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 March 31, 2001 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., 30309-3610 Atlanta, Georgia (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices) 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 April 30, 2001, 1,874,150,577 common shares were outstanding. Table of Contents Item Page Part I 1.Financial Statements 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 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.....................................20 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk .............31 Part II 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .......................................33 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BELLSOUTH CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) For the Three Months Ended March 31 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ 2000 2001 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Operating revenues: Communications group $ 4,513 $ 4,665 Domestic wireless 867 - Latin America 678 773 Domestic advertising and publishing 349 434 All other 33 47 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Total operating revenues 6,440 5,919 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Operating expenses: Operational and support expenses 3,521 3,161 Depreciation and amortization 1,218 1,157 Severance accrual 78 - ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Total operating expenses 4,817 4,318 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Operating income 1,623 1,601 Interest expense 306 360 Net earnings of equity affiliates 131 84 Other income, net 83 82 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Income before income taxes 1,531 1,407 Provision for income taxes 530 516 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ Net income $ 1,001 $ 891 ============= ============ ============= ============ Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic 1,881 1,873 Diluted 1,898 1,886 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.19 $ 0.19 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.48 Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.47 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) December 31, March 31, 2000 2001 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,061 $ 712 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectibles of $377 and $398 5,157 5,029 Material and supplies 379 414 Other current assets 809 1,160 Total current assets 7,406 7,315 Investments and advances 11,010 9,969 Property, plant and equipment 60,912 61,950 Less: accumulated depreciation 36,755 37,346 Property, plant and equipment, net 24,157 24,604 Deferred charges and other assets 4,180 4,445 Intangible assets, net 4,172 4,280 Total assets $ 50,925 $ 50,613 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Debt maturing within one year $ 7,569 $ 6,250 Accounts payable 2,233 2,105 Other current liabilities 3,468 3,481 Total current liablities 13,270 11,836 Long-term debt 12,463 13,075 Noncurrent liabilities: Deferred income taxes 3,580 3,516 Other noncurrent liabilities 4,700 4,793 Total noncurrent liabilities 8,280 8,309 Shareholders' equity: Common stock, $1 par value (8,650 shares authorized; 1,872 and 1,873 shares outstanding) 2,020 2,020 Paid-in capital 6,740 6,761 Retained earnings 14,074 14,588 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (488) (637) Shares held in trust and treasury (5,222) (5,168) Guarantee of ESOP debt (212) (171) Total shareholders' equity 16,912 17,393 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 50,925 $ 50,613 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In Millions) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 2001 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 1,001 $ 891 Adjustments to net income: Depreciation and amortization 1,218 1,157 Curtailment charge - 72 Severance accrual 78 - Loss on sale of investment - 50 Provision for uncollectibles 89 106 Net earnings of equity affiliates (131) (84) Dividends received from equity affiliates 9 29 Minority interests in income of subsidiaries 2 (15) Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (6) 16 Net change in: Accounts receivable and other current assets 3 (210) Accounts payable and other current liabilities 308 (107) Deferred charges and other assets (237) (279) Other liabilities and deferred credits (34) (29) Other reconciling items, net 50 7 - - Net cash provided by operating activities 2,350 1,604 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (1,563) (1,690) Investments in and advances to equity affiliates (26) (115) Purchases of wireless licenses (69) (10) Proceeds from sale of investment - 1,000 Proceeds from disposition of short-term investments 137 107 Purchases of short-term investments (64) (76) Proceeds from repayment of loans and advances 17 5 Investments in debt securities - (176) Other investing activities, net 12 15 - Net cash used for investing activities (1,556) (940) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt (2,201) (917) Proceeds from long-term debt 2,047 744 Repayments of long-term debt (295) (517) Dividends paid (358) (351) Purchase of treasury shares (140) - Other financing activities, net 20 28 - - Net cash used for financing activities (927) (1,013) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (133) (349) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,287 1,061 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,154 $ 712 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (In Millions) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 Number of Shares Amount Accum. Other Shares Compre- Shares Guaran- Held in hensive Held in tee of Common Trust and Common Paid-in Retained Income/ Trust and ESOP Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Treasury Debt Total (a) (a) Balance at December 31, 1999 2,020 (138) $ 2,020 $ 6,771 $ 11,456 $ (358) $ (4,798) $ (276) $ 14,815 Net income 1,001 1,001 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment 32 32 Net unrealized gains on securities 291 291 Minimum pension liability adjustment (10) (10) Total comprehensive income 1,314 Dividends declared (357) (357) Share issuances for employee benefit plans 1 (22) 46 24 Purchase of treasury stock (3) (140) (140) Tax benefit related to stock options 4 4 ESOP activities and related tax benefit 37 37 Balance at March 31, 2000 2,020 (140) $ 2,020 $ 6,775 $ 12,078 $ (45) $ (4,892) $ (239) $ 15,697(a) Trust and treasury shares are not considered to be outstanding for financial reporting purposes. As of March 31, 2000, there were approximately 36 shares held in trust and 104 shares held in treasury. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (In Millions) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 Number of Shares Amount Accum. Other Shares Compre- Shares Guaran- Held in hensive Held in tee of Common Trust and Common Paid-in Retained Income/ Trust and ESOP Stock Treasury Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Treasury Debt Total (a) (a) Balance at December 31, 2000 2,020 (148) $ 2,020 $ 6,740 $ 14,074 $ (488) $ (5,222) $ (212) $ 16,912 Net income 891 891 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment (20) (20) Net unrealized losses on securities (108) (108) Net unrealized losses on derivatives (21) (21) Total comprehensive income 742 Dividends declared (357) (357) Share issuances for employee benefit plans 1 (20) 54 35 Tax benefit related to stock options 20 20 ESOP activities and related tax benefit 41 41 Balance at March 31, 2001 2,020 (147) $ 2,020 $ 6,761 $ 14,588 $ (637) $ (5,168) $ (171) $ 17,393(a) Trust and treasury shares are not considered to be outstanding for financial reporting purposes. As of March 31, 2001, there were approximately 36 shares held in trust and 111 shares held in treasury. 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 In this report, BellSouth Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to as "we" or "BellSouth". The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. In our opinion, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods shown. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. Revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities can vary during each quarter of the year. Therefore, the results and trends in these interim financial statements may not be the same as those for the full year. For a more complete discussion of our significant accounting policies and other information, you should read this report in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our latest annual report on Form 10-K. Certain amounts within the prior year's information have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Note B - New Accounting Pronouncements Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" requires that entities recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair values of those derivatives are to be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. We adopted SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001. The impact of implementation was not material. As of March 31, 2001, we have several interest rate swap hedges designated as cash flow hedges, which effectively hedge variable interest rates on short-term borrowings. The fair value of these swaps was $(32) at March 31, 2001 and $(21) was charged to other comprehensive income. In addition, we also have an interest rate swap on long-term borrowings designated as a fair value swap, which did not qualify for hedge accounting. The fair value of this hedge at March 31, 2001 was not material. Note C - Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus net incremental shares arising out of employee stock options and benefit plans. The following is a reconciliation of the weighted-average share amounts (in millions) used in calculating earnings per share: For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 2001 ---- ---- Basic common shares outstanding .... 1,881 1,873 Incremental shares from stock options 17 13 ----- ----- Diluted common shares outstanding ... 