<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, 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 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
(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, 1999. The Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE Corporation.
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<PAGE> 2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------- -----------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES AND SALES
Local services $ 339.8 $ 325.3 $ 1,004.0 $ 957.7
Network access services 318.1 318.7 925.1 934.8
Other services and sales 146.3 157.2 437.6 453.6
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues and sales 804.2 801.2 2,366.7 2,346.1
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of services and sales 242.8 302.3 739.3 837.4
Selling, general and administrative 85.2 120.8 332.8 316.6
Depreciation and amortization 137.4 128.7 400.7 388.9
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses 465.4 551.8 1,472.8 1,542.9
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 338.8 249.4 893.9 803.2
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE
Interest - net 39.4 23.8 118.8 92.1
Other - net -- (0.1) -- (0.2)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 299.4 225.7 775.1 711.3
Income taxes 113.3 83.5 293.4 266.1
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE 186.1 142.2 481.7 445.2
Extraordinary charge -- -- -- (3.5)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 186.1 $ 142.2 $ 481.7 $ 441.7
========== ========== ========== ==========
</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,
1999 1998
--------------- ---------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 0.5 $ 0.9
Receivables, less allowances of $48.0 million and $40.3 million 682.2 653.8
Accounts receivable from affiliates 106.9 223.0
Net assets held for sale (see Note 4) 180.4 --
Inventories and supplies 50.5 43.2
Deferred income tax benefits 11.7 25.1
Prepaid insurance 9.4 39.9
Prepayments and other 26.2 28.0
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets 1,067.8 1,013.9
--------------- ---------------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 9,767.3 10,030.5
Accumulated depreciation (6,478.4) (6,652.8)
--------------- ---------------
Total property, plant and equipment, net (a) 3,288.9 3,377.7
--------------- ---------------
Prepaid pension costs 1,138.8 958.1
Other assets 13.7 19.6
--------------- ---------------
Total assets $ 5,509.2 $ 5,369.3
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
(a) Includes $180.9 million at December 31, 1998 that is now held for sale, see
Note 4.
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,
1999 1998
--------------- ---------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ -- $ 200.0
Notes payable to affiliate 450.2 389.8
Accounts payable 92.9 30.8
Affiliate payables 74.5 133.6
Dividends payable 86.0 159.2
Other 426.0 405.3
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 1,129.6 1,318.7
--------------- ---------------
Long-term debt 1,771.3 1,770.2
Employee benefit plans 417.2 398.2
Deferred income taxes and other 485.8 408.2
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 3,803.9 3,895.3
--------------- ---------------
Preferred stock, subject to mandatory redemption 1.2 1.2
--------------- ---------------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock 15.2 15.2
Common stock (978,351 shares issued) 978.3 978.3
Additional paid-in capital 61.2 43.1
Retained earnings 649.4 436.2
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' equity 1,704.1 1,472.8
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 5,509.2 $ 5,369.3
=============== ===============
</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,
------------ ------------
1999 1998
------------ ------------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS
Income before extraordinary charge $ 481.7 $ 445.2
Adjustments to reconcile income before extraordinary
charge to net cash from operations:
Depreciation and amortization 400.7 388.9
Provision for uncollectible accounts 36.3 37.5
Changes in current assets and current liabilities 91.2 (390.2)
Deferred income taxes and other - net (14.7) 19.0
------------ ------------
Net cash from operations 995.2 500.4
------------ ------------
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (513.6) (532.2)
Other - net 0.1 --
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing (513.5) (532.2)
------------ ------------
FINANCING
Long-term debt issued -- 396.7
Long-term debt and preferred stock retired,
including premiums paid on early retirement (200.8) (177.8)
Dividends (341.7) (351.0)
Net change in affiliate notes 60.4 185.1
Other - net -- (22.1)
------------ ------------
Net cash from (used in) financing (482.1) 30.9
------------ ------------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (0.4) (0.9)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 0.9 12.2
------------ ------------
End of period $ 0.5 $ 11.3
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
<PAGE> 6
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additional
Preferred Common Paid-In Retained
Stock Stock Capital Earnings Total
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholders' equity, December 31, 1998 $ 15.2 $ 978.3 $ 43.1 $ 436.2 $ 1,472.8
Net income -- -- -- 481.7 481.7
Dividends declared -- -- -- (268.5) (268.5)
Tax benefit of employee stock options exercised -- -- 18.1 -- 18.1
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity, September 30, 1999 $ 15.2 $ 978.3 $ 61.2 $ 649.4 $ 1,704.1
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5
<PAGE> 7
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 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. 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, the Company capitalized
software expenditures of $22.7 million and $54.5 million, respectively, for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1999, which would have previously been
expensed.
