<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-----------------------------------------
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to _____________
Commission File No. 0-10516
-----------------------------------------
Aliant Communications Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nebraska 47-0632436
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1440 M Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 402-474-2211
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock,
($.25 par value)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting stock held by non-
affiliates, based upon the closing price of such stock as of February 28,
1997, was $610,449,847.
<PAGE>
Number of shares of common stock outstanding
on
February 28, 1997 -- 36,444,767
The Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the calendar year 1996
is incorporated by reference in Parts I, II, III and IV of this Form 10-K
to the extent stated herein. The Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 23, 1997 is
incorporated by reference in Parts III & IV of this Form 10-K to the extent
stated herein.
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page
PART I
Description
1. Business.......................................................... 1-6
2. Properties........................................................ 7
3. Legal Proceedings................................................. 7
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............... 8
PART II
Description
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters.............................................. 9
6. Selected Financial Data........................................... 9
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations..............................9-10
8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.......... 10
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.............................. 10
PART III
Description
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............... 11
11. Executive Compensation........................................... 11
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management...................................................... 11
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................... 11
PART IV
Description
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on
Form 8-K........................................................12-14
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART I
Item 1. Business
- ------
Aliant Communications Inc. (the Company), formerly Lincoln
Telecommunications Company, was incorporated on November 24, 1980, as a
Nebraska corporation, and is a holding company. Aliant Communications Co.
(Telco), formerly The Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company, a Delaware
corporation, is the principal subsidiary of the Company. The Company owns
100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Telco. Other wholly-
owned subsidiaries of the Company are Aliant Cellular Inc. (Cellular),
formerly Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation; Aliant Systems Inc.
(Systems), formerly LinTel Systems Inc.; Prairie Communications, Inc.
(Prairie); and Aliant Midwest Inc. (Midwest), all of which are Nebraska
corporations. For information relating to the general development of the
Company's business during the past five years and descriptions of the
Company's subsidiaries, see 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, pages 1 - 5
and 42 - 51.
Subsidiary Operations.
---------------------
Telco, the Company's principal subsidiary, provides local and
intraLATA service to approximately 196,000 customers in the contiguous
geographical area consisting of the southeastern 22 counties of Nebraska,
having in service 263,208 landline customer access lines as of December 31,
1996. There are a total of 137 exchanges and 146 central offices in the
service area of the Company. The Company's fully digital local exchange
network supports SS7 technology and includes over 1,400 miles of fiber
optic cable, much of it in a ring configuration. Data communications
services include Internet access, which is provided under the Navix brand
name. Enhanced services include Voice Mail, Custom Calling, Centrex, and
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The Company publishes six
regional directories and provides access service to long distance and
cellular companies. Set forth below is a schedule of Telco's residential
and business access lines in service for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995.
As of December 31,
ACCESS LINES IN SERVICE* 1996 1995
----------------------- ---- ----
Residence 184,294 180,749
Business 78,914 73,424
------- -------
Total 263,208 254,173
*The statistics in this table exclude cellular access lines and
Company access lines in service.
Telco provides access services by connecting the communications
networks of interexchange and cellular carriers with the equipment and
facilities of end users by use of its public switch networks or through
private lines. Access charges, including interstate subscriber line
charges and those payable by interexchange and cellular carriers, provided
-1-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
$56,746,000, $53,653,000, and $50,569,000 of the Company's consolidated
revenues for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively.
Telco's wireless services include cellular operations and wide-area
paging services. Telco operates a cellular telecommunications system in
the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Company
also manages the limited partnership which is the license holder for Iowa
Rural Statistical Area (RSA) 1, which serves the southwestern six counties
of Iowa.
In December 1991, Prairie purchased a 50% interest in the Omaha
Cellular General Partnership (OCGP) from Centel Nebraska, Inc. (Centel-Neb)
for $11.9 million. Prairie purchased and holds a discounted note from OCGP
in the face amount of approximately $54 million, for which the purchase
price was $23.8 million. The note had a carrying value of approximately
$42.5 million at December 31, 1996. During the two-year period ending on
December 31, 1998, the Company has the option to purchase from Centel-Neb
the remaining 50% interest in OCGP. OCGP is the general partner of and
holds approximately 55% of the partnership interests in the Omaha Cellular
Limited Partnership, which provides cellular telecommunications services in
Douglas and Sarpy Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
Omaha Cellular Limited Partnership conducts business under the trade name
Aliant Cellular - Omaha. Prairie is the managing partner of OCGP.
On July 13, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of the
approximately 84% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the former
Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation not previously owned by the
Company. Cellular is the holder of cellular operating licenses issued by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Nebraska RSA Nos. 533
through 542. Cellular's network serves the entire state of Nebraska
through these ten RSAs, except Dakota, Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy
counties.
The following table sets forth certain information about the Company's
managed cellular operations.
<TABLE>
Cellular Operations
-------------------
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1996
Acquisi- POPs Gross Net
tion Percent Within Net Sub- Sub-
System (1) Date (2) Ownership Area (5) POPs scribers scribers
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lincoln MSA April 23, 1987 100.0 229,000 229,000 40,036 40,036
Nebraska RSAs Nov. 25, 1989 100.0 844,000 844,000 106,666 106,666
Omaha MSA Dec. 31, 1991 27.6(3) 628,000(6) 173,000 65,520 18,084
Iowa RSA 1 June 30, 1989 11.8(4) 62,000 7,000 3,790 447
</TABLE>
-2-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
(1) Systems are as follows:
Lincoln MSA - Lancaster County, Nebraska
Nebraska RSAs - 89 of the 90 Nebraska counties not in the Omaha and
Lincoln MSAs
Omaha MSA - Douglas and Sarpy Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie
County in Iowa
Iowa RSA 1 - Southwestern six counties of Iowa
(2) The date Telco's operating license was granted in the case of the
Lincoln MSA, and the date of the Company's initial acquisition of an
interest in the licensee in the case of other systems. The Company's
ownership interest in the Nebraska RSAs increased from approximately
16% to 100% on July 13, 1995.
(3) In addition, the Company has an option to purchase an additional 27.6%
interest in the licensee of the Omaha MSA at fair market value.
(4) Includes the allocable portion of the 15.2% interest in the licensee
held by the Omaha MSA licensee.
(5) Based upon population data for 1996, POPs shown for Lincoln and Omaha
MSAs are 99% covered by the networks of these systems. According to
estimates available to the Company, approximately 92% of the POPs
shown for Nebraska RSAs and approximately 92% of the POPs shown for
Iowa RSA 1 are covered by the networks of these systems.
(6) Does not include the Omaha MSA licensee's 15.2% interest in Iowa RSA 1
(which system has been separately included in the table) or the Omaha
MSA licensee's 8.3% interest in Iowa RSA 8 (representing 54,713 POPs
and 4,541 net POPs).
The licensing, ownership, construction, operation, and sale of
controlling interests in cellular telephone systems are subject to
regulation by the FCC. The FCC license for the Company's Lincoln MSA
expired in October 1996, and it was subsequently renewed by the FCC for an
additional 10 years on November 29, 1996. The Omaha MSA license expires
May 2005, while FCC licenses for the Company's Iowa RSA and Nebraska RSA
cellular operations expire between November 1999 and August 2000. All
renewal applications for these licenses must be received by the FCC not
later than 30 and not more than 60 days in advance of their respective
expiration dates and must be approved by the FCC. It is possible that
there may be competition for these FCC licenses upon expiration, and any
such competitors may apply for such licenses within the same time frame as
the Company. However, incumbent cellular providers generally retain their
FCC licenses upon a demonstration of substantial compliance with FCC
regulations and substantial service to the public. Although the Company
has no reason to believe that the FCC renewal applications will not be
granted by the FCC, no assurance can be given.
-3-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
For a five-year period ending after the date of the grant of a
cellular license by the FCC (the "fill-in period"), the licensee has the
exclusive right to apply to serve areas within the RSA or the MSA. At the
end of the fill-in period, any person may apply to serve the unserved areas
in the MSA or RSA. The fill-in periods for both the Lincoln and Omaha MSAs
have expired and virtually all areas are served in those locations. The
fill-in periods for the Nebraska RSAs and the Iowa RSA expired between
November 1994 and May 1995. One Phase II application has been filed to
serve an uncovered area in Iowa RSA 1. This does not impose a material
threat to the Company in providing service to this area.
The Company, through Systems, is a "reseller" of long distance
services, primarily in Telco's exchange service area, and provides this
service by aggregating its customers' traffic to take advantage of volume
discounts offered by national networks. During 1996, Systems had 116.9
million minutes of long distance traffic, an increase of 9.3 million
minutes from 107.6 million minutes of long distance traffic in 1995. The
Company has a variety of calling programs for both residential and business
customers.
Systems also sells and services a wide range of PBX, key system, and
other communications equipment to large and small businesses, including
sophisticated switching systems from ROLM and NorTel. These systems
provide a variety of call center applications such as automatic call
distribution, voice mail, and LAN functionality.
Regulatory Climate and Rate Increases
-------------------------------------
Nebraska has a relatively streamlined regulatory climate. Since
1986, telecommunications companies in Nebraska have been permitted to
increase basic local exchange rates up to 10% in any consecutive 12-month
period without review by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC).
However, telecommunications companies must provide at least 120 days notice
to affected customers and conduct public informational meetings. If at
least 2% of subscribers affected by the proposed increase sign a formal
complaint within 120 days after such notice, opposing the rate increase, the
NPSC must hold and complete a hearing with regard to the complaint within 90
days to determine whether the proposed rates are fair, just and reasonable,
and within 60 days after the close of hearing, enter an order adjusting the
rates at issue. On November 8, 1996, Telco announced a 10% increase to
residential basic local exchange rates effective March 23, 1997. Telco had
not increased such rates since 1991. The rate change is discussed further
under Item 1, Competition, on page 5.
Rates for all other services are not subject to regulation by the
NPSC, and they may be revised by a telecommunications company by filing a
rate list with the NPSC which is effective after ten days' notice to the
NPSC. Effective March 23, 1997, Telco raised rates for two services in
this category. Pay phone rates increased from 25 cents per call to 35
cents per call, and directory assistance calls increased from 40 cents per
call with two free calls per month to 60 cents per call with one free call
per month for residential customers and no free calls for businesses.
Telco is anticipating rate changes for some other services, which could
take effect as early as the third quarter of 1997.
-4-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
Quality of service regulation over interexchange and local exchange
service is retained by the NPSC. Nebraska has completely deregulated the
provision of mobile radio services and radio paging services. At the federal
level, the Company operates under price caps, as opposed to rate of return
regulation.
Competition.
-----------
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Act) was signed into effect in
February 1996. The Act facilitates the entry of new competitors into the
local exchange market by allowing companies to purchase and resell
Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) services, by requiring companies to
unbundle their networks, and by requiring ILECs to negotiate
interconnection agreements with companies desiring connection to ILEC
networks. The FCC released an Interconnection Order on August 8, 1996, to
implement the interconnection portion of the Act. The Interconnection
Order contains pricing proxies which are unfavorable to ILECs. Several
ILECs, including Telco, filed petitions to review the Interconnection Order
with the Federal Courts and requested that the pricing provisions of the
Interconnection Order be stayed. On October 15, 1996, the Eighth Circuit
Court of Appeals entered an Order Granting Stay Pending Judicial Review
which did stay the effectiveness of the pricing and the so-called "pick and
choose" provisions of the Interconnection Order. The FCC and certain
telecommunications companies requested review of the Eighth Circuit's Stay
Order by the United States Supreme Court; however, the Supreme Court
declined to make such a review. While briefing and oral arguments have
been completed, the case is pending for final decision by the Eighth
Circuit.
Telco has not received a bona fide request to negotiate an agreement
for resale, unbundled network elements, or interconnection with a
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC). Telco may apply to the NPSC for
a waiver or modification of such requirements pursuant to Section 251(f)2
of the Act. The Act also provides new business opportunities for the
Company, such as entry into the cable television market, and entry into
additional geographic markets with either a full range of services or
selected services to niche markets.
On November 14, 1996, Midwest filed an application with the NPSC to
provide local exchange service in areas outside Telco's 22-county service
area in southeast Nebraska. Midwest is a CLEC formed to provide
competitive local service out of Telco's service region. The application
was granted on March 10, 1997. Midwest may resell facilities owned by a
Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) or ILEC upon reaching an interconnection
agreement, or build and acquire facilities of its own. On January 21,
1997, Midwest also was granted authority to serve Pottawattamie County,
Iowa, as a CLEC. The Company is also exploring other opportunities the Act
presents for geographic and service expansion.
The 10% residential basic local exchange rate increase referred to on
page 4 under Item 1, Regulatory Climate and Rate Increases, will be offset
by an 8% to 10% reduction in Telco's long distance rates within its service
area, and by a reduction to intrastate access service rates of
-5-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
approximately 16%. The passage of the Act, which encourages local exchange
competition, requires rate adjustments by Telco for basic local exchange
and other services to more accurately reflect actual costs.
With respect to cellular mobile communications service, the FCC has
granted two licenses to provide cellular service in each MSA or RSA. The
B-license is typically granted to a company that provides local telephone
service in the area (or to a group affiliated with the local service
company). The A-license is typically granted to a company that does not
provide local telephone service (and is not affiliated with a local service
company in the area). Telco currently operates as the B-licensee in the
Lincoln MSA, Cellular operates as the B-licensee in all of its markets, and
the Company is the manager of the limited partnership which operates as the
B-licensee in the Omaha MSA.
The Company faces significant competition from the A-licensee in each
of these markets and from other communications technologies that now exist,
such as specialized mobile radio systems and paging services, or other
communications technologies that may be developed or perfected. In
addition to providing cellular mobile communications service, the Company
sells cellular mobile equipment in competition with numerous equipment
retailers.
The FCC has taken steps to increase the number of wireless competitors
through the auctioning of radio spectrum for Personal Communications
Services (PCS). The FCC rules governing spectrum auctions prohibited the
Company from bidding on bandwidth of more than 10 MHz of PCS bandwidth in
areas where it has cellular operations. PCS licensees in the Company's
various Nebraska markets currently include AT&T, Sprint, and US West.
In connection with the provision of long distance telecommunications
services, Systems' long distance division competes with other long distance
service providers such as AT&T, MCI, and Sprint. This market is highly
competitive. The prices for long distance services offered by Systems
compare favorably with prices of similar services offered by competitors.
Employees.
---------
The Company had 1,686 employees (1,205 employed by its principal
subsidiary, Telco) at the end of 1996. As of December 1996, approximately
58% of Telco's employees and 27% of Systems' employees (constituting 44% of
the Company's overall employees) were represented by the Communications
Workers of America (CWA), which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. New three-year
contracts with the CWA were signed in May 1995 with respect to Systems'
bargaining unit employees and in October 1995 with respect to Telco
bargaining unit employees. Telco's contract with the CWA will expire on
October 14, 1998, and Systems' contract with the CWA will expire on May 19,
1998.
-6-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 2. Properties
- ------
Telco's telephone system consists of switching and transmission
equipment, cellular radio facilities, fiber optic systems, and distribution
plant, through 137 communities within the State of Nebraska. Among the
larger exchanges served are Lincoln, Hastings, Beatrice, York, Nebraska
City, Plattsmouth, and Seward.
Telco owns the equipment, plant, and facilities which are utilized in
its telephone system. Telco leases five locations on which business
offices are located. The total annual rentals for such leased offices were
approximately $163,000 in 1996, and the duration of such leases ranges from
one to six years. Telco owns its remaining business office locations.
Additionally, Telco leases the majority of the locations on which the sites
of towers for its Lincoln MSA cellular system and wide-area paging system
are located. Annual rentals on the sites are approximately $82,000, and
the duration of the unexpired portions of such leases ranges from four
months to five years, with options to renew thereafter.
In 1996, Cellular moved to a newly constructed office building owned
by the Company in Grand Island, Nebraska. The lease agreement on its
vacated office space expires in February 2000. The annual lease payment
for that location is approximately $61,000, and Cellular is subletting the
space for $21,000 per year, for an annual net lease expense of $40,000.
Numerous other operating lease agreements exist for various building space,
towers, and land sites. Lease terms are between one and ten years, with
various renewal clauses. Rental expense for these operating leases was
approximately $244,000 in 1996.
Systems leases transmission facilities and switching facilities in
connection with its Aliant Communications Long Distance Division. All of
its office locations are leased. Annual rentals are approximately
$161,000, and the duration of the unexpired portions of such leases ranges
from one month to five years.
It is the opinion of Company management, including the Vice President-
Technology of Telco, that the properties of Telco are suitable and adequate
to provide modern and effective telecommunications services within its
service area, including both local and long distance service. The capacity
for furnishing these services, both currently and for forecast growth, is
under constant surveillance by the Vice President-Technology and his staff.
Facilities are put to full utilization after installation and appropriate
testing, according to two-, three-, and five-year construction plans.
Telco's continuing construction programs are divided between meeting
growth demands (population and service) and upgrading its telephone
equipment and plant. Conversion to digital switching systems was completed
in 1992. Competition, customer needs, and market conditions drive network
technology deployment.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
- ------
None.
