<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to _____________
Commission File No. 2-39373
---------------------------------------
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0223220
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1440 M Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 402-474-2211
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 5% Preferred
Stock ($100.00 par value)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting stock held by non-
affiliates, based upon the closing price of such stock as of February 28,
1997, was $ 0.
Number of shares of common stock outstanding
on
February 28, 1997 -- 1,000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page
- ---- ----
PART I
Description
1. Business........................................................ 1-4
2. Properties...................................................... 5
3. Legal Proceedings............................................... 5
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............. 5
PART II
Description
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters............................................ 6
6. Selected Financial Data......................................... 6-7
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.......................................... 7-11
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................... 11
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure......................................... 11
PART III
Description
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..............12-15
11. Executive Compensation..........................................15-23
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management..23-27
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................. 27
PART IV
Description
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
on Form 8-K...................................................28-29
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART I
Item 1. Business
- ------
Aliant Communications Co. (the Company), formerly The Lincoln
Telephone and Telegraph Company, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation
on May 5, 1928, and since that date has been involved in the telecommuni-
cations business. On February 23, 1981, the Company was reorganized and
Lincoln Telecommunications Company, now known as Aliant Communications Inc.
(the Parent), was established as a holding company with the Company as its
principal subsidiary. Other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Parent are
Aliant Cellular Inc. (Cellular), formerly Nebraska Cellular Telephone
Corporation; Aliant Systems Inc. (Systems), formerly LinTel Systems Inc.;
Prairie Communications, Inc. (Prairie); and Aliant Midwest Inc. (Midwest).
Landline
--------
The Company provides local and intraLATA service to approximately
196,000 customers in the contiguous geographical area consisting of the
southeastern 22 counties of Nebraska, having in service 263,208 landline
customer access lines as of December 31, 1996. There are a total of 137
exchanges and 146 central offices in the service area of the Company. The
Company's fully digital local exchange network supports SS7 technology and
includes over 1,400 miles of fiber optic cable, much of it in a ring
configuration. Data communications services include Internet access, which
is provided under the Navix brand name. Enhanced services include Voice
Mail, Caller ID, Custom Calling, Centrex, and Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN). The Company publishes six regional directories and
provides access service to long distance and cellular companies. Set forth
below is a schedule of the Company's residential and business access lines
in service for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.
As of December 31,
ACCESS LINES IN SERVICE* 1996 1995
----------------------- ---- ----
Residence 184,294 180,749
Business 78,914 73,424
------- -------
Total 263,208 254,173
*Excludes cellular and Company access lines.
The Company provides access services by connecting the communications
networks of interexchange and cellular carriers with the equipment and
facilities of end users by use of its public switch networks or through
private lines. Access charges, including interstate subscriber line
charges and those payable by interexchange and cellular carriers, provided
$56,746,000, $53,653,000, and $50,569,000 of the Company's revenues for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
Wireless
--------
The Company's wireless services include cellular operations and wide
area paging services. The Company operates a cellular telecommunications
system in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and
-1-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
manages the limited partnership which is the license holder for Iowa Rural
Statistical Area (RSA) 1, which serves the southwestern six counties of
Iowa. The Company also sells cellular equipment.
The following table sets forth certain information about the Company's
managed cellular operations.
Cellular Operations
-------------------
POPs December 31, 1996
Acquisition Percent Within Net Subscribers
System (1) Date (2) Ownership Area (3) POPs Gross Net
- ---------- -------- --------- -------- ---- ----- ---
Lincoln MSA April 23, 1987 100.0 229,000 229,000 40,036 40,036
Iowa RSA 1 June 30, 1989 11.8(4) 62,000 7,000 3,790 447
________________________________
(1) Systems are the Lincoln MSA - Lancaster County, Nebraska; and Iowa
RSA 1 - Southwestern six counties of Iowa.
(2) The date the Company's operating license was granted in the case of
the Lincoln MSA, and the date of the Parent's initial acquisition of
an interest in Iowa RSA 1.
(3) Based upon population data for 1996, POPs shown for the Lincoln MSA
are 99% covered by the network of this system. According to estimates
available to the Company, approximately 90% of the POPs shown for Iowa
RSA 1 are covered by the network of that system.
(4) The Parent has an 11.8% ownership interest in Iowa RSA 1. The Company
performs management services under a contract with Iowa RSA 1.
The licensing, ownership, construction, operation, and sale of
controlling interests in cellular telephone systems are subject to
regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC license
for the Company's Lincoln MSA cellular operations expired in October 1996,
and it was subsequently renewed by the FCC for an additional 10 years on
November 29, 1996. The FCC licenses for the Iowa RSA 1 cellular operations
expire in October 2000. All renewal applications for these licenses must
be received by the FCC not later than 30 and not more than 60 days in
advance of their respective expiration dates and must be approved by the
FCC. It is possible that there may be competition for these FCC licenses
upon expiration, and any such competitors may apply for such licenses
within the same time frame as the Company. However, incumbent cellular
providers generally retain their FCC licenses upon a demonstration of
substantial compliance with FCC regulations and substantial service to the
public. Although the Company has no reason to believe that the FCC renewal
applications will not be granted by the FCC, no assurance can be given.
For a five-year period ending after the date of the grant of a
cellular license by the FCC (the "fill-in period"), the licensee has the
exclusive right to apply to serve areas within the RSA or the MSA. At the
end of the fill-in period, any person may apply to serve the unserved areas
in the MSA or RSA. The fill-in period for the Lincoln MSA has expired and
virtually all areas are served. The fill-in period for the Iowa RSA 1
-2-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
expired in May 1995. One Phase II application has been filed to serve an
uncovered area in Iowa RSA 1. This does not impose a serious threat to the
Company in providing service to this area.
Regulatory Climate and Rate Increases
-------------------------------------
Nebraska has a relatively streamlined regulatory climate. Since 1986,
telecommunications companies in Nebraska have been permitted to increase
basic local exchange rates up to 10% in any consecutive 12-month period
without review by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC). However,
telecommunications companies must provide at least 120 days notice to
affected customers and conduct public informational meetings. If at least
2% of subscribers affected by the proposed increase sign a formal complaint
within 120 days after such notice, opposing the rate increase, the NPSC
must hold and complete a hearing with regard to the complaint within 90
days to determine whether the proposed rates are fair, just, and reason-
able, and within 60 days after the close of the hearing, enter an order
adjusting the rates at issue. On November 8, 1996 the Company announced a
10% increase to residential basic local exchange rates effective March
23, 1997. The Company had not increased such rates since 1991. The rate
change is discussed further under Item 1, Competition, below.
Rates for all other services are not subject to regulation by the
NPSC, and they may be revised by a telecommunications company by filing a
rate list with the NPSC which is effective after ten days' notice.
Effective March 23, 1997, the Company raised rates for two services in this
category. Pay phone rates increased from 25 cents per call to 35 cents per
call, and directory assistance calls increased from 40 cents per call with
two free calls per month to 60 cents per call with one free call per month
for residential customers and no free calls for businesses. The Company is
anticipating rate changes for some other services, which could take effect
as early as the third quarter of 1997.
Quality of service regulation over interexchange and local exchange
service is retained by the NPSC. Nebraska has completely deregulated the
provision of mobile radio services and radio paging services. At the
federal level, the Company operates under price caps, as opposed to rate of
return regulation.
Competition.
-----------
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Act) was signed into effect in
February 1996. The Act facilitates the entry of new competitors into the
local exchange market by allowing companies to purchase and resell
Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) services, by requiring companies to
unbundle their networks, and by requiring ILECs to negotiate
interconnection agreements with companies desiring connection to ILEC
networks. The FCC released an Interconnection Order on August 8, 1996, to
implement the interconnection portion of the Act. The Interconnection
Order contains pricing proxies which are unfavorable to ILECs. Several
ILECs, including the Company, filed petitions to review the Interconnection
Order with the Federal Courts and requested that the pricing provisions of
the Interconnection Order be stayed. On October 15, 1996, the Eighth
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<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 1. Continued
- ------
Circuit Court of Appeals entered an Order Granting Stay Pending Judicial
Review which did stay the effectiveness of the pricing and the so-called
"pick and choose" provisions of the Interconnection Order. The FCC and
certain telecommunications companies requested review of the Eighth
Circuit's Stay Order by the United States Supreme Court; however, the
Supreme Court declined to make such a review. While briefing and oral
arguments have been completed, the case is pending for final decision by
the Eighth Circuit.
The Company has not received a bona fide request to negotiate an
agreement for resale, unbundled network elements, or interconnection with a
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC). The Company may apply to the
NPSC for a waiver or modification of such requirements pursuant to Section
251(f)2 of the Act. The Company is currently examining such a request.
The Act also provides new business opportunities for the Parent, such as
entry into the cable television market, and entry into additional
geographic markets with either a full range of services or selected
services to niche markets.
The 10% residential basic local exchange rate increase referred to on
page 3 under Item 1, Regulatory Climate and Rate Increases, will be offset
by an 8% to 10% reduction in the Company's long distance rates within its
service area, and by a reduction to intrastate access service rates of
approximately 16%. The passage of the Act, which encourages local exchange
competition, requires rate adjustments by the Company for basic local
exchange and other services to more accurately reflect actual costs.
With respect to cellular mobile communications service, the FCC has
granted two licenses to provide cellular service in each MSA or RSA. The
B-license is typically granted to a company that provides local telephone
service in the area, or to a group affiliated with the local service
company. The A-license is typically granted to a company that does not
provide local telephone service and is not affiliated with a local service
company in the area. The Company currently operates as the B-licensee in
the Lincoln MSA, and Iowa RSA 1 also operates as the B-licensee.
The Company faces significant competition from the A-licensee and from
other communications technologies that now exist, such as specialized
mobile radio systems and paging services, or from other communications
technologies that may be developed or perfected. The Company sells
cellular mobile equipment in competition with numerous equipment retailers.
Employees.
---------
The Company employed 1,205 persons at the end of 1996. As of December
1996, 695 employees, approximately 58 percent of the Company's employees,
were represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which is
affiliated with the AFL-CIO. A new three-year contract with the CWA was
signed in October 1995, and it will expire October 14, 1998. The new
contract provided for wage increases of 10.9% over three years, increased
pension benefits, changes in dental care programs, and the establishment of
a 401(k) plan for union-eligible employees. See Item 7 at page 9 for a
discussion of the Company's Voluntary Early Retirement Program and operator
service work force reduction.
-4-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 2. Properties
- ------
The Company's telephone system consists of switching and transmission
equipment, cellular radio facilities, fiber optic systems, and distribution
plant, through 137 communities within the State of Nebraska. Among the
larger exchanges served are Lincoln, Hastings, Beatrice, York, Nebraska
City, Plattsmouth, and Seward.
The Company owns the equipment, plant, and facilities which are
utilized in its telephone system. The Company leases five locations for
its business offices, with annual rentals of approximately $163,000 in
1996. The duration of these leases ranges from one to six years. The
Company owns its remaining business office locations. Additionally, the
Company leases the majority of the locations on which the sites of towers
for its Lincoln MSA cellular system and wide-area paging network are
located. Annual rentals on the sites were approximately $82,000 in 1996,
and the duration of the unexpired portions of such leases ranges from four
months to five years with options to renew thereafter.
