<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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(Mark one)
[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 number 1-3488
BELL ATLANTIC - NEW JERSEY, INC.
A New Jersey Corporation I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 22-1151770
540 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07101
Telephone Number (201) 649-9900
------------------------------------------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: See attached
Schedule A.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
THE REGISTRANT, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF BELL ATLANTIC CORPORATION, MEETS
THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-K AND
IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL
INSTRUCTION I(2).
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
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
SCHEDULE A
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Forty Year 7 1/4% Debentures, due April 1, 2011 New York Stock
Exchange
Forty Year 7 3/8% Debentures, due June 1, 2012 "
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No. Page
- -------- ----
PART I
1. Business........................................................ 1
2. Properties...................................................... 9
3. Legal Proceedings............................................... 10
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............. 11
PART II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters......................................................... 11
6. Selected Financial Data......................................... 11
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
(Abbreviated pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)............. 12
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................... 22
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure............................................ 22
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............. 22
11. Executive Compensation.......................................... 22
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.. 22
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................. 22
PART IV
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on
Form 8-K........................................................ 22
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL INFORMATION IS AS OF MARCH 20, 1997.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc. (the "Company") is incorporated under the
laws of the State of New Jersey and has its principal offices at 540 Broad
Street, Newark, New Jersey 07101 (telephone number 201-649-9900). The Company
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Atlantic Corporation ("Bell Atlantic"),
which is one of the seven regional holding companies ("RHCs") formed in
connection with the court-approved divestiture (the "Divestiture"), effective
January 1, 1984, of those assets of American Telephone and Telegraph Company
("AT&T") related to exchange telecommunications, exchange access functions,
printed directories and cellular mobile communications.
The Company presently serves a territory consisting of three Local Access and
Transport Areas ("LATAs"). These LATAs are generally centered on a city or
based on some other identifiable common geography and, with certain limited
exceptions, each LATA marks the boundary within which the Company has been
permitted by the "Modification of Final Judgment" ("MFJ") to provide telephone
service.
The Company currently provides two basic types of telecommunications
services. First, the Company transports telecommunications traffic between
subscribers located within the same LATA ("intraLATA service"), including both
local and toll services. Local service includes the provision of local exchange
("dial-tone"), local private line and public telephone services (including dial-
tone service for pay telephones owned by the Company and by other pay telephone
providers). Among other local services provided are Centrex (telephone
subsidiary central office-based switched telephone service enabling the
subscriber to make both intercom and outside calls) and a variety of special and
custom calling services. Toll service includes message toll service (calling
service beyond the local calling area) within LATA boundaries, and intraLATA
Wide Area Toll Service (WATS) and 800 services (volume discount offerings for
customers with highly concentrated demand). The Company also earns toll revenue
from the provision of telecommunications service between LATAs ("interLATA
service") in corridors between the cities (and certain surrounding counties) of
(i) New York, New York and Newark, New Jersey and (ii) Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey. Second, the Company provides exchange
access service, which links a subscriber's telephone or other equipment to the
transmission facilities of interexchange carriers which, in turn, provide
interLATA service to their customers. The Company also provides exchange access
service to interexchange carriers which provide intrastate intraLATA toll
service.
LINE OF BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996
The consent decree entitled MFJ and the Plan of Reorganization ("Plan")
approved by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia set
forth the terms of Divestiture and established certain restrictions on the post-
Divestiture activities of the RHCs, including Bell Atlantic, and their
affiliates. The MFJ's principal restrictions on post-Divestiture RHC activities
included prohibitions on (i) providing interLATA (long distance)
telecommunications, and (ii) engaging in the manufacture of telecommunications
equipment and customer premises equipment.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Act") became effective on February
8, 1996 and replaces the MFJ. In general, the Act includes provisions that open
local exchange markets to competition and permit Bell Atlantic to provide
interLATA services and engage in manufacturing. However, the ability of Bell
Atlantic to engage in businesses previously prohibited by the MFJ is largely
dependent on satisfying certain conditions contained in the Act and regulations
to be promulgated thereunder.
With regard to the rules governing competition in the interLATA market, the
Act takes a two-fold approach. Effective February 8, 1996, Bell Atlantic was
permitted to apply for state approval to offer interLATA services in states
outside of the geographic region in which it currently operates as a local
exchange carrier. In addition, Bell Atlantic's wireless businesses are now
permitted to offer interLATA services without having to comply with the
conditions imposed in waivers granted under the MFJ.
Secondly, each of Bell Atlantic's telephone subsidiaries, including the
Company, must demonstrate to the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") that
it has satisfied certain requirements in order for Bell Atlantic to be permitted
to offer interLATA services for calls originating within the geographic region
in which the telephone subsidiary operates as a
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
local exchange carrier. Among the requirements with which the Company must
comply is a 14-point "competitive checklist" which includes steps the Company
must take which will help competitors' offer local service, either through
resale, through the purchase of unbundled network elements, or through the
competitors own networks. The Company must also demonstrate to the FCC that its
entry into the interLATA market would be in the public interest.
The FCC is required to conduct a number of rulemakings to implement the Act.
See "FCC Regulation and Interstate Rates - Access Charge and Universal Service
Reform" and "Competition - Local Exchange Services." The ultimate outcome of
FCC rulemakings could have a significant impact upon successful implementation
of the Act and the extent, nature and timing of competition in the local
exchange and interLATA markets.
No definitive prediction can be made as to the impact of the Act on the
business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company. The
financial impact on the Company will depend on several factors, including the
timing, extent and success of competition in the Company's markets, and the
timing, extent and success of the Company's pursuit of new business
opportunities resulting from the Act.
PROPOSED MERGER OF BELL ATLANTIC AND NYNEX CORPORATION
In April 1996, Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Corporation announced a definitive
agreement for a merger of equals; the agreement was amended in July 1996 (the
agreement, as amended, hereinafter the "Merger Agreement").
NYNEX is another of the RHCs created at Divestiture, and the Bell System
operating companies ("BOCs") owned by NYNEX serve the Northeastern portion of
the United States. The business of the NYNEX BOCs is qualitatively similar to
that of Bell Atlantic's telephone subsidiaries, including the Company, as
described above under "General." NYNEX is also subject to the Act, and to FCC
regulation, in much the same ways as the Company is, as described above under
"Line of Business Restrictions and the Telecommunications Act of 1996" and below
under "FCC Regulation and Interstate Rates," respectively. The operations of
the NYNEX BOCs are also subject to regulation by the public utility commissions
of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire
and Maine. In addition, Bell Atlantic and NYNEX have previously formed
partnerships which contain substantially all of their domestic cellular, paging
and personal communications services businesses.
Bell Atlantic believes that the proposed merger will be an effective means of
achieving the operating efficiency, scale, scope and financial resources
necessary to expand into the new markets available to Bell Atlantic under the
Act and to compete with new market entrants in its existing markets.
As a result of the merger, Bell Atlantic will incur certain transition costs,
currently estimated at $700 million to $900 million. Bell Atlantic also expects
to recognize recurring expense savings of approximately $600 million annually by
the third year following completion of the merger as a result of consolidating
operating systems and other administrative functions and reducing management
positions. Incremental savings in annual capital expenditures for Bell Atlantic
should grow to approximately $250 million to $300 million, including
efficiencies relating to purchasing, marketing trials and equipment testing. It
is anticipated that the Company will recognize a portion of these savings and
costs. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations -
Other Matters, Proposed Bell Atlantic - NYNEX Merger" on page 20 for a further
discussion of this matter.
Shareowners of both companies approved the merger in November, 1996.
Completion of the merger remains subject to a number of conditions, the
principal ones relating to regulatory reviews. Bell Atlantic is unable to
predict when it will be able to complete the merger.
OPERATIONS
During 1993, Bell Atlantic reorganized certain functions formerly performed
by each of its seven telephone subsidiaries, including the Company
(collectively, the "telephone subsidiaries"), into lines of business ("LOBs")
operating across these companies. The LOBs focus on specific market segments.
The telephone subsidiaries remain responsible within their respective service
areas for the provision of telephone services, financial performance and
regulatory matters.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
The Consumer Services LOB markets communications services to residential
customers within the service territories of the telephone subsidiaries.
The Carrier Services LOB markets (i) switched and special access to the
telephone subsidiaries' local exchange network, and (ii) billing and collection
services, including recording, rating, bill processing and bill rendering. The
principal customers of this LOB are interexchange carriers ("IXCs"); AT&T is the
largest single customer. Other customers include business customers and
government agencies with their own special access network connections, wireless
companies and other local exchange carriers ("LECs") which resell network
connections to their own customers.
The Small Business Services LOB markets communications and information
services to small businesses (customers having up to 20 access lines).
The Large Business Services LOB markets communications and information
services to large businesses (customers having more than 20 access lines).
These services include voice switching/processing services (e.g., dedicated
private lines, custom Centrex, call management and voice messaging), end-user
networking (e.g., credit and debit card transactions, and personal computer-
based conferencing, including data and video), internetworking (establishing
links between the geographically disparate networks of two or more companies or
within the same company), network integration (integrating multiple
geographically disparate networks into one system), network optimization
(disaster avoidance, 911 service, intelligent vehicle highway systems), video
services (distance learning, telemedicine, videoconferencing) and interactive
multimedia applications services.
The Directory Services LOB manages the provision of (i) advertising and
marketing services to advertisers, and (ii) listing information (e.g., White
Pages and Yellow Pages). These services are currently provided primarily
through print media, but the Company expects that use of electronic formats will
increase in the future. In addition, the Directory Services LOB manages the
provision of photocomposition, database management and other related products
and services to publishers.
The Public and Operator Services LOB markets pay telephone and operator
services in the service territories of the telephone subsidiaries to meet
consumer needs for accessing public networks and locating and identifying
network subscribers, and to provide calling assistance and arrange billing
alternatives (e.g., calling card, collect and third party calls).
The Federal Systems LOB markets communications and information technology and
services to departments, agencies and offices of the executive, judicial and
legislative branches of the federal government.
The Network LOB manages the technologies, services and systems platforms
required by the other LOBs and the telephone subsidiaries to meet the needs of
their respective customers, including switching, feature development and on-
premises installation and maintenance services.
FCC REGULATION AND INTERSTATE RATES
The Company is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC with respect to
interstate services and certain related matters. The FCC prescribes a uniform
system of accounts for the telephone subsidiaries; the principles and standard
procedures used to separate plant investment, expenses, taxes and reserves
between those applicable to interstate services under the jurisdiction of the
FCC and those applicable to intrastate services under the jurisdiction of the
respective state regulatory authorities ("separations procedures"); and
depreciation rates applicable to assets allocated to interstate services. The
FCC also prescribes procedures for allocating costs and revenues between
regulated and unregulated activities.