NOTE 3. 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 $27.0 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 4. NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company committed to a plan that resulted
in a decision to sell approximately 261,000 switched access lines located in
Illinois and Wisconsin. During August 1999, the Company entered into agreements
to sell approximately 61,000 switched access lines located in Wisconsin to
Telephone USA of Wisconsin, LLC., and approximately 65,000 switched access lines
located in Wisconsin to CenturyTel, Inc. The Company plans to enter into an
agreement to sell the remaining lines, which are located in Illinois, during
1999. All sales will be subject to regulatory approval and are expected to close
in 2000. The associated net assets, which approximate $180.4 million, consist of
property, plant and equipment, and are classified as "Net assets held for sale"
in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 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 $20.7 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 261,000 access lines represent approximately 6% of the
average switched access lines that the Company had in service during 1998 and
contributed approximately 4% to 1998 consolidated revenues.
6
<PAGE> 8
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Continued
NOTE 5. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 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.
NOTE 6. 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.
7
<PAGE> 9
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income increased 31% or $43.9 million and 9% or $40.0 million, respectively,
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the same
periods in 1998, primarily due to lower operating costs and expenses. An
extraordinary after-tax charge of $3.5 million (net of tax benefits of $2.3
million) related to the retirement of long-term debt and preferred stock prior
to stated maturity was recorded in the first quarter of 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUES AND SALES
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------------- Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 339.8 $ 325.3 $ 14.5 4%
Network access services 318.1 318.7 (0.6) --
Other services and sales 146.3 157.2 (10.9) (7)%
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues and sales $ 804.2 $ 801.2 $ 3.0 --
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------- Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 1,004.0 $ 957.7 $ 46.3 5%
Network access services 925.1 934.8 (9.7) (1)%
Other services and sales 437.6 453.6 (16.0) (4)%
------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenues and sales $ 2,366.7 $ 2,346.1 $ 20.6 1%
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Local Services Revenues
Access line growth was 5% for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1999, compared to the same periods in 1998, which generated additional revenues
of $10.4 million and $34.7 million, respectively, from basic local services,
CentraNet(R) services, and Integrated Services Digital Network and Digital
Channel Services. The Company also continued to see growth in demand for
enhanced custom calling features, such as SmartCall(R), resulting in $9.5
million and $19.4 million, respectively, of additional revenues for the third
quarter and year-to-date. Partially offsetting these increases was the effect of
price reductions in Ohio of $4.7 million and $9.2 million, for the third quarter
and year-to-date periods, respectively.
Network Access Services Revenues
Mandated interstate and intrastate access price changes reduced network access
revenues $13.8 million and $53.1 million in the third quarter and year-to-date,
respectively. Additionally, the Company refunded 1998 intrastate access and
primary interexchange carrier charge settlements to long-distance carriers
(IXCs) and local exchange carriers (LECs), which reduced network access services
revenues year-to-date by $16.2 million. In addition, an extended area service
(EAS)/interconnection agreement with a LEC, which occurred in the third quarter
of 1998, reduced both the three and nine month revenues by $18.9 million.
IntraLATA LEC switched access revenues declined due to reduced settlements for
the nine months ended September 30, 1999 by $12.4 million. Partially offsetting
the three and nine month decreases were increased minutes of use of 16% and 10%,
generating additional revenues of $21.9 million and $42.5 million, respectively.
In addition, special access revenues grew by $15.0 million and $41.2 million,
respectively, as a result of greater demand for increased bandwidth services by
high capacity users.