It is the opinion of Company management, including the Vice President-
Technology of the Company, that the properties of the Company are suitable
and adequate to provide modern and effective telecommunications services
within its service area, including both local and long distance service.
The capacity for furnishing these services, both currently and for
forecasted growth, are under constant surveillance by the Vice President-
Technology and his staff. Facilities are put to full utilization after
installation and appropriate testing, according to two-, three-, and five-
year construction plans.
The Company's continuing construction programs are divided between
meeting growth demands (population and service) and upgrading its telephone
equipment and plant. Conversion to digital switching systems was completed
in 1992, and such systems continue to be upgraded. Competition, customer
needs, and market conditions drive network technology deployment.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
- ------
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------
No matter was submitted to the holders of the Company's 5% Preferred
Stock in 1996. Such holders have voting rights only to the extent provided
in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with
Delaware General Corporation Law.
-5-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
- ------ Stockholder Matters
(a) Market Information
Not Applicable.
(b) Holders
Since the Company's reorganization in 1981, all outstanding
shares of the Company's Common Stock have been owned by the
Parent.
(c) Dividends
Quarterly dividends on the Company's Common Stock held by the Parent
are paid on the 10th day of January, April, July, and October. Total
dividends paid to the Parent by the Company in 1996 were $26,000,000 and in
1995 were $23,500,000. The agreements relating to the long-term debt of
the Company restrict the payment of dividends. Under the most restrictive
provisions of these agreements, approximately $24,700,000 of retained
earnings of the Company were available for payment of dividends as of
December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
- ------
<CAPTION>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Selected Financial Data
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dollars in thousands 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
Selected Earnings Statement Items
1. Operating revenues............. $194,606 183,303 174,556 163,539 156,760
2. Income before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle........ 35,528 22,325 30,169 28,702 26,719
3. Extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of change in accounting
principle...................... -- 16,516 -- 22,999 --
4. Net income..................... 35,528 5,809 30,169 5,703 26,719
5. Earnings available for
common shares.................. 35,303 5,584 29,944 5,478 26,381
Selected Balance Sheet Items
6. Total assets................... $293,644 293,614 327,752 328,476 307,700
7. Property and equipment......... 496,814 477,291 456,295 447,689 433,786
8. Accumulated depreciation....... 274,909 254,412 215,758 202,299 184,737
9. Accumulated depreciation to
depreciable plant.............. 56.2% 54.3% 48.2% 45.6% 43.3%
10. Current ratio.................. 1:1 .9:1 1.2:1 1:1 1.3:1
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<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 6. Continued
- ------
Selected Balance Sheet Items (cont'd) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
11. Long-term debt and redeemable
preferred stock*............... $ 48,499 48,499 48,499 48,499 78,049
12. Long-term debt and redeemable
preferred stock as a percent
of total capitalization........ 27.3% 28.8% 25.9% 27.0% 35.0%
13. Common stock and premium....... $ 32,495 32,495 32,495 32,495 32,495
14. Retained earnings.............. 96,452 87,649 106,565 98,621 112,143
15. Total long-term debt and
stockholders' equity........... 177,446 168,643 187,559 179,615 222,687
Telephone Statistics
16. Landline access lines in
service**...................... 263,208 254,173 246,963 238,142 232,148
17. Number of employees............ 1,205 1,264 1,392 1,422 1,429
18. Total salaries................. $ 48,482 50,087 48,994 48,066 46,211
</TABLE>
* Excludes current installments and redemptions due in subsequent years.
** Excludes Company access lines.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------ Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
Construction
The Company is continuing to invest in new technology. Net cash
expenditures for capital additions to property and equipment amounted to
$36,015,000 in 1996, $37,270,000 in 1995, and $30,421,000 in 1994. Cash
provided by operating activities, less dividends, exceeded capital
additions in 1996 and 1994. Capital additions exceeded cash provided by
operating activities less dividends paid in 1995. Gross additions to
telephone property and equipment are expected to be approximately
$52,799,000 in 1997. The Company anticipates funding this construction
primarily from operating activities, existing temporary investments, and
short-term debt.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company had cash, cash equivalents, and temporary investments of
$24,552,000 and $25,021,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
There were no short-term borrowings during 1996. A note payable for
$35,000,000 was issued in 1993 to reduce long term debt, and the $8,000,000
outstanding balance at December 31, 1995 was paid off in February 1996.
-7-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 7. Continued
- ------
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Net Earnings
Earnings available for common shares were $35,303,000 in 1996,
compared to $5,584,000 in 1995, and $29,944,000 in 1994. Before
restructuring charges and an extraordinary charge in 1995, earnings
available for common shares were $35,129,000.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by $11,303,000 or 6.2% to $194,606,000 in
1996 over 1995, compared to growth of $8,747,000 or 5.0% in 1995 over 1994.
Local Network Services
Local network service revenues in 1996 were $74,878,000, an increase
of $3,387,000 or 4.7% over the 1995 total of $71,491,000. In 1995, local
network service revenues increased $3,401,000 or 5.0% over the 1994 total
of $68,090,000. These revenues reflect amounts billed to customers for
local exchange services, including enhanced services such as Call Waiting
and Caller ID.
These increases resulted primarily from growth in telephone access
lines and continued demand for enhanced services. Telephone access lines
in service at December 31, 1996 and 1995 increased by 3.6% and 2.9%
respectively, over the prior year. In each case, business and Centrex line
growth led the increases.
Access Revenues
Access service revenues received from interexchange carriers for their
use of local exchange facilities in providing long distance service were
$56,746,000 in 1996, an increase of $3,093,000 or 5.8% over the 1995 total
of $53,653,000. In 1995, access service revenues increased $3,084,000 or
6.1% over the 1994 total of $50,569,000. These increases were due
primarily to increased volume of access minutes which increased by 7.6% in
1996 and by 7.1% in 1995.
Long Distance Revenues
Long distance revenues in 1996 were $12,260,000, a decrease of
$1,116,000 or 8.3% from the 1995 total of $13,376,000. In 1995, long
distance revenues decreased $204,000 or 1.5% from the 1994 total of
$13,580,000. Long distance revenues are received from providing services
within the Company's service area, and are primarily message toll, private
line services, and operator services. The 1996 decrease was mainly due
to the cancellation of the AT&T operator service agreement as of
December 1, 1995. Both 1996 and 1995 long distance revenues were affected
by lower calling volumes.
-8-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 7. Continued
- ------
Wireless Communication Revenues
Wireless communication services revenues were $18,710,000 in 1996, an
increase of $4,650,000 or 33.1% from the 1995 total of $14,060,000. In
1995, wireless revenues increased $3,320,000 or 30.9% over the 1994 total
of $10,740,000. These increases were due to a 36.7% increase in cellular
subscriber lines in 1996 over 1995; in 1995, cellular subscriber lines
increased 41.1% over 1994.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses were $133,490,000 in 1996, a decrease of
$9,464,000 or 6.6% from 1995. Total operating expenses increased
$21,874,000 or 18.1% from 1994 to 1995.
Depreciation expenses amounted to $36,989,000 in 1996, $32,859,000 in
1995, and $35,274,000 in 1994. The composite depreciation rate for
property and equipment was 7.8% in 1996, 7.2% in 1995, and 7.1% in 1994.
The higher rate for 1996 results from determining rates under generally
accepted accounting principles. See Item 7, Extraordinary Item, page 10.
The rate does not include the extraordinary charge in 1995 or the
additional non-recurring depreciation recognized in 1994. In 1994, the
Company recognized additional non-recurring depreciation of approximately
$3,761,000 relating to cellular equipment. Due to changes in technology,
customer growth, and usage demand, an agreement was made with AT&T to
install a new system with digital and analog capacity in order to increase
capacity and performance. The new system became operational in April 1995.
Other operating expenses were $93,105,000 in 1996, $85,755,000 in
1995, and $82,681,000 in 1994. The increase from 1995 to 1996 was due
primarily to an increase in commissions for a new directory yellow pages
contract, growth in cellular operations, and software upgrades to central
office switches. Costs of goods and services sold increased in both 1996
and 1995, resulting from increase product sales and greater discounts.
Sales commissions and other costs of acquiring cellular customers also
increased.
Non-recurring restructuring charges, $1,552,000 from the operator
services force reduction in September 1995 and $19,663,000 from the
voluntary early retirement program recognized in December 1995, increased
operating expenses $21,215,000 in 1995. See Item 7, Voluntary Early
Retirement Program, on page 10.
Taxes, other than payroll and income, are principally local property
taxes. These taxes amounted to $3,396,000 in 1996, compared to $3,125,000
in 1995 and 1994.
Income Taxes
Income tax expenses in 1996 were $22,053,000, compared to $13,653,000
in 1995 and $18,936,000 in 1994. Income tax expense has remained
proportionate to taxable income over the three-year period.
-9-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 7. Continued
- ------
Extraordinary Item
- ------------------
Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 71, "Accounting for the Effects
of Certain Types of Regulation," generally applies to regulated companies
that meet certain requirements, including a requirement that a company be
able to recover its costs by charging its customers rates prescribed by
regulators and that competition will not threaten the recovery of those
costs. Having achieved price regulation and recognizing potential
increased competition, the Company decided, in the fourth quarter of 1995,
that the principles prescribed by FAS 71 were no longer applicable. As a
result of that decision, a non-cash, extraordinary charge of approximately
$16,516,000, net of an income tax benefit of approximately $9,351,000 was
incurred in December 1995.
An increase to accumulated depreciation of approximately $13,305,000
after tax was necessary as the estimated useful lives prescribed by
regulators were not appropriate considering the rapid rate of technological
changes in the telecommunications industry. This increase to accumulated
depreciation was determined by performing a study which identified
inadequate accumulated depreciation levels by individual asset categories.
The estimated useful lives of these individual asset categories were
shortened to more closely reflect economically realistic lives.
Upon adoption of FAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," in 1993,
adjustments were required to adjust excess deferred tax levels to the
currently enacted statutory rates as regulatory liabilities and regulatory
assets were recognized on the cumulative amount of tax benefits previously
flowed through to ratepayers. These tax-related regulatory assets and
liabilities were grossed up for the tax effect anticipated when collected
at future rates. At the time the application of FAS 71 was discontinued,
the tax-related regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities were
eliminated with a net after-tax charge of $3,211,000, and the related
deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect application of FAS 109 consistent
with deregulated entities.
Voluntary Early Retirement Program
- ----------------------------------
In November 1995, the Parent offered a voluntary early retirement
program to eligible employees in an effort to position itself for the long
term. The existing Pension Plan was enhanced by adding five years to both
age and net credited service for eligible employees. In addition to normal
pension payments, lump-sum payments and supplemental monthly payments will
be provided. A total of 319 management and non-management employees of the
Company accepted the offering. The Company recorded a reduction to its
pension asset, the source of funding for the program, and recognized a pre-
tax restructuring charge of $19,663,000, $11,854,000 after tax, in 1995.
