-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, N/yRB5+f+BwfAzrJ+ww4NkWCghIygHoo+vJO3FA0n2YBgvCVPa4lSmy1PbTGrRkt pZbxiKrnaaYZl7KpyvYeaQ== 0001054522-98-000023.txt : 19981109 0001054522-98-000023.hdr.sgml : 19981109 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001054522-98-000023 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19980930 FILED AS OF DATE: 19981106 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000068622 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813] IRS NUMBER: 840273800 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03040 FILM NUMBER: 98739971 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1801 CALIFORNIA ST CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 BUSINESS PHONE: 3038963099 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1801 CALIFORNIA ST CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MOUNTAIN STATES TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19910109 10-Q 1 THIRD QUARTER FORM 10-Q =============================================================================== UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [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 1-3040 U S WEST Communications, Inc. A Colorado Corporation IRS Employer No. 84-0273800 1801 California Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 Telephone Number (303) 896-3099 THE REGISTRANT, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF U S WEST, INC., MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(a) and (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(2). Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __ =============================================================================== - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Form 10-Q - Part I U S WEST Communications, Inc. FORM 10-Q TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 3 Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations - (Reduced disclosure format pursuant to General Instruction H(2)) 11 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 1. Legal Proceedings 18 5. Other Information 18 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18
Form 10-Q - Part I CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. INCOME (Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Dollars in millions 1998 1997 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Operating revenues: Local service $1,398 $1,314 $4,117 $3,739 Interstate access service 693 663 2,102 2,028 Intrastate access service 208 208 616 608 Long-distance network services 199 231 595 721 Other services 241 193 673 548 -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Total operating revenues 2,739 2,609 8,103 7,644 Operating expenses: Employee-related expenses 868 850 2,550 2,498 Other operating expenses 544 479 1,709 1,303 Taxes other than income taxes 81 100 260 300 Depreciation and amortization 544 528 1,580 1,574 -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Total operating expenses 2,037 1,957 6,099 5,675 -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Operating income 702 652 2,004 1,969 Interest expense 103 93 288 282 Gains on sales of rural telephone exchanges - 30 - 77 Other expense - net 20 11 76 51 -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Income before income taxes 579 578 1.640 1,713 Provision for income taxes 219 220 630 653 -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- NET INCOME $360 $358 $1,010 $ 1,060 ============== ============= ============= ==============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Form 10-Q - Part I CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------- September 30, December 31, Dollars in millions 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $57 $ 26 Accounts and notes receivable - net 1,646 1,608 Inventories and supplies 200 124 Deferred tax asset 162 226 Prepaid and other 64 68 ----------------- ------------------- Total current assets 2,129 2,052 Gross property, plant and equipment 34,265 33,182 Accumulated depreciation 19,967 19,041 ----------------- ------------------- Property, plant and equipment - net 14,298 14,141 Other assets 899 815 ----------------- ------------------- Total assets $17,326 $17,008 ================= ===================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Form 10-Q - Part I CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Unaudited), continued
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- September 30, December 31, Dollars in millions 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNER'S EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt $850 $ 497 Accounts payable 1,231 1,439 Employee compensation 303 321 Dividends payable 360 192 Advanced billing and customer deposits 319 292 Other 958 982 ------------------- -------------------- Total current liabilities 4,021 3,723 Long-term debt 4,831 5,019 Postretirement and other postemployment benefit obligations 2,371 2,365 Deferred income taxes 923 891 Deferred credits and other 717 610 Contingencies Shareowner's equity: Common shares - one share without par value, owned by parent 8,080 8,017 Cumulative deficit (3,617) (3,617) ------------------- -------------------- Total shareowner's equity 4,463 4,400 ------------------- -------------------- Total liabilities and shareowner's equity $17,326 $17,008 =================== ====================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Form 10-Q - Part I CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Dollars in millions OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $1,010 $1,060 Adjustments to net income: Depreciation and amortization 1,580 1,574 Gains on sales of rural telephone exchanges - (77) Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits 90 1 