SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
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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, 2003
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 ___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes __X__ No _____
At October 31, 2003, there were 1,848,116,955 common shares outstanding.
Table of Contents
Item Page
Part I
1. Unaudited 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 ............ 7
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations......................... 21
3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk.. 39
4. Controls and Procedures..................................... 39
Part II
6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ........................... 40
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2002 2003 2002 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -- ------------ -- ----------- -- ------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -- ------------ -- ----------- -- ------------
(As (As
adjusted adjusted
- Note D) - Note D)
Operating Revenues:
Communications group $4,469 $ 4,626 $ 13,745 $ 13,679
Latin America 494 587 1,747 1,659
Advertising and publishing 458 501 1,212 1,515
All other 13 14 44 40
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Total Operating Revenues 5,434 5,728 16,748 16,893
Operating Expenses:
Cost of services and products (excludes depreciation
and amortization shown separately below) 1,879 2,038 5,718 5,979
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 1,024 1,032 3,243 3,217
Depreciation and amortization 1,161 1,052 3,492 3,136
Provisions for restructuring and asset impairments 328 52 685 193
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Total Operating Expenses 4,392 4,174 13,138 12,525
Operating income 1,042 1,554 3,610 4,368
Interest expense 291 260 896 805
Gain (loss) on sale of operations - - 1,335 (75)
Net (losses) earnings of equity affiliates 114 82 (8) 435
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 8 (7) (637) 137
Other income (expense), net 89 73 100 244
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of
Changes in Accounting Principle 962 1,442 3,504 4,304
Provision for Income Taxes 322 506 1,470 1,502
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting Principle 640 936 2,034 2,802
Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax - - (1,285) 315
----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
Net Income $ 640 $ 936 $ 749 $ 3,117
=========== ============ =========== ============
=========== ============ =========== ============
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 1,867 1,847 1,874 1,851
Diluted 1,871 1,851 1,881 1,854
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $0.20 $0.23 $0.59 $0.67
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting
Principle $0.34 $0.51 $1.09 $1.51
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes - - $(0.69) $0.17
Net Income $0.34 $0.51 $0.40 $1.68
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting
Principle $0.34 $0.51 $1.08 $1.51
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes - - $(0.68) $0.17
Net Income $0.34 $0.51 $0.40 $1.68
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,
2002 2003
-----------------------------------------
(as adjusted (unaudited)
note D)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,482 $ 5,025
Accounts receivable, net of
allowance for uncollectibles
of $476 and $461 4,129 3,013
Material and supplies 313 329
Other current assets 938 932
----------------- -----------------
Total current assets 7,862 9,299
----------------- -----------------
Investments and advances 9,741 8,394
Property, plant and equipment, net 23,445 23,765
Deferred charges and other assets 5,726 5,756
Goodwill 347 346
Intangible assets, net 2,358 2,262
----------------- -----------------
Total assets $ 49,479 $ 49,822
================= =================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 5,114 $ 3,347
Accounts payable 1,572 1,294
Other current liabilities 2,897 3,701
----------------- -----------------
Total current liabilities 9,583 8,342
----------------- -----------------
Long-term debt 12,283 11,646
----------------- -----------------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 4,452 5,352
Other noncurrent liabilities 5,255 4,810
----------------- -----------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 9,707 10,162
----------------- -----------------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value
(8,650 shares authorized;
1,860 and 1,848 shares
outstanding) 2,020 2,020
Paid-in capital 7,546 7,656
Retained earnings 14,531 16,251
Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) (740) (771)
Shares held in trust and
treasury (5,372) (5,488)
Guarantee of ESOP debt (79) 4
----------------- -----------------
Total shareholders' equity 17,906 19,672
----------------- -----------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $ 49,479 $ 49,822
================= =================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2002 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As adjusted
- Note D)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income $ 749 $ 3,117
Adjustments to net income:
Depreciation and amortization 3,492 3,136
Provision for uncollectibles 617 423
Net losses (earnings) of equity
affiliates 8 (435)
Minority interests in income
(loss) of subsidiaries (80) 30
Deferred income taxes and
investment tax credits 990 963
Net losses on sale or impairment
of equity securities 388 7
Pension income (618) (401)
Pension settlement losses 107 87
Curtailment and termination
benefit charges 60 -
Asset impairments 81 52
Stock-based compensation expense 132 102
Unbilled receivable adjustment 163 -
Foreign currency transaction
(gains) losses 637 (137)
Cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles 1,285 (539)
(Gain) loss on sale of operations (1,335) 75
Net Change in:
Accounts receivable and other
current assets (9) (69)
Accounts payable and other
current liabilities (62) 339
Deferred charges and other assets (23) 242
Other liabilities and deferred
credits (9) (139)
Other reconciling items, net (40) 42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 6,533 6,895
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (2,863) (2,124)
Investments in and advances to equity
affiliates (281) -
Investments in debt and equity
securities (28) (61)
Proceeds from sale of securities and
operations 1,472 82
Proceeds from repayment of loans and
advances 432 1,899
Settlement of derivatives on advances 85 (352)
Other investing activities, net (8) (17)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used for)
investing activities (1,191) (573)
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net repayments of short-term debt (1,130) (411)
Proceeds from long-term debt 8 1
Repayments of long-term debt (1,219) (1,893)
Dividends paid (1,088) (1,183)
Purchase of treasury shares (455) (322)
Other financing activities, net - 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used by financing
activities (3,884) (3,779)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents $ 1,458 $ 2,543
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 592 2,482
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period $ 2,050 $ 5,025
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN MILLIONS)
(Unaudited)
Number of Shares Amount
------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Accum. (a)
Shares Other Shares
Held in Compre- Held in
Trust hensive Trust Guarantee
Common and Common Paid-in Retained Income and of ESOP
Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Treasury Debt Total
Balance (as adjusted see Note D)
at December 31, 2001 2,020 (143) $ 2,020 $ 7,368 $ 14,805 $ (294) $ (4,996) $ (145) $ 18,758
Net Income 749 749
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 (d) 228
Dividends declared (1,108) (1,108)
Share issuances for employee benefit
plans 4 (3) (70) 117 44
Stock-based compensation 132 132
Purchase of stock by grantor trust - (18) 18 -
Purchase of treasury stock (19) (490) (490)
ESOP activities and related tax benefit 2 76 78
Balance at September 30, 2002 2,020 (158) $ 2,020 $ 7,497 $ 14,360 $ (815) $ (5,351) $ (69) $ 17,642
Balance (as adjusted see Note D)
at December 31, 2002 2,020 (160) $ 2,020 $ 7,546 $ 14,531 $ (740) $ (5,372) $ (79) $ 17,906
Net Income 3,117 3,117
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation
adjustment (c) (41) (41)
Net unrealized gains on securities 21 21
Net unrealized losses on
derivatives (b) (11) (11)
Total comprehensive income 3,086
Dividends declared (1,237) (1,237)
Share issuances for employee benefit
plans 3 (14) (50) 94 30
Stock-based compensation 102 102
Purchase of stock by grantor trust - (112) 112 -
Purchase of treasury stock (15) (322) (322)
Tax benefit related to stock options 22 22
ESOP activities and related tax benefit 2 83 85
Balance at September 30, 2003 2,020 (172) $ 2,020 $ 7,656 $ 16,251 $ (771) $ (5,488) $ 4 $ 19,672
(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. As of September 30, 2003, there
were approximately 49 shares held in trust and 123 shares held in treasury.
(b) Net unrealized gains on derivatives include an adjustment for realized gains
of $31 in 2002 and $20 in 2003.
(c) Foreign currency translation adjustment includes an adjustment for realized
losses of $86 in 2003.
(d) Total comprehensive income for third quarter 2002 was $301. Total
comprehensive income for third quarter 2003 was $944.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
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, as
modified by the current report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2003.
Certain amounts within the prior year's information have been reclassified to
conform to the current year's presentation.
NOTE B - 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,
2002 2003 2002 2003
Basic common shares outstanding .... 1,867 1,847 1,874 1,851
Incremental shares from stock
options and benefit plans....... 4 4 7 3
Diluted common shares outstanding .. 1,871 1,851 1,881 1,854
The earnings amounts used for per-share calculations are the same for both the
basic and diluted methods. 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 or the effect was anti-dilutive.
Outstanding options to purchase 94 million shares for the three months ended
September 30, 2003 and 92 million shares for the nine months ended September 30,
2003 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 or the effect was anti-dilutive.
NOTE C - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." This standard amends and clarifies the accounting for and
definition of derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133.
This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June
30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. Adoption
of this standard did not have a material impact on our results of operations,
financial position or cash flows.
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 "Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This Statement
establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain
financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It
requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope
as a liability because that financial instrument embodies an obligation of the
issuer. This Statement was effective beginning July 1, 2003.
On November 7, 2003, FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 150-3 was issued deferring
the effective date for the measurement provisions of paragraphs 9 and 10 of FAS
150, as they apply to mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests (e.g.
minority interests in finite-lived entities). The FSP indicated, however, that
the disclosure requirements of FAS 150 continue to apply. The majority of our
consolidated entities in Latin America where we have minority partners have
finite lives, generally 99 years as a function of law. While there are no
provisions in the shareholder agreements that require liquidation upon
expiration of the corporations' stated life, the guidance in FAS 150 requires
the minority interest to be recorded on the balance sheet at settlement value as
if the minority interest will be liquidated at that time.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE C - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
The FASB has not provided adequate guidance or time to evaluate and measure the
associated settlement value of minority interests in these entities. At this
time, it is not practical for us to estimate for disclosure purposes the impact
of applying the measurement guidance in the event those provisions are ever
implemented. Based on the currently available information, we do not expect the
amounts to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial
position or cash flows.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). FIN 46 clarified the application of
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to
certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the
entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from
other parties. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest
entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do
not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. All companies with
variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003,
must apply the provisions of this Interpretation to those entities immediately.
A public company with a variable interest in a variable interest entity created
before February 1, 2003, must apply the provisions of this Interpretation to
that entity no later than the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting
period after December 15, 2003. For variable interest entities for which an
enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003,
FIN 46 may be applied by restating previously issued financial statements or
prospectively from the date of adoption. We have evaluated our investments and
concluded that neither Cingular nor any of our other equity method investments
qualify as a "variable interest entity" as described in FIN 46. Accordingly,
none of our investments qualified for consolidation under FIN 46 and our
accounting treatment of these entities remains unchanged.
Revenue Recognition for Multi-Element Deliverables
In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB reached a
consensus on EITF No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Element Deliverables. The issue addresses how to account for arrangements that
may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or
rights to use assets. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be
divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement
meet certain criteria. Arrangement consideration should be allocated among the
separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. The issue also
supersedes certain guidance set forth in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB
101), Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. The final consensus is
applicable to agreements entered into in quarters beginning after June 15, 2003,
with early adoption permitted. Additionally, companies are permitted to apply
the consensus guidance to all existing arrangements as a cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle. We adopted this new pronouncement effective July
1, 2003 on a prospective basis. The impacts of adoption did not have a material
impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
NOTE D - CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Stock Options
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," for stock-based
employee compensation. Previously, we applied the intrinsic value method
permitted under SFAS No. 123 in accounting for our stock-based compensation
plans. Compensation cost related to stock options was not reflected in
previously reported results, as all options granted had an exercise price equal
to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. We elected to
adopt the fair value recognition method using the retroactive restatement
alternative provided by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -
Transition and Disclosure." Accordingly, all prior periods presented have been
restated to reflect the compensation cost that would have been recorded had the
fair value expense recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 been applied.
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options included in operating
expenses are as follows:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2002 2003 2002 2003
Compensation expense related
to stock options ...........$ 40 $ 29 $ 124 $ 86
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE D - CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (Continued)
Asset Retirement Obligations
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations" (SFAS No. 143). This statement 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 part of the book value of
the long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 also precludes companies from accruing
removal costs that exceed gross salvage in their depreciation rates and
accumulated depreciation balances if there is no legal obligation to remove the
long-lived assets. For our outside plant accounts, such as telephone poles and
cable, estimated cost of removal does exceed gross salvage.
Although we have no legal obligation to remove assets, we have historically
included in our group depreciation rates estimated net removal costs associated
with these outside plant assets in which estimated cost of removal exceeds gross
salvage. These costs were reflected in the calculation of depreciation expense,
which results in greater periodic depreciation expense and the recognition in
accumulated depreciation of future removal costs for existing assets. When the
assets are actually retired and removal costs are expended, the net removal
costs are recorded as a reduction to accumulated depreciation.
In connection with the adoption of this standard, we were required to remove
existing accrued net costs of removal in excess of the related estimated salvage
from our accumulated depreciation for those accounts. The adjustment is
reflected in the first quarter income statement as a cumulative effect of
accounting change adjustment and on the balance sheet as an increase to net
plant and equipment of $1,334 and an increase to deferred income taxes of $518.
