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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
---------------------------------------------------------------------
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004
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, 2004, 1,831,761,229 common shares were outstanding.
Table of Contents
Item Page
Part I
1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'
Equity And Comprehensive Income 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about
Market Risk 35
4. Controls and Procedures 35
Part II
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use
of Proceeds 37
6. Exhibits 37
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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,
2003 2004 2003 2004
(As (As
Adjusted Adjusted
- Note C) - Note C)
- ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Operating Revenues:
Communications group $ 4,626 $ 4,585 $ 13,679 $ 13,632
Advertising and publishing 501 495 1,515 1,481
All other 14 15 40 41
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Total Operating Revenues 5,141 5,095 15,234 15,154
Operating Expenses:
Cost of services and products
(excludes depreciation and
amortization shown
separately below) 1,789 1,881 5,229 5,468
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 889 905 2,797 2,744
Depreciation and amortization 959 908 2,861 2,720
Provisions for restructuring 51 - 189 21
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Total Operating Expenses 3,688 3,694 11,076 10,953
Operating income 1,453 1,401 4,158 4,201
Interest expense 234 220 725 646
Net earnings (losses) of equity
affiliates 79 73 427 328
Gain on sale of operations - - - 462
Other income (expense), net 82 63 279 200
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes, Discontinued
Operations and Cumulative Effect
of Changes in Accounting
Principle 1,380 1,317 4,139 4,545
Provision for Income Taxes 486 465 1,487 1,604
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Discontinued Operations
and Cumulative Effect of Changes
in Accounting Principle 894 852 2,652 2,941
Income (Loss) from Discontinued
Operations, Net of Tax 42 (53) 150 453
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Changes in Accounting Principle 936 799 2,802 3,394
Cumulative Effect of Changes in
Accounting Principle, Net of Tax - - 315 -
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Net Income $ 936 $ 799 $ 3,117 $ 3,394
=========== ========== ========== =======
=========== ========== ========== =======
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 1,847 1,831 1,851 1,832
Diluted 1,851 1,835 1,854 1,836
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $0.23 $0.27 $ 0.67 $0.79
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Discontinued Operations
and Cumulative Effect of Changes
in Accounting Principle $ 0.48 $ 0.47 $ 1.43 $ 1.61
Income (Loss) from Discontinued
Operations, Net of Tax 0.02 (0.03) 0.08 0.25
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes, Net of Tax - - 0.17 -
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Net Income* $ 0.51 $ 0.44 $ 1.68 $ 1.85
=========== ========== ========== =======
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Discontinued Operations
and Before Cumulative Effect of
Changes in Accounting Principle $ 0. 48 $ 0.46 $ 1.43 $ 1.60
Income (Loss) from Discontinued
Operations, Net of Tax 0.02 (0.03) 0.08 0.25
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes, Net of Tax - - 0.17 -
----------- ---------- ---------- -------
Net Income* $ 0.51 $ 0.44 $ 1.68 $ 1.85
=========== ========== ========== =======
*Net income per share does not sum due to rounding
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,
2003 2004
---------------------------------
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,556 $ 9,200
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
for uncollectibles of $496 and $331 2,870 2,546
Material and supplies 375 316
Other current assets 1,048 842
Assets of discontinued operations -- 3,977
---------------- -----------------
Total current assets 8,849 16,881
---------------- -----------------
Investments and advances 8,552 8,768
Property, plant and equipment, net 23,807 21,971
Deferred charges and other assets 5,855 6,113
Goodwill 342 249
Intangible assets, net 2,297 1,507
---------------- -----------------
Total assets $ 49,702 $ 55,489
================ =================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 3,491 $ 3,048
Accounts payable 1,339 970
Other current liabilities 3,628 3,150
Liabilities of discontinued
operations -- 2,674
---------------- -----------------
Total current liabilities 8,458 9,842
---------------- -----------------
Long-term debt 11,489 13,142
---------------- -----------------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 5,349 6,314
Other noncurrent liabilities 4,694 4,327
---------------- -----------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 10,043 10,641
---------------- -----------------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value (8,650
shares authorized; 1,830 and
1,831 shares outstanding) 2,020 2,020
Paid-in capital 7,729 7,790
Retained earnings 16,540 18,421
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (585) (470)
Shares held in trust and treasury (5,992) (5,897)
---------------- -----------------
Total shareholders' equity 19,712 21,864
---------------- -----------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $ 49,702 $ 55,489
================ =================
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,
2003 2004
-------------------------------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: As Adjusted
- Note C)
Income from continuing operations before
discontinued operations and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting
principles $ 2,652 $ 2,941
Adjustments to reconcile income to cash
provided by operating activities from
continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization 2,861 2,720
Provision for uncollectibles 398 285
Net losses (earnings) of equity
affiliates (427) (328)
Net (gains) losses on sale or
impairment of equity securities 7 9
Deferred income taxes and investment
tax credits 800 740
Pension income (401) (363)
Pension settlement (gains) losses 87 --
Stock-based compensation expense 92 87
Gain on sale of operations -- (462)
Asset impairments 52 --
Net Change in:
Accounts receivable and other
current assets 8 (271)
Accounts payable and other current
liabilities 288 (4)
Deferred charges and other assets 253 (58)
Other liabilities and deferred
credits (133) 48
Other reconciling items, net 18 144
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities from continuing
operations 6,555 5,488
============== ==============
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (1,978) (2,134)
Proceeds from sale of operations -- 525
Proceeds from sale of debt and equity
securities 27 40
Investments in debt and equity
securities (27) (503)
Proceeds from repayment of loans and
advances 1,899 129
Settlement of financial derivatives (352) (17)
Other investing activities, net (11) (3)
-------------- --------------
Net cash (used in) investing
activities from continuing
operations (442) (1,963)
============== ==============
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) of
short-term debt (423) (266)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term
debt -- 3,689
Repayments of long-term debt (1,836) (745)
Dividends paid (1,183) (1,407)
Purchase of treasury shares (322) (99)
Other financing activities, net 29 48
-------------- --------------
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities from
continuing operations (3,735) 1,220
============== ==============
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents from continuing operations 2,378 4,745
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents from discontinued
operations 165 (101)
-------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 2,543 4,644
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 2,482 4,556
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period $ 5,025 $ 9,200
============== ==============
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 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 (b) (41) (41)
Net unrealized losses on
securities 21 21
Net unrealized gains on
derivatives (c) (11) (11)
Total comprehensive income (d) 3,086
Dividends declared (1,237) (1,237)
Share issuances for employee benefit
plans 3 (14) (50) 94 30
Purchase and sales of treasury stock
by grantor trust (112) 112 --
Purchase of treasury stock (15) (322) (322)
Stock-based compensation 102 102
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
Balance at December 31, 2003 2,020 (190) $ 2,020 $ 7,729 $ 16,540 $ (585) $ (5,992) $ -- $ 19,712
Net Income 3,394 3,394
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation
adjustment(b) 78 78
Net unrealized losses on securities 5 5
Net unrealized gains on
derivatives (c) 32 32
Total comprehensive income (d) 3,509
Dividends declared (1,440) (1,440)
Purchase and sales of treasury stock by
grantor trust 2 (2) --
Purchase of treasury stock (4) (99) (99)
Share issuances for employee benefit
plans 5 (60) (73) 196 63
Stock-based compensation 93 93
Tax benefit related to stock options 26 26
Balance at September 30, 2004 2,020 (189) $ 2,020 $ 7,790 $ 18,421 $ (470) $ (5,897) $ -- $ 21,864
(a) Trust and treasury shares are not considered to be outstanding for
financial reporting purposes. As of September 30, 2003, there were
approximately 37 shares held in trust and 121 shares held in treasury.
As of September 30, 2004, there were approximately 26 shares held in
trust and 163 shares held in treasury.
(b) Net unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments include
realized losses of $86 in 2003 and realized gains of $13 in 2004.
(c) Net unrealized gains on derivatives include adjustments for realized
gains of $20 in 2003 and $3 in 2004.
(d) Total comprehensive income was $944 for third quarter 2003 and $789 for
third quarter 2004.
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 AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(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 presented. 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 July 30, 2004.
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 earnings
amounts used for per-share calculations are the same for both the basic and
diluted methods. Options with an exercise price greater than the average market
price of the common stock or that have an anti-dilutive effect on the
computation are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The
following is a reconciliation of the weighted-average share amounts (in
millions) used in calculating earnings per share:
Amounts in millions For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2003 2004 2003 2004
Basic common shares outstanding 1,847 1,831 1,851 1,832
Incremental shares from stock
options and benefit plans 4 4 3 4
----- ------ ----- ------
Diluted common shares outstanding 1,851 1,835 1,854 1,836
===== ===== ===== =====
Stock options excluded from
computation 94 79 92 80
===== ===== ==== =====
NOTE C - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In March 2004, we signed an agreement with Telefonica Moviles, the wireless
affiliate of Telefonica, S.A. (Telefonica), to sell all our interests in our
Latin American operations. Total after-tax proceeds of the sale to Telefonica of
our interests in the 10 properties, including shareholder loans, are expected to
be approximately $4.9 billion including a 5% escrow for potential purchase price
adjustments. Under the terms of the agreement, the escrow will be received
within six months after the respective closings. The remaining proceeds are not
dependent or variable based upon the sold business' earnings or performance. We
will transfer approximately $1.1 billion of cash to Telefonica as part of the
Latin American operations, resulting in a net cash inflow to BellSouth related
to the Latin American divestitures of approximately $3.8 billion. Based on the
net book value of our investment and the anticipated proceeds, we expect to
record an after-tax gain of approximately $1.3 billion upon closing all 10
properties.
Under the agreement, Telefonica has agreed to purchase any and all equity
interests that we purchase from the minority shareholders in various Latin
American operations. Since the deal announcement, we have purchased or reached
agreements to purchase interests and other rights of minority partners in
Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Uruguay, and Venezuela for a combined total of
$756.
During October 2004, we closed on the sale of 8 of the 10 properties including
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uruguay and Panama. We
received total proceeds of $3.7 billion and will recognize an after-tax gain of
$920 in the fourth quarter of 2004. The transfer of BellSouth's interest in the
operations in the remaining two Latin American countries (Argentina and Chile)
is subject to obtaining all requisite governmental approvals. We are working
diligently to obtain those approvals, and we expect to obtain them either in the
fourth quarter of 2004 or first quarter of 2005.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," we have
classified the results of our Latin American segment as discontinued operations.
The presentation of discontinued operations includes revenues and expenses of
the Latin American operations as one line item on the income statement.
Beginning with the second quarter of 2004, long-lived assets of the Latin
America group ceased to be depreciated (amortized) in accordance with SFAS No.
144.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE C - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Summary Financial Information
The assets and liabilities of our Latin American operations are aggregated and
presented as current assets and current liabilities in the consolidated balance
sheet at September 30, 2004. Additional detail related to the assets and
liabilities of our discontinued operations follows:
At September 30, 2004:
Current assets (excluding cash of $1,065) $1,380
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,395
Investments and advances 293
Intangible assets, net 883
Other non-current assets 26
--------------
--------------
Total Assets $3,977
==============
Current liabilities $1,891
Long-term debt 420
Other non-current liabilities 363
--------------
--------------
Total Liabilities $2,674
==============
Summarized results of operations for the discontinued operations are as follows:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2003 2004 2003 2004
Operating revenue $ 587 $ 724 $ 1,659 $2,080
Operating income $ 101 $ 247 $ 211 $ 530
Income before income taxes $ 62 $ (55) $ 165 $ 97
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes $ 20 $ (2) $ 15 $ (356)
Net income from discontinued
operations $ 42 $ (53) $ 150 $ 453
Tax over Book Basis Differential
Our tax basis in the Latin America investments exceeds the book basis by
approximately $1.6 billion. No US tax benefit was previously recognized on
losses generated by the Latin American operations due to the essentially
permanent duration of those investments. The agreement with Telefonica provides
evidence that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future
and, accordingly, in the first quarter of 2004 we recorded a $424 tax benefit in
accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Basis differential
created in the second and third quarters of 2004 resulted in a net decrease of
$67 to the deferred tax asset bringing the year-to-date tax benefit related to
basis differential to $357. In addition, a tax benefit of $192 has been recorded
for the year-to-date period directly to equity related to the cumulative
currency translation balance associated with the discontinued operations.
