In
the event of a change of control of the Company, the options outstanding
immediately following the consummation of such change of control fully vest, and
the options may be exercised in full to purchase the total number of shares
covered by the option.
 
     In October 1996, IXC adopted a stock incentive plan (the "Special Stock
Plan") covering 67,900 shares of common stock. Any employee, director or other
person providing services to the Company is eligible to receive awards under the
Special Stock Plan, at the Board's discretion. Awards available under the
Special Stock Plan include common stock purchase options and restricted common
stock. All available options to acquire stock under the Special Stock Plan were
granted in 1996 at exercise prices less than market value at the date of grant.
In 1996, the Company recognized $182,000 in compensation expense related to
grants under the Special Stock Plan.
 
     On May 14, 1996 the Board of Directors adopted the IXC Communications, Inc.
Outside Directors' Phantom Stock Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), pursuant to which
$20,000 per year of outside director's fees for certain directors is deferred
and treated as if it were invested in shares of the Company's common stock. No
shares of common stock will be actually purchased and the participants will
receive cash benefits equal to the value of the shares that they are deemed to
have purchased under the Directors' Plan, with such value to be determined on
the date of distribution. Distribution of benefits generally will occur three
years after the deferral. Compensation expense is determined based on the market
price of the shares deemed to have been purchased and is charged to expense over
the related period. On June 6, 1996 the stockholders approved the Directors'
Plan. In 1996, the Company recognized $60,000 as directors' fees related to the
Directors' Plan.
 
  Stock Based Compensation
 
     The Company has elected to account for its employee stock options under APB
25. As a result, pro forma information regarding net income and income (loss)
per share is required by SFAS No. 123, which requires that the information be
determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options
granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that
Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions for 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates ranging
from 5.25% to 6.73% and 5.74% to 5.95%; no dividend yield; volatility factor of
the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .523; and a
weighted-average expected life of the options of 5 years.
 
     The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of its stock options.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   67
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
9.  COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
     For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's
pro forma information follows (in thousands except for earnings per share
information):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996        1995
                                                                      --------     -------
    <S>                                                               <C>          <C>
    Pro forma loss applicable to common stockholders................  $(39,805)    $(6,871)
    Pro forma loss per common and common equivalent share...........  $  (1.41)    $ (0.27)
</TABLE>
 
     Because SFAS No. 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994, its pro forma effect will not be fully reflected until 1998.
 
     A summary of the Company's stock option activity, and related information
for the years ended December 31 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996                  1995                  1994
                                        --------------------   -------------------   -------------------
                                                    WEIGHTED-            WEIGHTED-             WEIGHTED-
                                                    AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE
                                                    EXERCISE             EXERCISE              EXERCISE
                                         OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE
                                        ---------   --------   -------   ---------   -------   ---------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
Outstanding-beginning of year.........    645,880    $ 3.01    206,113     $3.01          --     $  --
Granted...............................  1,138,351     12.04    439,767      3.01     206,113      3.01
Exercised.............................    (19,702)     3.01         --        --          --        --
Forfeited.............................    (63,956)     3.01         --        --          --        --
                                        ---------    ------    -------     -----     -------     -----
Outstanding-end of year...............  1,700,573    $ 9.05    645,880     $3.01     206,113     $3.01
                                        =========    ======    =======     =====     =======     =====
Exercisable at end of year............    257,527              121,243                    --
Weighted-average fair value of options
  granted during the year.............  $    7.34              $  1.51                    --
</TABLE>
 
     The following table summarizes outstanding options at December 31, 1996 by
price range:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               OUTSTANDING                                     EXERCISABLE
    -----------------------------------------------------------------     ---------------------
                                       WEIGHTED-     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE                 WEIGHTED-
     NUMBER                             AVERAGE         REMAINING         NUMBER       AVERAGE
       OF             RANGE OF         EXERCISE        CONTRACTUAL          OF        EXERCISE
     OPTIONS       EXERCISE PRICE        PRICE       LIFE OF OPTIONS      OPTIONS       PRICE
    ---------     -----------------    ---------     ----------------     -------     ---------
    <S>           <C>                  <C>           <C>                  <C>         <C>
    1,059,323           $3.01           $  3.01             8.8           257,527       $3.01
      302,250      15.38 to 16.00         15.43             9.6                --          --
      339,000           22.25             22.25             9.8                --          --
                   ---------------       ------
    1,700,573      $3.01 to $22.25      $  9.05             9.2           257,527       $3.01
                   ===============       ======
</TABLE>
 
10.  MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     Prior to 1996, substantially all of the Company's revenues were earned from
private line services. Private line services generally are provided to carriers
under long-term contractual arrangements or on a month-to-month basis after
contract expiration. In late 1995, the Company expanded into the business of
selling switched long distance services to long distance resellers. Excel
Communications is the Company's largest switched long distance customer. Sales
to certain customers exceeded 10% of total revenues for each of the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. The percentages of revenues represented by
these customers are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996     1995     1994
                                                                  ----     ----     ----
        <S>                                                       <C>      <C>      <C>
        Excel Communications....................................   35%      --       --
        Frontier Communications.................................   10%      21%      23%
        WorldCom, Inc...........................................    8%      20%      25%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   68
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
11.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
     The Company has a defined contribution retirement and 401(k) savings plan
which covers all full-time employees with one year of service. The Company
contributes 6% of eligible compensation, as defined in the plan, and matches 50%
of the employee's contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the employee's
compensation. Employees vest in the Company's contribution over five years.
Benefit expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
approximately $779,000, $522,000 and $468,000, respectively.
 