In July 1995, the Company announced its decision to reduce its
operator service work force from 140 to approximately 50 employees by the
end of 1995. Retirement and separation incentives and out-placement
services were offered to the affected employees. As a result, the Company
recognized a pre-tax restructuring charge in 1995 of $1,552,000, $937,000
net of tax.
-10-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 7. Continued
- ------
Accounting Pronouncements
- -------------------------
There are no accounting pronouncemnts that have a material effect on
the Company.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
- ------
See pages F-3 through F-22 herein.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
- ------ Financial Disclosure
None
-11-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
- -------
The following sets forth certain information about each director,
including each person's business experience for the past five years.
Information presented is stated as of February 28, 1997.
All members of the Company's Board of Directors, or nominees for
membership, are also members of or nominees for membership to the Board of
Directors of the Parent.
NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2000
WILLIAM W. COOK, JR.; Director since 1981; Age 60; Beatrice, Nebraska. Mr.
Cook is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Beatrice National Bank &
Trust Co., of Beatrice, Nebraska, and has held such position since 1993.
He was President and Chief Executive Officer of such company from 1971 to
1997.
CHARLES N. WHEATLEY; Director since 1993; Age 46; Chicago, Illinois. Mr.
Wheatley is President and Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Enterprises,
Inc. (a diversified holding company) and has held such position since July,
1992. He was Vice President and Secretary of Sahara Enterprises, Inc. from
1985 to July 1992. Mr. Wheatley is a Director of Sahara Enterprises, Inc.
THOMAS C. WOODS, III; Director since 1979; Age 51; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Woods is Chairman of the Board of the Parent and of the Company. He was
the Parent's Vice Chairman of the Board-Corporate Relations and
Communications from March 1990 to April 1993. Mr. Woods is a director of
Sahara Enterprises, Inc.
PRESENT TERM EXPIRES IN 1998
CHARLES R. HERMES; Director since 1992; Age 54; Hastings, Nebraska. Mr.
Hermes is President of Dutton-Lainson Company (wholesale electrical and
plumbing supplies, and a manufacturer of hardware and marine specialties)
of Hastings, Nebraska, and has held such position since 1974.
FRANK H. HILSABECK; Director since 1990; Age 52; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Hilsabeck is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Parent, is
President of the Company, and is Chairman of the Board of Cellular,
Systems, Midwest, and Prairie. He was the Parent's President and Chief
Operating Officer from March 1991 to May 1993, and was President-Telephone
Operations from March 1990 to March 1991.
PAUL C. SCHORR, III; Director since 1973; Age 60; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Schorr is President and Chief Executive Officer of ComCor Holding
Incorporated (an electrical contractor specializing in construction
consulting services) of Lincoln, Nebraska, and has held such position since
1989. Mr. Schorr is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Austins Steaks
& Saloon, Inc.
-12-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 10. Continued
- -------
JAMES W. STRAND; Director since 1990; Age 50; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Strand is President-Diversified Operations of the Parent, Executive Vice
President-Marketing and Customer Services of the Company, President of
Prairie and Midwest, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Cellular.
PRESENT TERM EXPIRES IN 1999
DUANE W. ACKLIE; Director since 1983; Age 65; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Acklie is Chairman of Crete Carrier Corporation (a motor carrier) of
Lincoln, Nebraska, and has held such position since 1991. He was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Crete Carrier Corporation from 1971 to 1991.
Mr. Acklie is Chairman of the First National Bank of Lincoln, Nebraska.
TERRY L. FAIRFIELD; Director since 1993; Age 48; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Fairfield is President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of
Nebraska Foundation, Lincoln, Nebraska. He has held such position since
1987.
JOHN HAESSLER; Director since 1993; Age 60; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Haessler is President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodmen Accident and
Life Company of Lincoln, Nebraska, and has held such position since 1986.
(See Note 1 below.)
WILLIAM C. SMITH; Director since 1983; Age 63; Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr.
Smith retired in 1989 from the position of Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of FirsTier Financial, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska, a position which he
had held since 1988. Mr. Smith is currently self-employed in business and
financial consulting.
LYN WALLIN ZIEGENBEIN; Director since 1992; Age 44; Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs.
Ziegenbein is Executive Director of the Peter Kiewit Foundation of Omaha,
Nebraska, and has held such position since 1983. (See Note 2 below.)
- ------------------------
Note 1. Woodmen Accident and Life Company is the insurer from which the
Parent and the Company purchase key man life insurance and employee group
life insurance. The total net premiums paid for such insurance coverages in
1996 were $1,506,199. The Parent believes that the rates paid for such
insurance are comparable to market rates.
Note 2. The Woods & Aitken law firm, in which Mr. John H. Ziegenbein,
the husband of Mrs. Ziegenbein, is of counsel, provided legal services to
the Parent, the Company, Systems, Cellular, Midwest, and Prairie during
1996, for which it received fees in the amount of $205,599.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
During 1996, six meetings of the Board of Directors were held. The
Parent has no standing nominating committee, but does have the following
three standing committees:
-13-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 10. Continued
- -------
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, in accordance with By-Law 16 of the Company's
By-Laws, and subject to the limitations of the Nebraska Business
Corporation Act, possesses and may exercise all powers of the Board of
Directors. The Committee did not meet during 1996. Committee members
during 1996 were: Frank H. Hilsabeck, Chairman; William W. Cook, Jr.; Paul
C. Schorr, III; and William C. Smith.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee recommends the independent auditors for the Parent
to the full Board of Directors, reviews the scope of the audit and approves
the fees for the auditors. In addition, the Committee reviews the work of
the Parent's Internal Audit Section. The Committee met three times during
1996. Committee members during 1996 were: Charles R. Hermes, Chairman;
Terry L. Fairfield; John Haessler; and Charles N. Wheatley.
Executive Compensation Committee
The Executive Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations
to the full Board of Directors for compensation levels of the Parent's
officers and administers the 1989 Stock and Incentive Plan in which
executive officers and other key employees participate. The Committee met
four times during 1996. Committee members during 1996 were: Duane W.
Acklie, Chairman; Paul C. Schorr, III; Charles N. Wheatley; and Lyn Wallin
Ziegenbein.
Pension Investment Review Committee
The Pension Investment Review Committee reviews the allocation of
assets, recommends the engagement of professional investment managers, and
reviews and evaluates the performance of each asset class and the
investment managers. The Committee met four times during 1996. Committee
members during 1996 were: William C. Smith, Chairman; James E. Geist;
Donald H. Pegler, Jr.; and Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein.
Executive Officers of Registrant
- -------------------------------- First Year
In Present
Officer Age Position Held Office
- ------- --- ------------- ------
Frank H. Hilsabeck 52 President and Director 1993
James W. Strand 50 Executive Vice President-Marketing 1990
and Customer Services and Director
Robert L. Tyler 61 Senior Vice President-Chief Financial 1991
Officer
Bryan C. Rickertsen 49 Vice President-Technology 1995
Michael J. Tavlin 50 Vice President-Treasurer and Secretary 1986
-14-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 10. Continued
- -------
Term of office of above named executive officers: At the meeting of the
Board of Directors each year held immediately following the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, the officers are elected to serve for the ensuing year, or
until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
- -------------------------------------------------
Other than Thomas C. Woods, III who, as a co-personal representative
of the Estate of Thomas C. Woods, Jr., is the beneficial owner of 12 shares
of the Company's 5% Preferred Stock, no current officer or director of the
Company beneficially owns any shares of Preferred Stock of the Company. In
making the foregoing statements, the Company has relied on the
representations of such officers and directors.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
- -------
The following Summary Compensation Table shows the compensation for
the past three years for each of the Company's five most highly compensated
executive officers, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (the
"named executive officers"). All of the five named executive officers are
also officers of the Parent. All compensation of such officers is paid by
the Parent and is reported herein. The Parent collects from the Company
fees for management services provided to the Company, which fees recover a
portion of the compensation and expenses paid by the Parent, including
compensation of these officers. The amounts collected from the Company are
based upon approximations of time spent in managing the Company's
activities. The percentage of the named executive officers' compensation
paid by the Company to the Parent for 1994 through 1996 is set forth in
following footnote (1).
-15-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
<TABLE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<CAPTION>
Long Term Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Restricted Stock All Other
Name and Salary Bonus Stock Options Compensation
Principal Position Year ($) (1) ($) (2) ($)(3) (#)(4) ($)(5)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frank H. Hilsabeck 1996 300,000 45,001 44,999 17,900 4,500
President & Chief 1995 270,000 61,392 61,368 16,350 4,500
Executive Officer 1994 225,000 52,210 52,190 0 4,500
and Director
James W. Strand 1996 200,000 19,812 19,788 8,950 4,500
President-Diversified 1995 184,800 27,611 27,589 8,400 4,500
Operations and Director 1994 154,000 22,872 22,848 0 4,500
Robert L. Tyler 1996 150,000 13,208 13,192 5,800 4,500
Senior Vice President- 1995 138,000 18,19 18,167 5,450 4,140
Chief Financial Officer 1994 124,000 16,804 16,796 0 3,720
Bryan C. Rickertsen 1996 125,000 10,200 10,200 4,100 3,750
Vice President- 1995 100,250 11,109 11,091 1,900 3,008
Technology 1994 85,700 8,402 8,398 0 2,571
Michael J. Tavlin 1996 113,000 7,036 7,004 3,700 3,390
Vice President- 1995 107,000 12,610 12,591 3,550 3,210
Treasurer & Secretary 1994 101,000 12,015 11,985 0 3,030
</TABLE>
_____________________________
(1) The percent of compensation paid by the Company to the following
Parent officers for 1994 through 1996 is as follows:
Name 1996 1995 1994
Frank H. Hilsabeck 85.5% 85.5% 90.7%
James W. Strand 50.0% 45.0% 40.0%
Robert L. Tyler 85.3% 88.4% 87.3%
Bryan C. Rickertsen 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Michael J. Tavlin 58.0% 70.0% 80.0%
(2) The Parent's 1989 Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is
administered by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Parent's
Board of Directors (the "Committee") constituted of members of such
Board not eligible to participate in the Plan, and permits the award
of Short-Term Incentives, Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights
and Restricted Stock. The bonus amounts shown reflect the cash bonus
amounts paid pursuant to the terms of the Plan attributable to the
fiscal years of the Company shown. On April 26, 1989, the
stockholders of the Parent approved the Plan.