The cumulative effect of the change increased net income by $816 or $0.44 per
share for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
Since we previously accrued for net cost of removal through our depreciation
rates, depreciation expense was lower in 2003 than it otherwise would have been
absent this change in accounting by approximately $34 in the three months ended
September 30, 2003 and $100 in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. We are
expensing net cost of removal as incurred beginning January 1, 2003 for the
affected plant accounts. Cost of removal expensed was approximately $8 for the
three months ended September 30, 2003 and $26 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2003.
Revenue Recognition for Publishing Revenues
Effective January 1, 2003, we changed our method for recognizing revenues and
expenses related to our directory publishing business from the publication and
delivery method to the deferral method. Under the publication and delivery
method, we recognized 100% of the revenues and direct expenses at the time the
directories were published and delivered to end-users. Under the deferral
method, revenues and direct expenses are recognized ratably over the life of the
related directory, generally 12 months. The change in accounting method recorded
in the first quarter 2003 is reflected in the income statement as a cumulative
effect of accounting change adjustment and on the balance sheet as a decrease to
accounts receivable of $845, increase to other current assets of $166, increase
to current liabilities of $129, and a decrease to deferred income taxes of $307.
The cumulative effect of the change resulted in a decrease to net income of $501
or $0.27 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
Pro Forma Impact of Accounting Changes
The following table presents our 2002 results (adjusted for stock-based
compensation) on a basis comparable to the 2003 results, adjusted to reflect the
changes in accounting for asset retirement obligations and revenue recognition
for publishing revenues:
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE D - CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (Continued)
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 SFAS No. Directory 2002 2003
As Adjusted 143 Publishing Pro Forma
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Total Operating Revenue $ 5,434 $ - $ 58 $ 5,492 $ 5,728
Operating Expenses
Cost of services and products 1,879 8 20 1,907 2,038
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 1,024 - 18 1,042 1,032
Depreciation and amortization 1,161 (34) - 1,127 1,052
Provision for restructuring and asset
impairments 328 - - 328 52
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 4,392 (26) 38 4,404 4,174
Operating income 1,042 26 20 1,088 1,554
Non-operating income (expense), net (80) - - (80) (112)
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 962 26 20 1,008 1,442
Provision for income taxes 322 9 8 339 506
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 640 17 12 669 936
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax - - - - -
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income $ 640 $ 17 $ 12 $ 669 $ 936
============== ============ ============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share*:
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle $ 0.34 $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.36 $ 0.51
Net income $ 0.34 $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.36 $ 0.51
Diluted earnings per share*:
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle $ 0.34 $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.36 $ 0.51
Net income $ 0.34 $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.36 $ 0.51
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 SFAS No. Directory 2002 2003
As Adjusted 143 Publishing Pro Forma
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Total Operating Revenue $ 16,748 $ - $ 211 $ 16,959 $ 16,893
Operating Expenses
Cost of services and products 5,718 24 62 5,804 5,979
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 3,243 - 42 3,285 3,217
Depreciation and amortization 3,492 (100) - 3,392 3,136
Provision for restructuring and asset
impairments 685 - - 685 193
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 13,138 (76) 104 13,166 12,525
Operating income 3,610 76 107 3,793 4,368
Non-operating income (expense), net (106) - - (106) (64)
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 3,504 76 107 3,687 4,304
Provision for income taxes 1,470 27 41 1,538 1,502
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 2,034 49 66 2,149 2,802
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax (1,285) - - (1,285) 315
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income $ 749 $ 49 $ 66 $ 864 $ 3,117
============== ============ ============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share*:
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle $ 1.09 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 1.15 $ 1.51
Net income $ 0.40 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 0.46 $ 1.68
Diluted earnings per share*:
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle $ 1.08 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 1.14 $ 1.51
Net income $ 0.40 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 0.46 $ 1.68
*Earnings per share amounts do not sum due to rounding.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
Note E - INVESTMENTS AND ADVANCES
Brazil
In May 2003, we sold our entire stake in BSE, a wireless communications company
that operates in six states of Brazil's Northeastern region, to Telecom
Americas, a subsidiary of America Movil. We received net proceeds of $20 and
recorded a loss of $75, or $73 net of tax, which included the recognition of
cumulative foreign currency translation losses of $86.
In October 2003, we closed a settlement agreement and transferred our equity
interests in BCP, a wireless communications company that operates in the state
of Sao Paulo Brazil, to BCP's senior secured creditors. In addition, under a
separate agreement, we agreed to sell our debt in BCP to these creditors. The
timing of the debt sale, as well as the consideration to be received, depends on
a number of factors, including the creditors' obtaining proceeds from other
subsequent transactions they contemplate with respect to BCP. The sale of the
BCP debt is not expected to generate material proceeds. We will recognize
cumulative foreign currency translation losses in connection with the exit from
BCP. The cumulative foreign currency translation losses related to this
investment were $182 at September 30, 2003. Any proceeds received in exchange
for the BCP debt will partially offset these losses.
Colombia
In January 2003, we received proceeds of $35 from the exercise of a put in our
loan participation agreement with our Colombian partner. As a result, no gain or
loss was recognized.
Note Receivable from KPN
In April 2003, we received net proceeds of $1,458 resulting from an early
repayment by KPN of the entire outstanding balance of a Euro loan we had
extended to KPN and the settlement of related currency swaps. The net proceeds
include $1,802 for the full face value of the loan and $8 for accrued interest;
reduced by a settlement of a $352 liability associated with foreign currency
swap contracts. As a result of the early repayment and settlement of the
currency contracts, we recorded a gain of $20, or $13 net of tax.
Cingular
The following table displays the summary combined financial information of
Cingular, our wireless equity method business in which we own 40%. These amounts
are shown on a 100% basis.
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2002 2003 2002 2003
Revenues ........... $ 3,779 $ 3,954 $ 11,070 $ 11,330
Operating income .... $ 616 $ 488 $ 2,005 $ 1,960
Net income .......... $ 293 $ 177 $ 1,026 $ 1,006
Real Estate Partnerships
In June 2003, we sold our interests in two real estate partnerships that held
buildings, portions of which we used for general and administrative space. We
received proceeds of $26 for our interest in the partnerships resulting in
recognition of a gain of $16, or $11 net of tax. In addition, we received
proceeds of $97 for the repayment of loans we had extended to the partnerships.
NOTE F - PURCHASE OF TREASURY SHARES
In July 2002, we announced our intention to purchase up to $2 billion of our
outstanding common stock through December 31, 2003. As of September 30, 2003,
our total purchases under this plan were 29.6 million shares for an aggregate
cost of $678. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we purchased 14.8
million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $322. There were no
purchases during third quarter 2003. During the nine months ended September 30,
2002 we purchased 18.5 million shares for an aggregate cost of $490. 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 2002.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE G - WORKFORCE REDUCTION AND RESTRUCTURING
Based on ongoing challenges in the telecom industry, continued economic
pressures and the uncertainty resulting from recent Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) regulatory rulings, we initiated workforce reductions of
approximately 2,100 positions during the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
The positions are primarily in network operations where the volume of work has
substantially decreased. An accrual was recorded in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS No. 112, "Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,"
and consisted of cash severance, outplacement and payroll taxes related to
ongoing separation pay plans.
The following table summarizes activity associated with the workforce reduction
and restructuring liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2003:
Type of Cost
---------------------------------
Employee Other Exit
Separations Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2002...... $ 84 $ 31 $ 115
Additions......................... 76 1 77
Deductions........................ (138) (26) (164)
Balance at September 30, 2003..... $ 22 $ 6 $ 28
The $76 in additions to the accrual associated with employee separations relate
to accruals for estimated payments for the current year workforce reductions.
Deductions of $138 consist of $113 in cash severance payments and $22 for
adjustments to the accrual due to estimated demographics being different than
actual demographics of employees that separated from the company. Deductions
from the accrual for other exit costs consist primarily of cash payments of $18
settling liabilities for early contract terminations.
As a result of the work force reductions, lump-sum distributions from the
pension plan exceeded the settlement threshold, which is equal to the sum of the
service and interest costs components of net periodic pension costs. This
resulted in the recognition of settlement losses of $87, or $53 net of tax, in
the year-to-date period.
NOTE H - ASSET IMPAIRMENT
In September 2003, a decision was reached to abandon a software project related
to a network operations system. The project was terminated due to changes in the
business since the initiation of the project and an assessment of the remaining
costs to complete the project. As a result, we recorded an asset impairment
charge of $52, or $32 net of tax, to write-off capitalized software associated
with the project.
NOTE I - DEBT
During the second quarter of 2003 we redeemed $300 of 40-year, 7.5% debentures,
due June 15, 2033. The redemption price was 104.75% of the principal amount
resulting in a loss of $18, or $11 net of tax, on the early extinguishment of
this debt.
NOTE J - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
During the third quarter of 2003 we entered into two interest rate swap
contracts exchanging fixed for variable rate interest payment obligations
without the exchange of the underlying principal amounts. These fair value
swaps, which qualify for hedge accounting and we believe are 100% effective,
have an aggregate notional amount of $200 at September 30, 2003. During the
three months ended September 30, 2003, the average variable rate paid was 2.52%
and the fixed rate received was 5.38%. At September 30, 2003, the estimated fair
value of the swaps is $7 and is included in the Deferred charges and other
assets line item of the balance sheet. The gain recognized in earnings to record
the swap on the balance sheet is offset by the adjustment to the related hedged
liabilities for a net zero impact to earnings.
NOTE K - STEP ACQUISITION IN ARGENTINA
In August 2003, we purchased an additional 21.7% of our wireless operation in
Argentina for a nominal amount. The transaction increased our ownership of the
operation to 86.7%. We consolidated this operation prior to this additional
purchase. Additionally, we have been recording 100% of the earnings/losses of
the operation since 2002, when the minority partner's equity accounts were
exhausted and we ceased allocating losses to the minority interests.
Accordingly, this additional purchase did not impact the earnings or losses we
record from this operation. The assignment of the purchase price to the
estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in
decreases to intangible assets of $15, decreases to property plant and equipment
of $28 and a decrease to the debt of $43. No goodwill was recorded as a result
of the purchase price allocation.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE L - SEGMENT INFORMATION
We have four reportable operating segments: (1) Communications group; (2)
Domestic wireless; (3) Latin America; and (4) Advertising and publishing.
To align with internal reporting, the 2002 segment results for the Advertising
and publishing segment have been recast to reflect the change in accounting
method as discussed in Note D. Prior period results for all segments have been
restated for the effects of adopting the fair value method of accounting for
stock-based compensation.
The following table provides information for each operating segment:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
2002 2003 2002 2003
Communications group
External revenues $ 4,577 $ 4,626 $ 13,853 $ 13,679
Intersegment revenues 38 42 115 151
Total segment revenues 4,615 4,668 13,968 13,830
Segment operating income 1,255 1,244 3,805 3,656
Segment net income 710 727 2,147 2,115
Domestic wireless
External revenues $ 1,511 $ 1,582 $ 4,428 $ 4,532
Intersegment revenues - - - -
Total segment revenues 1,511 1,582 4,428 4,532
Segment operating income 246 195 802 784
Segment net income 68 44 259 249
Latin America
External revenues $ 494 $ 587 $ 1,747 $ 1,659
Intersegment revenues 1 1 5 3
Total segment revenues 495 588 1,752 1,662
Segment operating income 60 97 195 197
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates (5) 3 (13) 11
Segment net income 54 48 69 99
Advertising and publishing
External revenues $ 515 $ 501 $ 1,586 $ 1,515
Intersegment revenues 6 4 15 13
Total segment revenues 521 505 1,601 1,528
Segment operating income 211 238 701 733
Segment net income 128 147 427 453
RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
2002 2003 2002 2003
Operating revenues
Total reportable segments $ 7,142 $ 7,343 $ 21,749 $ 21,552
Cingular proportional consolidation (1,511) (1,582) (4,428) (4,532)
Advertising and publishing accounting change (58) - (211) -
Unbilled receivable adjustment - - (163) -
Refund of customer late fees in Florida (108) - (108) -
Corporate, eliminations and other (31) (33) (91) (127)
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total consolidated $ 5,434 $ 5,728 $ 16,748 $ 16,893
============== ============== =============== ==============
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE L - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
------------------------------- --------------------------------
2002 2003 2002 2003
Operating income
Total reportable segments $ 1,772 $ 1,774 $ 5,503 $ 5,370
Cingular proportional consolidation (246) (195) (802) (784)
Advertising and publishing accounting change (20) - (107) -
Unbilled receivable adjustment - - (163) -
Restructuring charge and asset impairment (221) (52) (578) (106)
Pension settlement loss (107) - (107) (87)
Refund of customer late fees in Florida (108) - (108) -
Corporate, eliminations and other (28) 27 (28) (25)
------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total consolidated $ 1,042 $ 1,554 $ 3,610 $ 4,368
============= ============== =============== ==============
Net Income
Total reportable segments $ 960 $ 966 $ 2,902 $ 2,916
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (13) (12) (571) 101
Brazil loan impairments - - (263) -
Net gain (loss) on sale of operations - - 857 (73)
Unbilled receivable adjustment - - (101) -
Net gains (losses) on sale or impairment of
securities - 1 (274) (4)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle - - (1,285) 315
Advertising and publishing accounting change (12) - (66) -
Restructuring charge and asset impairments (137) (32) (362) (65)
Pension settlement loss (65) - (65) (53)
Refund of customer late fees in Florida (70) - (70) -
Early extinguishment of debt (22) - (22) -
Corporate, eliminations and other (1) 13 69 (20)
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total consolidated $ 640 $ 936 $ 749 $ 3,117
============== ============== =============== ==============
The Corporate, eliminations and other line includes amounts for costs incurred
and retained at the corporate level and the necessary amounts to eliminate
transactions between the segments. Other reconciling 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.