The FCC has prescribed structures for exchange access tariffs to specify the
charges ("access charges") for use and availability of the Company's facilities
for the origination and termination of interstate interLATA service. In
general, the tariff structures prescribed by the FCC provide that interstate
costs of the Company which do not vary based on usage are recovered from
subscribers through flat monthly charges ("subscriber line charges"), and from
IXCs through usage-sensitive Carrier Common Line ("CCL") charges. Traffic-
sensitive interstate costs are recovered from carriers through variable access
charges based on several factors, primarily usage.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
Price Caps
The FCC's price cap system, which became effective in 1991, places caps on
the Company's prices for interstate access services. The caps are modified
annually, in inflation-adjusted terms, to reflect increases in productivity, and
can also be adjusted to reflect certain "exogenous" changes, such as changes in
FCC separations procedures.
Under the current form of the price cap system, Bell Atlantic's price cap
index is adjusted by an inflation index (GDP-PI) less a fixed percentage, either
4.0%, 4.7% or 5.3% as Bell Atlantic may elect, which is intended to reflect
increases in productivity ("Productivity Factor"). If Bell Atlantic selects the
4.0% or 4.7% Productivity Factor, it is required to share a portion of its
future interstate earnings in excess of a rate of return of 12.25%. If Bell
Atlantic selects the 5.3% Productivity Factor, it is not required to share a
portion of its future interstate earnings.
In July 1996, Bell Atlantic selected the 5.3% Productivity Factor for the
July 1996 to June 1997 tariff period. The rates included in the July 1996
filing resulted in price increases for the Company totaling approximately $6
million on an annual basis.
Access Charge and Universal Service Reform
In December 1996, the FCC commenced a proceeding to reform the interstate
access charge system. The FCC is considering two approaches for establishing a
transition to access charges which more closely reflect the economic cost of
access services and for deregulating access services as competition develops in
the local exchange and exchange access markets. Under a market-based approach,
the FCC would rely on actual and potential competition from new facilities-based
service providers and market entrants purchasing unbundled network elements to
drive prices for access services toward appropriate levels. As competition
develops, the FCC would gradually relax, and ultimately remove, existing access
rate structure requirements and price cap restrictions. Under an alternative
prescriptive approach, the FCC would specify the nature and timing of changes to
the current access charge rate levels. The FCC is expected to release its order
in this proceeding in the second quarter of 1997. The Company is unable to
predict the amount of any modifications in access charges that could result from
this proceeding, the manner in which such modifications would be effectuated, or
the time period over which such modifications would occur.
The FCC has also initiated a rulemaking under the Act designed to preserve
"universal service" by ensuring that local exchange service remains reasonably
available to all residential customers, including low-income customers and
customers in areas which are expensive to serve. The FCC proposes to
restructure the current federal Universal Service Fund, which provides support
for high cost access and low-income assistance, and, as required by the Act, to
establish new support mechanisms for discounted services for schools, libraries
and rural health care providers. The FCC must issue an order resolving the
universal service issues by May 1997. The Company is unable to predict the
ultimate size of the Fund, how contributions to the Fund by telecommunications
providers will be determined, how payments from the Fund will be distributed, or
the financial impact of this proceeding on the Company.
FCC Cost Allocation and Affiliate Transaction Rules
FCC rules govern (i) the allocation of costs between the regulated and
unregulated activities of a communications common carrier and (ii) transactions
between the regulated and unregulated affiliates of a communications common
carrier.
Under the cost allocation rules, unregulated activities include activities
that have never been regulated as communications common carrier offerings and
activities that have been preemptively deregulated by the FCC. The costs of
these activities are removed prior to the separations procedures process and are
assigned to unregulated activities in the aggregate, not to specific services,
for pricing purposes. Other activities must be accounted for as regulated
activities, and their costs are subject to separations procedures.
The affiliate transaction rules govern the pricing of assets transferred, and
services provided, between affiliates. These rules generally require that assets
be transferred between affiliates at "market price," if such price can be
established through a tariff or a prevailing price actually charged to third
parties. In the absence of a tariff or prevailing price, (i) asset transfers
from a regulated to an unregulated affiliate must be valued at the higher of
cost or fair market value, and (ii) asset transfers from an unregulated to a
regulated affiliate must be valued at the lower of cost or fair market value.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
The FCC has not attempted to make its cost allocation or affiliate
transaction rules preemptive. State regulatory authorities are free to use
different cost allocation methods and affiliate transaction rules for intrastate
ratemaking and to require carriers to keep separate allocation records.
STATE REGULATION AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT
The communications services of the Company are subject to regulation by the
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (the "BPU") with respect to intrastate
rates and services and certain other matters.
The New Jersey Telecommunications Act of 1992 authorized the BPU to adopt
alternative regulatory frameworks to address changes in technology and the
structure of the telecommunications industry and to promote economic
development. It also deregulated services which the BPU found to be
competitive. Pursuant to that legislation, the Company filed a Plan for
Alternative Form of Regulation (the "NJPAR"), which became effective with
modifications required by the BPU in May 1993 and was affirmed on appeal in
1996.
The NJPAR divides the Company's services into Rate-Regulated Services and
Competitive Services. Rate-Regulated Services are grouped in two categories:
- "Protected Services": Basic residence and business service, Touch-Tone,
access services, message toll services and the ordering, installation and
restoration of these services. Rates for Protected Services, other than basic
residence service, may be increased in an amount limited to the prior year's
increase in the Gross National Product-Price Index ("GNP-PI") less a 2%
productivity offset, as long as the return on equity for Rate-Regulated
Services does not exceed 11.7%. Basic residence service rates are capped
through December 1999. However, revenue neutral rate restructuring for Rate-
Regulated Services, including Protected Services and basic residence service,
is permitted.
- "Other Services": Custom Calling, Custom Local Area Signaling Services
("CLASS" services which utilize Signaling System 7), operator services and
911 enhanced service. Rates for Other Services may be increased beginning
January 1996 in an amount limited to the prior year's increase in the GNP-PI
less a 2% productivity offset, as long as the return on equity for Rate-
Regulated Services does not exceed 12.7%.
All earnings above a return on equity of 13.7% for Rate-Regulated Services
will be shared equally with customers. There is no point at which the earnings
for Rate-Regulated Services are capped. Competitive Services are deregulated
under the New Jersey Telecommunications Act of 1992.
COMPETITION
Legislative changes, including provisions of the Act discussed above under
"Line of Business Restrictions and the Telecommunications Act of 1996,"
regulatory changes and new technology are continuing to expand the types of
available communications services and equipment and the number of competitors
offering such services. An increasing amount of this competition is from large
companies which have substantial capital, technological and marketing resources,
nationwide presence and brand name recognition.
Local Exchange Services
The ability to offer local exchange services has historically been subject to
regulation by the BPU. Applications from competitors to provide and resell
local exchange services have been approved by the BPU.
One of the purposes of the Act was to ensure, and accelerate, the emergence
of competition in local exchange markets. Toward this end, the Act requires
most existing local exchange carriers (incumbent local exchange carriers, or
"ILECs"), including the Company, to permit potential competitors (competitive
local exchange carriers, or "CLECs") to (i) purchase service from the ILEC for
resale to CLEC customers, (ii) purchase unbundled network elements from the
ILEC, and/or (iii) interconnect its network with the ILEC's network. The Act
provides for arbitration by the state public utility commission if an ILEC and a
CLEC are unable to reach agreement on the terms of the arrangement sought by the
CLEC.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
In August 1996, the FCC adopted an order (the "Interconnection Order")
relating to these types of arrangements between ILECs and CLECs. The
Interconnection Order set forth cost methodology to be used by state commissions
in arbitration proceedings to set cost-based rates for purchase of unbundled
network elements and for purchase of services for resale, and established
guideline amounts to be used by state commissions in the absence of full cost
studies. Several parties, including Bell Atlantic, appealed the Interconnection
Order on the grounds that it was inconsistent with the Act. In October 1996,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit granted a stay of the
effectiveness of the pricing provisions of the Interconnection Order pending a
final decision on their validity.
Notwithstanding the existence of the stay of the Interconnection Order,
negotiations between the Company and CLECs, and arbitrations before the BPU,
have continued. As of March 1, 1997, the Company had entered into eight
agreements, with a number of different CLECs.
The Company expects that these agreements, and the Act, will lead to
substantially increased competition in its local exchange market in 1997 and
subsequent years. The Company believes that this competition will be both on a
facilities basis and in the form of resale by CLECs of the Company's service.
Under the various agreements and arbitrations discussed above, the Company is
generally required to sell its services to CLECs at discounts ranging from
approximately 16% to 21% from the prices the Company charges its retail
customers.
IntraLATA Toll Services
Competition to offer intrastate intraLATA toll services is currently
permitted in the Company's jurisdiction. Increased competition from IXCs has
resulted in a decline in several components of the Company's toll service
revenues.
Currently, intraLATA toll calls are completed by the Company unless the
customer dials a code to access a competing carrier. This dialing method would
be changed by "presubscription," which would enable customers to make intraLATA
toll calls using another carrier without having to dial an access code.
In general, the Act prohibits a state from requiring intraLATA
presubscription until the earlier of such time as a BOC in the state is
authorized to provide long distance services within the state or three years
from the effective date of the Act. This prohibition does not apply to a final
order requiring a BOC to implement presubscription that was issued on or prior
to December 19, 1995 or to states consisting of a single LATA.
During 1995, the BPU conducted proceedings to determine whether, and under
what conditions, to authorize presubscription. On December 14, 1995, the BPU
issued an order finding that implementation of presubscription for intraLATA
toll services in New Jersey would be in the public interest and proposed rules
for implementation. On January 8, 1997, the BPU approved a rule that would
require implementation of presubscription by May 5, 1997. The Company has filed
suit in federal court challenging the BPU's rule on the grounds that it is
inconsistent with the Act.
Implementation of presubscription for intraLATA toll services could have a
material negative effect on toll service revenues, especially if Bell Atlantic
is not permitted to offer long distance services at the same time.
Alternative Access
A substantial portion of the Company's revenues from business and government
customers is derived from a relatively small number of large, multiple-line
subscribers.
The Company faces competition from alternative communications systems,
constructed by large end users, IXCs and alternative access vendors, which are
capable of originating and/or terminating calls without the use of the Company's
plant. The ability of such alternative access providers to compete with the
Company has been enhanced by the FCC's orders requiring the Company to offer
virtual collocated interconnection for special and switched access services.
Other potential sources of competition include cable television systems,
shared tenant services and other non-carrier systems which are capable of
bypassing the Company's local plant, either partially or completely, through
substitution of special access for switched access or through concentration of
telecommunications traffic on fewer of the Company's lines.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
Personal Communications Services
Personal communications services ("PCS") also constitute potential sources of
competition to the Company. PCS consists of wireless portable telephone
services employing digital technology, which will allow customers to make and
receive telephone calls from any location using small handsets, and which could
also be used for data transmission.