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (38) 37 Inventories, supplies and other current assets (19) (55) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 16 247 Other - net 43 119 --------------- --------------- Cash provided by operating activities 2,682 2,906 --------------- --------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,880) (1,291) Proceeds from (payments on) disposals of property, plant and equipment (14) 21 Purchase of PCS licenses (18) (51) Proceeds from sales of rural telephone exchanges - 51 Other (6) - --------------- --------------- Cash used for investing activities (1,918) (1,270) --------------- --------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt 457 (700) Repayments of long-term debt (411) (107) Dividends paid on common stock (842) (1,009) Equity infusions from U S WEST 63 260 --------------- --------------- Cash used for financing activities (733) (1,556) --------------- --------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Increase 31 80 Beginning balance 26 92 =============== =============== Ending balance $57 $ 172 =============== ===============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Form 10-Q - Part I U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited) A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation. U S WEST Communications, Inc. (the "Company") is incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado and is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of U S WEST, Inc. ("U S WEST"). Certain reclassifications within the Consolidated Financial Statements have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the interim reporting rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally accompanying financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. In the opinion of the Company's management, the Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial information set forth therein. It is suggested that these Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997. B. U S WEST Separation On October 25, 1997, the Board of Directors of the former parent of U S WEST, herein referred to as "Old U S WEST," adopted a proposal to separate Old U S WEST into two independent companies (the "Separation"). Old U S WEST conducted its businesses through two groups: the U S WEST Communications Group (the "Communications Group"), which included the communications businesses of Old U S WEST, and the U S WEST Media Group (the "Media Group"), which included the multimedia businesses of Old U S WEST. On June 4, 1998, shareholders of Old U S WEST voted in favor of the Separation, which became effective June 12, 1998 (the "Separation Date"). At that time, the Communications Group became an independent public company renamed "U S WEST, Inc." and Media Group's directory business known as U S WEST Dex, Inc. ("Dex") was aligned with U S WEST (the "Dex Alignment"). Old U S WEST has continued as an independent public company comprised of the current businesses of Media Group other than Dex and has been renamed "MediaOne Group, Inc." ("MediaOne Group"). Form 10-Q - Part I U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited) The Separation was implemented pursuant to the terms of a separation agreement (the "Separation Agreement") between U S WEST and MediaOne Group. In connection with the Dex Alignment, (i) U S WEST distributed, as a dividend to holders of MediaOne Group common stock, an aggregate of $850 in value of U S WEST common stock and (ii) $3.9 billion of Old U S WEST debt, formerly allocated to Media Group, was refinanced by U S WEST (the "Dex Indebtedness"). Further information about the Separation is contained in Old U S WEST's proxy statement mailed to all Old U S WEST shareowners on April 20, 1998. C. Asset Impairment During second-quarter 1998, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $21 (net of a $14 tax benefit) related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets associated with the Company's video operations in Omaha, Nebraska. The impaired assets primarily consist of underground cable and hardware. Recent technological advances have permitted the Company to pursue and use more economical Video Digital Subscriber Line ("VDSL") technology in cable overbuild situations. Because the projected future cash flows were less than the carrying values, an impairment loss was recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." The amount of impairment was determined based on the net present value of the future cash flows of the business, discounted at the Company's cost of capital. The pretax charge is recorded in "other operating expenses" within the Consolidated Statements of Income. D. Contingencies There are pending regulatory actions in local regulatory jurisdictions that call for price decreases, refunds or both. Oregon. On May 1, 1996, the Oregon Public Utilities Commission ("OPUC") approved a stipulation terminating prematurely the Company's alternative form of regulation ("AFOR") plan, and it then undertook a review of the Company's earnings. In May 1997, the OPUC ordered the Company to reduce its annual revenues by $97, effective May 1, 1997, and to issue a one-time refund, including interest, of approximately $102 to reflect the revenue reduction for the period May 1, 1996 through April 30, 1997. The one-time refund is for interim rates which became subject to refund when the Company's AFOR plan was terminated on May 1, 1996. Form 10-Q - Part I U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited) The Company filed an appeal of the order and asked for an immediate stay of the refund with the Oregon Circuit Court which granted the Company's request for a stay, pending a full review of the OPUC's order. On February 19, 1998, the Oregon Circuit Court