CenturyLink Reports Fourth Quarter 2009 Earnings
MONROE, La., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CenturyLink (CenturyTel, Inc.) (NYSE: CTL) announces operating results for fourth quarter 2009, which include the effect of the Embarq acquisition completed July 1, 2009.
- Added nearly 47,000 high-speed Internet customers, reflecting an 8% increase compared to third quarter 2009 growth of 43,500.
- Improved access line losses by 14% compared to third quarter 2009 and 24% compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2008.
- Achieved approximately $40 million in synergies from the Embarq acquisition during fourth quarter 2009 and ended 2009 with estimated annual run rate synergies of more than $190 million.
- Generated free cash flow (as defined in the attached financial schedules) of $333.7 million in fourth quarter 2009, excluding nonrecurring items and $28.1 million of acquisition related capital expenditures.
- Announced 3.6% dividend increase, from $.70 to $.725 per share quarterly rate.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
(Excluding nonrecurring items reflected in the attached financial
schedules)
(In thousands, except per share amounts and subscriber data)
Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
12/31/09 12/31/08 % Change
Operating Revenues $1,839,424 $642,647 186.2%
Operating Cash Flow (1) $943,592 $311,944 202.5%
Net Income (2) $286,688 $87,044 229.4%
Diluted Earnings Per Share $.95 $.87 9.2%
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 299,233 98,920 202.5%
Capital Expenditures $337,417 (3) $101,813 231.4%
Access Lines (4) 7,039,000 2,025,000 247.6%
High-Speed Internet Customers 2,236,000 641,000 248.8%
(1) Operating Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation
of this item to comparable GAAP measures is included in the attached
financial schedules.
(2) All references to net income contained in this release represent net
income attributable to CenturyTel, Inc.
(3) Includes $28.1 million of capital expenditures related to the Embarq
integration.
(4) Both periods reflect line count methodology adjustments to
standardize legacy CenturyTel and Embarq line counts.
"CenturyLink continued to make solid progress with the Embarq integration and the implementation of our local-focused regional operating model as access line loss improved to an 8.6% annualized rate in the second half of 2009 compared to a 9.8% pro forma annualized rate in the second half of 2008," Glen F. Post, III, chief executive officer and president, said. "Our launch of enhanced product offerings, targeted marketing campaigns and focus on achieving synergies from the Embarq acquisition helped CenturyLink achieve solid fourth quarter financial results."
Operating revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, for fourth quarter 2009 were $1.839 billion compared to $642.6 million in fourth quarter 2008. This increase was primarily due to $1.266 billion of revenue contribution from the Embarq acquisition completed July 1, 2009. Additionally, revenue increases primarily driven by growth in high-speed Internet customers and favorable prior period revenue settlements were more than offset by revenue declines primarily due to the impact of access line losses and lower access revenues, along with the elimination of $54.5 million of revenues associated with the discontinuance of regulatory accounting for certain regulated operating entities reflected in fourth quarter 2009.
Operating expenses, excluding nonrecurring items, were $1.252 billion compared to $459.5 million in fourth quarter 2008, primarily due to $855.8 million of operating costs associated with the Embarq acquisition which more than offset the reduction in operating expenses associated with the discontinuance of regulatory accounting reflected in fourth quarter 2009.
Operating cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 202.5% to $943.6 million from $311.9 million in fourth quarter 2008, primarily due to the Embarq acquisition. For fourth quarter 2009, CenturyLink achieved an operating cash flow margin of 51.3% versus 48.5% in fourth quarter 2008.
"We continue to see strong customer demand for broadband services, including high-speed Internet and Ethernet services, as we added nearly 47,000 high-speed Internet customers during the fourth quarter," Post said. "Based on 2009 pro forma financials, CenturyLink generated $3.8 billion of operating cash flow for full year 2009."
Net income, excluding nonrecurring items, was $286.7 million in fourth quarter 2009 compared to $87.0 million in fourth quarter 2008, primarily driven by the Embarq acquisition. Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items, was $.95 for fourth quarter 2009, a 9.2% increase from the $.87 reported in fourth quarter 2008. This increase was primarily due to the higher net income as discussed above, partially offset by the 202.5% increase in average diluted shares outstanding as a result of our all-stock acquisition of Embarq.
For the year 2009, operating revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 91.4% to $4.973 billion from $2.598 billion for the same period in 2008. Operating cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, was $2.483 billion for 2009 compared to $1.258 billion in 2008. Net income, excluding nonrecurring items, was $720.9 million compared to $347.1 million in 2008. Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items, was $3.60 compared to $3.35 in 2008.
Under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), net income for fourth quarter 2009 was $230.2 million compared to $100.1 million for fourth quarter 2008, and diluted earnings per share for fourth quarter 2009 was $.77 compared to $1.00 for fourth quarter 2008.
