SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-8607
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1533433
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1155 Peachtree Street, N. E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3610
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number 404 249-2000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes X No ___
At October 31, 1998, 977,798,877 common shares were outstanding.
Table of Contents
Item Page
Part I
1. Financial Statements 3
Consolidated Statements of Income 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
and Comprehensive Income 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8
Selected Operating Data 11
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition 14
Results of Operations 14
Volumes of Business 15
Operating Revenues 17
Operating Expenses 19
Other Income Statement Items 20
Financial Condition 21
Regulatory Developments and Competition 22
Federal Developments 22
State Developments 22
Other Matters 23
Safe Harbor Statement 26
Part II
6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 27
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Revenues:
Network and related services:
Local service $ 2,380 $ 2,143 $ 6,987 $ 6,315
Interstate access 944 916 2,849 2,761
Intrastate access 203 197 609 601
Toll 180 189 532 549
Wireless communications 1,234 929 3,523 2,509
Directory advertising and
publishing 505 466 1,286 1,227
Other services 419 353 1,169 999
Total Operating Revenues 5,865 5,193 16,955 14,961
Operating Expenses:
Cost of services and
products 1,845 1,566 5,255 4,524
Depreciation and
amortization 1,111 1,002 3,228 2,939
Selling, general and
administrative 1,446 1,279 4,121 3,575
Total Operating Expenses 4,402 3,847 12,604 11,038
Operating Income 1,463 1,346 4,351 3,923
Interest Expense 218 195 611 565
Gain on Sale of Operations -- 787 155 787
Other Income, net 73 20 219 46
Income Before Income Taxes 1,318 1,958 4,114 4,191
Provision for Income Taxes 504 773 1,590 1,659
Net Income $ 814 $ 1,185 $ 2,524 $ 2,532
Weighted-Average Common
Shares Outstanding:
Basic 983 992 988 992
Diluted 989 995 994 994
Dividends Declared Per Common
Share $ .36 $ .36 $ 1.08 $ 1.08
Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ .83 $ 1.19 $ 2.55 $ 2.55
Diluted $ .82 $ 1.19 $ 2.54 $ 2.55
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<TABLE>
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,389 $ 2,570
Temporary cash investments 211 17
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
uncollectibles of $264 and $246 4,413 4,750
Material and supplies 430 393
Other current assets 775 387
Total Current Assets 8,218 8,117
Investments and Advances 2,531 2,675
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment 57,061 53,828
Accumulated depreciation 33,426 30,967
Property, Plant and Equipment, net 23,635 22,861
Deferred Charges and Other Assets 1,013 702
Intangible Assets, net 2,960 1,946
Total Assets $ 38,357 $ 36,301
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Debt maturing within one year $ 3,371 $ 3,706
Accounts payable 1,733 1,825
Other current liabilities 3,985 3,252
Total Current Liabilities 9,089 8,783
Long-Term Debt 8,532 7,348
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes 1,855 2,023
Unamortized investment tax credits 179 213
Other liabilities and deferred credits 2,803 2,769
Total Deferred Credits and Other
Liabilities 4,837 5,005
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, $1 par value 1,010 1,010
Paid-in capital 7,777 7,714
Retained earnings 8,848 7,382
Accumulated other comprehensive income (2) 36
Shares held in trust and treasury (1,396) (575)
Guarantee of ESOP debt (338) (402)
Total Shareholders' Equity 15,899 15,165
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 38,357 $ 36,301
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<TABLE>
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Millions)
<CAPTION>
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 2,524 $ 2,532
Adjustments to net income:
Depreciation and amortization 3,228 2,939
Gain on sale of operations (155) (787)
Net losses (earnings) and dividends from
unconsolidated affiliates 80 284
Provision for uncollectibles 230 209
Deferred income taxes and unamortized
investment tax credits 39 223
Net change in:
Accounts receivable and other current assets (153) (261)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 195 285
Deferred charges and other assets (235) (178)
Other liabilities and deferred credits 101 175
Other reconciling items, net 42 (44)
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,896 5,377
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (3,744) (3,198)
Purchases of licenses and other intangible
assets (575) (195)
Proceeds from sale of operations 155 1,000
Proceeds from disposition of short-term
investments 98 236
Purchases of short-term investments (292) (203)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated
affiliates (566) (1,048)
Other investing activities, net 183 98
Net cash used for investing activities (4,741) (3,310)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net repayments of short-term borrowings (127) (521)
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,454 536
Repayments of long-term debt (753) (19)
Dividends paid (1,068) (1,071)
Purchase of treasury shares (888) (117)
Other financing activities, net 46 31
Net cash used for financing activities (1,336) (1,161)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash
Equivalents (181) 906
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 2,570 1,178
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 2,389 $ 2,084
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<TABLE>
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
<CAPTION>
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Shares Amount
----------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Shares
Held Accum. Held
In Other In Guaran-
Trust Compre- Trust tee of
Common and Common Paid-in Retained hensive and ESOP
Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings Income Treasury Debt Total
------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
(a) (a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at
December 31, 1997 1,010 (18) $1,010 $7,714 $7,382 $36 $(575) $(402) $15,165
Net income 2,524 2,524
Other compre-
hensive income,
net of tax:
Foreign currency
translation (38) (38)
adjustment
Total comprehen-
sive income(b) 2,486
Dividends (1,064) (1,064)
declared
Share issuances
for employee
benefit plans 1 (29) 68 39
Acquisition-
related
transactions 1 92 33 125
Purchase of
treasury stock (14) (888) (888)
Purchase of
stock by
grantor trust (1) (34) (34)
ESOP activities
and related tax 6 64 70
benefit
------ ---- ------ ------ ------ ---- -------- ------ -------
Balance at
September 30, 1998 1,010 (31) $1,010 $7,777 $8,848 $(2) $(1,396) $(338) $15,899
====== ==== ====== ====== ====== ==== ======== ====== =======
</TABLE>
(a) Such shares are not considered to be outstanding for financial
reporting purposes. As of September 30, 1998 there were approximately
17.7 shares held in trust and 12.9 treasury shares held by the
company.