entered a judgment in the Company's favor on most of the appealed issues. The OPUC appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals on March 19, 1998, and the appeal is pending. The Company continues to charge interim rates, subject to refund, during the pendency of that appeal. The potential refund exposure, including interest, at September 30, 1998, is not expected to exceed $280. Utah. The Utah Supreme Court has remanded a Utah Public Service Commission ("UPSC") order to the UPSC for hearing, thereby establishing two exceptions to the rule against retroactive ratemaking: 1) unforeseen and extraordinary events, and 2) misconduct. The UPSC's initial order denied a refund request from interexchange carriers ("IXCs") and other parties related to the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The potential exposure, including interest, at September 30, 1998, is not expected to exceed $170. New Mexico. The New Mexico State Corporation Commission ("NMSCC") issued an order on May 29, 1998, requiring the Company to reduce its annual revenues by approximately $22. The Company sought a rehearing before the NMSCC which was denied. The NMSCC's order was then removed to the New Mexico Supreme Court for review which effectively stays the order. The potential for retroactive exposure, at September 30, 1998, is remote. State Regulatory Accruals. The Company has accrued $200 at September 30, 1998, which represents its estimated liabilities for all state regulatory proceedings, predominately the items discussed above. It is possible that the ultimate liabilities could exceed the amounts accrued by up to approximately $265. The Company will continue to monitor and evaluate the risks associated with its local regulatory jurisdictions, and will adjust estimates as new information becomes available. In addition to its estimated liabilities for state regulatory proceedings, the Company has an accrued liability of approximately $160 at September 30, 1998 related to refunds in the state of Washington. Approximately $80 was refunded to IXCs and independent local exchange carriers during the nine-month period ended September 30, 1998. The remaining liability is expected to be refunded to ratepayers by the first half of 1999, with the majority of the refunds occurring in fourth-quarter 1998. Form 10-Q - Part I U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited) E. New Accounting Standards On January 1, 1999, the Company will adopt the accounting provisions required by the AICPA Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," issued in March 1998. SOP 98-1, among other things, requires that certain costs of internal use software, whether purchased or developed internally, be capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Based on information currently available, adoption of the SOP may result in an initial increase in net income in 1999 of approximately $100-$150. Thereafter, in periods after adoption, if software expenditures remain level, earnings will decline until the amortization expense related to the capitalized software equals the software costs expensed prior to the accounting change. The estimated net income impact for 1999 and thereafter may be subject to change as further information becomes available. Please see Part I - Item II- "Forward-Looking Information." On June 15, 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and for Hedging Activities." This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 requires, among other things, that all derivative instruments be recognized at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and that changes in fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, though earlier adoption is permitted. The financial statement impacts of the Company's adoption of the new standard are dependent upon the amount and nature of future use of derivative instruments, and their relative changes in valuation over time. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions) Forward-Looking Information Some of the information presented in or in connection with this report constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from its expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include: (i) greater than anticipated competition from new entrants into the local exchange, intraLATA toll, data and wireless markets, (ii) changes in demand for the Company's products and services, including optional custom calling features, (iii) higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures, and operating expenses (such as costs associated with year 2000 remediation), (iv) the loss of significant customers, (v) pending regulatory actions in state jurisdictions, (vi) regulatory changes affecting the telecommunications industry, including changes that could have an impact on the competitive environment in the local exchange market, (vii) a change in economic conditions in the various markets served by the Company's operations that could adversely affect the level of demand for telephone, wireless, or other services offered by the Company, (viii) greater than anticipated competitive activity requiring new pricing for services, (ix) higher than anticipated start-up costs associated with new business opportunities, (x) increases in fraudulent activity with respect to wireless services, (xi) consumer acceptance of broadband services, including telephony, data and wireless services, or (xii) delays in the development of anticipated technologies, or the failure of such technologies to perform according to expectations. Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 Compared with 1997 Following are details of the Company's reported net income, normalized to exclude the effects of certain and nonrecurring and nonoperating items.
