<PAGE> 1
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended: JUNE 30, 1999
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission File Number 1-6417
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CALIFORNIA 95-0510200
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
1255 Corporate Drive, SVC04C08, Irving, Texas 75038
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 972-507-5000
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
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 [ ]
The Company had 70,000,000 shares of $20 par value common stock outstanding at
July 31, 1999. The Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE Corporation.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ -------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES AND SALES
Local services $ 352.3 $ 366.7 $ 712.0 $ 721.0
Network access services 291.7 257.2 569.2 468.8
Toll services 60.1 82.0 124.5 159.6
Other services and sales 119.5 133.5 245.1 225.2
------- ------- ------- --------
Total revenues and sales 823.6 839.4 1,650.8 1,574.6
------- ------- ------- --------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of services and sales 234.1 237.5 450.9 516.0
Selling, general and administrative 110.2 118.9 244.8 224.3
Depreciation and amortization 153.6 148.0 307.7 291.6
------- ------- ------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses 497.9 504.4 1,003.4 1,031.9
------- ------- ------- --------
OPERATING INCOME 325.7 335.0 647.4 542.7
OTHER EXPENSE
Interest - net 34.1 32.3 69.2 59.4
------- ------- ------- --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 291.6 302.7 578.2 483.3
Income taxes 118.6 120.8 235.1 193.3
------- ------- ------- --------
NET INCOME $ 173.0 $ 181.9 $ 343.1 $ 290.0
======= ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
Per share data is omitted since the Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE
Corporation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
1
<PAGE> 3
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1999 1998
--------- ------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2.9 $ 16.4
Receivables, less allowances of
$63.6 million and $65.9 million 562.7 661.8
Receivables from affiliates 26.0 11.2
Inventories and supplies 57.9 54.8
Net assets held for sale (see Note 6) 47.0 --
Prepaid insurance 5.7 43.3
Deferred income tax benefits and other 41.9 32.2
--------- ---------
Total current assets 744.1 819.7
--------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 10,331.7 10,513.3
Accumulated depreciation (6,503.9) (6,601.2)
--------- ---------
Total property, plant and equipment, net (a) 3,827.8 3,912.1
--------- ---------
Prepaid pension costs 941.6 847.9
Other assets 18.5 25.8
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 5,532.0 $ 5,605.5
========= =========
</TABLE>
(a) Includes $40.7 million at December 31, 1998, that is now held for sale, see
Note 6.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
2
<PAGE> 4
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1999 1998
-------- ------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable to affiliates $ 160.9 $ 281.7
Accounts payable 132.7 113.9
Affiliate payables 124.1 131.8
Taxes payable 217.8 163.6
Dividends payable 204.5 205.5
Other 362.9 382.9
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 1,202.9 1,279.4
-------- --------
Long-term debt 1,690.6 1,691.2
Deferred income taxes 629.9 579.2
Deferred employee benefit plans and other 254.4 292.3
-------- --------
Total liabilities 3,777.8 3,842.1
-------- --------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock 50.0 50.0
Common stock (70,000,000 shares issued) 1,400.0 1,400.0
Additional paid-in capital 82.2 82.2
Retained earnings 222.0 231.2
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 1,754.2 1,763.4
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $5,532.0 $5,605.5
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
3
<PAGE> 5
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
---------------------
1999 1998
-------- ---------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS
Net income $ 343.1 $ 290.0
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operations:
Depreciation and amortization 307.7 291.6
Provision for uncollectible accounts 28.3 36.4
Changes in current assets and current liabilities 119.8 (11.1)
Deferred income taxes and other - net (73.2) (39.8)
------- -------
Net cash from operations 725.7 567.1
------- -------
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (263.8) (330.8)
Other 0.9 0.3
------- -------
Net cash used in investing (262.9) (330.5)
------- -------
FINANCING
Long-term debt issued 222.4 197.6
Long-term debt retired -- (150.1)
Dividends (353.2) (349.1)
Net change in affiliate notes (345.5) 60.8
------ -------
Net cash used in financing (476.3) (240.8)
------- -------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (13.5) (4.2)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 16.4 9.9
------- -------
End of period $ 2.9 $ 5.7
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
<PAGE> 6
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
GTE California Incorporated (the Company) is incorporated under the laws of the
State of California and is a subsidiary of GTE Corporation (GTE).
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have
been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, in the opinion of management
of the Company, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments, which consist only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to
present fairly the financial information for such periods. These condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the
Company's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Reclassifications of prior year data have been made, where appropriate, to
conform to the 1999 presentation.
NOTE 2. DEBT
In January 1999, the Company issued $225.0 million of 5.50% Series G
Debentures, due 2009. The net proceeds were applied toward the repayment of
short-term borrowings used to finance the Company's construction program and
for general corporate purposes.
