SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002
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 1-8607
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1533433
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1155 Peachtree Street, N. E., 30309-3610
Atlanta, Georgia (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number 404-249-2000
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 ___
At October 31, 2002, 1,858,563,844 common shares were outstanding.
Table of Contents
Item Page
Part I
1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income ........................ 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets .............................. 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .................... 5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
And Comprehensive Income .............................. 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............... 8
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of
Operations................................................21
3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk ..35
4. Controls and Procedures .....................................36
Part II
1. Legal Proceedings ...........................................37
6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ............................37
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2001 2002 2001 2002
Operating Revenues:
Communications group $ 4,770 $ 4,469 $ 14,199 $ 13,745
Latin America 710 494 2,227 1,747
Domestic advertising and publishing 493 458 1,363 1,212
All other 40 13 128 44
Total Operating Revenues 6,013 5,434 17,917 16,748
Operating Expenses:
Operational and support expenses 3,138 3,193 9,531 9,523
Depreciation and amortization 1,178 1,161 3,538 3,492
Total Operating Expenses 4,316 4,354 13,069 13,015
Operating income 1,697 1,080 4,848 3,733
Interest expense 304 291 998 896
Gain on sale of operations 24 - 24 1,318
Net earnings of equity affiliates 167 114 357 455
Foreign currency transaction gains
(losses) (2) 8 (66) (637)
Other income (expense), net (1,525) 91 (1,297) (345)
Income Before Income Taxes and
Cumulative Effect of Change in
Accounting Principle 57 1,002 2,868 3,628
Provision for Income Taxes 50 339 1,090 1,517
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Change in Accounting Principle 7 663 1,778 2,111
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting
Principle, Net of Tax - - - (1,285)
Net Income $ 7 $ 663 $ 1,778 $ 826
Weighted-Average Common Shares
Outstanding:
Basic 1,875 1,867 1,874 1,874
Diluted 1,887 1,870 1,886 1,880
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.19 $ 0.20 $ 0.57 $ 0.59
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Change in Accounting Principle $ 0.00 $ 0.36 $ 0.95 $ 1.13
Net Income $ 0.00 $ 0.36 $ 0.95 $ 0.44
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Change in Accounting Principle $ 0.00 $ 0.35 $ 0.94 $ 1.12
Net Income $ 0.00 $ 0.35 $ 0.94 $ 0.44
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
December 31, September 30,
2001 2002
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 592 $ 2,050
Accounts receivable, net of
allowance for uncollectibles
of $466 and $453 4,989 4,150
Material and supplies 382 295
Other current assets 892 1,053
Total current assets 6,855 7,548
Investments and advances 10,620 10,016
Property, plant and equipment 64,332 64,548
Less: accumulated depreciation 39,389 40,888
Property, plant and equipment, net 24,943 23,660
Deferred charges and other assets 5,122 5,666
Goodwill 1,639 349
Other intangible assets, net 2,867 2,479
Total assets $ 52,046 $ 49,718
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 5,111 $ 5,387
Accounts payable 1,656 1,281
Other current liabilities 3,301 3,565
Total current liabilities 10,068 10,233
Long-term debt 15,014 12,287
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 3,206 4,555
Other noncurrent liabilities 5,161 5,208
Total noncurrent liabilities 8,367 9,763
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value (8,650 shares
authorized; 1,877 and 1,862 shares outstanding) 2,020 2,020
Paid-in capital 6,875 6,881
Retained earnings 15,137 14,769
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (294) (815)
Shares held in trust and treasury (4,996) (5,351)
Guarantee of ESOP debt (145) (69)
Total shareholders' equity 18,597 17,435
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 52,046 $ 49,718
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2001 2002
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 1,778 $ 826
Adjustments to net income:
Depreciation and amortization 3,538 3,492
Provision for uncollectibles 370 603
Net earnings of equity affiliates (357) (455)
Dividends received from equity affiliates 279 -
Minority interests in income of subsidiaries 5 (80)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (343) 1,036
Net losses on sale or impairment of equity securities 1,704 388
Postretirement benefit curtailment charge 72 -
Brazilian loan impairment - 383
A&P unbilled receivable adjustment - 163
Provision for restructuring and asset impairments - 685
Foreign currency transaction losses 66 637
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - 1,285
Gain on sale of operations (24) (1,318)
Net change in:
Accounts receivable and other current assets (505) 5
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 255 (497)
Deferred charges and other assets (730) (641)
Other liabilities and deferred credits 119 (9)
Other reconciling items, net 134 30
Net cash provided by operating activities 6,361 6,533
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (4,724) (2,863)
Investments in and advances to equity affiliates (1,597) (281)
Proceeds from sale of investments 1,147 1,472
Proceeds from disposition of short-term investments 108 2
Purchases of short-term investments (76) -
Proceeds from repayment of loans and advances 25 432
Investments in debt securities (279) -
Other investing activities, net 12 47
Net cash used for investing activities (5,384) (1,191)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net repayments of short-term debt (1,405) (1,130)
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,865 8
Repayments of long-term debt (727) (1,219)
Dividends paid (1,068) (1,088)
Purchase of treasury shares - (455)
Other financing activities, net 151 -
Net cash used for financing activities (1,184) (3,884)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (207) 1,458
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,061 592
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 854 $ 2,050
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001
Number of Shares Amount
----------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Accum.
Other
Shares Compre- Shares Guaran-
Held in hensive Held in tee of
Common Trust and Common Paid-in Retained Income/ Trust and ESOP
Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Treasury Debt Total
(a) (a)
Balance at December 31, 2000 2,020 (148) $ 2,020 $ 6,740 $ 14,074 $ (488) $ (5,222) $ (212) $ 16,912
Net income - 1,778 1,778
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment - (27) (27)
Net unrealized losses on securities:
Unrealized losses on securities - (241) (241)
Adjustments for other-than-temporary
losses included in net income - 525 525
Net unrealized losses on derivatives - (46) (46)
Total comprehensive income (b) - 1,989
Dividends declared - (1,069) (1,069)
Share issuances for employee benefit plans - 5 6 (81) 200 125
Share issuances for Grantor Trust - (12) (12)
Tax benefit related to stock options - 20 20
ESOP activities and related tax benefit - 2 73 75
Balance at September 30, 2001 2,020 (143) $ 2,020 $ 6,766 $ 14,704 $ (277) $ (5,034) $ (139) $ 18,040
(a) Trust and treasury shares are not considered to be outstanding for
financial reporting purposes. As of September 30, 2001, there were
approximately 36 shares held in trust and 107 shares held in treasury.
(b) Total comprehensive income for third quarter 2001 was $477.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
Number of Shares Amount
----------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Accum.
Other
Shares Compre- Shares Guaran-
Held in hensive Held in tee of
Common Trust and Common Paid-in Retained Income/ Trust and ESOP
Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Treasury Debt Total
(a) (a)
Balance at December 31, 2001 2,020 (143) $ 2,020 $ 6,875 $ 15,137 $ (294) $ (4,996) $ (145) $ 18,597
Net income - 826 826
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment - (502) (502)
Net unrealized losses on securities - (33) (33)
Net unrealized gains on derivatives (b) - 14 14
Total comprehensive income (c) - 305
Dividends declared - (1,108) (1,108)
Share issuances for employee benefit plans - 4 6 (70) 117 53
Purchase of treasury stock - (19) (490) (490)
Purchase of stock by grantor trust - (18) 18 -
ESOP activities and related tax benefit - 2 76 78
Balance at September 30, 2002 2,020 (158) $ 2,020 $ 6,881 $ 14,769 $ (815) $ (5,351) $ (69) $ 17,435
(a) Trust and treasury shares are not considered to be outstanding for
financial reporting purposes. As of September 30, 2002, there were
approximately 37 shares held in trust and 121 shares held in treasury.
(b) Net unrealized gains on derivatives include an adjustment for realized
gains of $31.
(c) Total comprehensive income for third quarter 2002 was $324.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE A - PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In this report, BellSouth Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to as
"we" or "BellSouth."
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules that permit reduced
disclosure for interim periods. In our opinion, these statements include all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim
periods shown. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise
disclosed. Revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities can vary during each
quarter of the year. Therefore, the results and trends in these interim
financial statements may not be the same as those for the full year. For a more
complete discussion of our significant accounting policies and other
information, you should read this report in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements included in our latest annual report on Form 10-K, previous
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC.
Certain amounts within the prior year's information have been reclassified to
conform to the current year's presentation.
NOTE B - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
On January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (SFAS No. 142). Under SFAS No. 142,
we ceased to amortize goodwill, embedded goodwill related to equity investments
and costs associated with indefinite life wireless licenses. In addition, our
net earnings of equity affiliates reflect the impact of adopting this new
accounting standard on the operations of our equity investments (the most
significant of which is our investment in Cingular Wireless). As required by
SFAS No. 142, we reassessed the expected useful lives of existing intangible
assets. This reassessment resulted in changes to the expected useful lives of
some of our Latin American wireless licenses.
Cingular has FCC licenses that provide for the exclusive right to utilize
certain radio frequency spectrum to provide cellular communication services. FCC
licenses are issued for only a fixed time, generally ten years, and such
licenses are subject to renewal by the FCC. Renewals of FCC licenses have
occurred routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, Cingular has determined that
there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or
other factors that limit the useful life of its FCC licenses. As a result, the
FCC licenses were treated as an indefinite-lived intangible asset under the
provisions of SFAS No. 142 and will not be amortized but rather will be tested
for impairment. Cingular will reevaluate the useful life determination for
wireless licenses each reporting period to determine whether events and
circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life.
Summarized below are the major classes of intangible assets that will continue
to be amortized under SFAS No. 142, as well as the carrying values of those
intangible assets, which will no longer be amortized:
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
December 31, 2001 September 30, 2002
----------------------------------- ---------------------------------
-------------- -- ----------------- ------------ --- ----------------
Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated
Amount Amortization Amount Amortization
------ ------------ ------ ------------
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Capitalized Software......................... $ 2,208 $ 686 $ 2,362 $ 863
Wireless Licenses............................ 897 284 847 295
Customer related intangible assets........... 419 291 411 324
Other........................................ 36 11 33 12
Total.................................... $ 3,560 $ 1,272 $ 3,653 $ 1,494
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Wireless Licenses............................ $ 360 $ 22 $ 177 $ 10
The table above does not include Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service
(MMDS) licenses held for sale. MMDS licenses held for sale represented $267
gross and $241 net and are included in other intangibles, net in the December
31, 2001 and September 30, 2002 consolidated balance sheets. The MMDS licenses
are classified as held for sale under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets." In the event we are unable to sell these licenses by the end of 2002,
these licenses will be reclassified as held and used and subject to impairment
under the provisions of SFAS No. 144.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE B - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
The following table presents current and expected amortization expense of the
existing intangible assets as of September 30, 2002 for each of the following
periods:
Aggregate amortization expense:
For the nine months ended September 30, 2002 ................. $452
Expected amortization expense for the years ending December 31, :
2003 ......................................................... 567
2004 ......................................................... 560
2005 ......................................................... 557
2006 ......................................................... 435
2007 ......................................................... 432
The following table shows our 2001 results presented on a comparable basis to
the 2002 results, adjusted to exclude amortization expense related to goodwill
and indefinite lived wireless licenses. We expect the annual increase to
earnings for 2002 compared to 2001 to approximate $130 after tax, or $0.07 per
share.
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2001 2002 2001 2002
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle - as reported $ 57 $1,002 $ 2,868 $3,628
Add back:
License amortization, net of tax 2 - 6 -
Goodwill amortization, net of tax 15 - 41 -
Equity method amortization, net of tax 15 - 46 -
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle - as adjusted $ 89 $1,002 $ 2,961 $3,628
Basic earnings per share:
Net income - as reported $0.00 $ 0.36 $0.95 $ 0.44
Goodwill amortization 0.01 - 0.02 -
Equity method amortization 0.01 - 0.02 -
Net income - as adjusted * $0.02 $ 0.36 $1.00 $ 0.44
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income - as reported $0.00 $ 0.35 $0.94 $ 0.44
Goodwill amortization 0.01 - 0.02 -
Equity method amortization 0.01 - 0.02 -
Net income - as adjusted * $0.02 $ 0.35 $0.99 $ 0.44
* Basic and diluted earnings per share for year-to-date 2001 do not sum due to
rounding.
As part of the adoption of SFAS No. 142, we were required to perform initial
valuations to determine if any impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangibles exists. We will continue to test embedded goodwill related to equity
investments for impairment under accounting rules for equity investments, which
are based on comparisons between fair value and carrying value.
During the second quarter 2002, we completed the transitional impairment test
required under SFAS No. 142. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill was
tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to
their carrying values. Fair values were determined by the assessment of future
discounted cash flows. The fair values of our Latin American reporting units
were less than the carrying value of these units. The allocation of fair values
to identifiable tangible and intangible assets resulted in an implied valuation
of the goodwill associated with these reporting units of $118. As a result, we
recorded an impairment loss of $1,277, with no income tax benefit. Additionally,
our equity investee, Cingular Wireless, completed its transitional impairment
test in the second quarter resulting in an impairment loss to BellSouth of $8
after tax. These impairment losses are recorded as a cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle on the income statement as of January 1, 2002.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Note B - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the nine
months ended September 30, 2002 are as follows:
Domestic Latin
Wireless America Total
Balance at December 31, 2001... $ 244 $ 1,395 $ 1,639
SFAS No. 142 impairment........ -- (1,277) (1,277)
Other.......................... 6 (19) (13)
Balance at September 30, 2002.. $ 250 $ 99 $ 349
The $1,285 cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the
consolidated income statements includes $8 recorded through net earnings
(losses) of equity affiliates. Other charges above consist primarily of foreign
currency translation adjustments.