NOTE M - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have advances to Cingular of $3,812 at September 30, 2003 and $3,816 at
September 30, 2002, which includes accrued interest. We earned $57 in the third
quarter of 2003, $72 in the third quarter of 2002, $198 year-to-date 2003 and
$213 year-to-date 2002 from interest income on this advance. As of September 30,
2003, Cingular owed us $46 and we owed Cingular $25, both of which represent
receivables and payables incurred in the ordinary course of business. We
generated revenues of approximately $105 in the third quarter 2003, $96 in the
third quarter 2002, $306 year-to-date 2003, and $286 year-to-date 2002 from the
provision of local, interconnect and long distance services to Cingular and
sales agency fees from Cingular.
Effective July 1, 2003, BellSouth and SBC Communication's (SBC) agreed to amend
the terms of our notes with Cingular. The amendment included reducing the fixed
interest rate from 7.5% to 6.0% per annum and extending the maturity date from
March 31, 2005 to June 30, 2008.
NOTE N - VENEZUELAN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
In Venezuela, we own a 78.2% interest in Telcel, a wireless communications
company that we consolidate in our financial statements. The functional currency
used for accounting purposes is the Venezuelan Bolivar. The local currency has
significantly devalued against the U.S. Dollar over the past 12 months due
primarily to political and economic turmoil and the government's decision in
February 2002 to let the currency trade freely in the open market ending the
government's prior fixed band exchange policy. During February 2003, the
Venezuelan government announced a new foreign exchange control regime and set a
fixed exchange rate of 1,600 Bolivars to the U.S. Dollar. The government has
established
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE N - VENEZUELAN CURRENCY TRANSLATION (Continued)
procedures for the conversion of Bolivars into U.S. Dollars for the
import of a limited number of goods and services. Our local operation has been
able to purchase dollars for the import of cellular handsets used in its
business.
Due to the currency controls, there is no free market currency exchange rate.
Therefore, in preparing our consolidated financial statements, we used the
exchange rate established by the Venezuelan government of 1,600 Bolivars to the
U.S. Dollar to translate the local currency financial statements into our
reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar. When the Bolivar resumes trading on the
open market, the exchange rate may be different than the rate set by the
government. A significant devaluation of the local currency would result in a
decline in revenues and, to a lesser extent, operating expenses when reported in
the U.S. Dollar. To the extent permissible by regulatory and market conditions,
a portion of the effect of a devaluation could be offset by local rate
increases. As an example, a devaluation in the Venezuelan currency from the
1,600 rate currently used in our financial statements to 2,500 Bolivars to the
U.S. Dollar would equate to a decrease in revenues of approximately $80 for the
quarter ended September 30, 2003. Such a change in the exchange rate would also
result in a reduction in the company's net assets of approximately $261, which
would be reported as a reduction in shareholder's equity through the cumulative
foreign currency translation adjustment. Because certain expenses are settled in
U.S. Dollars, determination of the net income impact of such a devaluation is
not practicable.
Due to the currency controls in place, we are currently unable to repatriate
capital related to this investment. We are continuing to evaluate the situation,
but believe it is temporary in nature. Therefore, we have continued to
consolidate the financial statements of this operation in accordance with SFAS
No. 94. In the event the situation is deemed other than temporary, we would
cease to consolidate this operation and would reflect the investment using the
cost method of accounting.
NOTE O - CONTINGENCIES
VENEZUELAN PUT-CALL PROVISION
We own a 78.2% interest in Telcel, our Venezuelan operation. Telcel's other
major shareholder holds an indirect 21% interest in Telcel. Under a Stock
Purchase Agreement, that shareholder has the right to initiate a process that
could require us to purchase (the puts), and we have the right to initiate a
process that could require that shareholder to sell (the calls) to us, the
shareholder's interest in Telcel with notice of the initiation of the process
with respect to approximately half of that shareholder's interest to be given in
2000 and notice with respect to the remaining balance to be given in 2002. If we
exercise our call right, we would purchase that shareholder's interest at
between 100% and 120% of its appraised fair value. If we are required to
purchase the interest, we would do so at between 80% and 100% of its appraised
fair value.
In 2000, the shareholder initiated a process for appraising the value of
approximately half of its interest in Telcel, but the process was not completed.
The shareholder also has sent a letter purporting to exercise the balance of the
puts under the Stock Purchase Agreement. We are currently in arbitration with
our partner over alleged breaches by BellSouth and the shareholder of the Stock
Purchase Agreement, including the timing of the valuation and whether the
process was properly initiated in 2000. The arbitration does not directly
involve the valuation of the balance of the puts. The shareholder is seeking
damages and specific performance, and BellSouth is seeking, among other things,
unspecified damages and a ruling that it has not breached the Stock Purchase
Agreement in any respect. We expect the hearing on this matter to take place
later this year or early 2004. If the arbitration panel rules against BellSouth,
it is possible that the appraised fair value of the shareholder's interest in
Telcel could be substantially in excess of current value. At this time, the
likely outcome of this arbitration cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable
estimate of the amount of loss, if any, be made.
RECIPROCAL COMPENSATION
Following the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, our telephone
company subsidiary, BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (BST), and various
competitive local exchange carriers entered into interconnection agreements
providing for, among other things, the payment of reciprocal compensation for
local calls initiated by the customers of one carrier that are completed on the
network of the other carrier. These agreements were the subject of litigation
before various regulatory commissions. After an FCC ruling in April 2001
prescribing new rates, BellSouth settled its claims with competitors for traffic
occurring through mid-June 2001, and entered into agreements that contained the
FCC rates for traffic occurring from mid-June 2001 forward. The District of
Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, in the second quarter of 2002, remanded the
ruling to the FCC to implement a rate methodology consistent with the Court's
opinion. The FCC's previous rules and rates remain in effect while it
reconsiders them. A change in the rules or rates could increase our expenses.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE O - CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
REGULATORY MATTERS
Beginning in 1996, we operated under a price regulation plan approved by the
South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) 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 state
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.
In October 2003, the circuit court hearing the appeal notified the parties that
it had affirmed the Commission's decision. The court's order is not final, and
further appeals are possible. 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.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Employee Related
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 USC. Section 1981.
Plaintiffs purport to bring the claims on behalf of two classes: a class of all
African-American hourly workers employed by BellSouth at any time since April
29, 1998, and a class of all African-American salaried workers employed by
BellSouth 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. The court has not yet determined whether to certify the
proposed classes. 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.
Securities
As previously disclosed, from August through October 2002 several individual
shareholders filed substantially identical class action lawsuits against
BellSouth and three of its senior officers alleging violations of the federal
securities laws. The cases have been consolidated in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Georgia and are captioned In re BellSouth
Securities Litigation. Pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the court has appointed a Lead Plaintiff. The
Lead Plaintiff filed a Consolidated and Amended Class Action Complaint on or
about July 15, 2003 and named four outside directors as additional defendants.
The Consolidated and Amended Class Action Complaint alleges that during the
period November 7, 2000 through February 19, 2003, the Company (1) overstated
the unbilled receivables balance of its advertising and publishing subsidiary;
(2) failed to properly implement SAB 101 with regard to its recognition of
advertising and publishing revenues; (3) improperly billed competitive local
exchange carriers (CLEC) to inflate revenues, (4) failed to take a reserve for
refunds that ultimately came due following litigation over late payment charges
and (5) failed to properly write down goodwill of its Latin American operations.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages, as well as
attorneys' 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.
In February 2003, a similar complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Fulton
County, Georgia on behalf of participants in BellSouth's Direct Investment Plan
alleging violations of Section 11 of the Securities Act. Defendants removed this
action to federal court pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Litigation
Uniform Standards Act of 1998. On or about July 3, 2003, the federal court
issued a ruling that the case should be remanded to Fulton County Superior
Court. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages, as well as
attorneys' 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.
As previously disclosed, in September and October 2002 three substantially
identical class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Georgia against BellSouth, its directors, three of
its senior officers, and other individuals, alleging violations of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"). The cases have been consolidated and
on April 21, 2003, a Consolidated Complaint was filed. The plaintiffs, who seek
to represent a putative class of participants and beneficiaries of BellSouth's
401(k) plan (the "Plan"), allege in the Consolidated Complaint that the company
and the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties in violation of
ERISA, by among other things,
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE O - CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
(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; (4) failing to
disregard Plan directives that the defendants knew or should have known were
imprudent and (5) failing to avoid conflicts of interest by hiring independent
fiduciaries to make investment decisions. The plaintiffs are seeking an
unspecified amount of damages, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs.
Certain underlying factual allegations regarding BellSouth's advertising and
publishing subsidiary and its Latin American operation are substantially similar
to the allegations in the putative securities class action captioned In re
BellSouth Securities Litigation, which is 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.
Antitrust
A number of antitrust class action lawsuits have been filed against BellSouth 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 BellSouth engaged in unlawful anti-competitive
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 attorneys' 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.
A consumer class action alleging antitrust violations of Section 1 of the
Sherman Antitrust Act has been filed against BellSouth, Verizon, SBC and Qwest
in Federal Court in the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges
that defendants conspired to restrain competition by "agreeing not to compete
with one another and otherwise allocating customers and markets to one another."
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of treble damages and
injunctive relief, as well as attorneys' fees and expenses. In October 2003, the
court dismissed the complaint without prejudice for failure to state a claim
upon which relief can be granted.
Other
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 and the other regional Bell
operating companies (RBOCs). While complete assurance cannot be given as to the
outcome of these claims, we believe that any financial impact would not be
material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE P - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We have fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the outstanding debt
securities of BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. ("BST"), which 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. During the second quarter of 2003, we revised the condensed
consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2002 and for the three-
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 to reflect the application by
BST and BellSouth (Parent) of the equity method of accounting for investments in
their subsidiaries. The Other column represents all other wholly owned
subsidiaries excluding BST and BST subsidiaries. The Adjustments column includes
the necessary amounts to eliminate the intercompany balances and transactions
between BST, Other and Parent and to consolidate wholly owned subsidiaries to
reconcile to our consolidated financial information.