Buyout of Minority Partners
In March and April 2004, we purchased interests and other rights of minority
partners in Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia. These purchases brought our
ownership interests to 100% in Argentina and Ecuador and to 77.6% in Colombia.
The aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions, including payment of
minority shareholder loans, was $177. The assignment of the purchase price to
the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in
an increase to intangible assets of $55 and an increase to goodwill of $81. In
connection with the purchase of our minority partner in Argentina, the
consideration paid exceeded the fair value by approximately $33. Accordingly,
this amount was recognized as a charge to income (loss) from discontinued
operations in the second quarter 2004.
In October 2004, to facilitate the transfer of ownership to Telefonica we
purchased interests of minority partners in Nicaragua and Uruguay. These
purchases brought our ownership interests to 100% in Nicaragua and 68% in
Uruguay. The aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions was $37, which
approximated the proceeds received in the sale to Telefonica.
Venezuelan Arbitration and Settlement
Prior to the sale of Telcel, our Venezuelan operation, to Telefonica on October
28, 2004, we owned a 78.2% interest in Telcel. Telcel's other major shareholder
held an indirect 21.8% interest in Telcel. Under a Stock Purchase Agreement,
that shareholder had the right to initiate a process that could require us to
purchase (the puts), and we had the right to initiate a process that could
require that shareholder to sell (the calls) to us, the shareholder's interest
in Telcel.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE C - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)
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 sent a letter purporting to exercise the balance of the
puts under the Stock Purchase Agreement. The matter was taken before an
arbitration panel 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 shareholder was seeking damages and
specific performance, and BellSouth was seeking, among other things, unspecified
damages and a ruling that it had not breached the Stock Purchase Agreement in
any respect. The arbitration also related to an alleged oral agreement to buy
out the shareholder's entire interest in Telcel, which agreement we argued did
not exist. Hearings on these matters occurred in January and April 2004.
In a 2 to 1 decision issued on October 13, 2004, the arbitration panel ordered
BellSouth to purchase an 11.1% in Telcel associated with the first put and
directed the parties to negotiate a price for the second put. In addition, the
arbitration panel ordered us to pay this shareholder approximately $25 to
satisfy its claims that we breached certain Investment Tax Credit Contracts. A
provision for this $25 payment had already been provided for in BellSouth's
financial statements. The arbitration panel rejected the shareholder's claim
that BellSouth breached an oral agreement to buy out the shareholder's entire
interest in Telcel, and denied all other claims raised by the parties.
In response to the arbitration ruling, on October 18, 2004, BellSouth reached an
agreement in principle with this shareholder whereby we would purchase its 21.8%
interest in Telcel and settle all outstanding claims for an aggregate payment of
$617. The aggregate payment of $617 includes all the amounts that the
arbitration panel ordered BellSouth to pay to this shareholder. While the
agreement is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements,
closing is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2004. Upon closing,
BellSouth will transfer the interest to Telefonica for approximately $300.
Because the settlement amount allocable to this interest exceeded the fair
value, BellSouth recognized a pre-tax charge of approximately $293 ($190
after-tax) in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the third quarter of
2004.
Colombia Put-Call
Until the recent acquisition by Telefonica, we were the majority shareholder in
BellSouth Colombia, a wireless operator in Colombia. We had previously agreed
with our partner to a put and call agreement whereby we could acquire, or could
be compelled by our partner to acquire, additional shares of the Colombian
operation held by our partner for a price equal to the appraised fair value.
Under the remaining put/call option, the residual balance of our partner's
shares could be called by us or put to us beginning in 2006 until 2009. In
connection with the acquisition by Telefonica, the shareholders agreement was
assigned to Telefonica and all of our obligations under the shareholders
agreement ceased.
Venezuela Currency
Our third quarter and year-to-date results from discontinued operations reflect
consolidation of the operations of Telcel in Venezuela in accordance with SFAS
No. 94, "Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries." There are currency
restrictions in place in Venezuela that limit the conversion of local currency
to US Dollars. 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 1,920
Bolivars to the US Dollar to translate the local currency financial statements
into our reporting currency, the US Dollar.
Argentina Debt
As of September 30, 2004, CRM, our subsidiary in Argentina, entered into an
agreement with creditors holding approximately 78% of $525 of CRM's outstanding
debt. This debt is currently in default. The participating creditors have agreed
to customary provisions to forebear from enforcing their rights under the debt
agreements until June 30, 2005. If the sale of CRM to Telefonica closes,
BellSouth has agreed to cause the participating creditors to receive the par
value of their debt plus accrued interest less an aggregate discount of $5. If
the sale does not close, the participating creditors will have all their rights
to proceed against CRM under the credit documents with respect to CRM's
defaults.
NOTE D - COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA CONTRACT RATIFICATION
In September 2004, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) ratified the
tentative agreement reached in August 2004, on new five-year contracts covering
approximately 42,000 employees. The contracts include basic wage increases of 1%
in year one, 2% in year two and annual increases of 2.5% in years three through
five totaling 10.5% over the contract term. The contracts also provide for a 4%
lump-sum payment upon ratification by the membership. The lump-sum payment will
be amortized over the five-year contract period ratably on a straight-line
basis. In addition, the agreement provides for a standard incentive award of 2%
of base salary and overtime compensation in the first three years of the
contract increasing to 3% in years four and five. Other terms of the agreement
include pension band increases and pension plan cash balance improvements for
active employees. The agreement is expected to give us the workforce planning
flexibility needed to respond to changing marketplace conditions.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE E - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Substantially all of our employees are covered by noncontributory defined
benefit pension plans, as well as postretirement health and life insurance
welfare plans ("other benefits").
The following details pension and postretirement benefit costs that are included
in operating expenses (in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative
expenses) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income with the
exception of approximately 10% of these costs which are capitalized in
connection with labor related to network construction. We account for these
costs in accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" and
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions" (SFAS No. 106) Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three
months and nine months ended September 30 were as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
---------------------- ----------------------
---------------------- ----------------------
For the Three Months For the Three Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Service cost $ 45 $ 44 $ 13 $ 12
Interest cost 185 174 121 107
Expected return on plan assets (347) (330) (78) (80)
Amortizations:
Unrecognized net obligation (1) -- 19 18
Unrecognized prior service cost (9) (10) 40 40
Unrecognized (gain) loss (7) 1 26 24
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net periodic benefit cost (income) (134) (121) 141 121
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Settlements -- -- -- --
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net periodic benefit cost
(income), adjusted $ (134) $(121) $141 $ 121
=========== ========== =========== ==========
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
---------------------- ----------------------
---------------------- ----------------------
For the Nine Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Service cost $ 136 $ 132 $ 38 $ 35
Interest cost 556 522 362 323
Expected return on plan assets (1,040) (989) (234) (240)
Amortizations:
Unrecognized net obligation (3) -- 55 61
Unrecognized prior service cost (29) (32) 121 133
Unrecognized (gain) loss (21) 4 80 69
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net periodic benefit cost (income) (401) (363) 422 381
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Settlements 89 -- -- --
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net periodic benefit cost
(income), adjusted $ (312) $ (363) $422 $381
=========== ========== =========== ==========
In 2003, lump-sum distributions from the pension plans exceeded the settlement
threshold equal to the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of
net periodic pension cost resulting in an additional charge to income of $89. Of
the $89 in pension settlement charges, $87 was recognized in operating results
because a portion of the settlement charges was capitalized in connection with
labor related to network construction.
Medicare Prescription Drug Subsidy
In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug Act was signed into law. The
Act allows companies that provide certain prescription drug benefits for
retirees to receive a federal subsidy beginning in 2006. We accounted for the
government subsidy provided for in the Medicare Act in the calculation of our
2003 retiree medical obligation, resulting in a reduction to the liability of
$575. We had previously accounted for the subsidy provided under the Act as a
plan amendment under SFAS No. 106. Effective January 1, 2004, we changed the
method to treat the subsidy as an actuarial gain. The cumulative effect of the
change in method was $6. This change did not affect the retiree medical
obligation.
Retiree Medical Obligation
Our non-management labor contract with the CWA contains contractual limits on
the company-funded portion of retiree medical costs (referred to as "caps"). We
have waived the premiums in excess of the caps during the current and past
contract periods and, therefore have not collected contributions from those
non-management retirees. We previously
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE E - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
calculated the obligation for non-management retiree medical costs based on the
terms of the written agreement with the CWA.
The recent agreement with the CWA includes an increase in the amount of the
caps. We have determined that this increase in the caps combined with
BellSouth's history of increasing the caps in prior agreements creates a
substantive plan that is an uncapped plan, which differs from the written plan.
Accordingly, we began calculating the obligation for non-management retiree
medical costs as if there were no caps, effective with the ratification of the
contract.
The change in the calculation will result in an increase to the retiree medical
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of approximately $3.5 billion,
which will be recognized over the remaining years of future service to full
eligibility of the active plan participants. Net periodic benefit cost will
increase $117 during the fourth quarter of 2004, or $60 net of tax. As a result
of this change, we re-measured the retiree medical obligation as of September
30, 2004. The annual impact on net periodic benefit expense due to the
re-measurement is approximately $460. The annual impact of the change on net
periodic benefit expense will be partially offset by reductions in other
retirement benefits.
Employer Contributions
For the quarter ended September 30, 2004 we made no contributions to our pension
plans and anticipate no funding for the remainder of 2004. As of September 30,
2004, we have contributed $339 to fund other benefits (primarily retiree
medical) and expect to contribute approximately $85 of funding for other
benefits during the remainder of 2004.
Cash-Balance Pension Plan
In July 2003, a Federal district court in Illinois ruled that the benefit
formula used in International Business Machines Corporation's cash balance
pension plan violated the age discrimination provisions of ERISA. The IBM
decision conflicts with decisions of at least two other district courts,
including most recently a June 2004 decision of the federal district court in
Maryland in a case involving ARINC, Inc. Proposed regulations validating the
cash balance design were recently withdrawn by the Treasury Department while
Congress considers legislative action to clarify the legal status of cash
balance plans under age discrimination rules. At this time, it is unclear what
effect, if any, these decisions or Congressional action may have on our
tax-qualified cash balance pension plans or our financial condition.
NOTE F - INVESTMENTS AND ADVANCES
Cingular
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. The following table presents summarized financial information of
Cingular for the periods indicated.
December 31, 2003 September 30, 2004
Balance Sheet Information:
Current assets $ 3,300 $ 2,329
Noncurrent assets $22,226 $23,678
Current liabilities $ 3,187 $ 2,850
Noncurrent liabilities $13,196 $13,328
Minority interest $ 659 $ 631
Members' capital $ 8,484 $ 9,198
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Income Statement Information:
Operating revenues $ 4,059 $ 4,257 $ 11,571 $12,354
Operating income $ 488 $ 461 $ 1,960 $ 1,700
Net income $ 177 $ 145 $ 1,006 $ 723
As of September 30, 2004, our book investment exceeded our proportionate share
of the net assets of Cingular by $232.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE F - INVESTMENTS AND ADVANCES (Continued)
On October 26, 2004 Cingular completed its previously announced acquisition of
AT&T Wireless, creating the largest wireless carrier in the United States based
on number of customers. Cingular's cash purchase price for AT&T Wireless shares
totaled approximately $41 billion. That amount was funded by equity
contributions from Cingular's two owners in proportion to their equity ownership
of Cingular - 60% for SBC and 40% for BellSouth - with the remainder provided
from cash on hand at AT&T Wireless. BellSouth's portion of the funding, which
will be reflected as an increase in our investment in Cingular, was
approximately $14.4 billion. We funded the equity infusion through cash on hand,
including proceeds from the Latin America closings, the issuance of $3 billion
in long-term debt in September, and the issuance of commercial paper.
