<PAGE> 1
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, 1997 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 2-36292
GTE SOUTH INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VIRGINIA 56-0656680
<S> <C>
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
600 Hidden Ridge, HQE04B12 - Irving, Texas 75038
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 972-718-5600
</TABLE>
(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 21,000,000 shares of $25 par value common stock outstanding at
October 31, 1997. The Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE Corporation.
<PAGE> 2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GTE South Incorporated
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- ----------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
(Thousands of Dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES AND SALES
Local services $141,532 $137,326 $ 418,834 $ 404,521
Network access services 158,888 148,566 451,616 424,094
Toll services 29,193 30,927 96,025 96,146
Other services and sales 43,710 44,966 139,074 133,608-
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues and sales 373,323 361,785 1,105,549 1,058,369
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of services and sales 112,899 122,205 352,620 366,007
Selling, general and administrative 43,343 47,101 145,965 145,579
Depreciation and amortization 77,219 69,982 219,630 208,182
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses 233,461 239,288 718,215 719,768
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 139,862 122,497 387,334 338,601
OTHER EXPENSE
Interest - net 15,959 11,971 40,766 33,605
Other - net -- -- 284 --
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 123,903 110,526 346,284 304,996
Income taxes 47,280 41,631 131,854 115,844
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 76,623 $ 68,895 $ 214,430 $ 189,152
======== ======== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
Per share data is omitted since the Company's common stock is 100% owned by GTE
Corporation (GTE).
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
1
<PAGE> 3
GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Millions)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 76.6 $ 68.9 $214.4 $189.2
</TABLE>
Net income increased 11% or $7.7 and 13% or $25.2 for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to the same periods in 1996.
The increases are primarily due to higher revenues and sales, primarily local
and network access services, combined with lower operating costs and expenses.
REVENUES AND SALES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Local services $ 141.5 $ 137.3 $ 418.8 $ 404.5
Network access services 158.9 148.6 451.6 424.1
Toll services 29.2 30.9 96.0 96.2
Other services and sales 43.7 45.0 139.1 133.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues and sales $ 373.3 $ 361.8 $1,105.5 $1,058.4
</TABLE>
Total revenues and sales increased 3% or $11.5 and 4% or $47.1 for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to the same
periods in 1996.
Local service revenues increased 3% or $4.2 for the three months and 4% or
$14.3 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same
periods in 1996. The number of access lines increased 6% for both the three
and nine months ended September 30, 1997, which generated additional revenues
of $3.3 and $9, respectively. The three and nine month increases also reflect
growth in revenues of $4.1 and $9 from enhanced custom calling features, such
as SmartCall(R) services, and higher revenues from CentraNet(R) services of $1.3
and $3.4. The increases also reflect a $1.7 and $5.1 growth in revenues from
sales of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). ISDN enables the
simultaneous transmission of voice, data, image and text, over one phone line
and facilitates Internet access. The year-to-date increase also includes
growth in revenues from directory assistance and operator services of $2.8.
The three and nine month increases are partially offset by the unfavorable
impact of the sharing provisions from the Virginia Alternative Regulatory
Framework (as discussed in Other Matters) of $8 and $17, respectively.
Network access service revenues increased 7% or $10.3 for the three months and
6% or $27.5 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same
periods in 1996. This growth is primarily due to increased demand for access
services by interexchange carriers and growing demand for increased bandwidth
services. Minutes of use increased 12% and 11% for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, generating additional revenues of $8 and $22.1,
respectively. Special access revenues grew $4.5 and $12.5 for the three and
nine months, respectively, due to greater demand for increased bandwidth
services by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and
2
<PAGE> 4
GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
other high-capacity users. The increases are also attributable to increases in
the Universal Service Fund (USF) support of $1.1 and $4.1. The year-to-date
increase is partially offset by the impact of intrastate access price
reductions of $1.5 in Alabama and $2.1 in South Carolina.
Toll service revenues decreased 6% or $1.7 for the three months and remained
virtually unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to
the same periods in 1996. The decline in revenues for the three and nine
months is attributable to a $1.8 and $3 decrease from lower toll volumes,
primarily related to intraLATA (local access transport area) toll competition,
including 10XXX and 1+ presubscription, and the impact from optional discount
calling plans, which effectively lowered intrastate toll rates. The
year-to-date decrease was partially offset by the impact of favorable
settlement activities of $2.7 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
compared to the same period in 1996.
