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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004
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OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 1-04721
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SPRINT CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
KANSAS 48-0457967
- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
P.O. Box 7997, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66207-0997
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (913) 624-3000
---------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
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 these reports), and (2) has been subject to these filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----------- ----------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes X No
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COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING AT July 31, 2004:
FON COMMON STOCK
Series 1 1,347,555,148
Series 2 85,855,178
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Reference
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Sprint Corporation Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations 1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity 6
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 40
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 41
Part II - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 42
Item 2. Changes in Securities 42
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 43
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 44
Item 5. Other Information 45
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 45
Signature 47
Exhibits
(12) Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(31) (a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14(a)
(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14(a)
(32) (a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Part I.
Item 1.
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(millions, except per share data)
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
--- ------------------------------- -- -------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net Operating Revenues $ 6,869 $ 6,463 $ 13,576 $ 12,802
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Operating Expenses
Costs of services and products 3,142 2,893 6,225 5,732
Selling, general and administrative 1,681 1,600 3,318 3,250
Depreciation and amortization 1,243 1,252 2,486 2,488
Restructuring and asset impairments 96 348 126 358
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Total operating expenses 6,162 6,093 12,155 11,828
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Operating Income 707 370 1,421 974
Interest expense (310) (351) (630) (717)
Premium on early retirement of debt (20) - (20) (19)
Other, net (4) (21) (30) (82)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes 373 (2) 741 156
Income tax expense (140) - (286) (61)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
233 (2) 455 95
Discontinued operation, net - 9 - 1,322
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net - - - 258
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net Income 233 7 455 1,675
Earnings allocated to participating
securities (6) - (6) -
Preferred stock dividends paid (1) (1) (3) (3)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 226 $ 6 $ 446 $ 1,672
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
Continuing operations $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 0.07
Discontinued operation - 0.01 - 0.94
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle, net - - - 0.18
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Total $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 1.18
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Diluted weighted average common shares 1,438.1 1,412.0 1,437.3 1,413.5
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Basic Earnings per Common Share
Continuing operations $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 0.07
Discontinued operation - 0.01 - 0.94
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle, net - - - 0.18
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Total $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 1.19
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Basic weighted average common shares 1,426.5 1,412.0 1,425.4 1,409.8
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(millions)
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
--- ------------------------------- -- -------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net Income $ 233 $ 7 $ 455 $ 1,675
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized holding gains on securities 26 41 5 40
Income tax expense (10) (15) (2) (15)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net unrealized holding gains on securities
during the period 16 26 3 25
Reclassification adjustment for gains on
securities included in net income - (2) (2) (3)
Income tax expense - 1 1 2
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net reclassification adjustment for gains
included in net income - (1) (1) (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments - (3) - (1)
Unrealized losses on qualifying cash
flow hedges (20) (28) (3) (30)
Income tax benefit 7 11 1 12
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash
flow hedges during the period (13) (17) (2) (18)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Total other comprehensive income 3 5 - 5
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Comprehensive Income $ 236 $ 12 $ 455 $ 1,680
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions)
June 30, December 31,
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and equivalents $ 2,378 $ 2,424
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$287 and $276 2,999 2,876
Inventories 754 582
Prepaid expenses 326 279
Other 402 450
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 6,859 6,611
Gross property, plant and equipment 54,732 54,247
Accumulated depreciation (28,387) (26,971)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net property, plant and equipment 26,345 27,276
Intangibles
Goodwill 4,401 4,401
Spectrum licenses 3,380 3,385
Other intangibles 68 32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total intangibles 7,849 7,818
Accumulated amortization (5) (3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net intangibles 7,844 7,815
Other assets 993 1,148
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 42,041 $ 42,850
-----------------------------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(millions, except per share data)
June 30, December 31,
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,342 $ 594
Accounts payable 2,332 2,197
Accrued interconnection costs 486 503
Accrued taxes 429 407
Advance billings 608 572
Accrued restructuring costs 184 117
Payroll and employee benefits 429 683
Accrued interest 358 378
Other 999 1,025
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 7,167 6,476
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 15,702 16,841
Equity unit notes 975 1,725
Deferred income taxes 2,025 1,789
Postretirement and other benefit obligations 1,357 1,572
Other 1,041 976
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 21,100 22,903