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------- -------------------------- -- Nine Months Ended Increase September 30, (Decrease) 1998 1997 $ % - ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ------------- ------------ ------------ Reported net income $1,010 $1,060 $(50) (4.7) Adjustments to reported net income: Separation costs 68 - 68 - Asset impairment 21 - 21 - Gains on sales of rural telephone exchanges - (48) 48 - ---------------- ------------- ------------ ------------ Normalized income $1,099 $1,012 $87 8.6 ============================================================ ================ ============= ============ ============
During 1998, the Company's normalized income increased $87, or 8.6 percent, to $1,099. The increase is primarily due to higher demand for services partially offset by interstate access rate reductions and higher operating costs, including increased start-up costs associated with growth initiatives and higher expenses related to interconnection. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued Operating Revenues
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ Nine Months Ended Increase September 30, (Decrease) 1998 1997 $ % - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------- Local service $4,117 $3,739 $378 10.1 Interstate access service 2,102 2,028 74 3.6 Intrastate access service 616 608 8 1.3 Long-distance network services 595 721 (126) (17.5) Other services 673 548 125 22.8 ============ ============== ============ =========== Total $8,103 $7,644 $459 6.0 ================================================================ ============ ============== ============ ===========
Local Service Revenues. Local service revenues increased $378, or 10.1 percent, to $4,117, during the nine-month period. Excluding the non-recurring impact of a regulatory charge in last year's second quarter, local service revenues increased by 8.2 percent for the nine-month period. Local service revenues increased primarily as a result of access line growth and increased demand for new products and services, and existing central office features. Total reported access lines increased 579,000, or 3.7 percent, during the past 12 months, of which 243,000 was attributable to second lines. Second line installations increased 19.4 percent. Also contributing to the increase in revenues were the effects of rate increases of $45 in various jurisdictions and interim compensation revenues from IXCs as a result of Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") payphone orders, which took effect in April 1997. Interstate Access Service Revenues. Interstate access service revenues increased $74, or 3.6 percent, to $2,102, primarily due to the effects of a change in the classification of universal service fundings, which increased revenues by $61. In 1997 these fundings were offset against interstate access service revenues. Beginning in 1998 these fundings are recorded as access expense within other operating expenses. Excluding the effects of the reclassification, interstate access revenues increased $13, or 0.6 percent. Increased demand for interstate access services, as evidenced by a 6.8 percent increase in billed interstate access minutes of use, was essentially offset by price reductions. Intrastate Access Service Revenues. Intrastate access service revenues increased by $8, or 1.3 percent, to $616, primarily due to higher demand, including increased demand for private line services, partially offset by net rate reductions. Net rate reductions aggregated $23, the majority of which were in the state of Washington. Competitive effects are also adversely impacting intrastate access revenue growth. Intrastate billed access minutes of use increased by 5.8 percent during the nine-month period. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued Long Distance Network Services Revenues. Long-distance network services revenues decreased by $126, or 17.5 percent, to $595, primarily due to the effects of competition and rate reductions of $37 in several jurisdictions, most significantly in the state of Washington. Also contributing to the decline were the implementation of multiple toll carrier plans ("MTCPs") in various jurisdictions in 1997. The MTCPs essentially allow independent telephone companies to act as toll carriers and are net income neutral to the Company, with the reduction in toll revenues largely offset by increased intrastate access service revenues and lower access expense. Other Services Revenues. Revenues from other services increased by $125, or 22.8 percent, primarily as a result of greater sales of wireless communications services and inside wire maintenance, interconnection rent revenues and continued market penetration in voice messaging services. Costs and Expenses
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ Nine Months Ended Increase September 30, (Decrease) 1998 1997 $ % - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------- Employee-related expenses $2,550 $2,498 $52 2.1 Other operating expenses (1) 1,709 1,303 406 31.2 Taxes other than income taxes 260 300 (40) (13.3) Depreciation and amortization 1,580 1,574 6 0.4 Interest expense 288 282 6 2.1 Gains on sales of rural telephone exchanges - 77 (77) - Other expense - net 76 51 25 49.0 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------- (1) Includes separation expenses of $94 and an asset impairment charge of $35 during second-quarter 1998.