The revisions described above had no effect on the consolidated financial
statements. Further, the revisions had no effect on the revenues or net income
in the BST column. The primary impact of these revisions on the December 31,
2002 consolidating information was an approximate $19 billion increase in Parent
Shareholders' Equity (of which $17 billion was an increase in Investments in
Subsidiaries) and a reclassification of approximately $3 billion between
Accounts Receivable and Investments in the BST column. Additionally, there were
reclassifications between Operating Expenses, Equity in Earnings and Income
Taxes. These changes resulted in increases in Operating Expenses, Cash Flows,
and Equity in Earnings, and decreases in Income Taxes in the BST column, which
were offset by changes within the Adjustments column. We do not believe any of
these revisions are material.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE P - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
The condensed consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2002 and
for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 has also been
revised to reflect the retroactive application of the fair value method of
recognizing stock-based employee compensation as described in Note D.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
(As adjusted - Note D)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues $ 4,274 $ 1,877 $ -- $ (717) $ 5,434
Total operating expenses 3,919 1,562 (7) (1,082) 4,392
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income 355 315 7 365 1,042
Interest expense 155 68 155 (87) 291
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 242 116 645 (889) 114
Other income (expense), net (27) 51 133 (60) 97
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 415 414 630 (497) 962
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 59 125 (10) 148 322
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 356 289 640 (645) 640
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle -- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (losses) $ 356 $ 289 $ 640 $ (645) $ 640
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues $ 4,361 $ 2,062 $ -- $ (695) $ 5,728
Total operating expenses 3,724 1,619 (95) (1,074) 4,174
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income 637 443 95 379 1,554
Interest expense 133 46 139 (58) 260
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 262 96 1,413 (1,689) 82
Other income (expense), net 6 524 (446) (18) 66
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 772 1,017 923 (1,270) 1,442
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 187 181 (13) 151 506
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 585 836 936 (1,421) 936
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle -- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (losses) $ 585 $ 836 $ 936 $ (1,421) $ 936
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
(As Adjusted - Note D)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues $ 13,203 $ 5,444 $ -- $ (1,899) $16,748
Total operating expenses 11,571 4,501 111 (3,045) 13,138
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income 1,632 943 (111) 1,146 3,610
Interest expense 455 243 472 (274) 896
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 782 2 2,400 (3,192) (8)
Other income (expense), net (47) 1,030 (18) (167) 798
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 1,912 1,732 1,799 (1,939) 3,504
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 418 826 (235) 461 1,470
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 1,494 906 2,034 (2,400) 2,034
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle -- (1,285) (1,285) 1,285 (1,285)
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (losses) $ 1,494 $ (379) $ 749 $ (1,115) $ 749
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE P - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues $ 13,093 $ 5,794 $ -- $ (1,994) $16,893
Total operating expenses 11,168 4,541 (59) (3,125) 12,525
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income 1,925 1,253 59 1,131 4,368
Interest expense 414 145 436 (190) 805
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 798 462 3,427 (4,252) 435
Other income (expense), net (15) 708 (340) (47) 306
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle 2,294 2,278 2,710 (2,978) 4,304
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 558 579 (92) 457 1,502
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 1,736 1,699 2,802 (3,435) 2,802
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle 816 (501) 315 (315) 315
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (losses) $ 2,552 $ 1,198 $ 3,117 $ (3,750) $ 3,117
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
December 31, 2002 September 30, 2003
--------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjust- Total BST Other Parent Adjust- Total
ments ments
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ -- $ 752 $ 1,643 $ 87 $ 2,482 $ -- $ 923 $ 4,018 $ 84 $ 5,025
Accounts receivable, net 53 1,901 2,807 (632) 4,129 67 1,106 3,111 (1,271) 3,013
Other current assets 367 695 81 108 1,251 356 773 44 88 1,261
Total current assets 420 3,348 4,531 (437) 7,862 423 2,802 7,173 (1,099) 9,299
Investments and advances 3,331 6,924 23,340 (23,854) 9,741 3,446 7,840 21,837 (24,729) 8,394
Property, plant and equipment,
net 21,352 2,037 5 51 23,445 21,863 1,861 4 37 23,765
Deferred charges and other
assets 4,892 329 124 381 5,726 4,946 283 97 430 5,756
Intangible assets, net 1,071 1,477 3 154 2,705 1,015 1,449 4 140 2,608
Total assets $ 31,066 $ 14,115 $ 28,003 $(23,705) $ 49,479 $31,693 $ 14,235 $29,115 $(25,221) $49,822
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 2,844 $1,120 $ 2,991 $(1,841) $ 5,114 $ 2,509 $ 723 $ 2,474 $(2,359) $ 3,347
Other current liabilities 3,415 1,563 743 (1,252) 4,469 3,723 1,809 859 (1,396) 4,995
Total current liabilities 6,259 2,683 3,734 (3,093) 9,583 6,232 2,532 3,333 (3,755) 8,342
Long-term debt 5,371 3,344 6,294 (2,726) 12,283 4,831 1,030 6,303 (518) 11,646
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 3,507 1,508 (733) 170 4,452 4,514 1,399 (740) 179 5,352
Other noncurrent liabilities 3,258 1,147 802 48 5,255 3,111 1,085 547 67 4,810
Total noncurrent liabilities 6,765 2,655 69 218 9,707 7,625 2,484 (193) 246 10,162
Shareholders' equity 12,671 5,433 17,906 (18,104) 17,906 13,005 8,189 19,672 (21,194) 19,672
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $31,066 $14,115 $28,003 $(23,705) $49,479 $31,693 $14,235 $29,115 $(25,221) $49,822
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
NOTE P - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities $ 5,262 $ 703 $ 2,604 $ (2,036) $ 6,533
Cash flows from investing activities (2,434) (304) 1,195 352 (1,191)
Cash flows from financing activities (2,828) (298) (2,558) 1,800 (3,884)
Net (decrease) increase in cash $ -- $ 101 $ 1,241 $ 116 $ 1,458
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities $ 4,217 $ 1,826 $ 3,283 $ (2,431) $ 6,895
Cash flows from investing activities (2,044) (302) 674 1,099 (573)
Cash flows from financing activities (2,173) (1,353) (1,582) 1,329 (3,779)
Net (decrease) increase in cash $ -- $ 171 $ 2,375 $ (3) $ 2,543
Item 2. 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, as modified by the
current report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2003.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Results of Operations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key financial and operating data for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2002 and 2003 are as follows. All references to earnings per share are on a
diluted basis. The discussion of consolidated results should be read in
conjunction with the discussion of results by segment directly following this
section as the discussion of segments results provides more detailed
information.
Prior year periods have been restated to include the effects of the adoption of
the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation."
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ----------- ------------------------ -----------
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Results of operations:
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Total operating revenues $ 5,434 $ 5,728 5.4 % $ 16,748 $ 16,893 0.9 %
Cost of services and products 1,879 2,038 8.5 % 5,718 5,979 4.6 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 1,024 1,032 0.8 % 3,243 3,217 -0.8 %
Depreciation and amortization 1,161 1,052 -9.4 % 3,492 3,136 -10.2 %
Provision for restructuring and asset impairments 328 52 -84.1 % 685 193 -71.8 %
Total operating expenses 4,392 4,174 -5.0 % 13,138 12,525 -4.7 %
Operating income 1,042 1,554 49.1 % 3,610 4,368 21.0 %
Interest expense 291 260 -10.7 % 896 805 -10.2 %
Gain (loss) on sale of operations - - * 1,335 (75) *
Net (losses) earnings of equity affiliates 114 82 -28.1 % (8) 435 *
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 8 (7) * (637) 137 *
Other income (expense), net 89 73 -18.0 % 100 244 144.0 %
Income before taxes and cumulative effect of changes
in accounting principle, net of tax 962 1,442 49.9 % 3,504 4,304 22.8 %
Provision for income taxes 322 506 57.1 % 1,470 1,502 2.2 %
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 640 936 46.3 % 2,034 2,802 37.8 %
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle,
net of tax - - * (1,285) 315 *
Net income $ 640 $ 936 46.3 % $ 749 $ 3,117 *
Earnings per share:
Income before effect of changes in accounting principle
$0.34 $ 0.51 50.0 % $1.08 $ 1.51 39.8 %
Net income $0.34 $ 0.51 50.0 % $0.40 $ 1.68 *
Cash flow data:
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Cash (used for) provided by operating activities 2,340 2,469 5.5 % 6,533 6,895 5.5 %
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities (1,101) (812) 26.2 % (1,191) (573) 51.9 %
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities (1,031) (754) 26.9 % (3,884) (3,779) 2.7 %
Other:
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Effective tax rate 33.5% 35.1% * 42.0% 34.9% *
Average short-term debt $ 5,122 $ 3,447 -32.7 % $ 5,006 $ 4,036 -19.4 %
Average long-term debt $12,537 $11,653 -7.1 % $ 13,654 $11,973 -12.3 %
Total average debt $17,659 $15,100 -14.5 % $ 18,660 $16,009 -14.2 %
* Not meaningful
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased $294 in the third quarter and $145 in the
year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2002 reflecting:
o A decrease in revenues of $66 for the year-to-date period at the
Communications group attributable to: weak economic conditions and
increased competitive activity including wireless substitution;
conversion of retail access lines to UNE-P, primarily in the
residential market; and unfavorable impacts from the movement of
wholesale customers from a resale basis to lower-priced unbundled
network elements. These decreases for the year-to-date periods were
partially offset by growth in retail DSL and long distance revenues.
o An increase in revenues of $157 for the third quarter 2003 at the
Communications group compared to the corresponding period in 2002
reflecting strong long distance retail revenue growth and strong
retail DSL revenue growth. These increases were somewhat offset by
continued line losses driven by the reasons noted above, and decreases
in wholesale long distance revenues.
o An increase in revenues of $93 for the third quarter 2003 and a
decrease of $88 for the year-to-date period at the Latin America
group. The increase in the third quarter 2003 compared to the
corresponding period in 2002 reflects substantial customer additions
as the customer base was 18.2% higher and billed minutes of use
increased 27%. During the first half of 2003, revenues in this
segment were negatively impacted by the effect of foreign currency
exchange rates as the currencies in Argentina and Venezuela both
experienced significant devaluations against the U.S. Dollar since the
beginning of 2002. The Argentine Peso strengthened in the latter part
of the second quarter and during third quarter of 2003, however the
Venezuelan Bolivar devaluation negatively impacted the third
quarter. The exit from the advertising and publishing business during
the fourth quarter of 2002 negatively impacted the period over period
comparisons.
o An increase in revenues of $43 for the third quarter 2003 and an
increase of $303 for the year-to-date period at the Advertising and
publishing group. The increase in the quarter and year-to-date periods
was driven by a change in accounting principle for recognizing
revenues during 2003 (see Note D) and the impact of a $163 reduction
in revenues recorded in the first quarter of 2002 related to the
correction of unbilled accounts receivable.
Operating Expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services and products is comprised primarily of network infrastructure
and related support costs associated with the Communications group and Latin
America group and printing and distribution costs associated with the
advertising and publishing group. This line item also includes expenses
associated with certain aspects of customer service operations for the
Communications group. Cost of services and products increased $159 in the third
quarter 2003 and $261 in the year-to-date period when compared to the same
periods in the prior year.
The most significant factor contributing to the increase for the quarter and the
year-to-date periods is higher expenses in the Communications group associated
with increases in expenses attributable to pension and postretirement benefits
plans (pension and retiree medical costs). The increases were driven by rising
health care costs, unfavorable returns on pension assets due to weak capital
markets over the past few years, changes to plan assumptions regarding expected
asset returns, a lower discount rate used to calculate service and interest cost
and rising health care inflation rates.
The increases in cost of services and products are also attributable to higher
costs to support the launch of retail long distance service and continued growth
of this product. Higher customer additions in the Latin America group, that
drive increased wireless handset costs, contributed to the increase in the third
quarter. The increases in the Communications group and Latin America group were
partially offset by lower salary and wages and other labor costs in the
Communication group, related to workforce reductions.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of selling
and marketing expenses, administrative costs, provisions for uncollectible
accounts and costs associated with customer service and billing.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the quarter and year-to-date
periods were relatively flat compared to the same periods in 2002. Third quarter
2003 expenses increased $114 in the Communications group, primarily due to
higher customer acquisition costs, including more extensive advertising, and
increased pension and retiree medical costs. These increases were partially
offset by lower uncollectible expense. The Communications group increase was
partially offset by lower expense in the Advertising and publishing group of
$52, primarily due to a decrease in uncollectible expense.
The year-to-date period included lower expenses in Latin America primarily due
to the impacts of currency devaluations and the impact of the exit of the yellow
page business, and lower expense in the Advertising and Publishing group driven
by substantial improvement in uncollectible expense. These decreases were offset
by higher expenses in the Communication group primarily due to increased
customer acquisition costs, including more extensive advertising, and increased
pension and retiree medical costs.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased $109 in the third quarter and $356 in
the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002 reflecting:
o a decline in the Communications group of $97 compared to third quarter
2002 and $290 compared to the year-to-date period 2002. These declines
reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 143 and lower depreciation rates under
the group life method precipitated primarily by the significant
reductions in capital expenditures.
o a decrease in the Latin America group of $15 compared to the third
quarter 2002 and $68 compared to the year-to-date period 2002 due to
the effects of currency devaluations, primarily in Venezuela for the
quarter over quarter decrease and primarily in Argentina and Venezuela
for the year-to-date decrease.
Provision for restructuring and asset impairments
The provision for restructuring and asset impairments recorded in the third
quarter 2003 relates to:
o a decision to abandon a software project related to a network
operations system. The project was terminated due to changes in the
business since the initiation of the project and on an assessment of
the remaining costs to complete the project. As a result, we recorded
an asset impairment of $52 to write-off of the capitalized software
associated with the project.
The provision for restructuring and asset impairments in the year-to-date period
2003 includes the $52 impairment described above and the following:
o net charges of $54 associated with actions taken to reduce our
workforce, consisting of an accrual for cash severance payments.
o pension settlement losses of $87. As a result of the work force
reductions, lump-sum distributions from the pension plan exceeded
prescribed settlement thresholds.
The provision for restructuring and asset impairments recorded in the third
quarter 2002 relates to the following:
o charges of $87 associated with actions taken to reduce our workforce,
consisting of an accrual for cash severance payments.
o asset impairment charges of $134 associated with the elimination of
certain service offerings.
o pension settlement losses of $107. As a result of the work force
reductions, lump-sum distributions from the pension plan exceeded
prescribed settlement thresholds.
The provision for restructuring and asset impairments recorded in the
year-to-date period 2002 relates to the following:
o charges of $384 associated with actions taken to reduce our workforce,
consisting of an accrual for cash severance payments.
o curtailment charges and special termination benefits of $60 related to
the workforce reduction.
o asset impairment charges of $134 associated with the elimination of
certain service offerings.
o pension settlement losses of $107. As a result of the work force
reductions, lump-sum distributions from the pension plan exceeded
prescribed settlement thresholds.