SFAS NO. 143, "ACCOUNTING FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS"
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations." This standard provides the accounting for the cost of legal
obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143
requires that companies recognize the fair value of a liability for asset
retirement obligations in the period in which the obligations are incurred and
capitalize that amount as a part of the book value of the long-lived asset. That
cost is then depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying long-lived
asset. We are required to adopt SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003. We are
currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our future
results of operations or financial position.
SFAS NO. 144,"ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OR DISPOSAL OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS"
In January 2002, we adopted SFAS No.144, "Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" (SFAS No. 144), which supersedes SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
Be Disposed Of." SFAS No. 144 applies to all long-lived assets, including
discontinued operations, and consequently amends Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations-Reporting the Effects
of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and
Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions." SFAS No. 144 also amends
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" to
eliminate the exception to consolidation for a subsidiary for which control is
likely to be temporary.
SFAS NO. 145, "RESCISSION OF FASB STATEMENTS NO. 4,44, AND 64, AMENDMENT OF FASB
STATEMENT NO. 13 AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS"
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No.
4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections."
Among other things, this statement rescinds SFAS No. 4, "Reporting Gains and
Losses from Extinguishment of Debt" (SFAS No. 4), which required all gains and
losses from extinguishment of debt to be aggregated and, if material, classified
as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. As a result, the
criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results
of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business,
and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions,"
which requires gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as
income or loss from continuing operations, will now be applied. We early adopted
the provisions of this statement related to the rescission of SFAS No. 4 in the
third quarter of 2002.
SFAS NO. 146, "ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXIT OR DISPOSAL
ACTIVITTIES"
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities" (SFAS No. 146), which addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition
for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity
(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)" (EITF 94-3). The
principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and EITF 94-3 relates to SFAS No.
146's requirements for recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an
exit or disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost
associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is
incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as generally defined in
EITF 94-3 was recognized at the date of an entity's commitment to an exit plan.
We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2003.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE C - EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed on the weighted-average number of common
shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on
the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus net incremental
shares arising out of employee stock options and benefit plans. The following is
a reconciliation of the weighted-average share amounts (in millions) used in
calculating earnings per share:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
------------------- -------------------
2001 2002 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Basic common shares
outstanding 1,875 1,867 1,874 1,874
Incremental shares from stock
options and benefit plans 12 3 12 6
Diluted common shares outstanding 1,887 1,870 1,886 1,880
The earnings amounts used for per-share calculations are the same for both the
basic and diluted methods. Outstanding options to purchase 52 million shares for
the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 50 million shares for the nine
months ended September 30, 2001 were not included in the computation of diluted
earnings per share because the exercise price of these options was greater than
the average market price of the common stock. Outstanding options to purchase 79
million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2002 and 64 million
shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of these
options was greater than the average market price of the common stock.
NOTE D--PURCHASE OF TREASURY SHARES
In July 2002, we announced our intention to purchase up to $2 billion of our
outstanding common stock over the ensuing 18 months. During third quarter 2002,
we purchased 10.9 million shares of our common stock in the open market for
approximately $255, which included $220 of cash payments and $35 of purchases
that settled in October. We have made year-to-date purchases of 18.5 million
shares for approximately $490.
NOTE E--DIVESTITURES
Conversion of E-Plus Interest to KPN
In March 2002, we completed a transaction with Dutch telecommunications provider
Royal KPN N.V. (KPN) in which we exchanged our 22.51% stake in E-Plus for 234.7
million KPN shares. After this exchange, we held approximately 9.42% of KPN's
outstanding shares. As part of this transaction, we surrendered existing
warrants to purchase KPN shares and exchange rights with regard to KPN Mobile.
We recorded a gain of $1,335, or $854 after tax, representing the difference in
the fair value of the KPN shares received and the carrying value of our
investment in E-Plus. We sold the 234.7 million shares that we held in KPN in
March 2002 for $1,076 in proceeds and recognized a loss of $27, or $17 after
tax, on the sale.
We report our results on a calendar basis, except for our international
operations, including E-Plus, which we reported on a one-month lag basis. As
described above, we disposed of our investment in E-Plus during March 2002.
Therefore, the lag basis of reporting was no longer applicable to this
investment. Accordingly, the gain resulting from this transaction was recorded
in our financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2002.
As part of the agreement, KPN repaid $426 under a loan facility we provided to
KPN and purchased approximately 2.13 billion Euro of loans that we previously
extended to E-Plus with its notes payable in three principal payments.
Concurrent with KPN's purchase of these loans, we unwound several
foreign-currency forward contracts associated with the original loans to E-Plus
and recognized a gain of $31, or $20 after tax. At the same time, we entered
into three foreign currency swap contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk on
the new KPN loans. The swaps, which qualify as cash flow hedges, lock-in the
foreign exchange rate at an average of Euro/USD of 0.8730 for the three payments
of principal along with the quarterly interest payments due from KPN during 2002
through 2004.
NOTE F--BRAZILIAN LOAN IMPAIRMENT
We own equity interests in two wireless communications companies in Brazil (BCP
SA and BSE SA). In addition to equity infusions, we have advanced these
companies an aggregate of $506 in the form of shareholder loans, including a
guarantee of BCP debentures. In August 2002 we were required to perform on the
guarantee and purchase these debentures requiring a $94 cash payment to a third
party bank. We have not guaranteed any other debt of BCP. BCP is currently in
default on $430 principal payment and accrued interest. BSE is experiencing
similar difficulties in paying its debt obligations from its operating cash
flows.
In March 2002, as a result of default and inability to reach an agreement with
our partners or these companies' lenders, we evaluated the probability of
collecting our outstanding loans to these companies and the probability of
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE F--BRAZILIAN LOAN IMPAIRMENT (Continued)
our having to perform on the debt guarantee. In our assessment, given the
companies' capital structures, deterioration of credit measures and the
subordination of some of our loans to other third-party debt, we determined that
it was probable that the loans would not be repaid. In determining the
impairment, we compared the book basis of our net investment, including the debt
guarantee, with the fair value of our interests in the companies. This analysis
indicated an impairment of approximately $383, including $7 of accrued interest
on the loans. As of September 30, 2002, our net investment in BSE equaled $5,
while the investment in BCP was $0. Because our investment and net advances to
BCP have been reduced to zero and due to the fact we have no further commitment
of financial support, we have ceased recognizing losses related to this
operation.
We continue to discuss alternatives with our principal partner and these
companies' lenders. The parties have not reached any agreement to date. We are
pursuing options, including the sale of these companies. There can be no
assurance that an agreement with our principal partner and our lenders will be
reached or that the properties will be sold.
In the event of sale or liquidation of our investment, we will recognize
cumulative translation losses as part of the gain or loss on sale or
liquidation. The cumulative foreign currency translation losses related to these
investments were $262 at September 30, 2002.
NOTE G--FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAINS AND LOSSES
In Argentina, we own an equity interest in CRM, a wireless communications
company. We consolidate this subsidiary in our financial statements. In January
2002, the Argentine government announced economic reforms, including a
devaluation of its national currency, the Argentine Peso. The Argentine Peso has
lost over 72% of its value as compared to the U.S. Dollar since the beginning of
2002. Based on the net monetary position of CRM, we recorded foreign currency
transaction losses of $672 during 2002. We are recording a 100% valuation
allowance on the net operating losses, deferring recognition of the tax benefits
generated by these losses due to the lack of clarity in the tax law and
potentially limited tax carryforward period in Argentina.
Effective first quarter 2002 as a result of the cumulative devaluation, CRM has
violated covenants or has not paid on $320 of its U.S. Dollar-denominated debt.
The debt is classified as current in our consolidated September 30, 2002 balance
sheet. This debt is non-recourse to BellSouth. CRM is currently working with
lenders to resolve this matter. The devaluation, the resulting new laws and
regulations instituted, and political issues make it difficult to anticipate the
long-term impacts of the economic situation in Argentina.
In Venezuela, we own an equity interest in Telcel, a wireless communications
company. We consolidate this subsidiary in our financial statements. In February
2002, the Venezuelan government let the Bolivar float freely. The Bolivar has
devalued approximately 47% since the beginning of our fiscal period 2002. Based
on Telcel's net monetary position, we recorded foreign currency transaction
gains of $89 in the third quarter of 2002. In addition, Venezuela is no longer
considered a hyperinflationary economy, which resulted in a change in the
functional currency from the U.S. Dollar to the Bolivar. As a result, the
remeasurement of assets and liabilities is reflected as a foreign currency
translation adjustment in the other comprehensive income portion of
shareholders' equity.
NOTE H--RESTRUCTURING AND WORKFORCE RELATED CHARGES
WORKFORCE REDUCTION CHARGES
In the fourth quarter 2001, we recorded a charge of $232, or $143 after tax,
reflecting restructuring actions that were taken to reduce operating costs. As a
result of these reductions, we eliminated approximately 4,200 positions. The
charge, recorded in accordance with provisions of SFAS No. 112, "Employer's
Accounting for Postemployment Benefits" (SFAS No. 112), consisted primarily of
cash severance and enhancements to post employment health benefits under
pre-existing separation pay plans.
In second quarter 2002, we recorded a charge of $357, or $225 after tax, related
to our plans to reduce our workforce by approximately 5,000 positions to reduce
operating costs in response to a slow economy, increased competition and
regulatory pricing pressures. The charge, recorded in accordance with provisions
of SFAS No. 112, consisted primarily of cash severance and enhancements to post
employment health benefits under pre-existing separation plans. In third quarter
2002, we recorded additional severance expense of $87, or $53 after tax, related
to final acceptance of voluntary offers under the workforce reduction plan
initiated in the second quarter.
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
During the third quarter 2002, we announced we are eliminating certain service
offerings, including our own line of e-business services and some products
within our wholesale long distance portfolio. We will also discontinue
operations at our multi-media Internet exchange (MIX) in Miami. We are currently
seeking to align with another provider of e-
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE H--RESTRUCTURING AND WORKFORCE RELATED CHARGES (Continued)
business services to meet the needs of current and future customers. We will
continue to support our existing e-business customers until this transition is
complete. In connection with the previously announced exit of our public
telephone operations, our periodic evaluation of the undiscounted cash flows
indicated an impairment. As a result of these combined events, we recorded a
charge of $134 in accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3,
"Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs
to Exit an Activity." This charge includes asset impairments, early termination
penalties on contracts and leases, and severance for affected employees and is
summarized in the table below.
Costs Accrued in Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
Severance and related costs ..................... $ 15
Lease and contract termination penalties......... 38
Write-offs of leasehold improvements ............ 16
Asset impairments, primarily equipment ......... 65
Total .................................. $ 134
RESTRUCTURING LIABILITY
As of September 30, 2002, the aggregate liability related to the charges
described above was $403. We expect the majority of headcount reductions to
occur by the end of 2002.
Type of Cost
--------------------------------
-------------- --- -------------
Employee Other Exit
Separations Costs Total
----------- ----- -----
Balance at December 31, 2001 .. $ 202 $ -- $ 202
Additions ..................... 459 38 497
Deductions .................... (296) -- (296)
Balance at September 30, 2002 . $ 365 $ 38 $ 403
PENSION SETTLEMENTS AND CURTAILMENTS
In third quarter 2002, lump-sum pension distributions for the represented
pension plan exceeded the settlement threshold equal to the sum of the service
cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost. This resulted in
recognition of a settlement loss of $107, or $65 after tax, for all cash
settlements under the plan. We expect to recognize additional settlement losses
in the fourth quarter as lump sum payments continue to be paid through the end
of 2002.
In first quarter 2001, we recognized a curtailment loss of $72 in accordance
with provisions of SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions." The loss resulted from accelerated recognition of
prior service cost in excess of the decrease in our postretirement benefit
obligation for the wireless employees that were subsequently transferred to and
covered under Cingular's postretirement benefit plans.
NOTE I--DEBT
In third quarter 2002, we redeemed $620 of our outstanding debt and recognized a
$37 loss on early extinguishment of debt. In second quarter 2002, we redeemed
$500 of our outstanding debt and recognized a $3 loss on early extinguishment of
debt.
NOTE J--MARKETABLE SECURITIES
We have investments in marketable securities, primarily common stocks, which are
accounted for under the cost method and are classified as available-for-sale
under SFAS No. 115. Under SFAS No. 115, available-for-sale securities are
required to be carried at their fair value, with unrealized gains and losses,
net of income taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
in our statements of changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income.
The fair values of our investments in marketable securities are determined based
on market quotations. Equity securities that are restricted for more than one
year or are not publicly traded are recorded at cost.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE J--MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Continued)
Qwest
At the beginning of 2001, we held 74.0 million shares of Qwest common stock.
Since that time, we have sold all of our shares for a total of $1.4 billion in
cash proceeds. The following table summarizes our Qwest transactions (in
millions):
Other-than-
Cash Losses on temporary
Shares Proceeds Sales Impairments
12/31/00 74.0
Less Sales:
1Q01 22.2 $1,000 $52 $ -
2Q01 0.1 2 1 -
3Q01 4.5 135 78 1,286
4Q01 1.7 (a) - - 231
1Q02 18.5 166 93 156
2Q02 18.5 116 36 51
3Q02 8.5 18 - -
0.0 $1,437 $ 260 $ 1,724
(a) Shares exchanged for services (at book value of $81).
Other-than-temporary Impairments
Qwest stock has declined significantly since the beginning of 2001. We concluded
that the continuing difficulties experienced by Qwest and other companies in the
telecom sector indicated that the decline was other than temporary and therefore
required an adjustment as reflected in the preceding table. In third quarter
2001, we also recorded a $280 noncash pretax charge to reduce the carrying value
of certain strategic investments in publicly traded and private equity
securities. These charges are included in Other income (expense), net, in our
consolidated statements of income.