(b) Total comprehensive income for the three-month period ended
September 30, 1998 was $807.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<TABLE>
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
<CAPTION>
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Shares Amount
------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Shares
Held Accum. Held Guar-
In Other In antee
Trust Compre- Trust of
Common and Common Paid-in Retained hensive and ESOP
Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings Income Treasury Debt Total
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ -------
(a) (a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at
December 31, 1996 1,009 (18) $1,009 $7,672 $5,541 $25 $(532) $(466) $13,249
Net income 2,532 2,532
Other compre-
hensive income,
net of tax:
Foreign currency
translation 25 25
adjustment
Total comprehen-
sive income(b) 2,557
Dividends (1,071) (1,071)
declared
Share issuances
for:
Employee benefit 1 (15) 46 31
plans
Grantor Trusts 1 (1) 1 60 (61) --
Acquisition-
related
transactions 2 8 89 97
Purchase of
treasury stock (2) (117) (117)
ESOP activities
and related tax 6 63 69
benefit
----- ---- ------ ------ ------ --- ------ ------ -------
Balance at
September 30, 1997 1,010 (18) $1,010 $7,725 $7,008 $50 $(575) $(403) $14,815
===== ==== ====== ====== ====== === ====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
(a) Such shares are not considered to be outstanding for financial
reporting purposes. As of September 30, 1997 there were approximately
17.1 shares held in trust and 1.3 treasury shares held by the company.
(b) Total comprehensive income for the three-month period ended
September 30, 1997 was $1,202.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Millions)
Note A -- Preparation of Interim Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of BellSouth Corporation
(BellSouth) have been prepared in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain
amounts have been reclassified from previous presentations. These
consolidated financial statements include estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and
expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the
opinion of BellSouth, these statements include all adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of all interim
periods reported herein. All adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature unless otherwise disclosed. Certain information and footnote
disclosures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been either condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules
and regulations. BellSouth believes, however, that the disclosures
made are adequate for a fair presentation of results of operations,
financial position and cash flows.
Beginning in 1998, BellSouth adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Comprehensive Income." The calculation of
comprehensive income is included in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income.
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes
included in BellSouth's latest annual report on Form 10-K and previous
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Note B -- Earnings per Share
In 1997, BellSouth adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," which
requires the presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per
share. Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-
average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted
earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common
shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents arising out of
employee stock options and other benefit plans. Earnings per share
information for the prior period has been restated to conform to the
requirements of the standard. Common stock equivalents included in
the calculation of diluted earnings per share were approximately 6
million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998
and approximately 3 million and 2 million for the three- and nine-
month periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively. BellSouth's
earnings, used for per share calculations, are the same for both the
basic and diluted methods.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Millions)
Note C -- Supplemental Cash Flow Information
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
1998 1997
Cash Paid For:
Income taxes $1,285 $1,278
Interest $ 572 $ 518
In January 1998, BellSouth began consolidating certain operations that
had previously been accounted for under the equity method. Such
consolidation resulted in an increase in assets of $519 (net of a $228
decrease in investments and advances) and a corresponding increase in
liabilities.
Note D -- Gain on Sale of Operations
In August 1997, BellSouth sold its 24.5% interest in Optus
Communications to Cable and Wireless, a U.K. telecommunications
company. Under the agreement, BellSouth received approximately $735
in cash for its 490 million shares in Optus Communications. In
addition, BellSouth was given an option to receive either an ownership
interest in a cellular communications company located in Colombia or
the equivalent value of that interest in cash. The pretax gain on the
sale was $578 ($352 after tax). During 1998, BellSouth exercised its
option and received an additional $64 which is included in other
investing activities in the statement of cash flows for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998.
In July 1997, BellSouth sold its 20% interest in ITT World Directories
(ITTWD) to ITT Corporation (ITT) for total proceeds of $265. The
pretax gain on such sale was $209 ($128 after tax). The sale
agreement contained certain provisions that called for additional
sales proceeds to be paid to BellSouth in the event that ITT
subsequently resold ITTWD above a certain price. As a result of ITT's
subsequent sale of ITTWD, BellSouth received additional proceeds that
resulted in a pretax gain of $155 ($96 after tax) in the first quarter
of 1998.
Note E -- South Carolina Regulatory Settlement
In April 1997, BellSouth Telecommunications, the South Carolina Public
Service Commission and other parties agreed on a settlement to claims
of alleged overearnings for the years 1992 through 1994. Under the
terms of the settlement, BellSouth Telecommunications paid $72 to its
customers in 1997. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 1997,
BellSouth reduced operating revenues by $72 ($47 after tax) in
connection with the settlement.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars In Millions)
Note F -- Issuance of Debt
In June 1998, BellSouth Telecommunications issued $500 of 6 3/8%
Debentures, due June 1, 2028, and $500 of 6% Reset Put Securities, due
June 15, 2012. The purpose of these issues was to refinance $500
aggregate principal amount of BellSouth Telecommunications' 5 1/4%
Notes that matured on June 8, 1998 and to provide funds for general
corporate purposes including the refinancing of commercial paper.
In conjunction with the issuance of the 6% Reset Put Securities,
BellSouth Telecommunications entered into an interest rate swap
agreement. Under the agreement, BellSouth Telecommunications will pay
a variable rate that is based on LIBOR and will receive a fixed rate
of 6% in return. The LIBOR-based rate in effect at September 30, 1998
was 5.5945%. The agreement calls for periodic interim settlements and
expires June 15, 2002.
Note G -- Subsequent Events
Repayment of Prime Loan. During 1993, BellSouth entered into a credit
agreement with Prime South Diversified, Inc.(Prime) to provide up to
$250 in financing, all of which was outstanding as of September 30,
1998. The loan was collateralized by the stock of Prime, which
indirectly owned Community Cable TV (CCTV) in Las Vegas. The loan bore
interest at a variable rate of 10% to 11%. The loan agreement
specified that in the event Prime sold CCTV, BellSouth would be repaid
the principal balance as well as additional amounts for contingent
interest and prepayment penalties.
On October 1, 1998, Prime sold its investment in CCTV. As specified
in the loan agreement, BellSouth was repaid the full principal balance
as well as amounts for contingent interest, prepayment penalties and
regular interest. As a result, BellSouth recorded additional income
of $102 ($62 after tax), for the amount related to the proceeds from
contingent interest and prepayment penalties, in October 1998.