Sonofon
On February 12, 2004, we closed on a previously announced agreement to sell our
interest in Danish wireless provider, Sonofon, for 3.68 billion Danish Kroner to
Telenor ASA. We received 3.05 billion Danish Kroner, or $525, for our 46.5%
equity stake and 630 million Danish Kroner, or $109, for our shareholder loan
and accrued interest, reduced by a settlement of $17 associated with foreign
currency swap contracts. As a result of these transactions, we recorded a gain
of $462, or $295 net of tax, which included the recognition of cumulative
foreign currency translation gains of $13.
NOTE G - DEBT
Issuances
On September 13, 2004, BellSouth Corporation sold $1,500 of 5-year, 4.20% notes,
due September 15, 2009, at a discounted rate of 99.826% and $1,500 of 10-year,
5.20% notes, due September 15, 2014, at a discounted rate of 99.768%. These
sales resulted in aggregate net proceeds of $2,994. In addition, we incurred
aggregate debt issuance costs of $13 related to these transactions.
On June 22, 2004, BellSouth Corporation sold $700 of 30-year, 6.55% notes, due
June 15, 2034, at a discounted rate of 99.367%, resulting in net proceeds of
$696. In addition, we incurred debt issuance costs of $6 related to this
transaction.
Early Redemption
On August 1, 2004, we redeemed $517 of 40-year, 7.375% quarterly interest bonds,
due August 1, 2039. The redemption price was 100% of the principal amount, and
resulted in recognition of a loss in Other income (expense), net of $14, or $9
net of tax, associated with fully expensing remaining discount and deferred debt
issuance costs.
NOTE H - PURCHASE OF TREASURY SHARES
During the second quarter of 2004, we purchased 3.9 million shares of our common
stock for an aggregate cost of $99. There were no purchases in the first or
third quarters of 2004. During the first quarter of 2003, we purchased 14.8
million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $322. There were no
purchases during the second or third quarters of 2003.
NOTE I - WORKFORCE REDUCTION AND RESTRUCTURING
Based on ongoing challenges in the telecom industry, continued economic
pressures, the uncertainty resulting from Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) regulatory rulings, as well as productivity improvements, we have made
adjustments to our force levels to match lower demand. During the first half of
2004, we initiated a workforce reduction of approximately 1,100 positions,
primarily in network operations where the volume of work continues to decline.
As of September 30, 2004, approximately 420 employees from previously announced
reductions remain employed. However, 260 of those 420 have received partial
severance payments. Charges in earnings have been recognized in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS No. 112, "Employers Accounting for Postemployment
Benefits" and consisted primarily of cash severance and related payroll taxes
under pre-existing separation pay plans.
The following table summarizes activity associated with the workforce reduction
and restructuring liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2004:
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE I - WORKFORCE REDUCTION AND RESTRUCTURING (Continued)
Type of Cost
-------------------------
-------------------------
Employee Other Exit
Separations Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2003 $ 66 $ 6 $ 72
Additions 33 -- 33
Deductions (84) (5) (89)
----- ----- -----
Balance at September 30, 2004 $ 15 $ 1 $16
===== ===== =====
The $33 in additions to the accrual associated with employee separations relates
to accruals for estimated payments for the current year workforce reductions.
Deductions to the accrual of $84 consist of $72 in cash severance payments and
$12 for adjustment 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 changes to
prior estimates.
NOTE J - SEGMENT INFORMATION
As a result of the pending sale of our Latin American operations, we now have
three reportable operating segments: (1) Communications group; (2) Domestic
wireless (representing our 40% interest in Cingular); and (3) Advertising and
publishing. The following table provides information for each operating segment:
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------- ------------------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Communications group
External revenues $ 4,626 $ 4,585 $ 13,679 $ 13,682
Intersegment revenues 42 42 151 123
------- ------- ------- -------
Total segment revenues 4,668 4,627 13,830 13,805
Segment operating income 1,244 1,217 3,656 3,579
Segment net income 727 714 2,115 2,103
Domestic wireless
Total segment revenues $ 1,624 $ 1,702 $ 4,628 $ 4,941
Segment operating income 195 213 784 709
Segment net income 44 54 249 202
Advertising and publishing
External revenues $ 501 $ 495 $ 1,515 $ 1,481
Intersegment revenues 4 3 13 10
----- ----- ------- -----
Total segment revenues 505 498 1,528 1,491
Segment operating income 238 229 733 715
Segment net income 147 141 453 438
RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------- ------------------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Operating revenues
Total reportable segments $ 6,797 $ 6,827 $ 19,986 $ 20,237
Cingular proportional
consolidation (1,624) (1,702) (4,628) (4,941)
South Carolina settlement - - - (50)
Corporate, eliminations and
other (32) (30) (124) (92)
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Total consolidated $ 5,141 $ 5,095 $ 15,234 $ 15,154
======== ======== ========= =========
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE J - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------- ------------------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Operating income
Total reportable segments $ 1,677 $ 1,659 $ 5,173 $ 5,003
Cingular proportional
consolidation (195) (213) (784) (709)
Hurricane Expenses - (38) - (38)
South Carolina settlement - - - (53)
Restructuring charge (52) - (106) (21)
Pension settlement loss - - (87) -
Corporate, eliminations and
other 23 (7) (38) 19
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total consolidated $ 1,453 $ 1,401 $ 4,158 $ 4,201
======== ======== ======== ========
Net Income
Total reportable segments $ 918 $ 909 $ 2,817 $ 2,743
Hurricane expenses - (23) - (23)
Cingular merger integration
planning costs & fair
value adjustment - (17) - (17)
Net gain (loss) on sale of
operations - - - 295
South Carolina settlement - - - (33)
Net losses on sale or impairment
of securities 1 - (4) (4)
Cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle - - 315 -
Restructuring charge (32) - (65) (14)
Pension settlement loss - - (53) -
Discontinued operations 42 (53) 150 453
Corporate, eliminations and
other 7 (17) (43) (6)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total consolidated $ 936 $ 799 $ 3,117 $ 3,394
======== ======== ======== ========
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 K - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Advances
We have advances to Cingular that totaled $3,792 at September 30, 2004 and
$3,812 at December 31, 2003. The advance bears annual interest of 6% that is
payable monthly. In addition, effective August 1, 2004, we and SBC have agreed
to finance Cingular's capital and operating cash requirements to the extent
Cingular requires funding above the level provided by operations. Borrowings
under this agreement bear interest at 1-Month LIBOR plus 0.05% payable monthly.
Cingular's Board of Directors also approved the termination of its bank credit
facilities and its intention to cease issuing commercial paper and long-term
debt. Excess cash generated by Cingular is applied to the outstanding advance
monthly. During the third quarter of 2004, Cingular repaid $20 on the advances.
Provision of Services
We also generate revenues from Cingular in the ordinary course of business for
the provision of local interconnection services, long distance services, sales
agency fees and customer billing and collection fees.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
--------------------------- -----------------------
2003 2004 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Interest income on advances $ 57 $ 57 $ 198 $ 171
Revenues $ 105 $ 131 $ 306 $ 377
Receivables and payables incurred in the ordinary course of business recorded in
our balance sheets at:
December 31, 2003 September 30, 2004
----------------------- -----------------------
Receivable from Cingular $ 57 $ 76
Payable to Cingular $ 33 $ 37
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE L - CONTINGENCIES
GUARANTEES
In most of our sale and divestiture transactions, we indemnify the purchaser for
various items including labor and general litigation as well as certain tax
matters. Generally, the terms last one to five years for general and specific
indemnities and, in some cases, for the statutory review periods for tax
matters. The events or circumstances that would require us to perform under the
indemnities are transaction and circumstance specific. We regularly evaluate the
probability of having to incur costs associated with these indemnities and have
accrued for expected losses that are probable. In addition, in the normal course
of business, we indemnify counterparties in certain agreements. The nature and
terms of these indemnities vary by transaction. Historically, we have not
incurred significant costs related to performance under these types of
indemnities.
RECIPROCAL COMPENSATION
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires local telephone carriers to
establish "reciprocal compensation" arrangements for the termination of
telephone calls. The requirement exists to appropriately compensate local
carriers whose networks are used to transport and terminate calls that
originated on another local carrier's network. The requirement has been
interpreted to apply to local telephone calls, and has been differentiated from
switched access charges that apply to long distance calls. We began entering
into reciprocal compensation arrangements with competitors that serve our region
soon after the Act was adopted.
The interpretation of the requirement and early contractual arrangements
generated industry disputes and litigation. In response to the disputes, the
FCC, in 2001, more specifically defined reciprocal compensation and prescribed a
new compensation structure for traffic directed to internet service providers
(ISPs). That structure prescribed rates and set limits on compensation that
could be earned through the growth of traffic in existing markets served by a
CLEC and through traffic received in new markets. In 2002, the DC Circuit Court
of Appeals found the FCC's reasoning flawed, and remanded the new structure to
the FCC with instructions to conform it to the Act's requirements. The 2001
structure has remained in place while the FCC reconsiders its actions.
In October 2004, in response to a petition from one CLEC, the FCC decided that
the growth limits and new market limits were no longer in the public interest.
The FCC's action on the request did not disturb the rate structure prescribed in
2001. We do not expect this action to materially increase our future expenses.
The FCC likely will issue one or further orders that address reciprocal
compensation arrangements. If the FCC redefines the rate methodology in a manner
that increases the prescribed rates and requires retroactive application,
payments to CLECs could be material to our results of operations.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Employment Claim
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. At this time, the likely outcome of the case cannot be
predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss, if any, be made.
Securities and ERISA Claims
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 CLECs to inflate revenues, (4) failed
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE L - CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
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 time, 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 time, the likely outcome of the case cannot
be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
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). In January 2004, a fourth ERISA class action
lawsuit was filed in the same court. All the cases have been consolidated and an
Amended Consolidated Complaint was filed on April 2, 2004. The plaintiffs, who
seek to represent a putative class of participants and beneficiaries of
BellSouth's 401(k) plans (the "Plans"), allege in the Consolidated Complaint
that the company and the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties
in violation of ERISA, by among other things, (1) failing to provide accurate
information to the Plans' participants and beneficiaries; (2) failing to ensure
that the Plans' assets were invested properly; (3) failing to monitor the Plans'
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. All the
cases have been consolidated and an Amended Consolidated Complaint was filed on
April 2, 2004. 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 time, the likely outcome of the
cases cannot be predicted, nor can a reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be
made.
Antitrust Claims
In December 2002, a consumer class action alleging antitrust violations of
Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act was filed against BellSouth, Verizon, SBC
and Qwest, captioned William Twombley, et al v. Bell Atlantic Corp., et al, in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The
complaint alleged 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 district court dismissed the complaint for failure to state a
claim and the case is now on appeal.
In June 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit affirmed the
District Court's dismissal of most of the antitrust and state law claims brought
by a plaintiff competitive local exchange carrier in a case captioned Covad
Communications Company, et al v. BellSouth Corporation, et al. The appellate
court, however, permitted a price squeeze claim and certain state tort claims to
proceed. At this time, the likely outcome of the case cannot be predicted, nor
can a reasonable estimate of loss, if any, be made.