NOTE 3. CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE
Effective January 1, 1999, the Company adopted Statement of Position (SOP)
98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use." As a result of adopting SOP 98-1, in the second quarter and
first half of 1999 the Company capitalized $10.2 million and $15.3 million,
respectively, of software expenditures, which would have previously been
expensed.
NOTE 4. SPECIAL CHARGE
In 1999, GTE continued the review of its operations and cost structure to
ensure they were consistent with its growth objectives. In connection with this
ongoing review, GTE initiated employee separation programs that resulted in a
one-time charge for GTE during the first quarter of 1999. The charge pertaining
to the Company totaled $19.9 million and is reflected as "Selling, general and
administrative" costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated income
statements. The components of the charge include separation programs and
related benefits such as outplacement and benefit continuation costs. These
programs were completed during the first quarter of 1999.
NOTE 5. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which establishes accounting and reporting
standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. The Company is
currently assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133, as amended, which is
effective January 1, 2001.
5
<PAGE> 7
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Continued
NOTE 6. NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
During May 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to sell approximately
46,000 switched access lines located in California and Arizona to Citizens
Utilities Company. This sale consummates the Company's previously announced
1998 plan to sell selected access lines located in California and Arizona. The
sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first
half of 2000. The associated net assets, which approximate $47.0 million,
consist of property, plant and equipment, and are classified as "Net assets
held for sale" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30,
1999. The Company intends to continue to operate all of these assets until
sold. Based on the decision to sell, however, the Company stopped recording
depreciation expense for these assets, resulting in a year-to-date depreciation
expense reduction of $3.7 million for 1999. No charges were recorded for the
access lines to be sold because their estimated fair values were in excess of
their carrying values. The access lines sold represented approximately 1% of
the average switched access lines that the Company had in service during 1998
and contributed less than 1% to 1998 consolidated revenues.
NOTE 7. PROPOSED MERGER WITH BELL ATLANTIC CORPORATION
Bell Atlantic and GTE have announced a proposed merger of equals under a
definitive merger agreement dated as of July 27, 1998. Under the terms of the
agreement, GTE shareholders will receive 1.22 shares of Bell Atlantic common
stock for each share of GTE common stock that they own.
The merger is expected to qualify as a pooling of interests, which means that
for accounting and financial reporting purposes the companies will be treated
as if they had always been combined. The completion of the merger is subject to
a number of conditions, including certain regulatory approvals and receipt of
opinions that the merger will be tax-free. At annual meetings held in May 1999,
the shareholders of each company approved the merger.
Both companies are working diligently to complete the merger at the earliest
practicable date. However, Bell Atlantic and GTE must obtain approval of a
variety of state and federal agencies and accordingly, the merger may close
in the first half of 2000.
6
<PAGE> 8
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income for the three months ended June 30,1999 decreased $8.9 million, or
5%, primarily due to lower revenues and sales, partially offset by lower
operating costs and expenses. Net income for the six months ended June 30,1999
increased $53.1 million, or 18%, primarily due to an increase in network access
services and other services and sales revenues combined with a decrease in cost
of services and sales expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUES AND SALES
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
June 30,
------------------------ Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------- ------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 352.3 $ 366.7 $ (14.4) (4)%
Network access services 291.7 257.2 34.5 13%
Toll Services 60.1 82.0 (21.9) (27)%
Other services and sales 119.5 133.5 (14.0) (10)%
------- ------- -------
Total revenues and sales $ 823.6 $ 839.4 $ (15.8) (2)%
======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
------------------------- Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
-------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 712.0 $ 721.0 $ (9.0) (1)%
Network access services 569.2 468.8 100.4 21%
Toll Services 124.5 159.6 (35.1) (22)%
Other services and sales 245.1 225.2 19.9 9%
-------- -------- -------
Total revenues and sales $1,650.8 $1,574.6 $ 76.2 5%
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
Local Services Revenues
Local services revenues decreased primarily due to regulatory issues resulting
from favorable resolution of items in 1998, and a 1999 regulatory surcredit
related to the Company's annual price filing. These regulatory issues caused
decreases in revenues of $13.7 million and $17.5 million, respectively, for the
second quarter and first six months of 1999, compared to the same periods in
1998. Additionally, in the first quarter of 1998, the Company received
overpayments from the Universal Service Fund (USF) related to the Lifeline
support program and was required to refund $5.3 million to the USF. The amount
was refunded in the first quarter of 1999. These decreases are partially offset
by growth in switched access lines of 4%, which generated an additional $10.5
million and $20.9 million in basic local services revenues and CentraNet(R)
services revenues for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 1999,
compared to the same periods in 1998.