12.  INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                       1996         1995
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    Deferred tax assets:
      Tax credit carryforwards.....................................  $  2,068     $  2,411
      Net operating loss carryforwards.............................    22,240        2,489
      Accrued expenses.............................................     3,156          908
      Other........................................................        --        1,286
                                                                     --------     --------
           Gross deferred tax assets...............................    27,464        7,094
 
           Valuation allowance.....................................   (17,264)          --
                                                                     --------     --------
    Net deferred tax assets........................................    10,200        7,094
 
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Tax over book depreciation...................................   (10,372)      (8,384)
      Other liability accruals.....................................    (1,799)      (5,090)
      Other........................................................        --       (1,473)
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                      (12,171)     (14,947)
                                                                     --------     --------
    Net deferred tax liability.....................................  $ (1,971)    $ (7,853)
                                                                     ========     ========
 
    As recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:
      Deferred tax assets..........................................  $    463     $    450
      Deferred tax liability.......................................    (2,434)      (8,303)
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                     $ (1,971)    $ (7,853)
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $55.6 million for income tax purposes that expire through 2011.
The Company has minimum tax and investment tax credit carryforwards at December
31, 1996 of approximately $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The
minimum tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely and the investment tax
credits expire in 2001.
 
     At December 31, 1996, a valuation allowance of $17.3 million was
established to offset a portion of the Company's deferred tax assets. The
valuation allowance is related to deferred tax assets, primarily net operating
losses, that may not be realizable. No valuation allowance was provided for
deferred tax assets at December 31, 1995 or 1994.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   69
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
12.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
     Significant components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes
(excluding the effect attributable to extraordinary items) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -------------------------------
                                                             1996        1995        1994
                                                            -------     -------     -------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
    Current:
      Federal.............................................  $   829     $   381     $(1,188)
      State...............................................     (250)         --        (404)
                                                            -------     -------     -------
    Total current.........................................      579         381      (1,592)
 
    Deferred:
      Federal.............................................    4,136       1,144      (1,131)
      State...............................................    1,266         168        (434)
                                                            -------     -------     -------
    Total deferred........................................    5,402       1,312      (1,565)
                                                            -------     -------     -------
    Benefit (provision) for income taxes..................  $ 5,981     $ 1,693     $(3,157)
                                                            =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The reconciliation of income tax benefit (provision) attributable to
continuing operations computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income
tax benefit (provision) is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                           --------------------------------
                                                             1996        1995        1994
                                                           --------     -------     -------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                    <C>          <C>         <C>
    Tax benefit (provision) at federal statutory rates...  $ 14,766     $ 1,670     $(2,780)
    State income tax benefit (provision) net of federal
      effect.............................................     3,106         302        (432)
    Net operating losses not benefited...................   (17,264)         --          --
    Resolution of tax examinations.......................     3,511          --          --
    Permanent and other differences......................     1,862        (279)         55
                                                           --------     -------     -------
    Benefit (provision) for income taxes.................  $  5,981     $ 1,693     $(3,157)
                                                           ========     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
13.  CAPACITY EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS
 
     In the normal course of business, IXC enters into long-term agreements with
other carriers to exchange capacity on such carriers' networks for access to the
Company's fiber optic communication systems. Exchanges are accounted for at fair
value (see Note 2). Exchange agreements accounted for noncash revenue and
expense (in equal amounts) of $14.0 million in 1996, $13.8 million in 1995 and
$8.0 million in 1994.
 
14.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     A law firm, of which a director and stockholder of the Company was a
principal, provided certain legal services to the Company and received fees from
the Company in the amount of approximately $3.5 million in 1996, $2.6 million in
1995 and $1.4 million in 1994.
 
15.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
     Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amount reported in the balance
     sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   70
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
15.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
     Accounts receivable and accounts payable:  The carrying amounts reported in
     the balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate
     fair value.
 
     Escrow under Senior Notes:  The carrying amount reported in the balance
     sheets for restricted short-term investments held in escrow approximates
     fair value.
 
     Long-term debt:  The fair value of the Senior Notes is estimated at $311
     million based on the last trading price of the Senior Notes in 1996.
 