Fourth quarter 2009 net income and diluted earnings per share reflect after-tax costs of $37.8 million ($.13 per share) associated with debt extinguishments, $19.8 million ($.07 per share) related to integration costs associated with the Embarq acquisition, $5.0 million ($.02 per share) related to a litigation settlement, and $4.4 million ($.01 per share) associated with severance related costs and the accelerated recognition of share-based compensation and pension expense. These after-tax costs more than offset a $10.7 million ($.04 per share) net tax benefit related to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and an adjustment to deferred tax liabilities related to the Embarq acquisition.
Fourth quarter 2008 net income and diluted earnings per share reflect a $12.8 million tax benefit due to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and a $6.3 million after-tax benefit primarily related to the recognition of previously accrued transaction-related and other contingencies. Such favorable items were partially offset by an after-tax charge of $1.1 million due to severance and related costs due to a workforce reduction and an after-tax charge of $5.0 million related to costs associated with the acquisition of Embarq.
Net income under GAAP for full year 2009 was $647.2 million compared to $365.7 million for full year 2008 and diluted earnings per share for full year 2009 was $3.23 compared to $3.52 for full year 2008. See the accompanying financial schedules for detail of the Company's nonrecurring items for full year 2009 and 2008.
Dividend Increase. As noted in a separate press release issued today, CenturyLink's Board of Directors voted to declare a quarterly cash dividend of $.725 per share, representing a 3.6% dividend increase.
"CenturyLink remains committed to maintaining a solid balance sheet and delivering long-term shareholder value. We believe this dividend increase is reflective of our continued strong free cash flow and achieves an appropriate balance of returning cash to shareholders while maintaining a solid credit profile," said Post.
Outlook for 2010. For full year 2010, CenturyLink expects operating revenues, excluding certain unusual items, to be 5.5% to 6.5% lower than 2009 pro forma operating revenues as revenue increases associated with growth in high-speed Internet are expected to be more than offset by revenue declines associated with lower access revenues, reduced universal service funding, access line losses and other items. Giving effect to these unusual items, which approximate $135 to $145 million of revenue reductions, 2010 operating revenues are expected to decline 7.5% to 8.5% compared to pro forma 2009. We expect the additional revenue decline in 2011 associated with these unusual items to be approximately $30 million. Additionally, approximately $75 to $80 million of these unusual items is not expected to affect 2010 operating cash flow because of direct offsetting expense reductions.
Free cash flow for full year 2010 is anticipated to be $1.475 to $1.525 billion, reflecting a dividend payout ratio of 57% to 59%. The Company currently expects 2010 capital expenditures to be between $825 and $875 million, or approximately 15% lower than 2009 pro forma capital expenditures of $1.0 billion.
For full year 2010, CenturyLink anticipates diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.10 to $3.20. The following items are expected to have a positive impact on 2010 diluted earnings per share:
- expected synergies associated with the Embarq acquisition - $.39 to $.43;
- increased revenues associated with expected growth in high-speed Internet customers - $.09 to $.11; and
- anticipated lower depreciation and interest expense - $.10 to $.12.
The following items are expected to negatively impact 2010 diluted earnings per share:
- lower voice-related revenues, primarily due to anticipated access line losses of 7.5% to 8.5% - ($.54) to ($.58);
- lower access revenues primarily driven by access line losses and continued pressure on access minutes of use - ($.37) to ($.41);
- reduced interstate universal service funding - ($.08) to ($.10); and
- expected migration of network traffic from a wireless carrier customer - ($.06) to ($.08).
Additionally, CenturyLink expects to make a voluntary pre-tax $300 million contribution to one of its pension plans during first quarter 2010.
See the attached supplemental schedule for pro forma 2009 information.
For first quarter 2010, CenturyLink expects total revenues of $1.77 to $1.80 billion and diluted earnings per share of $.84 to $.88.
These 2010 outlook figures exclude the effects of nonrecurring items, future changes in regulation, integration expenses associated with the Embarq acquisition, any changes in operating or capital plans related thereto, and any future mergers, acquisitions, divestitures or other similar business transactions.
Integration Update. CenturyLink incurred $39 million of integration and other costs related to the Embarq acquisition during fourth quarter 2009. The Company also incurred approximately $28 million of integration-related capital expenditures during the fourth quarter.
CenturyLink achieved approximately $40 million in operating cost synergies during fourth quarter 2009 and expects to realize additional incremental operating cost synergies of approximately $10 million in first quarter 2010 and approximately $200 million in incremental synergies for full year 2010 compared to the level of synergies recognized in 2009.