7
<PAGE> 9
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Network Access Services Revenues
Minutes of use increased 8% and 7%, generating additional revenues of $13.6
million and $23.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1999, compared to the same periods in 1998. Special access revenues
grew by $15.5 million and $30.8 million, respectively, for the second quarter
and first six months of 1999, as a result of greater demand for increased
bandwidth services by high capacity users. End user surcharges increased $3.8
million and $9.0 million, respectively, primarily as a result of implementation
of the local number portability (LNP) surcharge (for further information see
"INTERSTATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS-Number Portability"). Additionally,
year-to-date revenues increased $34.0 million, resulting from the sharing
provisions of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 1997 price cap
recorded in the first quarter of 1998. Partially offsetting the three and six
month increases are decreases of $5.5 million and $10.9 million, respectively,
reflecting the impact of mandated interstate and intrastate access price
changes.
Toll Services Revenues
Reduced toll volumes, resulting from intraLATA (local access transport area)
toll competition, decreased revenues by $22.1 million and $33.7 million,
respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999, compared to the
same periods in 1998.
Other Services and Sales Revenues
Other services and sales revenues decreased $14.0 million for the second quarter
and increased $19.9 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 1999,
compared to the same periods in 1998. Second quarter revenues decreased
primarily due to lower E911 services revenues of $18.6 million related to an
adjustment for prior periods. Public telephone revenues also decreased $2.9
million in the second quarter of 1999, compared to the same period in 1998.
Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in rental activity of $4.7
million, billing and collection services of $2.9 million and nonregulated
service and equipment sales of $2.3 million. The year-to-date increase in other
services and sales revenues was driven primarily by growth in rental activity of
$15.3 million, billing and collection services of $9.0 million and nonregulated
service and equipment sales of $8.8 million. Partially offsetting the
year-to-date increases are a decrease in E911 services of $8.7 million related
to an adjustment for prior periods, and a decrease in public telephone revenues
of $3.6 million.
8
<PAGE> 10
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
June 30,
------------------------ Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------- ------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 234.1 $ 237.5 $ (3.4) (1)%
Selling, general and administrative 110.2 118.9 (8.7) (7)%
Depreciation and amortization 153.6 148.0 5.6 4%
------- ------- ------
Total operating costs and expenses $ 497.9 $ 504.4 $ (6.5) (1)%
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
------------------------ Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------- ------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 450.9 $ 516.0 $ (65.1) (13)%
Selling, general and administrative 244.8 224.3 20.5 9%
Depreciation and amortization 307.7 291.6 16.1 6%
--------- --------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses $ 1,003.4 $ 1,031.9 $ (28.5) (3)%
========= ========= =======
</TABLE>
Total operating costs and expenses declined for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1999, compared with the same periods in 1998, primarily due to reduced
software right-to-use (RTU) fees associated with the Company's network switching
equipment of $17.3 million and $30.6 million, respectively. This includes
reductions in RTU costs of $10.2 million and $15.3 million, respectively, due to
the capitalization of software costs in 1999, as a result of the adoption of
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," in addition to reductions in overall
1999 RTU fees of $7.1 million and $15.3 million, respectively. Also contributing
to these decreases are pension settlement gains of $30.2 million recorded in the
second quarter of 1999. Additionally, reduced labor and benefits, due to
productivity improvements, contributed $6.3 million and $34.1 million,
respectively, to the decreases. The year-to-date labor and benefits reduction is
partially offset by a one-time special charge of $19.9 million associated with
employee separation programs completed in the first quarter of 1999. Also,
offsetting these decreases in expense is an increase of $41.1 million resulting
from second quarter 1998 favorable adjustments of certain employee benefits and
other liabilities, which reduced 1998 expenses. Higher depreciation charges
associated with the investment in additional network facilities resulting from
increased demand for switched access lines contributed $7.4 million and $19.8
million to the increase in depreciation expense for both the three and six
months ended June 30, 1999, respectively. The second quarter and year-to-date
increase in depreciation is partially offset by $1.8 million and $3.7 million,
respectively, resulting from the discontinuation of depreciation on
approximately 46,000 switched access lines held for sale (see "OTHER
DEVELOPMENTS--Planned Asset Sales").
OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS
Interest - net increased 6% or $1.8 million and 16% or $9.8 million for the
three and six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively, compared to the same
periods in 1998, primarily due to higher average long-term debt balances.
Income taxes decreased 2% or $2.2 million and increased 22% or $41.8 million
for the three and six months ended June 30 1999, respectively, compared to the
same periods in 1998. The second quarter decrease was primarily due to a
decrease in pretax income, partially offset by the effects of 1998 and 1999 tax
adjustments. The year-to-date increase was primarily due to an increase in
pretax income.
