<PAGE> 1
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 28, 1998
WORLDCOM, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Georgia 0-11258 58-1521612
(State or Other (Commission File (IRS Employer
Jurisdiction of Number) (Identification Number)
Incorporation)
515 East Amite Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201-2702
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (601) 360-8600
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
Restated Consolidated Financials. The consolidated financial statements of
WorldCom, Inc. ("the Company" or "WorldCom") for its fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 have been restated to reflect the business combination
between WorldCom and Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc. ("BFP") effective January 29,
1998 and accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method. The financial
information noted above are contained in the financial statements and footnotes
thereto listed in the Index on page F-1.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired. None.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information. None.
(c) Exhibits. The following exhibits are incorporated by reference:
Exhibit 27.1 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1997
Exhibit 27.2 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1996
Exhibit 27.3 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1995
Exhibit 27.4 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the three
months ended March 31,1997
Exhibit 27.5 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the six
months ended June 30, 1997
Exhibit 27.6 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the nine
months ended September 30, 1997
Exhibit 27.7 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the three
months ended March 31, 1996
Exhibit 27.8 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the six
months ended June 30, 1996
Exhibit 27.9 - Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the nine
months ended September 30, 1996
Exhibit 99.1 - The audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company as of and for its fiscal years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, including the reports of independent
auditors, were previously reported in and are incorporated by
reference to pages F-1 through F-26 (inclusive) of the WorldCom
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 under File No. 0-11258.
Exhibit 99.2 - The audited consolidated financial statements of
BFP as of and for its fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, including the report of independent auditors, were
previously reported in and are incorporated by reference to the
BFP Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 under File No. 0-28036.
2
<PAGE> 3
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 28, 1998
WORLDCOM, INC.
By: /s/ Scott D. Sullivan
--------------------------------------------
Scott D. Sullivan
Chief Financial Officer
3
<PAGE> 4
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Reports of independent public accountants F-2
Consolidated financial statements-
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 F-4
Consolidated statements of operations for the
three years ended December 31, 1997 F-5
Consolidated statements of shareholders' investment
for the three years ended December 31, 1997 F-6
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the
three years ended December 31, 1997 F-7
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-8
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 5
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders of WorldCom, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WorldCom, Inc.
(a Georgia corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' investment and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1997. We did not audit the financial statements of Brooks Fiber Properties,
Inc., a company acquired during 1998 in a transaction accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests, as discussed in Note 1, as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. Such
statements are included in the consolidated financial statements of WorldCom,
Inc. and reflect total assets and total revenues of 2 percent and 5 percent,
respectively, of the related consolidated totals in 1997; 1 percent and 4
percent, respectively, of the related consolidated totals in 1996, and less than
1 percent of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995. These
statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us
and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Brooks Fiber
Properties, Inc., is based solely upon the report of the other auditors. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of WorldCom, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
F-2
Jackson, Mississippi,
May 27, 1998.
<PAGE> 6
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brooks
Fiber Properties, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Brooks Fiber
Properties, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 18, 1998
F-3
<PAGE> 7
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 154,591 $ 484,609
Marketable securities 53,516 942,564
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $203,076 and $136,436 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively 1,240,731 1,014,471
Income taxes receivable 5,422 10,820
Deferred tax asset -- 276
Other current assets 419,727 235,311
------------ ------------
Total current assets 1,873,987 2,688,051
------------ ------------
Property and equipment:
Transmission equipment 4,156,319 2,542,063
Communications equipment 2,493,363 1,381,773
Furniture, fixtures and other 919,687 665,194
------------ ------------
7,569,369 4,589,030
Less - accumulated depreciation (855,168) (401,565)
------------ ------------
6,714,201 4,187,465
------------ ------------
Goodwill and other intangible assets 13,881,505 13,202,197
Deferred tax asset 404,864 392,634
Other assets 721,229 372,431
------------ ------------
$ 23,595,786 $ 20,842,778
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt $ 10,779 $ 22,858
Accounts payable 470,389 597,237
Accrued line costs 867,588 651,378
Accrued interest 119,262 29,522
Deferred tax liability 59,442 --
Other current liabilities 546,175 675,431
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 2,073,635 1,976,426
------------ ------------
Long-term liabilities, less current portion:
Long-term debt 7,413,333 5,356,391
Other liabilities 307,906 258,151
------------ ------------
Total long-term liabilities 7,721,239 5,614,542
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' investment:
Series A preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized, issued and
outstanding: 94,992 shares in 1997 and 1996 (variable liquidation preference) 1 1
Series B preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized, issued and
outstanding: 12,421,858 shares in 1997 and 12,699,948 shares in 1996 (liquidation
preference of $1.00 per share plus unpaid dividends) 124 127
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized: 34,905,008 shares in
1997 and 1996; none issued -- --
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized: 2,500,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding: 981,615,661 shares in 1997 and 942,582,221 shares in 1996 9,816 9,426
Additional paid-in capital 15,530,551 15,204,647
Unrealized holding gain on marketable equity securities 33,883 28,832
Retained earnings (deficit) (1,773,463) (1,991,223)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' investment 13,800,912 13,251,810
------------ ------------
$ 23,595,786 $ 20,842,778
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 8
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 7,476,303 $ 4,527,000 $ 3,706,806
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Line costs 3,857,361 2,474,866 2,034,113
Selling, general and administrative 1,625,537 867,269 689,300
Depreciation and amortization 976,169 319,597 316,789
Provision to reduce carrying value of certain assets -- 402,000 --
Restructuring and other charges -- 198,148 --
Charge for in-process research and development -- 2,140,000 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Total 6,459,067 6,401,880 3,040,202
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) 1,017,236 (1,874,880) 666,604
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (394,733) (252,987) (252,920)
Miscellaneous 40,388 24,608 14,494
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item 662,891 (2,103,259) 428,178
Provision for income taxes 415,621 129,528 171,458
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item 247,270 (2,232,787) 256,720
Extraordinary item (net of income taxes of $0 in 1997
and $15,621 in 1996) (3,077) (24,434) --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) 244,193 (2,257,221) 256,720
Preferred dividend requirement 26,433 860 18,191
Special dividend payment to Series 1 preferred shareholder -- -- 15,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders $ 217,760 $(2,258,081) $ 223,529
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per common share -
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item:
Basic $ 0.23 $ (5.02) $ 0.58
Diluted 0.22 (5.02) 0.56
Extraordinary item -- (0.05) --
Net income (loss):
Basic 0.23 (5.07) 0.58
Diluted 0.22 (5.07) 0.56
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 9
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1997
(In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Series A Series B Series 1 Preferred
Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Stock
------------------- -------------------- ------------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
------ ---------- -------- -------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, December 31, 1994 -- $ -- -- $ -- 10,897 $ 109
Exercise of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series 1 Preferred Stock -- -- -- -- (10,897) (109)
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Cash for fractional shares -- -- -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions -- -- -- -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1995 -- -- -- -- -- --
Exercise of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of IDB convertible notes -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions 95 1 12,700 127 -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1996 95 1 12,700 127 -- --
Exercise of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock -- -- (278) (3) -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- -- -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- -- -- --
Foreign currency adjustment -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
employee stock purchase plan -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
secondary equity offering -- -- -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions -- -- -- -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1997 95 $ 1 12,422 $ 124 -- $ --
============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Series 2 Preferred
Stock Preferred Stock
------------------- ----------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount
------ ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, December 31, 1994 2,000 $ 20 408 $ 40,800
Exercise of stock options -- -- -- --
Issuance of Preferred Stock -- -- 425 66,307
Conversion of Series 1 Preferred Stock -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock (756) (8) -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- --
Cash for fractional shares -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions -- -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1995 1,244 12 833 107,107
Exercise of stock options -- -- 9 109
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock (1,244) (12) -- --
Conversion of IDB convertible notes -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock -- -- (836) (106,578)
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- 6 997
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions -- -- (12) (1,635)
Net loss -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1996 -- -- -- --
Exercise of stock options -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock -- -- -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- --
Foreign currency adjustment -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
employee stock purchase plan -- -- -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
secondary equity offering -- -- -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions -- -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- --
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1997 -- $ -- -- $ --
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Additional Retained
-------------------------- Paid-in Unrealized Earnings
Shares Amount Capital Holding Gain (Deficit)
----------- ------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, December 31, 1994 321,437 $ 3,214 $ 1,778,181 $ -- $ 43,329
Exercise of stock options 18,966 190 90,342 -- --
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Series 1 Preferred Stock 43,754 438 (329) -- --
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock 3,200 32 (24) -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- 22,280 -- --
Cash for fractional shares -- -- (15) -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions 1,280 13 12,837 -- --
Net income -- -- -- -- 256,720
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- (33,191)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1995 388,637 3,887 1,903,272 -- 266,858
Exercise of stock options 9,301 92 47,720 -- --
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock 5,266 53 (40) -- --
Conversion of IDB convertible notes 10,266 103 190,971 -- --
Issuance of common stock 44,240 443 291,358 -- --
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- -- -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- 32,726 -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- 28,832 --
Shares issued for acquisitions 484,872 4,848 12,738,640 -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- (2,257,221)
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- (860)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1996 942,582 9,426 15,204,647 28,832 (1,991,223)
Exercise of stock options 24,563 245 143,170 -- --
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock 27 -- 3 -- --
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options -- -- 24,105 -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities -- -- -- 5,051 --
Foreign currency adjustment -- -- (24,303) -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
employee stock purchase plan 86 1 869 -- --
Issuance of common stock in connection with
secondary equity offering 1,866 19 23,202 -- --
Shares issued for acquisitions 12,492 125 158,858 -- --
Net income -- -- -- -- 244,193
Cash dividends on preferred
stock -- -- -- -- (26,433)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1997 981,616 $ 9,816 $ 15,530,551 $ 33,883 $ (1,773,463)
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 10
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 244,193 $(2,257,221) $ 256,720
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary item 3,077 24,434 --
Provision to reduce carrying value of certain assets -- 402,000 --
Restructuring and other charges -- 198,148 --
Charge for in-process research and development -- 2,140,000 --
Depreciation and amortization 976,169 319,597 316,789
Non-cash interest expense 122,226 29,787 3,814
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 111,250 57,967 40,395
Provision for deferred income taxes 368,043 58,449 171,425
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of business
combinations:
Accounts receivable (452,985) (215,767) (84,546)
Income taxes, net 29,503 40,831 (6,351)
Other current assets (204,076) (94,794) 32
Accrued line costs 97,463 (970) 63,830
Shareholder litigation reserve -- -- (75,000)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (25,180) 79,275 (62,542)
Other (9,430) (870) (10,469)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,260,253 780,866 614,097
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (3,066,407) (874,291) (386,858)
Sale of short-term investments, net 889,837 (182,304) 1,000
Acquisitions and related costs (1,143,446) 111,763 (2,780,296)
Increase in intangible assets (141,372) (71,327) (48,085)
Proceeds from disposition of long-term assets 93,165 21,962 34,970
Increase in other assets (291,199) (152,010) (8,174)
Decrease in other liabilities (41,576) (42,284) (83,553)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,700,998) (1,188,491) (3,270,996)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings 2,173,750 590,772 2,722,919
Principal payments on debt (196,171) (22,493) (138,276)
Common stock issuance 164,099 233,019 90,532
Issuance of preferred stock and subscriptions receivable
payments, net -- 1,106 84,107
Dividends paid on preferred stock (26,433) (860) (33,191)
Other (4,518) (11,467) 4,183
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,110,727 790,077 2,730,274
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (330,018) 382,452 73,375
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 484,609 102,157 28,782
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 154,591 $ 484,609 $ 102,157
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-7
<PAGE> 11
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
(1) THE COMPANY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION:
WorldCom, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("WorldCom" or the "Company"), is one of
the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, serving local,
long distance and Internet customers domestically and internationally. The
Company provides telecommunications services to business, government,
telecommunications companies and consumer customers, through its networks of
fiber optic cables, digital microwave, and fixed and transportable satellite
earth stations. WorldCom provides products and services including: switched and
dedicated long distance and local products, dedicated and dial-up Internet
access, resale cellular services, 800 services, calling cards, domestic and
international private lines, broadband data services, debit cards, conference
calling, advanced billing systems, enhanced fax and data connections, high speed
data communications, facilities management, local access to long distance
companies, local access to ATM-based backbone service, web server hosting and
integration services and interconnection via network access points ("NAPs") to
Internet service providers ("ISPs").