Sale of BellSouth New Zealand. On October 30, 1998, BellSouth sold to
Vodaphone Group Plc its 65% ownership interest in BellSouth New
Zealand for total proceeds of $244. BellSouth expects to record an
estimated after-tax gain of between $85 and $95 in the fourth quarter
of 1998.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(Unaudited)
Percent Change
1998 vs. 1997 vs.
1998 1997 1996
Equivalent Access Lines in Service at September 30 (Thousands)(a):
By Type:
Switched Access Lines:
Residence 16,329 4.2% 4.2%
Business 7,266 3.4 5.9
Other 274 1.0 3.4
Total Switched Access Lines 23,869 3.9 4.7
Access Line Equivalents (b):
Basic Rate ISDN (c) 175 34.3 53.4
Primary Rate ISDN 458 103.9 168.6
DS0 681 5.7 (1.9)
DS1 4,090 27.6 49.0
DS3 6,646 48.1 59.5
Total Access Line Equivalents 12,050 38.6 50.1
Total Equivalent Access Lines in 35,919 13.4 14.2
Service
Switched Access Lines By State (Thousands)(a):
Florida 6,430 4.6% 5.7%
Georgia 4,131 4.8 5.5
Tennessee 2,670 2.2 3.5
North Carolina 2,425 4.7 5.7
Louisiana 2,334 3.7 3.7
Alabama 1,959 2.3 3.7
South Carolina 1,446 4.2 3.7
Mississippi 1,272 3.5 3.3
Kentucky 1,202 2.9 3.4
Total Switched Access Lines By 23,869 3.9 4.7
State
(a) Prior period operating data are often revised at later dates to
reflect updated information. The above information reflects the
latest data available for the periods indicated.
(b) Access line equivalents are based on conversion factors that
result from the estimated capacity of one switched access line. The
conversion factors used are as follows:
Basic Rate ISDN (c) 2.5/1
Primary Rate ISDN 24/1
DS0 1/1
DS1 24/1
DS3 672/1
(c) Basic Rate ISDN lines are included in BellSouth's switched access
line count as equaling one line. The amounts shown as access line
equivalents are the estimated incremental equivalent access lines
resulting from these lines.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
SELECTED OPERATING DATA (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Percent Change for
the Periods Ended
1998 vs. 1997 vs.
1998 1997 1996
Access Minutes of Use (Millions)(d)(e):
Interstate:
Three months ended March 31 18,997 7.2% 6.4%
Three months ended June 30 19,805 6.8 10.1
Three months ended September 30 19,728 6.5 9.2
Nine months ended September 30 58,530 6.8 8.6
Intrastate:
Three months ended March 31 6,085 9.6 8.4
Three months ended June 30 6,435 9.6 12.2
Three months ended September 30 6,710 12.5 11.5
Nine months ended September 30 19,230 10.6 10.7
Total Access Minutes of Use:
Three months ended March 31 25,082 7.8 6.9
Three months ended June 30 26,240 7.4 10.6
Three months ended September 30 26,438 8.0 9.7
Nine months ended September 30 77,760 7.7 9.1
Toll Messages (Millions)(d):
Three months ended March 31 201 (12.4)% (18.1)%
Three months ended June 30 201 (13.3) (10.5)
Three months ended September 30 199 (11.4) (10.9)
Nine months ended September 30 601 (12.4) (13.3)
(d) Prior period operating data are often revised at later dates to
reflect updated information. The above information reflects the
latest data available for the periods indicated.
(e) Minutes of Use are classified as either interstate or intrastate
based on the percentage interstate usage factor. This factor is
updated periodically.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
SELECTED OPERATING DATA (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Cellular and Personal Communications Service (PCS) customers served at
September 30(Equity basis)(Thousands)(f):
Percent Change
1998 vs. 1997 vs.
1998 1997 1996
Domestic Cellular 4,542 14.5% 19.0%
International Cellular 3,014 85.6(h) 46.3(g)
PCS 158 105.2 --
7,714 36.1(h) 27.3(g)
(f) Includes customers served based on BellSouth's ownership
percentage in all markets served.
(g) Excluding the customers of Optus Communications, which was sold
in July 1997, from the 1996 period, the growth rate for international
cellular customers would have been 103.0% for 1997 compared to 1996,
and the growth rate for total cellular and PCS customers would have
been 36.9% for 1997 compared to 1996.
(h) International cellular customers as of September 30, 1998
includes 251,000 net customer additions resulting from BellSouth's
purchase of additional ownership interests in several Latin American
markets. Excluding these customer additions, international and total
customers served increased by 70.1% and 31.7%, respectively, over
third quarter 1997.
For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
1998
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (i) 6.92
(i) For the purpose of this ratio: (1) earnings have been calculated
by adding income before income taxes, gross interest expense, such
portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor on
such rentals, and equity in losses from less-than-50%-owned
investments (accounted for under the equity method of accounting) less
the excess of earnings over distributions from less-than-50%-owned
investments (accounted for under the equity method of accounting); and
(2) fixed charges are comprised of gross interest expense and such
portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor on
such rentals.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition (MD&A) should be read in conjunction
with MD&A in BellSouth Corporation's (BellSouth) latest
annual report on Form 10-K and previous
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
BellSouth is a holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia whose
operating telephone company subsidiary, BellSouth Telecommunications,
Inc. (BellSouth Telecommunications), serves, in the aggregate,
approximately two-thirds of the population and one-half of the
territory within Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. BellSouth
Telecommunications primarily provides local exchange and toll
communications services within geographic areas, called Local Access
and Transport Areas (LATAs), and provides network access services to
enable interLATA and intraLATA communications using the long-distance
facilities of interexchange carriers. Through subsidiaries, other
telecommunications services and products are provided primarily within
the nine-state BellSouth Telecommunications region. BellSouth
Enterprises, Inc. (BellSouth Enterprises), another wholly-owned
subsidiary, owns businesses providing primarily wireless and
international communications services and advertising and publishing
products.
