<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: September 30, 1998
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 0-1210
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
WISCONSIN 35-1869961
(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
600 Hidden Ridge, HQE04B12 - Irving, Texas 75038
(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 978,351 shares of $1,000 par value common stock outstanding at
October 31, 1998. The Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE Corporation.
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<PAGE> 2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------- ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES AND SALES
Local services $ 325.3 $ 306.3 $ 957.7 $ 902.5
Network access services 318.7 308.8 934.8 880.7
Toll services 45.6 66.5 143.8 219.1
Other services and sales 111.6 106.2 309.8 304.7
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues and sales 801.2 787.8 2,346.1 2,307.0
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of services and sales 302.3 221.2 837.4 695.4
Selling, general and administrative 120.8 95.4 316.6 296.8
Depreciation and amortization 128.7 127.0 388.9 374.2
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses 551.8 443.6 1,542.9 1,366.4
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 249.4 344.2 803.2 940.6
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE
Interest - net 23.8 31.7 92.1 93.9
Other - net (0.1) -- (0.2) 1.9
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 225.7 312.5 711.3 844.8
Income taxes 83.5 116.5 266.1 314.2
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE 142.2 196.0 445.2 530.6
Extraordinary charge -- -- (3.5) --
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 142.2 $ 196.0 $ 441.7 $ 530.6
======== ======== ========== ==========
</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 NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
------------- ------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11.3 $ 12.2
Receivables, less allowances
of $39.4 and $29.9 672.3 593.6
Accounts receivable from affiliates 203.7 64.3
Inventories and supplies 49.3 38.0
Prepaid taxes 46.5 55.3
Prepaid insurance 19.0 3.7
Other 6.3 9.8
---------- ----------
Total current assets 1,008.4 776.9
---------- ----------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 9,956.5 9,563.7
Accumulated depreciation (6,681.3) (6,432.4)
---------- ----------
Total property, plant and equipment, net 3,275.2 3,131.3
---------- ----------
Prepaid pension costs 927.9 837.3
Other assets 26.9 30.4
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 5,238.4 $ 4,775.9
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
2
<PAGE> 4
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
------------- ------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 200.0 $ 16.3
Notes payable to affiliate 319.5 --
Accounts payable 79.9 150.8
Affiliate payables and accruals 151.3 98.0
Taxes payable 182.9 197.1
Accrued interest 27.9 19.3
Accrued payroll costs 135.2 205.2
Dividends payable 89.1 100.8
Other 124.0 138.0
---------- ---------
Total current liabilities 1,309.8 925.5
---------- ---------
Long-term debt 1,670.8 1,768.1
Deferred income taxes 313.2 215.3
Deferred employee benefit obligations 425.4 434.9
---------- ---------
Total liabilities 3,719.2 3,343.8
---------- ---------
Preferred stock, subject to mandatory redemption 1.2 16.3
---------- ---------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock 15.2 15.2
Common stock (978,351 shares issued) 978.3 978.3
Additional paid-in capital 43.1 43.1
Retained earnings 481.4 379.2
---------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 1,518.0 1,415.8
---------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 5,238.4 $ 4,775.9
========== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
3
<PAGE> 5
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS
Income before extraordinary charge $ 445.2 $ 530.6
Adjustments to reconcile income before extraordinary
charge to net cash from operations:
Depreciation and amortization 388.9 374.2
Deferred income taxes 104.6 (12.2)
Provision for uncollectible accounts 37.5 26.8
Changes in current assets and current liabilities (390.2) (71.1)
Other - net (85.6) (65.4)
-------- --------
Net cash from operations 500.4 782.9
-------- --------
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (532.2) (508.3)
-------- --------
Cash used in investing (532.2) (508.3)
-------- --------
FINANCING
Long-term debt issued 396.7 --
Long-term debt and preferred stock retired,
including premiums paid on early retirement (177.8) (240.2)
Dividends (351.0) (438.3)
Decrease in short-term obligations,
excluding current maturities -- (191.9)
Net change in affiliate notes 185.1 601.9
Other - net (22.1) --
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing 30.9 (268.5)
-------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (0.9) 6.1
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 12.2 13.0
-------- --------
End of period $ 11.3 $ 19.1
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
<PAGE> 6
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis Of Presentation
GTE North Incorporated (the Company) is incorporated under the laws of the State
of Wisconsin 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 1997 Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Reclassifications of prior year data have been made, where appropriate, to
conform to the 1998 presentation.
Note 2. Extraordinary Charge
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company recorded an after-tax
extraordinary charge of $3.5 million, reflecting premiums paid on the redemption
of high-coupon debt prior to stated maturity.