-16-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11, Continued
- -------
(3) Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, a participant may elect to receive
up to forty percent (40%) of the amount of any Short-Term Incentive
award in Restricted Stock of the Parent. Each of the listed
individuals has so elected. When a participant elects to receive
such portion of such award in shares of Restricted Stock, the number
of shares awarded is based upon the closing price of the Parent's
Common Stock as of the date of award, and the number of shares
awarded is increased by a multiple determined by the Committee, which
for each of the years shown was 1.5 times the stock portion. The
dollar value of the Restricted Stock awards are attributable to the
Company's fiscal year as indicated. The percentage of such awards
allocated to the Company for 1994 through 1996 is shown in footnote
(1) to the Summary Compensation Table. The number of shares of
Restricted Stock awarded and values thereof for each named executive
officer and the aggregate value as of December 31, 1996, are as
follows:
Number of Restricted Shares
Name 1994 Award 1995 Award 1996 Award Aggregate Value
- ---- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
Mr. Hilsabeck 3,070 2,905 2,647 $146,574
Mr. Strand 1,344 1,306 1,164 64,838
Mr. Tyler 988 860 776 44,608
Mr. Rickertsen 494 525 600 27,523
Mr. Tavlin 705 596 412 29,121
----- ----- ----- -------
Totals 6,601 6,192 5,599 $312,664
The restrictions against sale, transfer, pledge or assignment of the
Restricted Stock will lapse, and the awards have vested or will vest
as follows: 1994 Awards - January 31, 1997; 1995 Awards - January 31,
1998; and 1996 Awards - January 29, 1999. Restrictions will lapse
sooner if the participant dies, becomes disabled, retires or there is
a change in control of the Parent during the period of restriction.
Dividends are paid during the period of restriction on the shares of
Restricted Stock to the executive officer holding such shares and
voting rights may be exercised.
(4) The options shown for 1995 were awarded on March 15, 1995, and the
options awarded for 1996 were awarded on July 1, 1996. The awards
were not attributed to any past performance.
(5) The Parent maintains a 401(k) Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for the
benefit of its non-union-eligible employees, including the named
executive officers. Pursuant thereto the Parent (a) has contributed
1.75% of the employee's base salary in the form of the Parent's Common
Stock for the employee's benefit (to the following maximum base salary
amounts: 1994 - $150,000; 1995 - $150,000; and 1996 - $150,000; and
(b) has contributed on a matching basis, at the rate of .25% for each
1% of the employee's salary contributed to the 401(k) account, up to a
maximum of 1.25% of such salary contribution. Such match is also made
in shares of the Parent's Common Stock.
-17-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
The Parent has in effect the Plan which was approved by the Parent's
stockholders and pursuant to which options to purchase shares of Common
Stock of the Parent are granted to officers and other key employees of the
Parent and its subsidiaries.
The following table shows information concerning the exercise of stock
options by each of the named executive officers during the 1996 fiscal
year, and the number of unexercised options existing at the end of the year
1996 for each of the named executive officers, and the 1996 year-end value
of unexercised options.
OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1996
AND FISCAL 1996 YEAR-END OPTION VALUE
Number of
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options at In-The-Money Options
12/31/96 (#) 12/31/96
Shares Acquired
Name on Exercise Realized Exerci- Unexer- Exerci- Unexer-
(#) ($) sable cisable sable cisable
Frank H. Hilsabeck 0 0 17,500 34,250 84,125 12,650
James W. Strand 0 0 11,900 17,350 55,575 6,438
Robert L. Tyler 0 0 12,300 11,250 59,150 4,175
Bryan C. Rickertsen 0 0 6,400 6,000 31,200 1,975
Michael J. Tavlin 0 0 8,100 7,250 37,925 2,700
The following table illustrates the annual pension plan benefit
provided by the Company's Pension Plan, as supplemented by the Executive
Benefit Plan, for eligible executive employees upon retirement at age 65,
assuming no optional forms of benefit have been elected. The Pension Plan
is not integrated with Social Security and is maintained for all employees
of the Company and its affiliates.
<TABLE>
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Estimated Annual Pension at Normal Retirement
Age for Representative Years of Credited Service
<CAPTION>
Highest 15 yrs 20 yrs 25 yrs 30 yrs 35 yrs 40 yrs 45 yrs 50 yrs
Consecutive Service Service Service Service Service Service Service Service
Five-Year (34.875 (52.00 (59.375 (67.00 (74.875 (82.00 (89.125 (96.25
Average Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
Compensation Factor) Factor) Factor) Factor) Factor) Factor) Factor) Factor)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 90,000 $ 31,388 $ 46,800 $ 53,438 $ 60,300 $ 67,388 $ 73,800 $ 80,213 $ 86,625
120,000 41,850 62,400 71,250 80,400 89,850 98,400 106,950 115,500
150,000 52,313 78,000 89,063 100,500 112,313 123,000 133,688 144,375
180,000 62,775 93,600 106,875 120,600 134,775 147,600 160,425 173,250
210,000 73,238 109,200 124,688 140,700 157,238 172,200 187,163 202,125
240,000 83,700 124,800 142,500 160,800 179,700 196,800 213,900 231,000
270,000 94,163 140,400 160,313 180,900 202,163 221,400 240,638 259,875
300,000 104,625 156,000 178,125 201,000 224,625 246,000 267,375 288,750
330,000 115,088 171,600 195,938 221,100 247,088 270,600 294,113 317,625
360,000 125,550 187,200 213,750 241,200 269,550 295,200 320,850 346,500
</TABLE>
-18-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
Compensation covered by the Pension Plan is a participant's salary, as
shown in the Summary Compensation Table on page 15 herein, (whether or not
such compensation has been deferred at participant's election). Benefits
are based on a participant's average compensation for five consecutive
years, or, in the case of a participant who has been employed for less than
five full years, the period of his employment covered by the Pension Plan.
Under the Pension Plan, only salary as shown in the Summary Compensation
Table up to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code is taken into
account. The 1996 compensation limit applicable to the Pension Plan is
$150,000.
Included in the information reflected in the above table are the
supplemental retirement benefits which the Parent provides pursuant to an
Executive Benefit Plan for the benefit of Messrs. Hilsabeck, Strand, Tyler,
Rickertsen, Tavlin, and certain other executive officers. The Executive
Benefit Plan also provides pre-retirement death benefits and long-term
disability benefits. Pension benefits which exceed the limitations imposed
by the Internal Revenue Code are payable under the Executive Benefit Plan.
All pension benefits payable under the Executive Benefit Plan will be paid
outside the Pension Plan as an operating expense.
The named executive officers have the following years of service with
the Company as of December 31, 1996: Frank H. Hilsabeck, 29; James W.
Strand, 23; Robert L. Tyler, 37; Bryan C. Rickertsen, 17; and Michael J.
Tavlin, 10 years.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Full-time officers of the Company do not receive additional
compensation for serving as members of the Board of Directors of the
Company. No additional compensation is paid if a full-time officer serves
on any committee of such Board of Directors.
Effective April 26, 1995, non-employees serving as members of the
Parent's Board of Directors are paid: (a) an annual retainer of $8,400,
paid in monthly installments of $700; (b) an additional fee of $700 for
attendance at each meeting of the Board; (c) an additional fee of $1,000
for attendance at any meeting of a Board Committee by the Committee
Chairman; (d) an additional fee of $700 for attendance at any meeting of a
Board Committee by other Committee members; and (e) reimbursement of
expenses incurred in connection with such meetings. Non-employee Directors
of the Parent are not compensated for serving as Directors of the Company.
Total fees paid to Directors in 1996 were $165,400.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF
EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Parent has agreements with Messrs. Hilsabeck, Strand, Tyler,
Rickertsen, and Tavlin which provide that the executive is entitled to
benefits if, after a change in control (as defined), the executive
officer's employment is ended through (i) termination by the Parent other
than by reason of death or disability or for cause (as defined), or (ii)
-19-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
termination by the executive officer following the first anniversary of the
change in control or due to a breach of the agreement by the Parent or a
significant adverse change in his responsibilities. As used in such
agreements, (a) "change in control" means (i) if any person is or becomes a
thirty percent beneficial owner of the Parent or (ii) a change in a
majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Parent over a two
consecutive year period; and (b) "cause" means termination of an
executive's employment by the Parent after a change in control based upon
willful and intentional conduct causing serious injury to the Parent,
conviction for a felony or willful and unreasonable neglect or refusal to
perform the executive's duties. The benefits provided are: (a) a cash
termination payment of up to three times the sum of executive officer's
annual salary and his highest annual bonus during the three years before
the termination and (b) continuation of equivalent hospital, medical,
dental, accident, disability and life insurance coverage as in effect at
the termination. The agreements provide that if any portion of the
benefits under the agreements or under any other agreement would constitute
an "excess parachute payment" for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (the "Code"), benefits are reduced so that the executive officer is
entitled to receive $1.00 less than the maximum amount which he can receive
without becoming subject to the 20% excise tax imposed by the Code or which
the Parent may pay without loss of deduction under the Code.
In accordance with agreements pursuant to the Parent's Executive
Benefit Plan, in the event of a change in control of the Parent,
entitlement to benefits payable to the named executive officers shall
become vested, provided that such employee shall comply with specified non-
competition and confidentiality requirements of such agreements. The
vested amount shall equal 25% of average final compensation irrespective of
the employee's net credited service on the date of employee's retirement.
If after the change of control the employee's employment is terminated for
reasons other than death or retirement, the vested 25% of average final
compensation shall be payable on the later of his attaining age 60 or his
date of termination.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Executive Compensation Committee of the Board is responsible for
all aspects of the Company's compensation package offered to its corporate
officers, including the named executive officers. The following report was
approved by the members of the Executive Compensation Committee.
Compensation Policies. The Parent's principal executive compensation
objective is to compensate executive officers in a manner that will attract
and retain the services of an outstanding management team and provide
incentives to motivate superior performance by key employees. In light of
that objective, the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee"), which also serves as the executive
compensation committee for the Company (the principal subsidiary of the
Parent), has approved a compensation program for the Parent's executive
officers consistent with the policies described below. There are currently
seven executive officers (including one person who is an employee of the
Company).
-20-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
To attract and retain employees, the Parent's compensation program
provides a base salary and an overall compensation package that are
intended to be competitive and are based upon the following factors.
First, the Committee reviews the financial performance of the Parent as
compared to the peer group of telecommunications companies (as shown in the
Performance Graph on page 20 which graphically illustrates returns on
investments by stockholders over a five-year period, including reinvestment
of dividends). Second, the Committee reviews competitive, legislative,
regulatory, and operational issues which the Parent has faced during the
past fiscal year, or will face during the ensuing fiscal year. In its
discussions, the Committee evaluates the proactive and reactive actions of
the executive officers concerning these first two factors and subjectively
incorporates the evaluation into its compensation decisions. Third, and
most important to the Committee's considerations, the Committee considers
surveys of executive compensation obtained from available sources. Such
surveys take into account both the telecommunications industry and other
industries nationwide. The surveys include the five mid-sized telecommuni-
cations companies in the Parent's peer group, as well as a number of other
similarly sized companies in telecommunications or related industries. The
1994, 1995, and 1996 surveys indicated that the compensation of the
Parent's Chief Executive Officer was significantly below the mid-point of
the survey results after giving consideration to the size of the Parent
compared to the size of the companies in the survey. Certain other
officers were also below the mid-point of the survey results. The Commit-
tee's actions concerning 1996 salary level adjustments for these officers
included steps to more closely align the salary of the Chief Executive
Officer and other Parent officers with the mid-point of the survey results.