Public Telephone Services
The Company faces increasing competition in the provision of pay telephone
services from other providers. In addition, the growth of wireless
communications negatively impacts usage of public telephones.
Operator Services
Alternative operator services providers have entered into competition with
the Company's operator services product line.
LONG DISTANCE SERVICE
The Company is currently working towards completing the "competitive
checklist" and other prerequisites under the Act for entering the interLATA
market in its jurisdiction. The Company expects to apply to the FCC for
permission to offer interLATA services later in 1997, and expects to receive
permission before the end of the year.
CERTAIN CONTRACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Certain planning, marketing, procurement, financial, legal, accounting,
technical support and other management services are provided to the Company on a
centralized basis by Bell Atlantic's wholly owned subsidiary, Bell Atlantic
Network Services, Inc. ("NSI"). Bell Atlantic Network Funding Corporation
provides short-term financing and cash management services to the Company.
The seven RHCs each own (directly or through subsidiaries) a one-seventh
interest in Bell Communications Research, Inc. ("Bellcore"). Pursuant to the
Plan, Bellcore was created to furnish the RHCs and their BOC subsidiaries with
technical assistance such as network planning, engineering and software
development, as well as various other consulting services that could be provided
more effectively on a centralized basis. Bellcore has also served as the
central point of contact for coordinating the efforts of the RHCs in meeting the
national security and emergency preparedness requirements of the federal
government, and helps to mobilize the combined resources of the RHCs in times of
natural disasters. In November 1996, the seven RHCs entered into a definitive
agreement to sell their interests in Bellcore to Science Applications
International Corporation. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals,
and is expected to be completed near the end of 1997. After the sale is
completed, centralized national security and emergency preparedness functions
will be performed for the RHCs by National Telecommunications Association, owned
by the seven RHCs.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had approximately 12,100 employees.
This work force is augmented by employees of the centralized staff of NSI, who
perform services for the Company on a contract basis.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information set forth above regarding expected or possible future events is
forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. For those statements,
the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The following important factors could affect the future results of the
Company and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed
in the forward-looking statements: (i) materially adverse changes in economic
conditions in the markets served by the company; (ii) a significant delay in the
expected closing of the merger; (iii) the final outcome of FCC rulemakings with
respect to interconnection agreements, access charge reform and universal
service; (iv) the timing of presubscription for toll services; (v) future state
regulatory actions and economic conditions in the company's operating area; and
(vi) the extent, timing and success of competition from others in the local
telephone and toll service markets.
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Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
GENERAL
The principal properties of the Company do not lend themselves to simple
description by character and location. The Company's investment in plant,
property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Central office equipment.............. 39% 37%
Cable, wiring and conduit............. 38 38
Land and buildings.................... 8 8
Other equipment....................... 12 12
Other................................. 3 5
---- ----
100% 100%
==== ====
</TABLE>
"Central office equipment" consists of switching equipment, transmission
equipment and related facilities. "Cable, wiring and conduit" consists
primarily of aerial cable, underground cable, conduit and wiring. "Land and
buildings" consists of land owned in fee and improvements thereto, principally
central office buildings. "Other equipment" consists of public telephone
instruments and telephone equipment (including PBXs), poles, furniture, office
equipment, and vehicles and other work equipment. "Other" property consists
primarily of plant under construction, capital leases and leasehold
improvements.
The Company's customers are served by electronic switching systems that
provide a wide variety of services. The Company's network is in a transition
from an analog to a digital network, which provides the capabilities to furnish
advanced data transmission and information management services. At December 31,
1996, approximately 83% of the access lines were served by digital capability.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
The Company has been making and expects to continue to make significant
capital expenditures to meet the demand for communications services and to
further improve such services. Capital expenditures were approximately $772
million in 1996, $604 million in 1995 and $629 million in 1994. The total
investment in plant, property and equipment was approximately $9.36 billion at
December 31, 1996, $8.98 billion at December 31, 1995 and $8.70 billion at
December 31, 1994, in each case after giving effect to retirements, but before
deducting accumulated depreciation at such date.
9
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
GENERAL
The Company is a party to litigation and other claims arising in the ordinary
course of business, including matters relating to employment disputes, customer
claims, taxes, contracts, and alleged torts. Some of these claims purport to be
class actions.
While complete assurance cannot be given as to the outcome of any litigation,
in the opinion of the Company's management, any monetary liability or financial
impact to which the Company would be subject after final adjudication of the
foregoing matters would not be material in amount to the results of operations
or financial position of the Company.
PRE-DIVESTITURE CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND LITIGATION
The Plan provides for the recognition and payment by AT&T and the former
BOCs (including the Company) of liabilities that are attributable to pre-
Divestiture events but do not become certain until after Divestiture. These
contingent liabilities relate principally to litigation and other claims with
respect to the former Bell System's rates, taxes, contracts and torts (including
business torts, such as alleged violations of the antitrust laws). Except to the
extent that affected parties otherwise agree, contingent liabilities that are
attributable to pre-Divestiture events are shared by AT&T and the BOCs in
accordance with formulas prescribed by the Plan, whether or not an entity was a
party to the proceeding and regardless of whether an entity was dismissed from
the proceeding by virtue of settlement or otherwise. Each company's allocable
share of liability under these formulas depends on several factors, including
the type of contingent liability involved and each company's relative net
investment as of the effective date of Divestiture. Under the formula generally
applicable to most of the categories of these contingent liabilities, the
Company's aggregate allocable share of liability is approximately 2.8%.
AT&T and various of its subsidiaries and the BOCs (including in some cases
the Company) have been and are parties to various types of litigation relating
to pre-Divestiture events, including actions and proceedings involving
environmental claims and allegations of violations of equal employment laws.
Damages, if any, ultimately awarded in the remaining actions relating to pre-
Divestiture events could have a financial impact on the Company whether or not
the Company is a defendant since such damages will be treated as contingent
liabilities and allocated in accordance with the allocation rules established by
the Plan.
Effective in 1994, the Company and the other Regional Holding Companies
agreed to discontinue sharing of new pre-Divestiture claims and certain existing
claims other than claims relating to environmental matters. AT&T is not a party
to this agreement.
While complete assurance cannot be given as to the outcome of any contingent
liabilities or litigation, in the opinion of the Company's management, any
monetary liability or financial impact to which the Company would be subject
after final adjudication of all of the remaining potential or actual pre-
Divestiture claims would not be material in amount to the results of operations
or financial position of the Company.
10
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
PART I
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(Inapplicable.)
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
11
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(ABBREVIATED PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(2).)
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements
and Notes to the Financial Statements listed in the index set forth on page F-1.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
The Company reported net income of $536.2 million in 1996, compared to net
income of $496.2 million in 1995.
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting
for directory publishing revenues and expenses, effective January 1, 1996. The
Company adopted the point-of-publication method, which requires directory
revenues and expenses to be recognized upon publication rather than over the
lives of the directories. As a result of this change, results of operations for
the first three quarters of 1996 have been restated (see Note 14 to the
financial statements). The Company recorded an after-tax increase in income of
$45.1 million in the first quarter of 1996, representing the cumulative effect
of this accounting change. This accounting change did not have a material
impact on operating income in 1996.
Other items affecting the comparison of operating results between 1996 and
1995 are discussed in the following sections.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING REVENUES
- ------------------
(Dollars In Millions)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Transport services
Local service............................. $ 920.8 $ 867.6
Network access............................ 1,004.6 971.4
Toll service.............................. 687.0 690.2
Ancillary services
Directory publishing...................... 361.1 342.2
Other..................................... 115.8 125.6
Value-added services....................... 495.2 441.8
-------- --------
Total...................................... $3,584.5 $3,438.8
======== ========
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
TRANSPORT SERVICES OPERATING STATISTICS
- ------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
INCREASE
1996 1995 (DECREASE)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AT YEAR-END
- -----------
Access Lines in Service (In thousands)
Residence............................. 3,717 3,603 3.2%
Business.............................. 1,944 1,822 6.7
Public................................ 93 94 (1.1)
------ ------
5,754 5,519 4.3
====== ======
FOR THE YEAR
- ------------
Access Minutes of Use (In millions)
Interstate............................ 20,504 18,912 8.4
Intrastate............................ 5,509 4,892 12.6
------ ------
26,013 23,804 9.3
====== ======
Toll Messages (In millions)
Intrastate............................ 2,202 2,161 1.9
Interstate............................ 58 64 (9.4)
------ ------
2,260 2,225 1.6
====== ======
</TABLE>
LOCAL SERVICE REVENUES
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 53.2 6.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local service revenues are earned by the Company from the provision of local
exchange, local private line and public telephone (pay phone) services.
Higher usage of the Company's network facilities was the primary reason for
the increase in local service revenues in 1996. The growth was generated by an
increase in access lines in service of 4.3% in 1996, as well as higher message
volumes. This access line growth reflects higher demand for Centrex services
and an increase in second residential lines. Revenues in 1996 were also higher
as a result of price increases and reduced allowances for certain directory
assistance services associated with the Company's revenue neutral rate change
filing, which became effective on July 1, 1996. The filing provided for
increases in local service and other ancillary services revenues of
approximately $18 million and $8 million, respectively, with a corresponding
decrease in toll service revenues of approximately $26 million, on an annual
basis.
For a discussion of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which will open the
local exchange market to competition, see "Factors That May Impact Future
Results" beginning on page 18.
NETWORK ACCESS REVENUES
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 33.2 3.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Network access revenues are earned from long distance carriers for their use
of the Company's local exchange facilities in providing long distance services
to their customers, and from end-user subscribers. Switched access revenues are
derived from usage-based charges paid by long distance carriers for access to
the Company's network. Special access
13
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
revenues arise from access charges paid by long distance carriers and end-users
who have private networks. End-user access revenues are earned from local
exchange carrier customers who pay for access to the network.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the rates that the
Company can charge long distance carriers and end-user subscribers for
interstate access services. Each year, new access rates are required to be
filed with the FCC under the rules of its Interim Price Cap Plan. Beginning on
August 1, 1995, the Company implemented price decreases totaling approximately
$87.8 million on an annual basis. These price decreases included the scheduled
expiration of a temporary rate increase of approximately $28.2 million on an
annualized basis that was in effect from March 17, 1995 through July 31, 1995 to
recover prior years "exogenous" postemployment benefit costs. On July 20, 1996,
the Company implemented price increases which will be in effect for the period
July 1996 through June 1997. The rates included in the 1996 filing resulted in
price increases totaling approximately $6 million on an annual basis.