-7-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------
None.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
First Elected
Officer Age Position Held Present Office
Frank H. Hilsabeck 52 President & Chief Executive Officer 1993
(President & Chief Operating Officer,
1991-1993; President-Telephone
Operations, 1990-1991)
James W. Strand 50 President-Diversified Operations 1990
(V.P.-Diversified Operations,
1986-1990)
Robert L. Tyler 61 Senior V.P. and Chief Financial 1991
Officer (V.P.-Controller, 1989-1991)
Bryan C. Rickertsen 49 V.P.-Technology 1995
Kevin J. Wiley 37 V.P.-Diversified Operations 1995
Michael J. Tavlin 50 V.P.-Treasurer and Secretary 1986
-8-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
- ------ Matters
(a) Market Information
Company Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "ALNT." The following table sets forth the high and
low bid quotations for the periods indicated. These quotations
represent prices between dealers without adjustments for markups,
markdowns, or commissions and may not represent actual
transactions.
Dividends
High Low Declared
1995
First Quarter 17.25 14.50 .14
Second Quarter 16.25 14.75 .14
Third Quarter 19.00 15.25 .14
Fourth Quarter 21.50 16.50 .15
1996
First Quarter 22.38 18.50 .15
Second Quarter 20.00 15.88 .15
Third Quarter 17.13 15.25 .15
Fourth Quarter 17.00 15.25 .16
(b) Holders
As of December 31, 1996, there were approximately 7,000 holders of
record of the Company's Common Stock. In addition, the Company
believes it has approximately 11,000 beneficial owners of the
Company's Common Stock, whose shares are held in the names of
broker dealers and clearing agencies.
(c) Dividends
The long-term debt agreements and notes payable of the Company,
Telco, and Cellular contain various restrictions. The
restrictions include those relating to payment of dividends by the
Company to holders of Company Common Stock, by Telco and Cellular
to the Company, and by Telco to holders of Telco's 5% Preferred
Stock. At December 31, 1996, approximately $14,300,000 of the
Company's; $24,700,000 of Telco's; and $2,100,000 of Cellular's
retained earnings were available for payment of cash dividends.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
- ------
See 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, pages 52 - 56.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------ Results of Operations
See 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, pages 42 - 51.
-9-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------ Results of Operations, Continued
Recent Developments
-------------------
(a) On September 3, 1996, the Company began doing business as Aliant
Communications. The name change allows the Company to offer
services under a single brand and replaces eight different
previously used names. A list of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries and the names under which they were previously doing
business is contained in Item 1, Business, on page 1.
(b) On October 10, 1996, the Company formed Midwest as a CLEC to
provide competitive local service out of region. Further
information about Midwest is found on page 5 under Item 1,
Competition.
(c) On November 8, 1996, the Company announced a 10% increase in basic
residential rates, effective March 23, 1997. The rate increase
will cause rates to more accurately reflect actual costs in order
to prepare for competition. More information about the rate
change appears in Item 1, Competition, on page 5. Effective March
23, 1997, Telco raised pay phone rates from 25 cents per call to
35 cents per call; and directory assistance rates from 40 cents
per call with two free calls per month to 60 cents per call with
one free call per month for residential customers and no free
calls for businesses.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
- ------
See 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, pages 15 - 41 and 52 - 56.
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
- ------ Financial Disclosure
None
-10-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
- -------
Item 11. Executive Compensation
- -------
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- -------
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- -------
Information required under Items 10, 11, 12, and 13 is included
in the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 21, 1997, on
pages 1 (commencing under the caption "Outstanding Shares and
Voting Rights") through 12, and page 13 (the first paragraph
commencing under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance"). Such information is incorporated herein
by reference.
Certain information regarding Executive Officers of the
Registrant required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in
Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K following Item 4.
-11-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
- -------
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
Page(s)
in 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders
1. Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Report 15
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1996 and 1995 16
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 17-18
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 19
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 20-21
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 22-41
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 42-51
2. Financial Statement schedules required by Item 8 of this form.
Page(s)
in this Annual
Report Form 10-K
Independent Auditors' Report S-3
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of
Parent Company:
Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995 S-4
Statements of Earnings - Years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994 S-5
Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 S-6
Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994 S-7 & S-8
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 S-9
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
information required is immaterial or is presented within the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
-12-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 14. Continued
- -------
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Exhibit 2: Current report on Form 8-K as filed on August 1, 1996,
reporting the Registrant's corporate name change from
Lincoln Telecommunications Company to Aliant
Communications Inc. and certain related subsidiary name
changes.
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit 3: Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
(3.1) Articles of Incorporation as amended effective
September 3, 1996 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3(i) of the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
(3.2) By-Laws as amended March 16, 1994 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993).
Exhibit 4: Instruments defining the rights of security holders,
including indentures
(4.1) Rights Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1989,
between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 21, 1989).
(4.2) Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of
September 7, 1989, between the Company and Harris
Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated September 7, 1989).
(4.3) Amendment No. 2 to Rights Agreement dated June 15,
1993, between the Company and Mellon Securities
Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.5 of the Company's Form S-3 Registration
Statement No. 33-52117).
(4.4) The Indenture issued by the former The Lincoln
Telephone and Telegraph Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993).
(4.5) Supplemental Indenture Eleven dated June 1, 1990,
(incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1990).
-13-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 14.(c) Continued
- -------
Exhibit 10: Material Contracts
(10.1) The 1989 Stock and Incentive Plan, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit - Form S-8, File
33-39551, effective March 22, 1991, and is
incorporated herein by this reference.
(10.2) A form of the Executive Benefit Plan agreement,
as amended through January 1, 1993, provided to
the executive officers and director-level
managers of the Corporation and its affiliates,
and a form of the Key Executive Employment and
Severance Agreement provided to the executive
officers of the Corporation and its affiliates on
December 23, 1987, (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 to the Company's 1992 Form 10-K
Report).
Exhibit 13: Annual Report to Stockholders
Filed as an exhibit to this Report on Form 10-K and
incorporated as indicated herein by reference.
Exhibit 21: Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
The Company owns all the outstanding common stock of
Telco, Cellular, Systems, Prairie, and Midwest. See
pages 46 - 49, 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders,
(Exhibit 13, filed with this report).
Exhibit 23: Accountants' Consent
Exhibit 24: Powers of Attorney
Exhibit 27: Financial Data Schedule
Exhibits 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 22 and 28 are not applicable.
(d) The required schedules are filed as part of Item 14(a)2 of this
report.
-14-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
/s/ Robert L. Tyler March 31, 1997
By ----------------- Date --------------
Robert L. Tyler, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
Duane W. Acklie Director
William W. Cook, Jr. Director
Terry L. Fairfield Director
James E. Geist Director
John Haessler Director March 31, 1997
Charles R. Hermes Director
Donald H. Pegler, Jr. Director
Paul C. Schorr, III Director
William C. Smith Director
James W. Strand Director
Charles N. Wheatley Director /s/ Michael J. Tavlin
Thomas C. Woods, III Director By -------------------
Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein Director Attorney-in-Fact
/s/ Frank H. Hilsabeck Principal Executive
------------------- Officer and Director
Frank H. Hilsabeck
/s/ Robert L. Tyler Principal Financial
------------------- Officer
Robert L. Tyler
/s/ Michael J. Tavlin Officer
-------------------
Michael J. Tavlin
-15-
<PAGE>
KPMG
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Independent Auditors' Report and Schedules
Form 10-K Securities and Exchange Commission
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
S-1
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Schedules Filed
Schedule
Independent Auditors' Report
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company:
Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995 I
Statements of Earnings - Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 I
Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 I
Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 I
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 II
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
or the information required is immaterial or is presented within
the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
S-2
<PAGE>
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 14th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508-2041
Two Central Park Plaza
Suite 1501
Omaha, NE 68102
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Aliant Communications Inc.:
Under date of February 7, 1997, we reported on the consolidated balance
sheets of Aliant Communications Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of earnings,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, as contained in the 1996 annual report to
stockholders. These consolidated financial statements and our report
thereon are incorporated by reference in the annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996. In connection with our audits of the
aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the
related financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index.
These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statement schedules based on our audits.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 7, 1997
S-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I
Balance Sheets
(Parent Company Only)
December 31, 1996 and 1995
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 127 3,759
Temporary investments - 1,600
Other current assets 9,069 8,268
------- -------
Total current assets 9,196 13,627
Investment in subsidiaries 168,251 151,016
Note receivable from subsidiary 42,502 37,848
Other assets 3,539 3,763
Goodwill, net of amortization 121,627 124,022
------- -------
$ 345,115 330,276
======= =======
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt $ 4,000 -
Other current liabilities 12,751 9,794
------- -------
Total current liabilities 16,751 9,794
Deferred credits 797 937
Long-term debt 49,000 60,000
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 9,240 9,312
Premium on common stock 102,257 106,822
Retained earnings 174,172 151,754
Treasury stock (7,102) (8,343)
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 278,567 259,545
------- -------
$ 345,115 330,276
======= =======
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I,cont.
Statements of Earnings
(Parent Company Only)
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income:
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries $ 47,257 11,662 30,810
Interest income:
Subsidiary 4,654 4,144 3,690
Other investments 775 2,190 1,436
------ ------ ------
52,686 17,996 35,936
Interest expense and other deductions 7,497 4,229 997
Earnings before income taxes 45,189 13,767 34,939
Income tax expense 460 1,479 1,559
------ ------ ------
Net earnings $ 44,729 12,288 33,380
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I, cont.
Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(Parent Company Only)
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common stock:
Beginning of year $ 9,312 8,245 8,245
Issuance of common stock - 1,067 -
Purchase of common stock (72) - -
------- ------- -------
End of year 9,240 9,312 8,245
------- ------- -------
Premium on common stock:
Beginning of year 106,822 37,481 37,481
Issuance of common stock - 69,341 -
Purchase of common stock (4,565) - -
------- ------- -------
End of year 102,257 106,822 37,481
------- ------- -------
Retained earnings:
Beginning of year 151,754 159,143 142,859
Net earnings 44,729 12,288 33,380
Dividends declared (22,311) (19,677) (17,096)
------- ------- -------
End of year 174,172 151,754 159,143
------- ------- -------
Treasury stock:
Beginning of year (8,343) (8,434) (4,553)
Net (purchases) sales 1,241 91 (3,881)
------- ------- -------
End of year (7,102) (8,343) (8,434)
------- ------- -------
Total stockholders' equity $ 278,567 259,545 196,435
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Note: Effective January 6, 1994, the Company paid a 100% stock dividend to
stockholders of record on December 27, 1993, which has been treated as a
stock split for financial reporting purposes. Common stock and premium on
common stock have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock
dividend at December 31, 1993.
S-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I, cont.
Statements of Cash Flows
(Parent Company Only)
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 44,729 12,288 33,380
------ ------ ------
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash used for operating activities:
Increase in note receivable (4,654) (4,144) (3,691)
Amortization 3,168 1,570 -
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (47,257) (11,662) (30,810)
Restructuring charge - 8 -
Changes in assets and liabilities
resulting from operating activities:
Other current assets 199 (616) (146)
Other current liabilities 2,623 1,450 746
Deferred credits (140) 167 (235)
------ ------ ------
Total adjustments (46,061) (13,227) (34,136)
------ ------ ------
Net cash used for operating
activities (1,332) (939) (756)
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net sales of temporary investments 1,600 2,680 5,074
Net sales (purchases) of investments
and other assets 224 (830) (2,382)
Purchase of Aliant Cellular Inc., net - (1,606) -
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by investing
activities 1,824 244 2,692
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders (21,978) (18,713) (16,855)
Payments on notes payable - (6,000) (5,500)
Payments on long-term debt (7,000) - -
Net sales (purchases) of common and
treasury stock (3,396) 91 (3,881)
Dividends from subsidiaries 28,250 26,500 24,500
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by (used for)
financing activities (4,124) 1,878 (1,736)
------ ------ ------
Increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (3,632) 1,183 200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,759 2,576 2,376
------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 127 3,759 2,576
====== ====== ======
S-7
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I, cont.
Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
(Parent Company Only)
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 3,491 2,182 405
===== ===== =====
Income taxes $ 223 1,892 1,792
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The Company consummated the acquisition of Aliant Cellular Inc. (formerly
known as Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation) during 1995. In
connection with the acquisition, the following assets were acquired,
liabilities assumed and long-term debt and common stock issued:
(Dollars in thousands)
Property and equipment $ 28,101
Excess of cost of net assets acquired 124,609
Long-term debt assumed (17,890)
Other assets and liabilities 3,476
Prior investment in Nebraska Cellular
Telephone Corporation (6,282)
Issuance of long-term debt (60,000)
Common stock issued (70,408)
-------
Decrease in cash $ 1,606
=======
S-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
Addition
Additions due to Deductions
Balance at charged to purchase from Balance
beginning costs and of Aliant allowance at end
Description of year expenses Cellular (note) of year
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996,
Allowance deducted from
asset accounts, allowance
for doubtful receivables $ 754 1,175 - 914 1,015
=== ===== === === =====
Year ended December 31, 1995,
Allowance deducted from
assset accounts, allowance
for doubtful receivables $ 459 820 272 797 754
=== ===== === === =====
Year ended December 31, 1994,
Allowance deducted from
asset accounts, allowance
for doubtful receivables $ 382 533 - 456 459
=== ===== === === =====
</TABLE>
Note: Customers' accounts written-off, net of recoveries.
S-9
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
EMPLOYEE AND STOCKHOLDER DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Financial Statements Form 11-K
Securities and Exchange Commission
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
EMPLOYEE AND STOCKHOLDER DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Index to Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report
Statements of Financial Condition - December 31, 1996 and 1995
Statements of Revenues and Common Stock Purchases -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable.
<PAGE>
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 13th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508-2041
Two Central Park Plaza
Suite 1501
Omaha, NE 68102
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Aliant Communications Inc.:
We have audited the financial statements of Aliant Communications Inc.
Employee and Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan as
listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Aliant Communications
Inc. Employee and Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and its revenues and common stock purchases
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 7, 1997
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
EMPLOYEE AND STOCKHOLDER DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 1996 and 1995
Assets 1996 1995
Due from Aliant Communications Inc. (note 2):
Contributions $ 147,915 190,124
Dividends 296,305 309,887
------- -------
$ 444,220 500,011
======= =======
Liabilities
Balance to be invested in common stock for
participants (notes 1 and 2) $ 444,220 500,011
======= =======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
EMPLOYEE AND STOCKHOLDER DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Statements of Revenues and Common Stock Purchases
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
Revenues:
Cash dividends $ 1,146,525 1,158,320 1,096,160
Contributions 659,238 744,930 734,044
--------- --------- ---------
1,805,763 1,903,250 1,830,204
--------- --------- ---------
Assets held for purchases of common
stock (note 2):
Beginning of year 500,011 436,528 446,899
Less, end of year (444,220) (500,011) (436,528)
--------- --------- ---------
55,791 (63,483) 10,371
--------- --------- ---------
Common stock purchases $ 1,861,554 1,839,767 1,840,575
========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
EMPLOYEE AND STOCKHOLDER DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(1) STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Aliant Communications Inc. Employee and Stockholder Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Plan) provides stockholders and
eligible employees of Aliant Communications Inc. (Company), formerly
known as Lincoln Telecommunications Company, and its subsidiaries with
a convenient and economical way to invest cash dividends and optional
cash contributions to purchase additional shares of common stock of
the Company.
Shares are offered for purchase to all stockholders and all regular
full-time and regular part-time employees of the Company with not less
than six months of service. Any individual who owns 5% or more of the
total combined voting power of value of all classes of stock of the
Company is not eligible to participate in the Plan.
The Company paid, on January 6, 1994, a 100% stock dividend to
stockholders of record on December 27, 1993.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on an accrual
basis and present the financial condition of the Plan and its revenues
and common stock purchases. All assets are held for the purchase of
common stock of the Company.
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. is the transfer agent,
registrar, rights agent and Plan administrator.
(2) PARTICIPATION
Stock for the Plan is purchased on the open market. The basis for the
purchase price of the stock allocated to the Plan participants is the
average price paid during the 5-day trading period preceding and
including the dividend payment date. Employee purchases are at 95% of
such price while purchases by non-employee participants are at 100% of
such price.
Participants in the Plan may use cash dividends declared on stock
owned and optional cash contributions to purchase additional stock.
Any contributions received by approximately eight days before the end
of each calendar quarter will be used to purchase shares of stock as
of the next dividend date.
Shares purchased in the open market for the Plan aggregated 100,494,
115,385 and 112,423 during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. At
December 31, 1996, the agent for the Plan held 1,105,872 shares
registered for participants.
<PAGE>
(3) INCOME TAXES
No provision is made for income taxes relating to the operations of
the Plan. Any income tax consequences of participation in the Plan
are borne by the participants.
<PAGE>
OVERVIEW
Two historic milestones--one for the telecommunications industry, one for
our company--distinguish 1996. On February 8, the Telecommunications Act of
1996 was signed into law, forever changing the nation's telecommunications
industry and setting the stage for new levels of competition. On August 26,
we introduced our new name--Aliant Communications--creating a single brand
that positions us for our new competitive environment.
We've been anticipating and preparing for changes in our industry. New
rules, issued by the Federal Communications Commission, are allowing us to
see the shape of the telecommunications environment in greater detail. Our
opportunities are clearly in focus. We see more interactivity, greater
mobility, and increasing interconnectivity.
We think the best way to predict our future is to create it. Our plans
for a successful future are taking on a new shape.
About the Company. Aliant Communications, headquartered in Lincoln,
Nebraska, is a diversified communications company providing retail products
and services to consumers, businesses, educational institutions, government
agencies, and wholesale network services to other communications companies.
