3rd Quarter Results

Bellsouth Corp 22 October 2003 For Immediate Release October 22, 2003 For More Information Contact: Jeff Battcher, Media Relations at 404-249-2793 BellSouth Investor Relations at 800-241-3419 BellSouth Reports Third Quarter EPS of 51 Cents • High-speed Internet customers reach 1.3 million • Communications services bundles exceed 2.6 million • Cingular Wireless adds 745,000 customers in quarter • Latin America adds 421,000 customers ATLANTA - BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS) reported earnings per share (EPS) of 51 cents in the third quarter of 2003, including special charges totaling 2 cents. This compared to reported EPS of 34 cents in the third quarter of 2002, which included special charges totaling 17 cents (see below). Consolidated revenues increased 5.4 percent to $5.7 billion from $5.4 billion in the third quarter of 2002. Consolidated operating expenses were $4.2 billion compared to $4.4 billion in the same quarter of 2002. Net income was $936 million compared to $640 million in the same quarter a year ago. Operating free cash flow (defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures) was $1.7 billion. Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2003 were $764 million for a total of $2.1 billion year-to-date, a reduction of 25.8 percent compared to $2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2002. Total debt at September 30, 2003 was $15.0 billion, a reduction of $2.4 billion, or 13.8 percent, since the first of the year. In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), BellSouth's reported consolidated revenues and consolidated operating expenses do not include the company's 40 percent share of Cingular Wireless. Normalized results include BellSouth's 40 percent proportionate share of Cingular's revenues and expenses. Normalized EPS of 53 cents in the third quarter of 2003 increased 3.9 percent compared to 51 cents in the same quarter of 2002. Normalized total operating revenues were $7.3 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent versus the third quarter of 2002. Normalized total operating expenses of $5.5 billion increased 2.6 percent. Normalized net income was $980 million, compared to $958 million in the same quarter a year ago. Communications Group BellSouth Long Distance and DSL high-speed Internet service drove Communications Group revenue growth in the third quarter of 2003, as customers increasingly chose BellSouth's integrated communications packages. Revenues increased 1.1 percent to $4.7 billion compared to $4.6 billion in the third quarter of 2002. Operating margin increased to 26.6 percent from 25.3 percent in the second quarter of 2003. Throughout the third quarter, packages fueled increased retention and reacquisition of residential and small business customers. BellSouth AnswersSM packages, which combine local, long distance, Internet and wireless services all on one bill, increased to more than 2.6 million. BellSouth(R) Unlimited AnswersSM contributed to the significant growth in package customers. Unlimited Answers allows customers to call anywhere in the United States anytime for a flat monthly fee. BellSouth added 654,000 net long distance customers in the third quarter. The company now serves 3.4 million long distance customers, including approximately 24 percent of its residence and 34 percent of its mass-market small business accounts. Driven by DSL, data revenues of $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2003 grew 5.5 percent compared to the same quarter of 2002. BellSouth added 111,000 net DSL customers during the quarter, for a total of 1.3 million at September 30, 2003. The July introduction of BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL Lite helped generate new retail broadband customers. FastAccess Lite allows customers to choose between two tiers of broadband service at a connection speed and price that match their Internet service needs. Total access lines of 23.9 million at September 30 declined 4.0 percent compared to a year earlier, impacted by the economy, competition and technology substitution. Residence and business access lines served by BellSouth competitors under UNE-P (unbundled network elements-platform) increased by 188,000 in the third quarter, the smallest increase since the fourth quarter of 2001. Domestic Wireless / Cingular Cingular Wireless added 745,000 net total cellular and PCS customers in the third quarter, exceeding total net customer additions for the first half of 2003. It was the highest number of new customers in 10 quarters. Cingular's focus on calling plans tailored to local markets and co-branding and bundling programs with its parent companies were significant contributors to growth at Cingular, which ended the quarter with 23.4 million total customers. BellSouth's share of Cingular's revenues was $1.6 billion, a gain of 4.7 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago. BellSouth's share of Cingular operating income was $195 million compared to $246 million in the third quarter last year. Increased operating costs were impacted by significantly higher gross customer additions and by customer retention programs in anticipation of Wireless Local Number Portability in November. In addition, depreciation costs were higher, associated with the technology upgrade of Cingular's nationwide network to improve services and coverage. The company's GSM/GPRS network now covers 92 percent of its potential customers, ahead of its target for year-end 2003. Cingular significantly improved its spectrum position during the third quarter with acquisitions