OTHER CLAIMS
We are subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business involving
allegations of personal injury, breach of contract, anti-competitive conduct,
employment law issues, regulatory matters and other actions. BellSouth
Telecommnunications, Inc. (BST) is also subject to claims attributable to
pre-divestiture events involving environmental liabilities, rates, taxes,
contracts and torts. Certain contingent liabilities for pre-divestiture events
are shared with AT&T Corp. While complete assurance cannot be given as to the
outcome of these claims, we believe that any financial impact would not be
material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE M - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We have fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the outstanding debt
securities of 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 unaudited
condensed consolidating financial information. BST is listed separately because
it has debt securities, registered with the SEC, that we have guaranteed. The
BST and Parent columns reflect the application of equity method accounting for
investments in their subsidiaries. The
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE M - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
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.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues ........................ $ 4,361 $ 1,477 $ -- $ (697) $ 5,141
Total operating expenses ........................ 3,724 1,077 (37) (1,076) 3,688
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income (loss) ......................... 637 400 37 379 1,453
Interest expense ................................ 133 20 139 (58) 234
Equity in earnings .............................. 262 60 1,374 (1,617) 79
Other income (expense), net ..................... 6 540 (422) (42) 82
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, discontinued operations, and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting principle 772 980 850 (1,222) 1,380
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ............ 187 191 (44) 152 486
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before
discontinued operations and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle............. 585 789 894 (1,374) 894
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax......................................... -- 42 42 (42) 42
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax......................... -- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss) ............................... $ 585 $ 831 $ 936 $ (1,416) $ 936
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues ........................ $ 4,208 $ 1,659 $ -- $ (772) $ 5,095
Total operating expenses ........................ 3,711 1,163 14 (1,194) 3,694
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income (loss).......................... 497 496 (14) 422 1,401
Interest expense ................................ 131 6 141 (58) 220
Equity in earnings .............................. 302 58 1,107 (1,394) 73
Other income (expense), net ..................... 2 339 (257) (21) 63
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, discontinued operations, and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting principle...... 670 887 695 (935) 1,317
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ............ 135 315 (157) 172 465
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before
discontinued operations and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle............. 535 572 852 (1,107) 852
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax......................................... -- (53) (53) 53 (53)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax......................... -- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss) ............................... $ 535 $ 519 $ 799 $ (1,054) $ 799
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues ........................ $ 13,093 $ 4,137 $ -- $ (1,996) $ 15,234
Total operating expenses ........................ 11,168 3,036 (1) (3,127) 11,076
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income (loss) ......................... 1,925 1,101 1 1,131 4,158
Interest expense ................................ 414 65 436 (190) 725
Equity in earnings .............................. 798 422 3,279 (4,072) 427
Other income (expense), net ..................... (15) 681 (316) (71) 279
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, discontinued operations, and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting principle...... 2,294 2,139 2,528 (2,822) 4,139
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ............ 558 595 (124) 458 1,487
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before
discontinued operations and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle............. 1,736 1,544 2,652 (3,280) 2,652
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax......................................... -- 150 150 (150) 150
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax......................... 816 (501) 315 (315) 315
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss) ............................... $ 2,552 $ 1,193 $ 3,117 $ (3,745) $ 3,117
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE M - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues ........................ $ 12,639 $ 4,775 $ -- $(2,260) $15,154
Total operating expenses ........................ 11,045 3,358 (5) (3,445) 10,953
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating income (loss).......................... 1,594 1,417 5 1,185 4,201
Interest expense ................................ 379 16 416 (165) 646
Equity in earnings .............................. 833 309 3,283 (4,097) 328
Other income (expense), net ..................... 6 906 (193) (57) 662
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, discontinued operations, and cumulative
effect of changes in accounting
principle............................ 2,054 2,616 2,679 (2,804) 4,545
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ............ 444 943 (262) 479 1,604
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before 1,610 1,673 2,941 (3,283) 2,941
discontinued operations and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principle
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax......................................... -- 453 453 (453) 453
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax......................... -- -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss) ............................... $ 1,610 $ 2,126 $ 3,394 $(3,736) $ 3,394
============= ============= =========== =========== ==========
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
December 31, 2003 September 30, 2004
--------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjust- Total BST Other Parent Adjust- Total
ments ments
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .... $ 5 $ 1,190 $ 3,227 $ 134 $4,556 $ 17 $ 1,154 $ 7,989 $ 40 $ 9,200
Accounts receivable, net ..... 68 1,143 3,204 (1,545) 2,870 72 956 2,299 (781) 2,546
Other current assets ......... 393 831 81 118 1,423 444 926 36 (248) 1,158
Assets of discontinued
operations ................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 3,977 -- --- 3,977
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Total current assets ......... 466 3,164 6,512 (1,293) 8,849 533 7,013 10,324 (989) 16,881
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Investments and advances ..... 3,464 7,913 22,609 (25,434) 8,552 3,451 7,214 24,182 (26,079) 8,768
Property, plant and equipment,
net ........................ 21,818 1,947 4 38 23,807 21,315 619 3 34 21,971
Deferred charges and other
assets ..................... 5,029 287 72 467 5,855 5,211 293 97 512 6,113
Intangible assets, net ....... 1,036 1,460 5 138 2,639 1,014 613 8 121 1,756
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Total assets ................. $31,813 $14,771 $29,202 $(26,084) $49,702 $31,524 $15,752 $34,614 $(26,401) $55,489
======================================== ========== ======================================== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 2,454 $ 920 $ 2,470 $(2,353) $ 3,491 $2,309 $ 179 $2,220 $(1,660) $ 3,048
Other current liabilities .... 3,942 1,724 916 (1,615) 4,967 4,052 959 1,019 (1,910) 4,120
Liabilities of discontinued
operations.................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 2,674 -- -- 2,674
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Total current liabilities .... 6,396 2,644 3,386 (3,968) 8,458 6,361 3,812 3,239 (3,570) 9,842
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Long-term debt ............... 4,970 845 6,301 (627) 11,489 4,139 108 9,492 (597) 13,142
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income taxes ........ 4,408 1,519 (751) 173 5,349 4,977 1,636 (533) 234 6,314
Other noncurrent liabilities . 2,991 1,074 554 75 4,694 2,943 791 552 41 4,327
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Total noncurrent liabilities . 7,399 2,593 (197) 248 10,043 7,920 2,427 19 275 10,641
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Shareholders' equity.......... 13,048 8,689 19,712 (21,737) 19,712 13,104 9,405 21,864 (22,509) 21,864
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------- --------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity ....... $31,813 $14,771 $29,202 $(26,084) $49,702 $31,524 $15,752 $34,614 $(26,401) $55,489
======================================== ========== ======================================== ========
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
(Unaudited)
NOTE M - SUBSIDIARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
----------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ---------
Cash flows from continuing operations:
Cash flows from operating activities ........ $ 4,217 $ 856 $ 3,283 $ (1,801) $ 6,555
Cash flows from investing activities ........ (2,044) 181 674 747 (442)
Cash flows from financing activities ........ (2,173) (1,031) (1,582) 1,051 (3,735)
Cash flows from discontinued operations ....... -- 165 -- -- 165
----------- -------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash ............... $ -- $ 171 $ 2,375 $ (3) $ 2,543
=========== ========= ========== =========== ==========
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BST Other Parent Adjustments Total
----------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ---------
Cash flows from continuing operations:
Cash flows from operating activities ........ $ 4,472 $ 487 $ 2,437 $ (1,908) $ 5,488
Cash flows from investing activities ........ (2,058) 232 1,007 (1,144) (1,963)
Cash flows from financing activities ........ (2,402) (654) 1,318 2,958 1,220
Cash flows from discontinued operations........ -- (101) -- -- (101)
----------- --------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash ............... $ 12 $ (36) $ 4,762 $ (94) $ 4,644
=========== ========= ========== =========== ==========
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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 amended by the
current report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 2004, and our other filings with the
SEC.
OVERVIEW
We are a Fortune 100 company with annual revenues of over $20 billion. Our core
business is wireline communications and our largest customer segment is the
retail consumer. We have significant interests in wireless communications
through our ownership of approximately 40% of Cingular Wireless (Cingular), the
nation's largest wireless company based on number of customers. We also operate
one of the largest directory advertising businesses in the United States. The
great majority of our revenues are generated based on monthly recurring
services.
We operate much of our business in one of the country's strongest regional
economies, where the population is increasing, real income growth is outpacing
the national average and a diverse mix of businesses require advanced
information and communication technology solutions. The Southeast is a positive
net migration region, with net migration averaging almost 500 thousand annually.
The region's real income is expected to grow 10% to 15% faster than the national
average in the next five years.
REGULATION AND COMPETITION
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 required local telephone companies to open
their existing facilities for use by competitors on "non-discriminatory" terms
and prices under what is referred to as unbundled network elements (UNE),
including the UNE platform, or UNE-P. This requirement has distorted the
competitive landscape by allowing competitors to rent access lines at deeply
discounted rates that are generally below our historical cost. Utilizing UNE-P,
competitors are able to market telephone service and generate reasonable margins
with little to no capital investment at risk.
A judicial decision that became effective in mid-June invalidated certain FCC
rules that governed the provision of wholesale access to our network by local
service competitors. In response to the Court's mandate, the FCC adopted an
interim order designed to maintain interconnection contracts as they existed on
June 16, 2004, and to propose a transition to new unbundling rules. The FCC
chairman has scheduled a decision on new rules for December 2004. We are
participating in FCC and court proceedings related to the interim order, and we
have offered competitors commercial and tariffed services that would replace the
services required by the invalidated rules at market-based prices. During the
third quarter we experienced a decline in UNE-P lines provisioned to competitors
although it is too early to predict if this will evolve into a trend.
For years, BellSouth has invested in deploying fiber deeper into our network
including the use of an architecture referred to as fiber-to-the-curb or "FTTC."
FTTC is cost-effective, and less dependent than fiber-to-the-premise ("FTTP") on
commercial power to deliver services in the event of a power outage. In October
2004, in response to a BellSouth request, the FCC adopted a new rule that frees
installations of fiber optic technology within 500 feet of a residential
customer's premises from the FCC's wholesale access requirements. By eliminating
the requirement to provide access to competitors at deeply discounted prices,
the FCC's ruling reduces the business risk associated with deploying fiber
technology more broadly in the local loop. BellSouth plans to equip 100,000 to
150,000 newly constructed homes with FTTC in 2004.
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
On October 26, 2004 Cingular completed its previously announced acquisition of
AT&T Wireless. With the close of the transaction, Cingular management moved
immediately to take initial steps toward integrating the two companies. Key
focus areas over the next 60 days include customer communications, immediate
training for all sales and service personnel, relaunch of the Cingular brand,
transitioning to a common order system, and beginning the work that over time
will integrate support systems and network functions. This acquisition will
substantially increase BellSouth's participation in the domestic wireless
industry.
On March 5, 2004, we signed an agreement with Telefonica Moviles, the wireless
affiliate of Telefonica, S.A., to sell all our interests in our Latin American
operations. During October 2004, we closed on the sale of 8 of the 10 properties
including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uruguay and
Panama. The transfer of BellSouth's interest in the operations in the remaining
two Latin American countries (Argentina and Chile) is subject to obtaining all
requisite governmental approvals. We are working diligently to obtain those
approvals, and we expect to obtain them either in the fourth quarter of 2004 or
first quarter of 2005.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
HIGHLIGHTS AND OUTLOOK
Consolidated revenues for the first nine months of 2004 were down slightly
compared to the first nine months of 2003 reflecting top line pressures caused
by the loss of 1.4 million retail access lines to UNE-P competitors and
technology substitution. Revenue contraction due to line loss and pricing
pressures was substantially offset by revenue growth in long distance and DSL.
Through the first nine months of the year, we added approximately 1.7 million
long distance customers to total 5.7 million at September 30, 2004, while net
new DSL subscriber additions of 410,000 brought our total to 1.9 million. Our
cost structure is heavily weighted towards labor and fixed asset related costs.
In order to sustain margins, we have to adjust our workforce as market share of
access lines shifts. Since the beginning of 2001, we have reduced our workforce
in the Communications group by 15,700 employees or 22%. Earlier in 2004, we
announced additional force reductions of nearly 1,100 employees reflecting
continued pressures on access lines. Maintaining operating margins going forward
will be challenging as competition intensifies and we are forced to achieve
continued increases in productivity. This was evident in the third quarter 2004
as operating income margins were down 80 basis points from the third quarter
2003. While there have been some encouraging developments on the regulatory
front, there will be other events such as healthcare costs, continued line
losses to wireless substitution and the roll-out of Voice over internet protocol
(VoIP) telephony by cable providers that may continue to put pressure on
margins.
BellSouth differentiates itself from its competition through its commitment to
customer service. Our customers depend on us, especially when disaster strikes.
Over the last two months, BellSouth's customer service met the challenges
presented by the most active and destructive Atlantic hurricane season in years.