8
<PAGE> 10
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Other Services and Sales Revenues
Other services and sales revenues decreased for the three and nine month periods
ended September 30, 1999. Lower toll revenues, primarily related to intraLATA
toll competition, contributed $8.9 million and $35.1 million, respectively, to
the variances. Timing of 1998 directory advertising revenue reduced third
quarter revenues $4.7 million compared to the prior year. These decreases were
partially offset by increases in nonregulated service and equipment sales
revenues of $4.5 million and $18.4 million, respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
(Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------- Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 242.8 $ 302.3 $ (59.5) (20)%
Selling, general and administrative 85.2 120.8 (35.6) (29)%
Depreciation and amortization 137.4 128.7 8.7 7%
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating costs and expenses $ 465.4 $ 551.8 $ (86.4) (16)%
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------- Increase Percent
1999 1998 (Decrease) Change
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of services and sales $ 739.3 $ 837.4 $ (98.1) (12)%
Selling, general and administrative 332.8 316.6 16.2 5%
Depreciation and amortization 400.7 388.9 11.8 3%
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating costs and expenses $ 1,472.8 $ 1,542.9 $ (70.1) (5)%
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Total operating costs and expenses declined for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1999, compared with the same periods in 1998. Due to the employee
reduction program initiated earlier this year and the resulting settlement of
pension obligations, the Company was able to immediately recognize pension plan
gains that have accumulated in excess of the employee obligations. These
favorable pension settlement gains were $56.9 million and $87.1 million in the
third quarter and first nine months of 1999, respectively. Further contributing
to the decreases were lower right-to-use (RTU) fees of $11.7 million and $51.5
million, respectively, associated with the Company's network switching
equipment, due in part to the capitalization of software costs in 1999 as a
result of the adoption of Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." Also
contributing to the decline were lower access costs of $15.8 million and $25.1
million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999, respectively.
Additionally, operating costs and expenses decreased $4.0 million in the third
quarter and increased $10.7 million year-to-date due to costs from an affiliate
for the publication of the Company's White Pages Directories. Partially
offsetting the year-to-date decrease was a one-time special charge of $27.0
million associated with employee separation programs completed in the first
quarter of 1999. In addition, higher material costs of $9.6 million and $28.2
million for the three and nine month periods, respectively, were the result of
increased telecommunication equipment sales volumes and customer access line
growth. Also offsetting the year-to-date decrease were favorable adjustments of
certain employee benefits and other liabilities of $19.0 million recorded in the
second quarter of 1998. Higher depreciation charges associated with the
investment in additional network facilities resulting from increased demand for
switched access lines as well as the amortization of previously capitalized
software associated with the implementation of new administrative systems within
the Company contributed $14.4 million and $32.6 million to the increase in
depreciation and amortization expense for both the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1999, respectively. The third quarter and year-to-date increases
in depreciation were partially offset by $5.7 million and $20.7 million,
respectively, resulting from the discontinuation of depreciation on
approximately 261,000 switched access lines held for sale (see "Other
Developments - Planned Asset Sales").
9
<PAGE> 11
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS
Interest - net increased 66% or $15.6 million for the three months and 29% or
$26.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the same
periods in 1998. These increases are primarily due to an increase in interest
expense resulting from higher average debt levels.
Income taxes increased 36% or $29.8 million for the three months and 10% or
$27.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the same
periods in 1998. The increases for both periods were primarily due to an
increase in pretax income and other tax adjustments.
The Company recorded an after-tax extraordinary charge of $3.5 million (net of
tax benefits of $2.3 million) during the first quarter of 1998, reflecting
premiums paid on the redemption of long-term debt and preferred stock 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 $2.0 billion in short-term liquidity through GTE and
GTE Funding Incorporated's committed bi-lateral revolving lines of credit. The
Company also has an existing shelf registration statement for an additional
$300.0 million of debentures.
During the first nine months of 1999 cash from operations was $995.2 million
compared to $500.4 million for the same period in 1998. The increase in cash
from operations primarily reflects a decrease in the Company's working capital
requirements, as well as an increase in results from operations.