16.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     In connection with its fiber optic network expansion, the Company has
entered into various construction and installation agreements with contractors.
Total commitments under these agreements are approximately $87.2 million. At
December 31, 1996, capital expenditures totaling $47.6 million have been made
under these agreements.
 
     In connection with its fiber expansion agreements, the Company has
committed to pay $40.3 million for fiber usage rights on other long distance
carriers' networks, $7.4 million of which was paid by December 31, 1996.
Pursuant to the same agreements, the Company has committed to pay a total of
$28.2 million, in periodic installments for twenty to twenty-five years for
maintenance and license fees. Several of these agreements require the Company to
share network construction costs with the other party. The exact amounts of
these construction costs are not specified in the related agreements and are
thus excluded from the figures above.
 
     The Company is from time to time involved in various legal proceedings, all
of which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and some of which are
covered by insurance. In the opinion of the Company's management, none of the
claims relating to such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
17.  VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
     Activity in the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               BALANCE AT     CHARGED TO                     BALANCE
                                               BEGINNING      COSTS AND                     AT END OF
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED             OF PERIOD       EXPENSES      DEDUCTIONS      PERIOD
    -----------------------------------------  ----------     ----------     ----------     ---------
    <S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
    December 31, 1996........................    $1,769         $3,060         $  799        $ 4,030
    December 31, 1995........................    $  762         $1,505         $  498        $ 1,769
    December 31, 1994........................    $  429         $1,565         $1,232        $   762
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   71
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
18.  QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
 
     The Company's unaudited quarterly results are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE 1996 QUARTER ENDED:
                                              --------------------------------------------------------
                                              MARCH 31     JUNE 30      SEPTEMBER 30
                                              --------     --------     -------------
                                                                                          DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          ------------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  (A)
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Net operating revenues....................    $ 26,250     $ 43,007        $61,016          $ 73,488
Operating loss............................      (5,777)      (6,066)        (2,121)              (52)
Net loss..................................     (11,699)     (12,067)        (5,624)           (8,058)
Net loss per common share.................    $  (0.49)    $  (0.50)       $ (0.19)         $  (0.27)
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Includes a $1.9 million loss relating to the Company's share of losses of
    its unconsolidated subsidiary, Progress.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE 1995 QUARTER ENDED:
                                              --------------------------------------------------------
                                              MARCH 31     JUNE 30      SEPTEMBER 30      DECEMBER 31
                                              --------     --------     -------------     ------------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Net operating revenues....................    $ 21,766     $ 22,721        $22,772          $ 23,742
Operating income (loss)...................       3,716        3,529           (900)           (4,916)
Income (loss) before extraordinary gain
  (loss)..................................       1,267        1,502           (307)           (5,680)
Net income (loss).........................       1,267          496           (307)           (6,421)
Net income (loss) per common share before
  extraordinary gain (loss)...............    $   0.03     $   0.04        $ (0.03)         $  (0.24)
Net income (loss) per common share........        0.03           --          (0.03)            (0.27)
</TABLE>
 
19.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     On January 22, 1997 the Company signed separate agreements to acquire L.D.
Services, Inc. and Telecom One, Inc., both long distance resellers. Subject to
certain adjustments, the Company will acquire L.D. Services, Inc. for
approximately $30 million and Telecom One, Inc. for approximately $5 million,
both to be paid in common stock of the Company. Consummation of these
transactions is pending regulatory approval.
 
     Effective February 4, 1997 the Company entered into an agreement to sell
fiber to a common carrier without optronics along IXC's Chicago to Los Angeles
fiber optic route for approximately $97.9 million. The route from Chicago to Los
Angeles is scheduled for completion in mid-1997. The agreement provides for
certain penalties if IXC does not complete construction of the route within the
timeframe specified in the agreement. Management does not anticipate that the
Company will incur any penalties under these provisions.
 
     In February 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to sell $100
million of preferred stock to two investor groups. The agreement was terminated
in March 1997 due to a disagreement between the Company and one of the investor
groups. In order to satisfy the commitments described in Notes 7 and 16 and to
provide working capital for operations, the Company plans to pursue a similar
$100 million preferred stock offering under Rule 144A.
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES
 
     IXC conducts a significant portion of its business through subsidiaries.
The Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by
certain wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary
Guarantors"). The obligations of each Guarantor are limited to the minimum
extent necessary to prevent the guarantee from violating or becoming voidable
under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or
similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally. Certain IXC
subsidiaries do not guarantee the Senior Notes (the "Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries"). The claims of creditors
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   72
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have priority over the rights of IXC to receive
dividends or distributions from such subsidiaries.
 
     Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for IXC,
the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries at December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
     The equity method has been used by IXC with respect to investments in
subsidiaries. The equity method has been used by Subsidiary Guarantors with
respect to investments in Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Separate financial
statements for Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented based on management's
determination that they do not provide additional information that is material
to investors.
 