and swaps, including an agreement to purchase licenses from NextWave in 34 markets covering approximately 83 million potential customers. Cingular also will expand its coverage under agreements announced with Dobson Communications, Sunshine PCS Corporation and US Unwired Inc. Latin America Group Continuing the trend of organic growth, Latin America Group wireless customers increased 421,000 during the third quarter on a consolidated basis. Year-over-year, customers increased 1.4 million, or 18.2 percent. Consolidated customers served by BellSouth and its partners at the end of the quarter were 9.4 million. Consolidated Latin America revenues increased 18.8 percent to $588 million in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the same three months of the previous year. Strong customer growth in Colombia, Ecuador and Chile, as well as more stable local currencies, drove the growth in segment revenues. Net income was $48 million in the third quarter and $99 million year-to-date. Latin America Group generated positive operating free cash flow year-to-date in 2003. Advertising & Publishing Advertising & Publishing revenues were $505 million in the third quarter of 2003, a decrease of 3.1 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago, resulting in part from the soft economy and competition. Operating income of $238 million was 12.8 percent higher than the third quarter of 2002, primarily the result of improvement in uncollectibles expense. Special Items In the third quarter of 2003, the difference between reported (GAAP) EPS of 51 cents and normalized EPS of 53 cents is the result of two special items: Foreign currency transaction losses 1 cent Charge Asset Impairment 2 cents Charge Effect of Rounding 1 cent Total of special items 2 cents Charge Foreign currency transaction losses - Primarily associated with the remeasurement of U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities in Latin America. Asset Impairment - Write-off of capitalized software. In the third quarter of 2002, special charges totaled 17 cents per share, after rounding, for: workforce reduction (6 cents); service curtailments/asset impairments (5 cents); refund of certain late payment fees to customers in Florida (4 cents); foreign currency transaction losses (1 cent); early extinguishment of debt (1 cent); and Advertising & Publishing accounting change (1 cent). About BellSouth Corporation BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth serves more than 45 million local, long distance, Internet and wireless customers in the United States and 14 other countries. Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small businesses. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also offers long distance service throughout its markets, serving both business and residential customers. The company's BellSouth AnswersSM package combines local and long distance service with an array of calling features; wireless data, voice and e-mail services; and high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet service. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services through BellSouth(R) RealPages.comSM and The Real Yellow Pages(R). BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services. Further information about BellSouth's third quarter earnings can be accessed at www.bellsouth.com/investor. The press release, financial statements and BLS Investor News summarizing highlights of the quarter are available on the BellSouth Investor Relations Web site starting today at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. BellSouth will host a conference call with investors today at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Participating will be BellSouth CFO Ron Dykes and Investor Relations Vice President Nancy Davis. Dial-in information for the conference call is: Domestic: 888-370-1863 International: 706-634-1735 A replay of the call will be available beginning at approximately 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, through October 29, 2003. The replay can be accessed by dialing: Domestic: 800-642-1687 - Reservation number: 2135954 International: 706-645-9291 - Reservation number: 2135954 In addition to historical information, this document may contain forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends. Factors that could affect future results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include: (i) a change in economic conditions in domestic or international markets where we operate or have material investments which would affect demand for our services; (ii) currency devaluations and continued economic weakness in certain international markets in which we operate or have material investments; (iii) the intensity of competitive activity and its resulting impact on pricing strategies and new product offerings; (iv) higher than anticipated cash requirements for investments, new business initiatives and acquisitions; (v) unfavorable regulatory actions and (vi) those factors contained in the Company's periodic reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking information in this document is given as of this date only, and BellSouth assumes no duty to update this information. This document may also contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, and a full reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP financial information, are attached hereto and provided on the Company's investor relations Web site, www.bellsouth.com/investor. BellSouth Corporation Consolidated Statements of Income - Reported Basis (unaudited) (amounts in millions, except per share