Interest Expense
Interest expense declined $31 in the third quarter and $91 in the year-to-date
period as compared to the same periods in 2002. Interest expense related to
interest-bearing debt was down $29 quarter-over-quarter and $98 year-over-year
reflecting debt reductions of $2.6 billion. The remaining differences in the
quarter and the year-to-date periods relate to interest accruals on other
liabilities and contingencies.
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates
Earnings from our unconsolidated businesses decreased $32 in third quarter 2003
and increased $443 in the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in
2002. Much of the year-to-date decline is due to the recognition of
other-than-temporary impairments of $383 in first quarter 2002 and the cessation
of the recognition of operating losses subsequent to the impairment. There are
no losses recorded in 2003 related to our Brazilian operations. Also impacting
the year-to-date comparison was the recognition of other-than-temporary
impairments of $62 related to our Guatemalan operation
recorded in second quarter 2002. Equity earnings related to Cingular decreased
$39 in third quarter 2003 and $16 in the year-to-date period as compared to the
same periods in 2002 driven by activity discussed in detail in the domestic
wireless segment operating results.
Gain (loss) on sale of operations
The loss on sale of operations in the year-to-date period 2003 includes $75
related to the sale of our entire stake in BSE. The $1,335 gain on sale of
operations in the year-to-date period 2002 relates to the conversion of our
ownership interest in E-Plus and related disposition of shares in KPN.
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, which
relate primarily to U.S. Dollar denominated debt in Latin America, included a
net loss of $7 in the third quarter 2003, a net gain of $137 in the year-to-date
period of 2003, a net gain of $8 in the third quarter 2002, and a net loss of
$637 in the year-to-date period of 2002. The majority of the losses in 2002 were
driven by the devaluation of the Argentine Peso, while the 2003 gain reflects a
slight recovery of the Argentine Peso, offset to some extent by depreciation in
the Colombian Peso. Year-to-date 2003 includes a gain of $20 recorded in the
second quarter for the settlement of foreign currency swap contracts resulting
from the early repayment of advances to KPN.
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 non-operating income.
Other income in the third quarter 2003 decreased $16 compared to the
corresponding period in 2002, primarily driven by a reduction of interest income
of $41 in third quarter 2003. The decrease in interest income reflects lower
rates on cash received from KPN in 2003 and a lower interest rate on the $3.8
billion advance to Cingular, which rate was reduced to 6% from 7.5% effective
July 1, 2003. Minority interest expense also increased $21 in the third quarter
2003 compared to the third quarter 2002. These decreases in other income were
somewhat offset by the impact of a $37 loss in third quarter 2002 related to the
early extinguishment of long-term debt.
The year-over-year increase of $144 is primarily driven by the recognition of
$318 in losses related to our investment in Qwest, which was liquidated in
second quarter 2002. In addition, we recognized $29 in gains in second quarter
2003 related to the sale of interests in two real estate partnerships and the
sale of a building. These increases were partially offset by an increase in
minority interests expense for Colombia for the year-to-date period 2003
compared to the same period in 2002, and $98 of minority interest benefit
recorded in Argentina in the year-to-date period 2002, driven by significant
foreign currency losses. Interest income was also down $101 in the year-to-date
period 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002.
Provision for income taxes
The provision for income taxes increased $184 in third quarter 2003 and $32 in
the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002. The effective
tax rate increased to 35.1% in the third quarter 2003 from 33.5% in the third
quarter 2002. Third quarter 2002 includes income tax benefits 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 and $25 related to inflation
adjustments deductible for Venezuelan tax purposes. The Venezuelan inflation
adjustment was $11 in third quarter 2003.
The effective tax rate decreased substantially to 34.9% in the year-to-date
period from 42.0% in the same period of 2002. The recording of a foreign tax
valuation allowance, deferring recognition of the tax benefits generated by
losses at our operations in Argentina, substantially increased the rate in the
second quarter 2002. In 2003, partial reversal of this valuation allowance
decreased the effective rate as foreign currency gains were realized in
Argentina. The year-to-date rate was further decreased by the reversal of
deferred tax valuation allowances on net operating losses in Ecuador in the
first quarter of 2003 and by income tax benefits of $33 related to the inflation
adjustments deductible for Venezuelan tax purposes.
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle
Asset Retirement Obligations
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations" (SFAS No. 143). In connection with the adoption of this
standard, we recorded the cumulative effect of accounting change that increased
2003 net income by $816. See Note D for further discussion of this change.
Revenue Recognition for Publishing Revenues
Effective January 1, 2003, we changed our method for recognizing revenues and
expenses related to our directory publishing business from the publication and
delivery method to the deferral method. The cumulative effect of the change in
accounting method is reflected in the income statement as a decrease to 2003 net
income of $501. See Note D for further discussion of this change.
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). In connection
with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, we recorded an impairment loss in first
quarter 2002 of $1,277, with no income tax benefit. Additionally, Cingular
completed its transitional impairment test resulting in an additional loss to
BellSouth in first quarter 2002 of $8 after taxes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 historical operating information to reflect the current
business structure. See Note L for a reconciliation of segment results to the
unaudited 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.
Adjustments to Segment Results
To align with internal reporting, the 2002 segment results for the Advertising
and publishing segment have been recast to reflect the change in accounting
method as discussed in Note D. Prior period results for all segments and
consolidated results have been restated for the effects of adopting the fair
value method of accounting for stock-based compensation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 retail residential, business and wholesale
customers.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues:
Voice $ 3,133 $ 3,184 1.6 % $ 9,442 $9,490 0.5 %
Data 1,060 1,118 5.5 % 3,219 3,272 1.6 %
Other 422 366 -13.3 % 1,307 1,068 -18.3 %
Total segment operating revenues 4,615 4,668 1.1 % 13,968 13,830 -1.0 %
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 1,673 1,720 2.8 % 4,928 5,057 2.6 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 641 755 17.8 % 2,115 2,287 8.1 %
Depreciation and amortization 1,046 949 -9.3 % 3,120 2,830 -9.3 %
Total segment operating expenses 3,360 3,424 1.9 % 10,163 10,174 0.1 %
Segment operating income 1,255 1,244 -0.9 % 3,805 3,656 -3.9 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 710 $ 727 2.4 % $ 2,147 $2,115 -1.5 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income including unusual items $ 406 $ 759 86.9 % $ 1,691 $2,802 65.7 %
Key Indicators (000s except where noted)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access lines(1):
Residential retail 15,483 14,355 -7.3 %
Residential wholesale 1,158 1,732 49.6 %
Total residential lines 16,641 16,087 -3.3 %
Business retail 7,372 6,916 -6.2 %
Business wholesale 694 742 6.9 %
Total business lines 8,065 7,658 -5.0 %
Other 188 159 -15.4 %
Total access lines 24,894 23,904 -4.0 %
Resale lines (included in access lines above) 494 279 -43.5 %
UNE-P (included in access lines above) 1,382 2,240 62.1 %
UNE-Loop 385 353 -8.3 %
Total Resale lines and UNEs 2,261 2,872 27.0 %
DSL customers 924 1,336 44.6 %
Long distance customers 416 3,440 *
Access minutes of use (millions) 24,591 23,390 -4.9 % 75,247 69,238 -8.0 %
Capital expenditures $ 737 $ 692 -6.1 % $2,577 $ 1,923 -25.4 %
* Not meaningful
(1) Access lines include an adjustment to convert ISDN lines to a switched
access line basis for comparability.
Segment operating revenues
Voice
Voice revenues increased $51 in the third quarter 2003 and increased $48 in the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002 driven primarily by
the growth in interLATA long distance partially offset by continued access line
share loss. Total switched access lines declined 4.0% year-over-year with retail
line losses being partially offset by increases in wholesale lines. The access
line decline was the result of a continued weak economy, share loss and
technology substitution.
Wholesale lines, which consist primarily of unbundled network element - platform
(UNE-P) lines, totaled approximately 2.2 million, up 188 thousand lines in the
quarter. The vast majority of the quarterly UNE-P additions were residential.
Business UNE-P line adds of 20 thousand fell slightly from the prior quarter
while other wholesale UNE-P lines, primarily payphone, added 3 thousand in the
third quarter 2003. When lines over which we provide retail services are
converted to UNE-P, we lose revenue and margin. On average, the revenue from our
provision of UNE-P does not permit us to recover the fairly allocated costs we
incur to provide it. To mitigate this loss, we are actively seeking reform of
the pricing rules that regulators use to set UNE-P prices. We also continue to
actively market our own retail services and bundles.
In efforts to combat share loss, we continue to grow our package services.
BellSouth AnswersSM is our signature residential package that combines wireline,
wireless and Internet services. The package combines the Complete Choice calling
plan of local service and multiple convenience calling features with BellSouth
Long Distance, FastAccess(R)DSL or dial-up Internet, and Cingular Wireless
services. Pricing ranges from approximately $33 monthly for local service and
fixed rate long distance to $130 for local service, unlimited long distance,
Fast Access DSL and Cingular Wireless.
We added approximately 509 thousand Answers customers in the third quarter,
ending the quarter with more than 2.6 million residential packages, representing
a 20.9% penetration of our retail primary line residence base. Over 70% of
Answers customers have long distance in their package and nearly 40% have either
DSL or dial-up Internet. We believe the Answers package helps reduce competitive
churn for our high-value customers. BellSouth Answers also improves Average
Revenue per Unit (ARPU) by spurring sales of Complete Choice, long distance and
DSL. Answers customers have monthly ARPU of approximately $62, more than 45%
higher than non-Answers customers.
Long distance voice revenue increased $188 for the third quarter 2003 and $423
for the year-to-date period 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002, driven
primarily by growth in interLATA and wireless long distance. InterLATA revenues
increased $180 in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2002, while
the year-to-date revenues increased $383 compared to 2002. Substantial interLATA
growth reflects obtaining regulatory relief to provide interLATA services in the
nine southeastern states we serve. At September 30, 2003, we had over 3.4
million long distance customers, a penetration rate of 24.3% of primary
residential access lines and 33.9% of mass-market small business accounts.
Earlier this year, we began offering unlimited long distance to reduce
competitive churn and increase retention and reacquisition of residential
customers. Since its April 2003 launch, over one-third of our long distance
gross additions have chosen the Unlimited plan. Revenue from wholesale
long-distance services provided to Cingular increased $10 for the third quarter
2003 compared to the same period in 2002 and $36 for the year-to-date period
compared to 2002. This increase was caused by higher volumes associated with the
proliferation of wireless long distance plans.
Switched access revenues are down in the third quarter and year-to-date periods
compared to the same periods last year due to volume and rate decreases.
Switched access rates were lower due to effects of the CALLs program, an FCC
access reform initiative. The decline in rates, however, is substantially offset
by higher subscriber line charges. Switched access minutes of use (MOU) declined
4.9% compared to the third quarter of 2002 and 8% compared to the year-to-date
period of 2002. The year-over-year decline is the result of access line loss,
the continuing shift of wholesale lines from resale to UNE-P, and alternative
communications services, primarily wireless and e-mail. Switched access MOUs
grew sequentially for the second consecutive quarter, primarily due to the
impact of unlimited long distance plans.
Data
Data revenues increased $58 in the third quarter 2003 and $53 in the
year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2002. The overall
growth in the third quarter was driven by strong retail growth, primarily
revenues from the sale of FastAccess DSL service. Retail data services such as
FastAccess DSL, ISDN, Frame Relay(R), Lightgate(R), and Smartring(R) represent
approximately 52% of total data revenues while wholesale data revenues accounted
for the remaining 48%.
Retail data services grew 17.7% in the third quarter 2003 and 12.8% for the
year-to-date 2003 compared to the corresponding periods in 2002 driven primarily
by growth from the sale of FastAccess DSL service. Early in the third quarter
2003, we introduced FastAccess(R) DSL Lite, creating a tiered approach to
broadband that allows customers to choose the connection speed and price best
suited to their Internet use. Including Fast Access DSL Lite, BellSouth added
115,000 net retail broadband customers in the third quarter 2003. These retail
customer additions were offset somewhat by wholesale disconnects as we continue
to see a shift in customer mix to more retail.
Revenues from the sale of wholesale data transport services to other
communications providers, including long distance companies and CLECs, declined
5.4% in the third quarter 2003 and 7.7% in the year-to-date 2003 compared to the
same periods in 2002, primarily due to the lingering impacts of a soft economy,
network consolidation by large inter-exchange carriers and the renegotiation of
an access contract with a bankrupt wholesale customer.
Combined wholesale and retail DSL revenues were up $78 in the third quarter and
$176 in the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2002, due
to a larger customer base. As of September 30, 2003, we had over 1.3 million
customers, an increase of over 400 thousand customers compared to September
2002. Other retail data products, primarily DS1 lines (dedicated high capacity
lines) were lower driven by decreases in demand and special access rate
reductions effective July 2002.
We also continued to grow our long distance in complex business, signing over
one thousand contracts for long distance services during the quarter.
Cumulatively, the company has signed nearly 5.5 thousand complex business
contracts with a total contract value of over $600 million. Through the first
nine months of 2003, on a monthly basis, we sold about $20 million in annualized
contract value in the complex business segment.