Note 3. Debt
In February 1998, the Company issued $200 million of 6.375% Series F Debentures,
due 2010, and $200 million of 6.73% Series G Debentures, due 2028. The net
proceeds were applied toward the repayment of short-term borrowings, financing
the Company's construction program and for general corporate purposes.
In compliance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 6, "Classification of Short-Term
Obligations Expected to Be Refinanced", long-term debt as of September 30, 1998
includes $150.0 million of short-term borrowings in the form of affiliate notes
payable. These affiliate notes payable represent notes payable to GTE Funding
Incorporated, (an affiliate of the Company) that provides short-term financing
and investment vehicles and cash management services for the Company.
5
<PAGE> 7
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Continued
Note 4. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Employee Benefit Disclosures
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits". This new standard does not change
the measurement or recognition of costs for pension or other postretirement
plans. It standardizes disclosures and eliminates those that are no longer
useful. The Company will provide the new disclosures in the 1998 Annual Report
on Form 10-K. The adoption of SFAS No. 132 will have no impact on the
consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Computer Software
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP 98-1 defines internal-use
software and requires that the cost of such software be capitalized and
amortized over its useful life. Presently, the Company's practice is to
capitalize initial operating system and certain application software and expense
the cost of other software, including right-to-use fees. The Company is
currently assessing the impact of capitalizing and amortizing the cost of all
types of internal-use software as required by SOP 98-1, effective January 1,
1999.
Costs of Start-Up Activities
In April 1998, the AICPA also issued SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
Start-Up Activities" to provide guidance to all non-governmental entities on
financial reporting of costs of start-up activities. SOP 98-5 must be adopted no
later than January 1, 1999, and requires that costs of start-up activities be
expensed as incurred instead of being capitalized and amortized. It applies to
start-up activities and costs of organization of both development stage and
established operating entities. Based on the Company's current policy for costs
of start-up activities, SOP 98-5 will not
6
<PAGE> 8
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Continued
have an impact on the consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. The Company
is assessing the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 and intends to implement as of
January 1, 2000.
Note 5. Property Repositioning
In April 1998, GTE announced its intention to reposition non-strategic access
lines, including some access lines in the states served by the Company. These
lines generally exhibit slower growth characteristics and do not earn their cost
of capital. Many of these lines are in markets where the Company is facing
competitors who have regulatory advantages in the areas of access pricing and
Universal Service Fund subsidies. Specifically, access lines in the states of
Illinois and Wisconsin have been identified for purchase or trade. The
identified assets constituted approximately 5% of both the Company's total
switched access lines and net plant at December 31, 1997. These access lines
generated approximately 5% of the Company's 1997 revenues. The Company's goal is
to reach the first definitive agreement in the first quarter of 1999 and
definitive agreements for all properties by mid-year 1999. Transition of the
properties to the buyers will occur during the remainder of 1999 and into 2000.
7
<PAGE> 9
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions)
September 30,
------------------- Increase Percent
Net income 1998 1997 (Decrease) Change
- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Three months ended $ 142.2 $ 196.0 $ (53.8) (27)%
Nine months ended 441.7 530.6 (88.9) (17)%
</TABLE>
Year-to-date net income for 1998 includes an extraordinary after-tax charge of
$3.5 million related to the early retirement of debt. Excluding this charge, net
income decreased 16% or $85.4 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1998, compared to the same period in 1997. The three month and nine month
decreases are primarily due to increased operating expenses.
REVENUES AND SALES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------- Increase Percent
1998 1997 (Decrease) Change
-------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 325.3 $ 306.3 $ 19.0 6%
Network access services 318.7 308.8 9.9 3%
Toll services 45.6 66.5 (20.9) (31)%
Other services and sales 111.6 106.2 5.4 5%
-------- -------- -------
Total revenues and sales $ 801.2 $ 787.8 $ 13.4 2%
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Nine Months Ended
September 30,
----------------------- Increase Percent
1998 1997 (Decrease) Change
---------- ---------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 957.7 $ 902.5 $ 55.2 6%
Network access services 934.8 880.7 54.1 6%
Toll services 143.8 219.1 (75.3) (34)%
Other services and sales 309.8 304.7 5.1 2%
---------- ---------- -------
Total revenues and sales $ 2,346.1 $ 2,307.0 $ 39.1 2%
========== ========== =======
</TABLE>
Local Services Revenues
Access lines are 4% higher than in third quarter 1997, generating additional
revenues of $10.1 million and $29.1 million, respectively, from basic local
services, CentraNet(R) services, and Integrated Services Digital Network and
Digital Channel Services for the three months and nine months ended September
30, 1998. In addition, demand for enhanced custom calling features, such as
SmartCall(R) services, contributed $5.6 million and $20.5 million to the three
and nine month increases.