     The following table sets forth the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor
subsidiaries:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES                    NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
    ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
    <S>                                         <C>
    Broadband Services, Inc.                    Mutual Signal Holding Corp.
    IXC Carrier, Inc.                           Mutual Signal Corporation
      Atlantic States Microwave                 Mutual Signal Corporation of
         Transmission Company                   Michigan
      Central States Microwave                  MSM Associates, Limited Partnership
         Transmission Company                   Progress International L.L.C.
      Rio Grande Transmission, Inc.             Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V.
      Telecom Engineering, Inc.                 Switched Services Communications, L.L.C.
      Tower Communications System Corp.         Summer Street Communications, Inc.
      West Texas Microwave Company              US Advantage Long Distance, Inc.
      Western States Microwave Company
    IXC Long Distance, Inc.
    Link Net International, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   73
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                  IXC      GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS           CONSOLIDATED
                                --------   ----------   -------------   ------------           ------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>                    <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...  $ 65,363    $ (9,455)     $   4,611      $      821(a)           $ 61,340
  Accounts receivable and
     other, net...............       111      28,657         32,363         (13,563)(d)            47,568
  Other current assets........       937       3,765            549          (3,054)(d)             2,197
                                --------    --------       --------       ---------              --------
Total current assets..........    66,411      22,967         37,523         (15,796)              111,105
Property and equipment, net...         8     231,514         37,347            (260)              268,609
Escrow under Senior Notes.....    51,412          --             --              --                51,412
Due from affiliate............   225,093      40,742          6,574        (272,409)(d)                --
Other assets..................     8,429       6,527         13,049              20(b)             28,025
                                --------    --------       --------       ---------              --------
Total assets..................  $351,353    $301,750      $  94,493      $ (288,445)             $459,151
                                ========    ========       ========       =========              ========
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and other
     current liabilities......  $ 10,077    $ 70,207      $  16,909      $  (13,342)(a)(d)       $ 83,851
  Due to affiliate............       141         523             40            (704)(d)                --
  Current portion of long-term
     debt and lease
     obligations..............        --       2,469          6,024          (1,743)                6,750
                                --------    --------       --------       ---------              --------
Total current liabilities.....    10,218      73,199         22,973         (15,789)               90,601
Long-term debt and capital
  lease obligations...........   277,656       1,487         21,548          (5,160)(d)           295,531
Deferred tax liability........        --       7,484             --          (5,050)                2,434
Due to affiliate/parent.......        --     231,666         40,743        (272,409)(d)                --
Other noncurrent
  liabilities.................        --       6,201            749            (749)                6,201
Minority interest.............        --          --             --             905(c)                905
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock.............        13          --          2,585          (2,585)                   13
  Common stock................       308           4              2              (6)(b)               308
  Additional paid-in
     capital..................   123,434      30,053         36,249         (66,302)(b)           123,434
  Accumulated deficit.........   (60,276)    (48,344)       (30,356)         78,700(b)(c)(d)      (60,276)
                                --------    --------       --------       ---------              --------
Total stockholders' equity....    63,479     (18,287)         8,480           9,807                63,479
                                --------    --------       --------       ---------              --------
          Total liabilities
            and stockholders'
            equity............  $351,353    $301,750      $  94,493      $ (288,445)             $459,151
                                ========    ========       ========       =========              ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany settlements in transit.
(b) Eliminations of investments in consolidated subsidiaries
(c) Recording of minority interest in equity operations.
(d) Eliminations of intercompany receivables, payables and lease obligations.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   74
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                      IXC      GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS       CONSOLIDATED
                                    --------   ----------   -------------   ------------       ------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>                <C>
Net operating revenues............  $     66    $148,692      $ 104,156       $(49,153)(a)       $203,761
 