9
<PAGE> 11
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Management believes that the Company has adequate internal and external
resources available to meet ongoing operating requirements for construction of
new plant, modernization of facilities and payment of dividends. The Company
generally funds its construction program from operations, although external
financing is available. Short-term financing can be obtained through borrowings
from the Company's parent, GTE, or GTE Funding Incorporated, an affiliate of
the Company. The Company participates with other affiliates in a $1.5 billion,
364-day syndicated revolving line of credit and has access to an additional
$1.0 billion in short-term liquidity through GTE and GTE Funding Incorporated's
committed bi-lateral revolving lines of credit. The Company has an existing
shelf registration statement outstanding for an additional $275.0 million of
debentures.
Net cash from operations of $725.7 million was the Company's primary source of
funds during the first six months of 1999, compared to $567.1 million for the
same period in 1998. The increase primarily reflects a decrease in working
capital requirements, primarily due to the change in accounts receivable,
combined with improved results from operations.
Net cash used in investing activities during the first six months of 1999
consisted primarily of capital expenditures, which were $263.8 million compared
to $330.8 million for the same period in 1998. The majority of new investment
is being made to meet the demands of growth, modernize facilities and develop
and install new software, all of which are required to support new products and
enhanced services. The overall anticipated capital expenditures for 1999 are
expected to be slightly less than the total capital expenditures incurred
during 1998.
Net cash used in financing activities was $476.3 million during the first half
of 1999 compared to $240.8 million for the same period in 1998. This included
dividend payments of $353.2 million in the first six months of 1999 compared to
$349.1 million for the same period in 1998. Short-term financing, represented
by the net change in affiliate notes, decreased $345.5 million in the first six
months of 1999 compared to an increase of $60.8 million for the same period in
1998. No long-term debt was retired during the first six months of 1999
compared to $150.1 million retired during the first six months of 1998. The
Company issued $200.0 million of 6.75% debentures in May 1998 to repay
short-term borrowings. The Company issued $225.0 million of 5.50% debentures in
January 1999. The net proceeds were applied toward the repayment of the
Company's short-term borrowings used to finance the Company's construction
program and for general corporate purposes.
INTERSTATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
During the second quarter of 1999, regulatory and legislative activity at both
the state and federal levels continued to be a direct result of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Telecommunications Act). Along with promoting
competition in all segments of the telecommunications industry, the
Telecommunications Act was intended to preserve and advance universal service.
GTE continued in the second quarter of 1999, to meet the wholesale requirements
of new competitors. To date, GTE has signed interconnection agreements with
other carriers, providing them the capability to purchase individual unbundled
network elements (UNEs), resell retail services and interconnect
facilities-based networks. Several of these interconnection agreements were the
result of the arbitration process established by the Telecommunications Act, and
incorporated prices or terms and conditions based upon the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules that were subsequently overturned by the
Eighth Circuit Court (Eighth Circuit) in July 1997. GTE challenged a number of
such agreements in federal district courts during 1997.
10
<PAGE> 12
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
GTE's position in these challenges was supported by the Eighth Circuit's July
1997 decision stating that the FCC had overstepped its authority in several
areas concerning implementation of the interconnection provisions of the
Telecommunications Act. In January 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court (Supreme Court)
reversed in part and affirmed in part the Eighth Circuit's decisions. The
Supreme Court reversed the Eighth Circuit's determination that the FCC had no
jurisdiction over pricing. As a result, the pricing rules established by the FCC
are now subject to review on the merits by the Eighth Circuit. On the other
hand, the Supreme Court vacated the FCC rule setting forth the UNEs that
incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) are required to provide to competitive
local exchange carriers (CLECs). This latter ruling has led to a proceeding
before the FCC concerning what elements will have to be offered under what
conditions. Pending the final rulemaking by the FCC on the provisions of UNEs,
GTE is continuing to provide individual UNEs on a non-combined basis set forth
in existing interconnection agreements even though it is not legally obligated
to do so.
In June 1999, the Eighth Circuit established a schedule for addressing the
issues it did not decide in 1998. The major issues are (1) the FCC's cost
methodology used to set prices, (2) it's methodology for setting wholesale
discounts, and (3) the "proxy rates" it set for interconnection, UNEs and
wholesale discounts. Supplemental opening briefs from petitioners and supporting
intervenors were filed July 16, 1999 and the opening brief of the FCC and its
supporting intervenors is due August 16, 1999. Reply briefs are due August 31,
1999. Oral argument is scheduled for September 1999.
Universal Service
GTE is active before both state and federal regulators advocating rapid
development and implementation of measures that will meet the requirements of
Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act that covers the Federal Universal
Service Program. Specifically, GTE urges regulators to identify and remove all
hidden subsidies and to provide an explicit replacement mechanism.