Other services and sales revenues decreased 3% or $1.3 for the three months and
increased 4% or $5.5 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to
the same periods in 1996. The changes are due to the decrease in equipment
sales of $2.6 and $2, partially offset by increases in paging and voice
messaging service revenues of $0.6 and $1.9, and an increase for both periods
of $0.9 in directory advertising revenues.
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------------- ----------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total operating costs and $ 233.5 $ 239.3 $ 718.2 $ 719.8
expenses
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
Total operating costs and expenses decreased 2% or $5.8 for the three months
ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same period in 1996. This decrease
is primarily due to the impact of $10.2 in pension settlement gains which
resulted from lump-sum payments from the Company's pension plans. The decrease
is also attributable to $4.4 in administrative productivity gains. These
decreases are partially offset by an increase in advertising costs of $1.1 and
higher depreciation charges of $7.2 associated with additions to plant.
Total operating costs and expenses remained essentially the same for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same period in 1996.
Decreases were primarily attributable to pension settlement gains of $14.6, of
which $4.4 and $10.2 were recorded in the first and third quarters of 1997,
respectively. These pension settlement gains were partially offset by
settlement gains of $3 which were recorded in the first quarter of 1996.
Administrative productivity gains of $13.2 also contributed to lower operating
costs. These decreases were offset by higher depreciation charges of $11.4
associated with additions to plant, higher advertising costs of $5.3 and $5.6
of higher access charges incurred to terminate customers' intraLATA toll calls
outside of the Company's service territories.
OTHER EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------------- ----------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest - net $ 16.0 $ 12.0 $ 40.8 $ 33.6
Income taxes 47.3 41.6 131.9 115.8
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 5
GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
Interest - net increased 33% or $4 and 21% or $7.2 for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to the same periods in
1996. The increases are primarily attributable to higher average short-term
debt levels.
Income taxes increased 14% or $5.7 for the three months and 14% or $16.1 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to the same periods in 1996,
primarily due to corresponding increases in pre-tax income.
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 financings can be obtained through
borrowings from the Company's parent, GTE, or GTE Funding Incorporated, an
affiliate of the Company. On July 1, 1996, the Company began participating
with other affiliates in a $1,500 syndicated line of credit. The Company has
an existing shelf registration statement outstanding for an additional $225 of
debentures.
The Company's primary source of funds during the first nine months of 1997 was
cash from operations of $353.6 compared to $370.1 for the same period in 1996.
The year-to-year decrease in cash from operations is primarily the result of an
increase in working capital requirements, partially offset by improved results
from operations.
The Company's capital expenditures during the first nine months of 1997 were
$208.6 compared to $196.2 for the same period in 1996. The 1997 expenditures
reflect the Company's continued growth in primary and secondary access lines
and the modernization of interoffice facilities to mitigate Internet
congestion. The Company anticipates capital expenditures to increase during
the remainder of 1997 compared to 1996, reflecting the continued growth of
existing networks.
Cash used in financing activities was $158.5 during the first nine months of
1997 compared to $174 for the same period in 1996. This included dividend
payments of $191.6 during the first nine months of 1997, compared to $81.7 for
the same period of 1996. Short-term financings, including the net change in
affiliate notes, increased $68.7 for the first nine months of 1997, compared to
a decrease of $475.8 for the same period of 1996. During the first nine months
of 1997, the Company paid a total of $35 for the retirement of long-term debt
and preferred stock. This amount includes $0.3 paid in premiums on the early
retirement of $22.3 of long-term debt, in May 1997. The Company issued $375 of
debentures in February and March of 1996. In 1996, the Company realized a gain
of approximately $14.8 on the settlement of forward contracts related to the
1996 debt issuances. The gain is being amortized over the life of the
refinanced debt as an offset to interest expense.
On October 15, 1997, the Company's parent, GTE, proposed a merger with MCI
Communications Corporation (MCI) valued at approximately $28 billion. As a
result of the proposed merger, the rating agencies have placed GTE, the Company
and its affiliates on "Credit Watch" for possible rating reductions. On
November 10, 1997, MCI announced that it had reached an agreement to merge
with WorldCom, Inc. (WorldCom).