During the third quarter of 2004, we incurred $38 of incremental labor and
material costs related to service restoration and network repairs due to the
four major hurricanes that hit during the quarter. We expect to incur additional
costs in the $90 range during the fourth quarter as we complete network repairs.
In September 2004, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) ratified
Bellsouth's new contracts. The agreement, which covers approximately 42,000
BellSouth employees and expires August 8, 2009, will continue to give us the
workforce planning flexibility needed to respond to changing marketplace
conditions. The longer 5-year agreement increases stability and certainty for
employees, customers, and investors.
Operating free cash flow from continuing operations (cash flow from operating
activities less capital expenditures) of $3.4 billion for the first nine months
of 2004 is down compared to the corresponding period in the prior year primarily
due to higher income tax payments. In the next few years, operating cash flow
will continue to be negatively impacted by higher cash taxes as we see a
reversal of the benefit derived in recent years associated with legislated tax
incentives that provided for accelerated depreciation deductions that are set to
expire this year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Results of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key financial and operating data for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2003 and 2004 are set forth below. All references to earnings per share are
on a diluted basis. The discussion of consolidated results should be read in
conjunction with the more detailed discussion of results by segment directly
following this section.
Following generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), our financial
statements reflect results for the Latin American operations as Discontinued
Operations. Accordingly, the operational results and other activity associated
with the Latin American segment have been presented on one line item in the
income statement separate from Continuing Operations.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ----------- ------------------------ -----------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Results of operations:
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Total operating revenues $ 5,141 $5,095 -0.9% $ 15,234 $15,154 -0.5%
Total operating expenses 3,688 3,694 0.2% 11,076 10,953 -1.1%
Operating income 1,453 1,401 -3.6% 4,158 4,201 1.0%
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
and cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principle, net of tax 1,380 1,317 -4.6% 4,139 4,545 9.8%
Provision for income taxes 486 465 -4.3% 1,487 1,604 7.9%
--- --- ----- -----
Income from continuing operations before discontinued
operations and cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 894 852 -4.7% 2,652 2,941 10.9%
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 42 (53) -226.2% 150 453 202.0%
Income before cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principle 936 799 -14.6% 2,802 3,394 21.1%
--- --- ----- -----
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle,
net of tax - - * 315 - *
----- ----- ------- ------
Net (loss) income $ 936 $ 799 -14.6% $3,117 $3,394 8.9%
===== ===== ======= ======
* Not meaningful
Operating Revenues
Consolidated revenues were down $46 during the third quarter and $80 in the
year-to-date period in 2004 compared to the corresponding periods in 2003.
Communications group revenues decreased $41 in the third quarter and $47 in the
year-to-date period compared to the corresponding periods in 2003. Both the
quarter and year-to-date comparisons reflect the impact of revenue declines
associated with competitive line losses and related pricing pressures offset by
growth in the DSL and long distance products. Revenues from DSL and long
distance combined increased $194 in the third quarter 2004 and $677 in the
year-to-date 2004 period compared to corresponding periods in 2003. In addition,
the year-to-date 2004 period was negatively affected by a $50 customer refund
accrual associated with a settlement agreement with the South Carolina Consumer
Advocate. Advertising and Publishing group revenues were down $34 in the
year-to-date period compared to the corresponding period in 2003 impacted by a
reduction in print revenues due to lower overall spending by our advertisers.
Revenue trends are discussed in more detail in the Communications group and
Advertising & Publishing group segment results sections.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $6 in the third quarter of 2004 as compared
to the corresponding period in the prior year. The quarter-over-quarter increase
was impacted by restructuring charges of $51 recognized in the third quarter
2003. The residual increase was driven by activity at the Communications Group
as expenses in the Advertising & Publishing group were flat. Communications
Group expense change drivers included increases in costs of goods sold of $60
primarily for the provision of long distance services associated with the growth
in subscribers, and labor costs increases of $71, which includes a substantial
increase in overtime associated with the four major hurricanes that occurred in
August and September of 2004. These increases were somewhat offset by lower
depreciation and amortization expense of $51 attributable to lower depreciation
rates, lower access fees of $21 driven by CLEC interconnect volume declines, and
lower commissions and rents of $23 impacted by pole rental adjustments in the
third quarter of 2003.
For the year-to-date period 2004, total operating expenses decreased $123
compared to the corresponding period in 2003. The incremental impact of
restructuring charges attributed to a $168 decline. The remaining increase was
driven primarily by activity at the Communications Group segment. Communications
Group expense change drivers included increases in the costs of goods of $164
primarily for the provision of long distance services associated with the growth
in subscribers, and labor costs increase of $139, which includes a substantial
increase in overtime associated with the four major hurricanes and advertising
costs increases of $25 driven by increased competition and growth of DSL and
long distance products. These increases were somewhat offset by lower
depreciation and amortization expense of $141 attributable to lower depreciation
rates, lower access fees of $71 driven by CLEC interconnect volume declines, and
lower commissions and rents of $23 impacted by pole rental adjustments in the
third quarter of 2003.
The provision for restructuring charges of $21 in the 2004 year-to-date period
represents net severance activity related to workforce reductions. During the
first half of 2004, we initiated a workforce reduction of approximately 1,100
positions, primarily in network operations where the volume of work continues to
decline. The $51 restructuring amount in the third quarter of 2003 represents an
asset impairment associated with an abandoned software project. In addition,
2003 includes $138 in charges related to workforce reductions as we made
adjustments to our business model adapting to economic, regulatory, and
competitive pressures.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $14 for the third quarter and $79 for the
year-to-date period compared to the same periods in the prior year. Interest
expense associated with interest-bearing debt was up $4 for the third quarter
reflecting higher average debt balances for the quarter and down $34 in the
year-to-date period reflecting lower average debt balances for the year. Our
effective interest rate on interest-bearing debt was 5.8% in the third quarter
of 2004 compared to 6.7% in the third quarter of 2003. The lower effective
interest rate is due to our interest rate swap program and refinancing
higher-rate debt with lower-rate debt. The remaining variances relate to
interest accruals on other liabilities and contingencies.
Interest expense is expected to increase over the next year due to higher
incremental borrowings associated with equity contributions to Cingular to fund
its acquisition of AT&T Wireless.
Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------- -------- --------------- --------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Cingular $ 70 $ 57 $(13) $ 401 $ 293 $ (108)
Other equity investees 9 16 7 26 35 9
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Total $ 79 $ 73 $ (6) $ 427 $ 328 $(99)
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Earnings from Cingular in the 2004 periods were lower compared to the same
periods in 2003 primarily due to significant growth in customers and the costs
related to that growth, as well as integration planning costs related to the
AT&T Wireless acquisition and a fair value adjustment related to the sale of
Cingular Interactive.
Gain (loss) on sale of operations
The gain on sale of operations in 2004 relates to the sale of our interest in
Danish wireless provider, Sonofon, for 3.68 billion Danish Kroner to Telenor
ASA. We received 3.05 billion Danish Kroner, or $525, for our 46.5% equity stake
and 630 million Danish Kroner, or $109, for our shareholder loan and accrued
interest, reduced by a settlement of $17 associated with foreign currency swap
contracts. As a result of these transactions, we recorded a gain of $462, or
$295 net of tax, which included the recognition of cumulative foreign currency
translation gains of $13.
Other income (expense), net
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------- -------- --------------- --------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Interest Income $ 72 $ 77 $ 5 $ 246 $ 216 $ (30)
Foreign currency
transaction gains
(losses) 1 - (1) 30 (1) (31)
Loss on early
extinguishment of
debt - (14) (14) - (14) (14)
Other, net
9 - (9) 3 (1) (4)
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Total Other Income
(Expense), net $ 82 $ 63 $ (19) $ 279 $ 200 (79)
--------- ------- -------- ------- ------- --------
The decrease in interest income reflects a lower rate on our advance to Cingular
and to a lesser extent the loss of income on an advance to Dutch
telecommunications provider Royal KPN N.V. (KPN) due to early repayment in 2003.
Foreign currency transaction gains in 2003 relate primarily to the advance to
KPN. On August 1, 2004, we redeemed $517 of 40-year, 7.375% quarterly interest
bonds, due August 1, 2039. The redemption price was 100% of the principal
amount, but resulted in recognition of a loss of $14, or $9 net of tax,
associated with fully expensing remaining debt discount and deferred debt
issuance costs.
Provision for income taxes
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------- --------- ------------------- ---------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
-------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Provision for income
taxes $ 486 $ 465 $ (21) $1,487 $1,604 $ 117
Effective tax rate 35.2% 35.3% 0.1% 35.9% 35.3% (0.6%)
-------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
The effective tax rates in 2004 were reduced by a favorable permanent difference
for the Medicare Part D subsidy and an adjustment to taxes payable associated
with divested operations.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, decreased $95 in the third
quarter of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 primarily due to an after
tax charge of $190 related to the arbitration ruling and settlement for
Venezuela and $59 in tax expense associated with tax basis differential, both of
which are further detailed in Note C to the quarterly financial statements.
Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in income of $95 due to
improved operating income in 2004 driven by strong revenue growth and the
cessation of depreciation and amortization expense in the second quarter of 2004
for the assets of the discontinued operations as required by GAAP. In addition,
foreign currency exchange gains of $20 in third quarter of 2004 improved from
foreign exchange losses of $9 in third quarter of 2003.
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased $303 in the
year-to-date-period of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 primarily due to
a $357 tax benefit recorded in 2004 related to excess tax basis over book basis
in our Latin America investments. Income from discontinued operations also
increased due to the cessation of depreciation beginning in second quarter 2004
of $140, a $73 loss on the sale of Brazil in 2003, and higher revenues.
Partially offsetting the increases were the $190 charge related to Venezuela
noted above, foreign exchange gains of $101 in 2003 compared to losses of $3 in
2004, and a $33 loss in the second quarter of 2004 related to the purchase of
additional ownership share in Argentina.
From an operational perspective, these operations experienced strong growth in
both customers and revenue. Operating revenue in the Latin America operations
for the year-to-date period in 2004 increased $421 or 25.4% over the
year-to-date 2003 period due to growth in customers and traffic throughout the
portfolio. End-of-period customers increased 29% and total billed minutes of use
increased 23% compared to September 30, 2003.
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.
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results by Segment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our reportable segments reflect strategic business units that offer similar
products and services and/or serve similar customers. We have three reportable
operating segments:
o Communications group;
o Domestic wireless; and
o Advertising & Publishing group.
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 J to the quarterly financial statements 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.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communications Group
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Communications group includes our core domestic businesses including: all
domestic wireline voice, data, broadband, e-commerce, long distance, Internet
services and advanced voice features. The group provides these services to an
array of customers, including residential, business and wholesale.
During 2004, the Communications group continued to emphasize interLATA long
distance and BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL, encouraging customers to purchase
packages containing multiple telecommunications services. We also continued to
experience the loss of retail access lines due to competition and technology
substitution, and we expect these trends to continue during the remainder of
2004 and into 2005.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues:
Voice $3,204 $3,121 -2.6% $ 9,538 $9,443 -1.0%
Data 1,104 1,145 3.7% 3,259 3,353 2.9%
Other 360 361 0.3% 1,033 1,009 -2.3%
----- ----- ----- -----
Total segment operating revenues 4,668 4,627 -0.9% 13,830 13,805 -0.2%
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 1,720 1,783 3.7% 5,057 5,258 4.0%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 755 729 -3.4% 2,287 2,279 -0.3%
Depreciation and amortization 949 898 -5.4% 2,830 2,689 -5.0%
--- --- ----- -----
Total segment operating expenses 3,424 3,410 -0.4% 10,174 10,226 0.5%
Segment operating income 1,244 1,217 -2.2% 3,656 3,579 -2.1%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 727 $714 -1.8% $2,115 $2,103 -0.6%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income including unusual items $ 695 $691 -0.6% $2,802 $2,033 -27.4%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Indicators (000s except where noted)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Switched access lines(1):
Residential retail:
Primary 12,670 11,816 -6.7%
Additional 1,671 1,388 -16.9%
----- -----
Total Retail Residence 14,341 13,204 -7.9%
Residential wholesale:
Resale 198 114 -42.4%
UNE-P 1,534 2,082 35.7%
----- -----
Total Wholesale Residence 1,732 2,196 26.8%
----- -----
Total Residence 16,073 15,400 -4.2%
Business retail 5,484 5,264 -4.0%
Business wholesale
Resale 75 61 -18.7%
UNE-P 654 752 15.0%
--- ---
Total Wholesale Business 729 813 11.5%
Other Retail/Wholesale Lines (primarily public) 159 99 -37.7%
--- --
Total Switched Access Lines (2) 22,445 21,576 -3.9%
ISDN line equivalents
Residence 14 10 -28.6%
Business 1,445 1,462 1.2%
----- -----
Total ISDN Adjusted Access lines in Service 23,904 23,048 -3.6%
DSL customers 1,336 1,872 40.1%
Long distance customers 3,440 5,663 64.6%
Switched access and local minutes of use 20,166 17,128 -15.1% 63,119 53,602 -15.1%
BellSouth long distance minutes of use 3,224 5,673 76.0% 6,119 15,245 149.1%
----- ----- ----- ------
Total Access minutes of use (millions) 23,390 22,801 -2.5% 69,238 68,847 -0.6%
Capital expenditures $ 692 $ 724 4.6% $1,923 $2,049 6.6%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Prior period operating data are often revised at later dates to reflect
updated information. The above information reflects the latest data available
for the periods indicated.