Approximately 65% and 68% of BellSouth's Total Operating Revenues for
the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, were from wireline services provided by BellSouth
Telecommunications. Charges for local, access and toll services for
the nine-month period ended September 30, 1998 accounted for
approximately 64%, 31% and 5%, respectively, of the wireline revenues
discussed above. Revenues from wireless communications services and
directory advertising and publishing services accounted for
approximately 21% and 8%, respectively, of Total Operating Revenues
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The remainder of such
revenues was derived principally from other nonregulated services
provided by BellSouth Telecommunications, as well as sales and
maintenance of customer premises equipment (CPE).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Net Income $ 814 $ 1,185 $ 2,524 $ 2,532
Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ .83 $ 1.19 $ 2.55 $ 2.55
Diluted $ .82 $ 1.19 $ 2.54 $ 2.55
For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998, Net
Income decreased by $371 (31.3%) and $8 (0.3%), respectively, when
compared to the same 1997 periods. Basic Earnings Per Share decreased
$.36 (30.3%)for the three-month period, but remained unchanged for the
nine-month period. Diluted Earnings Per Share decreased $.37 (31.1%)
and $.01 (0.4%), respectively, when compared to the same 1997 periods.
The decreases in net income for the three- and nine-month periods
resulted primarily from gains on the sales of Optus Communications
($352 after tax) and ITT World Directories ($128 after tax) which
occurred during third quarter 1997 (see Note D to the Consolidated
Financial Statements). The decreases were partially offset by
continued strong growth in key business volumes in BellSouth's
wireline and wireless businesses. For the nine months ended September
30, 1998, the decrease was also partially offset by an after-tax gain
of $96 resulting from additional proceeds received during first
quarter 1998 in connection with the sale of ITT World Directories (see
Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Net Income during
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was reduced by an after-tax
charge of $47 related to a regulatory settlement in South Carolina
(see Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Volumes of Business
Total equivalent access lines are comprised of switched access lines
(including residence, business and other) as well as access line
equivalents. Access line equivalents are derived from non-switched
digital and data transmission lines and are based on conversion
factors that result from the estimated capacity of one switched access
line. Total equivalent access lines in service as of September 30,
1998 increased by approximately 4,258,000 (13.4%) since September 30,
1997 to 35,919,000, compared to an increase of 3,928,000 (14.2%) for
the same 1997 period. The growth in total equivalent access lines
continues to reflect economic growth in the Southeast, successful
marketing programs and increasing demand for high-capacity digital and
data products that are included in access line equivalents. The
growth in total equivalent access lines also includes an increase of
314,000 in resold lines to 442,000. Switched business and residence
access lines increased by 3.4% and 4.2%, respectively, compared to
growth rates of 5.9% and 4.2% in the same 1997 period. The decrease in
the growth rate for switched business lines was primarily due to the
migration of business customers from traditional business line
services to digital and data products. To a lesser degree, the growth
rate for switched business lines was also affected by the increased
presence of facilities-based competition. In addition to strong
economic growth in the region, the growth rate for switched residence
access lines reflects demand related to home office purposes, access
to on-line computer services and children's phones. The number of such
additional lines included in total switched residence lines increased
by 294,000 (15.7%) to 2,164,000 and accounted for approximately 44.3%
and 32.6% of the overall increase in switched residence access lines
and total switched access lines, respectively, since September 30,
1997. Access line equivalents increased by 3,357,000 (38.6%) compared
to an increase of 2,904,000 (50.1%) for the same 1997 period. The
increase is primarily due to continued growth in demand for digital
and data products that provide services such as bulk data
transmission, video conferencing, ATMs, check/credit card
authentication, multimedia and interconnection with wireless networks.
Access minutes of use represent the volume of traffic carried by
interexchange carriers, both interstate and intrastate, using
BellSouth Telecommunications' local facilities. Total access minutes
of use increased by 1,951 million (8.0%) and 5,575 million (7.7%) for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to
increases of 9.7% and 9.1% for the same 1997 periods. The increases
in total access minutes of use were primarily attributable to switched
access line growth, promotions by the interexchange carriers, and
intraLATA toll competition (which has the effect of increasing access
minutes of use while reducing toll messages carried over BellSouth
Telecommunications' facilities). However, the growth rate in total
minutes of use continues to be negatively impacted by competition and
the migration of interexchange carriers to categories of service
(e.g., special access) that have a fixed charge, as opposed to a
volume-driven charge, such as high-capacity digital and data products.
Toll messages are comprised of Message Telecommunications Service and
Wide Area Telecommunications Service. For the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1998, toll messages decreased by 25
million (11.4%) and 85 million (12.4%) compared to decreases of 10.9%
and 13.3% for the same 1997 periods. The decreases in 1998 are
primarily attributable to continuing competition from interexchange
carriers in the intraLATA toll market as well as the increased
penetration of local area calling plans (LACPs) in existing calling
plan areas.
Effects of competition and the increasing penetration of LACPs result
in the transfer of calls from toll to access and local service
categories, respectively, but the corresponding revenues are not
generally shifted at commensurate rates. Competition in the intraLATA
toll market will continue to adversely impact toll message volumes.
Domestic cellular customers (equity basis) increased by 575,000
(14.5%) since September 30, 1997 to 4,542,000. The decline in the
customer growth rate primarily reflects the impact of increased
competition. BellSouth's penetration rate (number of equity-basis
customers as a percentage of the equity-basis population in the
service territory) increased from 9.7% at September 30, 1997 to 11.2%
at September 30, 1998. Average revenue per proportionate cellular
customer decreased from $51 to $45 and from $52 to $46 for the three-
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998, respectively. Such
decreases were primarily attributable to the continuing trends of
increased penetration into lower-usage market segments and expanded
offering of lower-priced usage plans for high-usage customers.
BellSouth expects these trends to continue.
International cellular customers (equity basis) increased by 1,390,000
(85.6%) since September 30, 1997 to 3,014,000. Such growth reflects
increased demand for wireless services in the international markets
that BellSouth serves as well as the effect of BellSouth's purchase of
additional ownership interests in several of its Latin American
markets. Adjusted for the effects of the purchases, equity-basis
customers increased 1,139,000 (70.1%) since September 30, 1997.
Growth in equity-basis customers and total minutes of use for
international cellular properties remained strong, primarily due to
demand stimulated by successful marketing programs such as prepaid
cellular service, enhanced services and underdeveloped land-line
service. This growth also included an increase of 215,000 equity-basis
customers resulting from the start-up of operations in Brazil in mid-
1998. Average minutes of use per international customer, however,
declined due to the addition of customers in lower-usage market
segments.
Domestic PCS customers (equity basis) increased 105.2% since September
30, 1997 to 158,000 at September 30, 1998. PCS service was initiated
in selected markets in BellSouth's territory beginning in mid-1996.