Employee-Related Expenses. Total employee-related expenses increased $52, or 2.1 percent, to $2,550, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 1998. Employee-related expenses include $16 of net costs incurred in conjunction with the 1998 third-quarter work stoppage. These work stoppage costs include incremental travel costs, contract labor costs and employee bonus costs paid to management employees for work performed during the strike. Partially offsetting these additional costs were lower salaries and wages and overtime savings associated with occupational employees not working during the work stoppage. Excluding these costs, employee-related expenses increased $36, or 1.4 percent, primarily due to increased salaries an wages and higher contract labor costs. The increase in salaries and wages was a result of workforce and wage increases which were largely offset by the transfer of approximately 1,200 employees during third-quarter 1997 to an unregulated affiliate. The higher contract labor costs were largely a result of systems development work (which includes expenses related to interconnection and year 2000 costs) and marketing and sales efforts. Partially offsetting these increases were pension credits. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued Other Operating Expenses. Excluding nonrecurring charges as described in Note 1 to the above table, other operating expenses increased by $277, or 21.3 percent, during 1998. The increase is primarily due to increased affiliate expense as a result of the above referenced transfer of employees to an unregulated affiliate, interconnection expenses and costs associated with growth initiatives (primarily PCS), including wireless handset costs and marketing and advertising costs. Other operating expenses also increased $61 as compared to 1997 due to the aforementioned change in classification of universal service funding expenses. Partially offsetting the increases was a 1997 reserve adjustment associated with billing and collection activities performed for IXCs. Other operating expenses include $94 in costs incurred during second quarter that are directly attributable to the Separation. These Separation costs include executive severance, legal and financial advisory fees, securities registration fees, printing and mailing costs, and internal systems and rearrangement costs. During second quarter of 1998, the Company also recorded in other operating expenses a pretax charge of $35 related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets associated with the Company's video operations in Omaha, Nebraska. Recent technological advances have permitted the Company to pursue and use more economical VDSL technology in cable overbuild situations. Because the projected future cash flows were less than the carrying values an impairment loss was recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 121. (See "Note C - Asset Impairment" - to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Taxes Other Than Income Taxes. Taxes other than income taxes decreased primarily because of a third quarter property tax settlement in addition to adjustments related to the 1997 property tax accrual. Interest Expense. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of higher average debt levels. Gains On Sales of Rural Telephone Exchanges. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company sold selected rural telephone exchanges in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota for pretax gains of $77. Other Expense - Net. Other expense increased primarily due to additional interest expense associated with the Company's state regulatory liabilities. Provision for Income Taxes The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 1998 is 38.4 percent as compared to 38.1 percent during the first nine months of 1997. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of certain expenses related to the Separation, which are not deductible for tax purposes, and the effects of lower amortization of investment tax credits. The effective tax rate is expected to approximate 38.3 percent for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued Year 2000 Costs During 1997 the Company conducted a comprehensive high level review of its computer systems and related software to ensure that systems properly recognize the year 2000 and continue to process data. The systems evaluated include (i) the Public Switched Telephone Network (the "Network"), (ii) Information Technologies ("IT") and (iii) individual Business Units (the "Business Units"). The Network, which processes voice and data information relating to the core communications business, relies on remote switches, central office and interoffice equipment, and loop transport equipment that is predominately provided by telecommunications network vendors. IT is comprised of the Company's internal business systems that employ hardware and software with an enterprise-wide scope, including operational, financial and administrative functions. The Business Units, which include internal organizations such as finance, procurement, operator services, wireless, data networks, real estate, etc., employ systems that support desktop and departmental applications that relate specifically to their business and are not generally part of the Network or IT. The Company's approach to year 2000 remediation activities is broken down into five general phases: (i) inventory/assessment, (ii) planning, (iii) conversion, (iv) testing/certification and (v) implementation. With regard to the Network, the Company is working with telecommunications network vendors to obtain compliant releases of hardware and software. The