The company employs more than 1,675 people in its landline and wireless
operations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operations and Earnings Highlights 1
At a Glance 2
Chairman's Message 3
Report to Stockholders 4
Growth 6
Competition 9
Networks 10
Community 12
Workplace 13
Our Values 14
Financial 15
<PAGE>
OPERATIONS AND EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS
December 31
($ in thousands, except per share data) 1996 1995 % CHANGE
OPERATING DATA
Operating Revenues $ 264,225 $ 225,692 17.1%
Net Income
Before one-time charges* $ 44,954 $ 42,059 6.9%
After one-time charges $ 44,954 $ 12,513 259.3%
PER SHARE DATA
Earnings
Before one-time charges* $ 1.22 $ 1.22 --
After one-time charges $ 1.22 $ 0.36 238.9%
Dividends $ 0.61 $ 0.57 7.0%
Book Value $ 7.65 $ 7.09 7.9%
KEY RATIOS
Return on Common Equity* 16.1% 16.2% (0.6%)
Debt Ratio 27.9% 32.0% (12.8%)
OTHER DATA
Total Assets $ 521,402 $ 520,321 0.2%
Stockholders' Equity $ 278,567 $ 259,545 7.3%
Capital Expenditures $ 42,704 $ 43,022 (0.7%)
Telephone Access Lines in Service 263,208 254,173 3.6%
Proportionate Cellular Customers 165,233 122,852 34.5%
* In 1995, the company took after-tax charges of $16,516,000 for
discontinuance of FAS 71 and work force restructuring charges of
$13,029,000. Return on common equity was 4.8% in 1995 after these one-time
charges.
Total Operating
Revenues Expenses* Earnings Per
(in millions) (in millions) Share*
1992 $ 175 1992 $ 122 1992 $ .90
1993 $ 184 1993 $ 127 1993 $ 1.01
1994 $ 197 1994 $ 138 One-time charge $ .71
1995 $ 226 1995 $ 176 1994 $ 1.14
1996 $ 264 1996 $ 186 One-time charge $ .11
1995 $ 1.22
One-time charge $ .86
1996 $ 1.22
* Before one-time accounting charge in 1993; one-time depreciation charge
in 1994; and a one-time charge in 1995 that relates to work force
restructuring as well as an extraordinary charge for the discontinuance
of FAS 71.
-1-
<PAGE>
AT A GLANCE
LANDLINE OPERATIONS
Operating Area: Network services are concentrated in a contiguous area of
Nebraska with a population of approximately 470,000. Equipment business
serves business customers within the network area and in Omaha, Nebraska,
the state's largest city.
1996 Operations: 263,208 customer access lines. $208.4 million in
revenues. 17.4% penetration of CLASS features. 26.5% penetration of
Custom Calling features.
Key Products and Services: Local service. Long distance service, both
national and international. Enhanced services including Voice Mail, Custom
Calling, and CLASS services. Internet access and other data services.
Communications equipment and wiring services. Directory advertising.
Strengths: A full range of services. A fully digital switching network
equipped with more than 1,400 miles of fiber optics. A dedicated,
conscientious work force.
Plans: Enter new geographic markets with single-source solutions-local,
long distance, cellular, and Internet access. Continue to enhance network
and sell to future competitors in a wholesale environment.
WIRELESS OPERATIONS
Operating Area: Managed operations throughout Nebraska and parts of
southwest Iowa, representing 1.8 million POPs (population).
1996 Operations: Customer growth of 34.5%. $70.9 million in revenues.
13.2% penetration rate. Monthly churn rate below 1%, compared to 1.38%
nationally. Average customer acquisition cost of $313. $42 average
monthly revenue per customer. EBITDA of $30.5 million.
Key Products and Services: Cellular service. Enhanced services, such as
Voice Mail and Call Waiting. Statewide and customized pricing plans.
Nationwide roaming agreements.
Strengths: Statewide, seamless network. Competitive rates for basic and
roaming service. Extensive sales distribution channels and customer care
programs. Dedicated, conscientious work force.
Competitors: Western Wireless and Air Touch today. PCS auctions won by
Sprint (statewide), U S West, AT&T, and others.
Plans: Grow customer base. Offer customers packages with landline
services. Increase network capacity.
-2-
<PAGE>
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
For Aliant Communications, 1996 marked the beginning of a new era. Passage
of the Telecommunications Act and the subsequent federal and state
regulations are changing forever the communications landscape. On behalf of
the board of directors, I am pleased to report we are responding
aggressively to these broad and far-reaching industry changes.
In 1996, the board approved a wide range of business decisions that
impact company strategy, organization, marketing, and technology. These
decisions will maximize the emerging opportunities and minimize the threats
which exist in our industry.
Now, more than ever before, we are continuously reviewing the
financial, managerial, employee, network, and customer contact
infrastructures at Aliant Communications. Our goal is to ensure we meet
customer needs and thereby build value for shareholders.
We have many assets to make us a strong competitor, including our
local roots. Community involvement is high on the list. Across Nebraska,
our employees work hard to win customers and to take active roles in
community improvement programs. Their community presence and involvement
are powerful forces.
To keep our shareholders better informed and up to date, we have made
several improvements. You can now hear our earnings reports by calling our
toll-free number, 1-800-550-ALNT (2568). We will also mail or fax a copy of
our earnings reports directly to you. Visit our home page on the Internet
at http://www.aliant.com to access the company's financial data, news
releases, and information about our many products and services.
We have taken some bold initiatives to prepare for competition. We
expect to take more in the years ahead. We are investing for future growth
to make Aliant Communications an increasingly attractive investment.
/s/ Thomas C. Woods III
Thomas C. Woods III
Chairman
Dividends Declared
Return on Common Equity Per Share
1992 15.5% 1992 $ 0.43
1993 17.9% 1993 $ 0.49
1994 18.8% 1994 $ 0.53
1995 16.2% 1995 $ 0.57
1996 16.1% 1996 $ 0.61
Return on Common Equity in 1996 at 16.1% was flat relative to 1995. Cash
dividend increased each of the past five years. 1993 return on common
equity is shown before one-time accounting charge; 1994 is before one-time
depreciation charge and 1995 is before charges for restructuring and the
discontinuance of FAS 71.
-3-
<PAGE>
REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
The past year was one of the most extraordinary in the history of our
company and the industry. Never has there been so much change, so much
opportunity. In 1996 we launched several new services, trimmed operating
costs and, with the help of every employee, defined our core values for a
unified corporate culture. We continued to build our cellular operations.
We changed our name and repositioned ourself as a regional, comprehensive
communications company. Aliant Communications is taking shape.
Financial Results. In 1996, we achieved our revenue growth goal. Total
revenues were $264 million, a 17.1 percent increase over 1995. Revenues and
earnings were favorably impacted by our cellular operations, which expanded
in 1995 with the acquisition of Nebraska Cellular. We did not meet our goal
of ten percent growth in earnings per share, in part because of the
dilutive effects of this acquisition. Earnings per share for 1996 were
$1.22, the same as in 1995.
The board of directors increased the quarterly dividend by one cent to
$0.16 per share--our tenth dividend increase in the last ten years. Our
dividend payout is 50 percent and allows the balance of company earnings to
be reinvested in growth opportunities.
Other important financial measures remained healthy. Operating cash
flow increased 29.5 percent to $86.5 million. Our balance sheet remains
strong. We believe we will be able to fund our future requirements.
The Year Ahead. Financially, we anticipate expense reduction and revenue
growth to increase earnings in 1997. We will achieve significant savings
with the early retirement of 244 employees by year-end. We expect revenue
growth through increased marketing of additional lines and enhanced
services on the landline side and continued customer retention and
acquisition in our cellular operations. While we will face new competitors
in all of our businesses, we are prepared to defend our markets and enter
new ones.
Operationally, we head into 1997 with enthusiasm and excitement. The
challenges are enormous, but so are the opportunities. We have an
outstanding team and an aggressive plan for leveraging our strengths as a
single-source communications provider. The key parts of this plan--our
growth strategies, networks, competitive strengths, workplace, and local
community advantage--are described on the pages that follow. Here is a
summary of our major operational imperatives.
Fair Rules. While the Regional Bell Operating Companies needed the Telecom
Act to allow them to offer a full complement of services, this is something
we have been doing for years. Thus, our major goal is to make sure new
-4-
<PAGE>
competitors in our market compensate us fairly for the use of our network.
Fair rules for pricing and fewer regulations are key objectives. Universal
Service is another key issue. We can no longer keep rates artificially low
through pricing subsidies.
Core Businesses. In this new environment, our cellular operations become an
important foundation for the revenues they generate and the platform they
provide to market a full line of communications services in new markets. In
our traditional landline markets, we will continue to offer customers the
full range of services they have always enjoyed, with more emphasis on
customized, packaged services. We also intend to strengthen our wholesale
network business with new facilities and new services.
CLEC. Using our in-region, full-service strategy as a model, we intend to
become a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), entering new markets
and offering integrated services to business and residential customers. Our
strong brand and extensive out-of-region customer base provide powerful
marketing assets. An application to be certified outside our traditional
Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) area in southeast Nebraska is awaiting
approval by the Nebraska Public Service Commission. We expect to be in
business in Omaha, the state's largest metropolitan market, by the end of
the second quarter of 1997.
Costs and Service. We are well on the way to becoming a high-performance,
customer-driven organization. Still, there is more to do. New information
systems now in development will allow us to do more faster and with greater
accuracy. We must continue to hone our market and product development
skills. We must use every opportunity to create value and to build brand
awareness and customer loyalty.
Although the coming year is filled with challenges, I am upbeat about
the future. My optimism is grounded in our history and tradition. We have
shown time and again our ability to change. Opportunities in our industry
are abundant and our business plan for addressing these opportunities is in
place. In the year ahead we will be executing that plan and delivering
value for our owners.
/s/ Frank H. Hilsabeck
Frank H. Hilsabeck
President and Chief Executive Officer
Free Cash Flow Consolidated EBITDA
(In Millions) (In Millions)
1992 $ 35 1992 $ 85
1993 $ 34 1993 $ 104
1994 $ 40 1994 $ 110
1995 $ 22 1995 $ 117
1996 $ 43 1996 $ 130
Free Cash Flow, which shows net cash provided by operating activities less
expenditures for property, plant and equipment, increased 98% in 1996.
Consolidated earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and
amortization (EBITDA) increased 11% in 1996 and has shown steady growth for
the past five years.
-5-
<PAGE>
GROWTH
Growth is the hallmark of our success. It is our most important strategic
objective.
During 1996, we experienced substantial increases in customers,
revenues, and markets served. Our focused, financially disciplined growth
strategies are improving our bottom line and positioning us for a more
competitive future.
Cellular. Cellular growth is the key to both short-term earnings growth and
as a platform for future development. In 1996, our statewide cellular
operations continued to produce excellent results. Cellular customers for
our total managed markets increased to 216,012, up 35.9 percent. The
proportionate customer count is 165,233. This 34.5 percent year-over-year
growth demonstrates the strong demand for cellular in both rural and
metropolitan markets.
Competitive pricing, far-reaching networks, an extensive sales
distribution network, excellent service, and customer care programs make
Aliant Cellular one of the nation's most productive operations. These are
important attributes as we prepare for new wireless competitors.
Integrated Services. Many companies only dream of providing a full package
of services. At Aliant Communications we have been doing it for years. In
our traditional telephone markets, landline customers can receive local,
long distance, and Internet access on a single bill. This strategy is the
cornerstone of our plan to offer competitive communications services in new
markets.
Business and residential customers tell us they prefer one-stop,
single-source communications services. They want simplicity and
flexibility. To ensure we are meeting these needs, we have focused our
marketing efforts on three key market segments: consumer/home office,
midsize business, and large accounts. Our goal is to provide the right set
of services for each segment.
We are generating revenues by doing more for our customers. Our
penetration rate for Caller ID at 17.4 percent is above the national
average. Subscribers to Navix, our Internet access service, grew by 398
percent in 1996. In the consumer market, our penetration rate for
additional lines is 5.1 percent. Because this is below the national
average, it provides a clear growth objective for 1997. Packaging
additional lines with other services, such as Navix, can increase revenues
with minimal expense.
Despite intense marketing by the "big three" long distance
companies, more than 27 percent of customers in our traditional market use
our interLATA long distance service. We have developed customized service
packages for large accounts, with long distance as a key service driver.
-6-
<PAGE>
We will continue to drive revenue growth through the provision of
integrated services in our existing telephone markets and to offer
customers a competitive choice in new markets. We are implementing a plan
to become a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) throughout Nebraska,
starting first with those customers from our cellular and equipment
operations who do business with us today.
Wholesale Network Services. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 opens up
markets to wholesale our advanced network and to generate new revenues. We
intend to make our network services so attractive that new competitors
would prefer to buy from us, rather than build their own. Fair prices for
our network--something state policy makers will establish--are key to the
success of this growth strategy. In December 1996, the company announced
plans to extend its fiber network to Omaha, Nebraska, and between Omaha and
Kansas City, Missouri. These fiber facilities will interconnect with fiber
backbone networks managed by the Kansas Independent Networks and Iowa
Network Services.
New Business. New services and strategic acquisitions are the final
component of our growth strategies. In 1996, we began to earnestly market
Navix, our Internet access service, with impressive results. We also
introduced Caller ID Plus, an enhancement of Caller ID that provides the
name as well as the number of the person who is calling. We conducted a
trial of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a high-speed network
service that allows simultaneous transmission of data, graphics, video, and
voice over a single telephone line. Internet users should find ISDN's speed
and flexibility attractive. We will begin to aggressively market ISDN in
all markets in 1997.
Our goal is to continue to develop a broad platform for growth.
Backing these growth strategies is our commitment to quality service.
Consistently superior customer service builds loyalty: an increasingly
important driver of our long-term success.
-7-
<PAGE>
Cellular Revenues Cellular EBITDA Cellular Subscribers
(In Millions) (In Millions) (In Thousands)
1994
Proportionate $ 15 $ 6 $ 30
Managed $ 28 $ 10 $ 55
1995
Proportionate $ 39 $ 16 $ 123
Managed $ 56 $ 21 $ 159
1996
Proportionate $ 71 $ 30 $ 165
Managed $ 93 $ 40 $ 216
The company's managed cellular operations serve all of Nebraska and a
portion of southwest Iowa. Proportionate results reflect our ownership
percentage in Omaha and southwest Iowa. In 1996, revenues were up 82.2%,
EBITDA increased 93.6% and subscribers rose 34.5%, all on a proportionate
basis.
Revenues from
Access Lines Access Minutes of Use Enhanced Services
(In Thousands) (In Millions) (In Thousands)
1992 232 1992 728 1992 $ 1,739
1993 238 1993 789 1993 $ 2,498
1994 247 1994 840 1994 $ 3,265
1995 254 1995 900 1995 $ 3,991
1996 263 1996 968 1996 $ 4,478
Centrex and business lines, which produce more revenue per line, grew 7.5%
and led overall access line growth of 3.6% in 1996. Access Minutes of Use
increased by 7.6%, while Revenues from Enhanced Services, including Voice
Mail and Caller ID, were up 12.2%.
-8-
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
The passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996--and its promise to bring
more choices, new products, and competitive prices in both local and long
distance phone service--represents the challenge for local telephone
companies.
Competition is not new to us. Over the past ten years, Aliant
Communications has had competitors in cellular, long distance, business
communications systems, and directory advertising. It has kept us sharp and
customer-focused. We have initiated loyalty programs and established
excellent pricing plans to create value and added benefits for customers.
Is Aliant Communications ready for more competition? We're gearing up--
taking advantage of our unique position as a full-service provider: one
company for all the communications needs of business and retail customers.
Today, as in the past, customers in southeast Nebraska can turn to Aliant
Communications for all their communications needs: local, long distance,
cellular, Internet access, data communications, and business systems.
In the future, the Aliant brand will strengthen our position as we
prepare to extend a full range of services to new customers throughout
Nebraska. We will distinguish ourselves by making communications simple,
convenient, and easy-everything today's customers are looking for. We will
promote our local presence and friendly, personal service as a key
advantage over our competitors.
When will Aliant Communications face a competitor for local service?
Perhaps in 1997, although no formal requests had been made by February. We
expect competitors to target businesses first, then residential customers.
It is unlikely competitors will serve many rural customers.
What impact will new wireless providers have? Again, the timing is
uncertain. Sprint, U S West, and AT&T won the auctions for PCS (Personal
Communications Services) in Nebraska. Now they must build their networks.
We are getting ready with competitive prices, customer-focused service, and
attractive packages of services.
Aliant Communications is a proven competitor. We welcome the
opportunities and challenges of a fair competitive environment.
Revenue per Cellular Revenue
Telephone Access Line Per Subscriber
(Monthly Average) (Monthly Average)
1994 $ 83 1994 $ 52
1995 $ 84 1995 $ 48
1996 $ 86 1996 $ 42
Average monthly landline revenue from access lines has steadily increased
to $86 in 1996. Among cellular subscribers, average monthly revenue
declined to $42, consistent with the industry trend.
-9-
<PAGE>
NETWORKS
Aliant Communications' reliable networks deliver advanced services at home,
at work, and everywhere in between. It's communications you can count on.
Our networks bring customers helpful services like Voice Mail for
taking messages even while you're on the phone and Caller ID Plus that
displays the caller's name and phone number. They bring the Internet to the
home, workplace, schools, and libraries. Cellular phones and pagers give
customers the freedom to communicate when and where they want.
Today, we are combining advanced technologies with know-how to build
even more efficient networks. We are improving the quality and coverage of
our wireless network. We are upgrading our landline network to deliver
higher bandwidth services, such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network).
Landline. Aliant's landline network is concentrated in southeast Nebraska.