THE MERGERS:
On January 29, 1998, WorldCom acquired Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("BFP"), pursuant to the merger (the "BFP Merger") of a wholly owned
subsidiary of WorldCom, with and into BFP. Upon consummation of the BFP Merger,
BFP became a wholly owned subsidiary of WorldCom. BFP is a leading
facilities-based provider of competitive local telecommunications services,
commonly referred to as a competitive local exchange carrier, in selected cities
within the United States. BFP acquires and constructs its own state-of-the-art
fiber optic networks and facilities and leases network capacity from others to
provide long distance carriers, ISPs, wireless carriers and business, government
and institutional end users with an alternative to the Incumbent Local Exchange
Carriers ("ILECs") for a broad array of high quality voice, data, video
transport and other telecommunications services.
As a result of the BFP Merger, each share of BFP common stock was converted into
the right to receive 1.85 shares of WorldCom Common Stock (the "Common Stock")
or approximately 72.6 million WorldCom common shares in the aggregate. The BFP
Merger is being accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method. Separate
and combined unaudited results of operations are as follows (in thousands,
except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
BFP $ 128,791 $ 45,574 $ 14,160
WorldCom 7,351,354 4,485,130 3,696,345
Intercompany elimination (3,842) (3,704) (3,699)
------------- ------------- -------------
Combined $ 7,476,303 $ 4,527,000 $ 3,706,806
============= ============= =============
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items:
BFP $ (136,382) $ (43,843) $ (9,551)
WorldCom 383,652 (2,188,944) 266,271
------------- ------------- -------------
Combined $ 247,270 $ (2,232,787) $ 256,720
============= ============= =============
Combined earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ 0.23 $ (5.02) $ 0.58
============= ============= =============
Diluted $ 0.22 $ (5.02) $ 0.56
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
MFS Communications Company, Inc. ("MFS") in a transaction accounted for as a
purchase. The excess purchase price over net tangible assets acquired was
allocated to in-process research and development projects (See Note 3),
goodwill, developed technology and assembled workforce. Through this purchase,
the Company acquired local network access facilities via digital fiber optic
cable networks installed in and around major United States cities, and in
several major European cities. The Company also acquired a network platform,
which consists
F-8
<PAGE> 12
of Company-owned transmission and switching facilities, and network capacity
leased from other carriers primarily in the United States and Western Europe.
As a result of the merger (the "MFS Merger"), each share of MFS common stock was
converted into the right to receive 2.1 shares of Common Stock or approximately
471.0 million WorldCom common shares in the aggregate. Each share of MFS Series
A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("MFS Series A Preferred Stock") was
converted into the right to receive one share of Series A 8% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom ("WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock") or
94,992 shares of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock in the aggregate. Each share
of MFS Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was converted into the right to
receive one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom ("WorldCom
Series B Preferred Stock") or approximately 12.7 million shares of WorldCom
Series B Preferred Stock in the aggregate. In addition, each depositary share
representing 1/100th of a share of MFS Series A Preferred Stock was exchanged
for a depositary share representing 1/100th of a share of WorldCom Series A
Preferred Stock.
On August 12, 1996, MFS acquired UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET") through a
merger of a subsidiary of MFS with and into UUNET (the "UUNET Acquisition").
UUNET is a leading worldwide provider of a comprehensive range of Internet
access options, applications, and consulting services to businesses,
professionals and online services providers.
On December 30, 1994, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
IDB Communications Group, Inc. ("IDB"), and, in connection therewith, issued
approximately 71.8 million shares of Common Stock, for all of the outstanding
shares of IDB common stock (the "IDB Merger"). In addition, WorldCom assumed, on
a subordinated basis, jointly and severally with IDB, the obligations of IDB to
pay the principal of and interest on $195.5 million 5% convertible subordinated
notes due 2003, issued by IDB. In 1996, WorldCom exercised its option to redeem
all of the outstanding IDB notes. A majority of the holders of the IDB notes
elected to convert their notes into Common Stock prior to the redemption date,
resulting in the issuance of approximately 10.3 million shares of Common Stock.
The IDB Merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
On September 15, 1993, a three-way merger occurred whereby (i) Metromedia
Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("MCC"), merged with and into
Resurgens Communications Group, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("Resurgens"), and
(ii) LDDS Communications, Inc., a Tennessee corporation ("LDDS-TN"), merged with
and into Resurgens (the "Prior Mergers"). The Prior Mergers were accounted for
as a purchase.
At the time of the Prior Mergers, the name of Resurgens, the legal survivor, was
changed to LDDS Communications, Inc., and the separate corporate existences of
LDDS-TN and MCC terminated. For accounting purposes, however, LDDS-TN was the
survivor because the former shareholders of LDDS-TN acquired majority ownership
of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all historical
information presented herein reflects the operations of LDDS-TN. At the annual
meeting of shareholders held May 25, 1995, shareholders of LDDS Communications,
Inc. voted to change the name of the Company to WorldCom, Inc., effective
immediately. Information in this document has also been revised to reflect the
stock splits of the Company's Common Stock.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in joint ventures and other equity
investments in which the Company owns a 20% to 50% ownership interest, are
accounted for by the equity method. Investments of less than 20% ownership are
recorded at cost.
The Company serves as a holding company for its subsidiaries, the operations of
which are organized along the Company's business lines. References herein to the
Company include the Company and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise
requires.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The carrying amounts for cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes
receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair
value. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on quoted market
rates or the cash flows from such financial instruments discounted at the
Company's estimated current interest rate to enter into similar financial
instruments. At December 31, 1997, the fair value of the Company's fixed rate
long-term debt is as follows (in thousands):
F-9
<PAGE> 13
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
7.55% Senior Notes Due 2004 $ 627,372
7.75% Senior Notes Due 2007 1,173,304
7.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 329,637
Senior Notes Due 2006 716,727
Senior Notes Due 2004 720,922
</TABLE>
The recorded amounts for all other long-term debt of the Company approximate
fair values.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
The Company considers cash in banks and short-term investments with original
maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents. The Company has
classified all marketable securities other than cash equivalents as
available-for-sale. At December 31, 1997, the amortized cost of the Company's
marketable securities equals the estimated fair value and contractually mature
within one year from December 31, 1997.
Sales activity in available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 included gross realized gains of $1.4 million and $4,000,
respectively, and gross realized losses of $0.5 million and $0.1 million,
respectively, on the total proceeds received of $1.04 billion and $176.3
million, respectively. There was no sales activity in available-for-sale
securities for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided for
financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Transmission equipment 5 to 45 years
Communications equipment 5 to 20 years
Furniture, fixtures and other 4 to 40 years
</TABLE>
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Replacements and betterments
are capitalized. The cost and related reserves of assets sold or retired are
removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
results of operations.
The Company constructs certain of its own transmission systems and related
facilities. Internal costs directly related to the construction of such
facilities, including interest and salaries of certain employees, are
capitalized. Such internal costs were $211.8 million ($81.8 million in
interest), $32.9 million ($9.6 million in interest), and $14.8 million ($4.9
million in interest), in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
The major classes of intangible assets are summarized below (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-------------------------
Amortization Period 1997 1996
------------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Goodwill 5 to 40 years $13,335,796 $12,840,961
Developed technology 5 years 400,000 400,000
Other intangibles 5 to 10 years 951,293 323,440
----------- -----------
14,687,089 13,564,401
Less accumulated amortization 805,584 362,204
----------- -----------
$13,881,505 $13,202,197
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method for the periods
noted above.
Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price of the various
business combinations over the value of the identifiable net tangible and
intangible assets acquired. See Note 2. Realization of acquisition-related
intangibles, including goodwill, is
F-10
<PAGE> 14
periodically assessed by the management of the Company based on the current and
expected future profitability and cash flows of acquired companies and their
contribution to the overall operations of WorldCom.
At December 31, 1997, other intangibles include an alternative transaction fee
of $450 million and expenses of $15 million paid by WorldCom to British
Telecommunications plc ("BT") in accordance with the prior merger agreement
between BT and MCI Communications Corporation ("MCI"). See Note 12.
Also included in other intangibles are costs incurred to develop software for
internal use. Such costs were $91.4 million, $42.5 million and $38.3 million for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
UNREALIZED HOLDING GAIN ON MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES:
The Company's equity investment in certain publicly traded companies is
classified as available-for-sale securities. Accordingly, these investments are
included in other assets at their fair value of approximately $113.2 million and
$105.1 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The unrealized
holding gain on these marketable equity securities, net of taxes, is included as
a component of shareholders' investment in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. As of December 31, 1997, the gross unrealized holding gain
on these securities was $54.3 million.
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, other long-term liabilities includes $266.1
million and $207.1 million, respectively, related to estimated costs of
unfavorable commitments of acquired entities, and other non-recurring costs
arising from various acquisitions and mergers. See Note 2.
RECOGNITION OF REVENUES:
The Company records revenues for telecommunications services at the time of
customer usage. The Company also performs systems integration services
consisting of design and installation of transmission equipment and systems for
its customers. Revenues and related costs for these services are recorded under
the percentage of completion method.
ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE TRAFFIC:
The Company enters into operating agreements with telecommunications carriers in
foreign countries under which international long distance traffic is both
delivered and received. The terms of most switched voice operating agreements,
as well as established Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") policy, require
that inbound switched voice traffic from the foreign carrier to the United
States be routed to United States international carriers, like WorldCom, in
proportion to the percentage of United States outbound traffic routed by that
United States international carrier to the foreign carrier. Mutually exchanged
traffic between the Company and foreign carriers is settled in cash through a
formal settlement policy that generally extends over a six-month period at an
agreed upon settlement rate. Although the Company can estimate the amount of
inbound traffic it will receive, it generally must wait up to six months before
it actually receives the inbound traffic. WorldCom records the inbound traffic
as revenue when it is received.
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS:
In 1997 the Company recognized an extraordinary loss of $3.1 million related to
the early extinguishment of secured indebtedness.
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company recorded charges for extraordinary
items totaling $24.4 million, net of income tax benefit of $15.6 million. The
items consisted of $4.2 million in connection with the Company's debt
refinancing, and $20.2 million related to a write-off of deferred international
costs. Previously, a portion of the outbound call fee due the foreign carrier
was deferred and accounted for as a cost attributable to the revenue associated
with the inbound call. Currently, the outbound call fee due the foreign carrier
is expensed as incurred. This change in accounting for international line costs
was immaterial to the results of operations.
LINE COSTS:
Line costs primarily include all payments to local exchange carriers ("LECs"),
interexchange carriers and post telephone and telegraph administrations
primarily for access and transport charges.
F-11
<PAGE> 15
INCOME TAXES:
The Company recognizes current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities
based upon all events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial
statements as measured by the provisions of the enacted tax laws. See Note 10.
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Earnings per share are calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128 "Earnings Per Share." The following is a
reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted
per share computations (in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items $ 247,270 $(2,232,787) $ 256,720
Preferred stock dividends (26,433) (860) (33,191)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
before extraordinary items $ 220,837 $(2,233,647) $ 223,529
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding 966,118 445,300 382,785
=========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share
before extraordinary items $ 0.23 $ (5.02) $ 0.58
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
before extraordinary items $ 220,837 $(2,233,647) $ 223,529
Add back:
Preferred stock dividends 976 -- 18,191
Interest on 5% convertible notes, net of taxes -- -- 5,963
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders $ 221,813 $(2,233,647) $ 247,683
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding 966,118 445,300 382,785
Common stock equivalents 29,580 -- 9,967
Common stock issuable upon conversion of:
Preferred stock 1,230 -- 35,674
5% convertible notes -- -- 10,270
----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted shares outstanding 996,928 445,300 438,696
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share before extraordinary items $ 0.22 $ (5.02) $ 0.56
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
STOCK SPLITS:
On May 23, 1996, the Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split in the
form of a 100% stock dividend which was distributed on July 3, 1996 to
shareholders of record on June 6, 1996. All per share data and numbers of common
shares have been retroactively restated to reflect these stock splits.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK:
A portion of the Company's revenues is derived from services provided to others
in the telecommunications industry, mainly resellers of long distance
telecommunications service and Internet online services. As a result, the
Company has some concentration of credit risk among its customer base. The
Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its larger customers'
F-12
<PAGE> 16
financial condition and, at times, requires collateral from its customers to
support its receivables, usually in the form of assignment of its customers'
receivables to the Company in the event of nonpayment.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues,
expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general purpose financial
statements. This statement requires that all items that are required to be
recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be
reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as
other financial statements. This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. WorldCom complied with the provisions of this
standard in 1998.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes standards for
the way that public business enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises
report selected information about operating segments in interim financial
reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
This statement is effective for financial statements for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. WorldCom intends to comply with the provisions of this
standard in 1998.
USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for long-term
contracts, allowance for doubtful accounts, accrued line costs, depreciation and
amortization, taxes, restructuring reserves and contingencies.
RECLASSIFICATIONS:
Certain consolidated financial statement amounts have been reclassified for
consistent presentation.
(2) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS -
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom completed the MFS Merger. The MFS Merger was
accounted for as a purchase. On January 5, 1995, WorldCom completed the
acquisition of Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. ("WilTel"), a subsidiary
of The Williams Companies, Inc., for approximately $2.5 billion in cash (the
"WilTel Acquisition"). Through this purchase, the Company acquired a nationwide
transmission network of approximately 11,000 miles of fiber optic cable and
digital microwave facilities.
The Company has acquired other telecommunications companies offering similar or
complementary services to those offered by the Company. Such acquisitions have
been accomplished through the purchase of the outstanding stock or assets of the
acquired entity for cash, notes, shares of the Company's common stock, or a
combination thereof. The cash portion of acquisition costs has generally been
financed through the Company's bank credit facilities. See Note 4.
Most of the acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and resulted in an
excess of the purchase costs over the net tangible assets acquired. These costs,
composed primarily of goodwill, are amortized over 5 to 40 years using the
straight-line method. The results of those purchased businesses have been
included since the dates of acquisition. Business combinations which have been
accounted for as poolings-of-interests have been included in all periods
presented. The table below sets forth information concerning recent acquisitions
which were accounted for as purchases.
F-13
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchase Price
----------------------------------------
Shares Issued
--------------------------
Acquired Entity Acquisition Date Cash Number Value Goodwill
- --------------- ---------------- ---- ------ ----- --------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
WilTel January 1995 $2,500,000 -- -- $2,216,909
MFS December 1996 -- * * 8,912,345
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
* See the fifth paragraph of Note 1 for a description of the common and
preferred shares.
In addition to those acquisitions listed above, the Company or its predecessors
completed smaller acquisitions during the three years ended December 31, 1997.
See Note 12, "Subsequent Events" for information regarding mergers consummated
subsequent to December 31, 1997 as well as information related to the pending
merger with MCI.
The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the Company
assume that the MFS Merger and the UUNET Acquisition were completed on January
1, 1995 (in millions, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1996 1995
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 5,677 $ 4,334
Loss before extraordinary item (2,791) (283)
Loss applicable to common shareholders (2,815) (283)
Loss per common share:
Loss before extraordinary item ($ 3.05) ($ 0.37)
Net loss ($ 3.07) ($ 0.37)
</TABLE>
These pro forma amounts represent the historical operating results of these
acquired entities combined with those of the Company with appropriate
adjustments which give effect to a research and development charge of $2.14
billion, amortization and the common shares issued. These pro forma amounts are
not necessarily indicative of operating results which would have occurred if MFS
and UUNET had been operated by current management during the periods presented
because these amounts do not reflect full network optimization and the
synergistic effect on operating, selling, general and administrative expenses.
(3) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES -
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded charges for employee
severance, employee compensation charges, alignment charges and costs to exit
unfavorable telecommunications contracts.
The following table reflects the components of the significant items shown as
restructuring and other charges for the year ended December 31, 1996 (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Severance and other employee related costs $ 57,916
Costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications contracts 134,866
Other 5,366
----------
$ 198,148
==========
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements reflect $1.7 million and $167.2 million, respectively, in other
current liabilities and $2.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in other
long-term liabilities, in connection with the restructuring and other charges.
F-14
<PAGE> 18
PROVISION TO REDUCE THE CARRYING VALUE OF CERTAIN ASSETS:
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company incurred non-cash charges related to
a write-down in the carrying value of certain assets, including goodwill and
equipment. Because of events resulting from the passage of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecom Act"), and changes in circumstances
impacting certain non-core operations, management estimates of the Company's
fair value of operating assets within its core and non-core businesses resulted
in a non-cash charge of $344 million after-tax. On a pre-tax basis, the
write-down was $402 million and included $139 million for network facilities and
$263 million for non-core businesses, primarily operator services goodwill. Fair
value of the non-core business was determined by estimating the present value of
future cash flows to be generated from those operations while the majority of
the network facilities were recorded at net salvage value due to anticipated
early disposal.