Telecentro Oeste Celular Participacoes SA (TCO)
During first quarter 2002, we sold the American Depositary Receipts representing
nonvoting preferred stock that we held in TCO. We received total proceeds of $90
and recognized a gain of $22, or $14 after tax. The pretax gain is included in
Other income (expense), net, in our consolidated statement of income.
NOTE K--SEGMENT INFORMATION
We have four reportable operating segments: (1) Communications group; (2)
Domestic wireless; (3) Latin America; and (4) Domestic advertising and
publishing.
The following table provides information for each operating segment:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2001 2002 2001 2002
Communications group
External revenues $4,756 $4,577 $ 14,142 $ 13,853
Intersegment revenues 36 38 106 115
Total segment revenues $4,792 $4,615 $ 14,248 $ 13,968
Segment operating income $1,354 $1,254 $4,294 $3,904
Segment net income $ 766 $ 709 $2,440 $2,208
Domestic wireless
External revenues $1,465 $1,511 $4,189 $4,428
Intersegment revenues - - - -
Total segment revenues $1,465 $1,511 $4,189 $4,428
Segment operating income $ 291 $ 247 $ 799 $ 802
Net losses of equity affiliates $ (4) $ (26) $ (10) $ (76)
Segment net income $ 128 $ 68 $ 345 $ 259
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE K - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
For the Three Month For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2001 2002 2001 2002
Latin America
External revenues $710 $494 $ 2,227 $ 1,747
Intersegment revenues 6 1 20 5
Total segment revenues $716 $495 $ 2,247 $ 1,752
Segment operating income $ 86 $ 63 $ 173 $ 206
Net losses of equity affiliates $ (2) $ (6) $ (22) $ (13)
Segment net (loss) income $ 3 $ 54 $ (67) $ 72
Domestic advertising
and publishing
External revenues $492 $459 $ 1,363 $ 1,375
Intersegment revenues 4 5 13 15
Total segment revenues $496 $464 $ 1,376 $ 1,390
Segment operating income $257 $196 $ 679 $ 607
Segment net income $158 $118 $ 414 $ 368
Reconciliation
to Consolidated
Financial Information
Operating Revenues
Total reportable segments $7,469 $7,085 $22,060 $21,538
Cingular proportional
consolidation (1,443) (1,473) (4,115) (4,314)
A&P unbilled receivable
adjustment - - - (163)
Florida gross receipts tax 15 - 58 -
Refund of customer late fees
in Florida - (108) - (108)
Corporate, eliminations and
other (28) (70) (86) (205)
Total consolidated $6,013 $5,434 $17,917 $16,748
Operating Income
Total reportable segments $1,988 $1,760 $ 5,945 $ 5,519
Cingular proportional
consolidation (291) (248) (798) (802)
A&P unbilled receivable
adjustment - - - (163)
Provisions for restructurings
and asset impairments - (328) (73) (685)
Adjustment to ISP accrual - - (143) -
Refund of customer late fees
in Florida - (108) - (108)
Corporate, eliminations
and other - 4 (83) (28)
Total consolidated $1,697 $1,080 $ 4,848 $ 3,733
Net Income
Total reportable segments $1,055 $949 $ 3,132 $ 2,907
Foreign currency transaction
losses (55) (13) (210) (571)
Brazilian loan impairments - - - (263)
Net gains on sales of
operations - - - 857
A&P unbilled receivable
adjustment - - - (101)
Net losses on sale or
impairment of securities (1,069) - (1,101) (274)
Provisions for restructurings
and asset impairments - (202) (47) (427)
FAS 142 Impairment charge - - - (1,285)
Adjustment to ISP accrual - - (88) -
Early extinguishment of debt - (22) - (22)
Refund of customer late fees
in Florida - (70) - (70)
Corporate and other 76 21 92 75
Total consolidated $ 7 $663 $ 1,778 $ 826
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE L - SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR EQUITY INVESTEES
The following table displays the summary combined financial information of our
equity method businesses. These amounts are shown on a 100-percent basis.
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------- -------------
2001 2002 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues .......... $4,713 $4,376 $13,819 $13,304
Operating income ... $ 927 $ 698 $ 2,210 $ 2,307
Net income ......... $ 482 $ (128) $ 833 $ 473
NOTE M- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have made advances to Cingular that totaled $3,816 at September 30, 2002. We
earned $72 in the third quarter of 2001 and 2002 and $215 year-to-date 2001 and
$213 year-to-date 2002 from interest income on this advance. In addition,
Cingular owed us $76 at September 30, 2002, which represents receivables
incurred in the ordinary course of business, and is included in other current
assets. We generated revenues of approximately $55 and $96 in third quarter 2001
and 2002, respectively and $160 and $286 year-to-date 2001 and 2002,
respectively from the provision of local interconnect and long distance services
to Cingular. In September 2002, BellSouth made a capital contribution of $172 to
Cingular indirectly related to income tax benefits received associated with our
investment in Cingular. We expect to fund $28 in the fourth quarter 2002 for
similar reasons, but otherwise we do not anticipate any additional capital
contributions to Cingular in the foreseeable future.
NOTE N - COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES
Beginning in 1996, we operated under a price regulation plan approved by the
South Carolina Public Service Commission under existing state laws. In April
1999, however, the South Carolina Supreme Court invalidated this price
regulation plan. In July 1999, we elected to be regulated under a new statute,
adopted subsequent to the Commission's approval of the earlier plan. The new
statute allows telephone companies in South Carolina to operate under price
regulation without obtaining approval from the Commission. The election became
effective during August 1999. The South Carolina Consumer Advocate petitioned
the Commission seeking review of the level of our earnings during the 1996-1998
period when we operated under the subsequently invalidated price regulation
plan. The Commission voted to dismiss the petition in November 1999 and issued
orders confirming the vote in February and June of 2000. In July 2000, the
Consumer Advocate appealed the Commission's dismissal of the petition. If the
Consumer Advocate prevails, the case could be remanded to the South Carolina
PSC, which could, after considering evidence, order material refunds to
customers in South Carolina.
Also in 2000, the Florida Public Service Commission issued a proposed agency
action stating that our change in 1999 from a late charge based on a percentage
of the amounts overdue to a flat rate fee plus an interest charge violated the
Florida price regulation statute and voted that approximately $65 should be
refunded. We protested the decision. On August 30, 2001, the Commission issued
an order adopting its proposed action. We appealed to the Florida Supreme Court
and continued to bill and collect the charges subject to refund. On October 31,
2002, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Florida Public
Service Commission. This will require a one-time refund to affected customers in
Florida. Based on this decision, we recorded a reduction to revenues of $108 and
additional interest expense of $6 in the third quarter of 2002.
On April 29, 2002 five African-American employees filed a putative class action
lawsuit, captioned Gladys Jenkins et al. v. BellSouth Corporation, against the
Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama. The complaint alleges that BellSouth discriminated against current and
former African-American employees with respect to compensation and promotions in
violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. Section
1981. Plaintiffs purport to bring the claims on behalf of two classes: a class
of all African-American hourly workers employed by the Company at any time since
April 29, 1998, and a class of all African-American salaried workers employed by
the Company at any time since April 29, 1998 in management positions at or below
Job Grade 59/ Level C. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified amounts of back
pay, benefits, punitive damages and attorneys' fees and costs, as well as
injunctive relief. At this early stage of the litigation, the likely outcome of
the case cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of the amount of
loss, if any, be made.
Several individual shareholders have filed substantially identical class action
lawsuits against the Company and three of its senior officers, alleging
violations of the federal securities laws. The cases, captioned In re BellSouth
Securities Litigation, are pending in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia. The plaintiffs allege that during the period
January 22, 2001 through July 19, 2002, the Company 1) overstated the unbilled
receivables balance of its advertising and publishing subsidiary; 2) failed to
disclose that a Florida CLEC had stopped paying money owed to the Company; and
3) understated its exposure to bad debt losses. The plaintiffs are seeking an
unspecified amount
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE N - COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
of damages, as well as attorney's fees and costs. At this
early stage of the litigation, the likely outcome of the case cannot be
predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
Three substantially identical class action lawsuits were recently filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against the
Company, its directors, three of its senior officers, and other individuals,
alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA").
The plaintiffs, who seek to represent a putative class of participants and
beneficiaries of the Company's 401(k) plan ("the Plan"), allege that the Company
breached its fiduciary duties in violation of ERISA by, among other things, (1)
failing to provide accurate information to the Plan participants and
beneficiaries; (2) failing to ensure that the Plan's assets were invested
properly; (3) failing to monitor the Plan's fiduciaries; and (4) failing to
disregard Plan directives that the defendants knew or should have known were
imprudent. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages,
injunctive relief, attorney's fees and costs. Certain factual allegations
underlying these lawsuits are substantially similar to those in the putative
securities class actions captioned In re BellSouth Securities Litigation,
which are described above. At this early stage of the litigation, the likely
outcome of the cases cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss,
if any, be made.
A number of antitrust class action lawsuits were recently filed against the
Company in federal district courts in Atlanta, Georgia and Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida. The plaintiffs purport to represent putative classes consisting of all
BellSouth local telephone service subscribers and/or all subscribers of
competitive local exchange carriers in nine southeastern states since 1996. The
plaintiffs allege that the Company engaged in unlawful anticompetitive conduct
in violation of state and federal antitrust laws by, among other things, (1)
denying competitors access to certain essential facilities necessary for
competitors to provide local telephone service; (2) using its monopoly power in
the wholesale market for local telephone service as leverage to maintain a
monopoly in the retail market; and (3) failing to provide the same quality of
service, access, and billing to competitors that it provides its own retail
customers. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of treble damages,
injunctive relief, as well as attorney's fees and costs. At this early stage of
the litigation, the likely outcome of the case cannot be predicted, nor can a
reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
OTHER CLAIMS
We are subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business involving
allegations of personal injury, breach of contract, anti-competitive conduct,
employment law issues, regulatory matters and other actions. BST is also subject
to claims attributable to pre-divestiture events involving environmental
liabilities, rates, taxes, contracts and torts. Certain contingent liabilities
for pre-divestiture events are shared with AT&T Corp. While complete assurance
cannot be given as to the outcome of these claims, these matters could affect
the operating results of any one quarter when resolved in future periods.
However, we believe that after final disposition, any monetary liability or
financial impact to us arising out of these claims beyond that provided for at
September 30, 2002 would not be material to our annual consolidated financial
statements.
NOTE O - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We have fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the outstanding debt
securities of BST that are subject to the reporting requirements of Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. BST is a 100% owned
subsidiary of BellSouth. In accordance with SEC rules, BST is no longer subject
to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and we are
providing the following condensed consolidating financial information.