In 1996, we invested $31 million to meet the needs of today's customers and
to prepare for tomorrow's new services. In 1997, we will invest
approximately $51 million. This includes facilities outside our traditional
region. Our network planning strategy is designed to maximize our existing
copper plant while providing the digital multimedia services customers want
today. Our landline network features the following technologies:
Digital Switching. Aliant Communications' all-digital switching
network, completed in 1992, results in improved call processing and serves
as a platform for enhanced services. Digital switching is a critical
component for ISDN, a service capable of simultaneous delivery of voice,
data, and low-speed video conferencing over a single line.
Signaling System 7. When combined with our digital switching platform,
SS7 ushers in a host of database-guided services. Today, over 73 percent
of our lines use digital signaling to make available services such as
Caller ID Plus and Selective Call Forwarding.
Fiber Optics. More than 1,400 miles of fiber optic cable are deployed
in our network, much of it in "rings" creating a self-healing network
with alternate transmission routes for the greatest reliability. Two of our
five fiber optic rings use SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), the next
generation of digital transmission technology for delivering cost-effective
broadband services.
Fiber optic cable is being extended farther into our network and
closer to the home, improving transmission speeds and quality for
customers. Over 83 percent of Aliant's central offices and 96 percent of
customer access lines are connected through digital fiber technology. When
fiber optics are combined with fast-packet services, like Frame Relay, this
digital network enables businesses to expand their data communications
capabilities.
-10-
<PAGE>
Interexchange
Navix Growth Minutes of Use
(In Thousands) (In Millions)
1995
Subscribers 2 1992 106
Revenue $ 96 1993 115
1996 1994 115
Subscribers 8 1995 108
Revenue $ 946 1996 117
Our Internet access service, Navix, has shown strong growth since it was
introduced two years ago. Our long distance business, which competes
against large national companies, made solid gains in winning back
customers. Minutes of Use increased 8.7% in 1996.
Wireless. Aliant's wireless network extends across Nebraska, offering
convenient and affordable cellular service geared to both consumers and
businesses. In 1996, we invested more than $9 million to meet the growing
customer requirements for wireless communications service.
Cellular. In 1996, we added ten new cell sites to meet customer
demand. Aliant Cellular has an established track record of working with
neighborhoods and communities to locate towers in acceptable places.
Special effort is made to conceal or minimize the visual impact of the
towers on the urban landscape. Aliant Cellular plans to deploy a digital
cellular service in late 1998 or early 1999.
Paging. Many customers use paging to complement their cellular phones.
Our network extends throughout southeast and central Nebraska. Plans for
creating a statewide network depend upon the outcome of the auctions the
Federal Communications Commission will conduct in 1997.
Full-service wireless and landline networks are key to our growth
strategies. In the years ahead, these networks will provide even greater
value as we employ technologies like Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) to
offer one number that works for your home phone, cellular phone, and pager.
We are working on these networks today to better serve customers tomorrow.
Cellular Average Monthly
Penetration Cellular Churn
1994 7.5% 1994 1.4%
1995 10.0% 1995 1.2%
1996 13.2% 1996 0.8%
Our seamless statewide cellular network has helped the company achieve
outstanding results. Our proportionate penetration rate of 13.2% is among
the highest in the nation. Our cellular churn rate, at below 1%, is one of
the nation's lowest.
-11-
<PAGE>
COMMUNITY
There's a certain amount of trust and respect that comes from more than 90
years in business, as well as being a recognized leader in the
telecommunications industry. These important assets will set us apart from
the competition. We intend to use them to our best advantage.
At Aliant Communications, we consider ourselves the hometown team.
We've brought telecommunications talent and technology to the communities
we serve. Digital switching. Cellular service. Fiber-optic cable. Internet
access. We've also brought a lot of support to the community--to civic and
service organizations, health care, education, and the fine arts.
We view community support as a business imperative. It is one of our
six corporate values. At Aliant Communications, community support means
action--committing resources and involving employees. The people of Aliant
Communications volunteer their time and many talents: coaching sports
teams, helping with scouting, serving on boards of nonprofit organizations,
and volunteering with organizations that help the elderly, the poor, and
"at risk" kids.
These initiatives and volunteer efforts strengthen our communities.
They help develop better health care systems, enhance educational
opportunities, and anchor our company in the hearts and minds of customers.
Our communities are great because of the people working to make them
great. Many of those people work for Aliant Communications. And because of
our frequent involvement with friends, neighbors and businesses, we know
our customers better than anyone. So when a customer calls with a question
about his or her communications needs, we have a good idea what will work
best. We know Nebraska. It's where we work. It's the place we call home.
Consolidated Operating
Income Per Employee Telephone Employees Per
(In Thousands) 10,000 access lines
1992 $ 32 1992 62
1993 $ 35 1993 60
1994 $ 37 1994 56
1995 $ 44 1995 50
1996 $ 46 1996 46
Our re-engineering efforts and high-involvement culture are producing solid
bottom-line results. Consolidated Operating Income Per Employee has been
increasing steadily while the number of Telephone Employees Per 10,000
Access Lines has been decreasing.
-12-
<PAGE>
WORKPLACE
The transformation began four years ago. Today, as a new regulatory regime
is introduced and local competition makes its entrance, Aliant
Communications is well positioned to win customers, serve them better, and
maintain competitive prices.
In 1996 we accomplished dramatic change. Aliant Communications and the
Aliant brand were introduced. Our vision and strategic plan were revised to
reflect the post-Telecommunications Act environment. We began transforming
our workplace into a team-based organization focused on quality,
efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Our success hinges on a strong strategic plan and a corporate culture
that respects, rewards, and encourages employees to implement that plan.
Our strategic plan provides the clear direction and strong focus
needed for the company to grow. It tells us what we need to do. Our
corporate values define our culture and guide our employees. They set forth
six important principles to follow if we are to achieve our corporate goals
and to uphold Aliant Communications' position as an industry leader.
Every Aliant Communications employee had a voice in creating these new
values--our rules of the road for operating in a competitive environment
and working together in a world that doesn't have time for layers of
management.
Our values are a reassuring anchor to a work force caught in an
unsettling sea of change. As teams, teamwork, and streamlined processes
supplant the familiar--yet often inefficient--ways we have worked in the
past, these values emphasize our employees' important roles in defining the
future success of Aliant Communications.
Our re-engineering efforts and strong core values are having a
profound impact on the company and the way we work together. We are
creating new centers to serve customers. We are broadening job
classifications and responsibilities. Work that once took days, now takes
minutes. Teams that have responsibility for an entire job, not just a piece
of the work, are completing projects quicker and the quality of their work
is higher.
This new organization is meeting the demands of a competitive
environment. Our strong customer focus provides fast, efficient, and
reliable service. Together, our strategic plan and corporate values remind
us that it is our customers and stockholders who keep us in business.
-13-
<PAGE>
OUR VALUES
Our values, created with the help of all employees, describe how we intend
to work together on a day-to-day basis.
Focus on Quality. We build and maintain relationships to fulfill customer
needs with reliable products and outstanding service.
Our People Make Us Strong. We have the knowledge, education, skills,
authority, tools, and desire to do quality work that best serves our
customers and co-workers.
Respect for One Another. We maintain an environment where individuals are
treated fairly and equitably; diversity is encouraged and respected;
communication is open, honest, and complete; and individuals are given the
opportunity to develop their full potential.
Company Pride. We are proud of the success and image of our company, co-
workers, and ourselves.
Company Cares for Employees. We work in a positive and supportive
environment and in a workplace that is safe and modern. We base decisions
on corporate values. Employees serve as role models.
Active Community Citizenship. We promote a positive image of employees and
our company through participation in the communities we serve.
We created these values to live by in today's fast-paced environment. They
are important to our success and will help generate rewards for our
stockholders, our customers, and ourselves. The employees shown here were
among those who helped edit the values using their co-workers' feedback.
-14-
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Stockholders and Board of Directors
Aliant Communications Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aliant
Communications Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aliant
Communications Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company discontinued applying the provisions of Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, in 1995.
/s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 7, 1997
-15-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1996 and 1995
<CAPTION>
Assets 1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,290 21,151
Temporary investments, at cost 6,687 13,081
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful receivables
of $1,014,000 in 1996 and $754,000 in 1995 39,927 37,429
Materials, supplies and other assets 9,314 9,137
Income tax recoverable - 3,304
------- -------
Total current assets 81,218 84,102
------- -------
Property and equipment 547,499 521,259
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 292,479 265,997
------- -------
Net property and equipment 255,020 255,262
------- -------
Investments and other assets 50,057 47,078
Deferred charges 13,480 9,857
Goodwill, net of amortization 121,627 124,022
------- -------
Total assets $ 521,402 520,321
======= =======
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ - 10,000
Current installments of long-term debt 7,282 2,841
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 48,087 48,634
Income taxes payable 3,522 -
Dividends payable 5,883 5,550
Advance billings and customer deposits 8,820 7,739
------- -------
Total current liabilities 73,594 74,764
------- -------
Deferred credits:
Unamortized investment tax credits 1,929 2,696
Deferred income taxes 7,056 8,112
Other 52,677 52,997
------- -------
Total deferred credits 61,662 63,805
------- -------
Long-term debt 103,080 117,708
Preferred stock, 5%, redeemable 4,499 4,499
Stockholders' equity 278,567 259,545
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 521,402 520,321
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-16-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues:
Telephone revenues:
Local network services $ 74,878 71,491 68,090
Access services 56,746 53,653 50,569
Long distance services 32,241 31,086 32,346
Other wireline communications services 25,561 23,686 24,412
------- ------- -------
Total telephone revenues 189,426 179,916 175,417
Wireless communications services 63,696 34,121 10,740
Telephone equipment sales and services 18,930 18,768 18,100
Intercompany revenues (7,827) (7,113) (7,611)
------- ------- -------
Total operating revenues 264,225 225,692 196,646
------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Depreciation and amortization 46,404 37,422 32,154
Additional non-recurring depreciation on
cellular equipment - - 3,761
Other operating expenses 143,646 120,627 106,869
Restructuring charges - 21,611 -
Taxes, other than payroll and income 4,200 3,184 3,180
Intercompany expenses (7,827) (7,113) (7,611)
------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 186,423 175,731 138,353
------- ------- -------
Operating income 77,802 49,961 58,293
------- ------- -------
Non-operating income and expense:
Income from interest and other investments 6,428 8,033 5,182
Charge for additional non-recurring
depreciation on cellular equipment in
limited partnership - - 2,179
Interest expense and other deductions 9,776 10,518 6,624
------- ------- -------
Net non-operating expense 3,348 2,485 3,621
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 74,454 47,476 54,672
Income taxes 29,500 18,447 21,067
------- ------- -------
Income before extraordinary item 44,954 29,029 33,605
Extraordinary item - (16,516) -
------- ------- -------
Net income 44,954 12,513 33,605
Preferred dividends 225 225 225
------- ------- -------
Earnings available for common shares $ 44,729 12,288 33,380
======= ======= =======
-17-
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS, Continued
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item $ 1.22 .84 1.03
Extraordinary item - (.48) -
---- --- ----
Earnings per common share $ 1.22 .36 1.03
==== === ====
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(in thousands) 36,602 34,360 32,408
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-18-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $.25 par value per share.
Authorized 100,000,000 shares:
Beginning of year, issued 37,247,522
shares in 1996 and 32,980,376 shares
in 1995 and 1994 $ 9,312 8,245 8,245
Issuance of 4,267,146 shares in 1995 - 1,067 -
Purchase of 289,400 shares in 1996 (72) - -
------- ------- -------
End of year, issued 36,958,122 shares in
1996, 37,247,522 shares in 1995 and
32,980,376 shares in 1994 9,240 9,312 8,245
------- ------- -------
Premium on common stock:
Beginning of year 106,822 37,481 37,481
Issuance of common stock - 69,341 -
Purchase of common stock (4,565) - -
------- ------- -------
End of year 102,257 106,822 37,481
------- ------- -------
Retained earnings:
Beginning of year 151,754 159,143 142,859
Net income 44,954 12,513 33,605
Dividends declared:
5% cumulative preferred - $5.00 per share (225) (225) (225)
Common - $.61 per share in 1996, $.57 per
share in 1995 and $.53 per share in 1994 (22,311) (19,677) (17,096)
------- ------- -------
End of year 174,172 151,754 159,143
------- ------- -------
Treasury stock, at cost:
Beginning of year, 625,088 shares in 1996,
631,636 shares in 1995 and 385,026 shares
in 1994 (8,343) (8,434) (4,553)
Sales of 81,706 shares in 1996, 61,548 shares
in 1995 and 18,390 shares in 1994 1,241 948 263
Purchase of 55,000 shares in 1995 and
265,000 shares in 1994 - (857) (4,144)
------- ------- -------
End of year, 543,382 shares in 1996, 625,088
shares in 1995 and 631,636 shares in 1994 (7,102) (8,343) (8,434)
------- ------- -------
Preferred stock, $.50 par value per share.
Authorized 20,000,000 shares; none issued - - -
------- ------- -------
Total stockholders' equity $ 278,567 259,545 196,435
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-19-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 44,954 12,513 33,605
------ ------ ------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 46,435 37,454 35,797
Extraordinary item - 16,516 -
Restructuring charges - 21,611 -
Net change in investments and other assets (3,638) (1,641) (499)
Deferred income taxes (1,056) (5,028) (2,432)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting
from operating activities:
Receivables (2,498) (5,826) (803)
Other assets (672) (6,815) 833
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (547) (1,283) 6,643
Other liabilities 3,517 (716) (449)
------ ------ ------
Total adjustments 41,541 54,272 39,090
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 86,495 66,785 72,695
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property and equipment (43,692) (45,163) (32,313)
Net salvage on retirements 988 2,141 1,022
------ ------ ------
Net capital additions (42,704) (43,022) (31,291)
Proceeds from sale of investments and other
assets 646 390 32
Purchases of investments and other assets (906) (3,110) (5,093)
Acquisition of Aliant Cellular, net - (297) -
Purchases of temporary investments (10,469) (4,515) (18,027)
Maturities and sales of temporary investments 16,863 16,069 27,843
------ ------ ------
Net cash used for investing activities (36,570) (34,485) (26,536)
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders (22,203) (18,937) (17,081)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable - 3,350 7,800
Retirement of notes payable (10,000) (16,350) (26,300)
Net purchases and sales of common and
treasury stock (3,396) 91 (3,881)
Payments of long-term debt (10,187) (1,341) -
------ ------ ------
Net cash used in financing activities (45,786) (33,187) (39,462)
------ ------ ------
-20-
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 4,139 (887) 6,697
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 21,151 22,038 15,341
------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 25,290 21,151 22,038
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-21-
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation and Organization. The consolidated financial
statements reflect the accounts of Aliant Communications Inc. (the Company
or Aliant), a holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Aliant
Communications Co. (Telco), Aliant Cellular Inc., (Aliant Cellular), Aliant
Systems Inc. (Aliant Systems), Prairie Communications, Inc. (Prairie) and
Aliant Midwest Inc. (Aliant Midwest).
On April 24, 1996, the stockholders of the Company approved an
amendment to the Company's articles of incorporation whereby the name of
the Company changed from Lincoln Telecommunications Company to Aliant
Communications Inc. effective September 3, 1996. The articles of
incorporation of certain subsidiaries were also amended. The names of The
Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company, Nebraska Cellular Telephone
Corporation and LinTel Systems Inc. were changed to Aliant Communications
Co., Aliant Cellular Inc. and Aliant Systems Inc., respectively.
Telco, the Company's principal subsidiary, provides local and long
distance telephone service in 22 southeastern counties of Nebraska and
cellular telecommunications services in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA). Aliant Cellular provides cellular
telecommunications services in 89 of the 93 counties in Nebraska (see
note 3). Aliant Systems sells non-regulated telecommunications products
and services, long distance telephone services in and beyond Telco's local
service territory and provides telephone answering services. Prairie has a
50% investment in a general partnership which manages a limited partnership
providing cellular telecommunications services in the Omaha, Nebraska MSA.
The limited partnership is conducting business as Aliant Cellular - Omaha.
The investment in the partnership is accounted for using the equity method
of accounting (see note 6). On October 10, 1996, Aliant Midwest was
incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Aliant Midwest
had no operations in 1996.
Net earnings applicable to intercompany transactions between companies
have been eliminated.
Effective December 31, 1995, Telco discontinued accounting for their
operations under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (FAS) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation (see note 2).
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost.
Replacements and renewals of items considered to be units of property are
charged to the property and equipment accounts. Maintenance and repairs of
units of property and replacements and renewals of items determined to be
less than units of property are charged to expense. Telephone property and
equipment retired or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of
business, together with the cost of removal, less salvage, is charged to
accumulated depreciation. When other property and equipment is sold or
otherwise disposed of, the gain or loss is recognized in operations. Telco
capitalizes estimated costs of debt and equity funds used for construction
-22-
<PAGE>
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Continued
purposes. No significant costs were capitalized during the three years
ended December 31, 1996. Depreciation on property and equipment is
determined by using the straight-line method based on estimated service and
remaining lives.
Income Taxes. Aliant files a consolidated income tax return with its
subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred income taxes arise primarily from reporting differences for
book and tax purposes related to depreciation and postretirement benefits.
Investment tax credits related to telephone property and equipment
were deferred and are being taken into income over the estimated useful
lives of such property and equipment.
Retirement Benefits. Telco has a non-contributory qualified defined
benefit pension plan which covers substantially all employees of the
Company. The Company also has a qualified defined contribution profit-
sharing plan which covers substantially all non-union-eligible employees.
Costs of the pension and profit-sharing plans are funded as accrued.