The Company's capital expenditures during the first nine months of 1999 were
$513.6 million compared to $532.2 million for the same period in 1998. The
majority of new investment is being made to meet the demands of growth, to
modernize facilities and for developing and installing new software, all of
which are required to support new products and enhanced services. Total capital
expenditures for 1999 are expected to be less than capital expenditures during
1998.
Cash used in financing activities was $482.1 million during the first nine
months of 1999 compared to cash from financing activities of $30.9 million for
the same period in 1998. In February 1998, the Company issued $200.0 million of
6.375% debentures and $200.0 million of 6.73% debentures. During the first nine
months of 1999, the Company retired a total of $200.8 million of long-term debt
and preferred stock, compared to the retirement of $177.8 million during the
same period in 1998. Retirements for 1998 include $5.8 million pretax ($3.5
million after-tax) paid in premiums on the March retirement of $157.5 million of
long-term debt and preferred stock, redeemed prior to stated maturity. The
Company paid dividends totaling $341.7 million in the first nine months of 1999
compared to $351.0 million for the same period in 1998. Short-term financings,
including the net change in affiliate notes, increased $60.4 million during the
first nine months in 1999, compared to $185.1 million for the same period of
1998. Additionally, in 1998, 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 debt.
10
<PAGE> 12
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
INTERSTATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
During the third 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 third 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.
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 their 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 had to be offered and under what
conditions.
In September 1999, the FCC voted on the matter and the order was issued on
November 5, 1999. The FCC reaffirmed that incumbents must provide unbundled
access to five of the original seven network elements. ILECs are no longer
required to provide unbundled operator services, including directory assistance.
In addition, in certain circumstances, local and tandem switching need not be
unbundled. The FCC also found that state commissions can require ILECs to
unbundle additional elements as long as they are consistent with the
requirements of the Telecommunications Act and the national policy framework
instituted in the FCC's order. Furthermore, the order precludes states from
removing network elements from the FCC's list of unbundling obligations.
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) its methodology for setting wholesale
discounts, (3) the "proxy rates" it set for interconnection, UNEs, and wholesale
discounts, (4) whether ILECs should be required to combine UNEs that are not
already combined, and (5) whether the FCC can require ILECs to provide "superior
quality" to competitors than what the ILEC provides to itself. Parties to this
action have filed briefs and participated in oral arguments on September 17,
1999. A court decision is expected during the first quarter of 2000.
Universal Service
GTE is active before both state and federal regulators advocating development
and implementation of measures that will meet the requirements of the universal
service provisions of the Telecommunications Act. 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. On October 22, 1999, the FCC adopted an order selecting the cost inputs
for the federal universal service cost model. Due to unforeseen delays, the FCC
has now moved the implementation date of the new universal service mechanism for
non-rural 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.
11
<PAGE> 13
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
In July 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. The FCC filed a Motion For Stay of the Fifth Circuit's
mandate so that additional time could be granted to address the implementation
issues associated with changing its existing methods of assessment and carrier
recovery of universal service contributions. GTE and several other parties also
asked the Fifth Circuit for rehearing on several issues. However, in September
1999 the Fifth Circuit denied all motions for stay and/or rehearing, and
established November 1, 1999 as the effective date for the original decision.
On October 8, 1999, the FCC released two orders in response to the Fifth Circuit
decision. One order permits ILECs to continue to recover their universal service
contributions from access charges or to establish end user charges. The second
order changed the contribution basis for school/library funding to eliminate
calculations based upon intrastate revenues.
On November 4, 1999, the FCC released an order dealing with implementation of
the new FCC federal high cost support mechanism for non-rural ILECs. The
effective date for the new federal universal service plan is January 1, 2000.
This plan will take contributions to the federal fund and distribute them to
states with higher than average costs. The role of state commissions is to
ensure reasonable comparability within the borders of a state. Federal high cost
support will be calculated by comparing the nationwide average cost with each
state's average cost per line, and providing federal support for only states
that exceed 135% of the nationwide average. To guard against rate shock, the FCC
also adopted a "hold harmless" approach so that the amount of support provided
to each non-rural carrier under the new plan will not be less than the amount
provided today.