To provide incentives to motivate performance, the Parent's executive
compensation program establishes a direct relationship between compensation
and the Parent's performance and encourages executives to acquire an
ownership interest in the Parent. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan,
eligible executives, who have been chosen in advance by the Committee,
receive a portion of their compensation in the form of incentive awards
("Short-Term Incentive awards"). The amounts of such Short-Term Incentive
awards are established in accordance with ranges of earnings and return on
equity realized by the Parent as pre-determined by the Committee. The
minimum return on equity required to award short-term incentives for 1996
was 15%. In 1996, the Parent's earnings and return on equity yielded an
aggregate short-term incentive pool of $231,750 or 14.4% of composite
salaries for eligible executives. The portion of such incentive pool
received by an executive is based on his or her position of responsibility
and individual performance.
Further, to align the interests of executives with stockholder
interests and to provide a means for the acquisition of an ownership
interest in the Parent, executives are encouraged to elect to receive up to
40% of the cash portion of the Short-Term Incentive awards in Restricted
Stock of the Parent. If such an election is made, the Committee may
increase the stock portion of the award by a multiple not to exceed two
times such stock portion. For 1996, the Committee determined 1.5 to be an
appropriate multiple to be applied to the stock portion of the award to
incent ownership, and in view of the two-year period of restrictions.
-21-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
Finally, the Committee may grant stock options under the Plan to key
executives in amounts that are competitive based upon market
considerations, which are exercisable after three years.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. The compensation for Mr. Frank
H. Hilsabeck, President and Chief Executive Officer, reported for 1996
reflects the application of the policies described above.
Mr. Hilsabeck also received a Short-Term Incentive award for 1996. On
December 13, 1995, the Committee adopted performance goals for the Parent
for 1996 for purposes of the Parent's Short-Term Incentive awards. As a
result of the Parent's earnings and return on equity and his performance in
1996, Mr. Hilsabeck received a Short-Term Incentive award of $75,000 or
approximately 32.4% of the aggregate award.
Consistent with the Parent's desire to encourage acquisition of an
ownership interest in the Parent, Mr. Hilsabeck elected to receive
Restricted Stock pursuant to the Plan to the maximum permitted of 40% of
the Short-Term Incentive award. The Committee had previously determined to
increase the value of the portion of the award used for the granting of
Restricted Stock by a multiple of 1.5, thereby enabling Mr. Hilsabeck to
receive Restricted Stock with a value of $45,001, as well as a cash award
of $44,999. As of December 31, 1996, Mr. Hilsabeck held unvested
Restricted Stock with an aggregate value of $146,574, including the 1996
award.
Mr. Hilsabeck also participated in other employee benefit plans
available to other executive officers during 1996, which the Committee
believes are competitive, including the Pension Plan, Executive Benefit
Plan, the 401(k) Savings and Stock Ownership Plan and life and health
insurance programs.
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code") eliminates, subject to certain exceptions, the
deductibility of executive compensation to the extent that any executive's
compensation for any year exceeds $1 million. Exceptions to amounts
included in executive compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) involve
various types of performance-based compensation. As noted above, it is the
Executive Compensation Committee's policy to base a substantial amount of
executive compensation on the Parent's performance. Currently the cash
compensation levels for the Parent's executive officers fall significantly
below $1 million. In the event that in the future the annual remuneration
of any executive of the Parent approaches $1 million, the Committee will
consider the various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of
compensation payments to the extent reasonably practicable and consistent
with its compensation objectives.
Members of the Executive Compensation Committee for 1996 were:
Duane W. Acklie, Chairman Charles N. Wheatley
Paul C. Schorr, III Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein
-22-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 11. Continued
- -------
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The current members of the Executive Compensation Committee are
identified above. Mrs. Ziegenbein, a member of the Executive Compensation
Committee, is the spouse of John H. Ziegenbein, of counsel in the law firm
of Woods & Aitken. Woods & Aitken acted as outside counsel for the Parent
for 1996 for which it received fees of $205,599.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph sets forth a comparison of the cumulative total
stockholder return by quarter, commencing December 1991 and ending
December 1996, on an investment of $100 in (a) shares of the Parent's
Common Stock; (b) shares of Standard & Poor's telephone company composite;
(c) shares of Standard & Poor's 500 company composite; and (d) shares of
the Parent's telephone company peer group identified below. The
cumulative total market appreciation includes the cumulative amount of
dividends for the five-year period, assuming dividend reinvestment.
[COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN GRAPH]
Dec-91 Dec-92 Dec-93 Dec-94 Dec-95 Dec-96
Aliant Communications
Inc. $100 $115 $168 $160 $205 $171
S&P 500 $100 $108 $118 $120 $165 $203
S&P Telephone Index $100 $110 $127 $121 $183 $185
Custom Composite Index
(5 Stocks) $100 $121 $141 $145 $179 $193
The 5-Stock Custom Composite Index consists of Alltel Corp., Century
Telephone Enterprise, Cincinnati Bell Inc., Frontier Corp., and Southern
New England Telecommunications.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- -------
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.
-----------------------------------------------
As of December 31, 1996, the owner of more than 5% of the Company's
Common Stock was as follows:
Name and Address Amount & Nature of Percent
of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class
------------------- -------------------- --------
Aliant Communications Inc. 1,000 shares 100%
1440 M Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
-23-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 12. Continued
- -------
(b) Security Ownership of Management.
--------------------------------
Other than Thomas C. Woods, III who, as a co-personal representative
of the Estate of Thomas C. Woods, Jr., is the beneficial owner of 12 shares
of the Company's 5% Preferred Stock, no shares of the Company's 5%
Preferred Stock are owned by Management. Set forth below is a table
indicating as of February 28, 1997, the shares of Common Stock of the
Parent, beneficially owned by each director and nominee; each of the named
executive officers; and directors, nominees, and executive officers of the
Company as a group.
Amount and
Nature of
Name of Beneficial Principal Beneficial Percent of
Owner Position Ownership (Note 1) Class
- ------------------ -------- ------------------ -----
Thomas C. Woods, III Chairman of the 47,244 Direct 8.9%
Board and Director 3,187,058 Indirect* Note 3
Frank H. Hilsabeck President & Chief 32,403 Direct Note 2
Executive Officer 379 Indirect*
and Director
James W. Strand Executive Vice President 16,576 Direct Note 2
Marketing & Customer 8,067 Indirect*
Services and Director
Robert L. Tyler Senior Vice 21,403 Direct Note 2
President-Chief 4,073 Indirect*
Financial Officer
Bryan C. Rickertsen Vice President- 16,891 Direct Note 2
Technology 1,580 Indirect*
Michael J. Tavlin Vice President- 16,577 Direct Note 2
Treasurer and Secretary 2,390 Indirect*
Duane W. Acklie Director 128,172 Direct Note 2
61,950 Indirect*
William W. Cook, Jr. Director 7,233 Direct Note 2
1,102 Indirect*
Terry L. Fairfield Director None Direct Notes
29,456 Indirect* 2 & 4
James E. Geist Director 23,932 Direct Note 2
31,769 Indirect*
John Haessler Director 7,000 Direct Notes
252,432 Indirect* 2 & 4
Charles R. Hermes Director 2,000 Direct Note 2
34,692 Indirect*
-24-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 12. Continued
- -------
Amount and
Nature of
Name of Beneficial Principal Beneficial Percent of
Owner Position Ownership (Note 1) Class
- ------------------ -------- ------------------ -----
Donald H. Pegler, Jr. Director 10,800 Direct Note 2
40,000 Indirect
Paul C. Schorr, III Director 1,867 Direct Note 2
28,370 Indirect*
William C. Smith Director 2,400 Direct Note 2
None Indirect
William C. Smith Director 2,400 Direct Note 2
None Indirect
Charles N. Wheatley Director None Direct 8.8%
3,218,520 Indirect* Note 3
Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein Director 4,000 Direct Note 2
10 Indirect*
All Directors and
Executive Officers
as a Group (17 persons) TOTAL 4,063,570 ** 11.2%
* Includes shares held by individual's spouse, held by the individual in
custodianship for minor children, or held by a corporation with which the
individual is affiliated, and to the extent listed as owned by the director
or named executive officer should not be construed as an admission of
beneficial ownership.
** Total shares and percent of class ownership do not reflect the
cumulative effect of beneficial ownership by Messrs. Woods and Wheatley of
shares held of record by Sahara Enterprises, Inc. (See Note 3 below.)
Note 1. Approximate number of shares of Common Stock owned, directly
or indirectly, as of February 28, 1997. This information has been
furnished by each Director or Officer. Also includes all Short-Term
Incentive awards of Restricted Stock of the Corporation under the 1989
Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and any Long-Term Incentive awards of
Stock Options under the Plan which are exercisable within 60 days of the
date hereof, in the following amounts: Frank H. Hilsabeck, 17,500;
James W. Strand, 11,900; Robert L. Tyler, 12,300; Bryan C. Rickertsen,
6,400; and Michael J. Tavlin, 8,100.
Note 2. Owns less than one percent of the Corporation's outstanding
Common Stock.
-25-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 12. Continued
- -------
Note 3. The shares of the Corporation's Common Stock shown as
indirectly owned by Messrs. Woods and Wheatley are held as follows:
3,176,776 shares included in each individual's indirect ownership total
were held of record by Sahara Enterprises, Inc., as of February 28, 1997.
Messrs. Woods and Wheatley each serve as Directors and Mr. Wheatley serves
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Enterprises, Inc. The
balance of Mr. Woods' indirect ownership is held by his spouse or held in
trust. The balance of Mr. Wheatley's indirect ownership consists of shares
held as trustee of various Woods family trusts.
Note 4. The shares of the Parent's Common Stock shown as indirectly
owned by Mr. Fairfield include 29,456 shares held by the University of
Nebraska Foundation, of which Mr. Fairfield is President and Chief
Executive Officer. The shares of the Parent's Common Stock shown as
indirectly owned by Mr. Haessler include 252,432 shares held by Woodmen
Accident and Life Company, a mutual insurance company, of which Mr.
Haessler is President and Chief Executive Officer.
(c) Changes in control.
None.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- -------
(a) Transactions with Management and Others.
---------------------------------------
See pages 24 through 26 herein.
(b) Certain Business Relationships.
------------------------------
See pages 24 through 26.
(c) Indebtedness of Management.
--------------------------
Not applicable.
(d) Transactions with Promoters.
---------------------------
Not applicable.
-26-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on
- ------- Form 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
Page(s)
in this Annual
Report Form 10-K
----------------
1. Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Balance Sheets, December 31, 1996 and 1995 F-3
Statements of Earnings, Years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, and 1994 F-4
Statements of Stockholder's Equity,
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-5
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-6 - F-7
Notes to Financial Statements, December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994 F-8- F-22
2. Financial Statement schedules required by Item 8 of this form.
Independent Auditors' Report S-3
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994 S-4
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
information required is immaterial or is presented within the
financial statements and notes thereto.
3. The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated
by reference herein.
Exhibit 2: Current report on Form 8-K as filed on August 1, 1996,
reporting the Registrant's corporate name change from The
Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company to Aliant
Communications Co.