Revenue Recognition. Telephone and wireless revenues are recognized when
earned and are primarily derived from usage of the Company's network and
facilities. For all other operations, revenue is recognized when products
are delivered or services are rendered to customers.
Statements of Cash Flows. For purposes of the consolidated statements of
cash flows, the Company considers all temporary investments with an
original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash
equivalents. Cash equivalents of approximately $17,530,000 and $18,167,000
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, consist of short-term fixed
income securities.
Use of Estimates. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates
and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these
consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications. Certain amounts previously reported in 1995 for
operating revenues and expenses have been reclassified to conform to the
current period presentation in the accompanying consolidated statements of
earnings. The reclassifications had no effect on operating income as
previously reported.
-23-
<PAGE>
(2) EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - DISCONTINUANCE OF REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES
FAS 71 generally applies to regulated companies that meet certain
requirements, including a requirement that a company be able to recover its
costs by charging its customers rates prescribed by regulators and that
competition will not threaten the recovery of those costs. Having achieved
price regulation and recognizing potential increased competition, the
Company concluded, in the fourth quarter of 1995, that the principles
prescribed by FAS 71 were no longer appropriate.
As a result of the Company's conclusion, a non-cash, extraordinary
charge of approximately $16.5 million, net of an income tax benefit of
approximately $9.4 million was recorded by Telco in December 1995. The
following table summarizes the extraordinary charge.
Pre-tax After-tax
(Dollars in thousands)
Increase to accumulated depreciation $ 22,069 13,305
Elimination of net regulatory assets 3,799 3,211
------ ------
Total extraordinary charge $ 25,868 16,516
====== ======
The increase to accumulated depreciation of approximately $13.3
million after-tax was necessary as the estimated useful lives prescribed by
regulators were not appropriate considering the rapid rate of technological
change in the telecommunications industry. The increase to accumulated
depreciation was determined by performing a study which identified
inadequate accumulated depreciation levels by individual asset categories.
The estimated useful lives of these individual asset categories were
shortened to more closely reflect economically realistic lives.
On adoption of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes in 1993,
adjustments were required to adjust excess deferred tax levels to the
currently enacted statutory rates as regulatory liabilities and regulatory
assets were recognized on the cumulative amount of tax benefits previously
flowed through to ratepayers. These tax-related regulatory assets and
liabilities were grossed up for the tax effect anticipated when collected
at future rates. At the time the application of FAS 71 was discontinued,
the tax-related regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities were
eliminated and the related deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect
application of FAS 109 consistent with unregulated entities.
(3) ACQUISITION OF ALIANT CELLULAR
On July 13, 1995, the Company consummated a merger with Aliant Cellular,
formerly known as Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation (see note 1).
The Company issued a total of 4,267,146 shares of its common stock and paid
cash of approximately $61.6 million to acquire the remaining approximately
84% of Aliant Cellular's common stock not previously owned by the Company.
The value of the common stock issued was approximately $70.4 million at
date of acquisition. Aliant Cellular provides cellular telecommunications
services outside the Lincoln and Omaha metropolitan areas in Nebraska.
-24-
<PAGE>
(3) ACQUISITION OF ALIANT CELLULAR, Continued
The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly,
the results of operations of Aliant Cellular have been included in the
Company's consolidated financial statements from July 1, 1995. The excess
of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets
acquired, of approximately $125 million, has been recorded as goodwill and
is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Acquisition
costs were approximately $983,000. The Company recognized approximately
$3.2 million and $1.6 million of goodwill amortization in 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents
the combined results of operations of the Company and Aliant Cellular as if
the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1994, after giving effect to
certain adjustments, including amortization of goodwill, increased interest
expense on debt related to the acquisition, and related income tax effects.
The pro forma financial information does not necessarily reflect the
results of operations that would have occurred had the Company and Aliant
Cellular constituted a single entity during such periods, nor is it
necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Pro forma (unaudited)
Years ended December 31,
1995 1994
---- ----
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Total operating revenues $ 248,602 227,718
======= =======
Income before extraordinary item $ 29,814 29,300
======= =======
Net income $ 13,298 29,300
======= =======
Earnings per common share $ .36 .79
=== ===
-25-
<PAGE>
(4) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The table below summarizes the property and equipment at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
1996 1995
Accumulated Accumulated
depreciation and depreciation and
Classifications Cost amortization Cost amortization
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ------------ ---- ------------
Land $ 2,968 - 2,984 -
Buildings 36,435 13,610 32,884 12,486
Equipment 489,386 273,514 462,984 248,593
Motor vehicles and
other work equipment 12,431 5,355 11,920 4,918
------- ------- ------- -------
Total in service 541,220 292,479 510,772 265,997
Under construction 6,279 - 10,487 -
------- ------- ------- -------
Total property
and equipment $ 547,499 292,479 521,259 265,997
======= ======= ======= =======
The composite depreciation rate for property and equipment was 8.3% in
1996, 7.5% in 1995, and 7.2% in 1994. The rate does not include the
extraordinary charge recognized in 1995 or the additional non-recurring
depreciation recognized in 1994.
Construction expenditures for 1997 are expected to approximate $69.2
million. The Company anticipates funding construction from operating
activities, existing temporary investments, and short-term debt.
Due to changes in technology, customer growth, and usage demand for
cellular services in their respective markets, the Company and Aliant
Cellular - Omaha installed a new cellular telephone system replacing
existing systems in 1994. The Company's system in Lincoln became
operational in April 1995.
The implementation of these system upgrades caused the early
retirement of certain existing analog equipment prior to the expiration of
its anticipated useful life. As a result, in the first quarter 1994, the
Company wrote down the value of these assets by approximately $3,398,000.
During the fourth quarter of 1994, the Company recognized an additional
charge of approximately $363,000 after evaluating updated information. The
after-tax impact of these non-recurring non-cash charges to earnings was
$2,267,000. In March 1994, the Company's share of a similar charge for
Aliant Cellular - Omaha was $2,179,000, producing an after-tax impact of
$1,314,000.
Substantially all telephone property and equipment, with the exception
of motor vehicles, is mortgaged or pledged to secure Telco's first mortgage
bonds. Under certain circumstances, as defined in the bond indenture, all
assets become subject to the lien of the indenture.
-26-
<PAGE>
(5) TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
All of the Company's investments in debt and equity securities are
classified as available for sale. The Company does not invest in
securities classified as held to maturity or trading securities. The
following sets forth certain fair value information.
Estimated
Amortized Gross unrealized market
1996 cost Gains Losses value
---- ----- ------ -----
(Dollars in thousands)
U. S. Government obligations $ 2,663 14 (12) 2,665
U. S. Government agency
obligations 3,400 32 (60) 3,372
Corporate debt securities 624 15 (32) 607
----- -- --- -----
$ 6,687 61 (104) 6,644
===== == === =====
Estimated
Amortized Gross unrealized market
1995 cost Gains Losses value
---- ----- ------ -----
Equity securities $ 1,223 36 (44) 1,215
U. S. Government obligations 787 - (11) 776
U. S. Government agency
obligations 7,523 127 (52) 7,598
Corporate debt securities 3,548 99 (72) 3,575
------ --- --- ------
$ 13,081 262 (179) 13,164
====== === === ======
The net unrealized gain (loss) on investments available for sale is
not reported separately as a component of stockholders' equity due to its
insignificance to the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and
1995.
The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, by contractual maturity, are shown below.
Expected maturities will differ from the contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
call or prepayment penalties.
-27-
<PAGE>
(5) TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, Continued
1996 1995
------------------- -------------------
Estimated Estimated
Amortized market Amortized market
cost value cost value
---- ----- ---- -----
(Dollars in thousands)
Due after three months
through five years $ 1,182 1,192 5,787 5,903
Due after five years
through ten years 3,801 3,725 2,285 2,210
Thereafter 1,704 1,727 3,786 3,836
----- ----- ------ ------
$ 6,687 6,644 11,858 11,949
===== ===== ====== ======
The gross realized gains and losses on the sale of securities were
insignificant to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995.
(6) EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Prairie owns a 50% interest in Omaha Cellular General Partnership (OCGP).
The remaining 50% interest in OCGP is owned by Centel Nebraska, Inc.
(Centel-Neb). OCGP is the general partner of and holds approximately 55%
of the partnership interests in Omaha Cellular Limited Partnership, which
provides cellular telecommunications services in Douglas and Sarpy Counties
in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Omaha Cellular Limited
Partnership conducts business under the trade name Aliant Cellular - Omaha.
Prairie is the managing partner of OCGP.
Prairie purchased its 50% interest in OCGP from Centel Cellular
Company in 1991 for $11.9 million. The carrying value of the investment
was approximately $1.8 million at December 31, 1996. Also, Prairie
purchased and holds a discounted note from OCGP in the face amount of
approximately $54 million, for which the purchase price was $23.8 million.
The note has a carrying value of approximately $42.5 million at December
31, 1996. This note has an effective interest rate of 11.94% and is due
December 31, 1998.
Prairie has the option to purchase from Centel-Neb the remaining 50%
interest in OCGP. The option expires December 31, 1998.
(7) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Telco has 5% preferred stock with $100 par value per share. The preferred
stock is cumulative, non-voting, non-convertible and redeemable solely at
Telco's option at $105 per share, for a liquidating amount of $4,724,000,
plus accrued dividends. There were 44,991 shares outstanding for each of
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
-28-
<PAGE>
(8) DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Stock for the Company's Employee and Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan (Plan) is purchased on the open market by the Plan's
Administrator. The basis for the purchase price of the stock allocated to
the Plan participants is the average price paid by the Administrator during
the 5-day trading period preceding and including the dividend payment date.
Employee purchases are at 95% of such price while purchases by non-employee
participants are at 100% of such price. Participants in the Plan may use
cash dividends declared on stock owned and optional cash contributions to
purchase additional stock.
Shares purchased in the open market for the Plan aggregated 100,494
shares, 115,385 shares and 112,423 shares during 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Expenses incurred related to the Plan were approximately
$32,300, $31,600 and $33,700 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. There
are no shares reserved for issuance under the Plan.
(9) LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
9.91% First Mortgage Bonds due June 1, 2000
with interest payable semiannually $ 44,000 44,000
Variable rate term loan due in 13 consecutive
quarterly installments commencing on September 15,
1997 and continuing thereafter until July 6, 2000.
Interest accrues on a LIBOR-based pricing formula
(6.0% at December 31, 1996) and is paid
periodically, but at least semiannually 30,000 30,000
Variable rate revolving loan with principal due
July 6, 1999 and interest due monthly. Interest
accrues on a LIBOR-based pricing formula (5.9% at
December 31, 1996) and is paid periodically, but
at least semiannually. The maximum borrowing limit
is $40,000,000 23,000 30,000
Various variable rate Rural Telephone Finance
Cooperative (RTFC) loan agreements maturing through
2002. Principal and interest are due quarterly over
the life of the respective notes. The interest rate
at December 31, 1996 was 6.30% 13,362 16,549
------- -------
Total long-term debt 110,362 120,549
Less current installments of long-term debt 7,282 2,841
------- -------
Long-term debt, excluding current
installments $ 103,080 117,708
======= =======
-29-
<PAGE>
(9) LONG-TERM DEBT, Continued
The approximate annual aggregate debt maturities for the five years
subsequent to December 31, 1996 are as follows: 1997, $7,282,000; 1998,
$11,535,000; 1999, $35,915,000; 2000, $53,679,000; and 2001, $1,887,000.
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements and an interest rate
collar arrangement to manage the potential impact of changes in interest
rates on a portion of its variable rate long-term debt.
As to the $30 million variable rate five-year amortizing term loan,
the Company has used an interest rate swap agreement, with a notional
amount of $30 million, to effectively convert its variable interest rate
exposure to a fixed rate of 6.37%. At December 31, 1996, the current
interest rate payable to the Company was 5.8% under the swap agreement.
The swap agreement expires at the time the loan matures.
As to the $40 million variable rate three-year non-amortizing
revolving credit facility, against which $23 million was drawn as of
December 31, 1996, the Company has used a combination of an interest rate
swap agreement, with a notional amount of $15 million, and an interest rate
collar arrangement, with a notional amount of $15 million, to effectively
convert a portion of its variable interest rate exposure to a fixed rate of
6.24%. At December 31, 1996, the current interest rate payable to the
Company under the swap agreement was 5.8%. The interest rate collar
arrangement enables the Company to establish a predetermined interest rate
range for a portion of the loan. This range is contractually established
with a floor rate of 4.67% and a ceiling rate of 8.50%. The arrangement
enables the Company to receive from the counterparty (a major bank), on a
monthly basis, the amounts, if any, by which the Company's interest rate on
the loan exceeds 8.50%. Conversely, the arrangement requires the Company
to pay to the counterparty the amounts, if any, by which the Company's
interest rate on the loan falls below 4.67%. For the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995, no amounts were received or paid by the Company related
to this interest rate collar arrangement. The interest rate swap agreement
and the interest rate collar arrangement both expire on July 6, 1998. No
net fees were paid or incurred by the Company for the swap agreements or
the collar arrangement.
The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-
performance by the counterparties to its interest rate swap agreements and
its interest rate collar arrangement. The Company anticipates, however,
that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations
under the contracts.
Aliant Cellular has a variable rate line of credit agreement with the
RTFC for up to $2.5 million. All assets and revenues of Aliant Cellular
are pledged as collateral for the RTFC notes.
The First Mortgage Bonds and RTFC Loan Agreements contain various
restrictions, including those relating to payment of dividends by Telco and
Aliant Cellular to the Company. In management's opinion, these
subsidiaries have complied with all such requirements. At December 31,
-30-
<PAGE>
(9) LONG-TERM DEBT, Continued
1996, approximately $24.7 million and $2.1 million of Telco and Aliant
Cellular's respective retained earnings were available for payment of cash
dividends under the most restrictive provisions of such agreements.
The term and revolving loans also contain various restrictions
including those relating to payment of dividends by the Company. In
management's opinion, the Company has complied with all such requirements.
The dividend restriction is determined on a quarterly basis. Dividends are
limited to $15 million plus 65% of consolidated net income for the quarter.
(10) INCOME TAXES
The components of income taxes from operations before the extraordinary
item follow:
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Current:
Federal $ 26,425 23,128 20,049
State 4,898 2,496 4,487
------ ------ ------
31,323 25,624 24,536
------ ------ ------
Investment tax credits (767) (1,136) (1,060)
------ ------ ------
Deferred:
Federal (895) (5,529) (2,293)
State (161) (512) (116)
------ ------ ------
(1,056) (6,041) (2,409)
------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense $ 29,500 18,447 21,067
====== ====== ======
On the following page is a reconciliation between the statutory
Federal income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996.
-31-
<PAGE>
(10) INCOME TAXES, Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------------- --------------- ----------------
% of % of % of
pretax pretax pretax
Amount income Amount income Amount income
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected"
income tax expense $ 26,061 35.0% $ 16,617 35.0% $ 19,135 35.0%
State income tax expense,
net of Federal income
tax benefit 3,079 4.1 2,329 4.9 2,841 5.2
Amortization of goodwill 1,109 1.5 549 1.2 - -
Non-taxable interest income (65) (.1) (110) (.2) (123) (.2)
Amortization of regulatory
deferred charges - - 1,914 4.0 1,914 3.5
Amortization of regulatory
deferred liabilities - - (1,790) (3.8) (1,891) (3.5)
Amortization of investment
tax credits (767) (1.0) (1,136) (2.4) (1,060) (1.9)
Other 83 .2 74 .2 251 .4
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ----
Actual income tax
expense $ 29,500 39.7% $ 18,447 38.9% $ 21,067 38.5%
====== ==== ====== ==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
The significant components of deferred income tax attributable to
income from operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
are shown below.
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
(exclusive of the effects of
amortization below) $ (1,056) (6,165) (2,432)
Amortization of regulatory deferred
charges - 1,914 1,914
Amortization of regulatory deferred
liabilities - (1,790) (1,891)
----- ----- -----
$ (1,056) (6,041) (2,409)
===== ===== =====
-32-
<PAGE>
(10) INCOME TAXES, Continued
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are presented below:
1996 1995
---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accumulated postretirement benefit cost $ 18,251 17,493
Voluntary early retirement liability 6,337 7,697
Other 3,071 3,091
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax assets 27,659 28,281
Less valuation allowance - -
------ ------
Net deferred tax assets 27,659 28,281
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally due to
depreciation differences 32,007 33,011
Other 2,708 3,382
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 34,715 36,393
------ ------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ 7,056 8,112
====== ======
As a result of the nature and amount of the temporary differences
which give rise to the gross deferred tax liabilities and the Company's
expected taxable income in future years, no valuation allowance for
deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 was necessary.
(11) BENEFIT PLANS
Telco has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all employees of the Company with at least one year of
service. Annual contributions to the plan are designed to fund current and
past service costs as determined by independent actuarial valuations.
-33-
<PAGE>
(11) BENEFIT PLANS, Continued
The net periodic pension credit for 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to
$608,000, $1,389,000 and $1,570,000, respectively. The net periodic
pension credit is comprised of the following components:
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ---- ----
Service cost - benefits earned during
the period $ 3,538 3,628 3,479
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligations 11,338 9,286 8,797
Actual return on plan assets (19,287) (37,696) 1,529
Amortization and deferrals, net 3,803 23,393 (15,375)
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension credit $ (608) (1,389) (1,570)
====== ====== ======
The table below summarizes the funded status of the pension plan at
December 31, 1996 and 1995.