Reconciliation to GAAP. This release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including but not limited to operating cash flow, free cash flow, adjustments to GAAP measures to exclude the effect of nonrecurring items and certain pro forma combined operating results. In addition to providing key metrics for management to evaluate the Company's performance, we believe these measurements assist investors in their understanding of period-to-period operating performance and in identifying historical and prospective trends. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the attached financial schedules. Reconciliation of additional non-GAAP financial measures that may be discussed during the earnings call described below will be available in the Investor Relations portion of the Company's Web site at www.centurylink.com. Investors are urged to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not in substitution for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Investor Call. As previously announced, CenturyLink's management will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Central Time today. Interested parties can access the call by dialing 866.219.5894. The call will be accessible for replay through March 3, 2010, by calling 888.266.2081 and entering the conference ID number 1427251. Investors can also listen to CenturyLink's earnings conference call and replay by accessing the Investor Relations portion of the Company's Web site at www.centurylink.com through March 17, 2010.
Certain non-historical statements made in this release and future oral or written statements or press releases by us or our management are intended to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results or performance by CenturyLink may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could impact actual results of CenturyLink include but are not limited to: the timing, success and overall effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers; the risks inherent in rapid technological change; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry (including those arising out of the Federal Communication Commission's proposed rules regarding inter-carrier compensation and the Universal Service Fund, and the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan scheduled to be released in first quarter 2010, each as described in our recent SEC reports); our ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry; changes in our allocation of the Embarq purchase price after the date hereof; our ability to successfully integrate Embarq into our operations, including the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the Embarq merger cannot be fully realized in a timely manner or at all, or that integrating Embarq's operations into ours will be more difficult, disruptive or costly than anticipated; our ability to effectively manage our expansion opportunities, including retaining and hiring key personnel; possible changes in the demand for, or pricing of, our products and services; our ability to successfully introduce new product or service offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; our continued access to credit markets on favorable terms; our ability to collect our receivables from financially troubled communications companies; our ability to pay a $2.90 per common share dividend annually, which may be affected by changes in our cash requirements, capital spending plans, cash flows or financial position; unanticipated increases in our capital expenditures; our ability to successfully negotiate collective bargaining agreements on reasonable terms without work stoppages; the effects of adverse weather; other risks referenced from time to time in our filings with the SEC; and the effects of more general factors such as changes in interest rates, in tax rates, in accounting policies or practices, in operating, medical or administrative costs, in general market, labor or economic conditions, or in legislation, regulation or public policy. These and other uncertainties related to the business and our plans are described in greater detail in Item 1A to our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated and supplemented by our subsequent SEC reports. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any one or more factors may cause actual results to differ from those reflected in any forward-looking statements. You are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CenturyLink is a leading provider of high-quality voice, broadband and video services over its advanced communications networks to consumers and businesses in 33 states. CenturyLink, headquartered in Monroe, La., is an S&P 500 Company and expects to be listed in the Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations. For more information on CenturyLink, visit www.centurylink.com.
CenturyTel, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended December 31, 2009
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
In thousands, except As recurring recurring
per share amounts reported items items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice $692,422 (8,236)(1) 700,658
Network access 436,346 436,346
Data 459,211 (2,128)(1) 461,339
Fiber transport and CLEC 45,593 45,593
Other 195,488 195,488
1,829,060 (10,364) 1,839,424
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 596,859 (6,882)(2) 603,741
Selling, general and
administrative 335,479 43,388(2) 292,091
Depreciation and amortization 356,384 356,384
1,288,722 36,506 1,252,216
OPERATING INCOME 540,338 (46,870) 587,208
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (133,023) 11,119(3) (144,142)