BST is listed separately because it has debt securities, registered with the
SEC, that we have guaranteed. All other operating subsidiaries that do not have
registered securities guaranteed by us are presented in the Other column. The
Parent column is comprised of headquarter entities which provide, among other
services, executive management, administrative support and financial management
to operating subsidiaries. The Adjustments column includes the necessary amounts
to eliminate the intercompany balances and transactions between BST, Other and
Parent to reconcile to our consolidated financial information.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE O - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2001 Ended September 30, 2001
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
Total operating revenues $ 4,662 $1,536 $ 755 $ (940) $ 6,013 $13,895 $4,716 $ 1,948 $(2,642) $ 17,917
Total operating expenses 3,531 1,248 482 (945) 4,316 10,276 4,033 1,414 (2,654) 13,069
Operating income 1,131 288 273 5 1,697 3,619 683 534 12 4,848
Interest expense 140 40 213 (89) 304 471 208 580 (261) 998
Net earnings (losses) of
equity affiliates 3 177 1,112 (1,125) 167 11 353 3,386 (3,393) 357
Other income (expense), net 4 (139) (1,272) (96) (1,503) 14 (48) (1,029) (276) (1,339)
Income before income taxes 998 286 (100) (1,127) 57 3,173 780 2,311 (3,396) 2,868
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes 362 149 (529) 68 50 1,145 442 (568) 71 1,090
Net income $ 636 $ 137 $ 429 $ (1,195) $ 7 $ 2,028 $ 338 $ 2,879 $(3,467) $ 1,778
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2002 Ended September 30, 2002
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
Total operating revenues $ 4,322 $ 1,418 $ 737 $(1,043) $5,434 $13,336 $4,187 $ 1,962 $(2,737) $ 16,748
Total operating expenses 3,580 1,367 450 (1,043) 4,354 10,485 3,878 1,395 (2,743) 13,015
Operating income 742 51 287 - 1,080 2,851 309 567 6 3,733
Interest expense 124 39 184 (56) 291 369 129 584 (186) 896
Net earnings (losses) of
equity affiliates 4 138 910 (938) 114 12 466 (242) 219 455
Other income (expense), net (35) 42 146 (54) 99 (46) (553) 1,127 (192) 336
Income before income
taxes and change in
accounting principle 587 192 1,159 (936) 1,002 2,448 93 868 219 3,628
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes 215 23 132 (31) 339 907 218 426 (34) 1,517
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle - - - - - - - (1,285) - (1,285)
Net income $ 372 $ 169 $ 1,027 $ (905) $ 663 $ 1,541 $ (125) $ (843) $ 253 $ 826
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE O - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2001 September 30, 2002
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 111 $ 481 $ - $ - $ 592 $ 107 $ 695 $ 1,248 $ - $ 2,050
Accounts receivable, net 3,032 2,152 4,046 (4,241) 4,989 2,735 1,666 3,363 (3,614) 4,150
Other current assets 520 727 95 (68) 1,274 336 605 446 (39) 1,348
Total current assets 3,663 3,360 4,141 (4,309) 6,855 3,178 2,966 5,057 (3,653) 7,548
Investments and advances 287 5,801 8,117 (3,585) 10,620 309 6,309 6,718 (3,320) 10,016
Property, plant and
equipment, net 22,085 2,580 278 - 24,943 21,594 1,775 291 - 23,660
Deferred charges and
other assets 4,795 213 180 (66) 5,122 5,214 237 253 (38) 5,666
Intangible assets, net 1,122 3,081 288 15 4,506 1,150 2,616 (938) - 2,828
Total assets $31,952 $15,035 $13,004 $(7,945) $52,046 $31,445 $13,903 $ 11,381 $(7,011) $ 49,718
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Debt maturing within
one year $ 3,468 $ 794 $ 4,261 $(3,412) $ 5,111 $ 3,793 $ 868 $ 3,343 $ (2,617) $ 5,387
Other current liabilities 3,063 1,568 1,182 (856) 4,957 3,403 1,349 1,256 (1,162) 4,846
Total current liablities 6,531 2,362 5,443 (4,268) 10,068 7,196 2,217 4,599 (3,779) 10,233
Long-term debt 7,353 2,313 8,450 (3,102) 15,014 5,302 1,369 8,293 (2,677) 12,287
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 2,907 1,080 (840) 59 3,206 3,214 1,326 (262) 277 4,555
Other noncurrent liabilities 3,330 1,436 492 (97) 5,161 3,325 1,072 848 (37) 5,208
Total noncurrent liabilities 6,237 2,516 (348) (38) 8,367 6,539 2,398 586 240 9,763
Shareholders' equity: 11,831 7,844 (541) (537) 18,597 12,408 7,919 (2,097) (795) 17,435
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $31,952 $15,035 $13,004 $(7,945) $52,046 $31,445 $13,903 $ 11,381 $(7,011) $ 49,718
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
Cash flows from operating activities $ 4,605 $1,218 $ (629) $ 1,167 $6,361
Cash flows from investing activities (3,948) (744) (1,101) 409 (5,384)
Cash flows from financing activities (719) (582) 1,693 (1,576) (1,184)
Net decrease in cash $ (62) $ (108) $ (37) $ - $ (207)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
Cash flows from operating activities $ 5,266 $885 $ 180 $ 202 $6,533
Cash flows from investing activities (2,477) (177) 2,605 (1,142) (1,191)
Cash flows from financing activities (2,793) (494) (1,537) 940 (3,884)
Net increase (decrease) in cash $ (4) $214 $1,248 $ - $1,458
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE P - DOMESTIC ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING
During first quarter 2002, we determined that the unbilled receivable balance at
our advertising and publishing subsidiary was overstated. As a result, we
recorded a reduction to advertising and publishing revenues of $163, or $101
after tax, to adjust the unbilled receivable balance. Based on our analysis of
this matter, we have concluded that the overstatement was caused by a number of
customer adjustments that were not properly posted to the general ledger. Our
analysis indicates that: this issue occurred over an extended period of time; no
one period was materially misstated and operating trends were not affected; no
regulatory requirements have been affected; we do not have any debt or any
covenants with which to comply that are affected by this error; and the error
did not result from an unlawful transaction.
NOTE Q - GUATEMALA IMPAIRMENT
As a result of continuing poor economic conditions in Latin America and
increasing competition, the long-term value of our equity investment in
Guatemala has declined significantly. Our review indicated the declines in fair
value below carrying value were other-than-temporary and, accordingly, we
recorded an impairment loss during the second quarter of 2002 of $62 with no tax
benefit. This charge reduced the carrying amount of our investment to its fair
value.
NOTE R - TRACKING STOCK
In September 2002, we requested the SEC to withdraw our Registration Statement
(Form S-3), initially filed in March 2000, related to the Latin Tracking Stock.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
For a more complete understanding of our industry, the drivers of our business
and our current period results, you should read the following Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in
conjunction with our latest annual report on Form 10-K, previous quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Results of Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key financial and operating data for the third quarter 2001 and 2002 and the
respective year-to-date periods are as follows. All references to earnings per
share are on a diluted basis:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
-------------- ----------- ------------- -- ------------ ----------- -------------
Results of operations:
Operating revenues $ 6,013 $ 5,434 (9.6) $ 17,917 $ 16,748 (6.5)
Operating expenses 4,316 4,354 0.9 13,069 13,015 (0.4)
Operating income 1,697 1,080 (36.4) 4,848 3,733 (23.0)
Interest expense 304 291 (4.3) 998 896 (10.2)
Gain on sale of operations 24 -- N/M* 24 1,318 N/M
Net earnings of equity affiliates 167 114 (31.7) 357 455 27.5
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (2) 8 N/M (66) (637) N/M
Other income (expense), net (1,525) 91 N/M (1,297) (345) (73.4)
Provision for income taxes 50 339 N/M 1,090 1,517 39.2
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle -- -- N/M -- (1,285) N/M
Net income $ 7 $ 663 N/M $ 1,778 $ 826 (53.5)
Earnings per share $ 0.00 $ 0.35 N/M $ 0.94 $ 0.44 (53.2)
Cash flow data:
Cash provided by operating activities $2,434 $2,340 (3.9) $6,361 $ 6,533 2.7
Cash used for investing activities $(2,695) $(1,101) (59.1) $(5,384) $(1,191) (77.9)
Cash provided by (used for) financing
activities $ 457 $(1,031) N/M $(1,184) $(3,884) N/M
Other:
Capital Expenditures $ 1,367 $ 835 (38.9) $ 4,724 $ 2,863 (39.4)
Effective tax rate 87.7% 33.8% -5390 bps 38.0% 41.8% +380 bps
Average debt balances:
Short-term debt $6,434 $ 5,122 (20.4) $6,332 $ 5,006 (20.9)
Long-term debt $13,123 $ 12,537 (4.5) $13,172 $ 13,654 3.7
Total average debt balance $19,557 $ 17,659 (9.7) $19,504 $ 18,660 (4.3)
* Not meaningful
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview of consolidated results of operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following events impacted operating revenues and expenses during the nine
months ended September 30:
Impact on Revenues and
Expenses -
Increase (Decrease)
------------------------------
---------------- -------------
Operating Operating
Revenues Expense
2001
Postretirement benefit expense
for former wireless employees ............... $ -- $ 72
Adjustment to ISP accrual ..................... -- 143
$ -- $ 215
2002
Domestic advertising and publishing
unbilled receivable adjustment .............. $ (163) $ --
Workforce reduction ........................... -- 551
Refund of customer late fees in Florida ........... (108) --
Service curtailments and asset impairments .... -- 134
$ (271) $ 685
Postretirement benefit expense for former wireless employees - The amount shown
represents expense for changes in postretirement medical benefit obligations for
the wireless employees that were transitioned to Cingular.
Adjustment to ISP accrual -- Represents the adjustment of the accrual for prior
claims from competitive local exchange carriers regarding reciprocal
compensation for ISP traffic.
Domestic advertising and publishing unbilled receivable adjustment - During
first quarter 2002, we determined that the unbilled receivable balance was
overstated. As a result, we recorded a reduction to advertising and publishing
revenues.
Workforce reduction -- The amount shown represents the expense to reduce our
workforce by approximately 5,000 positions. We are eliminating these positions
in an effort to reduce operating costs in response to a slow economy, increased
competition and regulatory pricing pressures.
Refund of customer late fees in Florida - Represents a reduction in revenues of
$108 related to a one-time refund of late fees to affected customers in Florida
in the third quarter of 2002.
Service curtailments and asset impairments - Represents charges related to the
decision to eliminate sales of certain services: wholesale long distance,
e-business services, multi-media Internet exchange and public communications
(pay phones). Charges relate to asset impairments, early termination penalties
on contracts and leases, and severance for affected employees.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased $579 in third quarter 2002 and $1,169 for the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2001. Excluding the
impact of the items in the table above, revenues decreased $471 in the third
quarter and $898 for the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in
2001. The remaining decreases reflect:
o A decline in communications group revenues due to declines in local voice
revenues driven by retail line losses, including 241 thousand lines to
competitors using UNE-P lines during the quarter and 854 thousand since
September 30, 2001; and slowing data revenue growth reflecting continued weak
demand in the enterprise market and the telecommunications industry. Revenue
growth was also impacted by product substitution and, to a lesser degree, by
the discontinuation of our payphone business and lower collocation rents from
competitors. These decreases were offset by growth in DSL and long distance
revenues and, to a lesser degree, in calling features and the impact of SAB
101.
o A decline in revenues at the Latin America group. Revenues in this segment
were negatively impacted by the effect of foreign currency exchange rates.
o A decline in revenues in third quarter and in the year-to-date period from
the domestic advertising and publishing group driven by the standardization
of the timing of directory publishing schedules.
o A decrease in other revenues for the third quarter and year-to-date period
due to the loss of wireless handset captive insurance revenues.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $38 during the third quarter 2002 and
decreased $54 for the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in
2001. Excluding the impact of the items in the table above, total operating
expenses
decreased $290 during the third quarter 2002 and decreased $524 for the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2001.
o Operational and support expenses increased $55 during the third quarter 2002
and decreased $8 in the year-to-date period 2002. Excluding the impact of the
items in the table above, operational and support expenses decreased $273 for
the third quarter 2002 and decreased $478 for the year-to-date as compared to
the same periods in 2001.
o Decreases in expenses of $89 in the Communications Group in the third
quarter 2002 and increases in the year-to-date period of $49 reflect
decreases in salary and wage expenses, decreases in contract services,
offset to some extent by increases in employee benefit related costs and
increases due to the impact of SAB 101. The year-to-date results also
reflect an increase in uncollectibles and increases in our wholesale long
distance business generating a net increase in communications group
operating expenses for the year-to-date compared to the prior year.
o Expenses in the Latin America segment decreased in the third quarter 2002
and for the year-to-date period driven primarily by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and to a lesser extent reduced acquisition and
overhead costs.
o Increase in uncollectible expense at our Domestic Advertising and
Publishing operations.
o Depreciation and amortization decreased $17 in third quarter 2002 and $46 in
the year-to-date period. These decreases are due to a decline in expenses in
the Latin America segment for third quarter 2002 and for the year-to-date
period, reflecting the effect of foreign currency exchange rates, the
cessation of amortization of goodwill due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 and
revisions to depreciation at the Colombian operations, which resulted in
lower depreciation expense in first quarter 2002. The decreases were
partially offset by increases at the communications group reflecting
additional deployment of capitalized software and investment in the network.
Interest expense
Interest expense decreased $13 during third quarter 2002 and $102 for the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2001. Declines were the
result of both lower short-term interest rates and lower average principal
amounts outstanding on short-term and long-term borrowings.
Gain on sale of operations
The third quarter of 2001 includes a gain of $24 related to the sale of our
24.5% ownership interest in SkyCell Communications, a wireless communications
provider in India.
Gain on sale of operations for year-to-date 2002 includes a gain of $1,335
related to the conversion of our ownership interest in E-Plus and a loss of $17
associated with the disposal of one of our Brazilian advertising and publishing
companies.
Net earnings of equity affiliates
Earnings from our unconsolidated businesses decreased $53 in third quarter 2002
and increased $98 for the year-to-date period compared to the same periods in
2001. The third quarter decrease is mainly attributable to decreases in equity
in earnings from Cingular of $97 offset by a decrease in losses from our Brazil
equity investments of $44. The year-to-date increase of $98 is primarily
attributable to a decrease in Brazil equity investment losses of $183 and a
decrease in our former Germany equity investment losses of $44, offset by
decreases in Cingular equity earnings of $142. The decreases in Brazil losses
for the quarter and the year-to-date reflect the cessation of recording losses
for our investment in BCP.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net includes interest income, gains (losses) on
disposition of assets, gains (losses) on the sale and impairments of investments
and miscellaneous nonoperating income.
The quarter over quarter increase of $1,616 is primarily driven by a $1,644
impact resulting from losses on sales and impairments on the investments noted
in the table below, partially offset by the $37 of expenses related to the early
extinguishment of long-term debt in third quarter 2002.
Included in the year-over-year increase of $952 is a $1,383 impact resulting
from losses on sales and impairments on the investments noted in the table below
and an $85 increase in minority interests at our Latin American operations.
These increases were partially offset by $383 of expense in first quarter 2002
from the recognition of an impairment on shareholder loans to our Brazilian
equity investments; $62 for an impairment of our investment in BellSouth
Guatemala in second quarter 2002; and $40 of expense related to the
extinguishment of long-term debt in second and third quarter of 2002.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Investment Sales and Impairments Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Losses (Gains) on Sales:
Qwest .............................. $ 78 $ -- $ 78 $ 131 $ 129 $ 2
TCO .............................. -- -- -- -- (22) 22
Impairments:
Qwest .............................. 1,286 -- 1,286 1,286 207 1,079
TCO .............................. 138 -- 138 138 -- 138
Crown Castle ...................... 86 -- 86 86 -- 86
Other ............................. 56 -- 56 56 -- 56
Total.............................. $ 1,644 $ -- $ 1,644 $ 1,697 $314 $ 1,383
Foreign currency transaction losses
Foreign currency transaction losses of consolidated subsidiaries, which relate
primarily to U.S. dollar denominated debt in Latin America, decreased $10 for
the third quarter and increased $571 for the year-to-date period, compared to
comparable periods in 2001. The majority of the losses in 2002 were driven by
the devaluation of the Argentinean peso.