In October 1998, the FCC issued an order selecting a cost model for universal
service and planned to select cost inputs in the second quarter of 1999. Due to
unforeseen delays, the FCC has now moved the implementation date of the new
universal service mechanism for nonrural carriers to January 2000. As a result,
many state regulators are awaiting FCC action so they can design their universal
service programs to be complementary with the FCC program. On July 30, 1999, the
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (Fifth Circuit) affirmed in
part, reversed in part, and remanded in part the FCC's universal service regime.
Specifically, the Fifth Circuit upheld the agency's decisions regarding: 1)
several aspects of the high-cost support program, including implementation
timing, separate treatment of rural carriers, the definition of service areas
and use of the forward-looking costs to determine support; 2) no mandatory
unbundling of supported services; 3) inclusion of commercial mobile radio
service providers as USF contributors; and 4) aspects of the schools and
libraries program, including support for Internet access and internal
connections and payments to non-telecommunications carriers. The Fifth Circuit
reversed: 1) the assessment of contributions for schools and libraries fund
based, in part, on intrastate revenues; 2) the rule prohibiting local telephone
service providers from disconnecting low-income subscribers for non-payment of
long distance charges; 3) the decision to assess high-cost fund contributions on
primarily international carriers despite marginal interstate revenues; 4) the
requirement that ILECs recover their contributions from access charges; and 5)
the blanket prohibition on additional state eligibility requirements for
carriers receiving high cost support. GTE is considering it options.
Price Cap
In May 1999, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (Court)
released a decision regarding the FCC's choice of a 6.5% price cap productivity
factor in a 1997 order. The Court found the FCC's choice of a 6.0% base and a
0.5% Consumer Productivity Dividend to be inadequately supported. The Court
remanded the matter back to the FCC for further action and established an April
2000 date by which the FCC must complete its deliberations. The Court also
stayed application of its order, allowing the status quo use of the 6.5%
productivity factor pending conclusion of the FCC's further review.
Interstate Access Revision
Effective July 1999, access charges were further reduced using a 6.5%
productivity factor in compliance with FCC requirements to reflect the impacts
of access charge reform and in making GTE's 1999 Annual Filing. The total annual
financial impact of the reduction was $16.7 million. Similar filings during 1997
and 1998 had already resulted in price reductions.
11
<PAGE> 13
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
In July 1999, GTE, along with a coalition of local exchange and long distance
companies, submitted a proposal for interstate access charge and universal
service reform to the FCC. It is likely that the FCC will put the coalition's
proposal out for public comment in August 1999. The proposal would accelerate
the shift in access revenue recovery from per-minute to flat-rated charges, set
a schedule for elimination of the price cap productivity factor, and provide
more explicit support for universal service.
On August 4, 1999, the FCC announced adoption of an Order that grants price cap
local exchange carriers (LECs) the ability to introduce new services without
regulatory delay. The Order also offers the promise of progressively greater
flexibility in setting the prices for interstate special access services as
competition develops, gradually replacing regulation with competition as the
primary means of setting prices. Although the text of the Order is not yet
available, based upon the FCC press release, the FCC has taken a reasonable
step towards lessening regulation of interstate special access. It appears the
FCC has established a framework that will allow ILECs the ability to use some
of the same pricing mechanisms offered by CLECs for special access services.
The press release indicates the FCC has begun a new rulemaking proceeding that
is likely to lead to additional pricing flexibility for interstate switched
access services.
Advanced Telecommunications Services
Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act required the FCC to "encourage the
deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications
capability to all Americans." Further, the FCC was required to conduct a
proceeding aimed at determining the availability of advanced
telecommunications, and to take action to remove barriers to infrastructure
investment and to promote competition.
In an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released in August 1998,
the FCC ruled that advanced services offered by an ILEC are subject to the
unbundling and resale requirements of the Telecommunications Act. In the NPRM,
the FCC sought comment on extensive, new separate affiliate rules under which an
ILEC's affiliate could offer advanced services free from the unbundling and
resale obligations of the Telecommunications Act. In addition, the NPRM sought
comment on a number of issues regarding collocation, local loops, unbundling and
resale obligations for network facilities needed for advanced services.
In March 1999, the FCC released an Order stemming from the August 1998 NPRM. In
the Order the FCC adopted a number of new collocation rules designed to make
competitive entry easier and less costly. These rules specify how ILECs will
manage such items as alternate collocation arrangements, security, space
preparation cost allocation, provisioning intervals, and space exhaustion. GTE
has appealed this order to federal court. The FCC also released a Further Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeking comment on spectrum compatibility issues
and line sharing. Line sharing is a concept wherein two or more service
providers are allowed to use the same local loop (e.g., voice and xDSL). GTE
will vigorously oppose line sharing.
The FCC has yet to release an order addressing separate affiliates, local
loops, unbundling and resale.