Other income (expense) (63,354) (71,968)(3) 8,614
Income tax expense (116,084) 48,467(4) (164,551)
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 227,877 (59,252) 287,129
Noncontrolling interests (441) (441)
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM 227,436 (59,252) 286,688
Extraordinary item 2,744 2,744(5) -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CENTURYTEL, INC. $230,180 (56,508) 286,688
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item $0.76 (0.20) 0.96
Extraordinary item $0.01 0.01 -
Basic earnings per share $0.77 (0.19) 0.96
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item $0.76 (0.20) 0.95
Extraordinary item $0.01 0.01 -
Diluted earnings per share $0.77 (0.19) 0.95
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 298,580 298,580
Diluted 299,233 299,233
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $0.70 0.70
Three months ended December 31, 2008
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
In thousands, except As recurring recurring
per share amounts reported items items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice 215,407 215,407
Network access 198,396 307(6) 198,089
Data 133,731 133,731
Fiber transport and CLEC 41,245 41,245
Other 54,175 54,175
642,954 307 642,647
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 235,792 1,483(6) 234,309
Selling, general and
administrative 101,924 5,530(7) 96,394
Depreciation and amortization 128,796 128,796
466,512 7,013 459,499
OPERATING INCOME 176,442 (6,706) 183,148
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (53,446) (53,446)
Other income (expense) 15,816 10,000(8) 5,816
Income tax expense (38,441) 9,734(9) (48,175)
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM 100,371 13,028 87,343
Noncontrolling interests (299) (299)
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM 100,072 13,028 87,044
Extraordinary item - -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CENTURYTEL, INC. 100,072 13,028 87,044
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item 1.00 0.13 0.87
Extraordinary item - - -
Basic earnings per share 1.00 0.13 0.87
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item 1.00 0.13 0.87
Extraordinary item - - -
Diluted earnings per share 1.00 0.13 0.87
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 98,883 98,883
Diluted 98,920 98,920
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE 0.70 0.70
Increase
(decrease)
Increase excluding
(decrease) nonrecurring
In thousands, except per share amounts as reported items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice 221.4% 225.3%
Network access 119.9% 120.3%
Data 243.4% 245.0%
Fiber transport and CLEC 10.5% 10.5%
Other 260.8% 260.8%
184.5% 186.2%
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 153.1% 157.7%
Selling, general and administrative 229.1% 203.0%
Depreciation and amortization 176.7% 176.7%
176.2% 172.5%
OPERATING INCOME 206.2% 220.6%
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense 148.9% 169.7%
Other income (expense) (500.6%) 48.1%
Income tax expense 202.0% 241.6%
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 127.0% 228.7%
Noncontrolling interests 47.5% 47.5%
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 127.3% 229.4%
Extraordinary item - -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CENTURYTEL, INC. 130.0% 229.4%
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item (24.0%) 10.3%
Extraordinary item - -
Basic earnings per share (23.0%) 10.3%
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item (24.0%) 9.2%
Extraordinary item - -
Diluted earnings per share (23.0%) 9.2%
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 202.0% 202.0%
Diluted 202.5% 202.5%
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE - -
NONRECURRING ITEMS
(1) - Pursuant to business combination accounting rules, certain deferred
revenues and costs we assumed in our Embarq acquisition were
assigned no fair value and have been eliminated from the balance
sheet. The above adjustment represents the revenues (and an
equivalent amount of costs) that were eliminated in our fourth
quarter results that are attributable to the third quarter of 2009.
(2) - Includes integration costs associated with our acquisition of Embarq
($31.9 million); costs associated with a legal settlement ($8.0
million); accelerated recognition of share-based compensation and
pension expense ($5.5 million) and severance and related costs due
to workforce reductions ($1.5 million). Such increases were
partially offset by the $10.4 million of costs eliminated in our
fourth quarter results that were attributable to the third quarter
of 2009 (as described in (1) above).
(3) - Impact of debt extinguishments.
(4) - Income tax effect of Items (1) through (3). Also includes a $15.7
million benefit due to the recognition of previously unrecognized
tax benefits and other tax adjustments and a $5.0 million charge
related to an adjustment to existing legacy CenturyTel deferred
income tax liabilities due to apportionment factor changes as a
result of the Embarq acquisition.
(5) - Adjust tax effect of extraordinary gain recognized in third quarter
2009 related to the discontinuance of regulatory accounting.
(6) - Severance and related costs due to workforce reduction, including
revenue impact.
(7) - Includes costs associated with the pending acquisition of Embarq
($5.0 million) and severance and related costs due to workforce
reduction ($.5 million).
(8) - Recognition of previously accrued transaction related and other
contingencies.
(9) - Includes $12.8 million benefit due to the recognition of previously
unrecognized tax benefits, plus the aggregate tax effect of Items
(6) through (8).