Other
Other communications revenue decreased $56 in the third quarter 2003 and $239
for the year-to-date period primarily due to the continuing phase-out of our
payphone business and declines of sales to second and third tier long distance
carriers due to our decision to eliminate certain products within the wholesale
long distance portfolio. Such revenues collectively decreased $46 in the third
quarter and $164 in the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in
2002. We plan to complete the exit of the payphone business by the end of 2003.
Other revenues were also impacted by decreases in late payment fees and revenues
from billing and collection agreements for other communications companies.
Collectively, these revenues decreased $25 in the third quarter and $70 in the
year-to-date period when compared to the same period in 2002. The late payment
fee decrease was due in part to the late 2002 Florida Supreme Court decision
that late payment billings in Florida must be based on a percentage of the
amounts overdue. Billing and collection revenues continue to decrease reflecting
additional carriers utilizing their own billing systems and the loss of carrier
billing revenues as retail customers change from other carriers to our long
distance services.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services and products increased $47 in the third quarter and $129 in the
year-to-date as compared to the same periods in 2002. The increase for the third
quarter reflects increased pension and retiree medical costs of $86 compared to
the same period in 2002. Other increases include higher retail interLATA long
distance costs, which increased $48 as compared to the third quarter of 2002,
associated with the substantial growth in retail interLATA long distance,
increased service installation expense of $52, reflecting decreased deferrals as
compared to the prior period and higher overtime for network repair and
maintenance activity.
These cost increases were partially offset by work force reductions, primarily
as a result of reduced business volumes, that resulted in decreased salary and
wage related expenses of $33 in the third quarter of 2003. Costs associated with
the sale of wholesale long distance and data networking and paging equipment
were $56 lower due to the decision to de-emphasize sales of these products.
Other decreases for the third quarter were primarily driven by lower shared
information technology infrastructure costs supporting cost of services.
The year-to-date increase reflects increased pension and retiree medical costs
of $246 compared to the same period in 2002. Other year-to-date increases
include retail interLATA long distance growth of $142 and service installation
expense increase of $149, reflecting decreased deferrals as compared to the
prior period.
These year-to-date cost increases were partially offset by work force
reductions, primarily as a result of reduced business volumes, that resulted in
decreased salary and wage related expenses of $124 in the year-to-date period
compared to the same period in 2002. Costs associated with the sale of wholesale
long distance and data networking and paging equipment were $200 lower due to
the decision to de-emphasize sales of these products, and contract services
decreases of $29 reflecting lower demand.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $114 in the third
quarter and $172 in the year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in
2002. The periods presented were impacted by increases in advertising of $27 in
the third quarter and $86 in the year-to-date period associated with higher
spend related to a more competitive environment and increases to outside sales
commissions of $22 in the third quarter and $60 in the year-to-date period
primarily related to the long distance launch. Costs related to insurance
premiums and service penalties increased $18 in the third quarter and $71 in the
year-to-date period compared to the same period in 2002. The periods presented
were also impacted by increased pension and retiree medical costs of $10 in the
third quarter and $28 in the year-to-date periods compared to the same period in
2002. Other increases in selling, general, and administrative costs for the
quarter include increased contract services costs associated with supporting
substantial retail interLATA long distance growth.
These increases were partially offset by decreases in uncollectible expenses of
$21 in the third quarter 2003 and $98 in the year-to-date period when compared
to the same period in 2002. Prior year periods included the impact of higher
bankruptcies and non-pay accounts driving the decrease in the current year.
Salary and wage related expense decreased $38 in the year-to-date period
compared to the corresponding periods in 2002 reflecting workforce reductions.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $97 during third quarter 2003
and $290 in the year-to-date period as compared to same periods in 2002. The
primary driver of the year-over-year decline in depreciation expense relates to
lower depreciation rates under the group life method of depreciation. The lower
depreciation rates were caused primarily by the significant reductions in
capital expenditures over the past several years. In addition, depreciation
expense was lower due to the adoption of SFAS No. 143. In connection with the
adoption of this standard, we no longer
accrue for net cost of removal in our depreciation rates causing lower
depreciation expense. Amortization expense increased slightly due to higher
levels of capitalized software.
Unusual items excluded from segment net income
Unusual items that were excluded from this segment's net income consisted of the
following: for third quarter 2003, $(32) related to an asset impairment of an
abandoned systems project; for year-to-date 2003, $687 in income for the
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to the adoption of
FAS 143 offset by restructuring charges, costs associated with the early
extinguishment of debt, and an asset impairment; for third quarter 2002, $(304)
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; for year-to-date 2002, $(386) 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We own an approximate 40% economic interest in Cingular, a joint venture with
SBC Communications (SBC). Because we exercise 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 management purposes, we evaluate our Domestic wireless segment
based on our proportionate share of Cingular's results. Accordingly, results for
our Domestic wireless segment reflect the proportional consolidation of
approximately 40% of Cingular's financial and non-financial results.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues:
Service revenues $1,409 $1,429 1.4 % $ 4,133 $4,179 1.1 %
Equipment revenues 102 153 50.0 % 295 353 19.7 %
Total segment operating revenues 1,511 1,582 4.7 % 4,428 4,532 2.3 %
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 500 601 20.2 % 1,429 1,570 9.9 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 574 577 0.5 % 1,644 1,571 -4.4 %
Depreciation and amortization 191 209 9.4 % 553 607 9.8 %
Total segment operating expenses 1,265 1,387 9.6 % 3,626 3,748 3.4 %
Segment operating income 246 195 -20.7 % 802 784 -2.2 %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 68 $ 44 -35.3 % $ 259 $ 249 -3.9 %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income including unusual items $ 68 $ 44 -35.3 % $ 251 $ 249 -0.8 %
Key Indicators:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cellular/PCS Customers (000s) 8,830 9,354 5.9 %
Wireless service average monthly revenue per customer
- Cellular/PCS (whole dollars) $52.17 $50.91 -2.4 % $51.58 $50.93 -1.3 %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues
Cellular/PCS customers increased 5.9% compared to September 30, 2002. Net
cellular/PCS additions in the third quarter 2003 increased 298 thousand compared
to third quarter 2002 and increased 590 thousand in the year-to-date period 2003
as compared to 2002. Net cellular/PCS additions for the quarter represented the
largest net customer additions in over two years. Improvement in customer
additions are partly attributable to several business initiatives Cingular
implemented earlier in 2003: (1) reorganization of Cingular's marketing, sales
and operations activities from a national to a regional basis to more
effectively address local market needs; (2) introduction of a more meaningful
brand message - "Cingular Fits You Best" - to tie in with the more focused local
market strategy; and (3) increased emphasis on Cingular's affiliation with its
parents and co-branding and more effectively utilizing the parents' sales
channels in those areas where Cingular's wireless markets overlap with the
parents' wireline markets. During the three months ended September 30, 2003, the
postpaid and reseller subscriber bases increased. Although there were prepaid
net customer losses in third quarter 2003, prepaid subscriber growth was
impacted positively by the KIC (Keep in Contact) prepaid plan launched in the
fourth quarter of 2002. The reseller subscriber base is higher because of
aggressive growth by Cingular's primary reseller. The cellular/PCS churn rate
was 2.8% in third quarter 2003 and 2.6% in the year-to-date period 2003 compared
with a 3.0% churn rate third quarter 2002 and 2.9% for the year-to-date period
2002.
Total segment operating revenues increased $71 for the third quarter and $104
for the year-to-date period compared to the corresponding periods in 2002. The
growth in total operating revenues was a result of improved service revenues
driven by a larger average cellular/PCS customer base and growth in data
revenues. Strong customer growth in 2003 also contributed to increased equipment
revenues.
Service revenues increased $20 in the third quarter 2003 and $46 in the
year-to-date period, driven by the increase in the average subscriber base for
both periods. This increase was offset partially by the effects of Emerging
Issues Task Force 00-21 (EITF 00-21), Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables, adopted July 1, 2003. Implementation of EITF 00-21 resulted in a
reclassification of certain direct channel activation revenues from service
revenues to equipment revenues on a prospective basis only. As a result, service
revenue growth was reduced in the current quarter by approximately $7. Other
increases were a result of an increase in data revenues from the third quarter
of 2002 and from the year-to-date period 2002, reflective of higher penetration
and usage of SMS short messaging data services with cellular/PCS customers as
well as increased revenue per customer related to the Mobitex data business.
Partially offsetting these increases were year-to-date declines in roaming and
long distance revenues reflecting the migration of customers to regional and
national rate plans and a reduction in roaming rates with major roaming partners
to support all-inclusive rate plans, and the formation of a venture to share
infrastructure with T-Mobile USA, Inc., which reduced roaming charges to both
carriers' customers.
Wireless service average revenue per user (ARPU) for cellular/PCS customers
declined 2.4% or $1.26 to $50.91 in the third quarter 2003 from $52.17 in the
third quarter 2002 and declined 1.3% or $0.65 to $50.93 in the year-to-date
period 2003 from $51.58 in the year-to-date period 2002. A portion of the
decline in wireless service revenue is attributable to the implementation of
EITF 00-21. In accordance with this new policy, activation revenues from
Cingular's direct channels are now recorded in product revenue instead of local
service revenue. The impact of this change in third quarter 2003 was
approximately $7 or $0.27 per subscriber. Currently, Cingular has approximately
26% of its customer base on regional or national plans. In addition, continued
competitive pricing pressure in combination with a higher percentage of lower
ARPU reseller and prepaid customers in Cingular's customer base in 2003
negatively impacted ARPU when compared with the same periods in 2002. A
year-to-date increase in ARPU related to local service revenues was more than
offset by reductions in revenues from roaming and long distance, thereby
reducing overall service ARPU when compared to third quarter 2002 and the
year-to-date period 2002.
Equipment revenues increased $51 in third quarter 2003 and $58 in the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002. These increases
included the impact of the implementation of EITF 00-21, which increased current
quarter equipment revenues by approximately $7. For the three months ended
September 30, 2003, an over 60% increase in handset revenues was primarily
driven by higher unit sales reflecting the nearly 35% increase in cellular/PCS
postpaid and prepaid gross customer additions and a significant increase in the
sale of "upgrade" handsets compared with the same prior year period. The
increased unit sales, particularly for upgrades, was a function of both
Cingular's GSM conversions and focused efforts to increase the number of
customers under contract.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services primarily includes expenses to monitor, maintain and service
Cingular's network, landline facilities expense, incollect roaming charges from
other carriers, cost of equipment sales, and long distance expense. Cost of
services and products increased $101 during third quarter 2003 and $141 in the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002. The primary driver
of the increase of cost of services was the increase in the cost of equipment
sales of $98 for the third quarter and $112 for the year-to-date periods
compared to the corresponding periods in 2002. This increase was driven
primarily by higher unit sales associated with the large increase in gross
customer additions and upgrade unit sales. Overall, for the nine months ended
September 30, 2003, the increased cost of equipment sales was also impacted by
higher per unit handset costs driven by a shift to more advanced handsets, such
as the dual mode TDMA/GSM handsets in use during Cingular's GSM system
conversion and newly introduced GSM-only handsets. Other increases in cost of
services include increases in local system costs of $28 for the third quarter
and $81 for the year-to-date periods compared to the corresponding periods in
2002, partially offset by decreases in third party system costs. Local systems
costs continue to be driven by growth in system minutes of use, system expansion
and the increased costs of redundant TDMA and GSM networks required during the
current GSM system overlay. When compared with the same prior year periods,
system minutes of use increased 19.1% in the third quarter 2003 and 16.9% for
year-to-date 2003. The primary contributor to lower third party system costs was
a decrease in roaming costs. These costs decreased $22 in the third quarter 2003
and $50 year-to-date 2003, when compared with the same periods in 2002. These
reductions were a result of lower negotiated roaming rates and cost reductions
associated with the Mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $3 in third quarter 2003
and decreased $73 in the year-to-date period, when compared to same periods in
2002. For the third quarter 2003, increases in selling expenses were almost
entirely offset by decreases in costs related to maintaining and supporting
Cingular's customer base and other
administrative costs. For the year-to-date 2003 period, decreases in Cingular's
selling expenses, costs related to maintaining and supporting its customer base,
and other administrative costs contributed to the overall decrease.
Selling costs increased $37 in the third quarter compared to third quarter 2002,
driven primarily by higher commission expenses and advertising costs partially
offset by lower sales expenses. Higher commission expenses were consistent with
the nearly 35% increase in total cellular/PCS postpaid and prepaid gross
additions compared with the prior year. For the third quarter, lower sales costs
were principally due to $8 of costs in the prior year related to the 2002 sales
operation reorganization. For the year-to-date period, the less than 1% change
can be attributed to reduced employee-related costs as a result of the sales
operation reorganization in 2002 offset by higher commissions and advertising
expenses.
Costs for maintaining and supporting the customer base decreased $32 for the
third quarter 2003 and $54 for the year-to-date period when compared to the
corresponding periods in 2002. For the third quarter, the decrease was
principally due to decreased bad debt expenses offset by increased residuals and
upgrade commissions expenses related to Cingular's existing customer base. The
increase in upgrade commissions was consistent with the increases in upgrade
handset sales as reflected in equipment sales and costs previously discussed.