8
<PAGE> 10
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Network Access Services Revenues
Increased demand for access services by interexchange carriers (IXCs) resulted
in 10.6% and 11.3% growth in minutes of use, which generated additional revenues
of $18.4 million and $57.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1998, compared to the same periods in 1997. The three and
nine month increases also reflect, respectively, growth of $11.3 million and
$33.8 million in special access revenues resulting from demand for increased
bandwidth by Internet Service Providers and other high capacity users. An
extended area service (EAS)/interconnection agreement with a local exchange
carrier (LEC) contributed $18.9 million to the increases for both the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1998 (for further information on expenses
associated with this agreement see "OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES").
For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1998, the above
mentioned increases are partially offset by intrastate rate reductions of $24.4
million and $40.7 million, respectively, associated with the requirements of
various state commissions for intrastate access rates to mirror interstate
access rates. Additionally, revenues slightly decreased as a result of both
interstate access rate changes from the 1997 Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) price cap, and a 1997 FCC order which altered the structure of access
charges collected by the Company (for further information on access charges see
"FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS - Interstate Access Revision"). These FCC
actions resulted in $8.5 million and $4.8 million decreases in network access
revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to
the same periods in 1997.
Toll Services Revenues
Revenue declines in both the three and nine month periods ended September 30,
1998, compared to the same periods in 1997, are primarily attributable to lower
toll volumes related to intraLATA (local access transport area) toll competition
including 10-10-XXX and 1+ presubscription.
Other Services and Sales Revenues
Other sevices and sales revenues for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1998, increased primarily due to a FCC order increasing payphone
compensation from IXCs. (For further information on payphone compensation see
"FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS - Payphone Orders"). The results for both
periods also reflect increased billing and collection revenues and directory
advertising revenues, partially offset by decreases in revenues from equipment
rentals.
9
<PAGE> 11
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------- Increase Percent
1998 1997 (Decrease) Change
-------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 302.3 $ 221.2 $ 81.1 37%
Selling, general and administrative 120.8 95.4 25.4 27%
Depreciation and amortization 128.7 127.0 1.7 1%
-------- -------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses $ 551.8 $ 443.6 $ 108.2 24%
======== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Nine Months Ended
September 30,
------------------- Increase Percent
1998 1997 (Decrease) Change
-------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 837.4 $ 695.4 $ 142.0 20%
Selling, general and administrative 316.6 296.8 19.8 7%
Depreciation and amortization 388.9 374.2 14.7 4%
-------- -------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses $1,542.9 $1,366.4 $ 176.5 13%
======== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
Operating costs and expenses increased for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 1998, compared to the same periods in 1997, primarily as a
result of the impact of pension settlement gains recorded in 1997 due to
lump-sum payments from the Company's benefit plan. Pension settlement gains of
$71.3 million were recorded during the first nine months of 1997, which included
a $43.7 million gain recorded during the third quarter of 1997. Operating costs
and expenses also increased $23.2 million for both the three and nine month
periods due to incurred expenses associated with an EAS/interconnection
agreement entered into with a major LEC. (Also associated with this agreement
are switched access revenues totaling $18.9 million. See previous discussion of
"Network Access Services Revenues"). Year-to-date costs and expenses also
reflect an increase in switch software right-to-use fees of $20.9 million. The
three and nine month increases in depreciation and amortization reflect higher
depreciation expense due primarily to increased plant balances.
OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS
Interest-net decreased 25% or $7.9 million for the three months and 2% or $1.8
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, compared to the same
periods in 1997. The decreases are due to lower interest rates incurred on debt
issued in the first quarter of 1998, compared to high-coupon debt retired in the
first quarter of 1998.
Income taxes decreased 28% or $33.0 million and 15% or $48.1 million for the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, compared
10
<PAGE> 12
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
to the same periods in 1997. These decreases are primarily due to corresponding
decreases in pretax income.
The Company recorded an after-tax extraordinary charge of $3.5 million during
the first quarter of 1998, reflecting premiums paid on the redemption of
high-coupon debt prior to stated maturity.
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 GTE or GTE Funding Incorporated. 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 bi-lateral revolving lines of credit. The Company
also has an existing shelf registration statement for an additional $550 million
of debentures.
The Company's primary source of funds during the first nine months of 1998 was
cash from operations of $500.4 million compared to $782.9 million for the same
period in 1997. The year-to-year decrease in cash from operations primarily
reflects an increase in the Company's working capital requirements, primarily
due to timing of affiliate accounts receivable, and a decline in results from
operations.