CenturyTel, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
(UNAUDITED)
Twelve months ended December 31, 2009
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
In thousands, except As recurring recurring
per share amounts reported items items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice $1,827,063 1,827,063
Network access 1,269,322 1,028(1) 1,268,294
Data 1,202,284 1,202,284
Fiber transport and CLEC 172,541 172,541
Other 503,029 503,029
4,974,239 1,028 4,973,211
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 1,752,087 5,704(2) 1,746,383
Selling, general and
administrative 1,014,341 270,030(2) 744,311
Depreciation and amortization 974,710 974,710
3,741,138 275,734 3,465,404
OPERATING INCOME 1,233,101 (274,706) 1,507,807
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (370,414) 15,719(3) (386,133)
Other income (expense) (48,175) (78,368)(4) 30,193
Income tax expense (301,881) 127,673(5) (429,554)
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 512,631 (209,682) 722,313
Noncontrolling interests (1,377) (1,377)
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM 511,254 (209,682) 720,936
Extraordinary items, net of income
tax expense and noncontrolling
interests 135,957 135,957(6) -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CENTURYTEL, INC. $647,211 (73,725) 720,936
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item $2.55 (1.05) 3.60
Extraordinary item $0.68 0.68 -
Basic earnings per share $3.23 (0.37) 3.60
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item $2.55 (1.05) 3.60
Extraordinary item $0.68 0.68 -
Diluted earnings per share $3.23 (0.37) 3.60
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 198,813 198,813
Diluted 199,057 199,057
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $2.80 2.80
Twelve months ended December 31, 2008
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
In thousands, except As recurring recurring
per share amounts reported items items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice 874,041 874,041
Network access 820,383 1,319(7) 819,064
Data 524,194 21(7) 524,173
Fiber transport and CLEC 162,050 162,050
Other 219,079 219,079
2,599,747 1,340 2,598,407
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 955,473 1,483(8) 953,990
Selling, general and
administrative 399,136 13,185(9) 385,951
Depreciation and amortization 523,786 523,786
1,878,395 14,668 1,863,727
OPERATING INCOME 721,352 (13,328) 734,680
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (202,217) (202,217)
Other income (expense) 42,252 22,713(10) 19,539
Income tax expense (194,357) 9,210(11) (203,567)
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 367,030 18,595 348,435
Noncontrolling interests (1,298) (1,298)
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM 365,732 18,595 347,137
Extraordinary items, net of income
tax expense and noncontrolling
interests - -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CENTURYTEL, INC. 365,732 18,595 347,137
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item 3.53 0.18 3.35
Extraordinary item - - -
Basic earnings per share 3.53 0.18 3.35
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item 3.52 0.18 3.35
Extraordinary item - - -
Diluted earnings per share 3.52 0.18 3.35
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 102,268 102,268
Diluted 102,560 102,560
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE 2.1675 2.1675
Increase
(decrease)
Increase excluding
(decrease) nonrecurring
In thousands, except per share amounts as reported items
OPERATING REVENUES
Voice 109.0% 109.0%
Network access 54.7% 54.8%
Data 129.4% 129.4%
Fiber transport and CLEC 6.5% 6.5%
Other 129.6% 129.6%
91.3% 91.4%
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products 83.4% 83.1%
Selling, general and administrative 154.1% 92.9%
Depreciation and amortization 86.1% 86.1%
99.2% 85.9%
OPERATING INCOME 70.9% 105.2%
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense 83.2% 90.9%
Other income (expense) (214.0%) 54.5%
Income tax expense 55.3% 111.0%
INCOME BEFORE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 39.7% 107.3%
Noncontrolling interests 6.1% 6.1%
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 39.8% 107.7%
Extraordinary items, net of income tax
expense and noncontrolling interests - -
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CENTURYTEL, INC. 77.0% 107.7%
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item (27.8%) 7.5%
Extraordinary item - -
Basic earnings per share (8.5%) 7.5%
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income before extraordinary item (27.6%) 7.5%
Extraordinary item - -
Diluted earnings per share (8.2%) 7.5%
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 94.4% 94.4%
Diluted 94.1% 94.1%
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE 29.2% 29.2%
NONRECURRING ITEMS
(1) - Revenue impact of settlement loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan.
(2) - Includes the following costs associated with our acquisition of
Embarq: (i) integration and transaction costs ($133.5 million); (ii)
severance, retention and contractual early retirement benefits
related to workforce reductions ($98.9 million); (iii) accelerated
recognition of share-based compensation expense ($21.3 million) and
(iv) settlement expense related to a supplemental executive
retirement plan ($10.1 million). Also includes (i) curtailment
expense related to a supplemental executive retirement plan ($7.7
million); (ii) costs associated with legal settlements ($11.1
million) and (iii) a $6.9 million expense reduction from the
favorable resolution of certain transaction tax audit issues.
(3) - Includes impact of debt extinguishments ($11.1 million) and
favorable resolution of transaction tax audit issues ($4.6 million).
(4) - Includes impact of debt extinguishments ($72.0 million) and costs
associated with terminating our $800 million bridge credit facility
related to the Embarq acquisition ($8.0 million), net of favorable
resolution of transaction tax audit issues ($1.6 million).
(5) - Income tax effect of Items (1) through (4). Also includes a $15.7
million benefit due to the recognition of previously unrecognized
tax benefits and other tax adjustments; a $5.8 million income tax
benefit caused by a reduction to our deferred tax valuation
allowance; net of $6.7 million income tax expense due to the
nondeductible portion of settlement payments related to a
supplemental pension plan and $5.0 million of additional tax expense
to adjust legacy CenturyTel's existing deferred income tax
liabilities due to apportionment factor changes as a result of the
Embarq acquisition.