Provision for income taxes
The effective tax rate was 33.8% in third quarter 2002 and 41.8% for
year-to-date 2002 compared to 87.7% and 38.0% in the prior year comparable
periods, respectively. The current quarter effective rate includes an income tax
benefit of $33 related to the recognition of a deferred tax asset for the excess
of our tax basis over book basis in our Brazilian Yellow Page operation because
it became evident that this temporary difference between tax and book basis
would reverse in the foreseeable future based on current plans to exit or sell
these operations. In addition, the current quarter also includes income tax
benefits of $25 related to inflation adjustments deductible for Venezuelan tax
purposes.
The decrease in the effective rate in the current quarter compared to third
quarter 2001 is attributable to the lower pre tax income in third quarter 2001
due to substantial investment write downs. The increase in the year-to-date
effective tax rate compared to 2001 was driven by the recording of a 100%
foreign tax valuation allowance, deferring recognition of the tax benefits
generated by losses at our operations in Argentina. The valuation allowance is
necessary due to the lack of clarity in the tax law and potentially limited tax
carry-forward period.
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
This amount reflects a one-time charge related to the adoption of new accounting
rules for goodwill, known as Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142
(SFAS No. 142). The non-cash charge reduced the value of goodwill on the
company's balance sheet by approximately $1.3 billion. The effect of SFAS No.
142 was recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change as of January 1,
2002 to BellSouth's first quarter 2002 results. See note B to our consolidated
financial statements for further discussion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results by Segment
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our reportable segments reflect strategic business units that offer similar
products and services and/or serve similar customers. We have four reportable
operating segments:
o Communications group;
o Domestic wireless;
o Latin America; and
o Domestic advertising and publishing.
We have included the operations of all other businesses falling below the
reporting threshold in the "All other businesses" segment.
Management evaluates the performance of each business unit based on net income,
exclusive of internal charges for use of intellectual property and adjustments
for unusual items that may arise. Unusual items are transactions or events that
are included in reported consolidated results but are excluded from segment
results due to their nonrecurring or nonoperational nature. In addition, when
changes in our business affect the comparability of current versus historical
results, we will adjust the related segment's historical operating information
to reflect the current business structure. See Note K to the consolidated
financial statements for a reconciliation of segment results to the consolidated
financial information.
The following discussion highlights our performance in the context of these
segments. For a more complete understanding of our industry, the drivers of our
business, and our current period results, you should read this discussion in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the related
notes.
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Communications Group
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The communications group includes our core domestic businesses including: all
domestic wireline voice, data, broadband, e-commerce, long distance, Internet
services and advanced voice features. The group provides these services to an
array of customers, including residential, business and wholesale.
Adjustments to Segment Results
Gross versus net presentation - We have adjusted the communications group's
historical revenues and expenses to reflect a change in reporting of gross
receipts taxes in Florida. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2001, we are
required to account for the tax collected from customers as a pass-through
billing (i.e. net presentation). This change is neutral to earnings as it
reduces revenues and expenses by an equal amount.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
---------------------- -----------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
----------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -- ---------- ----------- ----------
Results of Operations
Segment Operating revenues:
Local service $ 2,991 $ 2,893 (3.3) $ 8,841 $ 8,773 (0.8)
Network access 1,252 1,154 (7.8) 3,711 3,541 (4.6)
Long distance 192 234 21.9 538 652 21.2
Other communications 357 334 (6.4) 1,158 1,002 (13.5)
--- --- ----- -----
Total segment operating revenues 4,792 4,615 (3.7) 14,248 13,968 (2.0)
Segment operating expenses:
Operational and support expenses 2,424 2,335 (3.7) 6,951 7,000 0.7
Depreciation and amortization 1,014 1,026 1.2 3,003 3,064 2.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Total segment operating expenses 3,438 3,361 (2.2) 9,954 10,064 1.1
Segment operating income 1,354 1,254 (7.4) 4,294 3,904 (9.1)
Segment net income $ 766 $ 709 (7.4) $ 2,440 $ 2,208 (9.5)
Key Indicators
Access line counts (000's):
Access lines: (1)
Residential retail 16,417 15,482 (5.7)
Residential wholesale 656 1,159 76.7
Business retail 7,728 7,371 (4.6)
Business wholesale 556 694 24.8
Other 218 188 (13.8)
Total access lines 25,575 24,894 (2.7)
Access line equivalents (2) 36,796 44,132 19.9
Total equivalent access lines 62,371 69,026 10.7
Resale lines (1) 707 494 (30.1)
UNE Combo (1) 515 1,382 168.3
UNE-L (1) 401 385 (4.0)
Total Resale lines and UNEs (000's) 1,623 2,261 39.3
DSL customers 463 924 99.6
Access minutes of use (millions) 26,922 24,591 (8.7) 83,338 75,247 (9.7)
Toll messages (millions) 109 98 (10.1) 331 291 (12.1)
Digital and data services revenues $1,079 $1,065 (1.3) $3,061 $ 3,244 6.0
Calling feature revenues $ 576 $596 3.5 $1,712 $ 1,777 3.8
Capital expenditures $1,138 $737 (35.2) $4,032 $ 2,577 (36.1)
(1) Access lines includes an adjustment to convert ISDN lines to a switched
access line basis for comparability. (2) Access line equivalents represent a
conversion of non-switched data circuits to a switched access line basis
and are presented for comparability purposes. Equivalents are calculated by
converting high-speed/high-capacity data circuits to the equivalent of a
switched access line based on transport capacity. While the revenues generated
by access line equivalents have a directional relationship with these counts,
growth rates cannot be compared on an equivalent basis.
Segment operating revenues
Local Service
Local service revenues decreased $98 in the third quarter 2002 and $68 for the
year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2001. Loss of retail
access lines, competitive pressures on pricing and declines in data revenues
were the primary drivers of the decreases in revenues. The impact of SAB 101
revenue deferrals increased revenues $19 in the third quarter and $108 in the
year-to-date period. These increases were offset by corresponding increases in
expenses.
Total residential and business access lines decreased 2.5% and 2.6% respectively
since September 30, 2001. The declines are being driven by soft economic
conditions, technology substitution through wireless and broadband and, to a
lesser extent, facilities-based competition. Since September 30, 2001, retail
residential and business access lines were down 5.7% and 4.6%, respectively,
while wholesale residential and business access lines increased 76.7% and 24.8%,
respectively. The shift in mix of access lines from retail to wholesale is being
driven primarily by regulatory pricing and competitors who benefit from such
pricing.
Competitors primarily utilize our local network under two methods: resale and
through the use of UNE platform. Lines provided on a resale basis include all of
the components necessary for a wholesale customer to provide complete service
delivery to an end-user. UNEs represent components of our network that wholesale
customers may combine with components of their own networks, or with other UNEs
purchased from us (referred to as UNE Platform or UNE-P) to allow complete
service delivery to an end-user. Wholesale UNE prices are based on a
forward-looking cost model and the premise of a most efficient network design.
Because the pricing is not based on historical cost, certain costs that exist
in today's network are omitted from the calculations. The impact of competitors'
use of UNEs and the UNE platform on us is two-fold in that it results in lower
revenue per access line and has a detrimental impact on our margins as we retain
the majority of the costs to maintain and service the access line. The impact is
amplified due to competitors' fashioning service bundles that target high
revenue customers. Under the legacy framework of state PSC-mandated subsidies,
business rates are artificially higher in order to subsidize lower residence and
rural rates. In addition, revenues from non-UNE sources such as switching and
calling features as well as complimentary services such as inside wire
maintenance, operator services, directory assistance, are lost to UNE-P
provisioned lines.
During the third quarter of 2002, we added 241 thousand UNE-P lines, bringing
total lines served via UNE-P to 1.4 million. At September 30, 2002, we provided
2.2 million wholesale lines to competitors, on both a resale and UNE basis. As
state public service commissions lower UNE rates, competitors have increasingly
switched from a resale model to the UNE Platform due to the higher discounts.
Revenues from optional calling features such as caller ID, call waiting, call
return and voicemail service increased $20, or 3.5%, during third quarter 2002
and $65, or 3.8%, for the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods
in 2001. These increases were driven by growth in calling feature usage through
our Complete Choice(R) Package, a one-price bundled offering of over 20 calling
features. With 5.9 million packages, Complete Choice(R) has penetrated 35% of
residential access lines. During the quarter, we introduced BellSouth Answers, a
package that combines the Complete Choice calling plan with Cingular Wireless
service and, where available, BellSouth Long Distance. We ended the quarter with
nearly one million Answers packages in service.
Data services revenues decreased 1.3% during the third quarter and increased
6.0% for the year-to-date period. The third quarter decrease was due to weak
sales of wholesale data transport services to other communications providers.
Wholesale data revenues represented about 55% of total data services revenues
while retail services such as DSL, ISDN, Frame Relay, Lightgate, and Smartring
account for the remaining 45%. During the quarter, DSL revenues of $111 were up
$35 from the third quarter 2001 as we increased our subscriber base. During the
third quarter of 2002, we added 121 thousand DSL subscribers.
Network access
Network access revenues decreased $98 in the third quarter of 2002 when compared
to the same 2001 period, and $170 year over year. Switched access revenues,
including intrastate, declined $63 in the third quarter and $183 for the
year-to-date period resulting from a 8.7% decrease quarter over quarter and 9.7%
decrease year over year in access minutes-of-use volumes and a shift in the
basis of wholesale line sales from resale to UNEs, which do not provide switched
access revenues. These volumes continue to be negatively impacted by migration
of minutes to dedicated digital and data services offerings which are
fixed-charge based rather than minute-of-use based, competition from competitive
local exchange carriers whose traffic completely bypasses our network, and the
effect of alternative services such as wireless and Internet e-mail. Revenues
from dedicated high-capacity data line offerings declined approximately $26
quarter over quarter due to special access rate decreases effective July 2002,
but increased $35 year over year as high-capacity users increased their use of
our network.
Long distance
Long distance revenues increased $42 quarter-over-quarter and $114 for the
year-to-date period. Increases include strong growth of $31 quarter-over-quarter
and $139 year-over-year in wholesale long distance, including sales to Cingular,
and a $13 increase for the quarter and the year associated with the launch of
retail interLATA services in Georgia and Louisiana. These increases were
partially offset by $3 of losses quarter over quarter and $38 of losses year
over year in intraLATA toll revenues as toll messages declined 10.1% for the
quarter and 12.1% for the year. Growth rates for the year-to-date period were
negatively impacted by favorable 2001 settlements. Growth in wholesale long
distance was driven by increased sales to second and third tier long distance
carriers and higher volumes related to Cingular driven by proliferation of
wireless long distance plans. IntraLATA toll losses are driven by the expansion
of our local calling areas and the increased demand for Area Plus services,
which are included in local service. During the third quarter 2002, we decided
to eliminate sales of certain products within the wholesale long distance
portfolio. This will result in a decline in wholesale long distance revenues
over the next year.
During the third quarter 2002, we obtained the right to provide interLATA
services in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi.
While this did not significantly impact reported amounts for the third quarter
2002, we expect increases in future periods.
Other communications
Other communications revenue decreased $23 during third quarter 2002 and $156
for the year-to-date period. Reductions in payphone and collocation rent were
the primary drivers of the decrease. BellSouth continues to transition out of
the payphone business and will completely exit by year-end 2003.
Segment operating expenses
Operational and support expenses
Work force reductions and lower overtime for network repair and maintenance
activity contributed to decreased salary and wage expense of $91 in the third
quarter 2002 and $191 in the year-to-date 2002 period. Other employee-related
expenses such as travel and employee training decreased $6 in the third quarter
and $61 for the year-to-date period. Contract services declined $40 in the third
quarter and $84 for the year-to-date period due in part to our completion of OSS
design and testing to obtain approval to enter into the long distance market.
Materials costs decreased $2 and $82 for the third quarter and year-to-date
periods, respectively, in response to lower demand and operational efficiencies.
Costs related to sales of customer premise equipment (CPE) and our payphone
business were lower in both periods as we de-emphasized sales of CPE and
continued transition out of the payphone business.
These cost reductions were offset by an increase in employee benefit costs which
were up as pension income, net of postretirement benefit costs, was $17 lower in
the third quarter and $67 lower for the year-to-date period. Medical and
prescription drug claim costs also contributed to this increase. Uncollectible
revenue expense increased $5 in the third quarter and $132 year-over-year due to
bankruptcies of telecom sector wholesale customers and weak economic conditions.
Also contributing were increased expenses associated with higher volumes in the
wholesale long distance business, which were flat in the third quarter compared
to prior year, but $70 higher for the year-to-date 2002 period compared to the
same period in prior year. The declining growth in wholesale long distance
expenses is attributable to our decision to exit certain wholesale long distance
services.
The impact of SAB 101 expense deferrals increased expenses $19 in the third
quarter and $108 in the year-to-date period. These increases were offset by
corresponding increases in revenues.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $12 during third quarter 2002
and $61 for the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2001.
The increases are primarily attributable to increased amortization expense
associated with higher levels of capitalized software partially offset by lower
depreciation expense due to declines in the overall composite depreciation rate.
Segment income and adjustments to segment results
Segment income decreased by $57, or 7.4%, from third quarter 2001 to third
quarter 2002 and decreased $232, or 9.5%, from year-to-date 2001 to year-to-date
2002 primarily as a result of the after-tax impact of operating revenue and
operating expenses described above. Special items which were excluded from this
segment's results consisted of the following: in 2001, special items of $(88)
for the year-to-date period related to reciprocal compensation; for 2002,
special items of $(304) for the third quarter and $(386) for the year-to-date
period related to restructuring costs, costs associated with the early
extinguishment of debt, costs associated with service curtailments and asset
impairments and refund of customer late fees in Florida.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Wireless
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
During fourth quarter 2000, we contributed our domestic wireless operations to a
joint venture with SBC Communications, forming the second largest wireless
carrier, in terms of subscribers, in the U.S., Cingular. We own an approximate
40% economic interest in the venture and share control with SBC. We account for
the investment under the equity method. For management purposes, we evaluate our
domestic wireless segment based on our pro rata share, measured by equity
ownership, of Cingular's results. Accordingly, results for our domestic wireless
segment reflect our 40% proportionate share of each individual line item of
Cingular's income statement for the period subsequent to formation of the
venture.