Company is also working on a focused testing approach given the requirement that Network testing must be done over multiple equipment configurations involving a broad spectrum of services. The inventory/assessment and planning phases for the Network are complete and management expects that the testing/certification phases will be completed by December 1998, with implementation completed by July 1999. To facilitate Network testing, the Company participates, along with other major wireline providers of telecommunications services, as a member of the Telco Year 2000 Forum (the "Forum"), an organization that addresses the year 2000 readiness of network elements and network interoperability. The Forum has contracted with Bellcore, a former affiliate engaged in telecommunications industry research, development and maintenance activities, to engage in inter-region interoperability testing. The Company is also participating in the FCC Network Reliability and Interoperability Council IV working group, which is tasked to evaluate the Year 2000 readiness of the public telecommunications network. Within IT, the Company has identified the applications that support its critical business processes such as billing and collection, network monitoring, repair and ordering. The inventory/assessment and planning phases for IT are complete and management expects that conversion will be completed by the end of 1998 or shortly thereafter, with testing and implementation continuing through 1999. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued Within the Business Units, the Company is generally in the inventory/assessment phase, though some Business Units have completed this phase and are into the planning, conversion and testing/certification phases. Accordingly, a majority of the Business Units have established project plans and associated schedules to accomplish the remaining phases. The objective is to complete any major conversions or upgrades by third-quarter 1999. The Company has spent approximately $90 through the third quarter of 1998 on year 2000 projects and activities. The estimated total incremental costs for year 2000 related projects and activities are approximately $185 through 1999, excluding capital expenditures. Additional incremental capital expenditures over the same period will approximate $50-$70. Year 2000 project costs are being funded through operations. Though year 2000 costs will directly impact the reported level of future net income, the Company intends to manage its total cost structure, including deferral of non-critical projects, in an effort to mitigate the impact of year 2000 costs on its historical rate of earnings growth. The estimate stated above may be subject to change. Management cannot provide assurance that the result of its year 2000 compliance efforts or the cost of such efforts will not differ materially from estimates. Accordingly, year 2000 specific business continuity and contingency plans are being developed to address high risk areas as they are identified. These year 2000 specific contingency plans will conform to detailed Company-wide requirements now being established by the Company's Year 2000 Program Office. These plans will be in place no later than third-quarter 1999. In addition, the Company has in place its standard overall business continuity, contingency and disaster recovery plans (such as diesel generator back-up power supply sources for its Network, Network rerouting capabilities, and computer back-up and recovery procedures) which will be verified, and if required, augmented for specific year 2000 scenarios. Within Network, the Company is highly dependent on the telecommunications network vendors to provide compliant hardware and software in a timely manner, and on third parties that are assisting the Company in the focused testing of the Network. Because of these dependencies, the Company has developed and implemented a vendor compliance process whereby the Company has obtained written assurances of timely year 2000 compliance from most of its critical vendors (not only for Network, but also for IT and the Business Units). The Company continues to pursue such assurances from the remaining critical vendors. In addition, the Company monitors and actively participates in coordinated Network testing activities, as discussed above, with respect to the Forum and Bellcore. Within IT, the Company is dependent on the development of software by experts, both internal and external, and the availability of critical resources with the requisite skill sets. Because of this dependency, the Company has developed detailed timetables, resource plans and standardized year 2000 testing requirements for all identified critical applications (irrespective of whether these applications are used primarily by IT, the Network or the Business Units). Within the Business Units, the Company is dependent on vendor supplied goods and services, and operability of the Network, critical IT and business unit specific applications. Because of these dependencies, the Company is implementing the same type of vendor compliance process and application planning and testing process at the Business Units, as discussed above with respect to the Network and IT. Form 10-Q - Part I Item 2. Management's Analysis of the Results of Operations (Dollars in millions), continued In management's view, the most reasonable worst case scenario for year 2000 failure prospects faced by the Company is that a limited number of important IT and/or Business Unit specific applications may unexpectedly fail. In addition, no assurance can be given that there may not be problems with the Network relating to year 2000. Failure by the