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues increased $672 (12.9%) and $1,994 (13.3%) for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 when
compared to the corresponding 1997 periods. Such increases include
revenues from certain of BellSouth's operations that had been
accounted for under the equity method in 1997 and were consolidated in
1998. If these operations had been consolidated in 1997, and excluding
the effect of the South Carolina regulatory settlement in 1997, Total
Operating Revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1998 would have increased approximately 9.8% and 9.7%, respectively.
The components of Total Operating Revenues were as follows:
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Local Service $2,380 $2,143 $ 6,987 $ 6,315
Interstate Access 944 916 2,849 2,761
Intrastate Access 203 197 609 601
Toll 180 189 532 549
Wireless Communications 1,234 929 3,523 2,509
Directory Advertising and
Publishing 505 466 1,286 1,227
Other Services 419 353 1,169 999
Total Operating Revenues $5,865 $5,193 $16,955 $14,961
Local Service revenues increased $237 (11.1%) and $672 (10.6%) for the
three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 as compared to
the same 1997 periods. The increases for the three- and nine-month
periods were due primarily to a 3.9% growth in switched access lines
in service since September 30, 1997, an increase of $64 and $181,
respectively, due to higher customer demand for optional services,
such as custom calling features, and an increase in revenues from the
provision of digital and data products. Also contributing to the
overall increases in revenues for the three- and nine-month periods
were net rate impacts of $36 and $110, respectively. The rate impacts
for the three-month period were primarily attributable to revenue
sharing accruals recorded during 1997. Rate impacts for the nine-
month period were due primarily to a non-recurring revenue reduction
of $64, related to the local service portion of the regulatory
settlement in South Carolina, which was recorded during second quarter
1997, as well as revenue sharing accruals recorded during 1997.
Interstate Access revenues increased $28 (3.1%) and $88 (3.2%) for the
three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 as compared to
the same 1997 periods. The increases were primarily due to increases
of $32 and $114 in special access revenues and increases in end-user
charges attributable to increases in switched access lines. Special
access charges are comprised primarily of revenues from the provision
of digital and data products. These increases were partially offset
by rate reductions that decreased revenues by $6 and $59 for the three-
and nine-month periods, respectively.
Intrastate Access revenues increased $6 (3.0%) and $8 (1.3%) for the
three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to the
same 1997 periods. The increases were primarily due to growth in
minutes of use of 12.5% and 10.6%, respectively, for the three- and
nine-month periods. The increases were partially offset by rate
reductions of $10 and $49, respectively.
Toll revenues decreased $9 (4.8%) and $17 (3.1%) for the three- and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 when compared to the same
1997 periods. The decreases were primarily attributable to a decline
in toll messages of 11.4% and 12.4%, respectively. Such decreases
were partially offset by an increase in charges to interexchange
carriers for toll messages originating on BellSouth's public
telephones as well as increased revenues from the provision of digital
and data products.
Wireless Communications revenues increased $305 (32.8%) and $1,014
(40.4%) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998
when compared to the same 1997 periods. Such increases include
revenues from certain of BellSouth's operations that had been
accounted for under the equity method in the 1997 periods and were
consolidated in the 1998 periods. If these operations had been
consolidated in 1997, Wireless Communications revenues for the three
and nine months would have increased approximately 14.8% and 20.6%,
respectively. These increases were primarily attributable to
continued growth of the customer base in international and domestic
wireless markets and the acquisition in 1997 of various international
wireless operations.
Directory Advertising and Publishing revenues increased $39 (8.4%) and
$59 (4.8%) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,
1998 when compared to the same 1997 periods. The increases primarily
reflect volume growth and price increases partially offset by the
effect of shifts in directory production schedules and, in the nine-
month period, one-time adjustments in 1997. Revenues for the nine-
month period also include increases attributable to timing of
directory advertising contracts. The revenue growth rates associated
with increases in volume and pricing for the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1998 were 9.6% and 6.9%, respectively.
Other Services revenues are principally comprised of revenues from
customer premises equipment (CPE) sales, maintenance services and
other services (primarily inside wire, billing and collection, and
voice messaging services) offered by BellSouth Telecommunications.
Other Services revenues increased $66 (18.7%) and $170 (17.0%) for the
three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 when compared
to the same 1997 periods. The increases primarily reflect increased
demand and prices for nonregulated services.
Operating Expenses
Total Operating Expenses increased $555 (14.4%) and $1,566 (14.2%) for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to
the same 1997 periods. Such increases include expenses from certain of
BellSouth's operations that had been accounted for under the equity
method in 1997 and were consolidated in 1998. If these operations had
been consolidated in 1997, Total Operating Expenses would have
increased approximately 9.5% and 9.8%, respectively. The components of
Total Operating Expenses were as follows:
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Depreciation and Amortization $ 1,111 $ 1,002 $ 3,228 $ 2,939
Other Operating Expenses:
Cost of Services and
Products 1,845 1,566 5,255 4,524
Selling, General and
Administrative 1,446 1,279 4,121 3,575
3,291 2,845 9,376 8,099
Total Operating Expenses $ 4,402 $ 3,847 $12,604 $11,038
Depreciation and Amortization increased $109 (10.9%) and $289 (9.8%)
for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998
compared to the same periods in 1997. Adjusted for the effect of
expenses related to operations which were accounted for under the
equity method in 1997 and consolidated in 1998, the growth rate for
depreciation and amortization would have been 6.4% and 5.8% for the
three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998, respectively.
These rates were primarily attributable to the wireless businesses
where there were higher levels of property, plant and equipment since
September 30, 1997. The higher levels of property, plant and
equipment result from the continued growth in the customer base and
continued modernization of the networks utilized. The increases also
include additional amortization expense related to goodwill resulting
from BellSouth's purchase of additional ownership interests in several
of its Latin American operations as well as amortization of new
wireless licenses.
Other Operating Expenses increased $446 (15.7%) and $1,277 (15.8%) for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 when
compared to the same 1997 periods. Adjusted for the effect of expenses
related to operations that were accounted for under the equity method
in 1997 and consolidated in 1998, the growth rates for other operating
expenses would have been 10.5% and 11.2% for the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1998, respectively. These rates were
primarily attributable to increased expenses in international wireless
operations of $90 and $332 related to sustained growth in the
international cellular customer bases. Such increases reflect
additional marketing and operational costs associated with higher
levels of sales and expanded operations.