Because we exercise significant influence over the financial and operating
policies of Cingular, we use the equity method of accounting for this
investment. Under the equity method of accounting, we record our proportionate
share of Cingular's earnings in our consolidated statements of income. These
earnings are included in the caption "Net earnings (losses) of equity
affiliates."
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ ----------------------- -----------
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
----------------------- -----------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------
Segment operating revenues:
Service revenues $1,365 $1,409 3.2 $3,882 $4,133 6.5
Equipment revenues 100 102 2.0 307 295 (3.9)
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating revenues 1,465 1,511 3.1 4,189 4,428 5.7
Segment operating expenses:
Operational and support expenses 975 1,074 10.2 2,821 3,073 8.9
Depreciation and amortization 199 190 (4.5) 569 553 (2.9)
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating expenses 1,174 1,264 7.7 3,390 3,626 7.0
Segment operating income 291 247 (15.1) 799 802 0.4
Segment net income $128 $ 68 (46.9) $345 $259 (24.9)
Customers (000s) (Cellular / PCS) 8,512 8,830 3.7
Average monthly revenue per customer $ 53 $ 52 (1.9) $ 52 $ 52 0.0
Segment operating revenues
Although total customers increased 3.7 percent since September 2001, the growth
rate is down from 7.8 percent in the period ended June 2002. The slower rate of
growth reflects the economic slowdown, increasing competition, and continued
erosion in Cingular's prepaid and reseller customer bases. It also reflects
Cingular's strategies to focus on acquiring higher quality non-reseller postpaid
customers, which historically contribute to higher subscriber average revenue
per customer and lower churn, and selectively holding or raising prices to
protect margins.
Segment operating revenues grew $46 during third quarter 2002 and $239 for the
year-to-date period when compared to the same 2001 periods. Revenue growth
includes service revenue increases of $44 in the third quarter 2002 and $251
year-to-date when compared to the same 2001 periods and equipment revenue
increase of $2 and decrease of $12 when compared to the same 2001 periods.
Service revenue increases were primarily a result of higher local service
revenues associated with growth in the customer base and the adoption of new
rate plans that offer larger numbers of included minutes and bundling of roaming
and long distance offerings. Although service revenues increased for the quarter
and year-to-date, the growth rate continues to decline. This decline reflects
economic slowdown, higher penetration levels and increasing competition in all
markets. Also included in the service revenue growth was revenue derived from
the first quarter 2002 addition of a wireless handset captive insurance
subsidiary, which generated local service revenue rather than equipment revenue.
These insurance fees contributed $16 to the increase for the quarter and $46 to
the increase for the year. These increases were offset by declines in roaming
and long distance revenues reflecting the migration of customers to the new
national plans. Roaming revenues derived from the provision of access to
customers of competitors declined as competitors continue to build out their
networks, reducing the need for their customers to roam on Cingular's network.
Equipment revenues increased $2 in the third quarter 2002 and decreased $12 for
the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2001. The third
quarter increase resulted from a 3.7% increase in non-reseller gross customer
additions and increased purchases by national retailers, offset by a decrease in
handset revenues related to the new handset insurance program. The year-to-date
decline occurred due to the 2002 treatment of handset revenues more than
offsetting the 2.9% annual increase in non-reseller gross customer additions.
Segment operating expenses
Operational and support expenses
Operational and support expenses increased $99 during third quarter 2002 and
$252 for the year-to-date period when compared to the same 2001 periods.
Cingular's expense growth was driven by increased service costs of $57 during
the third quarter and $144 for the year-to-date period when compared to the same
2001 periods resulting from a rise in minutes of use, higher roaming and long
distance costs driven by customer movement toward all-inclusive rate plans which
include more minutes, free long distance calling, and free roaming. Also
impacting expense growth for the third quarter were selling, general and
administrative costs which increased $48 during the third quarter and $131 for
the year-to-date period when compared to the same 2001 periods. These increases
were attributable to higher residual and upgrade commissions, higher billing and
system development costs and costs associated with the launch of service in New
York City. The quarter was also impacted by an increase in uncollectible expense
and restructuring related severance costs. Slightly offsetting these increases
were declines in branding expenses associated with the introduction of the
Cingular brand name last year and lower interconnection costs and efficiencies
attributable to greater digital usage.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased $9 during third quarter 2002 and $16
year-to-date 2002, when compared to the same 2001 periods. Depreciation expense
increased $18 during third quarter 2002 and $49 for the year-to-date period when
compared to the same 2001 periods. Increased depreciation expense associated
with new capital assets was partially offset by a reduction in depreciation
expense associated with assets contributed to Cingular's network infrastructure
venture with T-Mobile. This depreciation expense is now reflected as a component
of equity in net loss of affiliates. Amortization expense declined $27 quarter
over quarter and $65 year over year as a result of the cessation of amortization
of licenses and goodwill due to the implementation of SFAS No. 142.
Segment income and adjustments to segment results
Segment income decreased by $60, or (46.9%), from third quarter 2001 to third
quarter 2002 and decreased by $86, or (24.9%), from year-to-date 2001 to
year-to-date 2002 primarily as a result of the after-tax impact of operating
revenue and operating expenses described above. Special items that were excluded
from this segment's results consisted of the following: in year-to-date 2001,
special items of $(47) related to pension and postretirement losses; in
year-to-date 2002, special items of $(8) related to impairment losses under SFAS
No. 142.
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Latin America
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Latin America segment is comprised of our investments in wireless businesses
in eleven countries in Latin America. Consolidated operations include our
businesses in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru and
Venezuela. All other businesses, the most significant being the wireless
operations in Brazil, are accounted for under the equity method, and accordingly
their results are reported as Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates.
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -- ----------------------- ---------
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
----------------------- -----------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
Segment operating revenues:
Service revenues $591 $404 (31.6) $ 1,862 $ 1,431 (23.1)
Equipment revenues 91 78 (14.3) 327 286 (12.5)
Advertising and publishing revenues 34 13 (61.8) 58 35 (39.7)
-- -- -- --
Total segment operating revenues 716 495 (30.9) 2,247 1,752 (22.0)
Segment operating expenses:
Operational and support expenses 492 326 (33.7) 1,627 1,204 (26.0)
Depreciation and amortization 138 106 (23.2) 447 342 (23.5)
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating expenses 630 432 (31.4) 2,074 1,546 (25.5)
Segment operating income 86 63 (26.7) 173 206 19.1
Net losses of equity affiliates (2) (6) N/M* (22) (13) N/M
Segment net income (loss) $ 3 $ 54 N/M $ (67) $ 72 N/M
Customers (000s) 8,092 7,913 (2.2)
Average monthly revenue per customer (a) $24 $17 (29.2) $ 26 $ 20 (23.1)
* Not Meaningful
(a)......The amounts shown are for our consolidated properties and do not
include customer data for our unconsolidated properties.
Segment operating revenues
Segment operating revenues decreased $221 compared to third quarter 2001 and
$495 compared to year-to-date 2001 due to the continued weakening of our Latin
American operations' local currencies against the U.S. Dollar. Significant
economic challenges continue in Argentina and Venezuela, two of BellSouth's
largest Latin American markets. The currency devaluations that began during the
first quarter continued to worsen in the second and third quarters. At the end
of the third quarter reporting period, the Argentine Peso had devalued
approximately 72 percent relative to the U.S. dollar and the Venezuelan Bolivar
had depreciated approximately 47 percent since the beginning of 2002. We are
attempting to mitigate these negative currency impacts through price increases.
The decreases in Argentina and Venezuela were partially offset by increases in
service revenues totaling $26 for the third quarter and $96 year-to-date at our
operations in Colombia and Ecuador, attributable to growth in the customer bases
of those operations. Revenues from complementary business ventures in Venezuela,
primarily wholesale long distance voice, data access and transport and Internet
access also declined slightly in third quarter 2002 and increased $61 in the
year-to-date period.
Segment operating expenses
Operational and support expenses
Operational and support expenses in the Latin America segment decreased $166 in
the third quarter 2002 and $423 for the year-to-date period driven primarily by
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Reductions in expenses are also
being driven by lower customer acquisition costs and targeted reductions in
administrative costs through headcount reductions.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation expense decreased $26 quarter over quarter and $52 year over year
as a result of currency devaluations. Amortization expense decreased $6 quarter
over quarter and $53 year over year as a result of the cessation of amortization
of goodwill due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.
Net losses of equity affiliates
Net losses from our Latin America equity affiliates declined $4 to $(6) in third
quarter 2002 and improved $9 to $(13) for the year-to-date period. The
year-to-date increase is primarily due to the cessation of recording losses for
our investment in BCP.
Segment income and adjustments to segment results
Segment income increased by $51 from third quarter 2001 to third quarter 2002
and increased by $139 from year-to-date 2001 to year-to-date 2002 primarily as a
result of declining interest expense and favorable income tax benefits,
partially offset by the after-tax impact of operating revenue and operating
expenses described above. Approximately $33 of the income tax benefit relates to
recognition of a deferred tax asset for the excess of our tax basis over book
basis in our Brazilian Yellow Page operation because it became evident that this
temporary difference would reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, the
current quarter includes income tax benefits of $25 related to inflation
adjustments deductible for Venezuelan tax purposes. Special items which were
excluded from this segment's results consisted of the following: in third
quarter 2001, special items of $(164) related to foreign currency transaction
losses and asset impairments; in year-to-date 2001, special items of $(319)
related to foreign currency transaction losses and asset impairments; in third
quarter 2002, special items of $(14) related to foreign currency transaction
losses and severance costs; and in year-to-date 2002, special items of $(2,179)
related to impairment losses under SFAS No. 142, foreign currency transaction
losses, Brazil loan impairment, Guatemala impairment and severance costs.
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Domestic Advertising and Publishing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our domestic advertising and publishing segment is comprised of companies in the
U.S. that publish, print, sell advertising in and perform related services
concerning alphabetical and classified telephone directories and electronic
product offerings.
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -- ----------------------- ---------
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
----------------------- -----------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -- ----------- ----------- ---------
Segment operating revenues $ 496 $ 464 (6.5) $1,376 $1,390 1.0
Segment operating expenses:
Operational and support expenses 232 262 12.9 677 763 12.7
Depreciation and amortization 7 6 (14.3) 20 20 0.0
-- -- -- --
Total segment operating expenses 239 268 12.1 697 783 12.3
Segment operating income 257 196 (23.7) 679 607 (10.6)
Segment net income $ 158 $ 118 (25.3) $ 414 $ 368 (11.1)
Segment operating revenues
Revenues decreased $32 during third quarter 2002 and increased $14 for the
year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2001. Approximately $16
of the third quarter reduction and $6 of the year-to-date increase is related to
a 2002 initiative to align effective bill dates, which drives revenue
recognition, to the end of the fiscal month for all directories versus the prior
practice of recording revenue on the day of the month that the directory is
distributed. The impact of the alignment will cause year over year timing
differences on a quarterly basis, but will not have an impact on full year
results. Absent these factors and related reserve adjustments, revenues for the
segment would have decreased 1% for both the quarter and the year-to-date
periods. Negative growth is attributable to continued weak economic conditions.
Segment operating expenses
Operational and support expenses increased $30 in third quarter 2002 and $86 for
the year-to-date period. This increase is primarily due to higher uncollectible
expense of $38 for the third quarter and $110 for the year-to-date, partially
offset by lower printing and distribution costs.
Segment income and adjustments to segment results
Segment income decreased by $40, or (25.3%), from third quarter 2001 to third
quarter 2002 and $46, or (11.1%), from year-to-date 2001 to year-to-date 2002
primarily as a result of the after-tax impact of operating revenue and operating
expenses described above. Special items that were excluded from this segment's
results consisted of the following: in year-to-date 2002, special items of
$(104) related to an unbilled receivable adjustment, which decreased revenues by
$163 in the first quarter and severance costs and employee benefits related to
workforce reduction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Other Businesses
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other businesses primarily consist of a captive insurance subsidiary and
equity investments in wireless operations in Israel, Denmark and our former
operations in Germany.
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------ -- ------------------------ ----------
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
----------------------- ------------------------
2001 2002 Change 2001 2002 Change
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -- ------------ ----------- ----------
Segment operating revenues $ 35 $25 (28.6) $102 $ 75 (26.5)
Segment operating expenses 29 15 (48.3) 83 45 (45.8)
Segment operating income 6 10 66.7 19 30 57.9
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 11 12 9.1 (18) 38 N/M
Segment net income (loss) $ 18 $ 16 N/M* $(3) 57 N/M
* - Not Meaningful.
Segment operating results
Revenues and expenses were derived primarily from the sale of insurance on
customer premises equipment and amortization of deferred revenues related to a
transaction with Crown Castle to monetize wireless towers in 1999. The decrease
in operating revenues and expenses is attributable to the discontinuance of
sales of insurance on wireless handsets effective first quarter 2002.
Net earnings of equity affiliates increased $1 quarter over quarter and $56 year
over year, attributable to the cessation of recording losses related to E-Plus
subsequent to its sale during the first quarter of 2002.
Segment income and adjustments to segment results
Segment net income decreased $2 quarter over quarter and increased $60 year over
year primarily as a result of the after-tax impact of operating revenue,
operating expenses and net earnings of equity affiliates described above.