Number Portability
In December 1998, the FCC released a Memorandum Opinion and Order establishing
cost recovery rules for LNP that permitted the recovery of carrier-specific
costs directly related to the provision of long-term LNP via a federally
tariffed end-user monthly charge. GTE subsequently filed an LNP tariff with the
FCC, and in March 1999 instituted an end-user number portability fee. This
charge is levied on all business and residence customers because all customers
benefit from the competitive environment created by LNP capability. In June
1999, GTE's tariffed LNP charge was reviewed and accepted by the FCC at $0.36
per access line.
12
<PAGE> 14
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Internet Service Traffic
ILECs are required to provide open access to all Internet service providers
(ISPs), while cable television operators are not. Several major cable
television operators providing Internet access through cable modem facilities
are only offering their affiliated ISPs to consumers. Cable television
operators that do allow customers to select non-affiliated ISPs often require
the customer to also pay for their affiliated ISP's service (i.e., to pay twice
for the same service).
GTE has been active in encouraging municipalities engaged in reviewing cable
television mergers or franchise renewals to require cable modem open access as
a condition for approval. The city of Portland, Oregon was first to adopt such
a requirement and a subsequent federal court challenge by AT&T was denied. AT&T
has appealed that decision and arguments will take place in October 1999. The
FCC announced that it will file a brief to express its concern over the effect
that the actions of local franchising authorities could have on the FCC's
hands-off approach to the broadband market, and specifically address the
importance of a national policy.
In July 1999, Broward County, Florida also adopted an ordinance requiring cable
television franchisees to provide ISPs "nondiscriminatory equal access" to
their cable modem platforms. AT&T subsequently announced that it would appeal
that decision as well. Also, in July 1999, Comcast Cablevision and Advanced
Cable Communications filed a lawsuit claiming Broward County violated the
Communications Act by inserting unlawful requirements into the franchise
agreement.
INTRASTATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Open Access and Network Architecture Development
The Open Access and Network Architecture Development (OANAD) proceeding, is a
multi-phased proceeding to establish cost study methodologies and permanent
prices for UNEs, resold services and collocation. The Company's pricing agenda
(rate rebalancing and pricing flexibility) is highly dependent on the costing
issues being resolved in this proceeding.
In December 1998, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a
decision that adopted the Pacific Bell nonrecurring cost study for both Pacific
Bell and the Company. The Company's application for rehearing of this decision
was denied. A CPUC decision on the Company's UNE cost study is expected in the
first quarter of 2000. Hearings for the Company's UNE prices will be set after
cost studies are approved.
The CPUC issued in March 1996 a decision adopting an interim discount on resold
services of 12% and indicated that a permanent discount would be addressed in
the OANAD proceeding. In October 1997, during another phase of the proceeding,
the Company submitted testimony regarding the proper cost model and the
resulting permanent resale discount. Hearings were held in November and
December 1997. Opening and reply briefs were filed in January 1998 and February
1998, respectively. Eight parties submitted testimony and four cost models will
be subject to review. The CPUC's goal is to select one model to determine the
proper resale discount. A final order is anticipated during the second quarter
of 2000.
A collocation phase was added to the OANAD proceeding in June 1998 to determine
appropriate methods of collocation and to establish prices for the adopted
methods. The Company, Pacific Bell and AT&T/MCI submitted cost studies in
October 1998. Hearings were held in February and March of 1999, and a final
decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 1999.
13
<PAGE> 15
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Reciprocal Compensation
In October 1998, the CPUC affirmed its jurisdiction over telephone traffic
between end users and ISPs, and determined that such calls are subject to
reciprocal compensation provisions of applicable interconnection agreements.
Both the Company and Pacific Bell filed Applications for Rehearing (AFRs) of
this decision, alleging that the CPUC misapplied federal law in concluding that
ISP traffic is local and therefore subject to reciprocal compensation. In July
1999, the CPUC disposed of AFRs filed by Pacific Bell and the Company by
reasserting its jurisdiction over telephone traffic between end users and ISPs.
The financial statements of the Company already reflect the impact of the CPUC's
rulings.
Operations Support Systems
An important component in facilitating competitor entry into the local services
market is the development of performance measurements and standards. This
activity is being covered in the Operations Support Systems (OSS) proceeding.
In January 1999, a Joint Partial Settlement Agreement (JPSA) regarding
performance measurements was filed by the Company, Pacific Bell and various
CLECs with the CPUC. An addendum to the JPSA was filed in April 1999. In July
1999, the CPUC issued a draft decision approving the JPSA and addressing
previously unresolved issues related to performance measurements. Comments on
the draft decision were filed in July 1999.