Network access revenues increased principally due to higher customer demand
as reflected by growth in access minutes of use of 9.3% in 1996. Volume growth
in 1996 was boosted by the expansion of the business market, particularly for
high capacity services. Revenues were further increased by higher revenues from
affiliated companies pursuant to an interstate revenue sharing agreement (see
Note 13 to the financial statements).
Revenue growth was partially offset by the effect of price reductions
implemented during 1995 in connection with the FCC's Interim Price Cap Plan.
Revenues in 1996 were also reduced by special charges for reserves associated
with regulatory issues.
The Company expects that network access revenue growth in 1997, relative to
1996 revenues, will be positively affected by continued volume growth and by
price increases effective on July 20, 1996. For a discussion of proposed FCC
rulemakings concerning access charges, see "Factors That May Impact Future
Results" beginning on page 18.
TOLL SERVICE REVENUES
(DECREASE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ (3.2) (.5)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toll service revenues are earned primarily from calls made outside a
customer's local calling area, but within the same service area of the Company,
referred to as Local Access and Transport Areas (LATAs). Other toll services
include 800 services, Wide Area Telephone Service (WATS), and corridor services
(between LATAs in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and between LATAs in
northern New Jersey and New York City).
Toll service revenues decreased in 1996 due to company-initiated price
reductions and a discount offering on certain toll services in response to
competition. The price reductions and the discount offering, which are expected
to reduce toll service revenues by approximately $26 million annually, were
implemented in connection with the Company's aforementioned revenue neutral rate
change filing. Increased competition for WATS services also reduced toll
service revenues in 1996.
Higher network usage, as reflected by a 1.6% increase in toll message
volumes, substantially offset these decreases.
The Company expects that toll service revenues will be negatively impacted in
the first half of 1997 by the effect of its revenue neutral rate change filing.
See "Factors That May Impact Future Results - Competition - IntraLATA Toll
Services" on page 19 for a further discussion of toll service revenue issues.
14
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
DIRECTORY PUBLISHING REVENUES
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 18.9 5.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directory publishing revenues are earned primarily from local advertising and
marketing services provided to businesses in White and Yellow Pages directories.
The Company also provides database services and directory marketing services
outside of its region.
The increase in directory publishing revenues was primarily due to the effect
of the aforementioned change in the method of accounting for directory revenues.
Lower advertising volumes, resulting from competition from other directory
companies and other advertising media, partially offset this increase.
OTHER ANCILLARY SERVICES REVENUES
(DECREASE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ (9.8) (7.8)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other ancillary services include billing and collection services provided to
long distance carriers, facilities rental services provided to affiliates and
non-affiliates, and sales of materials and supplies to affiliates.
Other ancillary services revenues decreased primarily due to the elimination
in the fourth quarter of 1995 of an intraLATA toll surcharge earned from long
distance carriers. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in
facilities rental revenues from affiliates and the introduction of customer late
payment charges pursuant to the Company's aforementioned revenue neutral rate
change filing. The customer late payment charges are expected to increase other
ancillary services revenues by approximately $8 million annually.
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES REVENUES
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 53.4 12.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value-added services represent a family of services which expand the
utilization of the network. These services include products such as voice
messaging services, Caller ID, Call Waiting, and Return Call, as well as more
mature products such as Touch-Tone and other customer premises wiring and
maintenance services.
Improved revenue growth from value-added services is principally the result
of increased marketing and promotional efforts which have stimulated customer
demand and usage. Demand for these services also has been fueled by the
introduction of new and enhanced optional features. Increased demand for
certain customer premises wiring and maintenance services, primarily from
residential customers, also contributed to revenue growth in 1996.
15
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars In Millions)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Employee costs, including benefits and taxes......... $ 753.0 $ 751.4
Depreciation and amortization........................ 667.5 669.8
Other operating expenses............................. 1,317.5 1,169.6
-------- --------
Total................................................ $2,738.0 $2,590.8
======== ========
</TABLE>
EMPLOYEE COSTS
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 1.6 .2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employee costs consist of salaries, wages and other employee compensation,
employee benefits and payroll taxes paid directly by the Company. Similar costs
incurred by employees of Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. (NSI), who provide
centralized services on a contract basis, are allocated to the Company and are
included in other operating expenses.
In May 1995, the Company executed a five-year contract with the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The IBEW contract provides for a
17.4% wage increase over the contract period, a ratification bonus, improved
pensions and benefits, and certain employment security provisions. The Company
reached a final settlement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) on a
three-year labor agreement in January 1996. The agreement includes a 10.6% wage
increase over the three-year contract period, a ratification bonus, improved
pensions and benefits, and certain employment security provisions.
The increase in employee costs was attributable to annual salary and wage
increases, as well as increased overtime pay for repair and maintenance
activity, primarily due to higher business volumes. The Company also recognized
additional benefit costs primarily associated with an amendment to a Bell
Atlantic separation pay plan.
These increases were substantially offset by savings associated with lower
work force levels in 1996 and the effect of certain contract labor and
separation pay costs recognized in 1995 associated with the five-year contract
with the IBEW and the contract settlement with the CWA.
In 1995, Bell Atlantic announced that the pension plan covering most of its
management employees, including employees of the Company, would be converted to
a cash balance plan, effective December 31, 1995. This change did not have a
material impact on the Company's pension benefit costs in 1996 or 1995.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
(DECREASE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ (2.3) (.3)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company uses the composite group remaining life method to depreciate
plant assets. Under this method, the Company periodically revises depreciation
rates based on a number of factors. The composite depreciation rate was 7.5% in
1996 and 7.9% in 1995.
Depreciation and amortization decreased due to lower rates of depreciation
and amortization. This decrease was substantially offset by growth in
depreciable telephone plant.
16
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 147.9 12.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other operating expenses consist primarily of contract services including
centralized services expenses allocated from NSI, rent, network software costs,
operating taxes other than income, the provision for uncollectible accounts
receivable and other costs.
The increase in other operating expenses was largely attributable to higher
centralized services expenses allocated from NSI (see Note 13 to the financial
statements). This increase was due, in part, to higher employee costs incurred
in that organization as a result of annual salary and wage increases.
Additional operating costs incurred to enhance billing and operating systems,
and market and advertise services also contributed to the increase in
centralized services expenses in 1996. Other operating expenses were further
increased by higher costs for contract labor and engineering, as well as
additional costs to upgrade network software and comply with certain aspects of
the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE, NET
(DECREASE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ (1.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The change in other income and expense, net was largely attributable to
higher nonoperating costs incurred in 1996 and lower interest income related to
short-term investments.
INTEREST EXPENSE
INCREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 - 1995 $ 8.0 9.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense increased principally due to a reduction in capitalized
interest costs in 1996.
EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 34.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 34.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effective income tax rate is the provision for income taxes as a
percentage of income before taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of
accounting changes. The Company's effective income tax rate was lower
principally as a result of prior period adjustments, including research and
development credits, recorded in 1996.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective
income tax rate for each period is provided in Note 11 to the financial
statements.
17
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
- -------------------
The Company uses the net cash generated from operations and from external
financing to fund capital expenditures for network expansion and modernization,
and pay dividends. While current liabilities exceeded current assets at both
December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's sources of funds, primarily from
operations and to the extent necessary from readily available financing
arrangements with an affiliate, are sufficient to meet ongoing operating
requirements. Management expects that presently foreseeable capital requirements
will continue to be financed primarily through internally generated funds.
Additional long-term debt may be needed to fund development activities or to
maintain the Company's capital structure to ensure financial flexibility.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had $210.4 million of an unused line of
credit with an affiliate, Bell Atlantic Network Funding Corporation. In
addition, the Company had $50.0 million remaining under a shelf registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of
unsecured debt securities.
The Company's debt ratio was 49.2% at December 31, 1996, compared to 49.5% at
December 31, 1995.
On February 3, 1997, the Company declared and paid a dividend in the amount
of $86.5 million to Bell Atlantic.
FACTORS THAT MAY IMPACT FUTURE RESULTS
- --------------------------------------
FEDERAL LEGISLATION
The telecommunications industry is undergoing substantial changes as a result
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Act), other public policy changes and
technological advances. These changes are likely to bring increased competitive
pressures to the Company's current business, but will also open new markets to
Bell Atlantic.
The Act became law on February 8, 1996 and replaced the Modification of Final
Judgment (MFJ). In general, the Act includes provisions that open local
exchange markets to competition and permit Bell Atlantic to provide interLATA
(long distance) services and to engage in manufacturing. However, the ability of
Bell Atlantic to engage in businesses previously prohibited by the MFJ is
largely dependent on satisfying certain conditions contained in the Act. Among
the requirements with which the Company must comply is a 14-point "competitive
checklist" which includes steps the Company must take which will help
competitors offer local service, either through resale, through the purchase of
unbundled network elements, or through their own networks. The Company must
also demonstrate to the FCC that its entry into the long distance market would
be in the public interest.
The Company is unable to predict definitively the impact that the Act will
have on its business, results of operations or financial condition. The
financial impact will depend on several factors, including the timing, extent
and success of competition in the Company's markets, and the timing, extent and
success of Bell Atlantic's pursuit of new business opportunities resulting from
the Act. These factors will in turn depend, in part, on the final outcome of
several FCC rulemakings and the outcome of state interconnection proceedings
(see also "Recent Developments" below).
The Company anticipates that these industry changes, together with the rapid
growth, enormous size and global scope of these markets, will attract new
entrants and encourage existing competitors to broaden their offerings. Current
and potential competitors in telecommunication services include long distance
companies, other local telephone companies, cable companies, wireless service
providers, and other companies that offer network services. Some of these
companies have a strong market presence, brand recognition and existing customer
relationships, all of which contribute to intensifying competition and may
affect the Company's future revenue growth. See the "Competition" section on
pages 19 and 20 for additional information.
18
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
Recent Developments
On August 1, 1996, the FCC adopted an order establishing rules for
implementation of the interconnection requirements set forth in the Act. The
FCC's order establishes rules to govern interconnection agreements that are
reached through state arbitrations, when negotiations fail.
Bell Atlantic and other telecommunication companies appealed the
interconnection order to the U.S. Court of Appeals. This case is currently
pending. The Court has stayed the effectiveness of the uniform national pricing
rules adopted by the FCC, and the FCC rule that permitted competitors to "pick
and choose" isolated terms out of negotiated interconnection agreements.
Private negotiations and state arbitrations are continuing while the stay is in
effect, pending the Court's final decision. As of March 1, 1997, the Company
has entered into eight interconnection agreements, with a number of different
companies.
Pursuant to the Act, the Company filed its "Statement of Generally Available
Terms and Conditions for Interconnection, Unbundled Network Elements, Ancillary
Services and Resale of Telecommunications Services" with the Board of Public
Utilities (BPU).