1,898 1,886 ===== ===== The earnings amounts used for per-share calculations are the same for both the basic and diluted methods. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note D - Workforce reduction In February 2000, we announced that we would reduce our domestic general and administrative staff by approximately 2,100 positions. These reductions are the result of the streamlining of work processes in conjunction with our shift to a more simplified management structure. As a result of these reductions, we recorded a one-time charge of $78, or $48 after tax, for severance and post-employment health benefits. As of March 31, 2001 we have substantially completed this restructuring. Note E - Sale of Qwest Shares In January 2001, we sold approximately 22.2 million shares of Qwest Communications common stock to Qwest for $1.0 billion in cash, or $45 per share. Subsequent to this transaction, we own 51.8 million shares of Qwest common stock representing approximately 3.1% of the outstanding shares of Qwest. In addition, we entered an agreement to purchase $250 of services and products from Qwest over a five-year period, with payment being made in shares of Qwest stock we currently own. Accordingly, these shares are considered restricted and are no longer classified as available-for-sale. Minimum payments under the agreement are required to be made annually. The stock prices used to compute the number of shares for such payments is fixed per the agreement. All such prices are above our original cost basis. Note F - Restructuring of Wireless Video Entertainment Business In December 2000, we announced that we would restructure our video entertainment service and concentrate our entertainment business on our fiber optic-based wireline video operations. This move was made to better align our resources with our strategic priorities in broadband services. We recorded charges of approximately $498, or $323 net of tax, related to this restructuring in the fourth quarter of 2000. These charges consisted of approximately $289 for asset writeoffs and writedowns and $209 for contract termination penalties, migration of customers to alternative service providers and for severance and related benefit expenses. As of March 31, 2001, we have charged $132 against the $209 accrued, leaving the accrual at $77 as of that date. We expect to complete the plan by the end of 2001. Operating revenues generated by this business were $14 in first quarter 2000 and $13 in first quarter 2001, while operating losses were $24 in first quarter 2000 and $8 in first quarter 2001. Note G - Curtailment charge In first quarter 2001, we recognized a curtailment loss of $72 in accordance with provisions of FAS 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension. The loss resulted from accelerated recognition of prior service cost in excess of the decrease in our postretirement benefit obligation for the wireless employees that will be covered under Cingular's postretirement benefit plans. Note H - Contribution of AB Cellular to Cingular In December 2000 we exercised our option to redeem AT&T's 55.6% partnership interest in AB Cellular through the distribution of our Los Angeles Cellular operations. This redemption resulted in our ownership of the remaining AB Cellular investment, including 100% of the Houston cellular operations, 87.35% of the Galveston cellular operations, and approximately $1.1 billion of cash. In January 2001, we received FCC approval to transfer these properties and the cash to Cingular, as contemplated by the October 2, 2000 Cingular contribution and formation agreement. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note I - Segment Information Effective first quarter 2001, we have recast our segments to align with our current management reporting structure. The prior period segment information shown has been restated to conform with this new structure. We have four reportable operating segments: (1) Communications group; (2) Domestic wireless; (3) Latin America; and (4) Domestic advertising and publishing. We have included the operations of all other businesses falling below the reporting threshold in the "All other" segment. The "Reconciling items" shown below include Corporate Headquarters and capital funding activities, the reversal of our proportionate share of Cingular's reported results, intercompany eliminations and other special items that may arise. Special items are transactions or events that are included in reported consolidated results but are excluded from segment results due to their nonrecurring or nonoperational nature. During fourth quarter 2000, we contributed our domestic wireless operations to Cingular, and we account for our investment in Cingular under the equity method. For management purposes, however, we evaluate our domestic wireless segment based on our proportionate share of Cingular's results. Accordingly, the operating revenues and expenses reported for our domestic wireless segment for first quarter 2001 reflect 40% of Cingular's total revenues and expenses, whereas first quarter 2000 reflects the historical results of our wireless businesses that have been contributed to Cingular. The following table provides information for each operating segment: BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note I - Segment Information (Continued) First Quarter % --------------------------------------------------------- 2000 2001 Change --------------------------------------------------------- Communications group --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ 4,491 $ 4,652 3.6 Intersegment revenues 87 34 (60.9) Total revenues $ 4,578 $ 4,686 2.4 Operating income $ 1,503 $ 1,510 0.5 Segment net income $ 832 $ 855 2.8 --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Domestic wireless --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ 944 $ 1,310 38.8 Intersegment revenues 6 - N/M* Total revenues $ 950 $ 1,310 37.9 Operating income $ 57 $ 205 259.6 Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates $ 32 $ - (100.0) Segment net income $ 41 $ 88 114.6 --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Latin America --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ 678 $ 773 14.0 Intersegment revenues 17 9 (47.1) Total revenues $ 695 $ 782 12.5 Operating income $ (12) $ (2) 83.3 Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates $ (6) $ (42) N/M Segment net income (loss) $ (20) $(106) N/M --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Domestic advertising and publishing --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ 349 $ 434 24.4 Intersegment revenues 4 3 (25.0) Total revenues $ 353 $ 437 23.8 Operating income $ 155 $ 226 45.8 Segment net income $ 94 $ 137 45.7 --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- All other --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ 23 $ 28 21.7 Intersegment revenues 2 5 N/M Total revenues $ 25 $ 33 32.0 Operating income $ 2 $ 6 N/M Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates $ 23 $ (20) N/M Segment net income $ 21 $ (17) N/M --------------------------------------------------------- * Not Meaningful BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note I - Segment Information (Continued) First Quarter % 2000 2001 Change --------------------------------------------------------- Reconciling items --------------------------------------------------------- External revenues $ (45) $(1,278) N/M Intersegment revenues (116) (51) 56.0 Total revenues $(161) $(1,329) N/M Operating loss $ (82) $ (344) N/M Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates $ 82 $ 146 N/M Segment net income (loss)$ 33 $ (66) N/M --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Information --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Operating Revenues --------------------------------------------------------- Communications group $ 4,578 $4,686 2.4 Domestic wireless 950 1,310 37.9 Latin America 695 782 12.5 Domestic advertising and publishing 353 437 23.8 All other 25 33 32.0 Total segments $ 6,601 $7,248 9.8 Reconciling items $(161) $(1,329) N/M Total consolidated $ 6,440 $5,919 (8.1) --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Net Income --------------------------------------------------------- Communications group $ 832 $ 855 2.8 Domestic wireless 41 88 114.6 Latin America (20) (106) N/M Domestic advertising and publishing 94 137 45.7 All other 21 (17) N/M Total segments $ 968 $ 957 (1.1) Reconciling items $ 33 $ (66) N/M Total consolidated $ 1,001 $ 891 (11.0) --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note J - Marketable Securities We have investments in marketable securities, primarily common stocks, which are accounted for under the cost method. These investments are comprised primarily of an approximate 3.1% equity interest in Qwest and are classified as available-for-sale under SFAS 115. Under SFAS 115, available-for-sale securities are required to be carried at their fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our statement of changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income. The fair values of our investments in marketable securities are determined based on market quotations. The tables below show certain summarized information related to our investments which are adjusted to their fair value at March 31: Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized 2000 Cost gains losses Fair Value ------ ----- ------ ---------- Investment in Qwest .... $3,500 $ 55 $ -- $ 3,555 Other investments ...... 208 212 -- 420 ------ ----- ------ ---------- Total .............. $3,708 $ 267 $ -- $ 3,975 ====== ===== ====== ========== Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized 2001 Cost gains losses Fair Value ------ ----- ------ ---------- Investment in Qwest .... $2,197 $-- $ 567 $ 1,630 Other investments ...... 