OTHER MATTERS
Federal Regulatory Developments
In July 1997, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (Eighth Circuit)
issued an opinion and order vacating significant portions of the Federal
Communication Commission's (FCC) rules purporting to implement the local
competition provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the
Telecommunications Act). The Company's parent, GTE, together with other
incumbent local-exchange carriers (ILECs) and a number of state commissions,
had challenged various portions of the FCC rules.
4
<PAGE> 6
GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
In its opinion, the Eighth Circuit ruled that the FCC had no jurisdiction to
promulgate rules setting the prices at which ILECs must make available to
competitors unbundled network elements (UNEs) and services for resale. In
addition, the Eighth Circuit made a number of other rulings favorable to GTE,
including that the FCC's rule allowing requesting carriers to pick and choose
among individual provisions of other interconnection agreements, rather than to
adopt the terms and conditions of a single agreement in its entirety, was
unlawful; that the FCC does not have the authority to review interconnection
agreements approved by state commissions or to enforce the terms of such
agreements; that the FCC rule requiring ILECs to provide interconnection and
UNEs at levels of quality that are superior to those levels at which the ILECs
provide them to themselves was unlawful; and that it is the requesting
carriers, not the ILECs, that must combine UNEs.
In addition, the Eighth Circuit rejected certain arguments advanced by GTE.
For example, it ruled that a requesting carrier may gain access to all of the
UNEs that, when combined by the requesting carrier, are sufficient to enable
the requesting carrier to provide a finished service, and it upheld most of the
standards applied by the FCC in determining which network elements an ILEC must
make available.
In October 1997, the Eighth Circuit, granting a petition for rehearing filed by
GTE and others, further ruled that the Telecommunications Act "does not permit
a new entrant to purchase the ILEC's assembled platform(s) of combined network
elements (or any lesser existing combination of two or more elements) in order
to offer competitive telecommunications services." The FCC has announced plans
to seek Supreme Court review of the Eighth Circuit's rulings; it has until
January 12, 1998 to file a petition for certiorari.
In May 1997, the FCC issued orders on universal service and access charge
reform. GTE has filed petitions for review of these FCC orders with the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. GTE anticipates that those petitions
will be decided in 1998.
In its order on access charge reform, the FCC revised the price cap plan for
regulating ILECs by requiring price cap local-exchange carriers (LECs) to
increase their productivity factor to 6.5%. The order also eliminated the
sharing requirements of the price cap rules. In June 1997, in accordance with
the order, the Company submitted its 1997 annual price cap filing. The 1997
interstate access filing resulted in an annual price reduction of $2.7,
effective July 1, 1997. Prior to this order, the Company had submitted a rate
change filing in May 1997, as the Company's access rates were priced
significantly below the FCC's maximum allowable price. This rate change filing
resulted in an annual price increase of $14.8, effective June 3, 1997.
Overall, the net effect of these access filings resulted in an annual price
increase of $12.1.
On June 4, 1996, the FCC issued the first Report and Order implementing Section
276 of the Telecommunications Act. 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
"dial-around" access calls and toll-free subscriber calls for which PSPs were
not previously compensated. This compensation was to occur in two separate
phases. During phase one, from April 15, 1997 through October 6, 1997, PSPs
were to be paid a monthly, flat-rate compensation from interexchange carriers
(IXCs). During phase two, beginning October 7, 1997, PSPs were to be
compensated on a per- call basis, with the prevailing local coin rate of 35
cents established as the default rate.
On July 19, 1997, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. vacated the
FCC's directive concerning per-call compensation, stating that the FCC had not
shown that the 35 cent rate was a reasonable surrogate for fair compensation.
The court also set aside the FCC's flat-rate compensation mandate.
Subsequently, on October 9, 1997, the FCC issued a second Report and Order to
address those issues vacated by the court. In this second order, the FCC
established a new per-call rate of 28.4 cents for phase two compensation. The
FCC also tentatively
5
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GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
concluded that this per-call rate should also be used to calculate phase one
compensation obligations. It is likely, however, that the entire phase one
compensation directive will be revisited in a subsequent order.
In accordance with the Telecommunications Act, the Company is continuing to
negotiate with requesting carriers over the terms of interconnection, UNEs and
resale rates. In some cases, the parties have been unable to agree within the
statutory period for negotiation and have gone to arbitration before various
state regulatory commissions. Since December 1996, state commission decisions
determining the prices and terms of unresolved issues have been released in
Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Subsequent decisions are expected to be issued throughout 1997 and 1998.