The FCC has also initiated proceedings to address universal service
obligations and access charges, and will adopt regulations regarding these
issues in subsequent orders.
Although the Company is unable to predict the final outcome, either of these
proceedings could have a material effect on future operating revenues.
COMPETITION
IntraLATA Toll Services
IntraLATA toll services are calls that originate and terminate within the
same LATA, but cover a greater distance than a local call. These services are
generally regulated by the BPU rather than federal authorities. The BPU permits
other carriers to offer intrastate intraLATA toll services in the Company's
jurisdiction.
Currently, intraLATA toll calls are completed by the Company unless the
customer dials a code to access a competing carrier. This dialing method would
be changed by "presubscription," which would enable customers to make these toll
calls using another carrier without having to dial an access code.
The Act addressed the issue of presubscription by prohibiting a state from
requiring presubscription or "dialing parity" until the earlier of such time as
an operating telephone company in the state is authorized to provide long
distance services within the state or three years from the effective date of the
Act. This prohibition does not apply to a final order requiring presubscription
that was issued on or prior to December 19, 1995 or to states consisting of a
single LATA.
During 1995, the BPU conducted proceedings to determine whether, and under
what conditions, to authorize presubscription. On December 14, 1995, the BPU
issued an order finding that implementation of presubscription for intraLATA
toll services in New Jersey would be in the public interest and proposed rules
for implementation. On January 8, 1997, the BPU approved a rule that would
require implementation of presubscription by May 5, 1997. The Company has filed
suit in federal court challenging the BPU's rule on the grounds that it is
inconsistent with the Act.
Implementation of presubscription for intraLATA toll services could have a
material negative effect on toll service revenues, especially if Bell Atlantic
is not permitted to offer long distance services at the same time.
Local Exchange Services
Local exchange services have historically been subject to regulation by the
BPU. Applications from competitors to provide and resell local exchange
services have been approved by the BPU.
19
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
The Act is expected to significantly increase the level of competition in the
Company's local exchange market. See Item 1 - "Description of Business, State
Regulation and Competitive Environment - Competition - Local Exchange Services"
on pages 5 and 6 for the specific requirements of the Act relating to local
exchange services.
OTHER STATE REGULATORY MATTERS
The communications services of the Company are subject to regulation by the
BPU with respect to intrastate rates and services and certain other matters.
See Item 1 - "Description of Business, State Regulation and Competitive
Environment" on page 5 for a description of the Company's current regulatory
plan.
OTHER MATTERS
- -------------
Proposed Bell Atlantic - NYNEX Merger
Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Corporation announced a proposed merger of equals
under a definitive merger agreement entered into on April 21, 1996 and amended
on July 2, 1996. In November 1996, stockholders of both companies approved the
merger. The completion of the merger is subject to a number of other
conditions, including certain regulatory approvals. Bell Atlantic is unable to
predict when it will be able to complete the merger.
As a result of the merger, Bell Atlantic will incur special transition and
integration costs of approximately $500 million in the first year following the
completion of the merger and an additional $200 million to $400 million over the
two succeeding years, in connection with completing the transaction and
integrating the operations of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX. The transition costs
consist principally of professional and registration fees, systems modification
costs, costs associated with the elimination and consolidation of duplicate
facilities, and employee severance and relocation costs. Of these costs, the
Company expects to incur a portion of a one-time charge for employee severance
costs in the quarter in which the merger is completed. The total severance
charge for Bell Atlantic is currently estimated to be in the range of $200
million to $300 million. The amount of the charge will vary depending on a
number of factors including: (i) the number of employees that will be terminated
under severance arrangements, (ii) the timing of employee terminations, and
(iii) changes, if any, to severance plan provisions. It is anticipated that the
Company will bear a portion of the remaining transition and integration costs.
Bell Atlantic also expects to recognize recurring expense savings of
approximately $600 million annually by the third year following completion of
the merger as a result of consolidating operating systems and other
administrative functions and reducing management positions. Incremental savings
in annual capital expenditures for Bell Atlantic should grow to approximately
$250 million to $300 million, including efficiencies relating to purchasing,
marketing trials and equipment testing. It is anticipated that the Company will
recognize a portion of these savings.
Bell Atlantic's Disposition of Bellcore Investment
In November 1996, Bell Atlantic and other Bellcore owners entered into an
agreement to sell their jointly owned investment in Bellcore. The transaction
is subject to regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed near the end
of 1997. After the sale is completed, the Company will continue to contract
with Bellcore for technical and support services. It is anticipated that the
Company will incur costs in 1997 at levels similar to those of prior years (See
Note 13 to the financial statements).
20
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information contained above with respect to the expected financial impact of
the proposed merger, and other statements in this Management's Discussion and
Analysis, regarding expected future events and financial results is forward-
looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. For those statements, the
Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements
contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The following important factors could affect the future results of the
Company and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed
in the forward-looking statements: (i) materially adverse changes in economic
conditions in the markets served by the Company; (ii) a significant delay in the
expected closing of the merger; (iii) the final outcome of FCC rulemakings with
respect to interconnection agreements, access charge reform and universal
service; (iv) the timing of presubscription for toll services; (v) future state
regulatory actions and economic conditions in the Company's operating area; and
(vi) the extent, timing and success of competition from others in the local
telephone and toll service markets.
21
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
PART II
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this Item is set forth on Pages F-1 through
F-20.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
(Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2).)
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:
(1) Financial Statements
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule appearing on Page F-1.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule appearing on Page F-1.
22
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(CONTINUED)
(3) Exhibits
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are incorporated
herein by reference as exhibits hereto.
Exhibit Number (Referenced to Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
---------------------------------------------------------
3a Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant, dated
September 28, 1989 and filed November 28, 1989. (Exhibit 3a to
the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1989, File No. 1-3488.)
3a(i) Certificate of Amendment to the registrant's Certificate
of Incorporation, dated January 7, 1994 and filed January
13, 1994. (Exhibit 3a(i) to the registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File
No. 1-3488.)
3b By-Laws of the registrant, as amended December 15, 1995.
(Exhibit 3b to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995, File No. 1-3488.)
3b(i) Consent of Sole Stockholder of Bell Atlantic - New
Jersey, Inc., dated December 15, 1995. (Exhibit 3b(i) to
the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995, File No. 1-3488.)
4 No instrument which defines the rights of holders of long-term
debt of the registrant is filed herewith pursuant to Regulation
S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, the
registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such
instrument to the SEC upon request.
10a Agreement Concerning Contingent Liabilities, Tax Matters and
Termination of Certain Agreements among AT&T, Bell Atlantic
Corporation, and the Bell Atlantic Corporation telephone
subsidiaries, and certain other parties, dated as of November
1, 1983. (Exhibit 10a to Bell Atlantic Corporation Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File
No. 1-8606.)
10b Agreement among Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. and the
Bell Atlantic Corporation telephone subsidiaries, dated
November 7, 1983. (Exhibit 10b to Bell Atlantic Corporation
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993, File No. 1-8606.)
18 Letter regarding change in accounting principle.
23 Consent of Independent Accountants.
27 Financial Data Schedule.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
There were no Current Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter
ended December 31, 1996.
23
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
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.
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
By /s/ William C. Tomlinson
--------------------------------
William C. Tomlinson
Chief Financial Officer
March 24, 1997
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 DATE INDICATED.
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Len J. Lauer President and March 24, 1997
- --------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Len J. Lauer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ William C. Tomlinson Chief Financial Officer March 24, 1997
- --------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
William C. Tomlinson
/s/ Joseph M. Milanowycz Director March 24, 1997
- ---------------------------
Joseph M. Milanowycz
/s/ Anne S. Babineau Director March 24, 1997
- ---------------------------
Anne S. Babineau
24
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.......................... F-2
Statements of Operations and Reinvested Earnings
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.... F-3
Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995................ F-4
Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.... F-6
Notes to Financial Statements.............................. F-7
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.... F-20
</TABLE>
Financial statement schedules other than that listed above have been omitted
because such schedules are not required or applicable.
F-1
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareowner of
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
We have audited the financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc. as listed in the index on page F-1 of this Form
10-K. The financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 Bell Atlantic - New Jersey,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our
opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information required to be included therein.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements, the Company changed
its method of accounting for directory publishing revenues and expenses in 1996.
Also, as discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the financial statements, the Company
discontinued accounting for its operations in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation," effective August 1, 1994.