Redeemable preferred stock 247 247
Shareholders' equity
Common stock
FON, par value $2.00 per share, 3,000.0 shares authorized, 1,427.1 and
904.3 shares issued and outstanding 2,854 1,809
PCS, par value $1.00 per share, 4,000.0 shares authorized, 0 and 1,035.4
shares issued and outstanding - 1,035
Capital in excess of par or stated value 10,215 10,084
Retained earnings 1,179 1,017
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (721) (721)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 13,527 13,224
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 42,041 $ 42,850
-----------------------------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Year-to-Date June 30, 2004 2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Operating Activities
Net income $ 455 $ 1,675
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Discontinued operation, net - (1,322)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net - (258)
Depreciation and amortization 2,486 2,488
Deferred income taxes 251 644
Net losses on write-down of assets - 347
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net (123) 49
Inventories and other current assets (239) 62
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 76 (1,079)
Noncurrent assets and liabilities, net (100) 234
Other, net 140 128
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- -- -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 2,946 2,968
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (1,688) (1,492)
Investments in and loans to other affiliates, net (5) (12)
Investments in debt securities (116) -
Proceeds from debt securities 195 -
Other, net (24) 77
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations (1,638) (1,427)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt - 44
Payments on debt (1,112) (1,903)
Proceeds from common stock issued 45 3
Dividends paid (295) (228)
Other, net 8 16
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Net cash used by financing activities of continuing operations (1,354) (2,068)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- -- -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Cash from discontinued operations - 2,231
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents (46) 1,704
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period 2,424 1,035
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Cash and Equivalents at End of Period $ 2,378 $ 2,739
--- ------------- -- -------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(millions)
Year-to-Date June 30, 2004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital in Accumulated
FON PCS Excess of Other
Common Common Par or Retained Comprehensive
Stock Stock Stated Value Earnings Loss Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning 2004 balance $ 1,809 $ 1,035 $ 10,084 $ 1,017 $ (721) $ 13,224
Net income - - - 455 - 455
Common stock dividends - - - (292) - (292)
Preferred stock dividends - - (3) - - (3)
FON Series 1 common stock issued 8 - 52 - - 60
PCS Series 1 common stock issued - 2 7 - - 9
Stock-based compensation expense - - 68 - - 68
Conversion of PCS common stock
into FON common stock 1,037 (1,037) - - - -
Other, net - - 7 (1) - 6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 2004 balance $ 2,854 $ - $ 10,215 $ 1,179 $ (721) $ 13,527
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Outstanding
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning 2004 balance 904.3 1,035.4
FON Series 1 common stock issued 4.3 -
PCS Series 1 common stock issued - 1.6
Conversion of PCS common stock
into FON common stock 518.5 (1,037.0)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 2004 balance 1,427.1 -
--------------------------
See accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
PART I.
Item 1.
SPRINT CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
The information in this Form 10-Q has been prepared according to Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations. In our opinion, the
consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring accruals, needed to fairly present Sprint Corporation's
consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and
comprehensive income.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated
financial statements prepared according to accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. As a result, you
should read these financial statements along with Sprint Corporation's 2003 Form
10-K. Operating results for the 2004 year-to-date period do not necessarily
represent the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31,
2004.
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1. Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidation and Comparative Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sprint, its wholly
owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries it controls. Investments in entities in
which Sprint exercises significant influence, but does not control, are
accounted for using the equity method. See Note 3 for additional information.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared using accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. These principles require management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year
presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the net results of
operations or shareholders' equity as previously reported.
Classification of Operations
Sprint is a global communications company and a leader in integrating
long-distance, local service, and wireless communications. Sprint is also one of
the largest carriers of Internet traffic using its tier one Internet Protocol
network and is a leader in providing high-speed wireless data services. Sprint's
business is divided into three segments: Wireless, Local and Long distance
operations.
Change in Depreciable Life
As of January 1, 2004, Sprint re-evaluated the depreciable lives of certain
network assets. The depreciable life of certain high-capacity transmission
equipment was extended from eight years to twelve years. This extension in life
decreased the 2004 second quarter and 2004 year-to-date depreciation expense in
Long distance by approximately $24 million and $49 million, respectively.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Recombination of Tracking Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April 23, 2004, Sprint recombined its two tracking stocks. Each share of PCS
common stock automatically converted into 0.5 shares of FON common stock. As of
April 23, 2004, the FON Group and the PCS Group no longer exist, and FON common
stock represents all of the operations and assets of Sprint, including Wireless,
Local and Long distance operations. This event is reflected in the presentation
of these financial statements.
Shareholders' Equity
The conversion of PCS common stock into FON common stock resulted in an increase
in FON common stock outstanding of 518.5 million shares as of April 23, 2004.
Although Sprint's Articles of Incorporation continue to authorize PCS common
stock following the conversion of PCS common stock, Sprint's board of directors
adopted a resolution prohibiting the issuance of any shares. Sprint intends to
submit to a vote of stockholders an amendment to the Articles to delete
references to the PCS common stock at its next annual meeting of stockholders.