Operating expenses:
  Cost of services................        --      86,929        103,912        (47,372)(a)        143,469
  Operations and administration...     3,955      36,711          7,558         (1,157)(a)         47,067
  Depreciation and amortization...        58      18,055          9,453           (325)            27,241
                                    --------    --------       --------       --------           --------
                                      (3,947)      6,997        (16,767)          (299)           (14,016)
Interest income...................    17,572       6,738            596        (22,068)(a)          2,838
Interest income on escrow under
  Senior Notes....................     7,404          --             --             --              7,404
Interest expense..................   (38,181)    (15,936)        (5,027)        22,068(a)         (37,076)
Equity in net income (loss) of
  unconsolidated subsidiaries.....   (26,277)    (23,688)            --         48,004(b)          (1,961)
                                    --------    --------       --------       --------           --------
Loss before income taxes and
  minority interest...............   (43,429)    (25,889)       (21,198)        47,705            (42,811)
Benefit (provision) for income
  taxes...........................     5,981       2,915          2,344         (5,259)             5,981
Minority interest.................        --          --             --           (618)(c)           (618)
                                    --------    --------       --------       --------           --------
Net loss..........................  $(37,448)   $(22,974)     $ (18,854)      $ 41,828           $(37,448)
                                    ========    ========       ========       ========           ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany administration services, communication services
    and interest charges.
(b) Eliminations of equity in net income (loss) from consolidated subsidiaries.
(c) Recording of minority interest in equity or earnings loss of non-guarantor
    subsidiaries.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   75
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR                          IXC
                                      IXC      GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES   ELIMINATIONS        CONSOLIDATED
                                   ---------   ----------   -------------  ------------        ------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>                 <C>
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES...........  $ (25,099)   $ 49,161      $ (40,627)     $(12,122)(a)(b)    $  (28,687)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
  ACTIVITIES:
Release of funds from escrow
  under Senior Notes.............    154,244          --             --            --              154,244
Deposit into escrow under Senior
  Notes..........................     (7,404)         --             --            --               (7,404)
Purchase of property and
  equipment......................         (9)   (169,498)        (7,259)       40,375(b)          (136,391)
                                   ---------    --------        -------       -------            ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
  investing activities...........    146,831    (169,498)        (7,259)       40,375               10,449
 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
Capital contribution to
  unconsolidated subsidiary......     12,422     (44,714)            --        24,973               (7,319)
Payments on long-term debt and
  capital lease obligations......                 (9,018)          (583)       (3,185)(a)          (12,786)
Payment of debt issue costs......     (1,301)         --             --            --               (1,301)
Issuance of preferred stock......         --          --          2,585        (2,585)                  --
Issuance of common stock.........     81,581          --         15,500        (3,012)              94,069
Advances to affiliates...........   (150,489)    161,282         33,253       (44,046)                  --
                                   ---------    --------        -------       -------            ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities...........    (57,787)    107,550         50,755       (27,855)              72,663
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  and cash equivalents...........     63,945     (12,787)         2,869           398               54,425
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of period............      1,418       3,332          1,742           423                6,915
                                   ---------    --------        -------       -------            ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
  of period......................  $  65,363    $ (9,455)     $   4,611      $    821           $   61,340
                                   =========    ========        =======       =======            =========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany receivables, debt and lease obligations.
(b) Eliminations of intercompany capitalized labor.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   76
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                  IXC      GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS           CONSOLIDATED
                                --------   ----------   -------------   ------------           ------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>                    <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...  $  1,418    $  3,332      $   1,742      $      423(a)           $  6,915
  Accounts receivable and
     other, net...............        --       6,717          1,148          (2,328)(d)             6,319
  Other current assets........     6,565       4,481            358          (7,807)(d)             2,815
                                --------    --------        -------       ---------              --------
Total current assets..........     7,983      14,530          3,248          (9,712)               16,049
Property and equipment, net...        --      76,804         29,910            (315)              106,399
Escrow under Senior Notes.....   198,266          --             --              --               198,266
Due from affiliate............    74,604       3,351            568         (78,523)(d)                --
Other assets..................    12,707      16,948          4,191         (18,085)(b)            15,761
                                --------    --------        -------       ---------              --------
Total assets..................  $293,560    $111,633      $  37,917      $ (106,635)             $336,475
                                ========    ========        =======       =========              ========
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and other
     current liabilities......  $  8,984    $ 13,922      $   2,720      $   (4,528)(a)(d)       $ 21,098
  Due to affiliate............       258       6,458          1,832          (8,548)(d)                --
  Current portion of long-term
     debt and lease
     obligations..............        --       1,511          3,023              --                 4,534
                                --------    --------        -------       ---------              --------
Total current liabilities.....     9,242      21,891          7,575         (13,076)               25,632
Long-term debt and capital
  lease obligations...........   277,238       3,207         17,215          (3,400)(d)           294,260
Deferred tax liability........       222      10,997             --          (2,916)                8,303
Due to affiliate/parent.......        --      70,384          3,878         (74,262)(d)                --
Other noncurrent
  liabilities.................        --         469             --              --                   469
Minority interest.............        --           1             --             952(c)                953
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock.............        13          --             --              --                    13
  Common stock................       243           3              1              (4)(b)               243
  Additional paid-in
     capital..................    29,430      30,051         20,750         (50,801)(b)            29,430
  Accumulated deficit.........   (22,828)    (25,370)       (11,502)         36,872(b)(c)(d)      (22,828)
                                --------    --------        -------       ---------              --------
Total stockholders' equity....     6,858       4,684          9,249         (13,933)                6,858
                                --------    --------        -------       ---------              --------
          Total liabilities
            and stockholders'
            equity............  $293,560    $111,633      $  37,917      $ (106,635)             $336,475
                                ========    ========        =======       =========              ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany settlements in transit.
(b) Eliminations of investments in consolidated subsidiaries
(c) Recording of minority interest in equity operations.
(d) Eliminations of intercompany receivables, payables and lease obligations.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   77
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                    IXC      GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS         CONSOLIDATED
                                  --------   ----------   -------------   ------------         ------------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                               <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>                  <C>
Net operating revenues..........  $    404    $ 89,339      $  12,155       $(10,897)(a)         $ 91,001
Operating expenses:
  Cost of services..............        --      38,950         10,075         (9,173)(a)           39,852
  Operations and
     administration.............     1,116      26,155          6,322         (1,311)(a)           32,282
  Depreciation and
     amortization...............        57      12,728          4,653             --               17,438
                                  --------     -------       --------       --------             --------
                                      (769)     11,506         (8,895)          (413)               1,429
Interest income.................     3,766         399             67         (3,764)(a)              468
Interest income on escrow under
  Senior Notes..................     2,552          --             --             --                2,552
Interest expense................   (10,982)     (5,838)        (1,541)         3,764(a)           (14,597)
Equity in net income (loss) of
  unconsolidated subsidiaries...    (1,474)     (7,678)            --          9,171(b)                19