Exhibit 3: Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Certificate of Incorporation as amended effective
September 3, 1996, was filed as an exhibit to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1996; and By-Laws as amended through
December 14, 1994, were filed as an exhibit to the
Company's Form 10K/A for the year ended December 31, 1994.
-27-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
Item 14. Continued
Exhibit 4: Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders,
including Indentures
The Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
the Parent's Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1990)
and Supplemental Indenture Eleven dated June 1, 1990
(incorporated by reference to the Parent's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1990).
Exhibit 10: Material Contracts
The 1989 Stock and Incentive Plan approved by the Parent's
stockholders on April 26, 1989, was filed as an exhibit to
Form S-8, File 33-39551, effective March 22, 1991, and is
incorporated herein by this reference. A specimen of the
Executive Benefit Plan agreement, as amended through
January 1, 1993, provided to the executive officers and
director-level managers of the Company, and a specimen of
the Key Executive Employment and Severance Agreement
provided to the executive officers of the Parent and its
affiliates on December 23, 1987, was filed as an exhibit
to the Parent's Form 10-K for the year ending December 31,
1992, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit 24: Powers of Attorney
Exhibit 27: Financial Data Schedule
Exhibits 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 28 are not applicable.
(b) All exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are incorporated
by reference or attached as indicated in paragraph (a) 3 above.
(c) Not applicable.
-28-
<PAGE>
Form 10-K
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
By /s/ Robert L. Tyler Date March 31, 1997
----------------------------- -------------------------
Robert L. Tyler, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
Duane W. Acklie Director
William W. Cook, Jr. Director
Terry L. Fairfield Director
James E. Geist Director
John Haessler Director
Charles R. Hermes Director March 31, 1997
Donald H. Pegler, Jr. Director
Paul C. Schorr, III Director
William C. Smith Director
James W. Strand Director
Charles N. Wheatley Director
Thomas C. Woods, III Director
Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein Director
By /s/ Michael J. Tavlin
---------------------
Attorney-in-Fact
/s/ Frank H. Hilsabeck Principal Executive
- ----------------------- Officer and Director
Frank H. Hilsabeck
/s/ Robert L. Tyler Principal Financial
- -------------------- Officer
Robert L. Tyler
/s/ Michael J. Tavlin
- ---------------------- Officer
Michael J. Tavlin
-29-
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Financial Statements
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
F-1
<PAGE>
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 14th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508-2041
Two Central Park Plaza
Suite 1501
Omaha, NE 68102
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Aliant Communications Co.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Aliant Communications
Co. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of
earnings, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Aliant Communications
Co. at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in note 2 to the financial statements, the Company
discontinued applying the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards
Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for
the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, in 1995.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
February 7, 1997
F-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Balance Sheets
December 31, 1996 and 1995
<CAPTION>
Assets 1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,865 13,496
Temporary investments, at cost 6,687 11,525
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
receivables of $159,000 in 1996 and $155,000 in 1995 26,966 29,878
Materials, supplies and other assets 5,398 5,123
Due from affiliated company 1,987 709
Income tax recoverable - 485
------- -------
Total current assets 58,903 61,216
------- -------
Property and equipment 496,814 477,291
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 274,909 254,412
------- -------
Net property and equipment 221,905 222,879
Investments and other assets 409 339
Deferred charges 12,427 9,180
------- -------
$ 293,644 293,614
======= =======
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Current liabilities:
Note payable to bank $ - 8,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 43,536 44,230
Income taxes payable 3,374 -
Dividends payable 7,056 6,556
Advance billings and customer deposits 7,056 6,456
------- -------
Total current liabilities 61,022 65,242
------- -------
Deferred credits:
Unamortized investment tax credits 1,929 2,696
Deferred income taxes 1,310 4,769
Other 51,937 52,264
------- -------
Total deferred credits 55,176 59,729
Long-term debt 44,000 44,000
Preferred stock, 5%, redeemable 4,499 4,499
Stockholder's equity 128,947 120,144
------- -------
$ 293,644 293,614
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Statements of Earnings
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues:
Telephone revenues:
Local network services $ 74,878 71,491 68,090
Access services 56,746 53,653 50,569
Long distance services 12,260 13,376 13,580
Other wireline communication services 25,105 23,291 24,060
------- ------- -------
Total telephone revenues 168,989 161,811 156,299
Wireless communications services 18,710 14,060 10,740
Telephone equipment sales and services 6,907 7,432 7,517
------- ------- -------
Total operating revenues 194,606 183,303 174,556
------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Depreciation 36,989 32,859 31,513
Additional non-recurring depreciation on
cellular equipment - - 3,761
Other operating expenses 93,105 85,755 82,681
Restructuring charges - 21,215 -
Taxes, other than payroll and income 3,396 3,125 3,125
------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 133,490 142,954 121,080
------- ------- -------
Operating income 61,116 40,349 53,476
------- ------- -------
Non-operating income and expense:
Income from interest and other investments 1,736 3,395 1,833
Interest expense and other deductions 5,271 7,766 6,204
------- ------- -------
Net non-operating expense 3,535 4,371 4,371
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 57,581 35,978 49,105
Income taxes 22,053 13,653 18,936
------- ------- -------
Income before extraordinary item 35,528 22,325 30,169
Extraordinary item - (16,516) -
------- ------- -------
Net income 35,528 5,809 30,169
Preferred dividends 225 225 225
------- ------- -------
Earnings available for common shares $ 35,303 5,584 29,944
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Statements of Stockholder's Equity
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock of $3.125 par value per share.
Authorized 10,000 shares; issued
1,000 shares $ 3 3 3
------- ------- -------
Premium on common stock 32,492 32,492 32,492
------- ------- -------
Retained earnings:
Beginning of year 87,649 106,565 98,621
Net income 35,528 5,809 30,169
Dividends declared:
5% cumulative preferred - $5.00 per share (225) (225) (225)
Common - $26,500 per share in 1996,
$24,500 per share in 1995 and
$22,000 per share in 1994 (26,500) (24,500) (22,000)
------- ------- -------
End of year 96,452 87,649 106,565
------- ------- -------
Total stockholder's equity $ 128,947 120,144 139,060
======= ======= =======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 35,528 5,809 30,169
------ ------ ------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 37,020 32,891 35,305
Extraordinary item - 16,516 -
Restructuring changes - 21,215 -
Deferred income taxes (3,459) (6,949) (1,986)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting
from operating activities:
Receivables 2,911 (7,006) (2,178)
Other assets (4,343) (3,438) 1,033
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (692) 2,231 6,222
Other liabilities 2,879 (2,226) (404)
------ ------ ------
Total adjustments 34,316 53,234 37,992
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by operating activities 69,844 59,043 68,161
------ ------ ------
Cash flows used for investing activities:
Expenditures for property and equipment (36,954) (39,384) (31,393)
Net salvage on retirements 939 2,114 972
------ ------ ------
Net capital additions (36,015) (37,270) (30,421)
Purchases of investments and other assets, net (73) (1,415) (1,545)
Purchases of temporary investments (10,175) (4,417) (16,510)
Maturities and sales of temporary investments 15,013 13,010 20,664
------ ------ ------
Net cash used for investing activities (31,250) (30,092) (27,812)
------ ------ ------
Cash flows used for financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders (26,225) (23,725) (21,725)
Proceeds from issuance of note payable to bank - - 1,000
Payments on note payable to bank (8,000) (9,000) (14,000)
------ ------ ------
Net cash used in financing activities (34,225) (32,725) (34,725)
------ ------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 4,369 (3,774) 5,624
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 13,496 17,270 11,646
------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 17,865 13,496 17,270
====== ====== ======
(CONTINUED)
F-6
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Statements of Cash Flows (Cont'd)
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 4,537 5,349 5,459
====== ====== ======
Income taxes $ 22,446 23,431 22,704
====== ====== ======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-7
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
All of the outstanding common stock of Aliant Communications Co.
(the Company) is owned by Aliant Communications Inc., formerly known
as Lincoln Telecommunications Company (the Parent). The Company
provides local and long-distance telephone service in 22
southeastern counties of Nebraska and cellular telecommunication
service in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area.
On July 18, 1996, the Parent approved an amendment to the Company's
Articles of Incorporation whereby the name of the Company changed
from The Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company to Aliant
Communications Co. effective September 3, 1996.
Effective December 31, 1995, the Company discontinued accounting for
their operations under the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation (see note 2).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Replacements and renewals
of items considered to be units of property are charged to the
property and equipment accounts. Maintenance and repairs of units
of property and replacements and renewals of items determined to be
less than units of property are charged to expense. Property and
equipment retired or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course
of business, together with the cost of removal, less salvage, is
charged to accumulated depreciation. The Company capitalizes
estimated costs of debt and equity funds used for construction
purposes. No significant costs were capitalized during the three
years ended December 31, 1996. Depreciation on property and
equipment is determined by using the straight-line method based on
estimated service and remaining lives.
Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated income tax return with the Parent
and the Parent's other subsidiaries. The Company's share of the
consolidated tax liability is determined by computing the Company's
liability as if a separate return had been filed.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future
tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry
forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years
in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
F-8
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
Page 2
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
Income Taxes, Continued
Deferred income taxes arise primarily from reporting differences for
book and tax purposes related to depreciation and postretirement
benefits.
Investment tax credits related to telephone property and equipment
were deferred and are being taken into income over the estimated
useful lives of such property and equipment.
Retirement Benefits
The Company has a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension
plan which covers substantially all employees of the Parent and its
subsidiaries. The Parent also has a qualified defined contribution
profit-sharing plan which covers substantially all non-union-
eligible employees. Costs of the pension and profit-sharing plans
are funded as accrued.
Revenue Recognition
Telephone and wireless revenues are recognized when earned and are
primarily derived from usage of the Company's network and
facilities. For all other operations, revenue is recognized when
products are delivered or services are rendered to customers.
Statements of Cash Flows
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers
all temporary investments with an original maturity of three months
or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents of
$13,181,000 and $13,037,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, consist of short-term fixed income securities.
Use of Estimates
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and
assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
(2) EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - DISCONTINUANCE OF REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES
FAS 71 generally applies to regulated companies that meet certain
requirements, including a requirement that a company be able to
recover its costs by charging its customers rates prescribed by
regulators and that competition will not threaten the recovery of
those costs. Having achieved price regulation and recognizing
potential increased competition, the Company concluded, in the fourth
quarter of 1995, that the principles prescribed by FAS 71 were no
longer appropriate.
F-9
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
Page 3
(2) EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - DISCONTINUANCE OF REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES, CONTINUED
As a result of the Company's conclusion, a non-cash, extraordinary
charge was recorded in December 1995. The following table summarizes
the extraordinary charge.
Pre-tax After-tax
(Dollars in thousands) ------- ---------
Increase to accumulated depreciation $ 22,069 13,305
Elimination of net regulatory assets 3,799 3,211
------ ------
Total extraordinary charge $ 25,868 16,516
====== ======
The increase to accumulated depreciation of approximately $13.3
million after-tax was necessary as the estimated useful lives
prescribed by regulators were not appropriate considering the rapid
rate of technological change in the telecommunications industry. The
increase to accumulated depreciation was determined by performing a
study which identified inadequate accumulated depreciation levels by
individual asset categories. The estimated useful lives of these
individual asset categories were shortened to more closely reflect
economically realistic lives.