Earnings Per Share
All per share amounts have been restated, for all periods presented, to reflect
the recombination of the FON common stock and PCS common stock as of the
earliest period presented at an identical conversion ratio (0.50). The
conversion ratio was also applied to dilutive PCS securities (mainly stock
options, employee stock purchase plan shares, convertible preferred stock, and
restricted stock units) to determine diluted weighted average shares on a
consolidated basis.
Following is previously reported earnings per share information for the FON
Group and the PCS Group:
Quarter Ended Year-to-Date
------------------------------ ------------------------------
FON Group PCS Group FON Group PCS Group
Periods Ended June 30, 2003
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
(millions, except earnings per share data)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations $ 90 $ (92) $ 369 $ (274)
Discontinued operation, net 9 - 1,322 -
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net - - 258 -
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net Income (Loss) 99 (92) 1,949 (274)
Preferred stock dividends (paid) received 2 (3) 4 (7)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Earnings (Loss) Applicable to Common Stock $ 101 $ (95) $ 1,953 $ (281)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(1)
Continuing operations $ 0.10 $ (0.09) $ 0.41 $ (0.27)
Discontinued operation 0.01 - 1.47 -
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net - - 0.29 -
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total $ 0.11 $ (0.09) $ 2.17 $ (0.27)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Diluted weighted average common shares 901.7 1,024.3 900.2 1,023.2
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Continuing operations $ 0.10 $ (0.09) $ 0.41 $ (0.27)
Discontinued operation 0.01 - 1.47 -
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net - - 0.29 -
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total $ 0.11 $ (0.09) $ 2.17 $ (0.27)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Basic weighted average common shares 899.9 1,024.3 898.2 1,023.2
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(1) As the effects of including dilutive PCS securities were antidilutive, they
were not included in the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
for the PCS Group, nor were they included in the calculation of diluted
earnings per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At June 30, 2004, Sprint carried $450 million in investment asset value: $93
million was included in "Current assets--other" and $357 million in "Other
assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
At December 31, 2003, Sprint carried $548 million in investment asset value:
$125 million was included in "Current assets--other" and $423 million in "Other
assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Specific investment types and the related carrying amounts include:
Investments in Debt Securities
During the second half of 2003, Sprint invested in marketable debt securities.
Interest on these investments is reinvested and recognized in "Other, net" in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Sprint recognized approximately $2
million of interest income on these investments in the 2004 second quarter and
$4 million in the 2004 year-to-date period. Accumulated unrealized holding
losses were approximately $1 million (net of $1 million tax) at the end of June
30, 2004 and immaterial at December 31, 2003. At June 30, 2004, investments in
marketable debt securities totaled $505 million of which $93 million was
included in "Current assets - Other" and $130 million, with maturities of less
than five years, was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. The remaining $282 million have original or remaining maturities at
purchase of less than 90 days and were included in "Cash and equivalents."
At December 31, 2003, investments in marketable debt securities totaled $503
million of which $125 million was included in "Current assets - Other" and $177
million was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
remaining $201 million had original or remaining maturities at purchase of less
than 90 days and were included in "Cash and equivalents."
Investments in Equity Securities
The cost of investments in marketable equity securities, primarily made up of
EarthLink common stock, was $133 million and $134 million at June 30, 2004 and
December 31, 2003, respectively. Accumulated unrealized holding gains were $41
million (net of $25 million tax) and $38 million (net of $23 million tax) at
June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. These gains were included in
"Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
At June 30, 2004, Sprint held 18.9 million shares of EarthLink common stock,
which were reflected in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These
shares were hedged with variable prepaid forward contracts, maturing from
November 2004 to November 2005. See Note 11 for additional information.
Equity Method Investments
At June 30, 2004 and at December 31, 2003, investments accounted for using the
equity method consisted primarily of Sprint's investment in Virgin Mobile, USA,
LLC. These investments were reflected in "Other assets" on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. Certain other equity method investments were carried at zero
value.
Virgin Mobile, USA
Sprint's investment in Virgin Mobile, USA was $23 million at June 30, 2004 and
$41 million at December 31, 2003. Sprint determined that Virgin Mobile, USA is
not a variable interest entity and therefore carries it as an equity investment.