For the year-to-date period, reduced costs included lower bad debt expenses,
billing expenses, and customer service expenses. The lower billing and customer
service expenses reflect cost reductions as a result of system conversions and
related consolidations in 2002.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $18 in third quarter 2003 and $54 in the
year-to-date period when compared to the same periods in 2002. The increase in
depreciation expense of $19 for third quarter 2003 and $63 for the year-to-date
period 2003 was attributable to higher levels of gross property, plant and
equipment plus accelerated depreciation on TDMA assets that began in 2003.
Amortization expense declined $1 during third quarter 2003 and $9 in the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002 due to certain
finite-lived intangibles becoming fully amortized during 2002.
Unusual items excluded from segment net income
There were no items excluded from this segment's results in third quarters 2003
and 2002 and year-to-date 2003. In year-to-date 2002 $(8) related to the
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the adoption of FAS 142
was excluded from the segment results.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 are accounted for under the equity method and
accordingly their results are reported as Net earnings (losses) of equity
affiliates. During the third quarter 2003 we purchased an incremental 22%
ownership share in our Argentine operating company from our partner for a
nominal amount and now own 86.7% of the company.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues:
Service revenues $ 404 $ 494 22.3 % $ 1,467 $1,397 -4.8 %
Equipment and other revenues 78 94 20.5 % 250 265 6.0 %
Advertising and publishing revenues 13 - -100.0 % 35 - -100.0 %
Total segment operating revenues 495 588 18.8 % 1,752 1,662 -5.1 %
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 173 249 43.9 % 669 750 12.1 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 156 151 -3.2 % 546 441 -19.2 %
Depreciation and amortization 106 91 -14.2 % 342 274 -19.9 %
Total segment operating expenses 435 491 12.9 % 1,557 1,465 -5.9 %
Segment operating income 60 97 61.7 % 195 197 1.0 %
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates (5) 3 * (13) 11 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 54 $ 48 -11.1 % $ 69 $ 99 43.5 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income (loss) including unusual items $ 40 $ 61 * $(2,110) $ 58 *
* Not meaningful
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Indicators:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customers (a) (000s) 7,913 9,351 18.2 %
Average monthly revenue per customer (whole
dollars) (a) $ 17.26 $ 18.00 4.3% $ 20.14 $17.69 -12.2 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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 in Latin America increased $93 in third quarter 2003
as compared to the same period in 2002, primarily driven by the increase in
customer base of 18.2% over the prior year. During the third quarter we added
421 thousand customers with over 300 thousand additional customers in Ecuador,
Colombia, and Chile combined for the second consecutive quarter. Driven
primarily by strong customer growth across the region, billed minutes of use
increased 27% in the third quarter 2003 compared to the third quarter 2002
leading to the significant increase in service revenues of $90 in the third
quarter 2003 compared to the third quarter 2002. While customer growth was
substantial, ARPU remained stable, further driving the revenue increase. To a
lesser extent, third quarter revenue increases reflect currency appreciation of
the Argentine Peso of 27% since the third quarter 2002, contributing to the
revenue growth over the same period in 2002. These increases were partially
offset by the impact of devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar.
Year-to-date service revenues in Latin America decreased $70 compared to the
same period in 2002. The Venezuelan Bolivar devalued over 38% in the first nine
months of 2003 compared to the first nine months of 2002. The Argentine Peso
devalued 25% during the same time period. Argentina and Venezuela combined
service revenues decreased $149 in the year-to-date period as compared to the
same periods in 2002. The declines in service revenue were partially offset by
an increase in Ecuador of $62 for the year-to-date period 2003 as compared to
the same period in 2002, reflecting a 57% increase in its customer base as well
as a $22 increase in 2003 associated with a settlement reached with another
wireless carrier over disputed interconnect fees. The settlement also resulted
in recording $32 in cost of services resulting in a net reduction to operating
income of $10 for the year-to-date period. The declines in service revenue were
also offset by an increase of $15 generated in Colombia primarily due to a 43%
increase in its customer base substantially offset by the impact of currency
devaluation.
Equipment and other revenues increased $16 in third quarter 2003 primarily due
to the 59.2% increase in gross customer additions over the same period last
year. These revenues increased $15 in the year-to-date period as compared to
same period in 2002 due to the 28.4% increase in gross customer additions from
the prior year-to-date amounts, partially offset by the previously discussed
currency devaluations.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services and products increased $76 in third quarter 2003 and $81 in the
year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002. The third quarter
increase was primarily caused by cost of equipment increases from higher gross
additions. Increases in cost of services in the third quarter also reflect
higher interconnect costs driven by higher customer minutes of use as previously
discussed. The year-to-date period of 2003 also includes $32 of additional
expense recorded in Ecuador associated with an interconnect settlement
previously described.
Year-to-date costs also increased due to a $37 contingency accrual recorded in
2003. Changes in administrative regulations in one of the countries in which we
operate, regarding the inclusion of interconnection income in the taxable
revenue base, contradicted the method of calculation used by our subsidiary in
computing and paying its liability for taxes on telecommunications services. We
believe we have a valid argument under existing law for our method of
calculating the tax. However, because of uncertainty in the outcome of this
issue, our subsidiary has recorded a contingency accrual for prior unpaid taxes
based on the new regulations and it intends to calculate taxes in future periods
in conformity with these regulations until the legal issues are resolved. We
plan to defend our position, in the courts if necessary. We cannot predict how
long it will take to resolve this issue, however we do not expect the impact, if
any, to be material to our results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.
The cost of services change also was impacted by an $8 decrease in the third
quarter 2003 and $20 year-to-date 2003 compared to the same periods last year
due to the exit of the advertising and publishing business in 2002.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $105 in the year-to-date
period as compared to the same periods in 2002. The decrease in US$ terms was
caused primarily by currency devaluations in Venezuela, which recorded a
decline of $46, and Argentina, which recorded a decline of $19. The year-to-date
decline was also impacted by a decrease of $28 related to the exit of the
advertising and publishing business in 2002.
In local currency terms, selling, general, and administrative expenses were
relatively flat, despite strong growth during the period primarily as a result
of cost containment efforts and operational efficiencies. Customer gross adds
increased 28.4%, and the customer base increased by 18.2% as compared to the
prior year. The year-to-date period 2003 also reflects a benefit in Ecuador
associated with cumulative future deductions to be used to calculate employee
profit-sharing expense.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $15 in third quarter 2003 and
$68 in the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002. The
decline reflects the impact of currency devaluations on the amortizable basis of
tangible and intangible assets.
Net earnings of equity affiliates
Net earnings from our Latin America equity affiliates improved from a loss of
($5) to income of $3 in third quarter 2003 and a loss of ($13) to income of $11
in the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2002, primarily as
a result of the cessation of recording losses from our equity investments in
Brazil.
Provision for income taxes
The provision for taxes in the year-to-date period 2003 includes benefits
related to inflation adjustments deductible for Venezuelan tax purposes and
benefits related to the reversals of deferred tax valuation allowances on net
operating losses in Ecuador and Argentina. In addition, the third quarter 2002
includes income tax benefits of $25 related to inflation adjustments deductible
for Venezuelan tax purposes.
Unusual items excluded from segment net income
Unusual items that were excluded from this segment's net income consisted of the
following: in third quarter 2003, $13 related to foreign currency transaction
gains; in year-to-date 2003, $(41) related to foreign currency transaction gains
offset by the loss on sale of BSE and by restructuring charges; in third quarter
2002, $(14) related to foreign currency transaction losses; in year-to-date
2002, $(2,179) related to impairment losses under SFAS No. 142, foreign currency
transaction losses, Brazil loan impairments, asset impairments, and severance
costs, partially offset by gain on sale of stock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising and Publishing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 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.
As discussed more fully in Note D to the interim financial statements, effective
January 1, 2003, we changed our method for recognizing revenues and expenses
related to our directory publishing business. This was treated as a cumulative
effect of accounting change and therefore prior year results were not restated.
However, to align with internal reporting, the 2002 segment results for the
Advertising and publishing segment have been recast to reflect the change.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues $ 521 $ 505 -3.1 % $1,601 $ 1,528 -4.6 %
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 83 94 13.3 % 265 254 -4.2 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 220 168 -23.6 % 614 522 -15.0 %
Depreciation and amortization 7 5 -28.6 % 21 19 -9.5 %
Total segment operating expenses 310 267 -13.9 % 900 795 -11.7 %
Segment operating income 211 238 12.8 % 701 733 4.6 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 128 $ 147 14.8 % $ 427 $ 453 6.1 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income (loss) including unusual items $ 124 $ 147 18.5 % $ 323 $ (52) *
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Not meaningful
Segment operating revenues
The overall industry environment continues to reflect weak economic conditions
and increasing competitive activity. Segment operating revenues decreased $16
from the third quarter of 2002 to the third quarter of 2003, and decreased $73
on a year-to-date basis. These decreases include a reduction in print revenues
of $23 for the quarter and $67 for the year-to-date period, partially offset by
increases in revenues from electronic media offerings. The decrease in the
year-to-date period also reflects the favorable impact of $24 recorded in the
second quarter of last year related predominately to billing and claims related
true-ups.
The revenue declines during the 2003 periods were primarily driven by the
amortization of revenues from directories issued in 2002, and to a lesser extent
from those issued in 2003. When compared to their previous issues, the total
revenues on directories published during third quarter 2003 declined 4.8%; total
revenues for all directories published during 2003 have declined 2.9%. These
declines are driven by the decrease in revenues derived from print directories,
partially offset by an increase in revenues from associated electronic media
offerings.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products increased $11 for the quarter and decreased $11 on
a year-to-date basis. The quarter-over-quarter increase is attributable to
higher costs related to dedicated customer phone lines which provide call
tracking for customers, a slight increase in print directory production and
manufacturing costs, and costs associated with higher volumes of business in
electronic media offerings. The year-to-date decrease primarily reflects the
impact during the first half of 2003 of manufacturing cost reduction efforts
that were made during the latter half of 2002.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $52 for the quarter and
$92 on a year-to-date basis. Uncollectible expense was the primary driver of the
reductions, decreasing $48 for the quarter and $75 for the year-to-date period.
These decreases reflect the impact of improved collection performance in the
2003 periods. In addition, administrative expenses decreased on both a quarterly
and year-to-date basis as the result of cost-control efforts. The decreases in
both periods were partially offset by increases attributable to pension and
postretirement benefits plans driven by rising health care costs, unfavorable
returns on pension assets due to weak capital markets and changes to plan
assumptions regarding expected asset returns and health care inflation rates.
Depreciation and amortization was relatively flat for both the quarter and
year-to-date periods.
Unusual items excluded from segment net income
Unusual items that were excluded from this segment's net income consisted of the
following: in year-to-date 2003, $(505) included the cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle and severance and pension costs; in third quarter 2002,
$(4) related to severance costs and employee benefits related to workforce
reduction; and in year-to-date 2002, $(104) related to an unbilled receivable
adjustment, severance costs and employee benefits related to workforce
reductions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Other Businesses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other businesses primarily consist of a captive insurance subsidiary and
equity investments in wireless operations in Israel and Denmark and our former
operations in Germany.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues $ 25 $ 25 0.0 % $ 75 $77 2.7 %
Segment operating expenses 15 13 -13.3 % 45 42 -6.7 %
Segment operating income 10 12 20.0 % 30 35 16.7 %
Net earnings of equity affiliates 12 19 58.3 % 38 39 2.6 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 16 $ 26 62.5 % $ 57 $62 8.8 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income including unusual items $ 16 $ 26 62.5 % $914 $62 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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. While
revenues remained flat, operating expenses decreased slightly, resulting in an
improved segment operating income.
Net earnings of equity affiliates increased $7 in the third quarter 2003 and $1
in the year-to-date period 2003 as compared to the same periods in 2002,
attributable to higher income from the operations in Israel. This increase was
partially offset in the year-to-date period by the cessation of recording losses
related to our former German operation subsequent to its sale during the first
quarter of 2002.
Unusual items excluded from segment net income
Unusual items that were excluded from this segment's results consisted of the
following: in third quarter and year-to-date 2003 and third quarter 2002, there
were no items excluded from this segment's results; in year-to-date 2002, $857
related to a gain on the conversion of E-Plus, a loss on the sale of KPN stock,
and a gain on the settlement of forward contracts associated with advances to
E-Plus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity and Financial Condition
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used for):
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2002 2003 Change
------------------------ ----------- ----------- -------------------
------------------------ ----------- ----------- -------- ----------
Operating activities... $ 6,533 $ 6,895 $ 362 5.5 %
Investing activities... $ (1,191) $ (573) $ 618 (51.9)%
Financing activities... $ (3,884) $ (3,779) $ 105 2.7 %
------------------------ ----------- ----------- -------- ----------
* Not meaningful
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash generated by operations increased $362 during 2003 compared to the prior
year. The increase was driven primarily by favorable working capital changes
reflecting the timing of payments, lower tax payments and better collections
partially offset by a decrease in operating margin income before depreciation
and amortization and restructuring and asset impairments of $90. The timing of
payments can fluctuate quarterly. We expect lower operating cash flows in the
fourth quarter 2003 compared to the quarterly activity through September due to
increased property and income tax payments.