On adoption of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes in 1993,
adjustments were required to adjust excess deferred tax levels to the
currently enacted statutory rates as regulatory liabilities and
regulatory assets were recognized on the cumulative amount of tax
benefits previously flowed through to ratepayers. These tax-related
regulatory assets and liabilities were grossed up for the tax effect
anticipated when collected at future rates. At the time the
application of FAS 71 was discontinued, the tax-related regulatory
assets and regulatory liabilities were eliminated and the related
deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect application of FAS 109
consistent with unregulated entities.
(3) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The table below summarizes the property and equipment at December 31,
1996 and 1995.
F-10
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(3) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, CONTINUED
1996 1995
Accumulated Accumulated
depreciation depreciation
and and
Classification Cost amortization Cost amortization
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ------------ ---- ------------
Land $ 2,794 - 2,783 -
Buildings 27,859 12,242 27,180 11,547
Equipment 449,177 257,751 429,968 238,330
Motor vehicles and other
work equipment 11,842 4,916 11,413 4,535
------- ------- ------- -------
Total in service 491,672 274,909 471,344 254,412
Under construction 5,142 - 5,947 -
------- ------- ------- -------
$ 496,814 274,909 477,291 254,412
======= ======= ======= =======
The composite depreciation rate for property and equipment was 7.8% in
1996, 7.2% in 1995 and 7.1% in 1994. The rate does not include the
extraordinary charge in 1995.
Construction expenditures for 1997 are expected to approximate $52.9
million. The Company anticipates funding construction from operating
activities, existing temporary investments, and short-term debt.
Due to changes in technology, customer growth, and usage demand for
cellular services in their respective markets, the Company installed
new cellular telephone systems replacing existing systems serving
these markets in 1994. The systems became operational in April 1995.
The implementation of these system upgrades caused the early
retirement of certain existing analog equipment prior to the
expiration of its anticipated useful life. As a result, in the first
quarter 1994, the Company wrote down the value of these assets by
approximately $3,398,000. During the fourth quarter of 1994, the
Company recognized an additional charge of approximately $363,000
after evaluating updated information. The after-tax impact of these
non-recurring non-cash charges to earnings was $2,267,000.
Substantially all property and equipment, with the exception of motor
vehicles, is mortgaged or pledged to secure the first mortgage bonds.
Under certain circumstances, as defined in the bond indenture, all
assets become subject to the lien of the indenture.
(4) TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
All of the Company's investments in debt and equity securities are
classified as available for sale. The Company does not invest in
securities classified as held to maturity or trading securities. The
following sets forth certain fair value information.
F-11
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(4) TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED
Estimated
Amortized Gross unrealized market
1996 cost Gains Losses value
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----- ------ -----
U. S. Government obligations $ 2,663 14 (12) 2,665
U. S. Government agency
obligations 3,400 32 (60) 3,372
Corporate debt securities 624 15 (32) 607
------ --- --- ------
$ 6,687 61 (104) 6,644
===== === === =====
1995
Equity securities $ 1,222 36 (43) 1,215
U. S. Government obligations 502 - (3) 499
U. S. Government agency
obligations 7,253 120 (52) 7,321
Corporate debt securities 2,548 30 (72) 2,506
------ --- --- ------
$ 11,525 186 (170) 11,541
====== === === ======
The net unrealized gain (loss) on investments available for sale is
not reported separately as a component of stockholder's equity due to
its insignificance to the balance sheet at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, by contractual maturity, are shown below.
Expected maturities will differ from the contractual maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
1996 1995
------------------- -------------------
Estimated Estimated
Amortized Market Amortized market
cost value cost value
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----- ---- -----
Due after three months
through five years $ 1,182 1,192 4,688 4,735
Due after five years
through ten years 3,801 3,725 1,829 1,755
Thereafter 1,704 1,727 3,786 3,836
------ ------ ------ ------
$ 6,687 6,644 10,303 10,326
====== ====== ====== ======
The gross realized gains and losses on the sale of securities were
insignificant to the financial statements for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995.
F-12
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(5) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
The Company has 5% preferred stock with $100 par value per share. The
preferred stock is cumulative, non-voting, non-convertible and
redeemable solely at the Company's option at $105 per share, for a
liquidating amount of $4,724,000, plus accrued dividends. There were
44,991 shares outstanding for each of the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994.
(6) DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Company's parent has an employee and stockholder dividend
reinvestment and stock purchase plan (Plan) which is available to the
Company's employees.
Stock for the Plan is purchased on the open market by the Plan's
administrator. The basis for the purchase price of the stock
allocated to the Plan participants is the average price paid by the
administrator during the 5-day trading period preceding and including
the dividend payment date. Employee purchases are at 95% of such
price while purchases by non-employee participants are at 100% of such
price.
Participants in the Plan may use cash dividends declared on stock
owned and optional cash contributions to purchase additional stock.
Expenses incurred by the Company related to the Plan were
approximately $29,000, $28,700 and $30,700 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
(7) LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTE PAYABLE
Long-term debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of 9.91% First
Mortgage Bonds of $44 million. The First Mortgage Bonds are due June
1, 2000 with interest payable semi-annually.
The Company had a variable-rate note payable to a bank with an
interest rate of 6.26% at December 31, 1995. The weighted-average
interest rate on the note payable was 6.3% for the year ended December
31, 1995. The note payable was paid in February 1996.
The long-term debt agreement contains various restrictions including
those relating to payment of dividends by the Company to its parent.
In management's opinion, the Company has complied with all such
requirements. At December 31, 1996, approximately $24.7 million of
retained earnings were available for the payment of cash dividends to
the parent under the most restrictive provisions of such agreements.
(8) INCOME TAXES
The components of income taxes from operations before the
extraordinary item are shown on the following page.
F-13
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(8) INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ---- ----
Current:
Federal $ 21,541 19,130 17,953
State 4,738 2,484 4,006
------ ------ ------
26,279 21,614 21,959
------ ------ ------
Investment tax credits (767) (1,136) (1,060)
------ ------ ------
Deferred:
Federal (2,858) (5,883) (1,908)
State (601) (942) (55)
------ ------ ------
(3,459) (6,825) (1,963)
------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense $ 22,053 13,653 18,936
====== ====== ======
Shown below is a reconciliation between the statutory Federal income
tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------------- -------------- --------------
% of % of % of
pretax pretax pretax
Amount income Amount income Amount income
(Dollars in thousands) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected" tax
expense $ 20,153 35.0% $ 12,592 35.0% $ 17,187 35.0%
State income tax expense,
net of Federal income tax
benefit 2,689 4.7 2,042 5.7 2,568 5.2
Nontaxable interest income (59) (.1) (103) (.3) (104) (.2)
Amortization of regulatory
deferred charge - - 1,914 5.3 1,914 3.9
Amortization of regulatory
deferred liabilities - - (1,790) (5.0) (1,891) (3.9)
Amortization of investment tax
credits (767) (1.3) (1,136) (3.2) (1,060) (2.1)
Other 37 .1 134 .5 322 .6
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ----
Actual income tax expense $ 22,053 38.4% 13,653 38.0% $ 18,936 38.5%
====== ==== ====== ==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
Shown on the following page are the significant components of deferred
income tax attributable to income from operations for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
F-14
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
Page 8
(8) INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ---- ----
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
(exclusive of the effects of
amortization below) $ (3,459) (6,949) (1,986)
Amortization of regulatory
deferred charges - 1,914 1,914
Amortization of regulatory
deferred liabilities - (1,790) (1,891)
----- ----- -----
$ (3,459) (6,825) (1,963)
===== ===== =====
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are presented below:
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----
Deferred tax assets:
Accumulated postretirement benefit cost $ 18,251 17,493
Voluntary early retirement liability 6,337 7,697
Other 2,239 2,686
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax assets 26,827 27,876
Less valuation allowance - -
------ ------
Net deferred tax assets 26,827 27,876
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, principally due to
depreciation differences 27,867 30,820
Other 270 1,825
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 28,137 32,645
------ ------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,310 4,769
====== ======
As a result of the nature and amount of the temporary differences
which give rise to the gross deferred tax liabilities and the
Company's expected taxable income in future years, no valuation
allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 was
necessary.
(9) BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan
covering substantially all employees with at least one year of
service. Other companies affiliated with the Company through common
ownership also participate in the plan. Annual contributions to the
F-15
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(9) BENEFIT PLANS, CONTINUED
plan are designed to fund current and past service costs as determined
by independent actuarial evaluations.
The net periodic pension credit for all affiliated companies amounted
to $608,000, $1,389,000, and $1,570,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The net periodic pension credit is comprised as shown
on the following page. The components of pension costs for individual
affiliates are not available.
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ---- ----
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period $ 3,538 3,628 3,479
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligations 11,338 9,286 8,797
Actual return on plan assets (19,287) (37,696) 1,529
Amortization and deferrals, net 3,803 23,393 (15,375)
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension cost
(credit) $ (608) (1,389) (1,570)
====== ====== ======
The table below summarizes the funded status of the pension plan at
December 31, 1996 and 1995.
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
Actuarial present value of benefit pension
obligation:
Vested $ 134,110 131,751
Nonvested 18,357 16,569
------- -------
Accumulated benefit pension obligation $ 152,467 148,320
======= =======
Projected benefit pension obligation $ 169,759 164,932
Less, plan assets at market value 218,507 207,940
------- -------
Excess of plan assets over projected
benefit pension obligation 48,748 43,008
Unrecognized prior service cost 7,065 7,644
Unrecognized net gain (63,548) (57,563)
Unrecognized net asset being recognized over
15.74 years (8,223) (9,655)
------- ------
(Accrued)/prepaid pension cost $ (15,958) (16,566)
======= =======
The assets of the pension plan are invested primarily in marketable
equity and fixed income securities and U.S. Government obligations.
F-16
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(9) BENEFIT PLANS, CONTINUED
The assumptions used in determining the funded status information and
pension expense were as follows:
1996 1995 and 1994
---- -------------
Discount rate 7.10% 7.10%
Rate of salary progression 5.50 6.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.00 8.00
In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Parent has a
defined contribution profit-sharing plan which covers any non-union-
eligible employees of the Company who have completed one year of
service. Participants may elect to deposit a maximum of 15% of their
wages up to certain limits. The Company matches 25% of the
participants' contributions up to 5% of their wages. The profit-
sharing plan also has a provision for an employee stock ownership
fund, to which the Company has contributed an additional 1.75% of each
eligible participant's wage. The Company's matching contributions and
employee stock ownership fund contributions are used to acquire common
stock of the Parent. The Company's combined contributions totaled
$531,700, $556,300 and $550,100 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
In July 1995, the Company announced its decision to reduce its
operator services work force from 140 to approximately 50 employees by
the end of 1995. The remaining work force handles the Company's long
distance operator service needs. The Company offered retirement and
separation incentives along with out-placement services to those
employees affected by the work force adjustment. As a result, the
Company recognized a restructuring charge of $1.5 million. The charge
reduced the Company's pension asset by $1.1 million for pension
enhancements. The charge included severance payments of approximately
$400,000.