The Company has exercised its right under the Telecommunications Act to
challenge state regulatory commission arbitration orders that govern agreements
between the Company and its competitors. The Company has filed lawsuits in
federal district courts in Illinois, Kentucky, South Carolina and Virginia. A
number of these complaints have been dismissed without prejudice on the grounds
that they were filed before the arbitrated agreements had received final
approval from state commissions. In such cases, the Company is refiling
complaints after final approval has occurred.
Additionally, the Company has made appropriate filings with the states and
Federal District Courts requesting that the Eighth Circuit's favorable rulings
be taken into consideration in connection with any future arbitration ruling or
complaint actions.
Interim rates for interconnection and UNEs have been established through
negotiation and arbitration decisions. These interim rates will be used until
permanent rates are established through state commission proceedings
investigating cost studies. The Company has filed cost studies in South
Carolina and Alabama and will begin filing cost studies in the other states in
which it operates during the remainder of 1997 and throughout 1998.
Additional state commission proceedings have begun to establish rules and
procedures to implement state universal service funds (USF). USF proceedings
have begun in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina and
additional proceedings are scheduled to occur during the remainder of 1997 and
into 1998. USF decisions are expected to occur during the fourth quarter of
1997 and throughout 1998.
State Regulatory Developments
Alabama
On February 12, 1997, the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) issued its
decision in the Company's arbitration with AT&T to determine interconnection,
resale and unbundling terms and conditions. The interim wholesale discount
rate for retail services was set at 23%. The Company filed for reconsideration
of this order. Oral arguments on this matter were heard by the APSC on May 1,
1997. On May 14, 1997, the APSC issued its final decision, in which no
material changes were made to its original order. On June 4, 1997, the Company
and AT&T filed a composite agreement pursuant to the APSC's directive. Both
parties have filed letters with the APSC objecting to certain language
contained in the composite agreement. The APSC is expected to issue a final
order on the composite agreement in the near future.
The Company has participated in the optional price regulation plan that was
established by the APSC on September 20, 1995. Participants of the plan were
required to reduce intrastate access prices effective July 1, 1997. As such,
the Company reduced its annual intrastate access revenues by $1.5.
6
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GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
Kentucky
On September 26, 1996, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) issued an
order pertaining to local competition and universal service concerns in
Kentucky. The KPSC established a competitively neutral, portable intrastate
USF, funded by all telecommunications providers in Kentucky, to cover the
incumbent LEC's non-traffic sensitive (NTS) costs and the cost of a new
statewide Lifeline service offering. As a result, the Company would reduce
access and toll rates and recover its NTS costs from the USF. The timing and
details of implementation of the USF were to be determined in industry
workshops held during 1997. However, on April 11, 1997, the KPSC issued an
order amending the USF order, stating that a formal proceeding will be held in
lieu of workshops, with hearings beginning during the fourth quarter of 1997.
On June 17, 1997, the KPSC issued a further order which indicates that its 1996
decision to transfer the LEC's NTS costs to the USF will be reconsidered in the
1997 formal proceeding which is scheduled to begin during November 1997.
On December 23, 1996, the KPSC issued its decision in the Company's arbitration
with MCI to determine interconnection, resale, and unbundling terms and
conditions. The interim wholesale discount rate was set at 18.81%. The
Company filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court challenging portions of the
KPSC's arbitration determinations. On April 25, 1997, the lawsuit was
dismissed without prejudice to refiling. Pursuant to the KPSC's orders, the
Company has filed a composite agreement with MCI. The KPSC is expected to
issue a final decision on the composite agreement in the near future.
Effective October 1, 1997, the Company reduced its intrastate revenues by $10.8
annually, in response to the KPSC's concerns with the Company's intrastate
earnings levels. The Company reduced its access charges to interexchange
carriers and its intrastate toll rates, and eliminated its monthly charge for
touch calling service to business customers.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued its decision in the
Company's arbitration with AT&T and MCI on February 4, 1997, and with Sprint on
April 7, 1997, to determine interconnection, resale and unbundling terms and
conditions. The interim discount rate for the Company's resold services was
set at 19.97%. On July 17, 1997, August 1, 1997, and August 15, 1997, the
Company filed composite agreements with Sprint, MCI, and AT&T, respectively,
pursuant to the NCUC's directive.
The NCUC has scheduled hearings to begin December 12, 1997 to determine the
appropriate forward-looking economic cost studies to be submitted to the FCC
for use in the determination of universal service funding levels. The
recommended studies must be submitted to the FCC by February 6, 1998.