Open Market Transition
In November 1998, the CPUC issued a decision which granted the Company an
interim surcharge in the amount of $0.02 per line per month for recovery of
implementation costs for local competition. The Company, as well as other
carriers, filed petitions seeking an extension of time to impose the surcharge
on end users. In July 1999, the CPUC concluded that since applicants have
demonstrated certain fundamental aspects of the surcharge require rehearing, and
because there is no longer any reason to defer consideration of a final
surcharge order, the CPUC is revising its order issued in November 1998 so that
it may proceed directly with a reasonableness review without imposing an interim
surcharge in customer billings. The Company and Pacific Bell have been ordered
to submit by August 1999, revised OMT costs to be recovered.
Merger
In December 1998, GTE and Bell Atlantic filed a Joint Application in California
requesting approval of the GTE/Bell Atlantic merger. The applicants propose
that California ratepayers receive rate reductions reflecting fifty percent of
the forecasted merger-related net cost savings attributable to the regulated
intrastate Category I and II services. The applicants estimate the total amount
of such net savings is $162.7 million over four years, the present value of
which is $111.7 million. The applicants propose to allocate fifty percent of
the present value of the net savings, or approximately $55.9 million, to
California ratepayers in three ways: (1) annual surcredit of $10.4 million for
a four-year period that would apply to local, toll and access services with the
exception of basic residential service, (2) increase the level of the Company's
corporate donations to community-based organizations and programs by $2.5
million per year for a minimum of four years, and (3) three year continuation
of the Company's Universal Lifeline Telephone Service program at $1.3 million
per year. Evidentiary hearings were held in July 1999, and a decision by the
CPUC is expected in January 2000.
14
<PAGE> 16
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Proposed Merger with Bell Atlantic Corporation
On July 27, 1998, GTE and Bell Atlantic entered into a merger agreement
providing for the combination of the two companies. Under the terms of the
agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both
companies, GTE shareholders will receive 1.22 shares of Bell Atlantic stock for
each GTE share they own.
The merger is expected to qualify as a pooling of interests, which means that
for accounting and financial reporting purposes the companies will be treated
as if they had always been combined. The completion of the merger is subject to
a number of conditions, including certain regulatory approvals and receipt of
opinions that the merger will be tax-free. At annual meetings held in May 1999,
the shareholders of each company approved the merger.
Both companies are working diligently to complete the merger at the earliest
practicable date. However, Bell Atlantic and GTE must obtain approval of a
variety of state and federal agencies and accordingly, the merger may close in
the first half of 2000.
Planned Asset Sales
During May 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to sell approximately
46,000 switched access lines located in California and Arizona to Citizens
Utilities Company. This sale consummates the Company's previously announced
1998 plan to sell selected access lines located in California and Arizona. The
sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first
half of 2000. The associated net assets, which approximate $47.0 million,
consist of property, plant and equipment, and are classified as "Net assets
held for sale" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30,
1999. The Company intends to continue to operate all of these assets until
sold. Based on the decision to sell, however, the Company stopped recording
depreciation expense for these assets, resulting in a year-to-date depreciation
expense reduction of $3.7 million for 1999. No charges were recorded for the
access lines to be sold because their estimated fair values were in excess of
their carrying values. The access lines sold represented approximately 1% of
the average switched access lines that the Company had in service during 1998
and contributed less than 1% to 1998 consolidated revenues.
YEAR 2000 CONVERSION
State of Readiness
As of June 30, 1999, GTE has completed Year 2000 remediation, conducted system
testing and returned to production the essential systems that support its
domestic telecommunications businesses. GTE's portion of the public switched
telephone network (PSTN) in the United States has been upgraded for Year 2000,
and all of GTE's access lines are now operating using Year 2000 compliant
central office switches and network elements.
GTE expects its Internet businesses to be Year 2000 compliant in the third
quarter of 1999. Also in the third quarter, GTE's domestic wireless company,
all international affiliate companies, and all remaining domestic companies
will have completed the Year 2000 compliance of their systems.
GTE's remaining effort consists of quality assurance and validation of our Year
2000 efforts across our businesses; assuring forward compliance of our systems
and services; planning for reasonably foreseeable contingencies associated with
the millennium rollover; and staffing our corporate Year 2000 communications
watch center through March 1, 2000.
15
<PAGE> 17
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Independent verification and validation is the final step in GTE's Year 2000
process. This quality assurance process is expected to be substantially
complete in the third quarter of 1999. However, GTE will continue its periodic
reviews conducted by internal audit into 2000. Program status will also
continue to be reported each quarter to the Company's external auditors.