                                  --------     -------       --------       --------             --------
Loss before income taxes,
  minority interests and
  extraordinary loss............    (6,907)     (1,611)       (10,369)         8,758              (10,129)
Benefit (provision) for income
  taxes.........................     2,246         546         (1,099)            --                1,693
Minority interests..............        --          --             --          5,218(c)             5,218
                                  --------     -------       --------       --------             --------
Loss before extraordinary
  items.........................    (4,661)     (1,065)       (11,468)        13,976               (3,218)
Extraordinary loss, net of
  taxes.........................      (304)     (1,309)          (134)            --               (1,747)
                                  --------     -------       --------       --------             --------
Net loss........................  $ (4,965)   $ (2,374)     $ (11,602)      $ 13,976             $ (4,965)
                                  ========     =======       ========       ========             ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany administration services, communication services
    and interest charges.
(b) Eliminations of equity in net income (loss) from consolidated subsidiaries.
(c) Recording of minority interest in equity or earnings loss of non-guarantor
    subsidiaries.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   78
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR                        IXC
                                       IXC       GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS     CONSOLIDATED
                                    ---------    ----------   -------------   ------------     ------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>              <C>
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES............. $  (8,324)    $ 24,272       $(8,333)       $  3,992(a)     $   11,607
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
  ACTIVITIES:
Release of funds from escrow under
  Senior Notes.....................     4,300           --            --              --             4,300
Purchase of restricted short-term
  investments......................  (202,552)          --            --              --          (202,552)
Purchase of property and
  equipment........................        --      (14,282)       (9,565)            177           (23,670)
                                    ---------     --------       -------         -------         ---------
Net cash used in investing
  activities.......................  (198,252)     (14,282)       (9,565)            177          (221,922)
 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of
  Senior Notes, net of discount....   277,148           --            --              --           277,148
Capital contribution in subsidiary
  by minority shareholders.........        --      (14,248)       20,250              --             6,002
Payments from (advances to)
  affiliates, net..................   (50,827)      50,827            --              --                --
Proceeds from long-term debt.......        --       17,150         1,545              --            18,695
Payments on long-term debt and
  capital lease obligations........    (5,700)     (63,606)       (3,089)         (4,095)(a)       (76,490)
Payment of debt issue costs........   (10,407)          --            --              --           (10,407)
Redemption of preferred stock......    (1,460)      (1,400)           --              --            (2,860)
Dividend payments..................      (906)          --            --              --              (906)
                                    ---------     --------       -------         -------         ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities.............   207,848      (11,277)       18,706          (4,095)          211,182
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents.................     1,272       (1,287)          808              74               867
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of year................       146        4,619           934             349             6,048
                                    ---------     --------       -------         -------         ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
  of year.......................... $   1,418     $  3,332       $ 1,742        $    423        $    6,915
                                    =========     ========       =======         =======         =========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany receivables, debt and lease obligations.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   79
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                     IXC     GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS         CONSOLIDATED
                                    ------   ----------   -------------   ------------         ------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>          <C>             <C>                  <C>
Net operating revenues............  $   --    $ 78,448       $ 3,410        $ (1,195)(a)         $ 80,663
Operating expenses:
  Cost of services................      --      33,848           810            (762)(a)           33,896
  Operations and administration...     570      19,336           898            (243)(a)           20,561
  Depreciation and amortization...      32      11,166           923              --               12,121
                                    ------     -------        ------         -------              -------
                                      (602)     14,098           779            (190)              14,085
Interest income...................     139         194             8            (130)(a)              211
Interest expense..................    (653)     (5,141)         (441)            130(a)            (6,105)
Equity in net income (loss) of
  unconsolidated subsidiaries.....   7,864          83            --          (8,041)(b)              (94)
                                    ------     -------        ------         -------              -------
Income before income taxes,
  minority interests and
  extraordinary gain..............   6,748       9,234           346          (8,231)               8,097
Benefit (provision) for income
  taxes...........................     567      (3,477)         (247)             --               (3,157)
Minority interests................      --          --            --              77(c)                77
                                    ------     -------        ------         -------              -------
Income before extraordinary
  gain............................   7,315       5,757            99          (8,154)               5,017
Extraordinary gain, net of
  taxes...........................      --       2,298            --              --                2,298
                                    ------     -------        ------         -------              -------
     Net income...................  $7,315    $  8,055       $    99        $ (8,154)            $  7,315
                                    ======     =======        ======         =======              =======
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany administration services, communication services
    and interest charges.
(b) Eliminations of equity in net income (loss) from consolidated subsidiaries.
(c) Recording of minority interest in equity or earnings loss of non-guarantor
    subsidiaries.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   80
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
20.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTOR
     SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             SUBSIDIARY   NON-GUARANTOR
                                     IXC     GUARANTORS   SUBSIDIARIES    ELIMINATIONS         CONSOLIDATED
                                   -------   ----------   -------------   ------------         ------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>                  <C>
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES...........  $(1,262)   $  9,935      $   1,199       $  3,660(a)(b)       $ 13,532
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
  ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and
  equipment......................       --      (3,545)        (3,732)           190               (7,087)
Sale of property and equipment...       --         235             --             --                  235
Payments for businesses acquired,
  net of cash received...........       --          --        (11,976)            --              (11,976)
                                   -------     -------        -------        -------             --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
  investing activities...........       --      (3,310)       (15,708)           190              (18,828)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
Payments from (advances to)
  affiliates, net................    1,411      (1,525)           114             --                   --
Proceeds from long-term debt.....       --         229         15,770         (3,000)(a)           12,999
Payments on long-term debt and
  capital lease obligations......       --      (7,331)          (506)            --               (7,837)
Payments from escrow.............       --       1,500             --             --                1,500
Payment of debt issue costs......     (139)       (976)          (436)            --               (1,551)
Capital contribution in
  subsidiary by minority
  shareholders...................       --          --            500           (500)(b)               --
Issuance of common stock.........        3          --              1             (1)(b)                3
                                   -------     -------        -------        -------             --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
  financing activities...........    1,275      (8,103)        15,443         (3,501)               5,114
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  and cash equivalents...........       13      (1,478)           934            349                 (182)
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of year..............      133       6,097             --             --                6,230
                                   -------     -------        -------        -------             --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
  of year........................  $   146    $  4,619      $     934       $    349             $  6,048
                                   =======     =======        =======        =======             ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Eliminations of intercompany receivables, debt and lease obligations.
(b) Eliminations of intercompany capital contribution.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   81
 