data) Note to Readers: See Normalization Earnings Summary and Reconciliation to GAAP results on pages 3 and 4 for a summary of unusual items included in Reported Basis results. Year-to-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Communications group $ 4,626 $ 4,469 3.5% $ 4,545 1.8% $ 13,679 $ 13,745 -0.5% Latin America 587 494 18.8% 563 4.3% 1,659 1,747 -5.0% Advertising and publishing 501 458 9.4% 520 -3.7% 1,515 1,212 25.0% All other 14 13 7.7% 14 0.0% 40 44 -9.1% Total Operating Revenues 5,728 5,434 5.4% 5,642 1.5% 16,893 16,748 0.9% Operating Expenses Cost of services and products 2,038 1,879 8.5% 2,008 1.5% 5,979 5,718 4.6% Selling, general & administrative 1,032 1,024 0.8% 1,133 -8.9% 3,217 3,243 -0.8% expenses Depreciation and amortization 1,052 1,161 -9.4% 1,046 0.6% 3,136 3,492 -10.2% Provision for restructuring and asset 52 328 -84.1% 20 160.0% 193 685 -71.8% impairments Total Operating Expenses 4,174 4,392 -5.0% 4,207 -0.8% 12,525 13,138 -4.7% Operating Income 1,554 1,042 49.1% 1,435 8.3% 4,368 3,610 21.0% Interest Expense 260 291 -10.7% 249 4.4% 805 896 -10.2% Other Income (Expense), net 148 211 -29.9% 287 -48.4% 741 790 -6.2% Income Before Taxes and Accounting Change 1,442 962 49.9% 1,473 -2.1% 4,304 3,504 22.8% Provision for Income Taxes 506 322 57.1% 522 -3.1% 1,502 1,470 2.2% Income Before Cumulative Effect Change 936 640 46.3% 951 -1.6% 2,802 2,034 37.8% Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting - - - 315 (1,285) 124.5% Principle Net Income $936 $640 46.3% $951 -1.6% $3,117 $749 N/M* Diluted: Weighted Average Common Shares 1,851 1,871 -1.1% 1,851 0.0% 1,854 1,881 -1.4% Outstanding Earnings Per Share $0.51 $0.34 50.0% $0.51 0.0% $1.68 $0.40 N/M * - Not meaningful. Selected Financial and Operating Data Operating income $1,554 $1,042 49.1% $1,435 8.3% $4,368 $3,610 21.0% Operating margin 27.1% 19.2% 790 bps 25.4% 170 bps 25.9% 21.6% 430 bps Declared dividends per share $0.23 $0.20 15.0% $0.23 0.0% $0.67 $0.59 13.6% Capital expenditures $764 $835 -8.5% $729 4.8% $2,124 $2,863 -25.8% Common shares outstanding 1,848 1,862 -0.8% 1,847 0.1% Book value per share $10.65 $9.47 12.5% $10.32 3.2% Debt ratio 43.2% 50.0% -680 bps 44.6% -140 bps Total employees 76,009 80,882 -6.0% 75,779 0.3% BellSouth Corporation Consolidated Statements of Income - Normalized Basis (unaudited) (amounts in millions, except per share data) Note to Readers: Our reported results, as shown on page 1, are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The normalized results presented below exclude the impact of certain non-recurring or non-operating items, the details of which are provided on pages 3 and 4 of this release. In addition, the normalized results reflect our 40% proportionate share of Cingular's results, the presentation of which is not allowed under GAAP. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current presentation. Year-to-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Communications group $ 4,583 $ 4,539 1.0% $ 4,504 1.8% $ 13,556 $ 13,739 -1.3% Domestic wireless 1,582 1,511 4.7% 1,514 4.5% 4,532 4,428 2.3% Latin America 587 494 18.8% 563 4.3% 1,659 1,747 -5.0% Advertising and publishing 501 515 -2.7% 520 -3.7% 1,515 1,586 -4.5% All other 14 14 0.0% 14 0.0% 40 44 -9.1% Total Operating Revenues 7,267 7,073 2.7% 7,115 2.1% 21,302 21,544 -1.1% Operating Expenses Cost of services and products 2,600 2,370 9.7% 2,471 5.2% 7,435 7,119 4.4% Selling, general, & administrative 1,605 1,606 -0.1% 1,637 -2.0% 4,779 4,906 -2.6% expenses Depreciation and amortization 1,261 1,352 -6.7% 1,249 1.0% 3,743 4,045 -7.5% Total Operating Expenses 5,466 5,328 2.6% 5,357 2.0% 15,957 16,070 -0.7% Operating Income 1,801 1,745 3.2% 1,758 2.4% 5,345 5,474 -2.4% Interest Expense 316 348 -9.2% 313 1.0% 993 1,069 -7.1% Other Income (Expense), net 24 54 -55.6% 61 -60.7% 124 182 -31.9% Income Before Income Taxes 1,509 1,451 4.0% 1,506 0.2% 4,476 4,587 -2.4% Provision for Income Taxes 529 493 7.3% 535 -1.1% 1,584 1,616 -2.0% Net Income $980 $958 2.3% $971 0.9% $2,892 $2,971 -2.7% Diluted: Weighted Average Common Shares 1,851 1,871 -1.1% 1,851 0.0% 1,854 1,881 -1.4% Outstanding Earnings Per Share $0.53 $0.51 3.9% $0.52 1.9% $1.56 $1.58 -1.3% Selected Financial and Operating Data Operating income $1,801 $1,745 3.2% $1,758 2.4% $5,345 $5,474 -2.4% Operating margin 24.8% 24.7% 10 bps 24.7% 10 bps 25.1% 25.4% -30 bps Dividends per share $0.23 $0.20 15.0% $0.23 0.0% $0.67 $0.59 13.6% Capital expenditures $764 $835 -8.5% $729 4.8% $2,124 $2,863 -25.8% Common shares outstanding 1,848 1,862 -0.8% 1,847 0.1% Book value per share $10.65 $9.47 12.5% $10.32 3.2% Debt ratio 43.2% 50.0% -680 bps 44.6% -140 bps Total employees 76,009 80,882 -6.0% 75,779 0.3% BellSouth Corporation Normalized Earnings Summary and Reconciliation to Reported Results (amounts in millions, except per share data) Third Quarter 2003 Normalizing Items FX Losses Asset Cingular (Gains) Impairment GAAP A F L Normalized Operating $ 5,728 $ 1,539 $ - $ - $ 7,267 Revenues Operating 4,174 1,344 - (52) 5,466 Expenses Operating Income 1,554 195 - 52 1,801 Interest Expense 260 56 - - 316 Other Income 148 (136) 12 - 24 (Expense), net Income Before Taxes and 1,442 3 12 52 1,509 Accounting Change Provision for 506 3 - 20 529 Income Taxes Net Income Before 936 - 12 32 980 Cumulative Effect Change Cumulative Effect of Change - - - - - in Accounting Principle Net Income $936 $0 $12 $32 $980 Diluted Earnings $0.51 $0.00 $0.01 $0.02 $0.53 Per Share * * Normalized earnings per share for third quarter 2003 does not sum due to rounding. Year-to-Date 2003 Normalizing Items FX Losses A&P Pension/ Sale