480 18 94 404 ------ ----- ------ ---------- Total .............. $2,677 $ 18 $ 661 $ 2,034 ====== ===== ====== ========== Note K - Summary Financial Information for Equity Investees The following table displays the summary combined financial information of our equity method businesses. These amounts are shown on a 100-percent basis. For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 2001 Revenues .......................................... $1,499 $4,411 ====== ====== Operating income ................................... $ 111 $ 471 ====== ===== Net income ......................................... $ 38 $ 118 ====== ===== Note L- Debt Issuance In February 2000 we issued $2 billion of long-term debt, consisting of $1 billion of Ten-year, 7 3/4% Notes and $1 billion of Thirty-year, 7 7/8% Debentures. We received total proceeds of $1,974, which were used to retire commercial paper. In April 2001 we issued additional debt - see note P. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note M - Contingencies Litigation Matters Reciprocal compensation Following the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, our telephone company subsidiary, BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (BST), and various competitive local exchange carriers 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 competitive local carriers have claimed entitlement from BST for compensation associated with dial-up calls originating on BST's network and connecting with Internet service providers served by the competitive local carriers' networks. BST has maintained that dial-up calls to Internet service providers are not local calls for which terminating compensation is due under the interconnection agreements; however, the courts and state regulatory commissions in BST's operating territory that have considered the matter have, in most cases, ruled that BST is responsible for paying reciprocal compensation on these calls. At March 31, 2001, the exposure related to unrecorded amounts withheld from competitive local carriers was approximately $350, including accrued interest. We have commenced discussions with several competitive local carriers concerning settlement of some claims, and agreements have been reached in certain circumstances. On April 27, 2001, the FCC released an Order on Remand and Report and Order addressing the issue of compensation for ISP traffic. In its Order, the FCC acknowledged that dial-up calls to Internet service providers are not local calls, but instead are "information access" traffic exempt from the reciprocal compensation provisions of the 1996 Act. The FCC has implemented a three-year interim period during which local carriers will pay inter-carrier compensation for such calls in decreasing increments. After the three-year interim period, the new rules on inter-carrier compensation to be adopted in connection with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking referred to above are expected to be in effect. If no rules have been adopted by that time, the inter-carrier compensation in effect at the end of the third year would remain in effect. Other reciprocal compensation issues In a related matter, a competitive local carrier has claimed terminating compensation of approximately $165 for service arrangements that we did not believe involved "traffic" under our interconnection agreements. We filed a complaint with the state regulatory commission asking that agency to declare that we did not owe reciprocal compensation for these arrangements. In March 2000, the state commission ruled in our favor finding that compensation was not owed to the competitive local carrier. This matter is currently on appeal. Compliance Matters Foreign Corrupt Practices Act In July 2000, the SEC began a formal investigation of whether we and others may have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The SEC has subpoenaed documents relating to the activities of our foreign subsidiaries, and we have produced responsive documents. Prior to the commencement of the SEC's formal investigation, we had engaged outside counsel to investigate an FCPA matter relating to the activities of one of our foreign subsidiaries in Latin America, and outside counsel concluded that those activities did not violate the Act. Thereafter and independent of these developments, our internal auditors, in the ordinary course of conducting compliance reviews, identified issues concerning accounting entries made by another of our Latin American subsidiaries. We have informed the SEC as to this matter, and the SEC has expanded its investigation to encompass it. Our internal investigation of the FCPA compliance of our foreign subsidiaries is continuing. We are cooperating with the SEC in its investigation, but we cannot predict the duration or the outcome of the SEC's investigation or whether the scope of the investigation will be expanded beyond the matters currently identified. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note M - Contingencies (continued) Regulatory matters Beginning in 1996, we operated under a price regulation plan approved by the South Carolina Public Service Commission under existing state laws. In April 1999, however, the South Carolina Supreme Court invalidated this price regulation plan. In July 1999, we elected to be regulated under a new state statute, adopted subsequent to the Commission's approval of the earlier plan. The new statute allows telephone companies in South Carolina to operate under price regulation without obtaining approval from the Commission. The election became effective during August 1999. The South Carolina Consumer Advocate petitioned the Commission seeking review of the level of our earnings during the 1996-1998 period when we operated under the subsequently invalidated price regulation plan. The Commission voted to dismiss the petition in November 1999 and issued orders confirming the vote in February and June of 2000. In July 2000, the Consumer Advocate appealed the Commission's dismissal of the petition. CWA Agreement Our collective bargaining agreements with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) are scheduled to expire on August 4, 2001. Negotiations with the CWA over the terms of new agreements are expected to begin in early June 2001. The outcome of these negotiations cannot be determined at this time. Other Claims We are subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business involving allegations of personal injury, breach of contract, anti-competitive conduct, employment law issues, regulatory matters and other actions. BST is also subject to claims attributable to pre-divestiture events involving environmental liabilities, rates, taxes, contracts and torts. Certain contingent liabilities for pre-divestiture events are shared with AT&T Corp. While complete assurance cannot be given as to the outcome of any legal claims, we believe that any financial impact would not be material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Note N - Tracking Stock In December 2000, our shareholders approved amendments to our charter that will permit us to issue our common stock in series, and our Board of Directors intends to initially designate two series: Latin America group stock, intended to reflect the separate performance of our Latin American businesses, and BLS group stock, intended to reflect the separate performance of all of our other businesses. We plan a public offering of shares of Latin America group stock to finance our expansion in Latin America. At the time of a public offering, a number of shares of Latin America group stock will be reserved for the BLS group or for issuance to the holders of BLS group stock. We expect that we would distribute, as a dividend to the holders of BLS group stock, the reserved shares of Latin America group stock within six to 12 months following the public offering. Our plans to create, issue and distribute Latin America group stock are subject to a number of conditions, including market conditions and other factors. The implementation and timing of these transactions are uncertain. Note O - Subsidiary Financial Information We have fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the outstanding debt securities of BST that are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. BST is a 100% owned subsidiary of BellSouth. In accordance with SEC rules, BST is no longer subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and we are providing the following condensed consolidating financial information. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note O - Subsidiary Financial Information (Continued) BST is listed separately because it has debt securities, registered with the SEC, that we have guaranteed. All other operating subsidiaries that do not have registered securities guaranteed by us are presented in the Other column. The Parent column is comprised of headquarters entities which provide, among other services, executive management, administrative support and financial management to operating subsidiaries. The Adjustments column includes the necessary amounts to eliminate the intercompany balances and transactions between BST, Other and Parent to reconcile to our consolidated financial information. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2000 BST Other Parent Adjustments Total Total operating revenues $ 4,467 $ 2,213 $ 380 $ (620) $ 6,440 Total operating expenses 3,159 2,110 184 (636) 4,817 Operating income 1,308 103 196 16 1,623 Interest expense 161 64 175 (94) 306 Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 4 117 1,245 (1,235) 131 Other income, net 2 13 182 (114) 83 Income before income taxes 1,153 169 1,448 (1,239) 1,531 Provision for income taxes 436 31 59 4 530 Net income $ 717 $ 138 $ 1,389 $ (1,243) $ 1,001 For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2001 BST Other Parent Adjustments Total Total operating revenues $ 4,575 $ 1,576 $ 544 $ (776) $ 5,919 Total operating expenses 3,216 1,402 480 (780) 4,318 Operating income 1,359 174 64 4 1,601 Interest expense 167 89 188 (84) 360 Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 4 77 1,156 (1,153) 84 Other income, net 8 63 100 (89) 82 Income before income taxes 1,204 225 1,132 (1,154) 1,407 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 439 138 (62) 1 516 Net income $ 765 $ 87 $ 1,194 $ (1,155) $ 891 BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note O - Subsidiary Financial Information (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2000 Adjust- BST Other Parent ments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62 $ 999 $ - $ - $ 1,061 Accounts receivable, net 3,195 2,162 5,522 (5,722) 5,157 Other current assets 271 837 184 (104) 1,188 Total current assets 3,528 3,998 5,706 (5,826) 7,406 Investments and advances 322 7,505 10,592 (7,409) 11,010 Property, plant and equipment, net 21,277 2,518 362 - 24,157 Deferred charges and other assets 3,868 219 186 (93) 4,180 Intangible assets, net 692 3,291 189 - 4,172 Total assets $29,687 $ 17,531 $ 17,035 $ (13,328) $50,925 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Debt maturing within one year $ 1,830 $ 1,724 $ 8,791 $ (4,776) $ 7,569 Other current liabilities 3,514 4,054 1,105 (2,972) 5,701 Total current liablities 5,344 5,778 9,896 (7,748) 13,270 Long-term debt 7,641 1,594 8,139 (4,911) 12,463 Noncurrent liabilities: Deferred income taxes 2,306 1,271 3 - 3,580 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,209 1,316 321 (146) 4,700 Total noncurrent liabilities 5,515 2,587 324 (146) 8,280 Shareholders' equity: 11,187 7,572 (1,324) (523) 16,912 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $29,687 $ 17,531 $ 17,035 $ (13,328) $50,925 BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note O - Subsidiary Financial Information (Continued) March 31, 2001 Adjust- BST Other Parent ments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 83 $ 453 $ 127 $ 49 $ 712 Accounts receivable, net 3,100 2,150 3,169 (3,390) 5,029 Other current assets 517 948 345 (236) 1,574 Total current assets 3,700 3,551 3,641 (3,577) 7,315 Investments and advances 310 5,606 7,197 (3,144) 9,969 Property, plant and equipment, net 21,620 2,556 428 - 24,604 Deferred charges and other assets 4,159 218 342 (274) 4,445 Intangible assets, net 822 3,269 155 34 4,280 Total assets $ 30,611 $ 15,200 $ 11,763 $ (6,961) $ 50,613 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Debt maturing within one year $ 2,213 $ 778 $ 6,070 $ (2,811) $ 6,250 Other current liabilities 3,629 1,758 954 (755) 5,586 Total current liablities 5,842 2,536 7,024 (3,566) 11,836 Long-term debt 7,642 2,277 5,743 (2,587) 13,075 Noncurrent liabilities: Deferred income taxes 2,398 1,287 - (169) 3,516 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,270 1,332 353 (162) 4,793 Total noncurrent liabilities 5,668 2,619 353 (331) 8,309 Shareholders' equity: 11,459 7,768 (1,357) (477) 17,393 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $30,611 $15,200 $ 11,763 $ (6,961) $ 50,613 BELLSOUTH CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Note O - Subsidiary Financial Information (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING CASH FLOW STATEMENTS For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BST Other Parent Adjustments Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities $1,975 $285 $ 192 $(102) $2,350 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities (1,154) (349) 448 (501) (1,556) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities (625) 79 (984) 603 (927) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash $ 196 $ 15 $(344) $ - $ (133) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2001 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BST Other Parent Adjustments Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities $1,560 $ 24 $42 $ (22) $1,604 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities (1,410) (191) (1,438) 2,099 (940) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities (129) 1 1,192 (2,077) (1,013) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash $ 21 $ (166) $(204) $ - $ (349) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note P - Subsequent events In April 2001, we privately sold $1 billion of 20-year annual put reset securities. The notes will bear interest at 4.287 percent until April 2002, at which time the interest rate will be reset if certain investment banks holding call options exercise their options and remarket the notes. If the banks do not exercise their call options on that date, we will be required to redeem the notes at par. The proceeds will be used to pay down short-term borrowings. BELLSOUTH CORPORATION MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) For a more complete understanding of our industry, the drivers of our business and our current period results, you should read the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in conjunction with our latest annual report on Form 10-K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Consolidated Results of Operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Key financial and operating data for first quarter 2000 and 2001 are as follows. All references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis: First Quarter % 2000 2001 Change --------- ----------- ----------- Results of operations: ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Operating revenues $6,440 $5,919 (8.1) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Operating expenses 4,817 4,318 (10.4) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Operating income 1,623 1,601 (1.4) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Interest expense 306 360 17.6 ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 131 84 (35.9) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Other income, net 83 82 (1.2) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Provision for income taxes 530 516 (2.6) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Net income $1,001 $ 891 (11.0) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- As Reported: Net income $1,001 $ 891 (11.0) Earnings per share $ 0.53 $0.47 (11.3) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Normalized: Net income $ 981 $ 975 (0.6) Earnings per share $ 0.52 $0.52 -- ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Cash flow data: ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Cash provided by operating activities $2,350 $1,604 (31.7) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Cash used for investing activities $(1,556) $(940) 39.6 ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Cash used for financing activities $ (927) $(1,013) (9.3) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Other: ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Effective tax rate 34.6% 36.7% +210bps ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- Average debt balances: Short-term debt $6,817 $ 6,523 (4.3) Long-term debt $9,909 $12,963 30.8 Total average debt balance $16,726 $19,486 16.5 ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- EBITDA(1) $ 2,919 $2,758 (5.5) ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- EBITDA margin(2) 45.3% 46.6% +130bps ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- (1) EBITDA represents income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, severance accrual, net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates and other income, net. We present EBITDA because it is a widely accepted financial indicator used by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance and because we believe that EBITDA is an additional meaningful measure of performance and liquidity. EBITDA does not represent cash flows for the period, nor is it an alternative to operating income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance. You should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The items excluded from the calculation of EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing our financial performance. Our computation of EBITDA may not be comparable to the computation of similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary uses. (2) EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by operating revenues. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Overview of consolidated results of operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On a comparative basis, our results reflect the effects of the contribution of our former domestic wireless operations to Cingular in fourth quarter 2000, and our acquisition of operations in Colombia in July 2000. Normalized results for first quarter 2000 exclude the impacts of: o Income related to the restructuring of our ownership interest in the German wireless operator, E-Plus, which increased net income by $68, or $0.04 per share. o Expense recorded as a result of our previously announced plan to reduce our domestic general and administrative staff, which reduced net income by $48, or $0.03 per share. Normalized results for first quarter 2001 exclude the impacts of: o Loss recorded as a result of selling 22.2 million shares of Qwest common stock. We received total proceeds of $1,000 and recognized a loss of $50, or $32 after tax, or $0.02 per share. o Expense recorded for changes in post retirement medical benefit obligations, which reduced net income by $47, or $0.02 per share. o Losses incurred as we exit our wireless video entertainment business, which reduced net income by $5. Events Affecting Comparability Formation of Cingular Wireless In October 2000, we contributed our domestic wireless voice and data operations to a joint venture with SBC Communications and formed Cingular Wireless (Cingular). We own an approximate 40% stake in Cingular, and share joint control with SBC. Accordingly, we account for our share of Cingular's results using the equity method. Prior to October 2000, we consolidated the revenues and expenses of these operations. As a result of this change, our first quarter 2000 results include the revenues and expenses attributable to our former domestic wireless operations and our first quarter 2001 results include equity in earnings attributable to Cingular. Operating Revenues Our reported operating revenues decreased $521 in first quarter 2001 compared to first quarter 2000. These changes reflect: o A decrease of $867 from our domestic wireless operations due to the contribution of our domestic wireless operations to Cingular, as explained above. o Increases in our communications group of $152 driven by strong growth in digital and data revenues, wholesale revenues, and by the company's marketing of calling features. These increases were offset by declines in basic service revenues, reflecting competition and a slowing economy. Also impacting revenues was the decline in our public payphone business. o Higher revenues from our Latin America group of $95, or 14%, driven by the acquisition of Colombia in June 2000, as well as expansion in existing markets. We added approximately 2.7 million customers quarter over quarter, with 1.1 million of those coming from the acquisition and subsequent expansion of Colombia. Partially offsetting the impacts of customer growth is declining monthly revenue per customer resulting from increased penetration of cellular service into the mass-consumer market and exchange rate declines in some countries. o Higher revenues from our domestic advertising and publishing group of $85, or 24.4%, driven by timing of book publications. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses decreased $499 in first quarter 2001 compared to first quarter 2000. Operating expenses for first quarter 2000 include a $78 severance accrual related to a plan to reduce our domestic general and administrative staff. Operating expenses for first quarter 2001 were impacted by expense for postretirement medical benefits which increased expenses by $72. The remaining decrease of $493 reflects: o A decrease of $432 in operational and support expenses. Included in this change was a $649 decrease attributable to the domestic wireless operations which were contributed to Cingular. Offsetting this decrease were expenses in the Latin America group due primarily to the addition of the Colombian wireless properties and expenses in the communications group driven by our accelerated DSL growth initiative and customer service initiatives. o A decrease of $61 in depreciation and amortization due primarily to $167 of expense recorded by our former domestic wireless operations in 2000. The decrease was offset by increases at the communications group and Latin America group due to additions of property, plant, equipment and software to support expansion of our domestic wireline communications and Latin American wireless networks and amortization of intangibles relating to our acquisition of Colombia. Interest Expense Interest expense increased 17.6% in first quarter 2001 as compared to first quarter 2000. Higher interest expense is attributed to higher average debt balances driven by debt related to Colombia, and the buyout of our partners in our Carolina PCS operations. Net Earnings (Losses) of Equity Affiliates Earnings from our unconsolidated businesses decreased $47. The first quarter 2000 period results include $68 in income related to the restructuring of our ownership interest in our German wireless operations. First quarter 2001 included $143 in income related to our equity investment in Cingular. These results are addressed in the discussions for the domestic wireless, Latin America group and all other segments. Other Income, net Other income, net includes interest income, gains/losses on disposition of assets, foreign currency gains/losses and miscellaneous nonoperating income. Other income, net remained relatively flat quarter over quarter. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes decreased $14. Our effective tax rate increased from 34.6% in first quarter 2000 to 36.7% in first quarter 2001. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the one-time gain related to the restructuring of E-Plus in first quarter 2000. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Results by Segment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Effective first quarter 2001, we have recast our segments to align with our current management reporting structure. The prior period segment information shown has been restated to conform with this new structure. We have four reportable operating segments: (1) Communications group; (2) Domestic wireless; (3) Latin America; and (4) Domestic advertising and publishing. We have included the operations of all other businesses falling below the reporting threshold in the "All other" segment. We evaluate the performance of each business unit based on net income, exclusive of charges for use of intellectual property and adjustments for special items that may arise. Special items are transactions or events that are included in reported consolidated results but are excluded from segment results due to their nonrecurring or nonoperational nature. The following discussion highlights our performance in the context of these segments. For a more complete understanding of our industry, the drivers of our business, and our current period results, you should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Communications Group ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The communications group includes our core domestic businesses including: All domestic wireline voice, data, broadband, e-commerce, long distance, Internet services and advanced voice features. The group provides these services to an array of customers, including residential, business and wholesale. First Quarter % --------------------- 2000 2001 Change -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Results of Operations Operating revenues: Local service $2,828 $2,910 2.9 Network access 1,232 1,237 0.4 Long distance 170 171 0.6 Other communications 348 368 5.7 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Total operating revenues 4,578 4,686 2.4 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Operating expenses: Operational and support expenses 2,164 2,200 1.7 Depreciation and amortization 911 976 7.1 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Total Operating expenses 3,075 3,176 3.3 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Operating income 1,503 1,510 0.5 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Segment net income $ 832 $ 855 2.8 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Key Indicators -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Access line counts (000's): -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Access lines: -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Residential 17,278 17,192 (0.5) -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Business 8,319 8,464 1.7 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Other 263 242 (8.0) -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Total access lines 25,860 25,898 0.1 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Access line equivalents (1) 19,725 31,252 58.4 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Total equivalent access lines 45,585 57,150 25.4 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Resold lines and unbundled network elements (000's) 930 1,408 51.4 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Access minutes of use (millions) 28,716 27,942 (2.7) -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ IntraLATA toll messages (millions) 136 108 (20.6) -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Internet customers (000's) 753 1,047 39.0 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ ADSL customers (000's) 49 303 518.4 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Digital and data services revenues $776 $1,005 29.5 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ Calling feature revenues $515 $567 10.1 -------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------ (1) 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 data 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, growth rates cannot be compared on an equivalent basis. Operating Revenues Local service The increase in local service revenues of $82 is attributable to strong growth in digital and data revenues, wholesale revenues, and by our marketing of calling features. Those increases were offset by a decrease in basic service revenues reflecting competition, rate reductions and a slowing economy as well as reduced payphone interconnect revenues at our telephone operations. Residential access lines declined 0.5% to 17,192, while business access lines increased 1.7% to 8,464. The core business was effected by a slowing economy, as well as competitive and technological changes. The technological changes are manifested in the shifting of customers from wireline to wireless and second line customers to high-speed access service. Due to expanding demand for our digital and data services, we ended the first quarter with over 57 million total equivalent access lines, an increase of 25.4% since March 31, 2000. Revenues from optional calling features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Return and voicemail service increased $52, or 10.1%, quarter-over-quarter. These increases were driven by growth in calling feature usage through our Complete Choice(R) Package, a one-price bundled offering of over 20 services. Increased penetration of extended local area calling plans also increased local service revenues by approximately $26 compared to first quarter 2000. Network access Network access revenues remained relatively flat in the first quarter of 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period, increasing $5, or 0.4%. Revenues from dedicated high-capacity data line offerings grew approximately $122 quarter-over-quarter as Internet service providers and high-capacity users increased their use of our network. The increase was substantially offset by a $98 decline in revenues derived from switched access services resulting from a decrease in access minute-of-use volumes and the impacts of access charge rate reductions. Access minutes of use fell 2.7% to 27,942 million in first quarter 2001 from 28,716 million in first quarter 2000. This decrease resulted from: Continued migration of minutes to dedicated digital and data services offerings which are fixed-charge based rather than minute-of-use based; competition from competitive local exchange carriers whose traffic completely bypasses our network; and the effect of competitive services such as wireless and Internet e-mail. First quarter 2000 minute-of-use volumes were also positively impacted by the additional day of activity resulting from the