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 factor
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 the Company's 1999 Annual Filing. The
total annual financial impact of the reduction was $113.0 million. Similar
filings during 1997 and 1998 had already resulted in price reductions.
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. 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. In September 1999, the FCC put the coalition's
proposal out for public comment.
In August 1999, the FCC released an order pertaining to access reform and
pricing flexibility. The order grants price cap LECs immediate flexibility under
certain circumstances to deaverage certain access services and permits the
introduction of new services on a streamlined basis, without prior FCC approval.
12
<PAGE> 14
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Advanced Telecommunications Services
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 March 1999, the FCC released an order adopting 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). An order from the FCC on line sharing is expected in the fourth quarter
of 1999.
Number Portability
In December 1998, the FCC released an order establishing cost recovery rules for
local number portability (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.
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 AT&T has appealed that decision. Arguments took
place November 1, 1999 before the Ninth Circuit Court.
In October 1999, GTE's Internetworking unit filed an antitrust lawsuit
contending that cable TV providers' refusal to provide ISPs with "open access"
to cable modem platforms is a violation of federal antitrust law. The lawsuit
filed in the U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, names Tele-Communications, Inc.,
(now a unit of AT&T Corp.), Comcast Corp., and Excite@Home and seeks an
injunction to require open access and damages.
GTE's interconnection contracts with CLECs specify that parties compensate each
other for the exchange of local traffic, defined as traffic that is originated
by an end user of one party and terminating to the end user of the other party
within GTE's current local serving area. It is GTE's position that ISP traffic
does not satisfy the definition of local traffic, and that no compensation
should be paid to CLECs that switch this traffic to their ISP customers. In a
recent ruling, the FCC has clarified that ISP traffic is largely interstate,
does not "terminate" in GTE's local serving area, and based on an end-to-end
analysis of the call, is not local traffic. Consistent with this recent ruling,
GTE has been disputing and litigating bills from CLECs on these calls.
13
<PAGE> 15
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
INTRASTATE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Illinois
In October 1996, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) initiated its
investigation into the Company's cost studies to establish rates for
interconnection, UNEs and transport and termination of traffic. During a status
conference in April 1999, the ICC determined that the case would be delayed
until it issued an order in the GTE/Bell Atlantic merger docket. In the ICC
approval of the GTE/Bell Atlantic merger on October 29, 1999, final rates for
interconnection, UNEs and transport and termination of traffic were addressed as
follows: the Company will 1) withdraw its rate rebalancing case within 30 days
of the merger closure; 2) file a new UNE case within six months of merger
closure; and 3) continue to work with the ICC to develop wholesale, UNE,
interconnection, transport and termination rates. The Company will also offer
the interim UNE rates from the AT&T interconnection agreement to other parties
until the ICC issues an order in the previously mentioned UNE case.
The ICC, in their ruling on the GTE/Bell Atlantic merger, also implemented the
following, effective with the closing of the merger: the Company will 1) reduce
its rates by approximately $10.0 million by reducing intraLATA toll rates by
approximately $1.7 million, residential and business local usage rates by
approximately $6.6 million, and non cost-based access charges by approximately
$1.7 million; and 2) invest at least $270.0 million in the state for the next
three years.
In January 1999, the Company filed testimony concerning access charge reform and
identified explicit subsidies. Briefs and reply briefs were filed in the second
quarter of 1999. Due to recent USF legislation, the Administrative Law Judge
(ALJ) has requested additional briefing as to whether the case should continue
to be modified as a result of the legislation. Following completion of the
briefing schedule, and following the ICC's order in this matter, the Company
will begin working with the ICC to rebalance rates.
Indiana
In December 1996, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) issued an
arbitration order to identify the discount rate on local services resold from
the Company to AT&T. The interim proxy wholesale discount rate was set at 17%. A
separate cost investigation was 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 UNEs. 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 in the fourth quarter of 1999.