of Asset Cingular (Gains) Acctg. FAS 143 Severance Brazil Impairment Change NE GAAP A F G I J K L Normalized Operating $ 16,893 $ 4,409 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 21,302 Revenues Operating 12,525 3,625 - - - (141) - (52) 15,957 Expenses Operating Income 4,368 784 - - - 141 - 52 5,345 Interest Expense 805 188 - - - - - - 993 Other Income 741 (588) (104) - - - 75 - 124 (Expense), net Income Before Taxes and 4,304 8 (104) - - 141 75 52 4,476 Accounting Change Provision for 1,502 8 (3) - - 55 2 20 1,584 Income Taxes Net Income Before 2,802 - (101) - - 86 73 32 2,892 Cumulative Effect Change Cumulative Effect of Change 315 - - 501 (816) - - - - in Accounting Principle Net Income $3,117 $0 ($101) $501 ($816) $86 $73 $32 $2,892 Diluted Earnings $1.68 $0.00 ($0.05) $0.27 ($0.44) $0.05 $0.04 $0.02 $1.56 Per Share * * Normalized earnings per share for year-to-date 2003 does not sum due to rounding. Third Quarter 2002 Normalizing Items FX A&P Pension/ Asset Early Florida Losses Exting. Cingular (Gains) Acctg. Severance Impairments of Debt Late Pay Change GAAP A F G J L M N Normalized Operating $ 5,434 $ 1,473 $ - $ 58 $ - $ - $ - $ 108 $ 7,073 Revenues Operating 4,392 1,225 - 38 (192) (135) - - 5,328 Expenses Operating Income 1,042 248 - 20 192 135 - 108 1,745 Interest Expense 291 63 - - - - - (6) 348 Other Income 211 (185) (9) - - - 37 - 54 (Expense), net Income Before Taxes and 962 - (9) 20 192 135 37 114 1,451 Accounting Change Provision for 322 - (21) 8 75 50 15 44 493 Income Taxes Net Income Before 640 - 12 12 117 85 22 70 958 Cumulative Effect Change Cumulative Effect of Change - - - - - - - - - in Accounting Principle Net Income $640 $0 $12 $12 $117 $85 $22 $70 $958 Diluted Earnings $0.34 $0.00 $0.01 $0.01 $0.06 $0.05 $0.01 $0.04 $0.51 Per Share * * Normalized earnings per share for third quarter 2002 does not sum due to rounding. Year-to-Date 2002 Normalizing Items Losses on Brazil Loan Unbilled FX Losses A&P Cingular E-Plus Equity Invest. Impairments Rec. Adj. (Gains) Acctg.Change GAAP A B C D E F G Operating $ 16,748 $ 4,314 $ - $ - $ - $ 163 $ - $ 211 Revenues Operating 13,138 3,512 - - - - - 104 Expenses Operating 3,610 802 - - - 163 - 107 Income Interest 896 179 - - - - - - Expense Other 790 (623) (1,339) 388 383 - 546 - Income (Expense), net Income Before Taxes 3,504 - (1,339) 388 383 163 546 107 and Accounting Change Provision 1,470 - (482) 114 120 62 (25) 41 for Income Taxes Net Income Before 2,034 - (857) 274 263 101 571 66 Cumulative Effect Change Cumulative (1,285) - - - - - - - Effect of Change in Accounting Principle Net Income $749 $0 ($857) $274 $263 $101 $571 $66 Diluted $0.40 $0.00 ($0.46) $0.15 $0.14 $0.05 $0.30 $0.04 Earnings Per Share Year-to-Date 2002 Pension/ Asset Early Exting. Florida FAS 142 Severance Impairments of Debt Late Pay H J L M N Normalized Operating Revenues $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 108 $ 21,544 Operating Expenses - (549) (135) - - 16,070 Operating Income - 549 135 - 108 5,474 Interest Expense - - - - (6) 1,069 Other Income (Expense), net - - - 37 - 182 Income Before Taxes and - 549 135 37 114 4,587 Accounting Change Provision for Income Taxes - 207 50 15 44 1,616 Net Income Before Cumulative - 342 85 22 70 2,971 Effect Change Cumulative Effect of Change in 1,285 - - - - - Accounting Principle Net Income $1,285 $342 $85 $22 $70 $2,971 Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.68 $0.18 $0.05 $0.01 $0.04 $1.58 BellSouth Corporation Notes to Normalized Financial and Operating Data (pages 3 and 4) Our normalized earnings have been adjusted for the following: (a) The periods presented have been adjusted to include our 40% proportional share of Cingular Wireless' operating results, net of proportional eliminations for amounts charged by other BellSouth companies to Cingular. (b) Gain on E-Plus conversion and sale of KPN stock - In March 2002, we exchanged our 22.5% investment in E-Plus, a German wireless carrier, for 234.7 million shares of KPN Royal. As a result of this exchange, we recorded a pretax gain of $1,335 to recognize the difference between the fair value of the KPN shares obtained and our investment balance in E-Plus. In addition, we subsequently sold the KPN shares for cash proceeds of $1,076 and recognized a pretax loss of $27. The amount shown also includes income of $20 generated from the settlement of forward contracts associated with advances to E-Plus. These advances were restructured in conjunction with the ownership exchange. (c) Losses on equity investments - Represents charges for the impairment of and open market sales of an equity investment in Qwest Communications. Also includes $63 impairment related to an investment in Guatemala and $6 in losses for the liquidation of an investment in Crown Castle. (d) Brazil loan impairments - Represents recognition of an impairment on shareholder loans to our Brazilian equity investments, as well as the recognition of a guarantee on a portion of those operations' debt. (e) Unbilled receivable adjustment - During first quarter 2002, BellSouth determined that the unbilled receivable balance at its advertising and publishing subsidiary was overstated. As a result, BellSouth recorded a reduction to advertising and publishing revenues. (f) Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses - Represents net transaction (gains) losses incurred by our Latin American operations related primarily to US Dollar denominated liabilities. These (gains) losses reflect the impact of the (strengthening) weakening of those operations' local currencies against the U.S. Dollar which requires recognition