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 5, 1997
F-2
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND REINVESTED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES (including $82.7, $69.0
and $56.9 from affiliates).................. $3,584.5 $3,438.8 $3,384.3
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee costs, including benefits and
taxes...................................... 753.0 751.4 818.5
Depreciation and amortization............... 667.5 669.8 632.4
Other (including $744.3, $645.4 and
$598.7 to affiliates)...................... 1,317.5 1,169.6 1,158.9
-------- -------- --------
2,738.0 2,590.8 2,609.8
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING INCOME.............................. 846.5 848.0 774.5
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE, NET
Allowance for funds used during
construction............................... --- --- 8.4
Other, net (including $0, $0 and $.1
from affiliate)............................ (4.6) (3.4) (7.1)
-------- -------- --------
(4.6) (3.4) 1.3
INTEREST EXPENSE (including $13.6, $12.7
and $5.5 to affiliate)...................... 95.6 87.6 100.0
-------- -------- --------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES,
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS, AND CUMULATIVE
EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE..... 746.3 757.0 675.8
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................... 255.2 260.8 220.1
-------- -------- --------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS AND
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLE.................................... 491.1 496.2 455.7
-------- -------- --------
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
Discontinuation of Regulatory Accounting
Principles, Net of Tax..................... --- --- (589.7)
Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net of Tax.... --- --- (6.7)
-------- -------- --------
--- --- (596.4)
-------- -------- --------
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLE
Directory Publishing, Net of Tax............ 45.1 --- ---
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS)............................. $ 536.2 $ 496.2 $ (140.7)
======== ======== ========
REINVESTED EARNINGS
At beginning of year........................ $ 178.5 $ 174.8 $ 750.1
Add: net income (loss)..................... 536.2 496.2 (140.7)
-------- -------- --------
714.7 671.0 609.4
Deduct: dividends.......................... 487.6 492.0 434.7
other changes...................... .7 .5 (.1)
-------- -------- --------
At end of year.............................. $ 226.4 $ 178.5 $ 174.8
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
ASSETS
------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
------------------
1996 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
Short-term investments................... $ 76.8 $ ---
Accounts receivable:
Trade and other, net of allowances
for uncollectibles of $79.6 and $58.1 739.2 638.8
Affiliates.............................. 18.8 18.1
Material and supplies.................... 18.0 16.4
Prepaid expenses......................... 162.2 211.8
Deferred income taxes.................... --- 18.7
Other.................................... 5.4 4.8
-------- --------
1,020.4 908.6
-------- --------
PLANT, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT............ 9,356.7 8,977.2
Less accumulated depreciation............ 5,216.6 4,923.3
-------- --------
4,140.1 4,053.9
-------- --------
OTHER ASSETS............................. 66.0 57.3
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS............................. $5,226.5 $5,019.8
======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNER'S INVESTMENT
---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
--------------------
1996 1995
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Debt maturing within one year:
Note payable to affiliate................................ $ 261.7 $ 227.2
Other.................................................... 4.7 4.6
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Affiliates 344.9 268.1
Other.................................................... 545.4 497.0
Other liabilities......................................... 140.3 133.5
-------- --------
1,297.0 1,130.4
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT............................................ 1,291.3 1,296.3
-------- --------
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS.............................. 823.9 816.0
-------- --------
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes..................................... 1.8 ---
Unamortized investment tax credits........................ 33.2 39.6
Other..................................................... 171.7 177.8
-------- --------
206.7 217.4
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS (Note 6)
SHAREOWNER'S INVESTMENT
Common stock-one share, without par value, owned by
parent.................................................. 1,381.2 1,381.2
Reinvested earnings....................................... 226.4 178.5
-------- --------
1,607.6 1,559.7
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNER'S INVESTMENT............. $5,226.5 $5,019.8
======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)......................... $ 536.2 $ 496.2 $ (140.7)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization......... 667.5 669.8 632.4
Extraordinary items, net of
tax.................................. --- --- 596.4
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle, net of tax.. (45.1) --- ---
Allowance for funds used
during construction.................. --- --- (8.4)
Other items, net...................... (0.8) .7 (10.0)
Changes in certain assets and
liabilities:
Accounts receivable................. 12.8 (39.6) (11.9)
Material and supplies............... (1.6) (7.8) 4.5
Other assets........................ (6.2) (18.3) (92.3)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities........................ 103.2 46.2 7.8
Deferred income taxes, net.......... 32.9 (44.4) (40.1)
Unamortized investment tax credits.. (6.4) (7.0) (15.2)
Employee benefit obligations........ 7.9 (5.3) 76.8
Other liabilities................... (13.1) (83.2) 23.1
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................... 1,287.3 1,007.3 1,022.4
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments....... (104.8) (32.2) ---
Proceeds from sale of short-term
investments.............................. 28.0 32.2 ---
Additions to plant, property and
equipment................................ (771.6) (603.9) (628.9)
Net change in note receivable from
affiliate................................ --- --- 9.4
Other, net................................ 13.8 20.9 3.4
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities..... (834.6) (583.0) (616.1)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings.................. --- --- 249.5
Principal repayments of borrowings and
capital lease obligations............... (4.5) (29.0) (4.0)
Early extinguishment of debt.............. --- --- (350.0)
Net change in note payable to affiliate... 34.5 109.8 117.4
Dividends paid............................ (487.6) (492.0) (434.7)
Net change in outstanding checks drawn
on controlled disbursement accounts..... 4.9 (13.1) 15.5
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities..... (452.7) (424.3) (406.3)
-------- -------- --------
NET CHANGE IN CASH........................ --- --- ---
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR................... --- --- ---
-------- -------- --------
CASH, END OF YEAR......................... $ --- $ --- $ ---
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc. (the Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Bell Atlantic Corporation (Bell Atlantic). The Company operates in a single
industry segment - communications and related services. The Company provides
two basic types of telecommunications services in a territory consisting of
three Local Access and Transport Areas (LATAs) in the state of New Jersey.
First, the Company transports telecommunications traffic between subscribers
located within the same LATA (intraLATA service), including both local and toll
services. Local service includes the provision of local exchange, local private
line and public telephone services. Toll service includes message toll service
and intraLATA Wide Area Toll Service/800 services. The Company also earns toll
revenue from the provision of telecommunications service between LATAs
(interLATA service) in the corridors between southern New Jersey and
Philadelphia and northern New Jersey and New York City. Second, the Company
provides exchange access service, which links a subscriber's telephone equipment
to the facilities of an interexchange carrier (IXC) which, in turn, provides
interLATA telecommunications service to their customers. The Company also
provides exchange access service to IXCs which provide intrastate intraLATA long
distance telecommunications service. Other services provided by the Company
include customer premises wiring and maintenance and billing and collection
services.
The telecommunications industry is undergoing substantial changes as a result
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, other public policy changes and
technological advances. These changes are likely to bring increased competitive
pressures, but will also open new markets to Bell Atlantic, such as long
distance services within its geographic region, upon completion of certain
requirements of the Telecommunications Act.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Effective August 1, 1994, the Company
discontinued accounting for its operations under the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation" (see Note 4).
USE OF ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its financial statements under generally accepted
accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts or certain disclosures. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
The Company reclassified certain amounts from previous years to conform with
the 1996 presentation.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenues when services are rendered based on usage of
its local exchange network and facilities.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
The Company charges the cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost
of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterments, to operating
expense.
F-7
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90
days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents, except cash equivalents held
as short-term investments. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which
approximates market value.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments consist of cash equivalents held in trust to pay for
certain employee benefits. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which
approximates market value.
MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES
New and reusable materials are carried in inventory, principally at average
original cost, except that specific costs are used in the case of large
individual items.
PLANT AND DEPRECIATION
The Company states plant, property, and equipment at cost. Depreciation
expense is principally based on the composite group remaining life method and
straight-line composite rates. This method provides for the recognition of the
cost of the remaining net investment in telephone plant, less anticipated net
salvage value, over the remaining asset lives. This method requires the periodic
revision of depreciation rates.
Effective, August 1, 1994, the Company discontinued accounting for its
operations under SFAS No. 71 (see Note 4). For financial reporting purposes, the
Company no longer uses regulatory asset lives. As a result, the Company began
using shorter estimated asset lives for certain categories of plant and
equipment.
The following asset lives were used before and after the discontinuation of
SFAS No. 71:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE LIVES (IN YEARS) BEFORE AFTER
---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Buildings.................. 21 - 50 30
Central office equipment... 10 - 19 5 - 12
Cable, wiring and conduit.. 22 - 60 16 - 50
Other equipment............ 6 - 35 6 - 35
</TABLE>
When depreciable plant is replaced or retired, the carrying amount of such
plant is deducted from the respective accounts and charged to accumulated
depreciation. Gains or losses on disposition are amortized with the remaining
net investment in telephone plant.
CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST COSTS
The Company capitalizes interest on funds borrowed to finance the acquisition
or construction of plant assets. Capitalized interest is reported as a cost of
plant and a reduction in interest cost. Prior to the discontinuation of SFAS
No. 71, the Company recorded an allowance for funds used during construction,
which included both interest and equity return components, as a cost of plant
and as an item of other income.
INCOME TAXES
Bell Atlantic and its domestic subsidiaries, including the Company, file a
consolidated federal income tax return.
The consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense is allocated by
applying the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" to each
subsidiary as if it were a separate taxpayer.
The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for investment tax credits
earned prior to repeal of investment tax credits by the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
The Company also defers certain transitional credits earned after the repeal.
F-8
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
These credits are being amortized as a reduction to the provision for income
taxes over the estimated service lives of the related assets.
DIRECTORY PUBLISHING
Effective, January 1, 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for
directory publishing revenues and expenses from the amortized method to the
point-of-publication method. Under the point-of-publication method, revenues
and expenses are recognized when the directories are published, rather than over
the lives of the directories (see Note 3).
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company participates in stock-based compensation plans sponsored by Bell
Atlantic. Bell Atlantic accounts for stock-based employee compensation plans
under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Effective January 1, 1996,
Bell Atlantic adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (see Note 9).
2. PROPOSED BELL ATLANTIC - NYNEX MERGER
Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Corporation announced a proposed merger of equals
under a definitive merger agreement entered into on April 21, 1996 and amended
on July 2, 1996. At special meetings held in November 1996, the stockholders of
both companies approved the merger. The completion of the merger is subject to
a number of conditions, including certain regulatory approvals and receipt of
opinions that the merger will be tax free. Bell Atlantic is unable to predict
when it will be able to complete the merger.
3. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE - DIRECTORY PUBLISHING
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for
directory publishing revenues and expenses from the amortized method to the
point-of-publication method. Under the point-of-publication method, revenues
and expenses are recognized when the directories are published rather than over
the lives of the directories, as under the amortized method. The Company
believes the point-of-publication method is preferable because it is the method
generally followed by publishing companies.
This accounting change resulted in a one-time, noncash increase in net income
of $45.1 million (net of income tax of $24.3 million), which is reported as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle at January 1, 1996. On an
annual basis, the financial impact of applying this method in 1996 was not
significant, and it would not have been significant had it been applied in 1995
and 1994. The Company restated its 1996 quarterly results of operations for the
effect of the change in accounting for directory publishing (see Note 14). As a
result of this restatement, (unaudited) income before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle decreased $8.0 million, decreased $5.3 million
and increased $5.3 million in the first, second and third quarters of 1996,
respectively.
F-9
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
4. DISCONTINUATION OF REGULATORY ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
In the third quarter of 1994, the Company discontinued the use of regulatory
accounting principles under SFAS No. 71, which means for financial reporting
purposes, the Company no longer follows accounting practices set by regulators.
As a result, the Company recorded a noncash, extraordinary charge of $589.7
million, which is net of an income tax benefit of $423.2 million.
A summary of the components of the after-tax charge follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
----------------------
<S> <C>
Increase in plant and equipment depreciation reserve $615.0
Accelerated investment tax credit amortization...... (41.1)
Tax-related regulatory asset and liability
elimination........................................ (27.6)
Other regulatory asset and liability elimination.... 43.4
------
Total............................................... $589.7
======
</TABLE>
5. PLANT, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Plant, property and equipment, which is stated at cost, is summarized as
follows at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Land....................... $ 47.4 $ 47.1
Buildings.................. 688.2 653.4
Central office equipment... 3,691.7 3,342.9
Cable, wiring and conduit.. 3,554.2 3,424.3
Other equipment............ 1,134.4 1,065.1
Other...................... 112.7 203.9
Construction-in-progress... 128.1 240.5
--------- ---------
9,356.7 8,977.2
Accumulated depreciation... (5,216.6) (4,923.3)
--------- ---------
Total...................... $ 4,140.1 $ 4,053.9
========= =========
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
6. LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment for use in its operations
under both capital and operating leases. Plant, property and equipment included
capital leases of $65.2 million and $68.1 million, and related accumulated
amortization of $44.0 million and $42.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company incurred initial capital lease obligations of $.02
million in 1996 and $.5 million in 1994. In 1995, the Company did not incur any
initial capital lease obligations.