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----
Actuarial present value of pension benefit
obligation:
Vested $ 134,110 131,751
Non-vested 18,357 16,569
------- -------
Accumulated pension benefit obligation $ 152,467 148,320
======= =======
Projected pension benefit obligation $ 169,759 164,932
Less, plan assets at market value 218,507 207,940
------- -------
Excess of plan assets over projected
pension benefit obligation 48,748 43,008
Unrecognized prior service cost 7,065 7,644
Unrecognized net gain (63,548) (57,563)
Unrecognized net asset being recognized
over 15.74 years (8,223) (9,655)
------- -------
Accrued pension cost $ (15,958) (16,566)
======= =======
The assets of the pension plan are invested primarily in marketable
equity and fixed income securities and U.S. Government obligations.
The assumptions used in determining the funded status information and
pension expense were as follows:
1995 and
1996 1994
---- --------
Discount rate 7.10% 7.10%
Rate of salary progression 5.50 6.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.00 8.00
-34-
<PAGE>
(11) BENEFIT PLANS, Continued
The Company has a defined contribution profit-sharing plan which
covers its non-union-eligible employees, who have completed one year of
service. Through December 31, 1996, Aliant Cellular also had a defined
contribution plan for its eligible employees. On August 28, 1996, the
board of directors approved the participation of eligible employees of
Aliant Cellular to become participants of the Company's plan effective
January 1, 1997. The assets and liabilities of Aliant Cellular's plan will
be merged into the Company's plan in 1997. Under the Company plan,
participants may elect to deposit a maximum of 15% of their wages up to
certain limits. The Company matches 25% of the participants' contributions
up to 5% of their wages. The Company's profit-sharing plan also has a
provision for an employee stock ownership fund, to which the Company has
contributed an additional 1.75% of each eligible participant's wage. The
Company's matching contributions and employee stock ownership fund
contributions are used to acquire common stock of the Company. Under the
Aliant Cellular plan, each eligible employee could have contributed up to
15% of base salary, with certain limits. Aliant Cellular contributed an
amount equal to 70% of its employees' contributions up to 6%. In addition,
Aliant Cellular contributed 1% of all participating employees' salaries.
The combined contributions to these plans totaled $851,000, $745,000 and
$679,000 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
In July 1995, Aliant announced its decision to reduce its operator
services work force from 140 to approximately 50 employees by the end of
1995. The remaining work force handles the Company's long distance
operator service needs. The Company offered retirement and separation
incentives along with out-placement services to those employees affected by
the work force adjustment. As a result, the Company recognized a
restructuring charge of $1.5 million in 1995. The charge reduced the
Company's pension asset by $1.1 million for pension enhancements. The
charge included severance payments of approximately $400,000.
In addition, in November 1995, the Company announced its plans to
reduce its existing work force by offering a voluntary early retirement
program to eligible employees. The eligible employees are both management
and non-management employees who are employed by the Company, Telco and
Aliant Systems. The Company implemented an enhancement to Telco's pension
plan by adding five years to both the age and net credited service for
eligible employees. The program also provides for the employees to receive
a lump-sum payment and a supplemental monthly income payment in addition to
their normal pension. As a result of 330 employees accepting this
voluntary early retirement offer, a reduction to Telco's pension asset was
recorded and the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $20.1 million
at December 31, 1995. The charge included pension enhancements of $23.4
million and curtailment gains of $3.3 million.
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(12) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company sponsors a health care plan that provides postretirement
medical benefits and other benefits to employees who meet minimum age and
service requirements upon retirement. Currently, substantially all of the
Company's employees may become eligible for those benefits if they have 15
years of service with normal or early retirement. The Company accounts for
these benefits during the active employment of the participants.
The table below presents the plan's status reconciled with amounts
recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
Retirees $ 33,212 29,520
Fully eligible active plan participants 12,227 12,012
Other active plan participants 7,026 10,161
------ ------
52,465 51,693
Unrecognized prior service cost (1,597) (1,710)
Unrecognized net loss (4,919) (5,660)
------ ------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost $ 45,949 44,323
====== ======
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 include the following components:
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost $ 497 386 428
Interest cost 4,038 3,929 3,695
Net deferral and amortization 145 206 167
----- ----- -----
Net periodic postretirement benefit
costs $ 4,680 4,521 4,290
===== ===== =====
For purposes of measuring the benefit obligation, the following
assumptions were used:
1996 1995
---- ----
Discount rate 8.0% 8.0%
Health care cost trend rate 10.8 11.3
For purposes of measuring the benefit cost, the following assumptions
were used:
1996 1995 and 1994
---- -------------
Discount rate 8.0% 8.0%
Health care cost trend rate 11.3 11.7
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(12) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, Continued
The health care cost trend rate of increase is assumed to decrease
gradually to 5.5% by the year 2004. The health care cost trend rate
assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For
example, a one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost
trend rate would increase the aggregate service and interest cost by
approximately $331,000 and increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation by approximately $3.7 million.
(13) STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company has a stock and incentive plan which provides for the award of
short-term incentives (payable in cash or restricted stock), stock options,
stock appreciation rights or restricted stock to certain officers and key
employees conditioned upon the Company's attaining certain performance
goals.
Under the plan, options may be granted for a term not to exceed ten
years from date of grant. The option price is the fair market value of the
shares on the date of grant. Such exercise price was $11.50 for the 1990
options, $12.75 for the 1992 options, $16.50 for the 1995 options and
$16.75 for the 1996 options. The exercise price of a stock option may be
paid in cash, shares of Company common stock or a combination of cash and
shares.
Stock option activity under the plan is summarized as follows:
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Outstanding at January 1 146,412 100,150 110,650
Granted 58,400 53,450 -
Exercised (9,475) (3,100) (10,500)
Canceled - (4,088) -
------- ------- -------
Outstanding at December 31 195,337 146,412 100,150
======= ======= =======
Exercisable at December 31 92,237 98,412 32,150
======= ======= =======
All of the above information reflects the effect of the 100% stock
dividend paid January 6, 1994.
Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for the stock options
in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the
date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock
exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted FAS
123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which permits entities to
recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-
based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, FAS 123 also allows
entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and
provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures
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(13) STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN, Continued
for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the
fair-value-based method defined in FAS 123 had been applied. The Company
has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and
provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of FAS 123.
The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted
during 1996 and 1995 was $4.44 and $7.45 on the date of grant using the
Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions: 1996 - expected dividend yield 3.59%, risk-free interest rate
of 6.41%, expected volatility factor of 27.0%, and an expected life of 5.75
years; 1995 - expected dividend yield 2.70%, risk-free interest rate of
5.36%, expected volatility factor of 27.5%, and an expected life of 5.45
years.
Since the Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its
plan, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the
financial statements. Had the Company recorded compensation cost based on
the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under FAS 123, the
Company's net income for 1996 and 1995 would have been reduced by
approximately $72,000 and $40,000, respectively.
Pro forma net income reflects only options granted in 1996 and 1995.
Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock
options under FAS 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net income amounts
presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the options'
vesting period of 4 years for the 1996 and 1995 options. Compensation cost
for options granted prior to January 1, 1995 is not considered.
The plan also provides for the granting of stock appreciation rights
(SARs) to holders of options, in lieu of stock options, upon lapse of stock
options or independent of stock options. Such rights offer optionees the
alternative of electing not to exercise the related stock option, but to
receive instead an amount in cash, stock or a combination of cash and stock
equivalent to the difference between the option price and the fair market
value of shares of Company stock on the date the SAR is exercised. No SARs
have been issued under the plan.
In addition, 8,867 shares, 10,836 shares and 11,323 shares of
restricted stock were awarded by the Company during 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Recipients of the restricted stock are entitled to cash
dividends and to vote their respective shares. Restrictions limit the sale
or transfer of the shares for two years subsequent to issuance unless
employment is terminated earlier due to death, disability or retirement.
Amounts charged against 1996, 1995 and 1994 net income for cash and
restricted stock awards were approximately $277,100, $392,700 and $368,700,
respectively. Pursuant to the plan, 2,000,000 shares of common stock are
reserved for issuance under this plan.
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(14) TELEPHONE REVENUES
Telephone revenues include revenues received by Telco for billing and
access services provided to Aliant Systems, which were approximately
$4,209,000 for 1996, $4,342,000 for 1995 and $5,165,000 for 1994, and are
deducted as intercompany revenues and expenses.
(15) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
First Second Third Fourth
1996 quarter quarter quarter quarter Total
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenues:
Telephone $ 47,184 47,319 46,676 48,247 189,426
Wireless communications 13,158 15,850 17,387 17,301 63,696
Telephone equipment sales
and services 4,998 4,496 4,426 5,010 18,930
Intercompany revenues (2,057) (2,071) (1,914) (1,785) (7,827)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total $ 63,283 65,594 66,575 68,773 264,225
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Net income $ 9,818 11,617 12,165 11,354 44,954
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Earnings per common share $ .27 .32 .33 .31 1.22
=== === === === ====
1995
Operating revenues:
Telephone $ 44,686 44,355 45,691 45,184 179,916
Wireless communications 3,159 3,502 13,728 13,732 34,121
Telephone equipment sales
and services 4,243 5,355 4,794 4,376 18,768
Intercompany revenues (1,757) (1,769) (1,730) (1,857) (7,113)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Total $ 50,331 51,443 62,483 61,435 225,692
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item $ 9,240 9,975 11,230 (1,416) 29,029
Extraordinary item - - - (16,516) (16,516)
----- ----- ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) $ 9,240 9,975 11,230 (17,932) 12,513
===== ===== ====== ====== ======
Earnings (loss) per common share
before extraordinary item $ .28 .31 .31 (.04) .84
Extraordinary item - - - (.45) (.48)
--- --- --- --- ---
Earnings (loss) per common
share $ .28 .31 .31 (.49) .36
=== === === === ===
Certain amounts previously reported in 1995 and the first two quarters
of 1996 have been reclassified to conform to the last two quarters of 1996
financial information. The reclassifications had no effect on the results
of operations or earnings per common share as previously reported.
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(15) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED), Continued
During the fourth quarter 1995, the Company recognized a restructuring
charge of $20.1 million. The charge had the effect of reducing net income
by $12.1 million and earnings per share by $.33 for the quarter ended
December 31, 1995.
(16) COMMON STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
The Board of Directors declared a dividend of one common stock purchase
right for each common share outstanding as of June 30, 1989. Under certain
conditions, each right may be exercised to purchase for $21.875 an amount
of the Company's common stock, or an acquiring company's common stock,
having a market value of $43.75. The rights may only be exercised after a
person or group (except for certain stockholders) acquires ownership of 10%
or more of the Company's common shares or announces a tender or exchange
offer upon which consummation would result in ownership of 10% or more of
the common shares. The rights expire on June 30, 1999 and may be redeemed
by the Company at a price of $.0025 per right, at any time until ten days
after a public announcement of the acquisition of 10% of the Company's
common stock. At December 31, 1996, 38,958,122 shares of common stock were
reserved for issuance in connection with these stock purchase rights.
(17) MAJOR CUSTOMER
The Company derives significant revenues from AT&T, principally from
network access and billing and collecting service. For the years ended
1995 and 1994, the Company recognized revenue of $27,808,000 and
$29,680,000, respectively. This represented approximately 12.4% and 15.1%
of consolidated revenues for the years ended 1995 and 1994, respectively.
No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in
1995 and 1994. No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated
revenues in 1996.
(18) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Accounts Payable and Notes Payable
to Banks. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments.
Temporary Investments. The fair values of the Company's marketable
investment securities are based on quoted market prices. See note 5 for
the estimated fair value of temporary investments.
Investments and Other Assets. The fair value of the Company's note
receivable from OCGP is based on the amount of future cash flow associated
with the instrument discounted using the Company's current borrowing rate
on similar instruments of comparable maturity.
Long-Term Debt. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt
instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with
the instruments discounted using the Company's current borrowing rate on
similar debt instruments of comparable maturity.
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(18) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Continued
Interest Rate Swap and Collar Agreements. The fair values are the
estimated amounts Aliant would have to pay or receive to terminate the swap
and collar agreements as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
taking into account current interest rates and the credit worthiness of the
counterparty.
Estimated Fair Value. The estimated fair value of the Company's financial
instruments are summarized as follows:
At December 31, 1996 At December 31, 1995
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
amount fair value amount fair value
------ ---------- ------ ----------
(Dollars in thousands)
Note receivable from OCGP $ 42,502 47,550 37,848 44,788
======= ======= ======= =======
Long-term debt $ 110,362 114,986 120,549 127,712
======= ======= ======= =======
Interest rate swap and
collar agreements
gain (loss) $ - (90) - (932)
======= ======= ======= =======
Limitations. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time,
based on relevant market information and information about the financial
instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be
determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly
affect the estimates.
(19) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
The Company paid interest of $9.1 million, $8.2 million and $5.9 million
during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Income taxes paid were $25.3
million in 1996, $27.0 million in 1995 and $25.1 million in 1994.
The Company consummated the acquisition of Aliant Cellular during
1995. In connection with the acquisition, the following assets were
acquired, liabilities assumed and long-term debt and common stock issued.
(Dollars in thousands)
Property and equipment $ 28,101
Excess cost of net assets acquired 124,609
Long-term debt assumed (17,890)
Other assets and liabilities, excluding cash
and cash equivalents 2,167
Prior investment in Aliant Cellular (6,282)
Issuance of long-term debt (60,000)
Common stock issued (70,408)
-------
Decrease in cash $ 297
=======
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Aliant Communications Inc. (the Company) is a holding company with
subsidiaries operating primarily in the telecommunications industry. Prior
to September 3, 1996, the Company operated under the name of Lincoln
Telecommunications Company. Effective September 3, 1996, the Company
changed its name to Aliant Communications Inc. and started doing business
as Aliant Communications. The name change allows the Company to offer
services under a single brand and replaces eight different names previously
used. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries include Aliant Communications
Co. (Telco), previously doing business as The Lincoln Telephone and
Telegraph Company; Aliant Cellular Inc. (Aliant Cellular), previously doing
business as Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation; Aliant Systems Inc.
(Aliant Systems), previously doing business as LinTel Systems Inc.; Prairie
Communications, Inc. (Prairie) and Aliant Midwest Inc. (Aliant Midwest).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Earnings. Net income after non-recurring charges was $44,954,000 in
1996, compared to $12,513,000 in 1995 and $33,605,000 in 1994. Excluding
non-recurring charges for strategic initiatives relating to the
discontinuance of the application of FAS 71 to the Company and two work
force restructuring programs, net income in 1995 was $42,059,000. Excluding
non-recurring charges for additional depreciation relating to cellular
equipment, net income in 1994 was $37,186,000.
Earnings per common share were $1.22 in 1996, $.36 in 1995, and $1.03
in 1994. Before the one-time charges, earnings per common share were $1.22
in 1995, and $1.14 in 1994.
Operating Revenues. Total operating revenues grew by $38,533,000 in 1996,
an increase of 17.1% over 1995, to a total of $264,225,000. Leading the
growth was wireless communications services which included a full year of
revenue resulting from the mid-1995 acquisition of Aliant Cellular. In
1994, total operating revenues were $196,646,000.
Telephone Revenues. Telephone operating revenues increased by $9,510,000 or
5.3% over 1995, to a total of $189,426,000. Growth in 1995 was $4,499,000
or 2.6% over 1994, to a total of $179,916,000.
Local network service revenues in 1996 were $74,848,000, an increase
of $3,387,000 or 4.7% over the 1995 total of $71,491,000. In 1995, local
network service revenues increased $3,401,000 or 5.0% over the 1994 total
of $68,090,000. These revenues reflect amounts billed to customers for
local exchange services, including enhanced services such as Call Waiting
and Caller ID. These increases resulted primarily from growth in telephone
access lines and continued demand for enhanced services. There were 263,208
telephone access lines in service on December 31, 1996, an increase of 3.6%
over the prior year. The 1995 growth in access lines was 2.9%. In each
year, business and Centrex line growth led the increase.
Access service revenues received primarily from interexchange carriers
for their use of local exchange facilities in providing long distance
services were $56,746,000 in 1996, an increase of $3,093,000 or 5.8% over
the 1995 total of $53,653,000. In 1995, access service revenues increased
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$3,084,000 or 6.1% from the 1994 total of $50,569,000. These increases were
due primarily to increased volume of access minutes reaching a total of
968.2 million minutes in 1996. Minutes of use increased by 7.6% in 1996 and
by 7.1% in 1995.
Long distance service revenues in 1996 were $32,241,000, an increase
of $1,155,000 or 3.7% over the 1995 total of $31,086,000. In 1995, long
distance revenues decreased $1,260,000 or 3.9% from the 1994 total of
$32,346,000. Long distance revenues are received from providing services
both within and beyond Telco's traditional service area, and are primarily
message toll, private line services, and operator services. The 1996
increase was primarily due to customer growth which resulted from increased
marketing of long distance services. The 1995 decrease was due, in part, to
reduced rates for higher volume customers and to a decline in the number of
customers.
Other wireline communications service revenues, which include
directory advertising and sales, carrier billing and collection service
revenues, and data communications revenues, were $25,561,000 in 1996, an
increase of $1,875,000 or 7.9% from the 1995 total of $23,686,000. The
increase was attributable to greater directory advertising and sales
revenues as well as increased data communications revenues. In 1995, other
wireline communications services decreased $726,000 or 3.0% from the 1994
total of $24,412,000.