The Company's capital expenditures during the first nine months of 1998 were
$532.2 million compared to $508.3 million for the same period in 1997. The
majority of new investment is being made to meet the demands of growth,
modernize facilities and developing and installing new software, all of which
are required to support new products and enhanced services. Total capital
expenditures for 1998 are expected to be comparable to capital expenditures
during 1997.
Cash provided by financing activities was $30.9 million during the first nine
months of 1998 compared to cash used of $268.5 million during the same period
in 1997. The Company paid dividends totaling $351.0 million in the first nine
months of 1998 compared to $438.3 million for the same period in 1997. During
the first nine months of 1998, the Company retired a total of $177.8 million of
debt and preferred stock compared to $240.2 million for the same period in
1997. These retirements include $4.1 million pretax paid in premiums on the
March 1998 retirement of $157.5 million of long-term debt and preferred stock,
redeemed prior to stated maturity; as compared to $2.1 million pretax
11
<PAGE> 13
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
paid in premiums on the May 1997 retirement of $185.3 million of long-term debt
and preferred stock, redeemed prior to stated maturity. In February 1998, the
Company issued $200 million of 6.375% debentures and $200 million of 6.73%
debentures. Short-term financings, including the net change in affiliate notes,
increased $185.1 million during the first nine months in 1998, compared to an
increase of $410.0 million for the same period of 1997. Additionally, the
Company recognized an interest rate hedge loss of approximately $22.1 million on
the settlement of forward contracts related to the February 1998 debt issuances.
This loss is being amortized over the life of the associated refinanced debt.
FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Interstate Access Revision
The Company filed interstate access revisions during 1997 that became effective
June 3, 1997 and July 1, 1997. Overall, these filings resulted in a net annual
price increase of $4.8 million. On December 1, 1997, the FCC issued an order to
file revised access rates effective January 1, 1998, which resulted in
interstate access revenue reductions of approximately $6.0 million annually. In
May 1997, the FCC also ordered significant changes that altered the structure of
access charges collected by the Company, effective January 1, 1998. Generally,
the FCC reduced and restructured the per minute charges paid by long-distance
carriers and implemented new per-line charges. The FCC also created an access
charge structure that resulted in different access charges for residential
primary and secondary lines and single line and multi-line business access
lines. In aggregate, new per-line charges and the charges paid by end-user
customers of $24.1 million annually exceed the reductions in usage sensitive
access charges of $14.6 million paid by long-distance carriers. Effective July
1, 1998, access charges were further reduced by $31.0 million annually in
compliance with FCC requirements to reflect the impacts of access charge reform.
The FCC Access Reform Order released in May 1997 revamped the rate structure
through which local and long-distance companies charge customers for using the
local phone network to make long-distance calls. GTE and numerous other parties
challenged the FCC's decisions in this order before the Eighth Circuit Court of
Appeals based on the belief that the FCC did not eliminate the universal service
subsidies hidden within interstate access charges as directed by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (TA96), and that the FCC created additional
subsidy charges paid only by business and multi-line residential customers. In
August 1998, the Eighth Circuit announced its decision on the multiple appeals
of the FCC Access Reform Order. The opinion denies all of the petitions for
review of the access charge order. The Company is considering its options.
In October 1998, the FCC began a proceeding to "refresh the record" used in the
1997 access charge reform proceedings. The FCC will determine whether to retain
or modify its "market based" access charge reform, or to adopt a "prescriptive"
approach.
12
<PAGE> 14
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Universal Service
In May 1997, the FCC released a decision relating to implementation of the
TA96's provision on universal service. GTE and numerous other parties have
challenged the FCC's decision before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth
Circuit on the grounds that the FCC did not follow the requirements of the TA96
to develop a sufficient, explicit and competitively neutral universal service
program. Oral argument is scheduled for December 1998. A final decision on the
appeal is expected to be issued by mid-1999.
In its Order on Reconsideration dated July 13, 1998, the FCC referred some key
issues back to the Federal-State Joint Board (the Board) on universal service.
The Board's recommendations are due in the fourth quarter of 1998. In its
October 22, 1998 Order, the FCC selected a "synthesis" model platform for
universal service and plans to select cost inputs by the first quarter of 1999
and a revenue benchmark by mid-1999. The implementation date of the new
universal service mechanism for non-rural carriers was moved to July 1999. The
Company is assessing the Order and its options.
The Eighth Circuit Court ruling on FCC access reform (see previous discussion of
"Interstate Access Revision") also impacts universal service. Specifically, the
FCC is not required to eliminate all implicit subsidies before the explicit
universal service mechanism is implemented in July 1999.