South Carolina
On March 17, 1997, the South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) issued
its decision in the Company's arbitration with AT&T to determine
interconnection, resale and unbundling terms and conditions. The interim
wholesale discount rate for retail services was set at 18.66%. On May 16,
1997, the Company filed a composite agreement with the SCPSC incorporating the
provisions of the SCPSC's order. On May 28, 1997, the Company filed a letter
with the SCPSC objecting to certain language contained in the composite
agreement. The SCPSC is expected to issue a final decision on the composite
agreement in the near future.
Per the legislative amendment dated May 29, 1996 that allows local competition
and alternative regulation, the SCPSC established an Interim Local-Exchange
Carrier Fund (ILF). As of April 1, 1997, the Company reduced its
7
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GTE South Incorporated
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (CONTINUED)
intrastate switched access rate to that of BellSouth's rate in South Carolina,
and began receiving payment from the ILF in an amount equal to the revenue
reduction. The ILF is funded by those companies that realize a benefit from
the rate reduction.
The SCPSC held hearings in August 1997, to determine guidelines for an
intrastate USF. An order adopting the guidelines was issued on September 3,
1997. Hearings to finalize other issues, including the size of the fund, are
scheduled to begin November 24, 1997.
Virginia
On February 23, 1995, legislation was enacted in Virginia which allowed
local-exchange competition, effective January 1, 1996. On June 9, 1995, the
Company filed a rate case application with the Virginia State Corporation
Commission (VSCC) seeking to restructure and rebalance its prices in Virginia
in anticipation of this local competition and the VSCC's impending approval of
intraLATA toll competition. Evidentiary hearings regarding this application
were held in June 1996. On March 14, 1997, the Hearing Examiner, appointed by
the VSCC to review the Company's application for revisions to its
local-exchange, access and intraLATA long distance rates, issued his report to
the VSCC. The report recommends that the Company's gross annual operating
revenues be reduced by $26.9 and that only minimal rebalancing of the Company's
local-exchange, access and intraLATA long distance rates be permitted. The
Company had already provided for the impact of this decision in its financial
statements. The Company filed detailed exceptions to the report and requested
oral argument before the full commission. On August 7, 1997, the VSCC issued
its order in this case. The VSCC adopted the majority of the Hearing
Examiner's recommendations, but also made two minor modifications which changed
the revenue reduction amount from $26.9 to $27.4. New rates reflecting this
decrease in annual operating revenues became effective October 7, 1997. The
Company has decided to appeal this order to the Virginia Supreme Court, and
will file its petition for appeal in December 1997. A Court decision is
expected in mid-1998.
Illinois
On October 6, 1996, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) initiated its
investigation into the Company's total element long run incremental cost
(TELRIC ) studies and to establish rates for interconnection, UNEs and
transport and termination of traffic. The docket will address wholesale rates
separately from UNEs, with each issue having a separate procedural schedule.
The determination of wholesale rates is expected to conclude in the first
quarter of 1998. The filing for UNEs is scheduled to occur in January 1998.
Hearings are tentatively scheduled to take place during the second quarter of
1998.
Other Developments
The Company has reviewed and estimated its current and planned expenditures to
become Year 2000 compliant. These costs are currently estimated to be $21.7
over the next three years.
On October 15, 1997, the Company's parent, GTE, announced its proposal to
acquire MCI in a transaction valued at approximately $28 billion in cash or 40
dollars per share. On November 10, 1997, MCI announced that it had reached an
agreement to merge with WorldCom. GTE is continuing to monitor the situation
and may reevaluate its position depending on a number of factors, including the
relative stock performance of both WorldCom and MCI, the financial and
operating results of MCI and the ongoing status of the regulatory process, as
well as other pertinent information.
In May 1997, GTE announced initiatives to become a leading national provider of
telecommunications service, including the acquisition of BBN Corporation (BBN),
a leading provider of end-to-end Internet solutions. In addition, GTE
announced a strategic alliance with Cisco Systems, Inc. to jointly develop
enhanced data and Internet services for customers; and, the purchase of a
national, state-of-the-art fiber-optic network from Qwest Communications. As
of September 30, 1997, GTE had completed the acquisition of BBN.