In connection with the signing of agreements to provide long distance
telecommunications services to certain local exchange carriers, and after the
successful assimilation of recent facilities-based acquisitions, WorldCom
evaluated the impact that the increased traffic volumes would have on the
Company's networks. This review resulted in the Company's current plans to
expand and upgrade its existing network switching, transmission and other
communications equipment. This capital project directly affected the estimated
useful lives of certain network facilities which resulted in replacement of
these facilities.
Additionally, due to the decreasing emphasis on operator services, including
non-renewal of existing long-term contracts, management adjusted the fair value
of this non-core business based upon its projections of future cash flow.
WorldCom completed the sale of its operator services division in the third
quarter of 1997 which comprised less than 3% of WorldCom's consolidated
revenues.
CHARGE FOR IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a $2.14 billion charge for
in-process research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge was
based upon a valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS' worldwide
information system, the Internet network expansion system of UUNET, and certain
other identified research and development projects purchased in the merger. At
the date of the MFS Merger, the technological feasibility of the acquired
technology had not yet been established and the technology had no future
alternative uses. The expense includes $1.6 billion associated with UUNET and
$0.54 billion related to MFS.
(4) LONG-TERM DEBT -
Long-term debt outstanding consists of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------------------
1997 1996
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Credit facilities $ 3,208,250 $ 3,334,500
7.55% Senior Notes Due 2004 600,000 --
7.75% Senior Notes Due 2007 1,100,000 --
7.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 300,000 --
10.875% Senior Discount Notes Due March 1, 2006 303,927 273,379
11.875% Senior Discount Notes Due November 1, 2006 257,143 229,109
10.0% Senior Notes Due June 1, 2007 250,000 --
Senior Notes Due 2006 666,723 --
Senior Notes Due 2004 680,115 --
Senior Discount Notes Due 2006 5,031 674,520
Senior Discount Notes Due 2004 6,187 685,838
Other debt (maturing through 2006) 46,736 181,903
--------------- ---------------
7,424,112 5,379,249
Less: Short-term debt and current maturities 10,779 22,858
--------------- ---------------
$ 7,413,333 $ 5,356,391
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
On July 3, 1997, the Company replaced its $3.75 billion revolving credit
facility (the "Old Credit Facility") with $5.0 billion in new revolving credit
facilities which consist of a $3.75 billion Facility A Revolving Credit
Agreement (the "Facility A Loans") and a $1.25 billion Facility B Revolving
Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the "Facility B Loans," and together with the
Facility A Loans, the "New Credit Facilities"). The Facility A Loans have a
five-year term and may be extended for up to two successive one-year terms
thereafter to the extent of the committed amounts from those lenders consenting
thereto, with a requirement that
F-15
<PAGE> 19
lenders holding at least two-thirds of the committed amounts consent. The
Facility B Loans have a 364 day term, which may be extended for up to two
successive 364 day terms thereafter to the extent of the committed amounts from
those lenders consenting thereto, with a requirement that lenders holding at
least two-thirds of the committed amounts consent. Alternatively, effective as
of the end of such 364 day term, the Company may elect to convert the Facility B
Loans from revolving loans to term loans with a maturity date corresponding with
the maturity date then in effect with respect to the Facility A Loans. The New
Credit Facilities bear interest payable in varying periods depending on the
interest period, not to exceed six months, at rates selected by the Company
under the terms of the New Credit Facilities, including a Base Rate or the
Eurodollar Rate, plus applicable margin. The applicable margin for a Eurodollar
Rate borrowing varies from 0.30% to 0.75% based upon the better of certain debt
ratings or a specified financial test. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the
weighted average interest rates under the Company's credit facilities were 6.1%
and 6.3%, respectively. The New Credit Facilities are unsecured but include a
negative pledge of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (subject to
certain exceptions). The New Credit Facilities require compliance with certain
financial and operating covenants which limit, among other things, the
incurrence of additional indebtedness by the Company, investments by the
Company, sales of assets and mergers and dissolutions, which covenants are
generally less restrictive than those contained in the Old Credit Facility and
which do not restrict distributions to shareholders, provided the Company is not
in default under the New Credit Facilities. At December 31, 1997 the Company was
in compliance with these covenants. The current commitment fee for any
unborrowed portion of Facility A Loans and Facility B Loans are 0.15% and 0.10%,
respectively.
Additionally, on April 1, 1997, the Company completed the public offering of
$2.0 billion principal amount of debt securities. The net proceeds of the
offering ($1.98 billion) were used to pay down commercial bank debt. The public
offering included the 7.55% Senior Notes Due 2004 (the "Notes Due 2004"), which
will mature on April 1, 2004, the 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2007 (the "Notes Due
2007"), which will mature on April 1, 2007, and the 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2027
(the "Notes Due 2027"), which will mature on April 1, 2027 (collectively, with
the Notes Due 2004 and the Notes Due 2007, the "Notes"). The Notes bear interest
payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, with payments
commencing October 1, 1997, and limit the incurrence of liens. Each holder of
the Notes Due 2027 may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the
Notes Due 2027 owned by such holder on April 1, 2009, at a purchase price equal
to 100% of the principal amount thereof.
The Notes Due 2004 and the Notes Due 2007 are redeemable, as a whole or in part,
at the option of the Company, at any time or from time to time. The Notes Due
2027 will be redeemable, as a whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at
any time and from time to time beginning April 2, 2009. The redemption prices
for the three bond series equal the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount
of the Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the
Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined therein) discounted at the Treasury
Rate (as defined therein) plus 15 basis points for the Notes Due 2004 or plus 20
basis points for the Notes Due 2007 and the Notes Due 2027, plus in the case of
each of clause (i) and (ii) accrued interest to the date of redemption.
In July 1997, WorldCom offered to exchange (the "Exchange Offers") (i) $871.60
principal amount of its 9-3/8% Senior Notes due January 15, 2004 for each $1,000
principal amount at stated maturity, as of the date of their original issuance,
of outstanding 9- 3/8% Senior Discount Notes due January 15, 2004 of MFS,
properly tendered, and (ii) $737.91 principal amount of its 8-7/8% Senior Notes
due January 15, 2006 for each $1,000 principal amount at stated maturity, as of
the date of their original issuance, of outstanding 8-7/8% Senior Discount Notes
due January 15, 2006 of MFS (collectively, the "MFS Notes"), properly tendered.
In connection with the Exchange Offers, the Company also solicited consents to
certain amendments to the respective indentures governing the MFS Notes (the
"Consent Solicitations").
In August 1997, the Company exercised its option to accept all MFS Notes validly
tendered in its on-going Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations. The Company
received requisite consents from holders of notes of MFS to allow the Company to
accept tenders prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offers and Consent
Solicitations and thereby effect certain amendments to the respective indentures
governing the MFS Notes. As of August 22, 1997, the Company exchanged
approximately $680.1 million and $666.7 million of its 9-3/8% Senior Notes due
January 15, 2004 and its 8-7/8% Senior Notes due January 15, 2006, respectively,
for MFS Notes validly tendered as of the close of business on August 19, 1997.
In connection with the BFP Merger, the Company announced on February 27, 1998
that it had commenced an offer (the "Tender Offers") to purchase for cash each
of the following series of debt: the 10-7/8% Senior Discount Notes of BFP due
2006, the 11- 7/8% Senior Discount Notes of BFP due 2006 and the 10% Senior
Discount Notes of BFP due 2007 (collectively, the "BFP Notes"). WorldCom offered
to pay each registered holder of the BFP Notes, in the case of the 10-7/8%
Senior Discount Notes, 118.586% of their accreted value as of the date of the
purchase, in the case of the 11-7/8% Senior Discount Notes, 127.104% of their
accreted value as of the date of purchase, and in the case of the 10% Senior
Notes, 117.615% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date of
purchase. The accreted value per $1,000 principal amount at stated maturity as
of the tender purchase date of March 27, 1998, was $733.42 for the 10-7/8%
Senior Discount Notes, and $660.57 for the 11-7/8% Senior Discount Notes. The
accrued
F-16
<PAGE> 20
interest of the 10% Senior Notes per $1,000 principal amount at stated maturity
to such date was $32.22. Concurrently with the Tender Offers, WorldCom obtained
the requisite consents to eliminate certain restrictive covenants and amend
certain other provisions of the respective indentures of the BFP Notes.
On March 27, 1998, the Company accepted all BFP Notes validly tendered. As of
the expiration of the offers at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, March 26, 1998,
WorldCom had received valid tenders and consents from holders of approximately
$424.9 million of principal amount at stated maturity of 10-7/8% Senior Discount
Notes due 2006 of BFP (or approximately 99.96% of total outstanding), from
holders of $400.0 million of principal amount at stated maturity of 11-7/8%
Senior Discount Notes due 2006 of BFP (or 100% of total outstanding), and from
holders of approximately $241.0 million of principal amount at stated maturity
of 10% Senior Notes due 2007 of BFP (or approximately 96.4% of total
outstanding).
The funds required to pay all amounts required under the Tender Offers were
obtained by WorldCom from available working capital and lines of credit. Such
lines of credit included a new $1.25 billion 364-day revolving credit facility
which became effective in February 1998. In connection with the Tender Offers
and related refinancings, WorldCom recorded an extraordinary accounting item of
$128.7 million, net of income tax benefit of $77.6 million in the first quarter
of 1998.
The aggregate principal repayments and reductions required in each of the years
ending December 31, 1998 through December 31, 2002 and thereafter for the
Company's long-term debt is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998 $ 10,779
1999 12,438
2000 5,208
2001 4,966
2002 3,141,259
Thereafter 4,249,462
-----------
$ 7,424,112
===========
</TABLE>
(5) PREFERRED STOCK -
In connection with the MFS Merger, the Company issued 9,499,200 depositary
shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing 1/100th interest in a share
of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. There is no established public trading
market for the WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. The Depositary Shares are
traded on The Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "WCOMP."
Each Depositary Share is mandatorily convertible into 4.2 shares of Common Stock
on May 31, 1999 (the "Mandatory Conversion Date"). The Depositary Shares are
also convertible at the option of the holder at any time into 3.44274 shares of
Common Stock for each Depositary Share, plus payment of unpaid dividends.
The WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock (and the related Depositary Shares) are
not redeemable by WorldCom prior to May 31, 1998 (the "Initial Redemption
Date"). On or after the Initial Redemption Date and prior to the Mandatory
Conversion Date, WorldCom may redeem the WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock (and
thereby the Depositary Shares), in whole or in part. Upon any such redemption,
the holder of record of shares of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock will receive
shares of Common Stock equal to the call price of the WorldCom Series A
Preferred Stock in effect on the date of redemption (the "Call Price") divided
by the Current Market Price (as defined in the WorldCom Articles of
Incorporation) of the Common Stock. The Call Price of each WorldCom Series A
Preferred Share is (i) $3,417.00 ($34.170 per Depositary Share) on and after the
Initial Redemption Date through August 30, 1998, $3,400.25 ($34.003 per
Depositary Share) on and after August 31, 1998 through November 29, 1998,
$3,383.50 ($33.835 per Depositary Share) on and after November 30, 1998 through
February 27, 1999, $3,366.75 ($33.668 per Depositary Share) on and after
February 28, 1999 through April 29, 1999, and $3,350.00 ($33.500 per Depositary
Share) on and after April 30, 1999 until the Mandatory Conversion Date, plus
(ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
The Depositary Shares are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, accruing at the rate of $2.68 per share per
annum, payable quarterly in arrears on each February 28, May 31, August 31 and
November 30. Dividends are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, at the
election of the Company. The Company paid dividends during 1997 in cash, and
expects to continue to pay cash dividends on WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
F-17
<PAGE> 21
The Depositary Shares are entitled to vote on the basis of 0.10 of a vote for
each Depositary Share held (equivalent to 10 votes for each share of WorldCom
Series A Preferred Stock). The WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock has a
liquidation preference equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) $3,350 per
share and (b) all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of
liquidation and (ii) the value of the shares of Common Stock into which such
Series A Preferred Stock are convertible on the date of liquidation.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of Common Stock
at any time at a conversion rate of 0.0973912 shares of Common Stock for each
share of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock (an effective initial conversion
price of $10.268 per share of Common Stock). Dividends on the WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock accrue at the rate per share of $0.0775 per annum and are
payable in cash. Dividends will be paid only when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors. The Company anticipates that dividends on the WorldCom
Series B Preferred Stock will not be declared but will continue to accrue. Upon
conversion, accrued but unpaid dividends are payable in cash or shares of Common
Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is also redeemable at the option of the
Company at any time after September 30, 2001 at a redemption price of $1.00 per
share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The redemption price will be payable
in cash or shares of Common Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote per share with
respect to all matters. The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock has a liquidation
preference of $1.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to
the date of liquidation. There is no established market for the WorldCom Series
B Preferred Stock.
As a result of the Prior Mergers, 10,896,785 shares of the Series 1 Preferred
Stock were issued to Metromedia, the sole stockholder of MCC. In August 1995,
Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock into 61.7 million shares of
WorldCom Common Stock. In connection with the preferred stock conversion,
WorldCom made a non-recurring payment of $15.0 million to Metromedia,
representing a discount to the minimum nominal dividends that would have been
payable on the Series 1 Preferred Stock prior to the September 15, 1996 optional
call date of approximately $26.6 million (which amount included an annual
dividend requirement of $24.5 million plus accrued dividends to such call date).
In 1996 the Company exercised its option to redeem its Series 2 Preferred Stock.
Prior to the redemption date, all of the remaining outstanding Series 2
Preferred Stock was converted into 5,266,160 shares of Common Stock.
(6) SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN -
On August 25, 1996, the Board of Directors of WorldCom declared a dividend of
one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of
Common Stock. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the
Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series 3 Junior Participating Preferred
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Junior Preferred Stock") of the Company at
an initial price of $160.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of Junior
Preferred Stock (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment.
The Rights generally will be exercisable only after the close of business on the
tenth business day following the date of public announcement or the date on
which the Company first has notice or determines that a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired, or
obtained the right to acquire, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting
stock of the Company without the prior express written consent of the Company,
by a person which, upon consummation, would result in such party's control of
15% or more of the Company's voting stock. The Rights will expire, if not
previously exercised, exchanged or redeemed, on September 6, 2001.
If any person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company's outstanding voting
stock without prior written consent of the Board of Directors, each Right,
except those held by such persons, would entitle each holder of a Right to
acquire such number of shares of the Company's Common Stock as shall equal the
result obtained by multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number of
one one-thousandths of a share of Junior Preferred Stock for which a Right is
then exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of the then current per-share
market price of Common Stock.
If any person or group acquires more than 15% of the outstanding Common Stock
without prior written consent of the Board of Directors, each Right, except
those held by such persons, may be exchanged by the Board of Directors for one
share of Common Stock.
If the Company were acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction where the Company is not the surviving corporation or where Common
Stock is exchanged or changed or 50% or more of the Company's assets or earnings
power is sold in one or several transactions without the prior written consent
of the Board of Directors, each Right would entitle the holders
F-18
<PAGE> 22
thereof (except for the Acquiring Person) to receive such number of shares of
the acquiring company's common stock as shall be equal to the result obtained by
multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number one one-thousandths of
a share of Junior Preferred Stock for which a Right is then exercisable and
dividing that product by 50% of the then current market price per share of the
common stock of the acquiring company on the date of such merger or other
business combination transaction.
At any time prior to the time an Acquiring Person becomes such, the Board of
Directors of the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a
price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price"). The redemption of the Rights
may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as
the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon
any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate
and the only right of the holders of the Rights will be to receive the
Redemption Price.
The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors of the Company
without the consent of the holders of the Rights, including an amendment to
lower certain thresholds described above to not less than the greater of (i) any
percentage greater than the largest percentage of the voting power of all
securities of the Company then known to the Company to be beneficially owned by
any person or group of affiliated or associated persons (other than an excepted
person) and (ii) 10%, except that from and after such time as any person or
group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person no such
amendment may adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights.
(7) LEASES AND OTHER COMMITMENTS -
The Company leases office facilities and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating leases having initial or remaining terms of more than one year. In
addition, the Company leases a right-of-way from a railroad company under a
fifteen-year lease with three fifteen-year renewal options. The Company is also
obligated under rights-of-way and franchise agreements with various entities for
the use of their rights-of-way for the installation of the Company's
telecommunications systems. Rental expense under these operating leases was
$140.2 million, $59.9 million, and $45.8 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
In prior years, the Company sold to independent entities and leased back its
Pacific Northwest microwave system and its Kansas City to Los Angeles fiber
optic system over primary lease terms ranging from 15 to 20 years. The leases
have renewal options permitting the Company to extend the leases for terms
expiring during the years 2012 to 2019 and purchase options based upon the fair
market value. The annual lease commitments pursuant to the sale-leasebacks are
included below under the heading Telecommunications Facilities.
At the end of 1997, minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases
and commitments were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
-------------------------------------------------
OFFICE
FACILITIES
AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
YEAR EQUIPMENT FACILITIES TOTAL
- ---- ---------- ------------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998 $ 111,505 $ 112,049 $ 223,554
1999 107,312 105,263 212,575
2000 91,724 95,761 187,485
2001 72,972 81,087 154,059
2002 61,617 73,736 135,353
</TABLE>
Certain of the Company's facility leases include renewal options, and most
leases include provisions for rent escalation to reflect increased operating
costs and/or require the Company to pay certain maintenance and utility costs.
WorldCom also has agreements with a company that installs, operates and
maintains certain WorldCom data processing, telecommunications and billing
systems. The agreements expire in 2003 and are renewable on an annual basis
thereafter. The agreements require minimum annual payments of approximately
$25.2 million.
F-19
<PAGE> 23
Pursuant to an agreement with a joint venture, the Company is obligated to
invest up to $75 million by the end of 1998 in the form of capital contributions
and to pay $60 million over the next three years to purchase an indefeasible
right of use for certain undersea capacity that is being constructed by the
joint venture between the United States and Europe.
In 1997, the Company's existing receivables purchase agreement generated
additional proceeds of $41.8 million, bringing the total amount outstanding to
$416.8 million. The Company used these proceeds to reduce outstanding debt under
the Company's New Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 1997, the purchaser
owned an undivided interest in a $978.7 million pool of receivables which
includes the $416.8 million sold.
(8) CONTINGENCIES -
FEDERAL REGULATION. On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom
Act, which permits the Bell System Operating Company ("BOC") to provide domestic
and international long distance services to customers located outside of the
BOCs' home regions; permits a petitioning BOC to provide domestic and
international long distance services to customers within its operating area on a
state by state basis upon a finding by the FCC that a petitioning BOC has
satisfied certain criteria for opening up its local exchange network to
competition and that its provision of long distance services would further the
public interest; and removes existing barriers to entry into local service
markets. Additionally, there were significant changes in: the manner in which
carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the federal and state level;
procedures to revise universal service standards; and penalties for unauthorized
switching of customers. The FCC has instituted and, in most instances completed,
proceedings addressing the implementation of this legislation.