In February 1998, the IURC opened a proceeding to investigate the Company's
wholesale rates under the Telecommunications Act. The Company filed its initial
cost study in April 1998, updated the study in December 1998 and hearings were
held in February 1999. The Company's proposed wholesale discount rates were 2.1%
for operator and directory assistance services and 11.4% for all other services.
A final order was issued in October 1999 requiring the Company to set its
wholesale discount rate at 22.3% for customers who do not require operator
services and 19.58% for customers who do require operator services. In addition,
the Company is to refund any differences from the interim discount rate of 17%
and the newly established discount rates to CLECs within ninety days.
In March 1997, the IURC opened an investigation into access charge reform and
universal service. This proceeding contains various phases. A "trilogy" of
orders have been issued regarding comparability and affordability, joint and
common costs, and access charge reform. The Company has appealed the joint and
common cost order regarding loop allocation along with other related issues. The
IURC has requested the large incumbent LECs to submit compliance cost studies to
demonstrate that current or proposed rates are in compliance with the
Telecommunications Act and the IURC's policies. The Company filed its required
compliance cost studies in June 1999. Hearings are expected in December 1999 or
January 2000.
14
<PAGE> 16
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Ohio
In July 1999, the Public Utility Commission of Ohio resurfaced an investigation
of universal service related issues via a request to LECs in the state to
respond to specific data requests. In addition to requesting specific Company
information, comments were requested on issues such as whether a showing of
competition is necessary prior to receiving high cost assistance. Comments are
due in the fourth quarter of 1999.
Pennsylvania
In June 1999, the ALJ issued a decision recommending rejection of the Company's
petition for a simplified ratemaking plan (SRP) and ordered the Company to file
a new plan within six months. While the ALJ accepted the Company's proposed
deregulation of billing and collection and directory advertising, he rejected
the Company's main proposals for rate base/rate-of-return continuation and the
trigger points for the Company's network modernization deployment. The ALJ also
rejected the Company's proposed shortened time frames in favor of the longer
statutory period. The Company filed exceptions to the ALJ's decision in July
1999. In August 1999, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PPUC) agreed
with the ALJ's recommendations and rejected the Company's petition for a SRP. In
September 1999, the PPUC ordered the Company to file another petition and a new
plan within six months.
In September 1999, the PPUC issued its final order in the Global Settlement
proceeding which was intended to open the state's local phone market to
competition and resolve a number of outstanding dockets. The Company was
directed to reduce its access and intraLATA toll rates, convert its minutes of
use-based common carrier line charge to a flat-rated carrier charge, and imposed
a $16 per month rate cap on local residential rates.
On November 4, 1999, the PPUC approved the GTE/Bell Atlantic merger and attached
the following conditions to that approval: 1) the Company will reduce local
exchange service rates by approximately $5.0 million within 24 months of the
merger; 2) the Company will eliminate the touch-tone service charge to
customers, reducing rates by approximately $9.8 million; 3) the Company will
offer CLASS services to 80-85% of access lines that currently do not have these
services within 24 months of the merger, and the remaining 15-20% within the
following six months; 4) within 30 months of the merger, the Company will
initiate proceedings so that there will no longer be separate wholesale rates
for the Company and Bell Atlantic; and 5) the Company will invest approximately
$210.0 million in the state between 2000-2002.
Michigan
In December 1996, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued an order
initiating proceedings related to applications filed by the Company and
Ameritech which addressed 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 operator services and 15.8% without
operator services. The Company disagreed with the MPSC's final order. 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, the Company
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; however, it was subsequently rejected by the MPSC Staff
in January 1999. Also, in January and in June 1999, the Company filed cost
models for the MPSC's current biennial cost filing. A final order is expected in
the fourth quarter of 1999 or early 2000. The costs resulting from the final
order will eventually form the basis of new retail and wholesale prices.
15
<PAGE> 17
GTE NORTH 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 in May 1999, the
shareholders of each company approved the merger.
Both companies are working diligently to complete the merger and are targeting
completion of the merger around the end of the first quarter of 2000. However,
Bell Atlantic and GTE must obtain the approval of a variety of state and federal
regulatory agencies and, given the inherent uncertainties of the regulatory
process, the closing of the merger may be delayed.