In addition, in November 1995, the Company announced its plans to
reduce its existing work force by offering a voluntary early
retirement program to eligible employees. The eligible employees were
both management and non-management employees. The Company implemented
an enhancement to the Company's pension plan by adding five years to
both the age and net credited service for eligible employees. The
program also provides for the employees to receive a lump-sum payment
and a supplemental monthly income payment in addition to their normal
pension. As a result of 319 employees accepting this voluntary early
retirement offer, the Company recorded a reduction to its pension
asset and recognized a restructuring charge of $19.7 million at
December 31, 1995. The charge included pension enhancements of $22.7
million and curtailment gains of $3.0 million.
F-17
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(10) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company sponsors a health care plan that provides postretirement
medical benefits and other benefits to employees who meet minimum age
and service requirements upon retirement. Currently, substantially
all of the Company's employees may become eligible for those benefits
if they have 15 years of service with normal or early retirement. The
Company accounts for these benefits during the active employment of
the participants.
The following table presents the plan's status reconciled with amounts
recognized in the Company's balance sheet at December 31, 1996 and
1995:
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation:
Retirees $ 33,212 29,520
Fully eligible active plan participants 11,929 11,551
Other active plan participants 6,677 9,663
------ ------
51,818 50,734
Plan assets at fair value - -
Unrecognized prior service cost (1,531) (1,633)
Unrecognized net loss (5,324) (5,666)
------ ------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost $ 44,963 43,435
====== ======
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 include the following components:
1996 1995 1994
(Dollars in thousands) ---- ---- ----
Service cost $ 458 358 400
Interest cost 3,961 3,862 3,625
Net deferral and amortization 140 206 158
----- ----- -----
Net periodic postretirement
benefit costs $ 4,559 4,426 4,183
===== ===== =====
For purposes of measuring the benefit obligation, the following
assumptions were used:
1996 1995
---- ----
Discount rate 8.0% 8.0%
Health care cost trend rate 10.8 11.3
F-18
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(10) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, CONTINUED
For purposes of measuring the benefit cost, the following assumptions
were used:
1996 1995 and 1994
---- -------------
Discount rate 8.0% 8.0%
Health care cost trend rate 11.3 11.7
This health care cost trend rate of increase is assumed to decrease
gradually to 5.5% by the year 2004. The health care cost trend rate
assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For
example, a one percentage point increase in the assumed health care
cost trend rate would increase the aggregate service and interest cost
by approximately $331,000 and increase the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation by approximately $3.7 million.
(11) STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN
The Parent has adopted a stock and incentive plan which provides for
the award of short-term incentives (payable in cash or restricted
stock), stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock
to certain officers and key employees of the Company and its
affiliates conditioned upon the Parent and its subsidiaries attaining
certain performance goals.
Under the plan, options may be granted for a term not to exceed ten
years from date of grant. The option price is the fair market value
of the shares on the date of grant. Such exercise price was $11.50
for the 1990 options, $12.75 for the 1992 options, $16.50 for the 1995
options and $16.75 for the 1996 options. The exercise price of a
stock option may be paid in cash, shares of the Parent's common stock
or a combination of cash and shares.
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Outstanding at January 1 146,412 100,150 110,650
Granted 58,400 53,450 -
Exercised (9,475) (3,100) (10,500)
Canceled - (4,088) -
------- ------- -------
Outstanding at December 31 195,337 146,412 100,150
======= ======= =======
Exercisable at December 31 92,237 98,412 32,150
======= ======= =======
All of the above information reflects the effect of the 100% stock
dividend paid by the Parent on January 6, 1994.
Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option
plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be
F-19
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(11) STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN, CONTINUED
recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the
underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the
Company adopted FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,
which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period
the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, FAS 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the
provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and
pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option
grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair-value-based method
defined in FAS 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to
continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the
pro forma disclosure provisions of FAS 123.
The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted
during 1996 and 1995 was $4.44 and $7.45 on the date of grant using
the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-
average assumptions: 1996 - expected dividend yield 3.59%, risk-free
interest rate of 6.41%, expected volatility factor of 27.0%, and an
expected life of 5.75 years; 1995 - expected dividend yield 2.7%,
risk-free interest rate of 5.36%, expected volatility factor of 27.5%,
and an expected life of 5.45 years.
Since the Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its
plan, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options
in the financial statements. Had the Company recorded compensation
cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options
under FAS 123, the Company's net income for 1996 and 1995 would have
been reduced by approximately $14,000 and $7,000, respectively.
Pro forma net income reflects only options granted in 1996 and 1995.
Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock
options under FAS 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net income
amounts presented above because compensation cost is reflected over
the options' vesting period of 4 years for the 1996 and 1995 options.
Compensation cost for options granted prior to January 1, 1995 is not
considered.
The plan also provides for the granting of stock appreciation rights
(SARs) to holders of options, in lieu of stock options, upon lapse of
stock options or independent of stock options. Such rights offer
optionees the alternative of electing not to exercise the related
stock option, but to receive instead an amount in cash, stock or a
combination of cash and stock equivalent to the difference between the
option price and the fair market value of shares of the Parent's stock
on the date the SAR is exercised. No SARs have been issued under the
plan.
In addition, 8,867 shares, 10,836 shares and 11,323 shares of
restricted stock were awarded from stock purchased on the open market
by the Parent during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Recipients of
F-20
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(11) STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN, CONTINUED
the restricted stock are entitled to cash dividends and to vote their
respective shares. Restrictions limit the sale or transfer of the
shares for two years subsequent to issuance unless employment is
terminated earlier due to death, disability or retirement.
Amounts charged against 1996, 1995 and 1994 net income for cash and
restricted stock awards were $222,000, $307,000 and $297,000,
respectively. Pursuant to the plan, 2,000,000 shares of the Parent's
common stock are reserved for issuance under this plan.
(12) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company had sales to Aliant Systems Inc., a subsidiary of the
Parent, for access and billing services of approximately $4,209,000 in
1996, $4,342,000 in 1995 and $5,165,000 in 1994.
(13) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
First Second Third Fourth
1996 quarter quarter quarter quarter Total
(Dollars in thousands) ------- ------- ------- ------- -----
Operating revenues $ 47,770 48,779 48,405 49,652 194,606
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Net income $ 8,414 9,485 8,996 8,633 35,528
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
1995
Operating revenues $ 44,847 45,382 46,701 46,373 183,303
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item $ 7,853 8,394 8,379 (2,301) 22,325
Extraordinary item - - - (16,516) (16,516)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) $ 7,853 8,394 8,379 (18,817) 5,809
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
During the fourth quarter 1995, the Company recognized a restructuring
charge of $19.7 million. The charge had the effect of reducing net
income by $11.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 1995.
(14) MAJOR CUSTOMER
The Company derives significant revenues from AT&T principally from
network access and billing and collecting service. For the years
ended 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company recognized revenue of
$22,206,000, $27,808,000 and $29,680,000, respectively. This
represented approximately 11.4%, 15.2% and 17.0% of revenues for the
years ended 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. No other customer
accounted for more than 10% of revenues.
F-21
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Notes to Financial Statements
(15) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Other Assets, Receivables
and Accounts Payable
The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments.
Temporary Investments
The fair values of the Company's marketable investment securities
are based on quoted market prices. See note 4 for the estimated
fair value of temporary investments.
Long-Term Debt
The fair value of the Company's long-term debt instrument is based
on the amount of future cash flows associated with the instrument
discounted using the Company's current borrowing rate on similar
debt instruments of comparable maturity. The long-term debt has a
carrying value of $44 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and an
estimated fair value of $48.6 million and $51.2 million at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
relevant market information and information about the financial
instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore,
cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could
significantly affect the estimates.
F-22
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Independent Auditors' Report and Schedules
Form 10-K Securities and Exchange Commission
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
S-1
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Index to Schedule Filed
Schedule
Independent Auditors' Report
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Years ended
December 31, 1996,1995 and 1994 II
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
or the information required is immaterial or is presented within
the financial statements and notes thereto.
S-2
<PAGE>
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
233 South 14th Street, Suite 1600
Lincoln, NE 68508-2041
Two Central Park Plaza
Suite 1501
Omaha, NE 68102
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Aliant Communications Co.:
Under date of February 7, 1997, we reported on the balance sheets of Aliant
Communications Co. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
statements of earnings, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements and our report thereon are incorporated by reference in the
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. In
connection with our audits of the aforementioned financial statements, we
also audited the related financial statement schedule as listed in the
accompanying index. This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our
audits.
In our opinion, this financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 7, 1997
S-3
<PAGE>
ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS CO. Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Additions Deductions
Balance at charged to from Balance
beginning costs and allowance at end
Description of year expenses (note) of year
(Dollars in thousands) ------- -------- ------ -------
Year ended December 31, 1996,
Allowance deducted from asset
accounts, allowance for
doubtful receivables $ 155 739 735 159
=== === === ===
Year ended December 31, 1995,
Allowance deducted from asset
accounts, allowance for
doubtful receivables $ 192 684 721 155
=== === === ===
Year ended December 31, 1994,
Allowance deducted from asset
accounts, allowance for
doubtful receivables $ 94 480 382 192
=== === === ===
Note: Customers' accounts written-off, net of recoveries.
S-4
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Duane W. Acklie
---------------- ---------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
28th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Susan K. Hartley /s/ William W. Cook, Jr.
---------------- --------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Linda M. Daiker /s/ Terry L. Fairfield
---------------- -----------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
25th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Sharon K. Burling /s/ James E. Geist
----------------- ---------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Patricia Criger /s/ John Haessler
----------------- ---------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
17th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Susan K. Abraham /s/ Charles R. Hermes
----------------- -----------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
2nd day of February, 1997.
/s/ Jenny Boldt /s/ Donald H. Pegler, Jr.
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
18th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Karolyn S. Mizell /s/ Paul C. Schorr, III
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Arlene Rink /s/ William C. Smith
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
27th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ James W. Strand
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
26th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Charles N. Wheatley
----------------- ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
24th day of February, 1997.
/s/ Diane M. Dermann /s/ Thomas C. Woods, III
----------------- -------------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Nebraska corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") and ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS
CO., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"),
will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on or before the due
date of March 30, 1997, an annual report on Form 10-K; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is the Director of the Corporation and to the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank
H. Hilsabeck, Robert L. Tyler, and Michael J. Tavlin or any one of them, as
attorney, with full power to act for the undersigned and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, to sign the name of the undersigned as
Director to the annual report on Form 10-K for the Corporation and to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the Company and any and all amendments to
each such annual report, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document this
28th day of March, 1997.
/s/ Patricia A. Thraen /s/ Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein
------------------ ---------------------
Witness Director
<PAGE>
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