Wireless Communications Services. Wireless communications service revenues
in 1996 were $63,696,000, an increase of $29,575,000 from the 1995 total of
$34,121,000. The 1996 increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full
year's revenue from Aliant Cellular compared to six month's of revenue in
1995 following the acquisition of Aliant Cellular in July 1995. In 1995,
wireless communications service revenues increased $23,381,000 from the
1994 total of $10,740,000. The 1995 increase was primarily due to the
acquisition of Aliant Cellular, which provided revenues of $19,458,000
after the acquisition in July 1995. Cellular subscriber lines in the
Company's wholly-owned markets grew by 36,994, or 33.7%, to a total of
146,702 at December 31, 1996. In 1995, the Company acquired nearly 65,000
subscriber lines through the acquisition of Aliant Cellular. Further
information on this subject is provided under the heading of "Managed
Cellular Markets."
Telephone Equipment Sales and Services. Telephone equipment sales and
service revenues in 1996 were $18,930,000, an increase of $162,000 or 0.9%
from the $18,768,000 recorded in 1995. The 1995 amount of such revenues
reflected an increase of $668,000 or 3.7% from the 1994 total of
$18,100,000. The 1995 increase compared to 1994 resulted from a large
number of smaller systems sales which continued into 1996.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were $186,423,000 in 1996, an
increase of $10,692,000 from 1995. Recurring operating expenses increased
by $32,303,000 or 21.0%. Total operating expenses increased $37,378,000 or
27.0% from 1994 to 1995. The operating expenses in 1995 reflected only six
months of expenses related to Aliant Cellular which were incurred after the
acquisition.
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Depreciation and amortization expense was $46,404,000 in 1996, which
includes 12 months amortization of the excess of cost over book value
related to the July 1995 acquisition of Aliant Cellular, and $37,422,000 in
1995, which includes only six months of the above mentioned amortization.
The 1996 amount also reflects depreciation rates effective after
discontinuance of FAS 71 as described later under the heading
"Extraordinary Item (net of income tax)--FAS 71." Using GAAP depreciation
rates for Telco represents approximately $2.7 million of the increase in
1996. The 1994 depreciation and amortization amount was $32,154,000
excluding non-recurring charges of $3,761,000 for additional depreciation
on cellular equipment.
Other operating expenses, which include the cost of telephone
equipment sales and services and the net loss on sales of cellular
equipment along with other operating expenses, were $143,646,000 in 1996,
$120,627,000 in 1995, and $106,869,000 in 1994. The increases amounted to
19.1% in 1996 and 12.9% in 1995. 1996 expenses include 12 months of Aliant
Cellular operating expenses whereas 1995 contained only six months of such
expenses. Costs of goods and services sold increased in both 1996 and 1995
resulting from increased product sales and discounts. Sales commissions and
other costs of acquiring wireless customers, including the net loss on
equipment sales, also increased each year.
The Company is continuing to streamline operations and manage its work
force requirements to improve productivity. Related to this objective, the
Company recorded the results of two separate work force reduction programs
in 1995. In 1995, Telco reduced its operator services work force from 140
to approximately 50 employees. Directory assistance operations were
outsourced and operator service contracts with AT&T were terminated. The
current work force handles the Company's long distance operator service
needs. Retirement and separation incentives along with out-placement
services were offered to those employees affected by the force adjustment.
These actions resulted in a pre-tax non-recurring charge of $1,555,000
($937,000 net of tax) in 1995 reducing earnings per share by $0.03. Savings
resulting from the new procedures are expected to offset this non-recurring
charge within two years.
Separately, in an effort to position the Company for the long-term,
the Company continues to improve its key business processes. In late 1995,
the Company determined that it could maintain productivity while reducing
its work force by nearly 200 employees and accordingly, offered an
opportunity to approximately 750 eligible employees to enroll in the
Voluntary Enhanced Retirement Program. Of those receiving the offer, 330
accepted. The cost of this retirement program, recorded in 1995, was
approximately $20.1 million (after-tax earnings impact of $12.1 million)
reducing earnings per share by $0.35. This program will be funded out of
the Company's pension fund, requiring no additional funding from
operations. Of the 330 who accepted the offer, 86 employees retired in 1996
and the balance of these employees will retire during 1997. The Company
expects to recapture the cost of this retirement program in less than two
years. Due to the greater than anticipated number of employees that opted
for early retirement, the Company will likely be hiring new people to
continue its ability to provide high-quality service and maintain its
aggressiveness in the marketplace. At the end of the year, there were 1,686
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<PAGE>
employees compared to 1,641 at the end of 1995. The number of employees in
the Company's wireless operations is expanding to meet the needs of
additional subscribers.
Non-Operating Income and Expenses. Non-operating income includes interest
and net results from the Company's 27.6% interest in the Omaha cellular
market. The reduction in income of $1,605,000 in 1996 compared to 1995 is
primarily the result of less interest income on temporary investments. The
temporary investments are down in 1996 due to using those funds to reduce
outstanding debt. Expenses in 1994 include a non-cash charge of $2,179,000
for the Company's share of a non-recurring depreciation charge related to
upgrading switching equipment in that market (see "Managed Cellular
Markets").
Interest expense and other deductions were $9,776,000 in 1996 compared
to $10,518,000 in 1995 and $6,624,000 in 1994. The 1996 decline was
primarily the result of debt reductions. The 1995 increase was the result
of using outside sources of capital to fund the acquisition of Aliant
Cellular causing additional long-term and short-term debt and related
interest expense.
Income Taxes. Income tax expenses in 1996 were $29,500,000 compared to
$18,447,000 in 1995 and $21,067,000 in 1994. The federal income tax rate
has remained at 35% since 1993. Income tax expense has remained
proportionate to taxable income over the three-year period.
Extraordinary Item (net of income tax)--FAS 71. As described in Note 2 to
the consolidated financial statements, the Company discontinued applying
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71 (FAS 71), Accounting for
the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation in the fourth quarter of 1995.
The Company determined that Telco no longer met the criteria for following
FAS 71 due to changes in the manner in which the Company is regulated and
the heightened competitive telecommunications environment. The accounting
impact to the Company was an extraordinary non-cash after-tax charge of
$16,516,000. The following table is a summary of the extraordinary charge.
Pre-tax After-tax
(Dollars in thousands) ------- ---------
Increase to accumulated depreciation $ 22,069 13,305
Elimination of net regulatory assets 3,799 3,211
------ ------
Total extraordinary charge $ 25,868 16,516
The pre-tax adjustment of $22,069,000 to net telecommunications plant
was necessary since estimated useful lives and depreciation methods
historically prescribed by regulators did not keep up with the rapid pace
of technological changes and differed significantly from those used by non-
regulated companies. Net plant balances were adjusted by increasing the
accumulated depreciation balance. A study was performed that identified
inadequate accumulated depreciation levels by individual asset categories.
When adjusting its net plant, the Company gave effect to shorter, more
economically realistic lives.
The discontinuance of FAS 71 also required the Company to eliminate
from its consolidated balance sheet the effects of any actions of
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regulators that had been recognized as assets and liabilities pursuant to
FAS 71, but would not have been recognized as assets and liabilities by
nonregulated companies. The regulatory assets and liabilities eliminated
were related to the consequences of regulation on deferred income taxes.
The Company believes that the discontinuation of accounting rules
prescribed in FAS 71 will not have an impact on the Company's customers,
nor its ability to pay dividends.
Inflation. Management believes that inflation affects the Company's
business to no greater extent than the general economy.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capitalization. At December 31, 1996, the Company had consolidated long-
term debt of $110,362,000 compared to $120,549,000 at December 31, 1995,
including current installments due. In 1995, the Company incurred
$60,000,000 of long-term debt to finance the acquisition of Aliant Cellular
and assumed Aliant Cellular's outstanding long-term debt at acquisition.
Construction. The Company is continuing to invest in new technology. Net
cash expenditures for capital additions to property and equipment were
$42,704,000 in 1996, $43,022,000 in 1995, and $31,291,000 in 1994. Cash
provided by operating activities, less dividends, exceeded capital
additions in each of those years. Gross additions to property and equipment
are expected to approximate $69,200,000 in 1997. The increase in 1997 is
due in part to the expansion of the Company's fiber optic network,
additional cellular sites, and additions of electronic switching equipment.
The Company anticipates funding this construction from operating
activities, existing temporary investments and short-term debt.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company had cash, cash equivalents, and
temporary investments of $31,977,000 and $34,232,000 at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. There were short-term borrowings of $10,000,000 at
December 31, 1995. Cash flows from operations in 1996 allowed short-term
borrowings to be eliminated.
Dividends. Quarterly dividends on the Company's common stock were increased
from 12 cents per share to 13 cents per share commencing January 10, 1994,
to 14 cents per share commencing January 10, 1995, to 15 cents per share
commencing January 10, 1996 and to 16 cents per share commencing January
10, 1997. The total cash dividend declared was 61 cents per share in 1996,
57 cents per share in 1995, and 53 cents per share in 1994.
ACQUISITION AND INVESTMENT
During 1995, the Company purchased the remaining issued and outstanding
shares of Aliant Cellular (then Nebraska Cellular Telephone Corporation)
common stock. At December 31, 1994, the Company owned approximately 16% of
the outstanding shares of Nebraska Cellular and used the cost method of
accounting to account for its interest. As consideration for the remaining
84%, the Company issued to the shareholders of Nebraska Cellular an
aggregate of 4,267,146 shares of Company common stock and paid
approximately $61.6 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for as a
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purchase. Aliant Cellular provides cellular communications services in non-
metropolitan areas of Nebraska including approximately 844,000 POPs
(potential customers). Its network serves cellular users with transparent
interconnection along the Interstate 80 corridor and other major highway
systems across Nebraska.
On December 31, 1991, Prairie entered into a general partnership that
holds a 55.2% interest in the Omaha Cellular Limited Partnership, now doing
business as Aliant Cellular-Omaha, which provides cellular communications
services in the Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Prairie is an
equal partner with Centel Nebraska, Inc. (Centel) in the general
partnership and has the option to purchase Centel's remaining 50% interest
during the two-year period ending December 31, 1998. The Company assumed
management of Aliant Cellular-Omaha on January 1, 1992.
MANAGED CELLULAR MARKETS
The Company manages all four cellular entities in which it has an ownership
interest. The Lincoln MSA and Aliant Cellular (the ten Nebraska Rural
Service Areas (RSA) are wholly-owned markets containing approximately
229,000 and 844,000 POPs, respectively. Through its general partnership
with Centel, the Company holds a 27.6% interest in the limited partnership
which operates the Omaha MSA market, which includes approximately 628,000
POPs, and also holds an option to purchase an additional 27.6% interest in
that limited partnership beginning January 1, 1997. In addition, the
Company has an 11.8% interest in Iowa RSA 1 which is contiguous to the
Company's telephone operating area in Nebraska and to Omaha, and contains
approximately 62,000 POPs. By the end of 1996, penetration rates
(subscribers compared to POPs) achieved in these markets by the entities in
which the Company holds interests were 17.5% in the Lincoln MSA, 12.6% in
the Aliant Cellular area, 10.4% in the Omaha MSA, and 6.1% in RSA 1.
In these markets, the composite cost to acquire new customer lines,
including a negative margin on equipment sales, was $313 per gross addition
and $418 per net addition in 1996. The churn (the percentage of customers
who are disconnected each month) averaged 0.8% in 1996.
The Company's market indices of penetration, cost to acquire new
customers, and churn in its managed markets are among the best in the
industry, according to statistics published by the Cellular Telephone
Industry Association.
Supplemental Proportionate Data. The Company believes the use of
proportionate operating data for these managed cellular markets facilitates
the understanding and assessment of its consolidated financial statements.
Reporting proportionate data for the cellular markets is not in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. The proportionate data
summarized below reflects the Company's relative ownership interests in its
managed markets.
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Supplemental Proportionate Data For Managed Cellular Markets <F1>
Total Total Not Total
Consolidated Consolidated Proportionate
<F2> <F3> Data
(Dollars in thousands)
Customer Lines 1996 146,702 18,531 165,233
1995 109,708 13,144 122,852
1994 20,755 9,234 29,989
Service Revenues 1996 $ 62,984 7,940 70,924
1995 32,910 6,019 38,929
1994 10,176 4,688 14,864
Operating Expenses 1996 $ 35,768 4,675 40,443
(before depreciation) 1995 19,147 4,034 23,181
1994 5,836 3,094 8,930
Net Operating Income 1996 $ 20,049 2,171 22,220
(after depreciation) 1995 10,059 1,043 11,102
1994 (338) (1,204) (1,542)
EBITDA <F4> 1996 $ 27,216 3,265 30,481
1995 13,763 1,985 15,748
1994 4,340 1,594 5,934
<F1> The Company's interest in Nebraska Cellular prior to acquisition
in July 1995 is not included in the proportionate data.
<F2> Financial activities of the Lincoln MSA and Aliant Cellular since
acquisition are included in respective operating portions of the
Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
<F3> The Company's share of the financial activities of the Omaha MSA
(27.6%) and the Iowa RSA 1 (11.8%) are not included in the
operating portions of the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
<F4> Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and
amortization is commonly used in the cellular communications
industry to analyze cellular providers on the bases of operating
performance and liquidity. EBITDA should not be considered an
alternate to (i) operating income (as determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles) as an indicator of
the Company's operating performance or (ii) cash flows from
operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles) as a measure of liquidity.
Total service revenues in the managed cellular markets increased to
$70,924,000 in 1996 compared to $38,929,000 in 1995 and $14,864,000 in
1994. The acquisition of Aliant Cellular in July 1995 contributed
approximately 80% of both the 1996 and 1995 increases in service revenues.
Service revenues include the net results of outbound roaming. Inbound
roaming contributed 14.9%, 14.6%, and 12.9% of service revenues in 1996,
1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company has negotiated roaming agreements
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with other cellular providers which include preferred roaming rates for
customers.
At December 31, 1996, the Company had 165,233 customer lines in all of
its markets. This compares with a 1995 year-end managed operations total of
122,852 customer lines.
Net operating income before interest, income taxes, and depreciation
(EBITDA) increased to $30,481,000 in 1996 compared to $15,748,000 in 1995.
The EBITDA margin (EBITDA compared to service revenues) was 43.0% and 40.5%
for the years 1996 and 1995, respectively. In 1994, EBITDA was $5,934,000
or 39.9% of revenues. Operating expenses, including the net negative margin
on sales of equipment, grew to $40,443,000 in 1996, compared to $23,181,000
in 1995 and $8,930,000 in 1994.
Due to changes in technology, customer growth and usage demand, on
March 15, 1994, an agreement was reached to install new systems in the
Lincoln and Omaha MSAs to increase capacity and performance. The new Omaha
MSA system was operational in April 1994, and the Lincoln MSA system became
operational in April 1995.
These system upgrades caused the early retirement of existing
equipment prior to the expiration of its anticipated useful life. As a
result, the Company recognized additional non-recurring depreciation of
approximately $3,761,000 in 1994 attributable to the Lincoln MSA. The
Company's share of a similar one-time charge in 1994 for the Omaha MSA was
$2,179,000.
COMPETITION AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly. Technological
development, changing customer requirements, and new public policies
designed to facilitate competition in all areas of the business are
changing the telecommunications environment and may have a significant
impact on the future financial performance of all telecommunications
companies. The Company's existing lines of businesses are already subject
to competition from many sources, including long distance companies,
cellular companies, competing directory companies, and others.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Act) was signed into effect in
February 1996. The Act facilitates the entry of new competitors into the
local exchange market by allowing companies to purchase and resell
Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) services, by requiring companies to
unbundle their networks, and by requiring ILECs to negotiate
interconnection agreements with companies which request connection to ILEC
networks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an order on
August 8, 1996, the Interconnection Order. The Interconnection Order
contains pricing proxies which are unfavorable to ILECs. Several ILECs,
including Telco, filed petitions to review the Interconnection Order with
the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and requested that the pricing and
other provisions of the Interconnection Order be stayed. On October 15,
1996, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals entered an Order Granting Stay
Pending Judicial Review which did stay the effectiveness of the pricing and
the so-called "pick and choose" provisions of the Interconnection Order.
The FCC and certain telecommunications companies requested review of the
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Eighth Circuit's Stay Order by the United States Supreme Court; however,
the Supreme Court declined to make such a review. Briefing of the issues
presented to the Eighth Circuit has been completed and oral arguments were
presented to the Court on January 17, 1997.
The Telco has not at this time received a bona fide request from a
competitive local exchange carrier to negotiate an agreement for resale of
telecommunications services, purchase of unbundled network elements, or
interconnection. However, Telco has received requests for interconnection
from two commercial mobile radio service providers. Telco may apply to the
Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) for a waiver or modification of
certain obligations imposed under the Act. The Act also provides new
business opportunities to the Company.
Two additional proceedings pending before the FCC are of importance to
the Company. An Access Reform proceeding could impact the revenues which
Telco receives from purchasers of access. The FCC has proposed to reduce
usage-based access rates by moving to a forward-looking, incremental cost
standard without a corresponding increase in local rates. Telco supports a
market-based approach which would facilitate transition to cost-based rates
for its customers. A decision on this docket is expected in April 1997.
The second important FCC proceeding that could impact the Company is
the FCCOs docket on Universal Service. In this docket, the terms and
conditions for contributions to and support from a federal Universal
Service Fund are being established. In the past, Telco has not received
explicit Universal Service Support and believes that it should be eligible
to participate in such funding support for the high-cost areas it serves. A
decision on this docket is expected in May 1997.
The FCC has taken steps to increase the number of wireless competitors
through the auctioning of radio spectrum for Personal Communications
Services (PCS). As many as seven new wireless competitors are allowed in
each market. The FCC rules governing spectrum auctions prohibited the
Company from bidding on bandwidth of more than 10 MHz of PCS bandwidth in
areas where it has cellular operations.