Total rent expense amounted to $52.5 million in 1996, $52.6 million in 1995
and $53.3 million in 1994. Of these amounts, $13.6 million, $13.8 million and
$12.3 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were lease payments to
affiliated companies.
At December 31, 1996, the aggregate minimum rental commitments under
noncancelable leases for the periods shown are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS CAPITAL LEASES OPERATING LEASES
----- -------------- ----------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
1997............................... $ 8.9 $ 6.8
1998............................... 8.9 5.1
1999............................... 8.7 3.5
2000............................... 8.4 2.8
2001............................... 8.4 2.2
Thereafter......................... 9.2 8.0
----- -----
Total minimum rental commitments... 52.5 $28.4
=====
Less interest and executory costs.. 15.5
-----
Present value of minimum
lease payments................... 37.0
Less current installments.......... 4.7
-----
Long-term obligation at
December 31, 1996................ $32.3
=====
</TABLE>
7. DEBT
DEBT MATURING WITHIN ONE YEAR
Debt maturing within one year consists of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Note payable to affiliate (BANFC)................ $261.7 $227.2
Long-term debt maturing within one year.......... 4.7 4.6
------ ------
Total debt maturing within one year.............. $266.4 $231.8
====== ======
Weighted average interest rate for note payable
outstanding at year-end........................ 5.5% 5.8%
====== ======
</TABLE>
The Company has a contractual agreement with an affiliated company, Bell
Atlantic Network Funding Corporation (BANFC), for the provision of short-term
financing and cash management services. BANFC issues commercial paper and
secures bank loans to fund the working capital requirements of Bell Atlantic's
network services subsidiaries, including the Company, and invests funds in
temporary investments on their behalf. At December 31, 1996, the Company had
$210.4 million of an unused line of credit with BANFC.
F-11
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists principally of debentures issued by the Company.
Interest rates and maturities of the amounts outstanding are as follows at
December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Forty year 4 7/8%, due 2000......................... $ 20.0 $ 20.0
Ten year 7 1/4%, due 2002........................... 100.0 100.0
Ten year 5 7/8%, due 2004........................... 250.0 250.0
Forty year 4 5/8%, due 2005......................... 40.0 40.0
Forty year 5 7/8%, due 2006......................... 55.0 55.0
Forty year 6 5/8%, due 2008......................... 50.0 50.0
Forty year 7 1/4%, due 2011......................... 125.0 125.0
Forty year 7 3/8%, due 2012......................... 75.0 75.0
Thirty year 8%, due 2022............................ 200.0 200.0
Thirty year 7 1/4%, due 2023........................ 100.0 100.0
Thirty-one year 6.80%, due 2024..................... 100.0 100.0
Forty year 7.85%, due 2029.......................... 150.0 150.0
-------- --------
1,265.0 1,265.0
Unamortized discount and premium, net............... (6.0) (6.2)
Capital lease obligations - average rate
11.0% and 11.1%................................... 37.0 42.1
-------- --------
Total long-term debt, including current maturities.. 1,296.0 1,300.9
Less maturing within one year....................... 4.7 4.6
-------- --------
Total long-term debt................................ $1,291.3 $1,296.3
======== ========
</TABLE>
Long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 1996 includes $365.0 million that
is callable by the Company. The call prices range from 102.26% to 100.0% of
face value, depending upon the remaining term to maturity of the issue. In
addition, $150.0 million of long-term debt, bearing interest at 7.85%, will
become redeemable only on November 15, 1999 at the option of the holders. The
redemption price will be 100.0% of face value plus accrued interest.
The Company recorded an extraordinary charge associated with the early
extinguishment of debentures called by the Company. This charge reduced net
income by $6.7 million (net of an income tax benefit of $3.6 million) in 1994.
At December 31, 1996, the Company had $50.0 million remaining under a shelf
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
issuance of unsecured debt securities.
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit
risk consist primarily of short-term investments and trade receivables.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables other than
those from AT&T are limited due to the large number of customers. For the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, revenues generated from services
provided to AT&T (primarily network access and billing and collection) were
$393.6 million, $421.4 million and $419.2 million, respectively. At December
31, 1996 and 1995, accounts receivable, net, included $35.3 million and $43.7
million, respectively, from AT&T.
F-12
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The tables below provide additional information about the Company's material
financial instruments at December 31, 1996:
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT VALUATION METHOD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note payable to affiliate (BANFC) Carrying amounts
and short-term investments
Debt (excluding capital leases and Market quotes for similar terms
unamortized premium and discount) and maturities or future cash flows
discounted at current rates
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
-------------------- --------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Debt.......................... $1,526.7 $1,552.8 $1,492.2 $1,558.7
</TABLE>
9. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
The Company participates in stock-based compensation plans sponsored by Bell
Atlantic. Bell Atlantic applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations
in accounting for the plans. Effective January 1, 1996, Bell Atlantic adopted
the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. If Bell Atlantic had elected to
recognize compensation expense based on the fair value at the grant dates for
1995 and subsequent awards consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the
Company's pro forma net income for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
would have been $532.4 million and $492.9 million, respectively, compared to as
reported net income of $536.2 million and $496.2 million for the corresponding
years. These results may not be representative of the effects on pro forma net
income for future years.
The pro forma net income amounts were determined using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Dividend yield.............................. 4.9% 5.1%
Expected volatility......................... 14.7% 15.9%
Risk-free interest rate..................... 5.4% 7.6%
Expected lives (in years)................... 4.5 4.5
</TABLE>
The weighted average value of options granted was $7.23 per option during
1996 and $7.46 per option during 1995.
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
PENSION PLANS
Bell Atlantic and certain of its subsidiaries, including the Company,
sponsor multi-employer noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its management and associate employees. Benefits for
associate employees are determined by a flat dollar amount per year of service
according to job classification. Effective December 31, 1995, the plan covering
management employees was converted to a cash balance plan with benefits
F-13
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
determined by compensation credits related to age and service and interest
credits based on individual account balances. The management pension benefit for
prior years was based on a stated percentage of adjusted career average
earnings.
Under the cash balance plan, each management employee's opening account
balance was determined by converting the accrued pension benefit as of December
31, 1995 to a lump-sum amount based on the prior plan's provisions. The lump-
sum value was then multiplied by a transition factor based on age and service to
arrive at the opening balance.
Bell Atlantic's objective in funding the plans is to accumulate funds at a
relatively stable level over participants' working lives so that benefits are
fully funded at retirement. Plan assets consist principally of investments in
domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, U.S. and foreign government
and corporate debt securities, and real estate.
Pension cost was $9.0 million, $7.2 million and $25.7 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The change in pension
cost from year-to-year was caused by a number of variables, including changes in
actuarial assumptions (see table below), returns on plan assets and plan
amendments.
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" requires a comparison of
the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations with the fair value
of plan assets, the disclosure of the components of net periodic pension costs
and a reconciliation of the funded status of the plans with amounts recorded on
the balance sheets. The Company participates in multi-employer plans and
therefore, such disclosures are not presented for the Company because the
structure of the plans does not allow for the determination of this information
on an individual participating company basis.
The significant assumptions used for the pension measurements were as follows
at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rate.................................... 7.75% 7.25% 8.25%
Rate of future increases in compensation levels.. 4.75% 4.75% 5.25%
</TABLE>
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.25% for 1996, 1995
and 1994.
Pension benefits for associate employees are subject to collective bargaining
and modifications in pension benefits have been bargained from time to time.
Additionally, the Company has periodically amended the benefit formula under
pension plans maintained for its management employees. Substantive commitments
for future amendments to the Company's pension plans have been reflected in
determining the Company's pension cost. The actuarial assumptions used to
determine pension cost are based on financial market interest rates, past
experience, and management's best estimate of future benefit changes and
economic conditions. Changes in these assumptions may impact future pension
costs and benefit obligations.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
Bell Atlantic's postretirement health and life insurance benefit plans cover
substantially all of the Company's management and associate employees.
Postretirement health benefit costs are based on comprehensive medical and
dental plan provisions. Postretirement life insurance costs are based on annual
basic pay at retirement.
In 1996, Bell Atlantic restructured certain postretirement health and life
insurance obligations and assets to create a single plan. The remaining
postretirement benefits continue to be provided by separate plans. The
restructure did not affect plan benefits or postretirement benefit costs or
obligations.
Bell Atlantic funds the postretirement health and life insurance benefits of
current and future retirees. Plan assets consist principally of investments in
domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, and U.S. Government and
corporate debt securities.
Postretirement benefit cost was $48.4 million, $52.4 million and $61.5
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
change in postretirement benefit cost from year-to-year was caused by a number
of variables, including changes in actuarial assumptions (see table below),
returns on plan assets and plan amendments.
F-14
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions," requires a comparison of the actuarial present value of projected
postretirement benefit obligations with the fair value of plan assets, the
disclosure of the components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs, a
reconciliation of the funded status of the plan with amounts recorded on the
balance sheets and the effect of a one-percentage-point increase in the assumed
health care cost trend rates for each future year on net periodic postretirement
benefit cost and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. The Company
participates in multi-employer plans and therefore, such disclosures are not
presented for the Company because the structure of the plans does not provide
for the determination of this information on an individual participating company
basis.
Assumptions used in the actuarial computations for postretirement benefits
are as follows at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rate.................................... 7.75% 7.25% 8.25%
Rate of future increases in compensation levels.. 4.75 4.75 5.25
Medical cost trend rate:
Year ending.................................... 10.00 11.00 12.00
Ultimate (year 2003)........................... 5.00 5.00 5.00
Dental cost trend rate........................... 4.00 4.00 4.00
</TABLE>
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.25% for 1996, 1995
and 1994.
Postretirement benefits other than pensions for associate employees are
subject to collective bargaining and have been modified from time to time. The
Company has also periodically modified benefits under plans maintained for its
management employees. Substantive commitments for future amendments to the
Company's postretirement benefit plans have been reflected in determining the
Company's postretirement benefit cost. The actuarial assumptions used to
determine postretirement benefit cost are based on financial market interest
rates, past experience, and management's best estimate of future benefit changes
and economic conditions. Changes in these assumptions may impact future
postretirement benefit costs and benefit obligations.
SAVINGS PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
Substantially all of the Company's employees are eligible to participate in
savings plans established by Bell Atlantic to provide opportunities for eligible
employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis and encourage employees
to acquire and maintain an equity interest in Bell Atlantic. Under these plans,
a certain percentage of eligible employee contributions are matched with shares
of Bell Atlantic common stock. Bell Atlantic funds the matching contribution
through two leveraged employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Bell Atlantic
accounts for its ESOPs in accordance with the accounting rules applicable to
companies with ESOP trusts that held securities prior to December 15, 1989. The
Company recognizes its proportionate share of total ESOP cost based on the
Company's matching obligation attributable to participating Company employees.