In implementing the Telecom Act, the FCC established nationwide rules designed
to encourage new entrants to participate in the local services markets through
interconnection with the incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILECs"), resale of
ILEC's retail services and use of individual and combinations of unbundled
network elements. These rules set the groundwork for the statutory criteria
governing BOC entry into the long distance market. Appeals of the FCC order
adopting those rules were consolidated before the United States Court of Appeals
for the Eighth Circuit (the "Eighth Circuit"). The Eighth Circuit found
constitutional challenges to certain practices implementing cost provisions of
the Telecom Act that were ordered by certain Public Utility Commissions ("PUCs")
to be premature, but vacated significant portions of the FCC's nationwide
pricing rules and vacated an FCC rule requiring that unbundled network elements
be provided on a combined basis. In response to requests by the Solicitor
General, on behalf of the FCC, and certain other parties, including WorldCom,
the United States Supreme Court has agreed to review the decision of the Eighth
Circuit. Certain BOCs have also raised constitutional challenges to provisions
of the Telecom Act restricting BOC provision of long distance services,
manufacturing of telecommunications equipment, electronic publishing and alarm
monitoring services. On December 31, 1997, the United States District Court for
the Northern District of Texas (the "Texas District Court") ruled that these
restrictions violate the Bill of Attainder Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Currently, this decision only applies to SBC Corporation ("SBC"), US WEST
Communications Group ("US WEST"), and Bell Atlantic Corporation ("Bell
Atlantic"). At the request of various parties, on February 11, 1998 the Texas
District Court issued a stay of its decision pending appeal. AT&T, MCI, the
Department of Justice, the FCC and other parties have appealed the decision to
the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. BellSouth Corporation
("BellSouth") raised the Bill of Attainder issue in its appeal before the United
States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit of the electronic publishing
restrictions imposed under the Telecom Act. A decision on that appeal is
pending. WorldCom cannot predict either the ultimate outcome of these or future
challenges to the Telecom Act, any related appeals of regulatory or court
decisions, or the eventual effect on WorldCom's business or the industry in
general.
The FCC has denied applications filed by Ameritech Corporation ("Ameritech"),
SBC and BellSouth seeking authority to provide interLATA long distance service
in Michigan, Oklahoma, Louisiana and South Carolina, respectively. SBC appealed
the FCC's denial of its application covering Oklahoma to the United States Court
of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The court has affirmed the
FCC's denial of that application. In its denial of an Ameritech application and
a BellSouth application, the FCC provided detailed guidance to applicants
regarding the obligations of the applicants, the format of future applications,
the content of future applications, and the review standards that it will apply
in evaluating any future applications. The National Association of Regulatory
Utility Commissioners and several state regulatory commissions have appealed
jurisdictional aspects of that Ameritech application denial to the Eighth
Circuit. WorldCom cannot predict either the outcome of these appeals, or the
BOCs' willingness to abide by these FCC guidelines, or the timing or outcome of
future applications submitted to the FCC. Additionally, several Regional Bell
Operating Companies ("RBOCs") have filed petitions requesting that the FCC
forbear from imposing the line of business restrictions upon their data service
offerings and data network deployment. Other BOCs have announced their intention
to file applications at the FCC for authority to provide interLATA services.
Additionally, the FCC and several PUCs are considering a proposal that would
allow BOCs electing to create separate wholesale network and retail
organizations to enter the
F-20
<PAGE> 24
long distance market on an accelerated basis. WorldCom cannot predict the
outcome of these proceedings or whether the outcome will have a material impact
upon its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
On May 7, 1997, the FCC announced that it will issue a series of orders that
will reform Universal Service Subsidy allocations and adopted various reforms to
the existing rate structure for interstate access services provided by the ILECs
that are designed to reduce access charges, over time, to more economically
efficient levels and rate structures. It also affirmed that information service
providers (including, among others, ISPs) should not be subject to existing
access charges ("ISP Exemption"). Petitions for reconsideration of, among other
things, the access service and ISP Exemption related actions were filed before
the FCC and appeals taken to various United States Courts of Appeals. On
reconsideration, the FCC in significant part affirmed the access charge and ISP
Exemption actions and the court appeals have been consolidated before the Eighth
Circuit. Also, several state agencies have started proceedings to address the
reallocation of implicit subsidies contained in the access rates and retail
service rates to state universal service funds. Access charges are a principal
component of WorldCom's telecommunications expense. Additionally, modification
of the ISP Exemption could have an adverse effect on the Company's
Internet-related services business. WorldCom cannot predict either the outcome
of these appeals or whether or not the result(s) will have a material impact
upon its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The FCC issued on December 24, 1996 a Notice of Inquiry to seek comment on
whether it should consider various actions relating to interstate information
services and the Internet. The FCC recognized that these services and recent
technological advances may be constrained by current regulatory practices that
have their foundations in traditional circuit switched telecommunications
services and technologies. Based upon this and other proceedings, the FCC may
permit telecommunications companies, BOCs, or others to increase the scope or
reduce the cost of their Internet access services. WorldCom cannot predict the
effect that the Notice of Inquiry, the Telecom Act or any future legislation,
regulation or regulatory changes may have on its consolidated financial position
or results of operations.
INTERNATIONAL. In December 1996, the FCC adopted a new policy that will make it
easier for United States international carriers to obtain authority to route
international public switched voice traffic to and from the United States
outside of the traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes. In
February 1997, the United States entered into a World Trade Organization
Agreement (the "WTO Agreement") that should have the effect of liberalizing the
provision of switched voice telephone and other telecommunications services in
scores of foreign countries over the next several years. The WTO Agreement
became effective in February 1998. In order to comply with United States
commitments to the WTO Agreement, the FCC implemented new rules in February 1998
that liberalize existing policies regarding (i) the services that may be
provided by foreign affiliated United States international common carriers,
including carriers controlled or more than 25 percent owned by foreign carriers
that have market power in their home markets, and (ii) the provision of
international switched voice services outside of the traditional settlement rate
and proportionate return regimes. The new rules make it much easier for foreign
affiliated carriers to enter the United States market for the provision of
international services.
In August 1997, the FCC adopted mandatory settlement rate benchmarks. These
benchmarks are intended to reduce the rates that United States carriers pay
foreign carriers to terminate traffic in their home countries. The FCC will also
prohibit a United States carrier affiliated with a foreign carrier from
providing facilities-based service to the foreign carrier's home market until
and unless the foreign carrier has implemented a settlement rate within the
benchmark. The FCC also adopted new rules that will liberalize the provision of
switched services over private lines to World Trade Organization member
countries, by allowing such services on routes where 50% or more of United
States billed traffic is being terminated in the foreign country at or below the
applicable settlement rate benchmark or where the foreign country's rules
concerning provision of international switched services over private lines
deemed equivalent to United States rules.
Although the FCC's new policies and implementation of the WTO Agreement may
result in lower costs to WorldCom to terminate international traffic, there is a
risk that the revenues that WorldCom will receive from inbound international
traffic may decrease to an even greater degree. The implementation of the WTO
Agreement may also make it easier for foreign carriers with market power in
their home markets to offer United States and foreign customers end-to-end
services to the disadvantage of WorldCom, which may continue to face substantial
obstacles in obtaining from foreign governments and foreign carriers the
authority and facilities to provide such end-to-end services. Further, many
foreign carriers have challenged, in court and at the FCC, the FCC's order
adopting mandatory settlement rate benchmarks. If the FCC's settlement rate
benchmark order was overturned, it could accelerate the full-fledged entry of
foreign carriers into the United States, and make it more advantageous for
foreign carriers to route international traffic into the United States at low,
cost-based termination rates, while United States carriers would continue to
have little choice but to route international traffic into most foreign
countries at much higher, above cost, settlement rates.
The Company is involved in other legal and regulatory proceedings generally
incidental to its business. In some instances, rulings by regulatory authorities
in some states may result in increased operating costs to the Company. While the
results of these various
F-21
<PAGE> 25
legal and regulatory matters contain an element of uncertainty, the Company
believes that the probable outcome of these matters should not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial
position.
(9) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS -
STOCK OPTION PLANS:
The Company has several stock option plans under which options to acquire up to
215.4 million shares may be granted to directors, officers and certain employees
of the Company including the stock option plans acquired through various
acquisitions. The Company accounts for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25,
under which no compensation cost is recognized. Terms and conditions of the
Company's options, including exercise price and the period in which options are
exercisable, generally are at the discretion of the Compensation and Stock
Option Committee of the Board of Directors; however, no options are exercisable
for more than 10 years after date of grant. As of December 31, 1997, 148.4
million options had been granted under these plans, and 30.2 million options
were fully exercisable.
Additionally, there are outstanding warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock
at $6.25 per share which were granted by MFS prior to the MFS Merger.
Additional information regarding options and warrants granted and outstanding is
summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Exercise
Options Price
------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 33,515,310 $ 0.30 - 15.07
Granted to employees/directors 14,837,455 2.16 - 16.94
Granted in connection with acquisition 2,304,004 9.20 - 10.96
Exercised (18,965,034) 0.30 - 15.07
Expired or canceled (2,056,959) 1.59 - 15.07
-------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 29,634,776 0.34 - 16.94
Granted to employees/directors 9,799,870 6.76 - 27.50
Granted in connection with acquisition 55,029,686 0.01 - 25.95
Exercised (10,469,081) 1.58 - 15.07
Expired or canceled (1,131,504) 0.34 - 27.50
-------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 82,863,747 0.01 - 27.50
Granted to employees/directors 31,866,183 11.76 - 31.88
Exercised (23,975,121) 0.01 - 27.50
Expired or canceled (6,089,088) 0.01 - 26.00
-------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 84,665,721 $ 0.01 - 31.88
=============
</TABLE>
In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". SFAS No. 123 requires disclosure of the compensation cost for
stock-based incentives granted after January 1, 1995 based on the fair value at
grant date for awards. Applying SFAS No. 123 would result in pro forma net
income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") amounts as follows (in
thousands, except share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item As reported $220,837 $(2,233,647) $223,529
Pro forma 166,065 (2,251,249) 216,709
Basic EPS As reported 0.23 (5.02) 0.58
Pro forma 0.17 (5.06) 0.57
Diluted EPS As reported 0.22 (5.02) 0.56
Pro forma 0.17 (5.06) 0.55
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option or restricted stock grant is estimated on the date
of grant using an option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grant:
F-22
<PAGE> 26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE GRANT-
DATE
DATE GRANTED EXPECTED VOLATILITY RISK-FREE INTEREST RATE FAIR VALUE
- ------------ ------------------- ----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1995 24.8% 6.5% $4.49
1996 21.6% 5.4% $5.62
1997 22.8% 6.4% $7.99
</TABLE>
Additionally, for all options, a 15% forfeiture rate was assumed with an
expected life of 5 years and no dividend yield.
Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has been applied only to grants
after December 31, 1994, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be
representative of that to be expected in future periods.
401(K) PLANS:
The Company and its subsidiaries offer its qualified employees the opportunity
to participate in one of its defined contribution retirement plans qualifying
under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each
employee may contribute on a tax deferred basis a portion of annual earnings not
to exceed $9,500. The Company matches individual employee contributions in
certain plans, up to a maximum level which in no case exceeds 6% of the
employee's compensation.
Expenses recorded by the Company relating to its 401(k) plans were $7.2 million,
$5.9 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and
1995, respectively.
SHAREWORKS:
Through the MFS Merger, the Company offered MFS employees a grant plan and a
match plan jointly known as Shareworks. The grant plan enabled the Company to
grant shares of Common Stock to eligible MFS employees based upon a percentage
of that employee's eligible pay, up to 5%. The match plan allowed eligible
employees to defer between 1% and 10% of eligible pay to purchase Common Stock
at the stock price on each pay period date. The Company matched the shares
purchased by the employee on a one-for-one basis. The grant plan and match plan
were terminated effective June 30, 1997, and all shares within the plan for
active employees as of such date were immediately vested.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN:
In February 1996, BFP established an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") to
provide BFP employees with an opportunity to purchase common stock through
payroll deductions. The ESPP became effective in May 1996, and was to terminate
on April 30, 2001. Initially, the amount of authorized payroll deductions were
not less than 1% nor more than 10% of a BFP employee's cash compensation but not
more than $25,000 per year. Upon consummation of the BFP Merger, the ESPP was
terminated.
(10) INCOME TAXES -
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109
"Accounting for Income Taxes." When SFAS No. 109 was adopted, the cumulative
effect of this change in accounting principle was not material to the Company.
The provision for income taxes is composed of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current $ 47,578 $ 71,079 $ 33
Deferred 368,043 58,449 171,425
--------- --------- ----------
Total provision for income taxes $ 415,621 $ 129,528 $ 171,458
========= ========= ==========
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE> 27
The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the
expected amounts using the statutory rate:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected statutory amount 35.0% (35.0)% 35.0%
Nondeductible amortization of excess of
cost over net tangible assets acquired 14.8 1.0 4.7
State income taxes 2.4 0.4 3.0
Charge for in-process research and development -- 35.6 --
Write-down of assets -- 4.1 --
Valuation allowance 7.1 (1.0) (1.0)
Other 3.4 1.1 (1.7)
------ ------ ------
Actual tax provision 62.7% 6.2% 40.0%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes and the impact of available
net operating loss carryforwards.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had unused net operating loss ("NOL")
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $1.8 billion
which expire in various amounts during the years 2002 through 2013. These NOL
carryforwards together with state and other NOL carryforwards result in a
deferred tax asset of approximately $688.7 million at December 31, 1997. A
valuation allowance of $195.2 million has been established related to deferred
tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing the full benefit of the NOL
carryforwards. In evaluating the amount of valuation allowance needed, the
Company considers the acquired companies' prior operating results and future
plans and expectations. The utilization period of the NOL carryforwards and the
turnaround period of other temporary differences are also considered. The
increase in the valuation allowance during 1997 results from the placement of a
valuation allowance on certain NOL carryforwards generated by BFP. Under a "more
likely than not" scenario, management determined that statutory restrictions on
the BFP NOL carryforwards impair their realizability.
Approximately $384.1 million of the Company's deferred tax assets are related to
preacquisition NOL carryforwards attributable to entities acquired in
transactions accounted for as purchases. Accordingly, any future reductions in
the valuation allowance related to such deferred tax assets will result in a
corresponding reduction in goodwill. If, however, subsequent events or
conditions dictate an increase in the valuation allowance attributable to such
deferred tax assets, income tax expense for the period of the increase will be
increased accordingly.
The following is a summary of the significant components of the Company's
deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996
-------------------------- --------------------------
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for bad debts $ 11,823 $ -- $ 10,644 $ --
Fixed assets -- (142,850) -- (50,728)
Goodwill and other intangibles -- (278,340) -- (296,559)
Software -- (64,326) -- (39,017)
Investments -- (22,768) -- (17,376)
Line installation costs -- (39,678) -- (23,427)
Accrued liabilities 266,586 -- 102,685 --
NOL carryforwards 688,691 -- 523,971 --
Stock options 146,248 -- 297,135 --
Other 11,707 (36,467) 35,154 (13,075)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
1,125,055 (584,429) 969,589 (440,182)
Valuation allowance (195,204) -- (136,497) --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 929,851 $ (584,429) $ 833,092 $ (440,182)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE> 28
(11) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION -
Interest paid by the Company during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 amounted to $264.6 million, $236.1 million and $224.4 million,
respectively. Income taxes paid, net of refunds, during the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $13.7 million, $6.0 million and $7.3 million,
respectively.
In conjunction with business combinations during the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 (See Note 2), assets acquired, liabilities assumed and
common stock issued were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of assets acquired $ 309,202 $ 3,284,406 $ 811,440
Goodwill and other intangible assets 997,674 9,206,642 2,309,890
Liabilities assumed (4,447) (2,011,343) (328,184)
Common stock issued (158,983) (10,591,468) (12,850)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Net cash paid (acquired) $ 1,143,446 $ (111,763) $ 2,780,296
=============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
(12) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS -
On January 31, 1998, WorldCom acquired CompuServe Corporation ("CompuServe"), a
Delaware corporation, pursuant to the merger (the "CompuServe Merger") of a
wholly owned subsidiary of WorldCom, with and into CompuServe. Upon consummation
of the CompuServe Merger, CompuServe became a wholly owned subsidiary of
WorldCom.
As a result of the CompuServe Merger, each share of CompuServe common stock was
converted into the right to receive 0.40625 shares of Common Stock or
approximately 37.6 million WorldCom common shares in the aggregate. Prior to the
CompuServe Merger, CompuServe operated primarily through two divisions:
Interactive Services and Network Services. Interactive Services offered
worldwide online and Internet access services for consumers, while Network
Services provided worldwide network access, management and applications, and
Internet service to businesses. The CompuServe Merger is being accounted for as
a purchase; accordingly, operating results for CompuServe will be included from
the date of acquisition.
On January 31, 1998, WorldCom also acquired ANS Communications, Inc. ("ANS"),
from America Online, Inc. ("AOL") and has entered into five year contracts with
AOL under which WorldCom and its subsidiaries will provide network services to
AOL (collectively, the "AOL Transaction"). As part of the AOL Transaction, AOL
acquired CompuServe's Interactive Services division and received a $175 million
cash payment from WorldCom. WorldCom retained the CompuServe Network Services
division. ANS provides Internet access to AOL and AOL's subscribers in the
United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Japan, and also designs,
develops and operates high performance wide-area networks for business,
research, education and governmental organizations.
On November 9, 1997, WorldCom entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement") with MCI and a wholly owned acquisition
subsidiary of WorldCom ("MCI Merger Sub"), providing for the merger (the
"MCI/WorldCom Merger") of MCI with and into MCI Merger Sub, with MCI Merger Sub
surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of WorldCom. As a result of the
MCI/WorldCom Merger, the separate corporate existence of MCI will cease, and MCI
Merger Sub (which will be renamed "MCI Communications Corporation") will succeed
to all the rights and be responsible for all the obligations of MCI in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law. Subject to the terms and
conditions of the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement, each share of MCI common stock,
par value $0.10 per share ("MCI Common Stock") outstanding immediately prior to
the effective time of the MCI/WorldCom Merger (the "MCI/WorldCom Effective
Time") will be converted into the right to receive that number of shares of
Common Stock equal to the MCI Exchange Ratio (as defined below), and each share
of MCI Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share ("MCI Class A Common
Stock" and, together with the MCI Common Stock, the "MCI Capital Stock"),
outstanding immediately prior to the MCI/WorldCom Effective Time will be
converted into the right to receive $51.00 in cash, without interest thereon.
The "MCI Exchange Ratio" means the quotient (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000)
determined by dividing $51.00 by the average of the high and low sales prices of
Common Stock (the "MCI/WorldCom Average Price") as reported on The Nasdaq
National Market on each of the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the third
trading day immediately preceding the MCI/WorldCom Effective Time; provided,
however, that the MCI Exchange Ratio will not be less than 1.2439 or greater
than 1.7586. Cash will be paid in lieu of the issuance of any fractional share
of WorldCom Common Stock in the MCI/WorldCom Merger.
F-25
<PAGE> 29
Based on the number of shares of MCI Common Stock outstanding as of January 20,
1998 and assumed MCI Exchange Ratios of 1.2439 and 1.7586, approximately
710,554,160 shares and 1,004,566,722 shares, respectively, of Common Stock would
be issued in the MCI/WorldCom Merger. In addition, as of December 31, 1997,
outstanding options to purchase shares of MCI Common Stock would be converted in
the MCI/WorldCom Merger to options to acquire an aggregate of approximately
86,491,688 shares and 122,280,154 shares, respectively, of Common Stock, and the
exercise price would be adjusted to reflect the MCI Exchange Ratio, so that, on
exercise, the holders would receive, in the aggregate, the same number of shares
of Common Stock as they would have received had they exercised prior to the
MCI/WorldCom Merger, at the same exercise price.
The MCI/WorldCom Merger was approved by the MCI stockholders and the WorldCom
shareholders at separate meetings held on March 11, 1998. The MCI/WorldCom
Merger is also subject to approvals from the FCC, the Department of Justice and
various state government bodies. In addition, the MCI/WorldCom Merger is subject
to approval by the Commission of the European Communities. WorldCom anticipates
that the MCI/WorldCom Merger will close mid-year 1998.