in the current period income statement. (g) Change in method of accounting related to our directory publishing business from the issue basis method to the deferral method - The 2003 amount is a one-time charge to net income of $501. The 2002 amounts reflect our recasting of prior year results to present the advertising and publishing segment on a comparable basis year-over-year. (h) Adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 (FAS 142) - Represents a one-time charge related to the adoption of new accounting rules for goodwill. The non-cash charge reduced the value of goodwill on the company's balance sheet by approximately $1.3 billion. (i) Adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143 (FAS 143) - Represents a one-time charge related to the adoption of new accounting rules associated with obligations related to the retirement of long-lived assets. The adjustment resulted in a one-time increase to net income of $816. (j) Pension/Severance Costs - Represents severance accruals recorded to reflect workforce reductions in an effort to reduce operating costs. The accruals include cash severance, outplacement costs and payroll taxes. Amounts also include pension settlements as the number of employees who separated and elected to receive lump-sum retirement benefits exceeded thresholds which required current recognition of deferred amounts related to these benefits. (k) Loss on sale of Brazil NE. (l) Service curtailments/Asset impairments - The third quarter 2003 charge for asset impairment represents the write-off of capitalized software related to an abandoned systems project. Prior periods represent charges related to the decision to elimate sales of certain services: wholesale long distance ($17 after tax), e-business services ($44 after tax), multi-media internet exchange ($20 after tax) and public communications (pay phones) ($4 after tax). Charges relate to asset impairments, early termination penalties on contracts and leases, and severance for affected employees. (m) Early extinguishment of debt - Represents one-time expenses associated with the early extinguishment of $620 million of long-term debt. (n) Florida late payment fees - On October 31, 2002, the Florida Supreme Court, by a 5-2 vote affirmed the decision of the Florida Public Service Commission regarding our dispute over late payment fees. This will require a one-time refund to affected customers in Florida. Based on this decision, we recorded a reduction to revenues of $108 plus interest expense of $6 in the third quarter of 2002. BellSouth Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (amounts in millions, except per share data) September 30, December 31, Change vs. June 30, Change vs. 2003 2002 Prior Year 2003 Prior Quarter Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $5,025 $2,482 $2,543 $4,122 $903 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for 3,013 4,129 (1,116) 2,999 14 uncollectibles of $461, $476, and $492 Material and supplies 329 313 16 312 17 Other current assets 932 938 (6) 1,029 (97) Total Current Assets 9,299 7,862 1,437 8,462 837 Investments and Advances 8,394 9,741 (1,347) 8,283 111 Property, Plant and Equipment, net 23,765 23,445 320 24,047 (282) Deferred Charges and Other Assets 5,756 5,726 30 5,757 (1) Goodwill 346 347 (1) 346 0 Intangible Assets, net 2,262 2,358 (96) 2,356 (94) Total Assets $49,822 $49,479 $343 $49,251 $571 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Debt maturing within one year $3,347 $5,114 ($1,767) $3,694 ($347) Accounts payable 1,294 1,572 (278) 1,344 (50) Other current liabilities 3,701 2,897 804 3,421 280 Total Current Liabilities 8,342 9,583 (1,241) 8,459 (117) Long-Term Debt 11,646 12,283 (637) 11,718 (72) Noncurrent Liabilities: Deferred income taxes 5,352 4,452 900 5,109 243 Other noncurrent liabilities 4,810 5,255 (445) 4,908 (98) Total Noncurrent Liabilities 10,162 9,707 455 10,017 145 Shareholders' Equity: Common stock, $1 par value 2,020 2,020 0 2,020 0 Paid-in capital 7,656 7,546 110 7,620 36 Retained earnings 16,251 14,531 1,720 15,744 507 Accumulated other comprehensive income (771) (740) (31) (779) 8 Shares held in trust and treasury (5,488) (5,372) (116) (5,503) 15 Guarantee of ESOP debt 4 (79) 83 (45) 49 Total Shareholders' Equity 19,672 17,906 1,766 19,057 615 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $49,822 $49,479 $343 $49,251 $571 BellSouth Corporation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (amounts in millions, except per share data) Year-To-Date 3Q03 3Q02 2Q03 2003 2002 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 936 $ 640 $ 951 $ 3,117 $ 749 Adjustments to net income: Depreciation and amortization 1,052 1,161 1,046 3,136 3,492 Provision for uncollectibles 117 197 138 423 617 Net losses (earnings) of equity affiliates (82) (114) (179) (435) 8 Minority interests in income of subsidiaries 18 (3) 20 30 (80) Deferred income taxes 275 213 229 963 990 Net (gains) losses on sale or impairment of (1) - 8 7 388 equity securities Pension income (134) (208) (133) (401) (618) Pension settlement (gains) losses - 107 20 87 107 Curtailment and termination benefits charges - - - - 60 Stock-based compensation 35 40 36 102 132 Unbilled receivable adjustment - - - - 163 Asset impairments 52 81 - 52 81 Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 7 (8) (99) (137) 637 Cumulative effect of changes in accounting - - - (539) 1,285 principle (Gain) loss on sale/disposal of operations - - 75 75 (1,335) Net change in: Accounts receivable and other current assets (68) (86) 120 (69) (9) Accounts payable and other current liabilities 228 223 