At BellSouth Telecommunications, Other Operating Expenses increased
$216 (10.5%) and $527 (9.0%) for the three- and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1998 when compared to the same 1997 periods. The
increases were primarily attributable to increased labor costs, other
increased costs in BellSouth Telecommunications' telephone operations
associated with higher business volumes, payments to the Universal
Service Fund and costs related to compliance with the
Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Other Income Statement Items
The other income statement components were as follows:
For the Three For the Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Interest Expense $218 $195 $ 611 $ 565
Gain on Sale of Operations - 787 155 787
Other Income, net 73 20 219 46
Provision for Income Taxes 504 773 1,590 1,659
Interest Expense increased $23 (11.8%) and $46 (8.1%) for the three-
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to the same
1997 periods. The increases were primarily attributable to higher
average debt balances, partially offset by an increase in interest
capitalized for investments being developed. The increase in average
debt balances and related interest expense primarily reflects the
consolidation of several international operations which had been
accounted for under the equity method prior to 1998.
Gain on Sale of Operations for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1998 represents additional proceeds received from the sale of ITT
World Directories (see Note D to the Consolidated Financial
Statements).
Gain on Sale of Operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1997 represents the pretax gains on the sales of
BellSouth's investments in Optus Communications Pty, Ltd. and ITT
World Directories which totaled $578 and $209, respectively (see Note
D to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Other Income, net improved $53 and $173 for the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to the same 1997 periods.
The increases were primarily attributable to improved equity in
earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by a decrease
in other non-operating items.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $41 and $89 for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared to
equity in losses of $(82) and $(151) for the same 1997 periods. The
improvement in overall equity in earnings primarily reflects (1) the
first-time consolidation in 1998 of the wireless data communications
business; (2) more favorable results at other unconsolidated
international operations; and, for the nine-month period, (3) the
cessation of losses incurred by Optus Communications following its
sale in July 1997. The improvement was partially offset by expenses
associated with the start-up operations in Brazil in 1998.
Provision for Income Taxes for the three- and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1998 decreased $269 (34.8%) and $69 (4.2%) when compared
to the same 1997 periods. For the three- and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1998, BellSouth's effective tax rates were 38.2% and
38.6% compared to 39.5% and 39.6% for the same 1997 periods.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
BellSouth uses the net cash generated from its operations and external
financing to fund capital expenditures, pay dividends and invest in
and operate its existing operations and new businesses. On occasion,
BellSouth's current liabilities exceed current assets. However,
BellSouth's sources of funds -- primarily from operations and, to the
extent necessary, from readily available external financing
arrangements -- are sufficient to meet all current obligations on a
timely basis. In addition, BellSouth believes such sources of funds
will be sufficient to meet the needs of its business for the
foreseeable future.
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
1998 1997
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $5,896 $5,377
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities
increased $519 (9.7%) in the nine-month period ended September 30,
1998 when compared to the same 1997 period. The change is primarily
due to a $717 increase in operating income before depreciation and
amortization.
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
1998 1997
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities $(4,741) $(3,310)
Investing Activities. BellSouth's primary use of capital resources
continues to be for capital expenditures to support development of the
wireline and wireless networks. Net cash used for investing
activities increased $1,431 (43.2%) in the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1998 when compared to the same 1997 period. The
increase was primarily due to capital expenditures for and investments
in BellSouth's consolidated and unconsolidated Latin American
affiliates, including the purchases of additional ownership interests
in BellSouth's wireless operations in Venezuela and Ecuador in June
and July 1998, respectively. In addition, cash receipts for the nine-
month period ended September 30, 1997 included proceeds from the sale
of Optus Communications and ITT World Directories (see Note D to the
Consolidated Financial Statements).
Internal sources provided substantially all cash required for capital
expenditures and international investments in the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1998. For the remainder of 1998, BellSouth
expects to continue to finance capital expenditures and international
investments primarily through internally generated funds and, to a
lesser extent, from external sources.
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
1998 1997
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities $(1,336) $(1,161)
Financing Activities. Net cash used for financing activities
increased $175 (15.1%) in the nine-month period ended September 30,
1998 compared to the same 1997 period. The increase is primarily due
to an increase in purchases of treasury shares of $771, substantially
offset by higher net borrowings of debt of $578.
In June 1998, BellSouth Telecommunications issued $500 of 6 3/8%
Debentures, due June 1, 2028, and $500 of 6% Reset Put Securities, due
June 15, 2012. The purpose of these issues was to refinance
$500 aggregate principal amount of BellSouth Telecommunications'
5 1/4% Notes, which matured on June 8, 1998, and to provide funds for
general corporate purposes, including the refinancing of commercial
paper.
BellSouth's debt to total capitalization ratio remained relatively
flat at 42.7% at September 30, 1998 compared to 42.1% at December 31,
1997.
As of October 31, 1998, shelf registration statements were on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which $927 of debt
securities could be publicly offered.
In September 1997, BellSouth announced a plan to repurchase up to $1
billion of its Common Stock through 1998. Treasury share purchases
under this plan totaled $888 for the nine months ended September 30,
1998.
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS AND COMPETITION
Federal Developments
Access Charge Reform. In October 1998, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) announced its intent to review the productivity
factor used in the calculation of interstate access charges. Any
increase in this factor will result in reductions of access charges
paid to BellSouth Telecommunications by interexchange carriers and
subscribers. The FCC also solicited comments as to whether it should
abandon its market-based approach to the pricing of access charges and
adopt, instead, a prescriptive approach. FCC represcription of access
rates could also result in a reduction of access charge revenues. It
is too early to assess the potential outcome of these proceedings or
the effects that any revisions would have on BellSouth
Telecommunications' results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.
State Developments
Reciprocal Compensation for Internet Traffic. Following the enactment
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Incumbent Local Exchange
Carriers (ILECs) and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs)
entered into interconnection agreements providing for, among other
things, the payment of reciprocal compensation for local calls
initiated by the customers of one carrier that are completed on the
network of the other carrier. Numerous CLECs claim entitlement from
ILECs, including BellSouth Telecommunications, for reciprocal
compensation to the CLECs for dial-up calls originating on the ILECs'
networks and connecting with Internet service providers served by the
CLECs' networks. The courts and state commissions that have
considered the matter have ruled that such calls include a local call
component that invokes the reciprocal compensation obligation.