Payphone Orders
On June 4, 1996, the FCC issued its first Report and Order implementing the
payphone compensation provisions of the TA96. As part of the overall goal of
promoting competition among payphone service providers (PSPs), this order
mandated compensation to all PSPs for all calls originating from payphones,
including credit card and toll-free calls for which PSPs were not previously
compensated.
Subsequently, on October 9, 1997, the FCC issued a second Report and Order to
address some of the issues vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington,
D.C. concerning the FCC's first Order and Report mentioned above. In this second
Order, the FCC established a new per-call rate of 28.4 cents for compensation
that all PSPs were eligible to receive beginning October 9, 1997.
13
<PAGE> 15
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
On April 3, 1998, the FCC issued an order, which granted the IXCs a waiver of
the per-call compensation requirement so that they may pay per-phone instead of
per-call compensation for the payphones for which the FCC had granted technology
waivers. GTE will receive per-phone compensation under this waiver until the
technology is installed on those payphones that are not currently capable of
measuring per-call detail.
Price Cap
For the provision of interstate services, the Company operates under the terms
of the FCC's price cap incentive plan. This plan limits the rates a carrier may
charge rather than regulating on a traditional rate-of-return basis. The price
caps for a variety of service categories change annually using a price cap index
that is a function of inflation less a predetermined productivity offset. The
FCC's May 1997 Price Cap Order revised the price cap plan for incumbent price
cap LECs by adopting a productivity offset of 6.5%. This matter is before the
FCC as discussed above.
In June 1997, GTE and several other parties challenged the FCC's Price Cap Order
before the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The issue
presented for review is whether, in computing its new 6.5% productivity offset,
the FCC arbitrarily manipulated the evidence to achieve a predetermined outcome.
Oral arguments are set for the first quarter of 1999 with a decision expected
later in the year. Associated with the FCC's current activity to "refresh the
record" for access reform discussed above, the FCC will decide whether the 6.5%
productivity offset should be changed.
STATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Indiana
In December 1996, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) issued its
order in the arbitration proceeding between the Company and AT&T. The interim
proxy wholesale discount rate was set at 17%. A separate cost investigation has
been established to review the Company's costs for establishing permanent
interconnection rates. In May 1997, the Company filed its cost studies and
supporting testimony for unbundled network elements (UNEs) with the IURC.
Hearings were held in December 1997. An order was issued in May 1998, which
directed the Company to revise its cost studies with various adjustments. The
Company filed its revised cost studies in July 1998. A final order is expected
during the first quarter of 1999.
In March 1997, the IURC opened an investigation into access charge reform and
universal service. This proceeding contains various phases surrounding access
charge reform and universal service and will ultimately conclude with specific
Company filings. A final resolution is expected during the second quarter of
1999.
14
<PAGE> 16
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
An interim order has recently been issued regarding regulatory confiscation,
subsidies and rate rebalancing which the Company is currently assessing. The
order also requires a reclassification of the intrastate subscriber line charge
from access to local revenue. The Company is assessing its options.
Illinois
In October 1996, the Illinois Commerce Commission initiated its investigation
into the Company's cost studies to establish rates for interconnection, UNEs
and transport and termination of traffic. The proceeding addressed wholesale
rates separately from UNEs, with each issue having a separate procedural
schedule. Cost studies for UNEs were filed in the first quarter of 1998 and
were refiled during June 1998. Initial and Reply Briefs relating to wholesale
rates were filed in August 1998, and the Hearings Examiner's Proposed Order is
expected by year-end 1998. During a status hearing held in October 1998, the
Hearing Examiner approved the interim UNE rates agreed upon by the Company and
AT&T, which are the same rates filed by the Company in an arbitration proceeding
with AT&T. These rates will be utilized pending the issuance of final UNE
rates, and will become effective upon the filing and approval of the parties'
interconnection agreement. The next status hearing is currently scheduled for
April 1999.
Ohio
In December 1996, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued its
decision in the Company's arbitration with AT&T to determine interconnection,
resale and unbundling terms and conditions. The interim discount rate for the
Company's resold services was set at 12.16%. The Company filed a lawsuit in the
U.S. District Court challenging portions of the PUCO's arbitration
determinations, which was subsequently dismissed. The Company and AT&T filed a
list of disputed items in April 1998, as ordered by the PUCO.
As part of an initiative to address competition in Ohio, annual tariff
reductions totaling $12.8 million were filed in 1998. The PUCO approved
the reductions in access and toll services totaling $8.5 million effective
October 15, 1998. The consumer advocate continues to challenge that the Company
is over earning and is threatening a show cause ruling. Approval of the
remaining $4.3 million in reductions for Key and Private Branch Exchange trunk
and Direct Inward Dialing rates is expected by year-end 1998.