(2) In the first quarter of 2004, we augmented our presentation of access lines
from only an ISDN adjusted method to also disclosing an actual reported basis.
The ISDN adjusted amounts are also provided in the table for comparison purposes
to peer companies.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Segment operating revenues
Voice
Voice revenues decreased $83 in the third quarter and decreased $95 year-to-date
when compared to the same periods in 2003 driven primarily by continued access
line loss offset by the growth in interLATA long distance. Total switched access
lines declined 869,000 or 3.9% for the year-to-date period with retail line
losses being partially offset by increases in wholesale lines. The access line
decline was the result of continued share loss and technology substitution.
Wholesale lines, which consist primarily of unbundled network element - platform
(UNE-P) lines, totaled over 3 million at September 30, 2004, up 563,000 lines
year over year. The vast majority of the quarterly UNE-P additions were
residential. 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 fully allocated costs we incur to
provide it. To mitigate this loss, we have been actively seeking reform of the
pricing rules that regulators use to set UNE-P prices. As previously discussed
under the heading "Overview," a judicial decision that became effective in
mid-June invalidated certain FCC rules that governed the provision of wholesale
access to our network by local service competitors. We believe this change in
the regulatory environment influenced the loss in UNE-P lines that we
experienced during the third quarter of 2004.
In efforts to combat share loss, we continue to grow our package services.
BellSouth Answers(R) 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, BellSouth FastAccess(R)DSL or dial-up Internet,
and Cingular Wireless services. During the third quarter 2004, we began offering
DIRECTV(R) digital satellite television service through all sales channels as
part of the BellSouth Answers(R) portfolio. This agency relationship with
DIRECTV provides us with a key competitive product with insignificant cost or
capital requirements. With the addition of video, the BellSouth Answers(R)
package is one of the most comprehensive and competitively priced bundles in our
markets today. We ended the quarter with more than 4 million residential
packages, representing a 34% penetration of our retail primary line residence
base. Over 80% of Answers customers have long distance in their package and over
40% have either DSL or dial-up Internet.
Long distance voice revenue increased $133 in the third quarter and $453
year-to-date when compared to the same periods in 2003, driven primarily by
growth in interLATA and wireless long distance. InterLATA revenues increased
$125 in the third quarter and $448 year-to-date when compared to the same
periods in 2003. Substantial interLATA growth reflects continued large market
share gains driven by marketing efforts and the BellSouth Unlimited Long
Distance Plans. At September 30, 2004, we had 5.66 million long distance
customers and a mass-market penetration rate of approximately 44% of our
customer base. We also continued to grow our long distance offerings in complex
business. We recorded $57 in complex long distance revenue in the third quarter
of 2004 compared to $22 in the same quarter of 2003. Through September 30, 2004,
the complex long distance backlog stands at $ 613. This backlog represents an
estimated value of the complex long distance business sold but not yet booked as
revenue. Revenue from wholesale long distance services provided to Cingular
increased $16 for the third quarter and $41 year-to-date when compared to the
same periods in 2003. This increase was caused by higher volumes associated with
the proliferation of wireless package plans that include long distance partially
offset by slightly lower rates.
Switched access revenues declined $25 in the third quarter and $59 year-to-date
when compared to the same periods in 2003 due to volume and rate decreases. Our
entry into interLATA long distance shifted switched access minutes from other
carriers to our service resulting in a transfer from wholesale switched access
revenues to retail long distance revenue. Switched access and local MOUs
decreased 15.1% compared to the third quarter of 2003. The decrease is due to
the impact of our entry into interLATA long distance, access line losses
including the shift to UNE-P lines and alternative communications services,
primarily wireless and e-mail. Switched access rates were slightly lower in the
year-to-date period due to the July 1, 2003 rate reduction of the CALLs program,
an FCC access reform initiative. The decline in rates, however, is substantially
offset by higher subscriber line charges that are also included in voice
revenues.
Data
Data revenues increased $41 in the third quarter and $94 year-to-date when
compared to the same period in 2003. Data revenues were driven by strong growth
from the sale of BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL service partially offset by
decreases in revenue from other data products. Combined wholesale and retail DSL
revenues were up $51 in the third quarter and $177 year-to-date when compared to
the same periods in 2003 due primarily to a larger customer base. As of
September 30, 2004, we had 1.87 million DSL customers, an increase of 536
thousand customers compared to September 30, 2003.
Retail data services grew 9.5% in the third quarter and 11.8% year-to-date when
compared to the corresponding periods in 2003 driven primarily by the growth
from the sale of FastAccess DSL service. During the third quarter of 2004 we
added 135 thousand net retail customers and, on a year-to-date basis, we added
417 thousand net retail customers. We offer three broadband downstream
connection speeds to meet the varying needs of our mass-market customers. The
original version - BellSouth FastAccess DSL Ultra- runs at downstream connection
speeds of up to 1.5 megabits. Since mid-2003,
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
we have offered a lower speed version - BellSouth FastAccess DSL Lite - running
at downstream connection speeds of up to 256 kilobits. Fast Access DSL Lite
accounted for over one-third of third quarter 2004 gross additions. In April
2004, we began offering Fast Access DSL Xtreme, delivering downstream connection
speeds of up to 3.0 megabits and upstream connection speeds of up to 384
kilobits. We believe our broadband offers are among the most competitively
priced in our markets. In late September 2004, we launched additional incentives
and introduced new pricing for FastAccess DSL Ultra service designed to increase
long-term market penetration. Retail customer additions were offset somewhat by
wholesale disconnects as we continue to see a shift in customer mix to retail.
Revenue from other retail data products was flat for both the quarter and
year-to-date periods.
Revenues from the sale of wholesale data transport services and wholesale DSL to
other communications providers, including long distance companies and CLECs,
declined 2.8% in the third quarter and declined 6.1% year-to-date when compared
to the same periods in 2003, primarily due to the lingering impacts of soft
enterprise demand and continued network grooming and consolidation by large
inter-exchange carriers.
Other
Other communications revenue remained flat in the third quarter 2004 as compared
to the same period in 2003 as payphone business decreases of $23 were offset by
increases in equipment revenue and wholesale long distance. We have gradually
phased out our payphone business and recorded zero payphone revenues in the
third quarter 2004. Other revenues decreased $24 year-to-date when compared to
the same period in 2003. This decrease reflects decreases in payphone of $65 and
billing and late payment fees of $26 partially offset by increases in equipment
revenues of $31 and wholesale long distance increases of $19. Increases in
equipment revenues reflect increased demand due to improved economic conditions
and customer upgrades to newer technology.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services and products of $1,783 in third quarter and $5,258 year-to-date
increased $63 and $201, respectively, from the same periods in 2003. The cost of
services increase for third quarter was impacted by increases of $60 in costs of
goods sold principally driven by increases in the provision of long distance
services; increases of $15 in labor costs impacted by pay increases and changes
in employee mix slightly offset by lower average workforce; and increases in
materials and supplies of $12 associated with increased utilities usage, offset
by decreases of $21 in access fees due to volume declines, settlements and
significant reductions in charges associated with access to other carriers
customer name databases.
The change in cost of services in the year-to-date period included increases of
$164 in costs of goods sold principally driven by increases in the provision of
long distance services; increases of $53 in contract services related to network
planning projects and equipment installations; increases in materials and
supplies of $24 associated with increased utilities usage; increases in labor
costs of $18 impacted by changes in employee mix slightly offset by lower
average workforce; offset by decreases of $71 in access fees due to volume
declines, settlements and significant reductions in charges associated with
access to other carriers customer name databases; and by decreases in rent of
$12 related to real estate consolidation.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses of $729 in third quarter and
$2,279 year-to-date decreased $26 and $8, respectively, from the same periods in
2003. The third quarter decrease reflects a decrease in contract services of $26
related to the conversion of contractors to employees and reduced operations
support spending, a decrease in the provision for uncollectibles of $18 driven
by a $9 reserve adjustment, continued improvement in our collection process and
improved economic conditions; and a decrease in outside sales commissions of $8.
These declines were partially offset by an increase of $25 in labor costs driven
by incentive awards and pay increases partially offset by lower headcount and
increased advertising expense of $11 in response to consumer competitive
campaigns.
The year-to-date decrease in selling, general, and administrative expense
reflects a decrease in the provision for uncollectibles of $79 driven by the
reasons impacting the quarter periods described above, a decrease in contract
services of $41 driven by the conversion of contractors to employees and reduced
operations support spending, offset by an increase of $89 in labor costs driven
by incentive awards, conversion of contractors to employees and pay increases
partially offset by lower headcount, an increase in advertising expense of $25
in response to consumer competitive campaigns and to a lesser extent increased
corporate affiliate billings.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $51 during third quarter and
$141 year-to-date when compared to the same periods in 2003. 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 precipitated primarily
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
by the reductions in capital expenditures over the past several years.
Amortization expense increased 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 2004, unusual items of $(23) for hurricane-related
costs; for year-to-date 2004, unusual items of $(70) for the South Carolina
regulatory settlement, severance and hurricane-related costs; for third quarter
2003, unusual items of $(32) related to an asset impairment related to an
abandoned systems project; for year-to-date 2003, unusual items of $687 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Wireless
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We own an approximate 40% economic interest in Cingular, a joint venture with
SBC Communications. 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 results.
Average revenue per user (ARPU) continued to be pressured by more subscribers
selecting FamilyTalk(R) plans and the success of the RollOver Minutes program.
Data revenue played an increasingly important role in revenue composition in
2003 and early 2004, and those impacts are expected to continue to increase
through the remainder of 2004. Further, competition continues to be intense,
with up to five competitors in most of the significant domestic wireless
markets. Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless, which closed in October 2004,
will significantly impact the results of our wireless segment beginning in the
fourth quarter due to a doubling of the size of Cingular's operations and higher
amortization expense related to purchase accounting adjustments.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues:
Service revenues $1,471 $1,534 4.3% $4,275 $4,478 4.7%
Equipment revenues 153 168 9.8% 353 463 31.2%
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating revenues 1,624 1,702 4.8% 4,628 4,941 6.8%
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 643 651 1.2% 1,666 1,814 8.9%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 577 609 5.5% 1,571 1,742 10.9%
Depreciation and amortization 209 229 9.6% 607 676 11.4%
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating expenses 1,429 1,489 4.2% 3,844 4,232 10.1%
Segment operating income 195 213 9.2% 784 709 -9.6%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $ 44 $ 54 22.7% $ 249 $ 202 -18.9%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income including unusual items $ 44 $ 37 -15.9% $ 249 $ 185 -25.7%
Key Indicators (100% Cingular):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cellular/PCS Customers (000s) 23,385 25,672 9.8%
Wireless service average monthly revenue per customer
- Cellular/PCS $ 52.43 $49.78 -5.1% $52.12 $49.36 -5.3%
Capital Expenditures $ 773 $ 634 -18.0% $ 1,768 $ 1,751 -1.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues
Cingular's cellular/PCS customers at September 30, 2004 increased 10% compared
to September 30, 2003. Net cellular/PCS additions in the third quarter of 2004
decreased 12% compared to third quarter of 2003 and increased 11% in the
year-to-date period 2004 as compared to 2003. During the third quarter of 2004,
Cingular had 2.8 million cellular/PCS customer gross additions, representing the
highest total since its formation. Postpaid gross additions were 76% of all
gross additions for the third quarter of 2004 and were 75% of all gross
additions for the year-to-date period 2004.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
The cellular/PCS churn rate was 2.8% in the third quarter of 2004 and 2.7% in
the year-to-date period 2004 compared with a 2.8% churn rate in the third
quarter of 2003 and 2.6% in the year-to-date period 2003. To date, wireless
local number portability has not materially impacted Cingular's customer churn
rate.