However, the ILECs have asserted that these calls are not subject to
such compensation on the basis that the FCC had previously determined
that these types of calls are entirely interstate and thus cannot be
local, and thereby subject to reciprocal compensation, under the
interconnection agreements. The FCC is considering the issues and is
expected to issue a further decision. It is too early to assess the
impact of the ultimate resolution of these issues on the results of
operations, financial position and cash flows of BellSouth.
Tennessee. In 1995, BellSouth Telecommunications elected price
regulation whereby prices for basic service and Call Waiting services
are to be capped for four years, after which prices may be changed in
accordance with an inflation-based formula.
After substantial judicial and regulatory proceedings, the Tennessee
Regulatory Authority formally approved BellSouth Telecommunications'
election in October 1998. The approval is effective as of October 1,
1995 and specifies that the existing rates for basic service and for
Call Waiting services will not be increased until December 1, 2002. In
addition, BellSouth Telecommunications has agreed to reduce intrastate
access charges to long-distance carriers.
OTHER MATTERS
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In June
1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The standard requires
that all derivative instruments (1) be recognized as assets or
liabilities and (2) be adjusted to fair value each period. SFAS No.
133 requires adoption by BellSouth no later than January 1, 2000.
BellSouth is currently assessing the impact that adoption of SFAS No.
133 will have on its results of operations and financial position and
is undecided as to the date the standard will be adopted.
Capitalization of Internal Use Software. In March 1998, the AICPA
issued Statement of Position 98-1 (SOP 98-1), "Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use."
SOP 98-1 requires capitalization of certain direct costs and interest
costs after preliminary development efforts have been made. SOP 98-1
requires adoption by BellSouth no later than January 1, 1999.
BellSouth intends to adopt SOP 98-1 beginning January 1, 1999.
Adoption of SOP 98-1 will result in a temporary increase in earnings
in the year of adoption as a result of the capitalization of costs
which had previously been expensed. BellSouth currently believes that
this increase will be approximately $225 to $275 for 1999. If
expenditures remain at a consistent level, the earnings impact will
decline in each year following the change. The decline will continue
until the amortization expense related to the capitalized software
costs equals the level of software costs treated as expense prior to
the change. In addition, adoption of SOP 98-1 will result in higher
levels of capitalized software costs on the balance sheet.
Year 2000 Compliance. BellSouth has initiated a company-wide program
to identify and address issues associated with the ability of its date-
sensitive information, telephony and business systems and certain
equipment to properly recognize the Year 2000 as a result of the
century change on January 1, 2000. The program is also designed to
assess the readiness of other entities with which BellSouth does
business.
Inability to reach substantial Year 2000 compliance in BellSouth's
systems and integral third party systems could result in interruption
of telecommunications services, interruption or failure of BellSouth's
customer billing, operating and other information systems and failure
of certain date-sensitive equipment. Such failures could result in
substantial claims by customers as well as loss of revenue due to
service interruption, delays in BellSouth's ability to bill its
customers accurately and timely, and increased expenses associated
with litigation, stabilization of operations following such failures
or execution of contingency plans.
The Year 2000 program is being conducted by a management team that is
coordinating efforts of internal resources as well as third party
providers and vendors in identifying and making necessary changes to
BellSouth's systems hardware, software and date-sensitive equipment.
The program also includes the international and domestic companies in
which BellSouth holds an interest. Some of the changes that are
necessary in BellSouth's operations are being made as a part of
ongoing systems upgrades.
BellSouth's Year 2000 program has been divided into six phases:
planning; inventory; impact analysis; conversion; testing; and
implementation. BellSouth monitors its progress within these six
phases based on the number of inventoried items that have been
addressed. Management's target date for completion of all phases for
its mission critical applications is June 30, 1999. Mission critical
applications include those that (1) directly affect delivery of
primary services to BellSouth's customers; (2) directly affect
BellSouth revenue recognition and collection; (3) would create
noncompliance with any statutes or laws; and (4) would require
significant costs to address in the event of noncompliance.
BellSouth has identified three main areas of focus for its Year 2000
program. Each focus area includes the hardware, software, embedded
chips, third party vendors and suppliers as well as third party
networks that are associated with the identified systems.
The first focus area, network components, consists of the switches,
transmission systems and associated software that comprise the core of
BellSouth's telephony systems including land-line and wireless
domestic and international services. Outside suppliers provide all
hardware and most software that comprise BellSouth's networks; these
components are being remediated by those third party suppliers.
Testing of these components for Year 2000 compliance is being
performed by the vendors, BellSouth, and industry groups such as the
Telco Year 2000 Forum. As of September 30, 1998, the planning,
inventory and impact analysis phases for BellSouth's major lines of
business were each approximately 75% to 100% complete, and the
remaining phases were each approximately 25% complete.
The second focus area, information technology systems, consists of
those systems that primarily support "customer care" operations such
as order taking and billing. The software for these systems was
developed by both BellSouth and vendors, and is being remediated and
tested by both. As of September 30, 1998, the planning, inventory and
impact analysis phases were each approximately 70% to 100% complete.
The remaining phases were each approximately 30% to 50% complete for
BellSouth Telecommunications, and approximately 0% to 50% complete for
BellSouth's other operations.
Building and environmental systems, the third focus area, includes
various products and systems that are not used in support of network
or customer care functions. Building and environmental systems are
primarily provided by third parties and include building operations,
copy machines, aircraft, etc. For each of BellSouth's major lines of
business, the planning phase was approximately 85% to 100% complete,
the inventory phase was approximately 75% to 100% complete, and the
impact analysis phase was approximately 67% to 100% complete. The
remaining phases were approximately 0% to 25% complete.
Over the years, BellSouth has developed numerous contingency plans for
conducting its business operations in the event of crises including
system outages and natural disasters. As a part of its Year 2000
compliance efforts, BellSouth has chartered a Year 2000 Business
Continuity project to ensure that tested contingency plans are in
place in the event that planned Year 2000 compliance activities for
its mission critical applications are not successfully accomplished.
This effort is not limited to the risks posed by the potential Year
2000 failures of internal information systems and infrastructures, but
also includes the potential secondary impact on BellSouth of Year 2000
failures, including potential systems failures of business partners
and infrastructure service providers. Major milestones for the
contingency plan include completion of internal training by the end of
1998, assessments by the end of first quarter 1999, and the completion
of testing by June 30, 1999. Additionally, BellSouth is a member,
together with other large telecommunications companies, of several
industry groups that are addressing the Year 2000 issue and related
contingency plans.