This joint venture with the Virgin Group was originally entered into in the 2001
fourth quarter to market wireless services, principally to youth and pre-pay
segments. Virgin Mobile, USA launched services in June 2002. In the 2002 second
quarter, Sprint entered into a new agreement with Virgin Group for funding of
Virgin Mobile, USA. Under the terms of the agreement, Sprint agreed to fund up
to $150 million, with the majority in the form of discounted network services
and the remainder in cash, and the Virgin Group agreed to fund up to $150
million in cash. Sprint has satisfied 100% of this cash funding commitment and
has satisfied approximately 90% of the network services contribution through
June 30, 2004. Additionally, in the 2003 third quarter, Sprint's board of
directors authorized additional cash funding for the joint venture in the amount
of $30 million, of which $25 million had been provided to the joint venture as
of June 30, 2004.
In the 2003 third quarter, a Sprint subsidiary agreed to guarantee a $20 million
term-loan facility entered into by Virgin Mobile, USA to fund working capital
needs. The facility expires on December 31, 2004. If required to perform, Sprint
would acquire Virgin Mobile, USA's subscriber base. The fair value of this
guarantee was recorded in "Current liabilities - Other" on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets in the amount of $5 million.
Sprint's board of directors authorized additional funding to the joint venture
of approximately $22 million in the 2004 first quarter, and approximately $13
million in the 2004 second quarter. A loan facility for these funds is in place
with the venture and the available line of credit remains undrawn.
Combined, unaudited, summarized financial information (100% basis) of entities
accounted for using the equity method was as follows:
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
-- ------------------------------- --- ------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- ------------------------------------------ -- ------------- --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
(millions)
Results of operations
Net operating revenues $ 294 $ 184 $ 589 $ 347
-- ------------- --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Operating loss $ (26) $ (32) $ (56) $ (54)
-- ------------- --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Net loss $ (37) $ (19) $ (83) $ (51)
-- ------------- --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
Equity in net losses of affiliates $ (11) $ (10) $ (23) $ (28)
-- ------------- --- ------------- --- ------------- -- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Asset Retirement Obligations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 143,
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, on January 1, 2003. This standard
provides accounting guidance for legal obligations associated with the
retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction
or development and (or) normal operation of that asset. According to the
standard, the fair value of an asset retirement obligation (ARO liability)
should be recognized in the period in which (1) a legal obligation to retire a
long-lived asset exists and (2) the fair value of the obligation based on
retirement cost and settlement date is reasonably estimable. Upon initial
recognition of the ARO liability, the related asset retirement cost should be
capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset.
Sprint's network is primarily located on owned and leased property and utility
easements. In Long distance and Local operations, a majority of the leased
property has no requirement for remediation at retirement. The leased property
of the Wireless operation has potential remediation requirements. Sprint expects
to maintain its property as a necessary component of infrastructure required to
maintain operations or FCC licensing. Sprint has recorded the liability
presently required for the ultimate satisfaction of these requirements, and this
amount is immaterial.
Adoption of SFAS No. 143 affected the cost of removal historically recorded by
Local. Consistent with regulatory requirements and industry practice, Local
historically accrued costs of removal in its depreciation reserves. These costs
of removal do not meet the SFAS No. 143 definition of an ARO liability. Upon
adoption of SFAS No. 143, Sprint recorded a reduction in its historical
depreciation reserves of approximately $420 million to remove the accumulated
excess cost of removal, resulting in a cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle credit, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations of
$258 million.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Restructuring and Asset Impairment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organizational Realignment
In the 2003 fourth quarter, Sprint initiated a company-wide effort to realign
internal resources to enhance our focus on the needs and preferences of two
distinct consumer types - business and individuals. This business transformation
initiative is enabling the enterprise to more effectively and efficiently use
its asset portfolio to create customer-focused solutions. One of the goals of
this initiative is to create a more efficient cost structure. As decisions are
made to meet this specific goal (Organizational Realignment), charges are
recognized for severance costs associated with work force reductions.
The decisions made in the 2003 fourth quarter and 2004 first quarter are
expected to result in the involuntary separation of approximately 2,550
employees. The decisions made in the 2004 second quarter to consolidate call
center activity and respond to the continued competitive pressures in the
long-distance market are expected to result in the involuntary separation of
approximately 2,350 additional employees. As of June 30, 2004, approximately
2,500 separations have been completed. Sprint recognized $126 million in pre-tax
charges associated with severance benefits in the last three quarters and
currently expects the aggregate pre-tax charges will not exceed $135 million.
Actions associated with these decisions should be completed by the end of 2004.
Other Restructuring Activity
In the 2003 fourth quarter, Sprint announced the termination of the development
of a new billing platform (PCS Billing Platform Termination). This decision
resulted in pre-tax charges of $351 million in the 2003 fourth quarter. The
charge for asset impairments was $339 million and the remaining $12 million was
accrued for other contractual obligations.