(6) - Extraordinary gain upon the discontinuance of regulatory accounting,
net of income tax expense and noncontrolling interests.
(7) - Revenue impact of curtailment loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan ($1.0 million) and revenue impact of severance and
related costs due to workforce reductions ($.3 million).
(8) - Severance and related costs due to workforce reductions.
(9) - Includes curtailment loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan ($7.7 million), costs associated with pending
acquisition of Embarq ($5.0 million) and severance and related costs
due to workforce reductions ($.5 million).
(10) - Includes recognition of previously accrued transaction related and
other contingencies ($10 million); gain on the sales of non-core
assets ($7.3 million); gain upon liquidation of Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan trust assets ($4.5 million) and interest
income recorded upon the resolution of certain income tax audit
issues ($.9 million).
(11) - Includes $12.8 million benefit due to the recognition of previously
unrecognized tax benefits and $1.8 million income tax benefit
recorded upon the resolution of certain income tax audit issues;
net of $5.3 million net income tax expense related to Items (7)
through (10).
CenturyTel, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 31, 2008
(UNAUDITED)
December 31, December 31,
2009 2008
(in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $161,807 243,327
Other current assets 878,465 312,080
Total current assets 1,040,272 555,407
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment 15,556,763 8,868,451
Accumulated depreciation (6,459,624) (5,972,559)
Net property, plant and equipment 9,097,139 2,895,892
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill 10,251,758 4,015,674
Other 2,090,241 787,222
Total goodwill and other assets 12,341,999 4,802,896
TOTAL ASSETS $22,479,410 8,254,195
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt $500,065 20,407
Other current liabilities 1,238,711 437,983
Total current liabilities 1,738,776 458,390
LONG-TERM DEBT 7,253,653 3,294,119
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES 4,020,182 1,333,878
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 9,466,799 3,167,808
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $22,479,410 8,254,195
CenturyTel, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended December 31, 2009
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
As recurring recurring
In thousands reported items items
Operating cash flow and cash
flow margin
Operating income $540,338 (46,870)(1) 587,208
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 356,384 - 356,384
Operating cash flow $896,722 (46,870) 943,592
Revenues $1,829,060 (10,364)(2) 1,839,424
Operating income margin
(operating income divided
by revenues) 29.5% 31.9%
Operating cash flow margin
(operating cash flow divided
by revenues) 49.0% 51.3%
Free cash flow (prior to debt service
requirements and dividends)
Net income before extraordinary
item $227,436 (59,252)(3) 286,688
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 356,384 - 356,384
Less: Capital expenditures (337,417) - (337,417)(7)
Free cash flow $246,403 (59,252) 305,655
Free cash flow $246,403
Gain on asset dispositions -
Deferred income taxes 115,713
Changes in current assets and
current liabilities (173,223)
(Increase) decrease in other
noncurrent assets (1,800)
Increase (decrease) in other
noncurrent liabilities 54,143
Retirement benefits 18,186
Excess tax benefits from share-
based compensation (3,089)
Other, net 18,205
Add: Capital expenditures 337,417
Net cash provided by operating
activities $611,955
Three months ended December 31, 2008
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
As recurring recurring
In thousands reported items items
Operating cash flow and cash
flow margin
Operating income 176,442 (6,706)(4) 183,148
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 128,796 - 128,796
Operating cash flow 305,238 (6,706) 311,944
Revenues 642,954 307(5) 642,647
Operating income margin
(operating income divided
by revenues) 27.4% 28.5%
Operating cash flow margin
(operating cash flow divided
by revenues) 47.5% 48.5%
Free cash flow (prior to debt
service requirements and dividends)
Net income before extraordinary
item 100,072 13,028(6) 87,044
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 128,796 - 128,796
Less: Capital expenditures (101,813) - (101,813)
Free cash flow 127,055 13,028 114,027
Free cash flow 127,055
Gain on asset dispositions -
Deferred income taxes 43,561
Changes in current assets and
current liabilities (20,636)
(Increase) decrease in other
noncurrent assets 3,636
Increase (decrease) in other
noncurrent liabilities (23,583)
Retirement benefits (47,412)
Excess tax benefits from share-
based compensation (336)
Other, net 1,969
Add: Capital expenditures 101,813
Net cash provided by operating
activities 186,067
NONRECURRING ITEMS
(1) - Includes integration costs associated with our acquisition of Embarq
($31.9 million); costs associated with a legal settlement ($8.0
million); accelerated recognition of share-based compensation and
pension expense ($5.5 million); and severance and related costs due
to workforce reduction ($1.5 million).
(2) - Revenues eliminated in fourth quarter 2009 attributable to the third
quarter of 2009 pursuant to business combination accounting rules
related to deferred revenues.