15
<PAGE> 17
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Pennsylvania
In December 1996, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's (PPUC's)
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) established a schedule for addressing the 22.8%
interim wholesale discount rate set during arbitration through the examination
of the parties' avoided cost studies. In September 1997, the ALJ recommended the
wholesale discount rate of 18.98%. All parties filed exceptions to this ruling.
In March 1998, the PPUC issued an order which remanded the docket back to the
ALJ for examination of more current avoided cost studies from the parties. New
avoided cost studies were submitted September 11, 1998. Hearings have not been
scheduled.
In February 1997, the PPUC initiated a generic investigation into Intrastate
Access Charge Reform. The investigation's focus was on cost standards, and
rate-making standards in coordination with local interconnection rulings and
agreements. Hearings were conducted in September 1997. In July 1998, the PPUC's
ALJ issued a favorable recommendation which acknowledged the need for rate
rebalancing. Subsequent to filing of exceptions, the PPUC will render its order.
The PPUC has also initiated a Global Settlement Conference in an attempt to
resolve all outstanding dockets in Pennsylvania. This process will continue
through the end of 1998 and includes all pricing and technical issues.
Wisconsin
In January 1995, the Company elected to operate under price cap regulation in
Wisconsin. In April 1998, the Company filed its third year results (1997) under
price regulation with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). As
required in the statutes, a docket has been opened to review price cap
regulation in Wisconsin. This is considered a five year review, meaning that
five years after a telecommunications utility elects to become price-regulated,
the PSCW will hold a hearing to determine if it is in the public interest
to suspend one or more provisions of the price cap rules or to approve an
alternative method for the utility. The Company filed its report on progress
under price cap regulation in July 1998. The Company will file comments on the
current regulations in December 1998. This docket is expected to conclude in the
second quarter of 1999.
Michigan
In December 1996, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued an order
initiating proceedings related to applications filed by the Company and by
Ameritech which addresses pricing and costs of UNEs, interconnection, and resold
services. The MPSC issued its final order in February 1998. The discount rate on
resold services was set at 16.76% including
16
<PAGE> 18
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
operator services and 15.8% without operator services. The Company disagrees
with the MPSC's final order, since it contains prices, terms and conditions that
are in conflict with the U.S. District Court for the Eighth Circuit's ruling. In
March 1998, the Company filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Michigan challenging the MPSC's decision. In June 1998, GTE
filed a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals challenging the
MPSC's decisions on various factors used to calculate costs. In July 1998, the
U.S. District Court dismissed the action without prejudice finding it does not
have subject matter jurisdiction at this time. The decision was appealed to the
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Company's UNE tariff has been filed under
protest with the MPSC, and approval is pending. No order for UNEs has been made
by CLECs at this time. Once an order for UNEs is received, the Company will seek
a Stay of the MPSC's Order with a showing of irreparable harm.
In August 1998, AT&T filed a complaint with the MPSC asking the Commission to
order the Company to reduce various elements of charges that AT&T pays to the
Company for access. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the proceeding.
In March 1998, the City of Coldwater (City) filed an application to create City
of Coldwater Telecommunications Utility. The City applied to provide
facilities-based and resale telecommunications services in Michigan within the
Company's operating territory. In July 1998, the City became the first
government entity to receive permission from the MPSC to provide basic local
exchange telephone service in five of the Company's exchanges on Michigan's
southern border. The City's new Telecommunications Utility will provide cable
TV, internet, long-distance and local telecommunications services. It is unknown
at this time when this network will be operational. The MPSC's approval appears
to have been driven by its desire to encourage local competition.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Property Repositioning
In April 1998, GTE announced a series of actions designed to further sharpen its
strategic focus and improve its competitive position by repositioning
non-strategic properties and reducing costs. GTE expects to generate after-tax
proceeds of $2 billion to $3 billion by selling non-strategic or
under-performing operations and plans to reduce annual costs by more than $500
million through improved efficiencies and productivity while it continues to
invest in new high-growth opportunities. The impact of this announcement is
under ongoing review. Specifically, access lines in the states of Illinois and
Wisconsin have been
17
<PAGE> 19
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
identified for purchase or trade. The identified assets constituted
approximately 5% of both the Company's total switched access lines and net
plant at December 31, 1997. These access lines generated approximately 5% of
the Company's 1997 revenues. The Company's goal is to reach the first
definitive agreement in the first quarter of 1999 and definitive agreements for
all properties by mid-year 1999. Transition of the properties to the buyers
will occur during the remainder of 1999 and into 2000.