Net cash used for investing activities
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures consist primarily of (a) gross additions to property, plant
and equipment having an estimated service life of one year or more, plus
incidental costs of preparing the asset for its intended use, and (b) gross
additions to capitalized software. Our capital expenditures during 2003 of
$2,124 were incurred to support our wireline and Latin American wireless
networks, to promote the introduction of new products and services and to
increase operating efficiency and productivity. The decline in capital
expenditures compared to the prior period relates primarily to targeted capital
management and lower demand levels.
Other investing activities
In 2003, we received proceeds of $35 from the exercise of a put in a loan
agreement with our Colombian partner and proceeds of $20 related to the sale of
an equity investment in Brazil. In addition, we purchased $61 in debt and equity
securities. In June 2003, we sold our entire interest in two real estate
partnerships for net proceeds of $26. In conjunction with the sale, we received
proceeds of $97 for the repayment of loans we had extended to the partnerships.
In addition, we received $1,458 in net proceeds resulting from an early
repayment by KPN of the entire outstanding balance of the loan we had extended
to them and the settlement of related currency swaps.
Net cash used for financing activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2003 we utilized cash from operations
to reduce long-term borrowings by $1,892 and short-term borrowings by $411. In
addition, we paid dividends of 64 cents per share totaling $1,183. During the
first nine months of 2003, we purchased 14.8 million shares of our common stock
for an aggregate of $322. Our debt to total capitalization ratio of 43.2% at
September 30, 2003 decreased from 49.2% at December 31, 2002. The nine months
ended September 30, 2002 included substantial reductions in commercial paper as
well as dividend payments of 58 cents per share totaling $1,088.
Anticipated sources and uses of funds
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, 2003, our corporate debt rating was A1 from Moody's Investor Service and A+
from Standard and Poor's. Our short-term credit rating at September 30, 2003 was
P-1 from Moody's and A-1 from Standard and Poor's. Our authorized commercial
paper program as of September 30, 2003 was $8.0 billion, with $1.5 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. We also
have a syndicated line of credit in the amount of $1.5 billion that we would use
in the event we are unable to access the commercial paper market. The line of
credit contains no significant financial covenants or requirements for
compensating balances. We do not have any balances outstanding under the line of
credit. We also have a registration statement on file with the SEC under which
$2.3 billion of long-term debt securities could be issued. We believe that these
sources of funds will be sufficient to meet the needs of our business for at
least the next twelve months.
Our Communications group and Advertising and publishing segments generate the
majority of our operating cash flow. 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. 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.
We have established grantor trusts that are designed to provide funding for the
benefits payable under certain nonqualified benefit plans. The trusts are
irrevocable, and assets contributed to the trusts can only be used to pay such
benefits. We have fully funded these trusts with shares of BellSouth stock. The
shares of BellSouth stock held by the trusts have been classified as a reduction
to equity in the consolidated balance sheets. The trusts anticipate diversifying
a portion of their investment in BellSouth stock. In connection with this, we
anticipate purchasing approximately $300 million of BellSouth stock from the
trusts. This will result in a decrease to our cash and a corresponding increase
to our investments and advances line items in the balance sheet.
Venezuelan Put-Call Provision
We own a 78.2% interest in Telcel, our Venezuelan operation. Telcel's other
major shareholder holds an indirect 21% interest in Telcel. Under a Stock
Purchase Agreement, that shareholder has the right to initiate a process that
could require us to purchase (the puts), and we have the right to initiate a
process that could require that shareholder to sell (the calls) to us, the
shareholder's interest in Telcel. Notice of the initiation of the process with
respect to approximately half of that shareholder's interest was to be given in
2000 and notice with respect to the remaining balance was to be given in 2002.
If we exercise our call right, we would purchase that shareholder's interest at
between 100% and 120% of its appraised fair value. If we are required to
purchase the interest, we would do so at between 80% and 100% of its appraised
fair value.
In 2000, the shareholder initiated a process for appraising the value of
approximately half of its interest in Telcel, but the process was not completed.
The shareholder also has sent a letter purporting to exercise the balance of the
puts under the Stock Purchase Agreement. We are currently in arbitration with
our partner over alleged breaches by BellSouth and the shareholder of the Stock
Purchase Agreement, including the timing of the valuation and whether the
process was properly initiated in 2000. The arbitration does not directly
involve the valuation of the balance of the puts. The shareholder is seeking
damages and specific performance, and BellSouth is seeking, among other things,
unspecified damages and a ruling that it has not breached the Stock Purchase
Agreement in any respect. We expect the hearing on this matter to take place
later this year or early 2004. If the arbitration panel rules against BellSouth,
it is possible that the appraised fair value of the shareholder's interest in
Telcel could be substantially in excess of current value. At this time, the
likely outcome of this arbitration cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable
estimate of the amount of loss, if any, be made.
Colombia Put-Call Provision
We own approximately 66% of BellSouth Colombia. Our partner holds the remaining
34% interest. We have agreed with our partner to a series of related put and
call agreements whereby we can acquire, or could be compelled by our partner to
acquire, additional shares of the company, up to the partner's entire interest,
at a price approximately equal to appraised fair value. Our partner currently
has the right to put to us approximately one-half of his 34% interest in the
Colombian operations. The put expires in June 2005. The remaining balance can be
put to us beginning in 2006 until 2009. Our first call option for up to a number
of shares currently equal to approximately 10.5% of BellSouth Colombia's
outstanding common stock is first exercisable beginning in December 2003. We
cannot determine who will exercise their rights under the agreement, or the
amount if exercised.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 2002 annual
report on Form 10-K as modified by the current report on Form 8-K, dated May 30,
2003. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other than reductions in debt maturing within one year associated with debt
retirements, there are no material changes with respect to off-balance sheet
arrangements and aggregate contractual obligations as presented in our 2002 Form
10-K, as modified by the current report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2003.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Environment and Trends of the Business
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Economic Trends
On average, the economy of the nine-state region tends to closely track the U.S.
economy. Initial sluggish economic conditions in early 2003 made a substantial
recovery as the economy grew at a 7.2% annualized rate in the third quarter
2003, the strongest growth rate in nearly two decades. While the third quarter
growth rate is unlikely to continue, Real Gross Domestic Product is expected to
grow at a faster pace than 2002.
Real personal income growth in our region, estimated at 1.9% in 2002, is
expected to reach 2.1% in 2003. Employment in the region, which has been closely
correlated with various measures of BellSouth's business performance in the
past, is projected to rise 0.3% in 2003 after falling an estimated 0.6% in 2002.
With 492,000 housing starts in the region in 2002, residential construction
activity was at its strongest level since 1985-1986. It is on track to exceed
that pace in 2003 with 505,000 starts projected. Historically, our business has
generally followed the timing of the cycle in the overall economy. Accordingly,
we expect to see signs of recovery in our operations (absent other factors such
as competition) during 2004 as the pace of economic activity has improved.
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 are in
bankruptcy proceedings, raising questions about the ability of these 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 (RBOC). The FCC
considered the effects of UNE-P pricing and availability in the Triennial Review
of its policies on unbundled network elements. 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
current UNE-P pricing.
On August 21, 2003, the FCC released the Triennial Review order and rules
promised in its February 20, 2003 news release. The decision requires us to
maintain most of the unbundled elements we currently provide and provides some
relief from unbundling loops that contain fiber. It also requires state public
commissions to conduct various proceedings to determine whether we would have
the continuing obligation to provided elements. We are challenging the order.
Along with other RBOCs, we have asked the District of Columbia Circuit Court of
Appeals to immediately vacate certain switching and transport rules, and to
prevent others from being effective while the Court considers the appeals
pending before it. We have also asked the FCC to reconsider other issues decided
in the order, including clarification of the relief from unbundling for loops
containing fiber. Depending on the outcomes of proceedings before the Court, the
FCC, and the states, our margins could change.
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.
In the domestic wireless area, increasing competition, market saturation and a
weak economy will likely cause continued pricing pressures and the increase in
subscribers to continue at a moderate level in comparison to historical growth
rates. In addition to these factors, the implementation of Local Number
Portability in the fourth quarter of 2003 (wireless to wireless and wireline to
wireless) is expected to increase customer churn, which could negatively impact
margins.
Other Matters in the Domestic Business
We have contractual arrangements with WorldCom, Inc. (which now calls itself
MCI) and/or its subsidiaries 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.
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. A plan of reorganization was filed in April 2003 and confirmation hearings
commenced in September 2003. On October 31, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed
the plan. On July 25, 2003, WorldCom filed a motion with the Bankruptcy court
requesting approval of a settlement with us regarding pre-petition and
post-petition claims through April 30, 2003. As of April 30, 2003, we had not
paid certain pre-petition amounts due WorldCom primarily related to a billing
and collection agreement pending this settlement. In addition, WorldCom had not
paid us a lesser amount they owed us for purchases of telecommunications
services. As a result of the settlement, we will make a net payment of
approximately $81 to WorldCom representing the negotiated difference between the
amounts owed. The income statement impact of the settlement is insignificant.
The settlement also resolves numerous business issues that existed between the
parties and with certain exceptions, releases all claims arising on or before
April 30, 2003. The settlement will be final upon the effective date of the plan
of reorganization.
Latin America Economic Trends
Latin American economies were generally very weak entering 2003. Venezuela's
economy has contracted sharply as a result of currency devaluation and a general
strike. Low business confidence amid political uncertainty has kept that economy
in a recession during 2003. Real gross domestic product growth in Colombia,
which was below 2% in 2002, is continuing to remain sluggish in 2003. Despite
continued negative economic indicators in these countries, we continue to grow
customers and revenues. Also, a slow recovery appears to be underway in
Argentina following four years of recession, and the economies of Chile and Peru
are performing relatively better than the region.
We are restricting new investment in the region and have expectations that the
Latin America group can fund its financial and capital investment needs from the
group's operating cash flows. In addition, we do not expect to enter into
additional, or increase existing, debt guarantees.
Foreign Risks
Our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. However, most of our revenues are
generated in the currencies of the countries in which we operate. In addition,
many of our operations and equity investees hold U.S. Dollar-denominated short
and long-term debt. The currencies of many Latin America countries have
experienced substantial volatility and depreciation in the past. Declines in the
value of the local currencies in which we are paid relative to the U.S. Dollar
will cause local currency-denominated revenues and expenses in U.S. Dollar terms
to decrease and U.S. Dollar-denominated assets and liabilities to increase in
local currency terms. 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 exposure is unhedged.
The impact of a 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 quantify the anticipated effect
of exchange rate fluctuations on our business.
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 America
business has been materially and adversely affected by the recent political and
economic crises in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. Other operations in the
region could be materially adversely affected if these crises spread to other
Latin America countries.
Most or all of these factors have occurred at various times in the last two
decades in our core Latin America 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 impact our business.
Legal Matters
We are involved in numerous 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, individually or in the aggregate, to our results of operations,
financial position or cash flows. See Note O to our consolidated interim
financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note C 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.
As of the end of the period covered by 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.
The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls can prevent all
errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the
objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all
control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can
be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more
persons. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance
that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential
future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system,
misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
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 could 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 pressure on the telecommunications industry from a financial,
competitive and regulatory perspective;
o a continued decrease in the growth rate of demand for, and the success
of our efforts to market, our services;
o the intensity of competitive activity and its resulting impact on
pricing strategies and new product offerings;
o changes in the federal and state regulations governing the terms on
which we offer wholesale services to our competitors;
o our ability to successfully penetrate 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 in Latin
America;
o the unwillingness or inability of our partners to fund their
obligations to our international joint ventures due to deteriorating
economic conditions or other factors;
o the unwillingness of banks or other lenders to lend to our
international joint ventures due to deteriorating economic conditions
and tightening credit standards or to restructure existing debt,
particularly in Latin America;
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 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
-------------------
3b Amended and Restated By-laws of BellSouth Corporation
adopted September 22, 2003.
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.
10y-1 BellSouth Change in Control Executive Severance Agreements
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31-a Section 302 Certification of F. Duane Ackerman
31-b Section 302 Certification of Ronald M. Dykes
32 Statement Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
Date of Event Subject
July 23, 2003 Press release announcing financial results for
second quarter 2003.
September 9, 2003 Regulation FD disclosure of statement to be made at an
investor conference.
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 3, 2003
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
3b Amended and Restated By-laws of BellSouth Corporation adopted
September 22, 2003.
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.
10y-1 BellSouth Change in Control Executive Severance Agreements
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31-a Section 302 Certification of F. Duane Ackerman
31-b Section 302 Certification of Ronald M. Dykes
32 Statement Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002