Some of the costs associated with BellSouth's Year 2000 compliance
efforts were incurred in 1997. The remainder has been or will be
incurred during 1998 and 1999. As of September 30, 1998,
approximately $40 had been expended towards Year 2000 compliance.
BellSouth estimates the total cost of its compliance efforts will be
between $250 and $350 over the life of the project. BellSouth intends
to continually reassess the estimated costs and status of Year 2000
remediation efforts.
BellSouth currently anticipates that its mission critical applications
will be Year 2000 compliant by June 30, 1999. However, no assurance
can be given that unforeseen circumstances will not arise during the
performance of the testing and implementation phases that would
adversely affect the Year 2000 compliance of BellSouth's systems.
Furthermore, the Year 2000 compliance status of integral third party
suppliers and networks, which could adversely impact BellSouth's
mission critical applications, cannot be fully known. As a result,
BellSouth is unable to determine the impact that any system
interruption would have on its results of operations, financial
position and cash flows.
Foreign Economic Risks. In recent months, numerous reports have
appeared in the financial press concerning the economic turmoil in
many world markets, including some Latin American countries where
BellSouth's investments are located. Such economic problems include
worsening recession, growing inflation and the risk of local currency
devaluations. The impact of a devaluation on an operation's results
will depend on the devaluation's effect on U.S. dollar denominated
debt and the local economy and the ability of the operation to raise
prices and/or reduce expenses. The likelihood and extent of any
devaluations, as well as deteriorating economic conditions, and the
resulting impacts on BellSouth's results of operations, financial
position and cash flows, is not known.
BellSouth has an approximate 41% ownership share of its operations in
Brazil. BellSouth accounts for its investments in Brazil under the
equity method of accounting and records its proportionate share in the
net income of the operations as part of BellSouth's consolidated net
income. At September 30, 1998, the Brazilian operations had incurred
$2,100 in U.S. dollar denominated bank debt. In the event of a
devaluation of the Brazilian Real, the Brazilian operations would
record a charge to their earnings equal to the increase in the U.S.
dollar liability resulting from such devaluation. BellSouth would
record its share of the decrease in earnings to the extent of its
ownership interests in the operations. This charge to earnings would
be in addition to whatever other economic impact on the operations
might result from such devaluation. BellSouth's Brazilian operations
from time to time enter into certain foreign exchange contracts
designed to reduce the effects of fluctuating currency rates on its
U.S. dollar denominated debt.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Statements that do not address historical performance are "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on a number of
assumptions, including but not limited to: (1) continued domestic
economic growth and demand for BellSouth's services; (2) continued
economic, monetary, regulatory and political stability where BellSouth
conducts its international operations; (3) the reasonable accuracy of
BellSouth's expectations of costs and recoveries with respect to
access reform, universal service and interconnection; (4) the
reasonable accuracy of BellSouth's estimate of regulatory
authorization to provide wireline long distance services and the
impact of competition in its markets; and (5) satisfactory
identification and completion of Year 2000 software and hardware
revisions by BellSouth and entities with which it does business. Any
developments significantly deviating from these assumptions could
cause actual results to differ materially from those forecast or
implied in the aforementioned forward-looking statements.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
4a No instrument which defines the rights of holders of
long- and intermediate-term debt of BellSouth Corporation is
filed herewith pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item
601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, BellSouth
Corporation hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such
instrument to the SEC upon request.
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
27 Financial Data Schedule as of September 30, 1998.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
Date of Event Subject
October 6, 1998 Press Release on Analyst Meeting Comments
October 20, 1998 Third Quarter 1998 Earnings Release
and 1998 Financial Projection
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
By /s/ W. Patrick Shannon
W. PATRICK SHANNON
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
November 11, 1998
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
27 Financial Data Schedule as of September 30, 1998.
EXHIBIT 11
BellSouth Corporation
Computation of Earnings Per Share
For the Three Month For the Nine Month
Period Ended Period Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
Net Income $ 814 $ 1,185 $ 2,524 $ 2,532
Weighted
average shares
Outstanding 983 992 988 992
Earnings Per
Common Share $ .83 $ 1.19 $ 2.55 $ 2.55
EXHIBIT 11
BellSouth Corporation
Computation of Earnings Per Share (continued)
For the Three Month For the Nine Month
Period Ended Period Ended
September 30, September 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Net Income $ 814 $ 1,185 $ 2,524 $ 2,532
Weighted
average shares
Outstanding 983 992 988 992
Incremental
shares from
Assumed
exercise of
stock options
and payment of
performance
share awards 6 3 6 2
Total Shares 989 995 994 994
Earnings Per
Common Share $ .82 $ 1.19 $ 2.54 $ 2.55
EXHIBIT 12
BellSouth Corporation
Computation Of Earnings To Fixed Charges
(Dollars In Millions)
For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
1998
1. Earnings
(a) Income from continuing operations $ 4,725
before deductions for taxes and interest
(b) Portion of rental expense 60
representative of interest factor
(c) Equity in losses from less-than-50% 58
owned investments (accounted for under the
equity method of accounting)
(d) Excess of earnings over distributions
of less-than-50%-owned investments
(accounted for under the equity method of
accounting) (39)
TOTAL $ 4,804
2. Fixed Charges
(a) Interest $ 634
(b) Portion of rental expense
representative of interest factor 60
TOTAL $ 694
Ratio (1 divided by 2) 6.92
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 2,389
<SECURITIES> 211
<RECEIVABLES> 4,677
<ALLOWANCES> 264
<INVENTORY> 430
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 8,218
<PP&E> 57,061
<DEPRECIATION> 33,426
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 38,357
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9,089
<BONDS> 8,532
0
0
<COMMON> 1,010
<OTHER-SE> 14,889
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 38,357
<SALES> 329
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 16,955
<CGS> 534
<TOTAL-COSTS> 8,483
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,121
<LOSS-PROVISION> 230
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 611
<INCOME-PRETAX> 4,114
<INCOME-TAX> 1,590
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 2,524
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,524
<EPS-PRIMARY> 2.55
<EPS-DILUTED> 2.54
</TABLE>