197 339 (62) Deferred charges and other assets 128 21 39 242 (23) Other liabilities and deferred credits (100) (9) 18 (139) (9) Other reconciling items, net 6 85 32 42 (40) Net cash provided by operating activities 2,469 2,340 2,518 6,895 6,533 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (764) (835) (729) (2,124) (2,863) Investments in and advances to equity affiliates - (274) - - (281) Investments in debt and equity securities (40) (11) (7) (61) (28) Proceeds from sale of securities and operations 1 18 46 82 1,472 Proceeds from repayment of loans and advances - 6 1,899 1,899 432 Settlement of derivatives on advances - - (352) (352) 85 Other investing activities, net (9) (5) 2 (17) (8) Net cash provided by (used for) investing (812) (1,101) 859 (573) (1,191) activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net borrowing (repayments) of short-term debt (30) 263 (179) (411) (1,130) Proceeds from long-term debt - - - 1 8 Repayments of long-term debt (307) (651) (1,072) (1,893) (1,219) Dividends paid (424) (375) (388) (1,183) (1,088) Purchase of treasury shares - (266) (67) (322) (455) Other financing activities, net 7 (2) 9 29 - Net cash used for financing activities (754) (1,031) (1,697) (3,779) (3,884) Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash 903 208 1,680 2,543 1,458 Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 4,122 1,842 2,442 2,482 592 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 5,025 $ 2,050 $ 4,122 $ 5,025 $ 2,050 BellSouth Corporation Results by Segment (amounts in millions) (unaudited) Communications Group (1) Year-To-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Voice $3,184 $3,133 1.6% $3,175 0.3% $9,490 $9,442 0.5% Data 1,118 1,060 5.5% 1,064 5.1% 3,272 3,219 1.6% Other 366 422 -13.3% 347 5.5% 1,068 1,307 -18.3% Total Operating Revenues 4,668 4,615 1.1% 4,586 1.8% 13,830 13,968 -1.0% Operating Expenses Cost of services and products 1,720 1,673 2.8% 1,712 0.5% 5,057 4,928 2.6% Selling, general, & 755 641 17.8% 768 -1.7% 2,287 2,115 8.1% administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization 949 1,046 -9.3% 944 0.5% 2,830 3,120 -9.3% Total Operating Expenses 3,424 3,360 1.9% 3,424 0.0% 10,174 10,163 0.1% Segment Operating Income 1,244 1,255 -0.9% 1,162 7.1% 3,656 3,805 -3.9% Interest Expense 98 119 -17.6% 101 -3.0% 317 364 -12.9% Other Income (Expense), net 7 6 16.7% 18 -61.1% 28 3 N/M* Income Before Income Taxes 1,153 1,142 1.0% 1,079 6.9% 3,367 3,444 -2.2% Provision for Income Taxes 426 432 -1.4% 400 6.5% 1,252 1,297 -3.5% Segment Net Income(1) $727 $710 2.4% $679 7.1% $2,115 $2,147 -1.5% * - Not meaningful. Selected Financial and Operating Data (amounts in millions) Segment operating income $1,244 $1,255 -0.9% $1,162 7.1% $3,656 $3,805 -3.9% Segment operating margin 26.6% 27.2% -60 bps 25.3% 130 bps 26.4% 27.2% -80 bps Long distance revenues $399 $234 70.5% $309 29.1% $972 $652 49.1% Access minutes of use 23,390 24,591 -4.9% 23,053 1.5% 69,238 75,247 -8.0% Capital expenditures $692 $737 -6.1% $665 4.1% $1,923 $2,577 -25.4% (amounts in thousands) Wholesale Lines 2,873 2,260 27.1% 2,730 5.2% DSL customers 1,336 924 44.6% 1,225 9.1% LD customers 3,440 416 N/M 2,786 23.5% Consumer ARPU (5) $53.46 $48.99 9.1% $51.34 4.1% BellSouth Corporation Results by Segment (unaudited) Supplemental Operating Data (in thousands) Communications Group - Network Access Lines In Service(a)(b) 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth Access lines (b) Residence Retail Primary 12,684 13,481 -5.9% 12,852 -1.3% Additional 1,671 2,002 -16.5% 1,758 -4.9% Total Retail Residence 14,355 15,483 -7.3% 14,610 -1.7% Wholesale Resale 198 383 -48.3% 238 -16.8% UNE-P 1,534 775 97.9% 1,369 12.1% Total Wholesale Residence 1,732 1,158 49.6% 1,607 7.8% Total Residence 16,087 16,641 -3.3% 16,217 -0.8% Business Retail Voice 5,484 5,783 -5.2% 5,542 -1.0% ISDN 1,432 1,588 -9.8% 1,504 -4.8% Total Retail Business 6,916 7,371 -6.2% 7,046 -1.8% Wholesale Resale 82 110 -25.5% 81 1.2% UNE-P 660 584 13.0% 640 3.1% Total Wholesale Business 742 694 6.9% 721 2.9% Total Business 7,658 8,065 -5.0% 7,767 -1.4% Other Retail/Wholesale Lines Retail 113 165 -31.5% 123 -8.1% Wholesale 46 23 100.0% 43 7.0% Total Other Retail/Wholesale Lines 159 188 -15.4% 166 -4.2% Total Access Lines in Service 23,904 24,894 -4.0% 24,150 -1.0% Access Line Equivalents (c) Selected digital data services: Unbundled Loops 353 385 -8.3% 359 -1.7% DS0 & ADSL 8,301 5,863 41.6% 7,646 8.6% DS1 7,088 6,849 3.5% 7,000 1.3% DS3 & higher 31,309 31,035 0.9% 31,672 -1.1% Total digital data lines in 47,051 44,132 6.6% 46,677 0.8% service Total equivalent access lines in service 70,955 69,026 2.8% 70,827 0.2% (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 counts include amounts for switched access lines, Basic Rate ISDN (converted at 1.5:1), Primary Rate ISDN (converted at 24:1) and UNE Combos. (c) Access line equivalents represent a conversion of non-switched data circuits to a switched access line basis and is presented for comparability purposes. Equivalents are calculated by converting high-speed/high-capacity circuits to the equivalent of a switched access line based on transport capacity. While the revenues generated by access line equivalents have a directional relationship with these counts, revenue growth rates cannot be compared to line growth rates on an equivalent basis. BellSouth Corporation Results by Segment (amounts in millions)(unaudited) Domestic Wireless Segment (1)(a) Year-To-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Service revenues (3) $1,429 $1,409 1.4% $1,412 1.2% $4,179 $4,133 1.1% Equipment and