The Company, acting through Aliant Midwest, filed an application with
the NPSC on November 14, 1996, for authority to provide competitive local
exchange services in areas outside of Telco's traditional 22-county
southeast Nebraska geographic market. In its application, Aliant Midwest
proposed to provide local exchange service through resale and/or use of its
own facilities in those areas of Nebraska currently served by U S West, GTE
Midwest, and Sprint/United. It is anticipated that the Nebraska
certification process will be completed by the end of March 1997. Also, on
January 21, 1997, the Iowa Utilities Board granted Aliant Midwest authority
to provide competitive local exchange services in those areas of
Pottawattamie County served by U S West. Such area is a part of the greater
Omaha Metropolitan Area.
Telco has been under price cap regulation by the FCC since July 1,
1993. Price caps focus on prices rather than costs of service and set
maximum limits on prices which Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) may charge
for their interstate access services. These limits are subject to
adjustment each year to reflect inflation, a productivity factor, and
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certain other cost changes. The FCC is currently reviewing its rules and
regulations pertaining to price caps in the context of an evolving
regulatory environment with a ruling expected in the spring of 1997.
At the state level, the NPSC regulates service quality. Nebraska does
not have traditional rate-of-return regulation for telecommunications
carriers, and allows telecommunications carriers pricing flexibility for
all services except basic local exchange service in which pricing
flexibility is subject to certain statutory limitations.
Since 1986, telecommunications companies in Nebraska have been
permitted to increase basic local exchange rates up to 10% in any
consecutive 12-month period without review by the NPSC. However, the
Company must provide at least 120 days notice to affected customers and
conduct public informational meetings. If at least 2% of Telco's affected
subscribers sign a formal complaint opposing the increase within 120 days
from such notice, the NPSC must hold and complete a hearing with regard to
the complaint within 90 days to determine whether the proposed rates are
fair, just and reasonable. Within 60 days after the close of such hearing,
the NPSC must enter an order adjusting the rates at issue.
On November 8, 1996, Telco announced a 10% increase to residential
basic local exchange rates which will become effective March 23, 1997,
unless an adequate number of subscribers petition the NPSC to conduct a
hearing to review such increase. Telco has not increased such rates since
1991. The residential basic local exchange service increase will be offset
by an 8% to 10% reduction in Telco's long distance rates within its service
area in southeast Nebraska, and by a reduction of intrastate access service
rates of approximately 16%. As a result of the passage of the Act and
competitive pressures, Telco believes that prices for basic local exchange
and other services need to be adjusted to more accurately reflect actual
costs.
In addition to regulatory review, the Company's ability to adjust
rates will be determined by various factors, including economic and
competitive circumstances in effect at the time.
LABOR CONTRACTS
The Telco and Local 7470 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
reached agreement on a three-year contract concerning wages, benefits and
working conditions, effective in October 1995. The contract provides for
wage increases of 10.9% over the three-year contract term, establishes a
non-contributory 401(k) program, increases pension benefits, and creates
other benefit changes. Similarly, in May 1995, Aliant Systems and the CWA
reached an agreement on a three-year contract covering its union-eligible
employees. The Telco and Aliant Systems contracts with the CWA expire on
October 14, 1998, and May 19, 1998, respectively.
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<TABLE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Not Covered by Independent Auditors' Report)
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Consolidated Earnings Statement Items
1. Telephone operating revenues $ 189,426 179,916 175,417
2. Wireless communications services 63,696 34,121 10,740
3. Telephone equipment sales and services 18,930 18,768 18,100
4. Intercompany revenues (7,827) (7,113) (7,611)
5. Total revenues and sales (Note 1) 264,225 225,692 196,646
6. Income before special and non-recurring
charges (Note 2) 44,954 42,059 37,186
7. Special and non-recurring charges (Note 3) - 29,546 3,581
8. Net income (Note 2) 44,954 12,513 33,605
9. Earnings available for common shares
(Note 2) 44,729 12,288 33,380
10. Earnings before special and non-recurring
charges 1.22 1.22 1.14
11. Special and non-recurring charges - (0.86) (0.11)
12. Earnings per common share (Note 2) 1.22 0.36 1.03
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Items
13. Total assets $ 521,402 520,321 393,184
14. Property and equipment 547,499 521,259 458,953
15. Accumulated depreciation and amortization 292,479 265,997 217,183
16. Accumulated depreciation to depreciable
plant 54.3% 52.4% 48.2%
17. Current ratio 1.1:1 1.1:1 1.3:1
18. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock (Note 4) $ 107,579 122,207 48,499
19. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock as a percent of total capitalization 27.9% 32.0% 19.8%
20. Common stock, premium and common stock
subscribed less treasury stock $ 104,395 107,791 37,292
21. Retained earnings 174,172 151,754 159,143
22. Total long-term debt, redeemable preferred
stock, and stockholders' equity 386,145 381,752 244,934
Statistics
23. Proportionate cellular subscribers 165,233 122,852 29,989
24. Telephone access lines 263,208 254,173 246,963
25. Total number of employees 1,686 1,642 1,612
Selected Common Stock Items
26. Dividends declared per common share $ 0.610 0.570 0.530
27. Shares of common stock outstanding at
end of year 36,414,740 36,622,434 32,348,740
28. Market value common stock-high/low $22.38/15.25 21.50/14.50 20.00/13.75
29. Price-earnings ratio-high/low (Note 5) 18.1x/12.4x 17.7x/11.9x 19.4x/13.3x
30. Book value per common share $ 7.65 7.09 6.07
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1993 1992 1991
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Consolidated Earnings Statement Items
1. Telephone operating revenues $ 169,317 163,698 157,181
2. Wireless communications services 7,006 4,760 3,182
3. Telephone equipment sales and services 15,270 15,019 15,383
4. Intercompany revenues (7,618) (8,143) (8,121)
5. Total revenues and sales (Note 1) 183,975 175,334 167,625
6. Income before special and non-recurring
charges (Note 2) 33,191 29,609 27,820
7. Special and non-recurring charges (Note 3) 23,166 - -
8. Net income (Note 2) 10,025 29,609 27,820
9. Earnings available for common shares
(Note 2) 9,800 29,271 27,351
10. Earnings before special and non-recurring
charges 1.01 0.90 0.83
11. Special and non-recurring charges (0.71) - -
12. Earnings per common share (Note 2) 0.30 0.90 0.83
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Items
13. Total assets $ 395,279 369,116 360,976
14. Property and equipment 449,540 435,226 436,496
15. Accumulated depreciation and amortization 203,436 185,661 183,128
16. Accumulated depreciation to depreciable
plant 45.7% 43.4% 42.9%
17. Current ratio 1.1:1 1.3:1 1.3:1
18. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock (Note 4) $ 48,499 78,049 87,544
19. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock as a percent of total capitalization 20.9% 29.2% 33.0%
20. Common stock, premium and common stock
subscribed less treasury stock $ 41,173 40,427 44,033
21. Retained earnings 142,859 149,008 133,878
22. Total long-term debt, redeemable preferred
stock, and stockholders' equity 232,531 267,484 265,455
Statistics
23. Proportionate cellular subscribers 19,245 11,308 4,852
24. Telephone access lines 238,142 232,148 226,077
25. Total number of employees 1,618 1,620 1,606
Selected Common Stock Items
26. Dividends declared per common share $ 0.490 0.430 0.400
27. Shares of common stock outstanding at
end of year 32,595,350 32,534,376 32,844,376
28. Market value common stock-high/low $20.50/12.00 14.25/10.63 14.63/10.50
29. Price-earnings ratio-high/low (Note 5) 20.3x/11.9x 15.8x/11.8x 17.6x/12.7x
30. Book value per common share $ 5.65 5.82 5.42
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1990 1989 1988
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Consolidated Earnings Statement Items
1. Telephone operating revenues $ 155,908 153,093 149,953
2. Wireless communications services 2,218 1,367 819
3. Telephone equipment sales and services 14,503 14,345 14,023
4. Intercompany revenues (7,296) (6,724) (6,458)
5. Total revenues and sales (Note 1) 165,333 162,081 158,337
6. Income before special and non-recurring
charges (Note 2) 24,696 25,046 25,478
7. Special and non-recurring charges (Note 3) - - -
8. Net income (Note 2) 24,696 25,046 25,478
9. Earnings available for common shares
(Note 2) 24,190 24,503 24,899
10. Earnings before special and non-recurring
charges 0.74 0.75 0.75
11. Special and non-recurring charges - - -
12. Earnings per common share (Note 2) 0.74 0.75 0.75
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Items
13. Total assets $ 348,434 304,908 289,806
14. Property and equipment 417,844 397,630 386,421
15. Accumulated depreciation and amortization 167,569 152,867 147,794
16. Accumulated depreciation to depreciable
plant 41.0% 39.2% 38.9%
17. Current ratio 2.2:1 1.3:1 1.7:1
18. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock (Note 4) $ 93,493 63,254 69,743
19. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock as a percent of total capitalization 36.2% 29.2% 33.0%
20. Common stock, premium and common stock
subscribed less treasury stock $ 45,134 45,726 45,726
21. Retained earnings 119,681 107,694 95,805
22. Total long-term debt, redeemable preferred
stock, and stockholders' equity 258,308 216,674 211,265
Statistics
23. Proportionate cellular subscribers 2,742 1,185 545
24. Telephone access lines 221,706 216,109 210,343
25. Total number of employees 1,602 1,631 1,649
Selected Common Stock Items
26. Dividends declared per common share $ 0.370 0.370 0.333
27. Shares of common stock outstanding at
end of year 32,934,376 32,980,376 32,980,376
28. Market value common stock-high/low $ 16.75/9.75 17.31/8.56 9.13/6.57
29. Price-earnings ratio-high/low (Note 5) 22.6x/13.2x 23.1x/11.4x 12.2x/8.8x
30. Book value per common share $ 5.00 4.65 4.29
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1987 1986
<S> <C> <C>
Selected Consolidated Earnings Statement Items
1. Telephone operating revenues $ 144,213 140,905
2. Wireless communications services 461 282
3. Telephone equipment sales and services 9,907 4,584
4. Intercompany revenues (5,692) -
5. Total revenues and sales (Note 1) 148,889 145,771
6. Income before special and non-recurring
charges (Note 2) 21,692 18,963
7. Special and non-recurring charges (Note 3) - -
8. Net income (Note 2) 21,692 18,963
9. Earnings available for common shares
(Note 2) 21,076 18,319
10. Earnings before special and non-recurring
charges 0.61 0.56
11. Special and non-recurring charges - -
12. Earnings per common share (Note 2) 0.61 0.56
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Items
13. Total assets $ 289,426 285,895
14. Property and equipment 398,605 384,338
15. Accumulated depreciation and amortization 157,373 144,584
16. Accumulated depreciation to depreciable
plant 40.2% 38.4%
17. Current ratio 1.6:1 1.7:1
18. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock (Note 4) $ 71,714 86,391
19. Long-term debt and redeemable preferred
stock as a percent of total capitalization 33.8% 40.8%
20. Common stock, premium and common stock
subscribed less treasury stock $ 41,816 36,500
21. Retained earnings 98,935 88,599
22. Total long-term debt, redeemable preferred
stock, and stockholders' equity 212,465 211,490
Statistics
23. Proportionate cellular subscribers 181 -
24. Telephone access lines 204,561 201,182
25. Total number of employees 1,674 1,708
Selected Common Stock Items
26. Dividends declared per common share $ 0.291 0.275
27. Shares of common stock outstanding at
end of year 34,673,576 33,189,624
28. Market value common stock-high/low $ 7.25/5.07 6.88/4.60
29. Price-earnings ratio-high/low (Note 5) 11.9x/8.3x 12.3x/8.2x
30. Book value per common share $ 4.06 3.77
</TABLE>
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All shares and share data have been adjusted to reflect stock splits.
Note 1: Operations revenues and sales have been restated to exclude
discontinued operations.
Note 2: Net earnings and earnings per common share have not been restated
to reflect the immaterial impact of discontinued operations.
Note 3: Special and non-recurring items represent extraordinary charges
and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. 1995
amount represents the after-tax effect of discontinuance of FAS 71
and work force restructuring. 1994 represents a non-recurring
depreciation charge on cellular equipment while 1993 is a change
in accounting principles for FAS 106.
Note 4: Excludes current installments and redemptions due in subsequent
years.
Note 5: Price-earnings ratio is before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle.
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CORPORATE OFFICERS
Thomas C. Woods III, Chairman of the Board
Frank H. Hilsabeck, President and Chief Executive Officer
James W. Strand, President-Diversified Operations
Robert L. Tyler, Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
Kevin J. Wiley, Vice President-Diversified Operations
Bryan C. Rickertsen, Vice President-Technology
Michael J. Tavlin, Vice President-Treasurer and Secretary
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters
1440 M Street, Lincoln, NE 68508
402-436-3737
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 81309, Lincoln, NE 68501-1309
STOCK LISTED
NASDAQ National Market Symbol: ALNT
The preferred stock of Aliant Communications Co. is traded over the
counter.
COMMITTEES
Executive
Frank H. Hilsabeck, Chairman
William W. Cook Jr.
Paul C. Schorr III
William C. Smith
Audit
Charles R. Hermes, Chairman
Terry L. Fairfield
John Haessler
Charles N. Wheatley
Executive Compensation
Duane W. Acklie, Chairman
Paul C. Schorr III
Charles N. Wheatley
Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein
AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 13th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508
DIRECTORS
Duane W. Acklie, Chairman, Crete Carrier Corporation
William W. Cook Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The
Beatrice National Bank and Trust Company
Terry L. Fairfield, President and Chief Executive Officer, University of
Nebraska Foundation
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<PAGE>
James E. Geist, Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln
Telecommunications Company
John Haessler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Woodmen Accident and
Life Company
Charles R. Hermes, President, Dutton-Lainson Company
Frank H. Hilsabeck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliant
Communications Inc.
Donald H. Pegler Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pegler-Sysco
Food Services Company
Paul C. Schorr III, President and Chief Executive Officer, ComCor Holding
Inc.
William C. Smith, Retired Chairman, FirsTier Financial, Inc.
James W. Strand, President-Diversified Operations, Aliant Communications
Inc.
Charles N. Wheatley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sahara
Enterprises, Inc.
Thomas C. Woods III, Chairman of the Board, Aliant Communications Inc.
Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, Executive Director, Peter Kiewit Foundation
MARKET AND DIVIDEND DATA
Market Price Dividends Declared
Calendar 1996 1995
Quarter High Low High Low 1996 1995
1st $22.38 $18.50 $17.25 $14.50 $ .15 $.14
2nd 20.00 15.88 16.25 14.75 .15 .14
3rd 17.13 15.25 19.00 15.25 .15 .14
4th 17.00 15.25 21.50 16.50 .16 .15
12 Mos. 22.38 15.25 21.50 14.50 .61 .57
The company has paid a dividend on its common stock every quarter since
1936. The quarterly record dates are typically five days before the end of
the calendar quarter.
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
Investor Relations Center
The Form 10-K, annual report, quarterly report, a prospectus, and other
stock information may be obtained without charge by calling
800-550-ALNT (2568).
Requests may also be directed to:
Lincoln area: 402-436-5277
From anywhere in the continental U.S.: 800-829-5832
E-mail: [email protected]
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Annual Meeting of Stockholders
April 23, 1997
10:30 a.m.
The Cornhusker Hotel
333 South 13th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska
Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services is the Company's Stock transfer agent,
registrar, dividend reinvestment plan administrator, and the rights agent
for the Stockholder Rights Plan. All questions about stockholder accounts,
stock certificates, the dividend reinvestment plan, or dividend checks
should be addressed to:
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
Overpeck Centre, 85 Challenger Road
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
800-642-7236
800-231-5469 (TDD)
SECURITY ANALYSTS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Direct inquiries to: Michael J. Tavlin
Vice President-Treasurer
P.O. Box 81309, Lincoln, NE 68501-1309
402-436-5289
E-mail: [email protected]
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The company offers a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan.
Participants can make optional cash payments of at least $100 per payment
with a maximum of $3,000 per calendar quarter. The company pays all
administrative and investment service costs.
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KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 13th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508-2041
Two Central Park Plaza
Suite 1501
Omaha, NE 68102
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Aliant Communications Inc.
We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on
Forms S-3 and S-8 of Aliant Communications Inc. of our report dated
February 7, 1997, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Aliant
Communications Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1996, and all related schedules, which report appears in the December
31, 1996, annual report on Form 10-K of Aliant Communications Inc.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 25, 1997
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Duane W. Acklie
---------------- ---------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
28th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Susan K. Hartley /s/ William W. Cook, Jr.
---------------- --------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Linda M. Daiker /s/ Terry L. Fairfield
---------------- ----------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
25th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Sharon K. Burling /s/ James E. Geist
----------------- ---------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Patricia Criger /s/ John Haessler
----------------- -----------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
17th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Susan K. Abraham /s/ Charles R. Hermes
----------------- -----------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
2nd day of February, 1997.
/s/ Jenny Boldt /s/ Donald H. Pegler, Jr.
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
18th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Karolyn S. Mizell /s/ Paul C. Schorr, III
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Arlene Rink /s/ William C. Smith
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ James W. Strand
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Charles N. Wheatley
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
24th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Thomas C. Woods, III
----------------- ------------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
28th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Patricia A. Thraen /s/ Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein
------------------ -------------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
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<NAME> ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC.
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