The Company recorded total ESOP cost of $14.5 million, $16.9 million and $14.4
million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
F-15
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
11. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal.................. $228.7 $312.2 $275.4
Deferred:
Federal.................. 32.9 (44.4) (40.1)
Investment tax credits.... (6.4) (7.0) (15.2)
------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense.. $255.2 $260.8 $220.1
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
The provision for income taxes varies from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax rate to income before provision for income
taxes. The difference is attributable to the following factors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------
1996 1995 1994
--------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory federal income tax rate.................. 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Investment tax credits............................. (.6) (.6) (2.3)
Other, net......................................... (.2) .1 (.1)
---- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate.......................... 34.2% 34.5% 32.6%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Deferred taxes arise because of differences in the book and tax bases of
certain assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax
liabilities (assets) were as follows at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------- -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation..................................... $ 414.5 $ 426.1
Gross receipts tax............................... 25.3 25.6
Other............................................ 39.2 8.9
------- -------
479.0 460.6
------- -------
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits................................ (380.5) (383.7)
Investment tax credits........................... (11.6) (13.9)
Advance payments................................. (19.9) (27.1)
Other............................................ (30.0) (56.7)
------- -------
(442.0) (481.4)
------- -------
Net deferred tax (asset) liability................. $ 37.0 $ (20.8)
======= =======
</TABLE>
Deferred tax assets include approximately $269 million and $267 million at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, related to postretirement benefit
costs recognized under SFAS No. 106. This deferred tax asset will gradually be
realized over the estimated lives of current retirees and employees.
F-16
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
12. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
----------------------
1996 1995
------ ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEETS:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable - affiliates................ $344.0 $267.0
Accounts payable - other..................... 406.7 374.5
Accrued expenses............................. 64.1 42.1
Accrued vacation pay......................... 50.7 52.1
Accrued taxes................................ 8.2 12.6
Interest payable - other..................... 15.7 15.7
Interest payable - affiliate................. .9 1.1
------ ------
$890.3 $765.1
====== ======
Other current liabilities:
Advance billings and customer deposits....... $105.3 $133.5
Deferred income taxes........................ 35.0 ---
------ ------
$140.3 $133.5
====== ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes, net of amounts refunded........ $259.1 $320.5 $281.1
Interest, net of amounts capitalized......... 95.1 93.0 98.8
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
REINVESTED EARNINGS:
Interest expense incurred,
net of amounts capitalized................... 95.6 87.6 100.0
Capitalized interest.......................... 10.6 19.7 5.1
Advertising expense........................... 35.1 29.8 26.1
</TABLE>
Interest paid during the year includes $13.7 million in 1996, $12.9 million
in 1995 and $5.1 million in 1994 related to short-term financing services
provided by Bell Atlantic Network Funding Corporation (see Note 7).
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, $29.3 million and $24.4 million, respectively,
of negative cash was classified as accounts payable.
Advertising expense includes $26.7 million, $20.6 million and $17.4 million
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, allocated to the Company by Bell Atlantic
Network Services, Inc. (NSI).
13. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The financial statements include transactions with NSI, Bell Atlantic Network
Funding Corporation (BANFC), Bell Atlantic, and various other affiliates.
The Company has contractual arrangements with NSI for the provision of
various centralized services. These services are divided into two broad
categories. The first category is comprised of network related services which
generally benefit only Bell Atlantic's operating telephone subsidiaries. These
services include administration, marketing, product
F-17
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
advertising, sales, information systems, network technology planning, labor
relations, and staff support for various network operations. The second category
is comprised of overhead and support services which generally benefit all
subsidiaries of Bell Atlantic. Such services include corporate governance and
staff support in finance, external affairs, legal and corporate secretary, media
relations, employee communications, corporate advertising, human resources, and
treasury. The Company's allocated share of NSI costs also includes costs for
technical and support services billed by Bell Communications Research, Inc.
(Bellcore), another affiliated company owned jointly by the seven regional
holding companies. In November 1996, Bell Atlantic and other Bellcore owners
entered into an agreement to sell their jointly owned investment in Bellcore.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, and is expected to be
completed near the end of 1997. After the sale is completed, the Company will
continue to contract with Bellcore for technical and support services.
The Company recognizes interest expense and income in connection with
contractual arrangements with BANFC to provide short-term financing, investing
and cash management services to the Company (see Note 7).
Operating revenues include amounts from or (to) affiliates in connection with
an interstate revenue sharing arrangement with Bell Atlantic's operating
telephone subsidiaries. Other operating revenues and expenses include
miscellaneous items of income and expense resulting from transactions with other
affiliates, primarily rental of facilities and equipment. The Company also paid
cash dividends to its parent company, Bell Atlantic.
Transactions with affiliates are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------
1996 1995 1994
------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues:
Interstate revenue sharing from/(to)
affiliates.................................... $ 23.3 $ 13.5 $ (2.9)
Other revenue from affiliates.................. 59.4 55.5 59.8
------ ------ ------
82.7 69.0 56.9
------ ------ ------
Operating expenses:
NSI - network.................................. 385.4 329.8 257.9
NSI - other.................................... 213.4 216.5 241.8
Bellcore....................................... 29.9 28.4 27.1
Other.......................................... 115.6 70.7 71.9
------ ------ ------
744.3 645.4 598.7
------ ------ ------
Interest income from BANFC....................... --- --- .1
Interest expense to BANFC........................ 13.6 12.7 5.5
Dividends paid to Bell Atlantic.................. 487.6 492.0 434.7
</TABLE>
Outstanding balances with affiliates are reported on the Balance Sheets at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 as Accounts receivable - affiliates, Note payable to
affiliate, and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - affiliates.
On February 3, 1997, the Company declared and paid a dividend in the amount
of $86.5 million to Bell Atlantic.
F-18
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
14. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME BEFORE
CUMULATIVE
EFFECT OF CHANGE
OPERATING OPERATING IN ACCOUNTING NET
QUARTER ENDED REVENUES INCOME PRINCIPLE INCOME
- ------------- --------- --------- ---------------- ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996:
March 31 ........ $ 880.3 $230.5 $135.4 $180.5
June 30.......... 881.5 221.7 130.3 130.3
September 30..... 915.0 233.8 136.6 136.6
December 31...... 907.7 160.5 88.8 88.8
-------- ------ ------ ------
Total............ $3,584.5 $846.5 $491.1 $536.2
======== ====== ====== ======
1995:
March 31......... $ 847.7 $234.4 $139.1 $139.1
June 30.......... 860.1 215.8 126.3 126.3
September 30..... 864.1 188.3 109.2 109.2
December 31...... 866.9 209.5 121.6 121.6
-------- ------ ------ ------
Total............ $3,438.8 $848.0 $496.2 $496.2
======== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Results of operations for the first three quarters of 1996 have been restated
for the effect of a change in the method of accounting for directory publishing
revenues and expenses (see Note 3).
F-19
<PAGE>
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONS
---------------------
CHARGED
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO OTHER BALANCE
BEGINNING TO ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS AT END
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES NOTE(a) NOTE(b) OF PERIOD
- ----------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for Uncollectible
Accounts Receivable:
Year 1996.................. $58.1 $71.9 $56.2 $106.6 $79.6
Year 1995.................. $51.4 $45.0 $52.2 $ 90.5 $58.1
Year 1994.................. $57.7 $59.6 $48.7 $114.6 $51.4
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------
(a) (i) Amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this
account when recovered; and (ii) accruals charged to accounts payable for
anticipated uncollectible charges on purchases of accounts receivable from
others which were billed by the Company.
(b) Amounts written off as uncollectible.
F-20
<PAGE>
EXHIBITS
FILED WITH ANNUAL REPORT FORM 10-K
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-3488
<PAGE>
Form 10-K for 1996
File No. 1-3488
Page 1 of 1
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits
hereto.
Exhibit Number (Referenced to Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
- ---------------------------------------------------------
3a Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant, dated
September 28, 1989 and filed November 28, 1989. (Exhibit 3a to the
registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1989, File No. 1-3488.)
3a(i) Certificate of Amendment to the registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation, dated January 7, 1994 and filed January 13,
1994. (Exhibit 3a(i) to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-
3488.)
3b By-Laws of the registrant, as amended December 15, 1995. (Exhibit
3b to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995, File No. 1-3488.)
3b(i) Consent of Sole Stockholder of Bell Atlantic - New Jersey,
Inc., dated December 15, 1995. (Exhibit 3b(i) to the
registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995, File No. 1-3488.)
4 No instrument which defines the rights of holders of long-term debt
of the registrant is filed herewith pursuant to Regulation S-K,
Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, the registrant
hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC
upon request.
10a Agreement Concerning Contingent Liabilities, Tax Matters and
Termination of Certain Agreements among AT&T, Bell Atlantic
Corporation, and the Bell Atlantic Corporation telephone
subsidiaries, and certain other parties, dated as of November 1,
1983. (Exhibit 10a to Bell Atlantic Corporation Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-8606.)
10b Agreement among Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. and the Bell
Atlantic Corporations telephone subsidiaries, dated November 7,
1983. (Exhibit 10b to Bell Atlantic Corporation Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-8606.)
18 Letter regarding change in accounting principle.
23 Consent of Independent Accountants.
27 Financial Data Schedule.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 18
December 31, 1996
Bell Atlantic-New Jersey, Inc.
540 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07101
We are providing this letter to you for inclusion as an exhibit to your Form
10-K filing pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
We have read management's justification for the change in accounting from the
"amortization" revenue recognition method to the "point of publication" method
contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Based on our reading of the data and discussions with Company officials of the
business judgment and business planning factors relating to the change, we
believe management's justification is reasonable. Accordingly, we concur that
the newly adopted accounting principle described above is preferable in the
Company's circumstances to the method previously applied.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Bell Atlantic - New Jersey, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 33-49851) of our report
dated February 5, 1997, which includes an explanatory paragraph stating that the
Company changed its method of accounting for directory publishing revenues and
expenses in 1996 and discontinued accounting for its operations in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, "Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," effective August 1, 1994, on our audits
of the financial statements and financial statement schedule of the Company as
of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 25, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND THE BALANCE
SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 77
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 819
<ALLOWANCES> 80
<INVENTORY> 18
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,020
<PP&E> 9,357
<DEPRECIATION> 5,217
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 5,227
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,297
<BONDS> 1,291
0
0
<COMMON> 1,381
<OTHER-SE> 227
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5,227
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,585
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,738
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 96
<INCOME-PRETAX> 746
<INCOME-TAX> 255
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 491
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 45
<NET-INCOME> 536
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