                                   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 on Form 10-K to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the
City of Austin, State of California, on the 27th day of March, 1997.
 
                                          IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ JOHN J. WILLINGHAM
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            John J. Willingham
                                            Senior Vice President, Chief
                                              Financial Officer and Assistant
                                              Secretary
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                       DATE
----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------  ---------------
<C>                                       <S>                                   <C>
 
           /s/ RALPH J. SWETT             Chairman, President and Chief          March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------  Executive Officer, and Director
             Ralph J. Swett               (Principal Executive Officer)
 
         /s/ JOHN J. WILLINGHAM           Senior Vice President, Chief           March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------  Financial Officer and Assistant
           John J. Willingham             Secretary (Principal Financial and
                                          Accounting Officer)
 
         /s/ RICHARD D. IRWIN*            Director                               March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------
            Richard D. Irwin
 
          /s/ WOLFE H. BRAGIN*            Director                               March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------
            Wolfe H. Bragin
 
         /s/ CARL W. MCKINZIE*            Director                               March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------
            Carl W. McKinzie
 
        /s/ PHILLIP L. WILLIAMS*          Director                               March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------
          Phillip L. Williams
 
            /s/ JOE C. CULP*              Director                               March 27, 1997
----------------------------------------
              Joe C. Culp

 
*By: /s/ JOHN J. WILLINGHAM
----------------------------------------
         John J. Willingham
          (Attorney-in-fact)
 