(3) - Includes the unfavorable after-tax impact of items (1) and (2)
($29.2 million) and the after-tax charge associated with debt
extinguishments ($37.8 million). Also includes a net income tax
benefit of $7.8 million due to the recognition of previously
unrecognized tax benefits and an adjustment to existing deferred
income tax liabilities due to apportionment factors changes as a
result of the Embarq acquisition and other tax-related adjustments.
(4) - Includes costs associated with the pending acquisition of Embarq
($5.0 million) and severance and related costs due to workforce
reduction, including revenue impact ($1.7 million).
(5) - Revenue effect of severance and related costs due to workforce
reduction.
(6) - Includes $12.8 million income tax benefit due to the recognition of
previously unrecognized tax benefits and $6.3 million after-tax
benefit related to the recognition of previously accrued transaction
related and other contingencies, net of the after-tax effects of
costs associated with the pending acquisition of Embarq ($5.0
million) and severance and related costs due to workforce
reductions, including revenue impact ($1.1 million).
(7) - Includes $28.1 million of capital expenditures related to the
integration of Embarq. Excluding these costs, free cash flow was
$333.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009.
CenturyTel, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
Twelve months ended December 31, 2009
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
As recurring recurring
In thousands reported items items
Operating cash flow and cash
flow margin
Operating income $1,233,101 (274,706)(1) 1,507,807
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 974,710 - 974,710
Operating cash flow $2,207,811 (274,706) 2,482,517
Revenues $4,974,239 1,028(2) 4,973,211
Operating income margin
(operating income divided
by revenues) 24.8% 30.3%
Operating cash flow margin
(operating cash flow divide
by revenues) 44.4% 49.9%
Free cash flow (prior to debt
service requirements and dividends)
Net income before
extraordinary item $511,254 (209,682)(3) 720,936
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 974,710 - 974,710
Less: Capital expenditures (754,544) - (754,544)(7)
$731,420 (209,682) 941,102
Free cash flow $731,420
Gain on asset dispositions -
Deferred income taxes 153,950
Changes in current assets and
current liabilities (84,680)
(Increase) decrease in other
noncurrent assets (2,347)
Increase (decrease) in other
noncurrent liabilities 41,649
Retirement benefits (82,114)
Excess tax benefits from share-
based compensation (4,194)
Other, net 65,487
Add: Capital expenditures 754,544
Net cash provided by operating
activities $1,573,715
Twelve months ended December 31, 2008
As adjusted
Less excluding
non- non-
As recurring recurring
In thousands reported items items
Operating cash flow and cash
flow margin
Operating income 721,352 (13,328)(4) 734,680
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 523,786 - 523,786
Operating cash flow 1,245,138 (13,328) 1,258,466
Revenues 2,599,747 1,340(5) 2,598,407
Operating income margin
(operating income divided
by revenues) 27.7% 28.3%
Operating cash flow margin
(operating cash flow divided
by revenues) 47.9% 48.4%
Free cash flow (prior to debt
service requirements and dividends)
Net income before extraordinary
item 365,732 18,595(6) 347,137
Add: Depreciation and
amortization 523,786 - 523,786
Less: Capital expenditures (286,817) - (286,817)
602,701 18,595 584,106
Free cash flow 602,701
Gain on asset dispositions (12,452)
Deferred income taxes 67,518
Changes in current assets and
current liabilities (74,325)
(Increase) decrease in other
noncurrent assets 9,744
Increase (decrease) in other
noncurrent liabilities (27,561)
Retirement benefits (26,066)
Excess tax benefits from share-
based compensation (1,123)
Other, net 28,047
Add: Capital expenditures 286,817
Net cash provided by operating
activities 853,300
NONRECURRING ITEMS
(1) - Includes the following costs associated with our acquisition of
Embarq: (i) integration and transaction costs ($133.5 million); (ii)
severance, retention and contractual early retirement benefits
related to workforce reductions ($98.9 million); (iii) accelerated
recognition of share-based compensation expense ($21.3 million) and
(iv) settlement expense related to a supplemental pension plan
($10.1 million). Also includes (i) curtailment expense, net of
revenue impact, related to a supplemental pension plan ($6.7
million); (ii) costs associated with a legal settlement ($11.1
million) and (iii) a $6.9 million expense reduction from the
favorable resolution of certain transaction tax audit issues.
(2) - Revenue impact of curtailment loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan.