Company or by certain of its vendors to remediate year 2000 compliance issues in advance of the year 2000 and to execute appropriate contingency plans in the event that a critical failure is experienced, could result in disruption of the Company's operations, possibly impacting the Network and impairing the Company's ability to bill or collect revenues. However, management believes that its efforts at advance remediation and testing, obtaining written vendor assurances and advance vendor remediation, year 2000 specific contingency planning, and overall business continuity, contingency and disaster recovery planning will be successful, and that the aforementioned "worst case scenario" is unlikely to develop or significantly disrupt the Company's financial operations. The above discussion regarding year 2000 contains statements that are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its estimates are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these estimates. Union Contracts On October 9, 1998, the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") informed the Company that a majority of its voting members ratified new three-year contracts for the Company and U S WEST Business Resources, Inc. employees. The contracts provide for salary increases of 10.9 percent over three years, effective in August of each year, and pension increases totaling 21 percent over three years. The contract also provides employees with a $500 ratification bonus in lieu of additional future wage increases. The agreement covers approximately 33,000 CWA members. Other Items The Company from time to time engages in discussions regarding dispositions, acquisitions and other similar transactions. Any such transaction may include, among other things, the transfer, sale or acquisition of significant assets, businesses or interests, including joint ventures, or the incurrence, assumption or refinancing of indebtedness, and could be material to the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. There is no assurance that any such discussions will result in the consummation of any such transaction. Contingencies The Company has pending regulatory actions in local regulatory jurisdictions that call for price decreases, refunds or both. (See "Note D - Contingencies" - to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Form 10-Q - Part II U S WEST Communications, Inc. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. At the Company, there are pending certain regulatory actions in local regulatory jurisdictions that call for price decreases, refunds or both. For a discussion of these actions, see "Note D - Contingencies" - to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 5. Other Information On October 9, 1998 the Communications Workers of America informed the Company that a majority of its voting members ratified both of the contracts for Company and U S WEST Business Resources, Inc. employees. Both contracts are effective August 16, 1998 and will continue in effect until August 18, 2001. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits Exhibit No. 12 Statement regarding computation of earnings to fixed charges ratio of U S WEST Communications, Inc. 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K Filed During the Third Quarter of 1998 (i) Form 8-K dated August 16, 1998 concerning a press release announcing the work stoppage commenced by clerical and technical employees represented by the Communications Workers of America. (ii) Form 8-K dated August 31, 1998 concerning a press release announcing a tentative agreement reached on the Labor Contract between U S WEST, Inc. and the Communications Workers of America. Form 10-Q - Part II U S WEST Communications, Inc. SIGNATURES 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. U S WEST Communications, Inc. /s/ ALLAN R. SPIES By:___________________________________ Allan R. Spies Vice President and Chief Financial Officer November 6, 1998 EX-12 2 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Exhibit 12 U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollars in Millions)
Quarter Ended 9/30/98 9/30/97 - ------------------------------------------ ----------- -------- Income before income taxes $ 579$ 578 Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized) 103 93 Interest factor on rentals (1/3) 14 16 ----------- -------- Earnings $ 696 $ 687 Interest expense $ 109 $ 97 Interest factor on rentals (1/3) 14 16 ----------- -------- Fixed charges $ 123 $ 113 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.66 6.08 - ------------------------------------------ ----------- -------- Nine Months Ended 9/30/98 9/30/97 - ------------------------------------------ ----------- -------- Income before income taxes $ 1,640 $ 1,713 Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized) 288 282 Interest factor on rentals (1/3) 46 48 ----------- -------- Earnings $ 1,974 $ 2,043 Interest expense $ 305 $ 297 Interest factor on rentals (1/3) 46 48 ----------- -------- Fixed charges $ 351 $ 345 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.62 5.92 - ------------------------------------------ ----------- --------
EX-27 3 FDS --
5 0000068622 U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 1,000,000 3-MOS 9-MOS DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1998 JAN-01-1998 JAN-01-1998 SEP-30-1998 SEP-30-1998 57 57 0 0 1,646 1,646 0 0 200 200 2,129 2,129 34,265 34,265 19,967 19,967 17,326 17,326 4,021 4,021 4,831 4,831 0 0 0 0 8,080 8,080 (3,617) (3,617) 17,326 17,326 2,739 8,103 2,739 8,103 0 0 0 0 2,037 6,099 0 0 103 288 579 1,640 219 630 360 1,010 0 0 0 0 0 0 360 1,010 0 0 0 0
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