leap year. Access charge rate reductions negatively impacted these revenues $26 compared to first quarter 2000. These rate reductions are primarily related to the FCC's access reform and productivity factor adjustments. The reductions were partially offset by recoveries of local number portability costs. Long distance Long distance revenue for first quarter 2001 remained flat when compared to first quarter 2000. Growth in revenues from data services, wireless long distance and resale of long distance services outside of our wireline region was offset by declines in IntraLATA toll revenues. The decrease in toll revenue is attributable to a 20.6% decline in toll message volumes resulting from shifts to extended local calling area plans and from market share loss to other long distance carriers. Other communications Other communications revenue increased 5.7%, driven by growth in wireless interconnection revenues and offset by a reduction in payphone revenues, as we begin a transition out of this business that will be completed by December 2002. Operating Expenses Operational and support expenses Operational and support expenses increased $36, or 1.7%, quarter over quarter. Included in this change were expenses totaling $204 which were primarily attributable to labor costs to support data and customer service initiatives. These increases were substantially offset by reductions in reciprocal compensation expense and income generated as favorable pension plan returns exceeded expenses from other employee benefits. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense increased $65, or 7.1%, for first quarter 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period. The increases are primarily attributable to amortization of capitalized software and depreciation resulting from higher levels of net property, plant and equipment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic Wireless ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- During fourth quarter 2000, we contributed our domestic wireless operations to Cingular, and we account for our investment in Cingular under the equity method. For management purposes, however, we evaluate our domestic wireless segment based on our proportionate share of Cingular's results. Accordingly, the operating revenues and expenses reported for our domestic wireless segment for first quarter 2001 reflect 40% of Cingular's total revenues and expenses, whereas first quarter 2000 reflects the historical results of our wireless businesses that have been contributed to Cingular. Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made, where appropriate, to reflect comparable operating results. First Quarter % ----------------------- 2000 2001 Change ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Total operating revenues $ 950 $1,310 37.9 ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating expenses: Operational and support expenses 726 925 27.4 Depreciation and amortization 167 180 7.8 Total operating expenses 893 1,105 23.7 ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating income 57 205 259.6 Segment net income $41 $88 114.6 ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Customers (a) 5,499 8,477 54.2 ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Average monthly revenue per customer (a) $59 $50 (15.3) ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ (a)For first quarter 2000, the amounts shown are for our consolidated properties and do not include customer data for our unconsolidated properties. Customer data for the first quarter 2001 is comprised of BellSouth's 40% share of the managed results of Cingular Wireless. Operating Revenues Total operating revenues grew $360, or 37.9%, for first quarter 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period. This growth is attributable to higher airtime, access and equipment sales revenues driven by the higher customer base created by the formation of Cingular. Cingular's revenues increased 14.6% from proforma first quarter 2000 results, driven by an 18.7% increase in cellular and PCS customer levels. We expect competition to continue to intensify and pressure pricing in our markets. We believe this will further stimulate customer growth and demand and continue to increase usage as the overall market is expanded. Operating Expenses Operational and support expenses Operational and support expenses increased $199, or 27.4%, during first quarter 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period. This increase was also attributable to the change in operations between periods. Cingular's expenses increased 19.5% over proforma first quarter 2000 results, impacted by higher levels of gross subscriber additions, higher cash expenses for marketing and advertising related to Cingular's national branding campaign, and merger and integration related expenses. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization increased $13, or 7.8%, to $180 during first quarter 2001 compared to the same 2000 period due primarily to higher levels of property, plant and equipment as a result of the formation of Cingular. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Latin America Group ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Latin America group is comprised principally of our investments in wireless businesses in eleven countries in Latin America. Consolidated operations include our businesses in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela. All other businesses are accounted for under the equity method, and accordingly their results are reported as Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates. First Quarter % ----------------------- 2000 2001 Change ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Total operating revenues $695 $782 12.5 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating expenses: Operational and support expenses 581 630 8.4 Depreciation and amortization 126 154 22.2 Total operating expenses 707 784 10.9 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating income (12) (2) 83.3 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates (6) (42) N/M* ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Segment net income (loss) $(20) $(106) N/M ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Customers (a) 5,096 7,784 52.7 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Average monthly revenue per customer (a) $40 $28 (30.0) ----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ * Not Meaningful (a) The amounts shown are for our consolidated properties and do not include customer data for our unconsolidated properties. Operating Revenues The increase of $87 quarter-over-quarter is primarily due to substantial growth in the customer bases of our consolidated operations, which collectively have increased 52.7% since March 31, 2000. Our Colombia operation was the primary driver of both customer and revenue growth. Revenues were impacted by a delay in publication of directories by Listel, one of our advertising and publishing subsidiaries in Brazil. Also partially offsetting the impacts of customer growth is declining monthly revenue per customer resulting from increased penetration of cellular service into the mass-consumer market and exchange rate declines in some countries. A stronger U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies has had a negative impact on reported revenues. Absent changes in foreign currency exchange rates, reported revenues would have increased an additional $36 for the quarter. Operating Expenses Operational and support expenses For the 2001 period, these expenses increased $49 compared to first quarter 2000. These increases are primarily the result of expenses from our new Colombian wireless operations. Offsetting these increases are declines in operational and customer acquisition costs due to lower gross customer additions compared to prior year. Since March 31, 2000, our existing operations have added approximately 1.6 million customers, and we also added another 1.1 million customers with the acquisition and growth of Colombia. Operational and support expenses denominated in local currencies were favorably impacted by the weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar. Absent changes in foreign currency exchange rates, reported operational and support expenses would have increased an additional $23 for the quarter. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation expense remained relatively flat, increasing $5 quarter-over-quarter primarily due to higher gross depreciable plant resulting from the continued investment in our wireless network infrastructure, offset by lower depreciation at Venezuela due to a change in useful lives effective first quarter 2001. Amortization expense increased $23 quarter-over-quarter as a result of growth in intangibles related to our purchase of Colombia. Net Earnings (Losses) of Equity Affiliates Net earnings (losses) from our international equity affiliates decreased $36 to $(42) in first quarter 2001. The decline in earnings from our unconsolidated international businesses is due to lower operating results from our two principal investments in Brazil. Both of these businesses experienced significant foreign exchange losses as a result of the weakening of the Brazilian Real against the U.S. Dollar. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic Advertising and Publishing ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Domestic advertising and publishing segment is comprised of companies in the U.S. that publish, print, sell advertising in and perform related services concerning alphabetical and classified telephone directories and electronic product offerings. ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ------------ First Quarter % 2000 2001 Change ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Total operating revenues $353 $437 23.8 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating expenses: Operational and support expenses 191 204 6.8 Depreciation and amortization 7 7 -- Total operating expenses 198 211 6.6 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating income 155 226 45.8 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Segment net income $94 $137 45.7 ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating Results Revenues increased $84 for first quarter 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period. These increases were driven by timing of book publications as well as volume growth. Adjusted for these book shifts, external revenues for this segment would have increased by approximately 4.0% for the quarter. Operational and support expenses increased $13 for first quarter 2001 when compared to the same 2000 period. Depreciation and amortization remained flat between periods. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ All Other ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ First Quarter % ----------------------- 2000 2001 Change ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Total operating revenues $25 $33 32.0 ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating expenses 23 27 17.4 ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating income 2 6 N/M ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Net earnings (losses) of equity affiliates 23 (20) N/M ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Segment net income (loss) $21 $(17) N/M ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ Operating Results Revenues remained relatively flat, increasing $8 for first quarter 2001 compared to first quarter 2000. Expenses also remained relatively flat quarter over quarter with operating expenses increasing $4. Net earnings (losses) from equity affiliates decreased $43 quarter over quarter due to higher losses from our equity affiliates in Germany. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Condition ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operations are our primary source of funding for capital requirements of existing operations, debt service and dividends. We also have ready access to capital markets in the event additional funding is necessary. While current liabilities exceed current assets, our 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. We believe that these sources of funds will be sufficient to meet the needs of our business for the foreseeable future. Net cash provided by (used for): ----------------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------------------- 2000 2001 Change ---------- --------- ---------------------- Operating activities............... $ 2,350 $ 1,604 $ (746) (31.7)% Investing activities............... $ (1,556) $ (940) $ 616 39.6% Financing activities............... $ (927) $ (1,013) $ (86) (9.3)% ----------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities The decrease in cash from operations between 2000 and 2001 primarily reflects working capital expenditures to support our strategic initiatives on data and Latin American wireless. We also paid $200 related to a contract termination and $115 related to exiting the wireless entertainment business. First quarter 2000 included operating cash flow of approximately $120 from our former domestic wireless operations which were contributed to Cingular. Net cash used in investing activities During the first three months of 2001, we invested $1.7 billion for capital expenditures to support our wireline and wireless networks, to promote the introduction of new products and services and increase operating efficiency and productivity. Significant investments are also being made to support deployment of high-speed Internet access and optical fiber-based broadband services. Included in these expenditures is approximately $207 in costs related to the purchase and development of internal-use software. Also, during first quarter 2001 we invested approximately $100 into our wireless operations in Brazil and invested $176 in a loan participation agreement related to our Colombian operations. The first quarter 2001 investing activities also include the receipt of $1 billion from the sale of Qwest common stock. Net cash used in financing activities During first quarter 2001 we reduced our net commercial paper borrowings primarily with the proceeds from the sale of Qwest common stock shares. We also refinanced certain debt at our Colombian operations. During first quarter 2000, we issued $2 billion of long-term debt. The proceeds of $1,974 from this issuance were used to retire commercial paper borrowings. Our debt to total capitalization ratio was 52.6% at March 31, 2001 compared to 54.2% at December 31, 2000. The change is primarily a function of decreases in short-term debt driven by reductions in commercial paper. At April 30, 2001, we had shelf registration statements on file with the SEC under which $2.7 billion of debt securities could be publicly offered. In April 2001, we privately sold $1 billion of 20-year annual put reset securities. The notes will bear interest at 4.287 percent until April 2002, at which time the interest rate will be reset if certain investment banks holding call options exercise their options and remarket the notes. If the banks do no exercise their call options at that time, we will be required to redeem the notes at par. The proceeds will be used to pay down short-term borrowings. Market Risk For a complete discussion of our market risks, you should refer to the caption "Market Risk" in our 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our primary exposure to market risks relates to unfavorable movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not anticipate any significant changes in our objectives and strategies with respect to managing such exposures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Operating Environment and Trends of the Business ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Developments Our future operations and financial results will be substantially influenced by developments in a number of federal and state regulatory proceedings. Adverse results in these proceedings could materially affect our revenues, expenses and ability to compete effectively against other telecommunications carriers. Federal policies implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have strongly favored access reform, whereby the historical subsidy for local service that is contained in network access charges paid by long distance carriers is moved to end-user charges and/or universal service funds. On April 27, 2001, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that commences a broad inquiry that will begin a fundamental examination of all forms of inter-carrier compensation--payments among telecommunications carriers resulting from their interconnecting networks. In general, there are two broad classes of intercarrier compensation: (1) reciprocal compensation that applies to local calls; and (2) access charges that apply to long distance calls. The objective of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is to examine the existing rules pertaining to inter-carrier compensation and explore alternative forms of inter-carrier compensations such as bill and keep where carriers would recover all of their costs of originating and terminating traffic from their own customers. This proceeding could lead to permanent changes in the compensation that BellSouth currently receives from other carriers and its end user customers. In addition, there are other aspects of access charges and universal service fund contribution requirements that continue to be considered by the state and federal regulatory commissions that could result in greater expense levels or reduced revenues. The FCC has considerable authority to establish pricing, interconnection and other policies that had once been considered within the exclusive jurisdiction of the state public service commissions. We expect the FCC to continue policies that promote local service competition. We have petitioned the FCC for permission under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to offer full long distance services in South Carolina and Louisiana. The FCC has denied these petitions. In Georgia, outside auditors have issued a final report on their testing of our operating support systems. Proceedings before the Georgia Public Service Commission to consider this report as well as our compliance with long distance requirements are scheduled to be completed in June 2001. We expect to submit our application to the FCC to offer long distance service in Georgia shortly thereafter. The Florida Public Service Commission has also scheduled consideration of long distance issues to be completed in December. We expect to file an FCC application to offer long distance service in Florida shortly after the conclusion of this proceeding. We do not know if the FCC will require further changes in our network interconnection elements and operating systems before it will approve such petitions. These changes could result in significant additional expenses and promote local service competition. On April 27, 2001, the FCC released an Order on Remand and Report and Order addressing the issue of compensation for ISP traffic. In its Order, the FCC acknowledged that dial-up calls to Internet service providers are not local calls, but instead are "information access" traffic exempt from the reciprocal compensation provisions of the 1996 Act. The FCC has implemented a three-year interim period during which local carriers will pay inter-carrier compensation for such calls in decreasing increments. After the three-year interim period, the new rules on inter-carrier compensation to be adopted in connection with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking referred to above are expected to be in effect. If no rules have been adopted by that time, the inter-carrier compensation in effect at the end of the third year would remain in effect. Our intrastate prices are regulated under price regulation plans provided by statute or approved by state public service commissions. Some plans are subject to periodic review and may require renewal. The commissions reviewing these plans may require price reductions and other concessions from us as conditions to approving these plans. The Mississippi price