(3) - Includes (i) the unfavorable after-tax impact of Items (1) and (2)
($178.3 million); (ii) the after-tax charge associated with debt
extinguishment ($38.3 million); (iii) the after-tax charge
associated with our $800 million bridge credit facility ($5.0
million); and (iv) $6.6 million income tax expense due to the
nondeductible portion of settlement payments related to a
supplemental pension plan. Such items were partially offset by (i)
a net $10.7 million tax benefit related to the recognition of
previously unrecognized tax benefits and the adjustment to our
existing deferred income tax liabilities due to apportionment factor
changes as a result of the Embarq acquisition; (ii) a $5.8 million
reduction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance; and (iii)
the after-tax favorable resolution of transaction tax audit issues
($2.1 million).
(4) - Includes curtailment loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan, including revenue impact ($6.6 million), costs
associated with the pending acquisition of Embarq ($5.0 million) and
severance and related costs due to workforce reductions, including
revenue impact ($1.7 million).
(5) - Includes revenue impact of curtailment loss related to Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan ($1.0 million) and revenue impact of
severance and related costs due to workforce reduction ($.3
million).
(6) - Includes (i) $12.8 million income tax benefit due to the recognition
of previously unrecognized tax benefits, (ii) $6.3 million after-tax
benefit related to the recognition of previously accrued transaction
related and other contingencies, (iii) after-tax impact of gain upon
liquidation of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan trust
assets ($2.8 million), (iv) after-tax impact of gain on sales of
non-core assets ($4.6 million) and (v) net benefit due to the
resolution of certain income tax audit issues ($2.3 million). Such
favorable adjustments were partially offset by the (i) after-tax
impact of curtailment loss related to Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan, including revenue impact ($4.1 million), (ii)
after-tax impact of costs associated with the pending acquisition of
Embarq ($5.0 million) and (iii) after-tax impact of severance and
related costs due to workforce reductions ($1.1 million).
(7) - Includes $75.1 million of capital expenditures related to the
integration of Embarq. Excluding these costs, free cash flow was
$1.016 billion for the year ended December 31, 2009.
CENTURYLINK
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE (1)
(UNAUDITED)
Pro forma* Pro forma*
Three Three Twelve
months months months
ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, Increase December 31,
2009 2008 (decrease) 2009
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in
thousands)
OPERATING REVENUES (2) $1,839,424 1,976,474 (6.9%) 7,530,211
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cash expenses (3) 895,832 987,694 (9.3%) 3,729,694
Depreciation and
amortization 356,384 381,617 (6.6%) 1,462,710
1,252,216 1,369,311 (8.6%) 5,192,404
OPERATING INCOME 587,208 607,163 (3.3%) 2,337,807
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (144,142) (151,644) (4.9%) (572,133)
Other income (expense) 8,614 6,366 35.3% 30,193
Income tax expense (164,551) (178,367) (7.7%) (669,554)
Noncontrolling interests (441) (299) 47.5% (1,377)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS $286,688 283,219 1.2% 1,124,936
Operating cash flow
(operating income plus
depreciation) $943,592 988,780 (4.6%) 3,800,517
Free cash flow (income
from continuing operations
plus depreciation minus
capital expenditures) $305,655 414,023 (26.2%) 1,585,102
Operating cash flow margin
(operating cash flow
divided by revenues) 51.3% 50.0% 50.5%
Operating income margin
(operating income
divided by revenues) 31.9% 30.7% 31.0%
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
(including merger
related integration
capital) $337,417 250,813 34.5% 1,002,544
SUBSCRIBER DATA (as of
December 31, 2009
and December 31, 2008)
Access lines 7,039,000 7,714,000 (8.8%) 7,039,000
High-speed Internet
lines 2,236,000 2,053,000 8.9% 2,236,000
(1) Except as noted, excludes merger integration and transaction costs
and certain other non-recurring items as further described in the
other attached financial schedules.
(2) Decline in operating revenues driven primarily by access line losses,
declining access minutes of use and exiting the wireless reseller
business.
(3) Decrease in cash expenses driven primarily by lower salaries and
benefits due to headcount reductions and exiting the wireless
reseller business.
*The pro forma information for the three months ended December 31, 2008
and the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 does not reflect
information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Such information:
a) reflects the results of operations of CenturyTel and Embarq assuming
the respective results of operations had been combined on January 1,
2008;
b) reflects a pro forma adjustment to eliminate revenues and expenses of
$52 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $114 million for the
year ended December 31, 2009 as if the discontinuance of regulatory
accounting implemented on July 1, 2009 had occurred in prior periods;
c) other than as noted in (b) above, does not reflect any pro forma
adjustments and has not been prepared in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
d) excludes certain non-recurring items.
For additional pro forma financial information relating to the Embarq
merger, please see our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2009. The above pro
forma information is for illustrative purposes only and is not
necessarily indicative of the combined operating results that would have
occurred if the Embarq merger had been consummated as of January 1, 2008.
Management believes the presentation of this information will assist
users in their understanding of period-to-period operating performance.
SOURCE CenturyLink
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