Termination of the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement by MCI or WorldCom under
certain conditions will require MCI to pay WorldCom $750 million as a
termination fee and to reimburse WorldCom the $450 million alternative
transaction fee and certain related expenses paid by WorldCom to BT. Further,
termination of the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement by MCI or WorldCom under
certain conditions, will require WorldCom to pay MCI $1.635 billion as a
termination fee.
Pursuant to an agreement (the "BT Agreement") among MCI, WorldCom and BT, the
prior merger agreement between BT and MCI (the "BT/MCI Merger Agreement") was
terminated, and WorldCom agreed to pay BT an alternative transaction fee of $450
million and expenses of $15 million payable to BT in accordance with the BT/MCI
Merger Agreement. These fees were paid on November 12, 1997. WorldCom also
agreed to pay to BT an additional payment of $250 million in the event that
WorldCom is required to make the $1.635 billion payment to MCI in accordance
with the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the BT
Agreement, BT voted (or caused to be voted) its shares of MCI Class A Common
Stock in favor of the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement and the approval of the
other transactions contemplated by the MCI/WorldCom Merger Agreement.
(13) UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
--------- -------- ------------- ------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $1,696,794 $1,040,194 $1,796,862 $1,080,909 $1,936,121 $1,155,314 $2,046,526 $1,250,583
Operating income (loss) 155,479 190,736 218,275 (190,823) 288,217 224,738 355,265 (2,099,531)
Net income (loss) 24,998 79,667 41,624 (277,357) 75,768 99,264 101,803 (2,158,795)
Preferred dividend requirement 6,610 505 6,611 355 6,606 -- 6,606 --
Earnings (loss) per
common share:
Basic $ 0.02 $ 0.19 $ 0.04 $ (0.64) $ 0.07 $ 0.22 $ 0.10 $ (4.63)
Diluted 0.02 0.18 0.04 (0.64) 0.07 0.21 0.10 (4.63)
</TABLE>
Results for 1996 include a $2.14 billion, fourth quarter charge for in-process
research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge is based upon a
valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS' worldwide information system, the
Internet network expansion system of UUNET, and certain other identified
research and development projects purchased in the MFS Merger. The expense
includes $1.6 billion associated with UUNET and $0.54 billion related to MFS.
Additionally, fourth quarter 1996 results include other after-tax charges of
$121.0 million for employee severance, employee compensation charges, alignment
charges, and costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications contracts and $344.0
million after-tax write-down of operating assets within its non-core businesses.
On a pre-tax basis, these charges totaled $600.1 million.
In connection with certain debt refinancing, the Company recognized in 1996,
extraordinary items of approximately $4.2 million, net of income taxes,
consisting of unamortized debt discount, unamortized issuance cost and
prepayment fees. Additionally, in 1996 the Company recorded an extraordinary
item of $20.2 million, net of income taxes, related to a write-off of deferred
international costs.
F-26
<PAGE> 30
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
---------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
27.1 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1997
27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1996
27.3 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the twelve
months ended December 31, 1995
27.4 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the three
months ended March 31, 1997
27.5 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the six months
ended June 30, 1997
27.6 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the nine
months ended September 30, 1997
27.7 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the three
months ended March 31, 1996
27.8 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the six months
ended June 30, 1996
27.9 Restated Financial Data Schedule - For the nine
months ended September 30, 1996
99.1 The audited consolidated financial statements of the
Company as of and for its fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, including the reports of
independent auditors, were previously reported in and
are incorporated by reference to pages F-1 through
F-25 (inclusive) of the WorldCom Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
under File No. 0-11258.
99.2 The audited consolidated financial statements of BFP
as of and for its fiscal years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, including the report of
independent auditors, were previously reported in and
are incorporated by reference to the BFP Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 under File No. 0-28036.
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 154,591
<SECURITIES> 53,516
<RECEIVABLES> 1,443,807
<ALLOWANCES> 203,076
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,873,987
<PP&E> 7,569,369
<DEPRECIATION> 855,168
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 23,595,786
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,073,635
<BONDS> 7,413,333
125
0
<COMMON> 9,816
<OTHER-SE> 13,790,971
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 23,595,786
<SALES> 7,476,303
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 7,476,303
<CGS> 3,857,361
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,459,067
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (40,388)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 111,250
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 394,733
<INCOME-PRETAX> 662,891
<INCOME-TAX> 415,621
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 247,270
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (3,077)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 217,760
<EPS-PRIMARY> .23
<EPS-DILUTED> .22
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 484,609
<SECURITIES> 942,564
<RECEIVABLES> 1,150,907
<ALLOWANCES> 136,436
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,688,051
<PP&E> 4,589,030
<DEPRECIATION> 401,565
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 20,842,778
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,976,426
<BONDS> 5,356,391
128
0
<COMMON> 9,426
<OTHER-SE> 13,242,256
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 20,842,778
<SALES> 4,527,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,527,000
<CGS> 2,474,866
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,401,880
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (24,608)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 57,967
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 252,987
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,103,259)
<INCOME-TAX> 129,528
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (2,232,787)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (24,434)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,258,081)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (5.07)
<EPS-DILUTED> (5.07)
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1995
<CASH> 102,157
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 599,706
<ALLOWANCES> 59,261
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 731,351
<PP&E> 2,119,984
<DEPRECIATION> 492,080
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,803,239
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,003,991
<BONDS> 2,324,075
107,119
0
<COMMON> 3,887
<OTHER-SE> 2,170,130
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 6,803,239
<SALES> 3,706,806
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,706,806
<CGS> 2,034,113
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,040,202
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (14,494)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 40,395
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 252,920
<INCOME-PRETAX> 428,178
<INCOME-TAX> 171,458
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 256,720
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 223,529
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.58
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.56
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1997
<CASH> 260,517
<SECURITIES> 213,784
<RECEIVABLES> 1,239,120
<ALLOWANCES> 109,821
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,004,863
<PP&E> 5,148,405
<DEPRECIATION> 503,915
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 20,518,257
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,827,664
<BONDS> 5,183,941
128
0
<COMMON> 9,492
<OTHER-SE> 13,293,572
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 20,518,257
<SALES> 1,696,794
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,696,794
<CGS> 921,477
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,541,315
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (13,481)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 24,965
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 90,160
<INCOME-PRETAX> 78,800
<INCOME-TAX> 53,802
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 24,998
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 18,388
<EPS-PRIMARY> .02
<EPS-DILUTED> .02
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<CASH> 314,029
<SECURITIES> 160,563
<RECEIVABLES> 1,286,441
<ALLOWANCES> 120,340
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,042,734
<PP&E> 5,933,996
<DEPRECIATION> 618,873
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 21,419,227
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,794,186
<BONDS> 5,838,031
128
0
<COMMON> 9,660
<OTHER-SE> 13,495,140
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 21,419,227
<SALES> 3,493,656
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,493,656
<CGS> 1,858,714
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,119,902
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (20,794)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 43,110
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 186,109
<INCOME-PRETAX> 208,439
<INCOME-TAX> 138,960
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 69,479
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (2,857)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 53,401
<EPS-PRIMARY> .06
<EPS-DILUTED> .06
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997
<CASH> 176,951
<SECURITIES> 117,081
<RECEIVABLES> 1,335,017
<ALLOWANCES> 129,893
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,899,673
<PP&E> 6,734,847
<DEPRECIATION> 708,349
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 21,980,623
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,912,240
<BONDS> 6,144,718
125
0
<COMMON> 9,747
<OTHER-SE> 13,656,753
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 21,980,623
<SALES> 5,429,777
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 5,429,777
<CGS> 2,849,097
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,767,806
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (32,673)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 76,246
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 288,621
<INCOME-PRETAX> 406,023
<INCOME-TAX> 260,776
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 145,247
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (2,857)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 122,563
<EPS-PRIMARY> .13
<EPS-DILUTED> .12
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1996
<CASH> 273,504
<SECURITIES> 25,159
<RECEIVABLES> 656,774
<ALLOWANCES> 61,363
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,035,990
<PP&E> 2,267,824
<DEPRECIATION> 536,468
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,266,077
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,136,026
<BONDS> 2,492,886
106,481
0
<COMMON> 1,981
<OTHER-SE> 2,284,097
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,266,077
<SALES> 1,040,194
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,040,194
<CGS> 565,038
<TOTAL-COSTS> 849,458
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (4,477)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 13,529
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 60,883
<INCOME-PRETAX> 134,330
<INCOME-TAX> 54,663
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 79,667
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 79,162
<EPS-PRIMARY> .19
<EPS-DILUTED> .18
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1996
<CASH> 272,808
<SECURITIES> 150,178
<RECEIVABLES> 754,486
<ALLOWANCES> 75,378
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,230,926
<PP&E> 2,117,617
<DEPRECIATION> 341,123
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,307,077
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,009,376
<BONDS> 3,652,987
0
0
<COMMON> 4,446
<OTHER-SE> 2,366,939
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,307,077
<SALES> 2,121,103
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,121,103
<CGS> 1,152,224
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,121,190
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (11,546)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 27,553
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 124,543
<INCOME-PRETAX> (113,084)
<INCOME-TAX> 60,172
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (173,256)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (24,434)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (198,550)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.46)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.46)
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WORLDCOM,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<CASH> 221,879
<SECURITIES> 126,634
<RECEIVABLES> 747,184
<ALLOWANCES> 66,695
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,172,570
<PP&E> 2,352,960
<DEPRECIATION> 376,539
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,492,316
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 923,100
<BONDS> 3,591,081
0
0
<COMMON> 4,573
<OTHER-SE> 2,703,328
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,492,316
<SALES> 3,276,417
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,276,417
<CGS> 1,782,468
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,051,766
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (18,653)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 42,422
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 187,281
<INCOME-PRETAX> 56,023
<INCOME-TAX> 130,015
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (73,992)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (24,434)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (99,286)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.23)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.23)
</TABLE>