Special items which were excluded from this segment's results consisted of the
following: in year-to-date 2002, special items of $857 related to a gain on the
disposition of our investment in E-Plus; and in third quarter and year-to-date
2001, special items of $19 related to a gain from the sale of our investment in
SkyCell.
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Liquidity and Financial Condition
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operations are our primary source of cash for funding existing
operations, capital expenditures, debt interest and principal payments, and
dividend payments to shareholders. Should the need arise, however, we believe we
are well positioned to raise capital in the public debt markets. At September
30, 2002, our corporate debt rating was Aa3 from Moody's Investor Service and A+
from Standard and Poor's. Our short-term credit rating at September 30, 2002 was
P-1 from Moody's and A-1 from Standard and Poor's. Our commercial paper program
as of September 30, 2002 was $8.0 billion, with $2.1 billion outstanding. We
believe that we have ready access to the commercial paper market in the event
funding in excess of our operating cash flows is needed. Furthermore, we have
$2.0 billion in unused committed back-up lines of credit available in case we
are unable to access the commercial paper market. The terms of each facility
vary, but there are no significant covenants, commitment fees or requirements
for compensating balances associated with any line of credit. We do not have any
balances outstanding under any of the referenced back-up lines. We also have a
registration statement on file with the SEC under which $2.3 billion of
long-term debt securities could be issued. While current liabilities exceed
current assets, our sources of funds -- primarily from operations and, to the
extent necessary, from readily available external financing arrangements -- are
sufficient to meet all current obligations on a timely basis. We believe that
these sources of funds will be sufficient to meet the needs of our business for
the next twelve months.
The majority of our operating cash flow is generated by our Communications Group
and Domestic Advertising and Publishing segments. These segments generate
sufficient cash flow to both cover their operating, investing and financing
needs and provide excess cash to the corporate parent for corporate uses. The
Latin America group is expected to generate sufficient cash to meet its
operating needs. As discussed below, however, some of the operations within this
segment may experience financing needs for the purchase of additional ownership
interests or to meet debt payments that will require funding from within the
Group. The Domestic Wireless segment, which consists entirely of our equity
investment in Cingular, does not rely on BellSouth for funding; Cingular
generates sufficient cash flow to meet its operating, investing and financing
needs through its own operations or through its own financing activities.
Net cash provided by (used for):
---------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- --------------
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
---------------------------- ---------- --------------
---------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------------------
2001 2002 Change
------------- ------------- -------------------------
Operating activities.. $ 6,361 $ 6,533 $ 172 2.7 %
Investing activities.. $ (5,384) $ (1,191) $ 4,193 (77.9) %
Financing activities.. $ (1,184) $(3,884) $ (2,700) N/M*
---------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------- --------------
* Not Meaningful
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash generated by operations increased $172 in 2002 compared to 2001. The
increase was driven primarily by positive working capital changes, offset to
some extent by lower cash generated from operations attributable to negative
revenue growth and margin contraction.
Net cash provided by investing activities
During 2002, we invested $2,863 related to capital expenditures to support our
wireline and wireless networks, to promote the introduction of new products and
services and to increase operating efficiency and productivity. Capital
expenditures decreased significantly from $4,724 invested during the same period
in 2001. Primary drivers of the decrease in capital spending are lower overall
demand, improved asset utilization and a tighter focus on spending. Advances in
technology and improved vendor pricing also contributed to the decrease. We
expect capital spending levels through 2003 to remain consistent with current
2002 year-to-date levels.
Other 2002 investing activities include receipt $1,904 in proceeds from the sale
of investments in KPN/E-Plus and Qwest and portions of our investment in
Telecentro Oeste Celular Participacoes SA (TCO) as well as proceeds from a
principal payment related to a loan to KPN. In addition, we contributed a total
of $281 to equity affiliates, including $172 to Cingular and $94 to Brazil. The
Cingular contribution indirectly related to income tax benefits received
associated with our investment in Cingular.
We expect to fund $28 in the fourth quarter 2002 for similar reasons, but
otherwise we do not anticipate any additional capital contributions to Cingular
in the foreseeable future.
Net cash used for financing activities
During 2002 we reduced our short-term borrowings by $1,130 and long-term notes
by $1,219. In addition, we paid dividends of $.58 per share totaling $1,088 and
purchased 18.5 million shares of our common stock in the open market for
approximately $490, which included $455 of cash payments and $35 of purchases
that settled in October. Our debt to total capitalization ratio of 50.3% at
September 30, 2002 decreased from 52.0% at December 31, 2001.
Market Risk
For a complete discussion of our market risks, you should refer to the caption
"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk" in our 2001 annual
report on Form 10-K. Our primary exposure to market risks relates to unfavorable
movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not
anticipate any significant changes in our objectives and strategies with respect
to managing such exposures.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Environment and Trends of the Business
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Telecommunications Industry Trends
The domestic telecommunications industry continues to be negatively affected by
the combination of excess capacity, reduced capital spending, technology
migration and diminished investor confidence. These issues translate to reduced
revenues and earnings and widespread layoffs and bankruptcies. The convergence
of these factors has the potential to adversely affect the overall economy's
growth and productivity in both the short and long-term.
Specifically, the regional Bell operating companies continue to be adversely
affected by economic weakness, technology substitution, competition and
regulatory burdens. In addition, smaller telecommunications competitors continue
to declare bankruptcy at alarming rates, raising questions about the ability of
the newly bankrupt companies to pay their obligations and their business models
if they re-emerge from bankruptcy with significantly less leverage. Technology
substitution from wireless services, DSL and cable telephony is expected to
continue for the foreseeable future. Further, CLECs continue to use UNE-P as an
alternative to facilities deployment, significantly reducing their costs. The
widespread use of UNE-P enables competitive local exchange carriers to offer
lower priced services, enabling them to gain market share. Meanwhile, the
obligation to provide competitors with access to facilities under UNE-P
significantly reduces the revenue and margins of the regional Bell operating
companies. The FCC is considering the effects of UNE-P pricing and availability
as part of its first triennial review of its policies on unbundled network
elements, but no decisions are expected in the short term. We believe the
ability to offer long distance services gives us product parity to influence
customer retention and reacquisition but will do little to offset the reduced
margin effects of UNE-P pricing.
Over the next 12 to 24 months, we expect to see continued growth in our DSL
subscribers and a significant increase in our long-distance subscriber base as
we launch service in our remaining seven states. We continue to increase our DSL
household coverage, and expect to have broadband available to over 74% of all
our eligible households by the end of 2002. We expect to receive approval from
the FCC to offer long distance service in all nine states of our region by the
end of 2002.
In the domestic wireless area, increasing competition and market saturation will
likely cause the increase in subscribers to continue to slow in comparison to
historical growth rates. It is widely anticipated that the wireless
communications industry could experience further consolidation. However, it is
difficult to predict how any such consolidation would affect Cingular`s
financial condition.
Domestic Economic Trends
On average, the economy of the nine-state region tends to closely track the US
economy. Real GDP growth for 2002 is expected to be a 2.3 percent average annual
rate, increasing to 3.8 percent in 2003. Growth in the first half of the year
was driven largely by consumer spending and by restocking of inventories.
Business spending on plant and equipment is not expected to contribute
significantly to growth until 2003. Employment in the region, which has been
closely correlated with various measures of BellSouth's business performance in
the past, is expected to begin to recover in the second half of 2003.
Real personal income growth in the nine-state region is expected to average 2.6
percent in 2002 and 4.6 percent in 2003. Employment is not expected to grow in
2002, but is forecast to increase 1.8 percent in 2003. Residential construction
activity, which did not slump in the recession, is expected to remain at a
strong pace. Housing starts are predicted to top 450 thousand in both 2002 and
2003.
Historically, our business has generally followed the timing of the cycle in the
overall economy. Signs of recovery have not appeared yet and may not appear at
all this year.
Other Trends in the Domestic Business
Supra Telecom, a local service provider in Florida, leases over 300 thousand
access lines on a UNE and resale basis. We have been involved in numerous legal
proceedings during the last two years with this customer regarding payment for
services. Since January 2002, we have not recognized revenue for services
rendered to this customer, as collectibility of the receivable was not probable.
Receivables recorded prior to that time are completely reserved. Accordingly,
there is no unrecognized financial exposure related to this customer.
Recently, as this customer has not paid for services rendered, we have taken
steps to terminate services for nonpayment. On October 21, this customer's time
to pay expired. To avoid disruption of service to end-users, also on October 21,
we filed a petition with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) asking it
to determine whether emergency service transition procedures should be invoked.
Those procedures would require BellSouth to provide notice to Supra customers
that their service would be terminated and that they should select a new service
provider. Pursuant to a Florida PSC order, we began implementing the notice
requirements of the procedures on October 22. We subsequently suspended the
notices when Supra later filed for bankruptcy on October 23. We have asked the
bankruptcy court to provide adequate assurance of payment to BellSouth for
post-petition services, and we have also asked the court to dismiss the
bankruptcy filing. On November 5, the bankruptcy court addressed Supra's timely
payment of post-petition obligations by ruling that Supra must make weekly
payments to BellSouth or be subject to expedited termination of service.
We have contractual arrangements with WorldCom, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries
("WorldCom") related to interconnection of our networks, provision of
telecommunication services and purchase of WorldCom's accounts receivables in
connection with a billing and collection agreement. Monthly billings to WorldCom
are approximately $80 while monthly payables under the billing and collection
agreement are approximately $65.
On July 21, 2002, WorldCom and certain of its subsidiary corporations filed
voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code. The Bankruptcy Code entitles a debtor to accept or reject "executory"
contracts, that is contracts where some future act remains to be done, as in the
case of many of our arrangements with WorldCom. A party to a rejected contract
may be entitled to damages from the debtor for breach of contract. However, such
a claim would likely be an unsecured claim.
No assurance can be given that WorldCom will pay us on a timely basis, or
whether WorldCom will accept, reject or request to renegotiate our existing
contracts, or whether we will be successful in asserting any rights of set-off
against amounts due to us from WorldCom. Should WorldCom reject certain of our
contracts, the impact could be material to operating results if we are unable to
substitute the revenue stream with another customer and utilize the underlying
assets.
Regulatory Developments
Beginning in late 1996, we operated under a price regulation plan approved by
the South Carolina Public Service Commission under existing state laws. In April
1999, however, the South Carolina Supreme Court invalidated this price
regulation plan. In July 1999, we elected to be regulated under a new statute,
adopted subsequent to the Commission's approval of the earlier plan. The new
statute allows telephone companies in South Carolina to operate under price
regulation without obtaining approval from the Commission. The election became
effective during August 1999. The South Carolina Consumer Advocate petitioned
the Commission seeking review of the level of our earnings during the 1996 -
1998 period when we operated under the subsequently invalidated price regulation
plan. The Commission voted to dismiss the petition in November 1999 and issued
orders confirming the vote in February and June of 2000. In July 2000, the
Consumer Advocate appealed the Commission's dismissal of the petition. If the
Consumer Advocate prevails, the case could be remanded to the South Carolina
PSC, which could, after considering evidence, order material refunds to
customers in South Carolina. At this time, we are unable to predict the outcome
of this appeal and therefore cannot determine the impact, if any, this matter
may have on future earnings.
Also in 2000, the Florida Public Service Commission issued a proposed agency
action stating that our change in 1999 from a late charge based on a percentage
of the amounts overdue to a flat rate fee plus an interest charge violated the
Florida price regulation statute and voted that approximately $65 should be
refunded. We protested the decision. On August 30, 2001, the Commission issued
an order adopting its proposed action. We appealed to the Florida Supreme Court
and continued to bill
and collect the charges subject to refund. On October 31,
2002, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Florida Public
Service Commission. This will require a one-time refund to affected customers in
Florida. Based on this decision, we recorded a reduction to revenues of $108
plus interest expense of $6 in the third quarter of 2002.
Following applications that were filed in October 2001 and refiled in February
2002, the FCC on May 15, 2002 granted our applications to provide long distance
in Georgia and Louisiana. On June 20, 2002, we filed applications at the FCC to
provide long distance in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and
South Carolina. On September 18, 2002, the FCC granted the application for each
state. On September 20, 2002, we filed applications at the FCC to provide long
distance in Florida and Tennessee. The state commission for each state had
earlier endorsed our seeking such authority. On October 25, 2002, the U.S.
Department of Justice recommended that the FCC approve BellSouth's application
to provide long distance in Florida and Tennessee. A decision on those
applications is due on or before December 19, 2002. We do not know whether
future approvals will be conditioned on changes in interconnection obligations
or operating systems. Any changes could result in significant additional expense
or a significant increase in customer loss to CLECs.
We are involved in numerous other legal proceedings associated with state and
federal regulatory matters. While complete assurance cannot be given as to the
outcome of these matters, we believe that any financial impact would not be
material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. See
note N to our consolidated interim financial statements
Pension and Post-Retirement Medical Costs
The decline in equity markets in recent years coupled with record low interest
rates and rising medical costs have negatively impacted companies with defined
benefit pension and post retirement medical plans. These factors have decreased
plan assets that are available to pay plan benefits at the same time the cost of
providing the benefits has increased. We expect these declines in the market and
rising medical costs will result in significantly lower net pension and
post-retirement income in 2003. Although difficult to predict because of the
relation to market performance, we do not anticipate any cash funding needs to
meet minimum required funding thresholds.
Latin American Trends
The Latin American economies have been affected by negative economic and
difficult political conditions. Much of this can be attributed to currency
devaluations and sharp recessions in Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela and weak
global demand for the region's exports. We are restricting new investment in the
region and have expectations that the Latin America group can fund its financial
needs from the group's operating cash flows. In addition, we do not expect to
enter into additional, or increase existing, debt guarantees.