</TABLE>
                                       I-1
<PAGE>   82
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                  NUMBERED
  NO.                                        DESCRIPTION                                   PAGE
-------         ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>        <C>  <S>                                                                     <C>
  3.1        +  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IXC Communications, Inc., as
                amended...............................................................
  3.2        +  Bylaws of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended........................
  4.1           Specimen certificate representing shares of Common Stock of IXC
                Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
                Communications, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the
                Commission on May 20, 1996, as amended (File No. 333-4061) (the
                "S-1"))...............................................................
  4.2           Indenture dated as of October 5, 1995 by and among IXC Communications,
                Inc., on its behalf and as successor-in-interest to I-Link Holdings,
                Inc. and IXC Carrier Group, Inc., each of IXC Carrier, Inc., on its
                behalf and as successor-in- interest to I-Link, Inc., CTI Investments,
                Inc., Texas Microwave, Inc. and WTM Microwave, Inc., Atlantic States
                Microwave Transmission Company, Central States Microwave Transmission
                Company, Telcom Engineering, Inc., on its behalf and as
                successor-in-interest to SWTT Company and Microwave Network, Inc.,
                Tower Communication Systems Corp., West Texas Microwave Company,
                Western States Microwave Transmission Company, Rio Grande
                Transmission, Inc., IXC Long Distance, Inc., Link Net International,
                Inc. (collectively, the "Guarantors") and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust
                Company, as Trustee, with respect to the 12 1/2% Series A and Series B
                Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
                Communications, Inc.'s and each of the Guarantor's Registration
                Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on April 1, 1996, as
                amended (File No. 333-2936) (the "S-4"))..............................
  4.3           Purchase Agreement dated October 5, 1995 by and among IXC
                Communications, Inc., and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated
                by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the S-4)...............................
  4.4           A/B Exchange Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995
                by and among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors and the
                Purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of
                the S-4)..............................................................
  4.5           Escrow Account and Disbursement Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995
                by and among IXC Communications, Inc., IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust
                Company, as Escrow Holder, and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
                Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
                S-4)..................................................................
  4.6           Escrow Account Security Agreement dated as of October 5, 1995 by and
                between IXC Communications, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the S-4).................
  4.7           Form of 12 1/2% Series A Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the S-4)..................................
  4.8           Form of 12 1/2% Series B Senior Notes due 2005 and Subsidiary
                Guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the S-1).......
  4.9           Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 6, 1992 by and among
                Telecom Services Group, Inc., predecessor-in-interest to IXC
                Communications, Inc., and each of the signatories thereto
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the S-1).................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   83
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                  NUMBERED
  NO.                                        DESCRIPTION                                   PAGE
-------         ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>        <C>  <S>                                                                     <C>
  4.10          Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1996 by
                and among IXC Communications, Inc. and each of the signatories thereto
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the S-1)................
  4.11          Amendment No. 1 to Indenture and Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of June
                4, 1996 by and among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors and the
                Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the S-1)........
  4.12          Stock Exchange Agreement dated as of June 10, 1996 by and between IXC
                Communications, Inc., and Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust
                ("GEPT") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the S-1).......
  4.13          Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 10, 1996 by and among
                IXC Communications, Inc., GEPT and certain stockholders of IXC
                Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the
                S-1)..................................................................
 10.1           Office Lease dated June 21, 1989 with USAA Real Estate Company, as
                amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the S-4)........
 10.2           Equipment Lease dated as of December 1, 1994 by and between DSC
                Finance Corporation and Switched Services Communications, L.L.C.;
                Assignment Agreement dated as of December 1, 1994 by and between
                Switched Services Communications, L.L.C. and DSC Finance Corporation;
                and Guaranty dated December 1, 1994 made in favor of DSC Finance
                Corporation by IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 10.2 of the S-4)..............................................
 10.3       *+  Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as
                amended...............................................................
 10.4        *  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1994 Stock Plan
                of IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
                of the S-4)...........................................................
 10.5           Form of IXC Communications, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the S-4)................
 10.6           Form of IXC Communications, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the S-4)................
 10.7           Amended and Restated Development Agreement by and between Intertech
                Management Group, Inc. and IXC Long Distance, Inc. (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the S-4).................................
 10.8           Second Amended and Restated Service Agreement dated as of January 1,
                1996 by and between Switched Services Communications, L.L.C. and Excel
                Telecommunications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of
                the S-4)..............................................................
 10.9           Equipment Purchase Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996 by and
                between Siecor Corporation and IXC Carrier, Inc. (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the S-4).................................
 10.10      *+  1996 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended...............
 10.11          IRU Agreement dated as of November 1995 between WorldCom, Inc. and IXC
                Carrier, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the
                S-4)..................................................................
 10.12      *+  Outside Directors' Phantom Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as
                amended...............................................................
 10.13       *  Business Consultant and Management Agreement dated as of January 3,
                1995 by and between IXC Communications, Inc. and Culp Communications
                Associates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the S-1)....
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   84
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                  NUMBERED
  NO.                                        DESCRIPTION                                   PAGE
-------         ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>        <C>  <S>                                                                     <C>
 10.14       *  Employment Agreement dated December 28, 1995 by and between IXC
                Communications, Inc. and James F. Guthrie (incorporated by reference
                to Exhibit 10.14 of the S-1)..........................................
 10.15       *  Employment Agreement dated August 28, 1995, by and between IXC
                Communications, Inc. and David J. Thomas (incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 10.15 of the S-1).............................................
 10.16      *+  Special Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc.........................
 10.17       +  Stock Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 17,
                1997 by and among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC Long Distance, Inc.,
                IXC-One Acquisition Corp., L.D. Services, Inc. and the Shareholders
                named therein.........................................................
 11.1        +  Statement of Computation of Earnings per Share........................
 21.1        +  Subsidiaries of IXC Communications, Inc...............................
 23.1        +  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP..........................................
 24.1        +  Powers of Attorney....................................................
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
* Management contract or executive compensation plan or arrangement required to
  be indicated as such and filed as an exhibit pursuant to applicable rules of
  the Commission.
 
+ Filed herewith.