Proposed GTE/Bell Atlantic Merger
On July 27, 1998, GTE and Bell Atlantic Corporation (Bell Atlantic) entered into
a merger agreement providing for the combination of the two companies in a
merger of equals transaction. Under terms of the definitive agreement, which was
unanimously approved by the board 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 be accounted for as a pooling of interests,
is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, and is expected to be
completed during the second half of 1999. For additional information regarding
the merger, refer to the Form 8-K filed by GTE dated July 27, 1998.
YEAR 2000 CONVERSION
General
The Year 2000 issue concerns the potential inability of information systems to
properly recognize and process date-sensitive information beyond January 1,
2000, and has industry-wide implications. GTE has had an active Year 2000
program in place since 1995. This program is necessary because the Year 2000
issue could impact the telecommunications networks, systems and business
processes at GTE. Although GTE maintains a significant portion of its own
systems and infrastructure, GTE also depends on certain, material
external supplier products that it must verify as Year 2000 compliant in their
condition of use. GTE's program methodology is very similar to the General
Accounting Office (GAO) methodology and in 1997, GTE's Year 2000 methodology and
processes were certified by the Information Technology Industry Association of
America. GTE presently expects that its core operations and essential functions
will be ready for the millennium transition.
State of Readiness
GTE's Year 2000 program is focused on both information technology (IT) and
non-IT systems, including: 1) telecommunications network elements that
constitute the portion of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for which
GTE is responsible; 2) systems that directly support GTE's telecommunications
network operations and interactions with customers; 3) legacy software that
supports basic business operations, customer premise equipment and
interconnection with other telecommunications carriers; and 4) systems that
support GTE's physical infrastructure, financial operations and facilities.
18
<PAGE> 20
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Corporate wide, essential remediation was approximately 63% complete as of
September 30, 1998. In addition to the essential remediation budget, GTE has set
aside funds equivalent to 12% of GTE's overall Year 2000 budget. These funds are
planned for program closeout and verification in the last six months of 1999 and
to address contingencies and millennium program operations and control through
March 2000. GTE's portion of the PSTN in the United States has been upgraded
substantially for Year 2000; 69% of GTE's digital access lines are already
operational using Year 2000 compliant central office switches. Additionally,
over 75% of GTE's legacy software has been remediated. Over the next nine months
GTE's focus will be the deployment of these systems throughout operations and
the testing of those systems under actual operating conditions.
Using the nomenclature of the GAO, GTE's Year 2000 program can be characterized
as follows: Management, including transition into the Year 2000, is 43%
complete, with a projected end date of March 2000; Awareness is approximately
60% complete and is expected to continue until June 1999; System Assessment is
approximately 62% complete and is expected to be completed by December 1998;
System Renovation, including supplier products, is approximately 76% complete,
with intended completion by December 1998 for essential functions; Validation,
including enterprise testing in operational environments, is 44% complete, with
an expected completion in June 1999; and Implementation, including regional
deployment, is 63% complete, with an expected completion in June 1999.
In summary, compliant product rollout (deployment) and enterprise testing of
GTE's telecommunications-related businesses, including national and
international interoperability and verification, are presently expected to be
complete by the end of June 1999. Due to its relatively recent acquisition of
BBN Corporation, GTE's data initiative is presently targeting completion of its
key infrastructure systems by the end of September 1999.
Successful conclusion of GTE's Year 2000 program depends upon timely delivery of
Year 2000-compliant products and services from external suppliers. Approximately
1,450 of third-party products used by GTE have been determined to be "vital"
products, critical to GTE's business and operations. As of September 30, 1998,
Year 2000-compliant versions, or suitable alternatives, for 53% of these vital
supplier products have been provided. GTE presently expects that by December 31,
1998, Year 2000-compliant versions, or suitable alternatives, of third-party
supplier products for GTE's critical or major legacy and support systems will
have been delivered.
Use of Independent Verification and Validation
GTE's Year 2000 program management office has established a corporate-wide
quality oversight and control function that reviews and evaluates quality
19
<PAGE> 21
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
reports on the Year 2000 issue. Each GTE business unit has access to an
independent quality team that evaluates the conversion and testing of legacy
applications and third-party supplier products. Separately, GTE's corporate
internal and external auditors conduct periodic reviews of each business unit's
Year 2000 activities and report significant findings, if any, to business unit
and corporate management.
Cost to Address Year 2000 Issues
The current estimate for the cost of GTE's Year 2000 Program is approximately
$370 million. Through September 30, 1998, expenditures totaled $177 million.