regulation plan calls for a review by July 2001, at which time renewal of the plan will be considered. As a part of the renewal and review process, the Mississippi Public Service Commission could require substantial modifications to prices and other terms of the plan. In January 2001, the Georgia Public Service Commission entered an order adopting new company performance measures, which will be used as one means to assess our wholesale service quality to competitive local exchange carriers. In addition, the Commission adopted an Enforcement Plan. The Enforcement Plan consists of three tiers. Under tier 1, we will be required to pay remedial sums to individual competitive local exchange carriers if we fail to meet certain performance criteria set by the Commission. Under tier 2, we will pay additional sums directly to the State Treasury for failing to meet certain performance metrics. Under tier 3, if we fail to meet certain performance criteria, then we will suspend additional marketing and sales of long distance services allowed by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Our annual liability under the Plan will be capped at 44% of net revenues in Georgia. The decision also adopts other remedial measures for the filing of late or incomplete performance reports, and a market penetration adjustment for new and advanced services, which increases the amount of the payments where low volumes of advanced or nascent services are involved. The Enforcement Plan went into effect on March 1, 2001. In February 2001, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted to adopt new company performance measures, in addition to existing measures, which will be used as one means to assess our wholesale service quality to competitive local exchange carriers. In addition, the Commission adopted an Enforcement Plan. The Enforcement Plan consists of three tiers. Under tier 1, we will be required to pay remedial sums to individual competitive local exchange carriers if we fail to meet certain performance criteria set by the Commission. Under tier 2, we will pay additional sums directly to the State Treasury for failing to meet certain performance metrics. Under tier 3, if we fail to meet certain performance criteria, then the Louisiana Public Service Commission may initiate a proceeding to determine whether to recommend to the FCC suspension of our marketing and sales of long distance services allowed by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Our annual liability under the Plan will be capped at $59 in Louisiana. The decision also adopts other remedial measures for the filing of late or incomplete performance reports, and a market penetration adjustment for new and advanced services, which increases the amount of the payments where low volumes of advanced or nascent services are involved. The Enforcement Plan will go into effect within 45 days of issuance of a written order. In 2000, the Florida Public Service Commission commenced a proceeding to determine whether we violated certain Commission rules regarding service quality. Hearings are scheduled for July 2001. Also in 2000, the Commission adopted a staff recommendation that our change in 1999 from a late charge based on a percentage of the amounts overdue to a flat rate fee plus an interest charge violated the Florida price regulation statute and voted that certain monies should be refunded. We protested the decision and the Commission should issue a decision in mid-2001. We are involved in numerous legal proceedings associated with state and federal regulatory matters, the disposition of which could materially impact our operating results and prospects. See note M to our consolidated interim financial statements. International Operations Our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. However, most of our revenues are generated in the currencies of the countries in which we operate. In addition, many of our operations and equity investees hold U.S. Dollar-denominated short- and long-term debt. The currencies of many Latin American countries have experienced substantial volatility and depreciation in the past. Declines in the value of the local currencies in which we are paid relative to the U.S. Dollar will cause revenues in U.S. Dollar terms to decrease and dollar-denominated liabilities to increase. Where we consider it to be economically feasible, we attempt to limit our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using foreign currency forward exchange contracts or similar instruments as a vehicle for hedging; however, a substantial amount of our exposures are unhedged. The impact of a devaluation or depreciating currency on an entity depends on the residual effect on the local economy and the ability of an entity to raise prices and/or reduce expenses. Our ability to raise prices is limited in many instances by government regulation of tariff rates and competitive constraints. Due to our constantly changing currency exposure and the potential substantial volatility of currency exchange rates, we cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on our business. Economic, social and political conditions in Latin America are, in some countries, unfavorable and volatile, which may impair our operations. These conditions could make it difficult for us to continue development of our business, generate revenues or achieve or sustain profitability. Historically, recessions and volatility have been primarily caused by: mismanagement of monetary, exchange rate and/or fiscal policies; currency devaluations; significant governmental influence over many aspects of local economies; political and economic instability; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; social unrest or violence; slow or negative economic growth; imposition of trade barriers; and wage and price controls. Most or all of these factors have occurred at various times in the last two decades in our core Latin American markets. We have no control over these matters. Economic conditions in Latin America are generally less attractive than those in the U.S., and poor social, political and economic conditions may inhibit use of our services which may adversely impact our business. New Accounting Pronouncements See note B to our consolidated interim financial statements. Item 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK See the caption labeled "Market Risk" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In addition to historical information, this document contains forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows. These statements are based on our assumptions and estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are possible developments that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forecast or implied in the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this filing. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. While the below list of cautionary statements is not exhaustive, some factors that could affect future operating results, financial position and cash flows and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are: o a change in economic conditions in domestic or international markets where we operate or have material investments which would affect demand for our services; o significant deterioration in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar in foreign countries in which we operate; o changes in U.S. or foreign laws or regulations, or in their interpretations, which could result in the loss, or reduction in value, of our licenses, concessions or markets, or in an increase in competition, compliance costs or capital expenditures; o a decrease in the growth rate of demand for the services which we offer; o the intensity of competitive activity and its resulting impact on pricing strategies and new product offerings; o protracted delay in our entry into the interLATA long distance market; o higher than anticipated start-up costs or significant up-front investments associated with new business initiatives; o unanticipated higher capital spending from, or delays in, the deployment of new technologies; and o the impact of the wireless joint venture with SBC Communications, known as Cingular Wireless, including marketing and product development efforts and financial capacity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 our long- and intermediate-term debt is filed herewith pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, we agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request. 10l-1 BellSouth Corporation Director's Compensation Deferral Plan as Amended and Restated Effective May 1, 2001. 10v-2 Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Performance Share Award Agreement. 10v-3 Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Restricted Shares Award Agreement. 10v-4 Form of Incremental Stock Option Agreement Terms and Conditions. 10v-5 Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement Terms and Conditions. 11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share. 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 99 Historical Data for Operating Segments. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: Date of Event Subject January 22, 2001 BellSouth 4Q00 Earnings Release March 22, 2001 Discussion of 2001 Guidance March 26, 2001 Adoption of New Business Segments 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 - Finance and Supply Chain Management (Principal Accounting Officer) May 4, 2001 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number 10l-1 BellSouth Corporation Director's Compensation Deferral Plan as Amended and Restated Effective May 1, 2001. 10v-2 Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Performance Share Award Agreement. 10v-3 Form of BellSouth Corporation Stock Plan Restricted Shares Award Agreement. 10v-4 Form of Incremental Stock Option Agreement Terms and Conditions. 10v-5 Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement Terms and Conditions. 11 Computation of Earnings Per Common Share. 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 99 Historical Data for Operating Segments.