other revenues 153 102 50.0% 102 50.0% 353 295 19.7% Total Operating Revenues 1,582 1,511 4.7% 1,514 4.5% 4,532 4,428 2.3% Operating Expenses Cost of services and products 601 500 20.2% 501 20.0% 1,570 1,429 9.9% Selling, general, & administrative 577 574 0.5% 507 13.8% 1,571 1,644 -4.4% expenses Depreciation and amortization 209 191 9.4% 203 3.0% 607 553 9.8% Total Operating Expenses 1,387 1,265 9.6% 1,211 14.5% 3,748 3,626 3.4% Segment Operating Income 195 246 -20.7% 303 -35.6% 784 802 -2.2% Interest Expense 79 93 -15.1% 92 -14.1% 261 271 -3.7% Other Income (Expense), net (44) (43) -2.3% (39) -12.8% (114) (111) -2.7% Income Before Income Taxes 72 110 -34.5% 172 -58.1% 409 420 -2.6% Provision for Income Taxes 28 42 -33.3% 68 -58.8% 160 161 -0.6% Segment Net Income(1) $44 $68 -35.3% $104 -57.7% $249 $259 -3.9% Selected Financial and Operating Data (amounts in millions, except customer data in thousands) Segment operating income $195 $246 -20.7% $303 -35.6% $784 $802 -2.2% Segment operating margin 12.3% 16.3% -400 bps 20.0% -770 bps 17.3% 18.1% -80 bps Cellular/PCS Operating Metrics: Total Customers 9,354 8,830 5.9% 9,056 3.3% 9,354 8,830 5.9% Net Customer Additions 298 (43) N/M* 216 38.0% 590 192 207.3% Partitioned Customers and/or 0 0 N/M 6 -100.0% 6 0 N/M Adjustments Churn 2.8% 3.0% -20 bps 2.5% 30 bps 2.6% 2.9% -30 bps Wireless Service ARPU (5) $50.91 $52.17 -2.4% $51.80 -1.7% $50.93 $51.58 -1.3% Wireless Subscriber ARPU (5) $48.25 $48.84 -1.2% $48.87 -1.3% $48.17 $48.31 -0.3% Minutes Of Use Per Subscriber 456 399 14.3% 445 2.5% 436 384 13.5% Licensed POPs (b) 94 88 6.8% 94 0.0% 94 88 6.8% Penetration (b) 10.6% 10.2% 40 bps 10.2% 40 bps 10.6% 10.2% 40 bps Cingular Interactive Operating Metrics: Total Customers 315 320 -1.6% 315 0.0% 315 320 -1.6% Net Customer Additions - 6 -100.0% (19) 100.0% (12) 27 -144.4% * - Not meaningful. (a) The domestic wireless segment is comprised of BellSouth's 40% share of the reported results of Cingular Wireless. (b) Licensed POPs refers to the number of people residing in areas where Cingular and its partners, Salmon and T-Mobile USA, Inc., have licenses to provide cellular or PCS service, including the New York City metropolitan area, and in areas where Cingular has not yet commenced service, such as the Salt Lake City area. As a result of the consolidation of Salmon, effective January 1, 2003, Salmon's licensed POPs of 4 million (BellSouth's 40% share) are included in the 2003 total licensed POPs. Penetration calculation is based upon licensed operational POPs of 89 million (BellSouth's 40% share). The New York City metropolitan area is included in the penetration calculation, beginning in the third quarter of 2002. BellSouth Corporation Results by Segment (amounts in millions)(unaudited) Latin America Group (1)(2) Year-To-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Service revenues (3) $494 $404 22.3% $471 4.9% $1,397 $1,467 -4.8% Equipment and other revenues 94 78 20.5% 94 0.0% 265 250 6.0% Advertising and publishing revenues - 13 -100.0% - N/M* - 35 -100.0% Total Operating Revenues 588 495 18.8% 565 4.1% 1,662 1,752 -5.1% Operating Expenses Cost of services and products 249 173 43.9% 243 2.5% 750 669 12.1% Selling, general, & administrative 151 156 -3.2% 154 -1.9% 441 546 -19.2% expenses Depreciation and amortization 91 106 -14.2% 93 -2.2% 274 342 -19.9% Total Operating Expenses 491 435 12.9% 490 0.2% 1,465 1,557 -5.9% Segment Operating Income 97 60 61.7% 75 29.3% 197 195 1.0% Interest Expense 31 33 -6.1% 22 40.9% 96 108 -11.1% Other Income (Expense), net (4) (23) 82.6% (7) 42.9% (7) (52) 86.5% Income Before Income Taxes 62 4 N/M 46 34.8% 94 35 168.6% Provision for Income Taxes 14 (50) 128.0% 5 180.0% (5) (34) 85.3% Segment Net Income(1) $48 $54 -11.1% $41 17.1% $99 $69 43.5% * - Not meaningful. Selected Financial and Operating Data (amounts in millions, except customer data in thousands) Segment operating income $97 $60 61.7% $75 29.3% $197 $195 1.0% Segment operating margin 16.5% 12.1% 440 bps 13.3% 320 bps 11.9% 11.1% 80 bps Average monthly revenue per customer (3) $18 $17 5.9% $18 0.0% $18 $20 -10.0% Customer net adds in period (a) 421 (152) N/M 377 11.7% 1,170 103 N/M Customers (voice) (a) 9,351 7,913 18.2% 8,921 4.8% 9,351 7,913 18.2% POPs 160,600 162,100 -0.9% 160,600 0.0% 160,600 162,100 -0.9% Penetration rate (4) 5.8% 4.9% 90 bps 5.6% 20 bps 5.8% 4.9% 90 bps (a) The beginning balance of 3Q02 customers was adjusted to include 225 customers related to fixed wireless customers in Venezuela. Year-to-date net adds for 2002 would have been 143 higher. Annual growth in net adds would have been 375.6%. BellSouth Corporation Worldwide Wireless (unaudited) Customers and POPs by Country (in thousands) Ownership Percentage As of Total Customers Total POPs As of As of Country Brand 3Q03 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth United Cingular 40.0% 23,386 22,076 5.9% 22,640 3.3% 236,000 219,000 7.8% 236,000 0.0% States Wireless Argentina Movicom 86.7% 1,391 1,339 3.9% 1,336 4.1% 37,400 37,500 -0.3% 37,400 0.0% BellSouth Brazil - Sao BCP 45.4% 1,699 1,683 1.0% 1,699 0.0% 18,100 18,100 0.0% 18,100 0.0% Paulo Region Chile BellSouth 100.0% 1,238 1,023 21.0% 1,161 6.6% 15,300 15,400 -0.6% 15,300 0.0% Colombia Celumovil 66.0% 1,824 1,277 42.8% 1,684 8.3% 40,300 43,000 -6.3% 40,300 0.0% BellSouth Ecuador BellSouth 89.4% 833 532 56.6% 740 12.6% 13,200 12,800 3.1% 13,200 0.0% Guatemala BellSouth 60.0% 246 173 42.2% 214 15.0% 13,000 11,700 11.1% 13,000 0.0% Nicaragua BellSouth 89.0% 262 201 30.3% 247 6.1% 2,900 2,900 0.0% 2,900 0.0% Panama BellSouth 43.7% 405 329 23.1% 377 7.4% 2,800 3,000 -6.7% 