Cost to Address Year 2000 Issues
With the incorporation of the TELUS Year 2000 program, the estimated total
multi-year cost of GTE's Year 2000 Program is not expected to exceed $400
million. Through June 30, 1999, expenditures totaled $320 million. The current
estimate for the cost of remediation for the Company is approximately $52
million. Through June 30, 1999, expenditures totaled $28.4 million. Year 2000
remediation costs are expensed in the year incurred. Approximately 67% of GTE's
program effort involves U.S. domestic operations. GTE has not elected to
replace or accelerate the planned replacement of any systems due to the Year
2000 issue. As a result of completions in June 1999, GTE has begun to reduce
the staff assigned to the Year 2000 program. From a program peak of over 1,200
full-time equivalent workers, we are currently staffed with an estimated 700 to
800 full-time equivalent workers (both company employees and contractors)
worldwide.
Risks of Year 2000 Issues
With the completion of conversion and system testing, GTE believes that the
risk of multiple, simultaneous Year 2000 disruptions affecting GTE's ability to
provide basic services has been substantially eliminated. While isolated system
issues may exist, the "most reasonably likely worse case scenario" would be any
disruptions resulting from interoperability issues with other international
carriers that have not completed their Year 2000 efforts.
Contingency Planning
GTE continues to enhance its normal business continuity planning to address
potential Year 2000 interruptions. GTE's disaster preparedness recovery teams
have included procedures and activities for a "multi-regional" Year 2000
contingency, if it occurs. GTE has established a corporate Year 2000
communications watch center to be operational in Dallas, Texas from September
8, 1999 through March 1, 2000. The initial versions of these plans were
completed during the second quarter of 1999. These plans will be kept current
through the millennium rollover, and are expected to be tested (as appropriate)
by the end of September 1999. GTE's Year 2000 contingency plans include
business continuity planning; disaster recovery/emergency preparedness;
millennium rollover planning; post millennium degradation tracking; a network
and information technology freeze period; employee availability and logistics
backup planning; "follow-the-sun" time-zone impact analysis; and coordination
with other (non-PSTN) telecommunications providers.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which establishes accounting and reporting
standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. The statement requires
entities that use derivative instruments to measure these instruments at fair
value and record them as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. It also
requires entities to reflect the gains or losses associated with changes in the
fair value of these derivatives, either in earnings or as a
16
<PAGE> 18
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
separate component of comprehensive income, depending on the nature of the
underlying contract or transaction. The Company is currently assessing the
impact of adopting SFAS No. 133, as amended, which is effective January 1, 2001.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In this Management's Discussion and Analysis, the Company has made
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company's
estimates and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include the information concerning possible or
assumed future results of operations of the Company, as well as those
statements preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "believes,"
"estimates," "expects," "hopes," "targets" or similar expressions. For each of
these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for
forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.
The future results of the Company could be affected by subsequent events and
could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.
If future events and actual performance differ from the Company's assumptions,
the actual results could vary significantly from the performance projected in
the forward-looking statements.
The following important factors could affect the future results of the Company
and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements: (1) materially adverse changes in economic
conditions in the markets served by the Company; (2) material changes in
available technology; (3) the final resolution of federal, state and local
regulatory initiatives and proceedings, including arbitration proceedings, and
judicial review of those initiatives and proceedings, pertaining to, among
other matters, the terms of interconnection, access charges, universal service,
UNEs and resale rates; (4) the extent, timing, success and overall effects of
competition from others in the local telephone and intraLATA toll service
markets; and (5) the success and expense of our remediation efforts and those
of our suppliers, customers and all interconnecting carriers in achieving Year
2000 compliance.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There has been no material change in the Company's market risks since December
31, 1998.
17
<PAGE> 19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
12 Statement re: Calculation of the Consolidated Ratio of Earnings
to Fixed Charges
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the second quarter of
1999.
18
<PAGE> 20
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GTE California Incorporated
--------------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: August 12, 1999 /s/ Stephen L. Shore
--------------- --------------------------------------------------
Stephen L. Shore
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
19
<PAGE> 21
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
12 Statement re: Calculation of the Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 12
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Statement of the Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Six Months Ended
June 30, 1999
<S> <C>
Net earnings available for fixed charges:
Income from continuing operations $ 343.1
Add - Income taxes 235.1
- Fixed charges 75.1
-------
Adjusted earnings $ 653.3
=======
Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 71.5
Portion of rent expense representing interest 3.6
-------
Adjusted fixed charges $ 75.1
=======
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 8.70
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1999
<CASH> 2,900
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 652,300
<ALLOWANCES> 63,600
<INVENTORY> 57,900
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 744,100
<PP&E> 10,331,700
<DEPRECIATION> 6,503,900
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 5,532,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,202,900
<BONDS> 1,690,600
0
50,000
<COMMON> 1,400,000
<OTHER-SE> 304,200
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5,532,000
<SALES> 1,650,800
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,650,800
<CGS> 450,900
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,003,400
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 71,500
<INCOME-PRETAX> 578,200
<INCOME-TAX> 235,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 343,100
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 343,100
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