8
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GTE South Incorporated
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
(Thousands of Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,891 $ 16,491
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $16,021 and $17,884 277,925 213,227
Note receivable from affiliate 50 28,836
Inventories and supplies 29,320 16,054
Other 24,931 15,768
------------ ------------
Total current assets 335,117 290,376
------------ ------------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 4,260,898 4,136,862
Accumulated depreciation (2,686,218) (2,548,824)
------------ ------------
Total property, plant and equipment, net 1,574,680 1,588,038
Employee benefit plans and other assets 153,036 126,894
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 2,062,833 $ 2,005,308
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term obligations, including current maturities $ 85,667 $ 98,500
Notes payable to affiliate 41,447 --
Accounts payable 99,228 96,326
Taxes payable 33,059 8,416
Accrued interest 8,705 15,463
Accrued payroll costs 32,276 35,448
Dividends payable 68,119 45,968
Deferred income tax liabilities 34,779 21,156
Other 111,476 105,215
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 514,756 426,492
------------ ------------
Long-term debt 613,918 635,944
Deferred income taxes 62,565 88,635
Other liabilities, primarily employee benefit plans 189,396 172,551
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 1,380,635 1,323,622
------------ ------------
Preferred stock, subject to mandatory redemption 2,549 2,739
------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock 412 412
Common stock (21,000,000 shares issued) 525,000 525,000
Additional paid-in capital 58,338 58,320
Retained earnings 95,899 95,215
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity 679,649 678,947
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,062,833 $ 2,005,308
============ ============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE> 11
GTE South Incorporated
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
---------------------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
(Thousands of Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS
Net income $ 214,430 $ 189,152
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash from operations:
Depreciation and amortization 219,630 208,182
Deferred income taxes (10,193) (1,996)
Provision for uncollectible accounts 15,184 15,784
Change in current assets and current liabilities (76,863) (26,373)
Other - net (8,637) (14,689)
----------- -----------
Net cash from operations 353,551 370,060
----------- -----------
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (208,558) (196,183)
Other - net (48) --
----------- -----------
Cash used in investing (208,606) (196,183)
----------- -----------
FINANCING
Long-term debt issued -- 369,126
Long-term debt and preferred stock retired, including premiums paid
on early retirement (35,611) (404)
Dividends (191,595) (81,707)
Change in affiliate note 68,661 (89,142)
Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities -- (386,700)
Other - net -- 14,846
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing (158,545) (173,981)
----------- -----------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (13,600) (104)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 16,491 31,271
----------- -----------
End of period $ 2,891 $ 31,167
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE> 12
GTE South Incorporated
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been
prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 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 financial
statements include all adjustments, which consist only of normal
recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial
information for such periods. These condensed financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the
notes thereto included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2) In January 1997, the SEC issued amendments to its rules which clarify
and expand disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments.
As of September 30, 1997, there has been no significant change in the
market risk, or accounting policy associated with derivative financial
instruments as stated in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(3) Reclassifications of prior year data have been made, where appropriate, to
conform to the 1997 presentation.
11
<PAGE> 13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
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 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 1997.
12
<PAGE> 14
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 South Incorporated
--------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: November 13, 1997 William M. Edwards, III
----------------------- --------------------------------
William M. Edwards, III
Vice President - Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
13
<PAGE> 15
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
<S> <C>
12 Statement re: Calculation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 12
GTE South Incorporated
STATEMENT OF THE RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Thousands of Dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1997
------------------
<S> <C>
Net earnings available for fixed charges:
Income from continuing operations $ 214,430
Add - Income taxes 131,854
- Fixed charges 47,065
------------------
Adjusted earnings $ 393,349
==================
Fixed charges:
Interest expense $ 42,374
Portion of rent expense
representing interest 4,691
------------------
Adjusted fixed charges $ 47,065
==================
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 8.36
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997
<CASH> 2,891
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 293,996
<ALLOWANCES> 16,021
<INVENTORY> 29,320
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 335,117
<PP&E> 4,260,898
<DEPRECIATION> 2,686,218
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,062,833
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 514,756
<BONDS> 613,918
2,549
412
<COMMON> 525,000
<OTHER-SE> 154,237
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,062,833
<SALES> 1,105,549
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,105,549
<CGS> 352,620
<TOTAL-COSTS> 718,215
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 284
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 40,766
<INCOME-PRETAX> 346,284
<INCOME-TAX> 131,854
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 214,430
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 214,430
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