In the wake of its financial crisis, Argentina's economy is contracting sharply
this year, perhaps as much as 15 percent. No recovery is in sight and the
country's troubles are expected to extend into 2003 before recovery begins.
Following its currency devaluation this winter, Venezuela's economy is expected
to contract 5 percent in 2002. Oil and gas export revenues have helped to keep
the economy afloat, but prices have fallen and there is a risk of lower prices
next year. Recent political events in the country have significantly increased
the downside risk to this forecast. We believe inflation rates upward of 25
percent are likely in both Argentina and Venezuela this year.
Colombia's civil war remains a drain on its economy, keeping confidence low and
both money and human capital flowing out of the country. Oil exports have
bolstered export revenues, but coffee prices are low and are expected to remain
low next year. Real GDP growth is expected to be below 2 percent this year.
In the Latin America group companies, our overall penetration of wireless
services is 4.9%. As we increase penetration into lower socio-economic groups,
revenue per customer declines. We are responding to these trends by seeking new
sources of revenue growth and by attempting to increase the profitability of
customers from lower socio-economic groups.
BellSouth's Latin America business has three major regional competitors--America
Movil, Telefonica Moviles and Telecom Italia Mobile. The incumbent wireline
provider is a major competitor in most markets. It is likely that these three
major players will increase their share by acquisition. We have four competitors
in Argentina, three competitors in Venezuela, Chile, Peru and Guatemala and two
competitors in Colombia, with a new competitor expected to enter, and one
competitor in Brazil, Ecuador, Panama and Uruguay, with a new competitor
expected to enter in each case, and no competitors in Nicaragua with a new
competitor expected to enter.
Argentina. In Argentina, we own an equity interest in CRM, a wireless
communications company. We consolidate this investment in our financial
statements. In January 2002, the Argentine government announced economic
reforms, including a devaluation of its national currency, the Argentine Peso.
The Argentine Peso has lost over 72% of its value as compared to the U.S. Dollar
since the beginning of 2002. Based on the net monetary position of CRM, we
recorded foreign currency transaction losses of $672 during 2002. We are
recording a 100% valuation allowance on the net operating losses, deferring
recognition of the tax benefits generated by these losses due to the lack of
clarity in the tax law and potentially limited tax carryforward period in
Argentina.
Effective first quarter 2002 as a result of the cumulative devaluation, CRM has
violated covenants or has not paid on $320 of its U.S. Dollar-denominated debt.
The debt is classified as current in our consolidated September 30, 2002 balance
sheet. This debt is non-recourse to BellSouth. CRM is currently working with
lenders to resolve this matter. The devaluation, the resulting new laws and
regulations instituted, and political issues make it difficult to anticipate the
long-term impacts of the economic situation in Argentina.
Venezuela. In Venezuela, we own an equity interest in Telcel, a wireless
communications company. We consolidate this investment in our financial
statements. In February 2002, the Venezuelan government let the Bolivar float
freely. The Bolivar has devalued approximately 47% since the beginning of our
fiscal period 2002. Based on Telcel's net monetary position, we recorded foreign
currency transaction gains of $89 in the third quarter of 2002. In addition,
Venezuela is no longer considered a hyperinflationary economy, which resulted in
a change in the functional currency from the U.S. Dollar to the Bolivar. As a
result, the remeasurement of assets and liabilities is reflected as a foreign
currency translation adjustment in the other comprehensive income portion of
shareholders' equity.
Brazil. In March 2002, BCP, one of our Brazilian investments, defaulted on a
principal payment. We continue to discuss alternatives with our principal
partner and BCP's lenders. The parties have not reached any agreement to date.
There can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached. In addition, BSE,
another of our Brazilian investments, is experiencing difficulties in meeting
its debt obligations from its operating cash flows. We are pursuing options,
including the sale of these companies. There can be no assurance that an
agreement with our principal partner and our lenders will be reached or that the
properties will be sold. See note F to our consolidated interim financial
statements for further discussion of this investment.
Foreign Risks
Our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. However, most of our international
revenues are generated in the currencies of the countries in which we operate.
In addition, many of our international operations and equity investees hold U.S.
Dollar-denominated short- and long-term debt. The currencies of many Latin
American countries have experienced substantial volatility and depreciation
currently, as well as in the past. Declines in the value of the local currencies
in which we are paid relative to the U.S. Dollar cause local currency revenues
to decrease in U.S. Dollar terms and dollar-denominated liabilities to increase
in local currency. Where we consider it to be economically feasible, we attempt
to limit our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using foreign currency
forward exchange contracts or similar instruments as a vehicle for hedging;
however, a substantial amount of our exposures are unhedged.
Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela have experienced major currency devaluations in
2002. The political situation in each country adds complexity to the economic
scenario. In Argentina, the currency has devalued over 72% since the beginning
of our fiscal year. Uruguay is heavily affected by the economic situation in
Argentina. The Uruguayan peso has devalued by 52% within the same time period.
In Venezuela, the Bolivar has devalued 47% since the beginning of our fiscal
year.
The impact of devaluation or depreciating currency on an entity depends on the
residual effect on the local economy and the ability of an entity to raise
prices and/or reduce expenses. Our ability to raise prices is limited in many
instances by government regulation of tariff rates and competitive constraints.
Due to our constantly changing currency exposure and the potential substantial
volatility of currency exchange rates, we cannot predict the effect of exchange
rate fluctuations on our business. For the first three quarters of this year, we
have recorded $637 in foreign currency transaction losses.
Economic, social and political conditions in Latin America are, in some
countries, unfavorable and volatile, which have adversely affected our
operations. These conditions are making it difficult for us to continue
development of our business, generate revenues or achieve or sustain
profitability in some countries and could have this effect throughout the
region. Historically, recessions and volatility have been primarily caused by:
monetary, exchange rate and/or fiscal policies; currency devaluations;
significant governmental influence over many aspects of local economies;
political and economic instability; unexpected changes in regulatory
requirements; social unrest or violence; slow or negative economic growth;
imposition of trade barriers; and wage and price controls. Our Latin American
business has been materially adversely affected by the recent political and
economic crises in Argentina and Brazil. Other operations in the region could be
materially adversely affected if these crises spread to other Latin American
countries.
Most or all of these factors have occurred at various times in the last two
decades in our core Latin American markets. We have no control over these
matters. Economic conditions in Latin America are generally less attractive than
those in the U.S., and poor social, political and economic conditions may limit
use of our services, which may adversely affect our business.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See note B to our consolidated interim financial statements.
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See the caption labeled "Market Risk" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated
to the management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs
and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can
provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives. We
also have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As we do not control
or manage these entities, the disclosure controls and procedures with respect to
such entities are necessarily more limited than those we maintain with respect
to our consolidated subsidiaries.
Within 90 days prior to the date of filing of this report, we carried out an
evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management,
including the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer, of
the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon the foregoing, the
Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that
our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects,
in timely alerting them to material information relating to BellSouth (including
consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our Exchange Act reports.
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other
factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date
we carried out the evaluation.
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Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
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In addition to historical information, this document contains forward-looking
statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect our future
operating results, financial position and cash flows. These statements are based
on our assumptions and estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties. For
these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
There are possible developments that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those forecast or implied in the forward-looking statements. You
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which are current only as of the date of this filing. We disclaim any intention
or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise. While the below list of
cautionary statements is not exhaustive, some factors, in addition to those
contained throughout this document, that could affect future operating results,
financial position and cash flows and could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are:
o a change in economic conditions in domestic or international markets where
we operate or have material investments which would affect demand for our
services;
o changes in U.S. or foreign laws or regulations, or in their
interpretations, which could result in the loss, or reduction in value, of
our licenses, concessions or markets, or in an increase in competition,
compliance costs or capital expenditures;
o continued pressures on the telecommunications industry from a financial,
competitive, and regulatory perspective;
o a decrease in the growth rate of demand for the services which we offer;
o the intensity of competitive activity and its resulting impact on pricing
strategies and new product offerings;
o our ability to succeed in the interLATA long distance market;
o significant deterioration in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar
in foreign countries in which we operate, particularly Latin American
countries;
o the potential unwillingness or inability of our partners to fund their
obligations to our international joint ventures due to deteriorating
economic conditions or other facts;
o the potential unwillingness of banks or other lenders to lend to our
international joint ventures due to deteriorating economic conditions and
tightening credit standards;
o higher than anticipated start-up costs or significant up-front investments
associated with new business initiatives;
o the outcome of pending litigation;
o unanticipated higher capital spending from, or delays in, the deployment of
new technologies;
o the impact of terrorist attacks on our business; and
o the impact and the success of the wireless joint venture with SBC
Communications, known as Cingular Wireless, including marketing and product
development efforts, technological change and financial capacity.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On April 29, 2002 five African-American employees filed a putative class action
lawsuit, captioned Gladys Jenkins et al. v. BellSouth Corporation, against the
Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama. The complaint alleges that BellSouth discriminated against current and
former African-American employees with respect to compensation and promotions in
violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. Section
1981. Plaintiffs purport to bring the claims on behalf of two classes: a class
of all African-American hourly workers employed by the Company at any time since
April 29, 1998, and a class of all African-American salaried workers employed by
the Company at any time since April 29, 1998 in management positions at or below
Job Grade 59/Level C. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified amounts of back
pay, benefits, punitive damages and attorneys' fees and costs, as well as
injunctive relief. At this early stage of the litigation, the likely outcome of
the case cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of the amount of
loss, if any, be made.
Several individual shareholders have filed substantially identical class action
lawsuits against the Company and three of its senior officers, alleging
violations of the federal securities laws. The cases, captioned In re BellSouth
Securities Litigation, are pending in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia. The plaintiffs allege that during the period
January 22, 2001 through July 19, 2002, the Company 1) overstated the unbilled
receivables balance of its advertising and publishing subsidiary; 2) failed to
disclose that a Florida CLEC had stopped paying money owed to the Company; and
3) understated its exposure to bad debt losses. The plaintiffs are seeking an
unspecified amount of damages, as well as attorney's fees and costs. At this
early stage of the litigation, the likely outcome of the case cannot be
predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
Three substantially identical class action lawsuits were recently filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against the
Company, its directors, three of its senior officers, and other individuals,
alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA").
The plaintiffs, who seek to represent a putative class of participants and
beneficiaries of the Company's 401(k) plan ("the Plan"), allege that the Company
breached its fiduciary duties in violation of ERISA by, among other things, (1)
failing to provide accurate information to the Plan participants and
beneficiaries; (2) failing to ensure that the Plan's assets were invested
properly; (3) failing to monitor the Plan's fiduciaries; and (4) failing to
disregard Plan directives that the defendants knew or should have known were
imprudent. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages,
injunctive relief, attorney's fees and costs. Certain factual allegations
underlying these lawsuits are substantially similar to those in the putative
securities class actions captioned In re BellSouth Securities Litigation,
which are described above. At this early stage of the litigation, the likely
outcome of the cases cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss,
if any, be made.
A number of antitrust class action lawsuits were recently filed against the
Company in federal district courts in Atlanta, Georgia and Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida. The plaintiffs purport to represent putative classes consisting of all
BellSouth local telephone service subscribers and/or all subscribers of
competitive local exchange carriers in nine southeastern states since 1996. The
plaintiffs allege that the Company engaged in unlawful anticompetitive conduct
in violation of state and federal antitrust laws by, among other things, (1)
denying competitors access to certain essential facilities necessary for
competitors to provide local telephone service; (2) using its monopoly power in
the wholesale market for local telephone service as leverage to maintain a
monopoly in the retail market; and (3) failing to provide the same quality of
service, access, and billing to competitors that it provides its own retail
customers. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of treble damages,
injunctive relief, as well as attorney's fees and costs. At this early stage of
the litigation, the likely outcome of the case cannot be predicted, nor can a
reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
4a No instrument which defines the rights of holders of our
long- and intermediate-term debt is filed herewith pursuant
to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this
regulation, we agree to furnish a copy of any such
instrument to the SEC upon request.
10r-2 Second Amendment dated July 8, 2002 to the BellSouth
Corporation Trust Under Executive Benefit Plan(s).
10s-2 Second Amendment dated July 8, 2002 to the BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. Trust Under Executive
Benefit Plan(s).
10w-2 Second Amendment dated March 14, 2002 to the BellSouth
Retirement Savings Plan.
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
Date of Event Subject
August 12, 2002 Under Item 5, Statements under Oath of Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
in accordance with the SEC's June 27, 2002 Order
requiring the filing of sworn statements
pursuant to Section 21(a)(1) of the Securities Act
of 1934.
August 29, 2002 Under Item 5, BellSouth Press Release updating
financial guidance.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
By /s/ W. Patrick Shannon
----------------------
W. PATRICK SHANNON
Vice President - Finance
(Principal Accounting Officer)
November 6, 2002
CERTIFICATIONS
I, F. Duane Ackerman, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of BellSouth
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the
filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on
our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data
and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: November 5, 2002 /s/ F. Duane Ackerman
F. Duane Ackerman
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President
I, Ronald M. Dykes, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of BellSouth
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the
filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on
our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data
and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: November 5, 2002 /s/ Ronald M. Dykes
Ronald M. Dykes
Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
4a No instrument which defines the rights of holders of our long- and
intermediate-term debt is filed herewith pursuant to Regulation S-K,
Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, we agree to
furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.
10r-2 Second Amendment dated July 8, 2002 to the BellSouth Corporation
Trust Under Executive Benefit Plan(s).
10s-2 Second Amendment dated July 8, 2002 to the BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. Trust Under Executive
Benefit Plan(s).
10w-2 Second Amendment dated March 14, 2002 to the BellSouth Retirement
Savings Plan.
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.