2,800 0.0% Peru BellSouth 97.4% 614 509 20.6% 573 7.2% 27,500 26,100 5.4% 27,500 0.0% Uruguay Movicom 46.0% 143 149 -4.0% 141 1.4% 2,100 2,100 0.0% 2,100 0.0% BellSouth Venezuela Telcel 78.2% 3,189 3,033 5.1% 3,179 0.3% 24,000 24,400 -1.6% 24,000 0.0% BellSouth Total Latin 11,844 10,248 15.6% 11,351 4.3% 196,600 197,000 -0.2% 196,600 0.0% America Denmark Sonofon 46.5% 1,305 1,063 22.8% 1,312 -0.5% 5,300 5,300 0.0% 5,300 0.0% Israel Cellcom 34.8% 2,614 2,405 8.7% 2,551 2.5% 6,100 6,100 0.0% 6,100 0.0% Total Europe 3,919 3,468 13.0% 3,863 1.4% 11,400 11,400 0.0% 11,400 0.0% Total Worldwide 39,149 35,792 9.4% 37,854 3.4% 444,000 427,400 3.9% 444,000 0.0% Wireless BellSouth Corporation Results by Segment (amounts in millions)(unaudited) Advertising & Publishing (1) Year-To-Date 3Q03 3Q02 Growth 2Q03 Growth 2003 2002 Growth Operating Revenues Advertising and publishing revenues 475 494 -3.8% 480 -1.0% 1,436 1,513 -5.1% Commission revenues 30 27 11.1% 45 -33.3% 92 88 4.5% Total Operating Revenues 505 521 -3.1% 525 -3.8% 1,528 1,601 -4.6% Operating Expenses Cost of services 94 83 13.3% 82 14.6% 254 265 -4.2% Selling, general, & administrative 168 220 -23.6% 184 -8.7% 522 614 -15.0% expenses Depreciation and amortization 5 7 -28.6% 7 -28.6% 19 21 -9.5% Total Operating Expenses 267 310 -13.9% 273 -2.2% 795 900 -11.7% Segment Operating Income 238 211 12.8% 252 -5.6% 733 701 4.6% Interest Expense 1 3 -66.7% 2 -50.0% 5 9 -44.4% Other Income (Expense), net - - N/M* 2 -100.0% 1 1 0.0% Income Before Income Taxes 237 208 13.9% 252 -6.0% 729 693 5.2% Provision for Income Taxes 90 80 12.5% 95 -5.3% 276 266 3.8% Segment Net Income(1) $147 $128 14.8% $157 -6.4% $453 $427 6.1% Segment operating income $238 $211 12.8% $252 -5.6% $733 $701 4.6% Segment operating margin 47.1% 40.5% 660 bps 48.0% -90 bps 48.0% 43.8% 420 bps * - Not meaningful. BellSouth Corporation Notes (1) Segment net income (loss) is based on normalized results which exclude certain one-time transactions and certain corporate intercompany billings. Intersegment revenues are not eliminated for purposes of management reporting. (2) Results for the Latin America segment are reported one month in arrears. (3) Wireless service revenues includes activation fees, access, airtime, roaming, long distance and value added services. Roaming revenues are included on a gross basis for the Domestic Wireless segment and on a net basis for the Latin America segment. Average monthly revenue per customer is calculated by dividing average monthly service revenue by average customers. (4) Penetration rate is calculated by dividing customers by POPs (excludes POPs in markets where service has not been initiated). (5) Management uses average revenue per unit (ARPU) as an indicator of operating performance of the business. Consumer ARPU - is defined as consumer revenues during the period divided by average primary access lines during the period. Wireless Subscriber ARPU - Cellular/ PCS is defined as cellular/PCS subscriber revenues during the period divided by average cellular/PCS subscribers during the period. Wireless Subscriber ARPU - Cellular/PCS is our primary measure of customer value. It provides a metric to evaluate our pricing and promotional activity. We benchmark against this measure in comparisons to prior periods and internal targets. Wireless Service ARPU - Cellular/PCS is defined as Cellular/PCS service revenues during the period divided by average Cellular/PCS subscribers during the period. This metric is used to compare the recurring revenue amounts being generated on our network to prior periods and internal targets. We believe that each of these metrics provides useful information concerning the performance of our initiatives to attract and retain high value customers and the use of our network. BellSouth Corporation Non-GAAP Measures - Reconciliation (amounts in millions) (unaudited) Segment Net Income Reconciliation to GAAP Net Income Year-to-Date 3Q03 3Q02 2Q03 2003 2002 Communications group segment net income $ 727 $ 710 $ 679 $ 2,115 $ 2,147 Domestic wireless group segment net income (a) 44 68 104 249 259 Latin America group segment net income 48 54 41 99 69 Advertising and publishing group segment net income 147 128 157 453 427 Corporate, eliminations and other 14 (2) (10) (24) 69 Normalized net income 980 958 971 2,892 2,971 Add back Excluded non-recurring or non-operational items (b) (44) (318) (20) 225 (2,222) Consolidated GAAP net income $ 936 $ 640 $ 951 $ 3,117 $ 749 Free Cash Flow Year-to-Date 3Q03 3Q02 2Q03 2003 2002 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 2,469 $ 2,340 $ 2,518 $ 6,895 $ 6,533 Less Capital Expenditures (764) (835) (729) (2,124) (2,863) Operating Free Cash Flow $ 1,705 $ 1,505 $ 1,789 $ 4,771 $ 3,670 Net Debt September December June 30, 30, 31, 2003 2002 2003 Total Debt $ 14,993 $ 17,397 $ 15,412 Less Cash (5,025) (2,482) (4,122) Net Debt $ 9,968 $ 14,915 $ 11,290 Communications Group Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization Year-to-Date 3Q03 3Q02 2Q03 2003 2002 Operating Revenues $ 4,668 $ 4,615 $ 4,586 $ 13,830 $ 13,968 Operating Income 1,244 1,255 1,162 3,656 3,805 Add back Depreciation and amortization 949 1,046 944 2,830 3,120 Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization $ 2,193 $ 2,301 $ 2,106 $ 6,486 $ 6,925 Margin 47.0% 49.9% 45.9% 46.9% 49.6% (a) The domestic wireless segment is comprised of BellSouth's 40% share of the reported results of Cingular Wireless. (b) See pages 3 and 4 for detail of excluded items. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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