Segment operating revenues grew $78 during the third quarter of 2004 and $313 in
the year-to-date period as compared to the same periods in 2003. Service
revenues increased $63 in the third quarter of 2004 and $203 in the year-to-date
period, driven by the increase in the average subscriber base for both periods
offset by lower ARPU for both periods. ARPU for cellular/PCS customers declined
$2.65 in the third quarter and declined $2.76 in the year-to-date periods when
compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in ARPU is
related to several items including the increase in customers on FamilyTalk(R)
plans and the success of the RollOver Minutes program. Additionally, ARPU
decreased due to reductions in revenues from incollect roaming when compared to
the third quarter of 2003 and to the year-to-date period 2003, reflecting free
roaming minutes associated with all-inclusive regional and national rate plans.
Also, outcollect roaming revenue dropped as higher volumes were offset by lower
rates. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in service revenue
including an increase in regulatory fees and a 63% increase in data revenues
from the third quarter of 2003 and a 51% increase in data revenues from the
year-to-date period 2003, reflective of higher penetration and usage of SMS
short messaging data services with Cingular's cellular/PCS customers.
Equipment revenues increased $15 in the third quarter of 2004 and $110 in the
year-to-date period 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003 due to higher unit
sales. Handset sales were impacted by postpaid/prepaid customer gross additions
during the quarter and year-to-date periods. Additionally, equipment revenues
increased due to higher rates related to handset upgrades as a result of
Cingular's GSM conversions and a move towards higher functionality handsets for
the year-to-date period.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products
Cost of services and products increased $8 during the third quarter of 2004 and
$148 during the year-to-date period 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003.
Cingular's expense growth was driven by customer gross additions during the
quarter and year-to-date periods and by increased expenses related to Universal
Service Fund/regulatory fees for the year-to-date period. Additionally, a 32%
third quarter increase and a 31% year-to-date increase in system minutes of use
on the network and associated network system expansion costs resulted in higher
quarter-over-quarter and higher year-to-date over year-to-date expenses.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $32 in the third quarter
of 2004 and increased $171 year-to-date 2004 when compared to the same periods
in 2003, due to increased advertising and promotion costs, increased
uncollectibles expense and higher customer service as a result of customer
retention and other service improvement initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $20 in the third quarter of 2004 and
increased $69 in the year-to-date period 2004 when compared to the same periods
in 2003. The increase in depreciation expense of $29 for the third quarter of
2004 and $78 for the year-to-date period 2004 was attributable to higher levels
of gross property, plant and equipment, including Cingular's GSM network
overlay. Amortization expense declined $9 in the third quarter of 2004 and the
year-to-date period of 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 due to certain
intangibles becoming fully amortized during 2004.
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 and year-to-date 2004, unusual items of $(17)
related to wireless merger integration planning costs in preparation of the
Cingular/AWE merger and to a fair value adjustment for the announced sale of
Cingular Interactive.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising and Publishing
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Advertising & Publishing segment is comprised of companies in the US that
publish, print, sell advertising in and perform related services concerning
alphabetical and classified telephone directories and electronic media
offerings.
While revenue growth for the first nine months of 2004 continued to reflect a
decline, stronger demand in advertising has helped increase sales for published
directories sold during 2004 and is expected to generate positive growth in 2004
published sales, despite a highly competitive market place.
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, % Ended September 30, %
2003 2004 Change 2003 2004 Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating revenues $505 $ 498 -1.4% $1,528 $1,491 -2.4%
Segment operating expenses:
Cost of services and products 94 89 -5.3% 254 259 2.0%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 168 173 3.0% 522 496 -5.0%
Depreciation and amortization 5 7 40.0% 19 21 10.5%
--- --- --- ---
Total segment operating expenses 267 269 0.7% 795 776 -2.4%
Segment operating income 238 229 -3.8% 733 715 -2.5%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income $147 $ 141 -4.1% $453 $438 -3.3%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment net income (loss) including unusual items $147 $141 -4.1% $ (52) $ 438 *
Capital expenditures $ 9 $ 8 -11.1% $ 21 $ 22 4.8%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Not meaningful
Segment operating revenues
Segment operating revenues decreased $7 from the third quarter of 2003 to the
third quarter of 2004, and decreased $37 on a year-to-date basis. The decreases
include a reduction in print revenues, partially offset by an increase in
electronic media revenues. Sales agency commission revenues declined $3 from the
third quarter of 2003 to the third quarter of 2004, and declined $4 on a
year-to-date basis.
The print revenue decline between periods was primarily driven by the
amortization of revenues from directories issued in the latter half of 2003. The
decline in revenues from 2003 directories was attributable to the lingering
effects of weak economic conditions in 2003 that affected the directory
advertising environment, and the continued impact of online and offline media
competition. These factors also caused revenues from directories issued in the
first half of 2004 to be flat when compared to their 2003 issues. Revenues from
directories issued in the third quarter, however, achieved positive growth as a
result of improving economic conditions and responses to competitive
initiatives. Based on recent directory sales volumes, revenues from directories
to be issued in the fourth quarter of 2004 are also expected to show positive
growth over their previous issues.
The $3 decline in third quarter sales agency commission revenues was primarily
the result of a reduction in contracted rates with several existing customers.
The $4 year-to-date decline was driven by the discontinuance of a line of
business as well as the reduction in contracted rates, partially offset by
growth in core sales.
Segment operating expenses
Cost of services and products decreased $5 from the third quarter of 2003 to the
third quarter of 2004 and increased $5 on a year-to-date basis. The
quarter-over-quarter decrease was attributable to costs related to dedicated
customer phone lines which provide call tracking for customers, partially offset
by the impact of increased distribution volumes. The increase for the
year-to-date period primarily reflects the impact of increased distribution
volumes.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $5 quarter-over-quarter
and decreased $26 year-over-year. The quarter-over-quarter change reflected
increased costs for performance compensation, higher advertising and promotional
expense related to competitive measures and expenses for new sales channels.
These increases were partially offset by declines in uncollectible expense and
reductions in general and administrative costs. The year to-date decline of $26
primarily reflects a $33 decrease in uncollectible expense, the result of
improved collection performance between periods. Variable costs associated with
selling also decreased year-to-date as the result of the reduction in revenues.
Partially offsetting these decreases was increased spending for advertising in
response to a more competitive environment.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2 for both the quarter- and
year-to-date periods, reflecting an increase in capitalized software.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
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, unusual items of $(505) included the cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle and severance and pension costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity and Financial Condition
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used for):
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2003 2004 Change
-------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------------
Continuing Operations
Operating activities $ 6,555 $ 5,488 $ (1,067) -16.3%
Investing activities $ (442) $ (1,963) (1,521) *
Financing activities $ (3,735) $ 1,220 4,955 *
Discontinued Operations $ 165 $ (101) (266) *
-------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------------
*Not meaningful.
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash generated by operations decreased $1,067 during the first nine months of
2004 compared to the prior year due primarily to a $564 increase in income tax
payments in 2004, a previously accrued payment of approximately $81 to MCI
WorldCom related to its bankruptcy settlement, and lower operating margins
before depreciation and amortization in the Communications group. Operating
income excluding depreciation and amortization in the Communications group
decreased $218 in the nine months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.
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 of $2,134 during the
first nine months of 2004 and $1,978 during the first nine months of 2003 were
incurred to support our wireline network, to promote the introduction of new
products and services and to increase operating efficiency and productivity. The
increase in capital expenditures compared to the prior period relates primarily
to the timing of capital projects and related expenditures as we expect total
spending in 2004 to be comparable to 2003.
Other investing activities
During the first nine months of 2004, we received $525 for the sale of our
investment in Sonofon and $109 for the repayment of our shareholder loan and
accrued interest, reduced by a settlement of $17 associated with currency swap
contracts. In addition, activity related to purchases and sales of debt and
equity securities resulted in a net cash outlay of $463.
During the first nine months of 2003, we received $1,450 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.
In addition, 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. We also purchased
and sold equity securities for a net expenditure of $26.
Net cash used for financing activities
During the first nine months of 2004, we utilized cash from operations to reduce
short-term borrowings by $266. We also issued $3,700 of new long-term debt. A
portion of the proceeds was used to refinance $200 in maturing debt during the
second quarter and $517 of callable debt in the third quarter. The remaining
proceeds were pre-funding related to financing our share of the purchase price
of Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless. In addition, we paid dividends of 77
cents per share totaling $1,407 and purchased 3.9 million shares of our common
stock for an aggregate of $99.
During the first nine months of 2003 we reduced short-term borrowings by $423
and long-term borrowings by $1,836. In addition, we paid dividends of 64 cents
per share totaling $1,183 and purchased 14.8 million shares of our common stock
for an aggregate cost of $322.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the first nine months of 2004, cash and cash equivalents decreased $101
primarily due to $177 in expenditures related to the purchase of interests and
other rights of minority partners in Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador. In
addition, capital expenditures were $183, distributions to minority partners
were $80, and debt repayments were $48. These cash outflows were partially
offset by operating cash flow of $407.
During the first nine months of 2003, cash and cash equivalents increased $165
primarily due to operating cash flow of $340, proceeds of $35 from the sale of
our Colombian debt securities and $20 related to the sale of an equity
investment in Brazil. Partially offsetting these cash inflows were capital
expenditures of $146, investments in equity securities of $34, and debt
repayments of $44.
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, 2004, our consolidated cash balance was $9,200, which included approximately
$1,065 held by consolidated entities in our discontinued Latin American
operations. At September 30, 2004, our long-term debt rating was A1 from Moody's
Investor Service and A from Standard and Poor's. Our short-term debt rating at
September 30, 2004 was P-1 from Moody's and A-1 from Standard and Poor's. On
October 26, 2004, Moody's reduced our long-term debt rating from A1 to A2.
Moody's indicated the rating was reduced because of the loss of financial
flexibility due to the significantly increased debt levels associated with
Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless, increasing competition that continues
to erode profitability and the ability to generate free cash flow, and
increasing capital expenditures associated with network upgrades which will
negatively impact our ability to reduce debt over the near term. Moody's outlook
on both our short and long-term ratings remains negative. The reasons cited were
our expanded competitive challenges in the wireline business which could erode
our ability to reduce debt levels as planned and the possibility of lower
earnings and cash flow at Cingular if the AT&T Wireless integration is more
expensive and time consuming than anticipated. Standard and Poor's also has a
negative outlook on our long-term debt rating. The reasons given are increasing
competition in our wireline business from the cable television companies which
could drive down pricing and squeeze operating margins, and near term pressures
from the integration of AT&T Wireless.
Our authorized commercial paper program as of September 30, 2004 was $10.5
billion, with $1.2 billion outstanding. On October 4, 2004, we entered into a
Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") that provides for commitments in the
aggregate principal amount of $9 billion and matures on October 3, 2005. The
agreement acts as a backup facility for our commercial paper program. Except as
described in this paragraph, the Agreement contains no financial covenants or
requirements for compensating balances. Further, the Agreement does not contain
any provisions that are tied to the ratings assigned to us or our affiliates. At
the Company's election, any outstanding borrowings may be converted to a
one-year term loan, in which case the debt of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries is not permitted, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, to exceed
300% of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization for the preceding four quarters. As of November 1, 2004, aggregate
commitments under that line of credit had been reduced to $5.5 billion.
Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, we increased our outstanding
commercial paper by $7.8 billion to $9.0 billion to fund a portion of our equity
contribution to Cingular for its acquisition of AT&T Wireless. Proceeds from the
sale of remaining Latin American properties and cash flow from operations are
expected to provide sufficient funds to reduce debt issued to fund the equity
contribution to approximately $6 billion.
In addition to the Agreement discussed above, as of September 30, 2004, we have
a syndicated line of credit in the amount of $1.5 billion. 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 registration statement on
file with the SEC under which $5.5 billion of long-term debt securities could be
issued. Our sources of funds - primarily from operations and, to the extent
necessary, from readily available external financing arrangements - are
sufficient to meet all current obligations on a timely basis. We believe that
these sources of funds will be sufficient to meet the operating needs of our
business for at least the next twelve months.
The Communications group and Advertising & Publishing group generate
substantially all of our consolidated cash provided by operating activities.
These segments generate sufficient cash flow to fund operating, investing and
financing needs and dividend excess cash to BellSouth for corporate uses. The
Domestic Wireless segment, which consists entirely of our equity investment in
Cingular, typically has not relied on BellSouth for funding its operations and
capital program but has relied upon the debt capital markets. Effective August
1, 2004, we and SBC have agreed to finance Cingular's capital and operating cash
requirements to the extent Cingular requires funding above the level provided by
operations. Cingular's Board of Directors also approved the termination of its
bank credit facilities and its intention to cease issuing commercial paper and
long-term debt.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Acquisition and Disposition Activity
Cingular Acquisition of AT&T Wireless
On October 26, 2004, Cingular completed its previously announced acquisition of
AT&T Wireless. Cingular's cash purchase price for AT&T Wireless shares totaled
approximately $41 billion dollars. That amount was funded by equity
contributions from Cingular's two owners in proportion to their equity ownership
of Cingular - 60% for SBC and 40% for BellSouth - with the remainder provided
from cash on hand at AT&T Wireless. BellSouth's portion of the funding, which
will be reflected as an increase in our investment in Cingular, was
approximately $14.4 billion. We funded the equity infusion through cash on hand,
including proceeds from the Latin America closings, the issuance of $3 billion
in long-term debt in September, and the issuance of commercial paper.
Sale of Latin American Operations
On March 5, 2004, we signed an agreement with Telefonica Moviles, the wireless
affiliate of Telefonica, S.A., to sell all our interests in our Latin American
operations. During October, we closed on the sale of 8 of the 10 properties
including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uruguay and
Panama. We received total proceeds of $3.7 billion and will recognize an
after-tax gain of approximately $920 in the fourth quarter of 2004. The transfer
of BellSouth's interest in the operations in the remaining two Latin American
countries (Argentina and Chile) is subject to obtaining all requisite
governmental approvals. We are working diligently to obtain those approvals, and
we expect to obtain them either in the fourth quarter of 2004 or first quarter
of 2005.
Venezuelan Arbitration and Settlement
As discussed in Note C of the financial statements, in October 2004 we reached
an agreement in principle with the other major shareholder of Telcel, our
Venezuelan operation, where we would purchase its 21.8% interest in Telcel and
settle all outstanding claims for an aggregate payment of $617. While the
agreement is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements,
closing is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2004. Upon closing,
BellSouth will transfer this 21.8% interest in Telcel to Telefonica for
approximately $300.
Other Debt Instruments
As of September 30, 2004, CRM, our subsidiary in Argentina, entered into an
agreement with creditors holding approximately 78% of $525 of CRM's outstanding
debt. This debt is currently in default. The participating creditors have agreed
to customary provisions to forebear from enforcing their rights under the debt
agreements until June 30, 2005. If the sale of CRM to Telefonica closes,
BellSouth has agreed to cause the participating creditors to receive the par
value of their debt plus accrued interest less an aggregate discount of $5. If
the sale does not close, the participating creditors will have all their rights
to proceed against CRM under the credit documents with respect to CRM's
defaults.
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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 2003 annual
report on Form 10-K, as modified by the current report on Form 8-K dated July
30, 2004, and our other filings with the SEC. 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.
One of our objectives for managing interest rate risk is to balance our
portfolio between fixed and variable rate debt. In order to do so, we enter into
interest rate swap agreements to exchange fixed and variable rate interest
payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying principal amounts.
Consistent with this strategy, during the third quarter of 2004, we entered into
additional interest rate swaps, bringing the total notional value of our fair
value hedges to $1,400. We did not enter into any additional cash flow hedges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes with respect to
off-balance sheet arrangements and aggregate contractual obligations as
presented in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as modified by the current
report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 2004, and our other filings with the SEC.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Contractual Obligations December 31, September 30, Change
2003 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt maturing within 1 year $1,637 $1,220 $ (417)
Long-term debt 13,742 15,308 1,566
------ ------ -----
$15,379 $16,528 $1,149
The changes in debt maturing within 1 year and long-term debt above include the
sale of $3,000 of five- and ten-year debt securities, the proceeds of which were
used to fund a portion of our share of the financing for Cingular's acquisition
of AT&T Wireless. Partially offsetting this increase was the reclassification of
$1,513 of debt related to our Latin America operations to the liabilities of
discontinued operations line item in our consolidated balance sheet. We also had
net payments of $322 of commercial paper and maturing debt during the nine
months ended September 30, 2004. In addition, classification between short-term
and long-term debt were impacted by the sale of additional debt during 2004 to
refinance higher rate debt and maturing debt.
Subsequent to the third quarter 2004, we increased our outstanding commercial
paper by $7.8 billion to $9 billion to fund a portion of our equity contribution
to Cingular for its acquisition of AT&T Wireless.
Indemnities
Sales and other transaction taxes generally are required to be collected by the
vendor from the purchaser and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. In
some instances, however, it is not clear whether the tax applies to a particular
transaction. When, as a purchaser, BellSouth wants to take the position that a
tax does not apply to a given transaction, it will request that the vendor not
bill the tax to BellSouth. As a condition of not billing the tax, vendors
sometimes request, and BellSouth generally agrees, to indemnify and hold the
vendor harmless in the event that the taxing authority asserts a claim against
the vendor for the tax. We believe any amounts subject to these types of
indemnification would not have a material impact on our results of operations,
financial position or cash flows.
Colombian Put-Call
Until the recent acquisition by Telefonica , we were the majority shareholder in
BellSouth Colombia, a wireless operator in Colombia. We had previously agreed
with our partner to a put and call agreement whereby we could acquire, or could
be compelled by our partner to acquire, additional shares of the Colombian
operation held by our partner for a price equal to the appraised fair value.
Under the remaining put/call option, the residual balance of our partner's
shares could be called by us or put to us beginning in 2006 until 2009. In
connection with the acquisition by Telefonica, the shareholders agreement was
assigned to Telefonica and all of our obligations under the shareholders
agreement ceased.
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Operating Environment
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Domestic Economic Trends
Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average annual rate of 4.5% in the
first quarter of 2004 and 3.3% in the second quarter, grew at an annual rate of
3.7% in the third quarter. Personal consumption growth, which was strong in the
first quarter, slowed in the second. Business fixed investment spending
accelerated in the second quarter. Real GDP growth was reduced by an increase in
imports in the second quarter. Employment growth has been slow to develop, and
the nation's unemployment rate in the third quarter remained at a relatively
high 5.4%. The nation's economic expansion is expected to proceed at a
moderately strong pace through the fourth quarter and at a more modest pace in
2005.
On average, the economy of the nine-state region tends to closely track the US
economy. The region's real personal income grew at an annual rate of 4.6% during
the second quarter. Residential construction activity has been very strong in
the region as in the nation. Housing starts are on pace to reach 580 thousand in
2004, exceeding 2003's level of 533 thousand. Employment in the region in the
third quarter was 1.2% higher than in the same period a year ago. The disruption
to economic activity that was caused by four hurricanes that hit the region in
the third quarter was concentrated in, although not confined to, Florida's
economy, which is the largest in the region. The state's economic aggregates are
expected to improve in the fourth quarter and in 2005 as rebuilding occurs.
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 L to our consolidated interim financial
statements.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
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, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to
such entities are necessarily more limited than those we maintain with respect
to our consolidated subsidiaries.
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, while our disclosure
controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where
they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, 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.
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 Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b). Based upon
the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial
Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at
providing reasonable assurance that all material information relating to
BellSouth (including consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our
Exchange Act reports is reported in a timely manner. In addition, based on such
evaluation we have identified no change in our internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that
has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting.
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and as Otherwise Indicated)
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this document contains forward-looking
statements regarding events, financial trends and critical accounting policies
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 that could affect demand
for our services;
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;
o Cingular Wireless' failure to realize, in the amounts and within the
timeframe contemplated, the capital and expense synergies and other
financial benefits expected from its acquisition of AT&T Wireless as a
result of technical, logistical, regulatory and other factors;
o changes in US or foreign laws or regulations, or in their
interpretations, which could result in the loss, or reduction in value,
of our licenses, concessions or markets, or in an increase in
competition, compliance costs or capital expenditures;
o continued pressures on the telecommunications industry from a financial,
competitive and regulatory perspective;
o 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 continued successful penetration of the interLATA long distance market;
o the issuance by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other
accounting bodies of new accounting standards or changes to existing
standards;
o changes in available technology that increase the impacts of technology
substitution;
o consolidation in the wireline and wireless industries in which we
operate;
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 any inability to obtain regulatory approval, or satisfy other closing
conditions, with respect to the pending sale of our remaining interests
in Latin America to Telefonica Moviles, S.A., which would result in our
retaining an interest in such operations; and
o continued deterioration in foreign currencies relative to the US Dollar
in foreign countries in which we operate, particularly in Latin America.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table contains information about our purchases of our equity
securities during July, August and September 2004.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Total Number of Approximate
Shares Purchased Dollar Value
Total Number Average as Part of a that May Yet Be
of Shares Price Paid Publicly Purchased Under
Period Purchased (1) per Share Announced Plan the Plan (2)
------ ------------ ---------- ---------------- ---------------
July 1-31, 2004 -- -- -- --
August 1-31, 2004 7,325 26.85 -- --
September 1-30, 2004 -- -- -- --
- -------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------------- ---------------
Total 7,325 26.85 -- --
(1) Represents shares purchased from employees to pay taxes related to the
vesting of restricted shares, at an average of $26.85. Excludes shares
purchased from employees to pay taxes related to the exercise of stock
options.
(2) Our publicly announced stock repurchase program expired pursuant to its
terms on December 31, 2003.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
- -------------------
2a-1 Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
July 8, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and the
entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-2 Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 4, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and
the entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-3 Amendment No. 3 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 14, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and
the entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-4 Amendment No. 4 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 27, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and
the entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
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.
10-yy Transition Agreement dated August 11, 2004 between BellSouth
Corporation and Charles R. Morgan.
10-zz Agreement dated as of October 18, 2000 by and between
BellSouth Corporation and Richard A. Anderson.
10-aaa Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Restricted Shares
Award Agreement (used in connection with Restricted Share
grants to executive officers in 2000).
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31a Section 302 certification of F. Duane Ackerman.
31b 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.
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 2, 2004
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
2a-1 Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July
8, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and the
entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-2 Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 4, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and the
entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-3 Amendment No. 3 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 14, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and
the entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
2a-4 Amendment No. 4 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
October 27, 2004, by and among Telefonica Moviles, S.A. and
the entities listed on the signature parties thereto.
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.
10yy Transition Agreement dated August 11, 2004 between BellSouth
Corporation and Charles R. Morgan.
10zz Agreement dated as of October 18, 2000 by and between
BellSouth Corporation and Richard A. Anderson.
10aaa Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Restricted Shares
Award Agreement (used in connection with Restricted Share
grants to executive officers in 2000).
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31a Section 302 certification of F. Duane Ackerman.
31b 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.