Year 2000 remediation costs are expensed in the year incurred. These
expenditures constitute approximately 6% of the 1998 IT budget and are projected
to be approximately 4% of the 1999 IT budget. The current estimate for the cost
of remediation for the Company is approximately $42.8 million. Through September
30, 1998, expenditures totaled $18.7 million. GTE has not elected to replace, or
to accelerate the schedule of a planned replacement of, systems due to the Year
2000 issue.
Currently supporting GTE's Year 2000 program worldwide are an estimated 1,000 to
1,200 full-time equivalent workers (both corporate employees and contractors).
Approximately 12% of these full-time equivalent workers are engaged in all
aspects of program management; 30% are engaged in legacy system conversion; 25%
are involved in external supplier management; 30% are involved in testing at all
levels; and 3% are addressing contingency planning and interoperability
operations both nationally and internationally. Approximately 78% of GTE's
program effort involves U.S. domestic operations of all types. Twenty-two
percent (22%) of the effort is dedicated to GTE's international operations.
Risks of Year 2000 Issues
GTE has begun to examine the risks associated with its "most reasonably likely
worst case Year 2000 scenarios". To date, GTE has no indication that any
specific function or system is so deficient in technical progress as to threaten
GTE's present schedule. GTE's program and plans currently indicate a compliant
network infrastructure to be deployed by the end of June 1999. A general,
unspecific, schedule shift that would erode progress beyond January 1, 2000,
cannot reasonably be calculated. If, however, there were a schedule delay
lasting no more than six months, such schedule erosion would likely affect only
nonessential systems due to the prioritization of work schedules.
Other scenarios might include a possible but presently unforeseen failure of key
supplier or customer business processes or systems. This situation could
conceivably persist for some months after the millennium transition and could
lead to possible revenue losses. GTE's present assessment of its key suppliers
and customers does not indicate that this scenario is likely.
20
<PAGE> 22
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
To date, GTE has not encountered any conditions requiring tactical contingency
planning to its existing Year 2000 program; however, contingency planning for
business and network operations and customer contact during 1999 and 2000 is
ongoing.
GTE is bolstering its normal business continuity planning to address potential
Year 2000 interruptions. In addition, GTE's disaster preparedness recovery teams
are including procedures and activities for a "multi-regional" Year 2000
contingency, if it occurs. GTE is also developing its plans with respect to
possible occurrences immediately before, during, and after the millennium
transition. Under consideration are: "follow-the-sun" time-zone impact analysis;
coordination with other (non-PSTN) telecommunications providers; a Year 2000
"war room" operation to provide high priority recovery support, plans for key
personnel availability, command structures, and contingency traffic routing; and
plans for round-the-clock, on-call repair teams.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information contained in this Management's Discussion and Analysis with respect
to expected financial results and future events and trends is forward-looking,
based on the Company's estimates and assumptions and is subject to risks and
uncertainties. For those 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 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 pending and potential future
federal, state and local regulatory initiatives and proceedings, and judicial
review of those initiatives and proceedings pertaining to, among other matters,
the terms of interconnection, access charges, universal service, unbundled
network elements and resale rates; (4) the extent, timing, success and overall
effects of competition from others in the local telephone and intraLATA toll
service markets; (5) the success and expense of our remediation efforts and
those of our suppliers, customers and all interconnecting carriers in achieving
Year 2000 compliance; and (6) the success of new GTE products, services and
businesses such as bundled services through marketing and sales initiatives.
21
<PAGE> 23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
GTE NORTH 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 third quarter
of 1998.
22
<PAGE> 24
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 North Incorporated
----------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: November 12, 1998 /s/ Stephen L. Shore
----------------------- ----------------------------------------
Stephen L. Shore
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
23
<PAGE> 25
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 NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Statement of the Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Millions) Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1998
------------------
<S> <C>
Net earnings available for fixed charges:
Income before extraordinary charge $ 445.2
Add - Income taxes 266.1
- Fixed charges 108.3
---------
Adjusted earnings $ 819.6
=========
Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 96.1
Portion of rent expense representing interest 12.2
---------
Adjusted fixed charges $ 108.3
=========
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 7.57
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 11,300
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 915,400
<ALLOWANCES> 39,400
<INVENTORY> 49,300
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,008,400
<PP&E> 9,956,500
<DEPRECIATION> 6,681,300
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 5,238,400
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,309,800
<BONDS> 1,670,800
1,200
15,200
<COMMON> 978,300
<OTHER-SE> 524,500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5,238,400
<SALES> 2,346,100
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,346,100
<CGS> 837,400
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,542,900
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 96,100
<INCOME-PRETAX> 711,300
<INCOME-TAX> 266,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 445,200
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 3,500
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 441,700
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