Planned Asset Sales
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company committed to a plan that resulted
in a decision to sell approximately 261,000 switched access lines located in
Illinois and Wisconsin. During August 1999, the Company entered into agreements
to sell approximately 61,000 switched access lines located in Wisconsin to
Telephone USA of Wisconsin, LLC., and approximately 65,000 switched access lines
located in Wisconsin to CenturyTel, Inc. The Company plans to enter into an
agreement to sell the remaining lines, which are located in Illinois, during
1999. All sales will be subject to regulatory approval and are expected to close
in 2000. The associated net assets, which approximate $180.4 million, consist of
property, plant and equipment, and are classified as "Net assets held for sale"
in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 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 $20.7 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 261,000 access lines represent approximately 6% of the
average switched access lines that the Company had in service during 1998 and
contributed approximately 4% to 1998 consolidated revenues.
YEAR 2000 CONVERSION
State of Readiness
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. All other GTE business units are substantially complete in Year 2000
conversion and testing and are expected to be 100% complete by the end of
November 1999.
GTE's remaining efforts continue through March 2000 and consist of quality
assurance and validation of Year 2000 efforts across businesses; assuring
forward compliance of systems and services; planning for reasonably foreseeable
contingencies associated with the millennium rollover; and operation of our
corporate Year 2000 communications watch center.
16
<PAGE> 18
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
Cost to Address Year 2000 Issues
The estimated total multi-year cost of GTE's Year 2000 Program remains unchanged
and is not expected to exceed $400.0 million. Through September 30, 1999,
expenditures totaled $358.0 million. The current estimate for the cost of
remediation for the Company is approximately $42.8 million. Through September
30, 1999, expenditures totaled $27.1 million. Year 2000 remediation costs are
expensed in the year incurred. Approximately 68% of GTE's program effort
involves U.S. domestic operations. GTE's majority-owned subsidiaries have not
elected to replace or accelerate the planned replacement of any systems due to
the Year 2000 issue. 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 500 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 arise, 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 or other circumstances
outside of GTE's control.
Contingency Planning
GTE continues to enhance its normal business continuity planning to address
potential Year 2000 interruptions. GTE's disaster preparedness recovery plans
include procedures and activities for a "multi-regional" Year 2000 contingency,
if it occurs. GTE has established a corporate Year 2000 communications watch
center that is now operational. Located in Dallas, Texas, the watch center will
remain operational (as required) through March 1, 2000. The initial versions of
our contingency plans were completed during the second quarter of 1999. These
contingency plans will be kept current through the millennium rollover, and are
being tested (as appropriate). As of September 30, 1999, 79% of the contingency
plans have completed testing, and the remaining plans are expected to complete
testing by the end of November 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 FASB issued 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 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.
17
<PAGE> 19
GTE NORTH INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations - Continued
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING 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.
18
<PAGE> 20
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
1999.
19
<PAGE> 21
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 10, 1999 /s/ Stephen L. Shore
----------------- -------------------------------------------
Stephen L. Shore
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
<PAGE> 22
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, 1999
------------------
<S> <C>
Net earnings available for fixed charges:
Income from continuing operations $ 481.7
Add - Income taxes 293.4
- Fixed charges 134.1
------------------
Adjusted earnings $ 909.2
==================
Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 121.0
Portion of rent expense representing interest 13.1
------------------
Adjusted fixed charges $ 134.1
==================
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 6.78
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1999
<CASH> 500
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 837,100
<ALLOWANCES> 48,000
<INVENTORY> 50,500
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,067,800
<PP&E> 9,767,300
<DEPRECIATION> 6,478,400
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 5,509,200
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,129,600
<BONDS> 1,771,300
1,200
15,200
<COMMON> 978,300
<OTHER-SE> 710,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5,509,200
<SALES> 2,366,700
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,366,700
<CGS> 739,300
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,472,800
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 121,000
<INCOME-PRETAX> 775,100
<INCOME-TAX> 293,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 481,700
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 481,700
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