In the 2003 second quarter, Sprint announced the wind-down of its web hosting
business. Restructurings of other Long distance operations also occurred in the
continuing effort to create a more efficient cost structure (Web Hosting
Wind-down). These decisions resulted in pre-tax charges of $376 million in 2003,
$2 million in the 2004 first quarter, and $57 million in the 2004 second
quarter. The aggregate charge for asset impairments was $316 million, the
aggregate charge for employee terminations was $14 million and the remaining
$105 million was for facility lease terminations. In connection with the
wind-down of the Web Hosting business, Sprint will record additional charges for
facility lease terminations, customer migration, and other wind-down costs in
subsequent periods. The severance charges are associated with the involuntary
employee separation of approximately 600 employees. As of June 30, 2004
substantially all of the employee separations have been completed. Sprint has
recognized $435 million in pre-tax charges and expects the aggregate pre-tax
charge to be approximately $440 million.
The 2004 activity is summarized as follows:
- -------------------------------------- -- ------------------- --- ----------------------------- -- -----------------
2004 Activity
------------- --- -----------
December 31, 2003 Restructuring Cash June 30, 2004
Liability Balance Charge Payments Liability Balance
- -------------------------------------- -- ------------------- --- ------------- --- ----------- -- -----------------
(millions)
Restructuring Events:
Organizational Realignment
Severance $ 54 $ 67 $ 43 $ 78
PCS Billing Platform Termination
Other exit costs 12 - 10 2
Web Hosting Wind-down
Severance 6 - 2 4
Other exit costs 45 59 4 100
- -------------------------------------- -- ------------------- --- ------------- --- ----------- -- -----------------
Total $ 117 $ 126 $ 59 $ 184
-- ------------------- --- ------------- --- ----------- -- -----------------
Other Asset Impairments
In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint recorded a charge for asset impairment of $10
million. This charge was associated with the termination of a software
development project.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Equity Unit Notes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 2001 third quarter, Sprint completed a registered offering of 69 million
equity units, each with a stated amount of $25. Net proceeds from the issuance
were approximately $1.7 billion after deducting the underwriting discount and
other offering expenses.
Each equity unit initially consisted of a corporate unit. Each corporate unit
consisted of a purchase contract and a $25 principal amount of senior notes
(Notes) of Sprint's wholly owned subsidiary, Sprint Capital Corporation. The
corporate unit could be converted by the holder into a treasury unit consisting
of the purchase contract and a treasury portfolio of zero-coupon U.S. treasury
securities by substituting the treasury securities for the Notes. The underlying
Notes or treasury portfolio were pledged to Sprint to secure the holder's
obligations under the purchase contract.
Purchase Contracts
As a component of the equity unit, the purchase contract originally obligated
the holder to purchase, and obligated Sprint to sell, on August 17, 2004, a
variable number of newly issued shares of PCS common stock, totaling a range
from approximately 58 million to 70 million shares depending on the market price
of PCS common stock. As a result of the recombination of PCS common stock and
FON common stock on April 23, 2004, the purchase contract now obligates the
holder to purchase, and Sprint to sell, a variable number of shares of FON
common stock, totaling a range from approximately 29 million to 35 million
shares of FON stock. These forward purchase contracts include a provision
permitting the equity unit holders to benefit from or "participate" in any
dividends declared on the common stock during the contract period. Sprint
expects to issue the maximum number of shares. Sprint will receive $1.725
billion in cash when the FON common stock is issued.
Notes
The Notes originally had an interest rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly in
arrears.
In May 2004, Sprint purchased $750 million principal amount of the Notes before
their scheduled maturity. Sprint recorded costs of $29 million consisting of a
$20 million premium and $9 million of unamortized debt costs associated with
this prepayment.
In May 2004, Sprint successfully remarketed approximately $940 million principal
amount of the Notes. The interest rate on the Notes was reset to 4.78% effective
May 24, 2004. The remarketed Notes will mature August 17, 2006. The remaining
$35 million principal amount of outstanding Notes was retained by the current
Note holders. These Notes were also reset to the new interest rate.
Following the remarketing of the Notes, the Notes are no longer pledged to
secure the obligations under the purchase contracts. Proceeds received by the
previous Note holders from the remarketing were used by the collateral agent to
purchase other securities that have been pledged as security.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Earnings Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint's dilutive securities (mainly options, convertible preferred stock,
restricted stock units and shares associated with Sprint's employee stock
purchase plan) totaled 11.6 million shares in the 2004 second quarter, 11.9
million shares in the 2004 year-to-date period and 3.7 million shares in the
2003 year-to-date period. In the 2003 second quarter, dilutive securities did
not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share because Sprint incurred a loss
from continuing operations.
Options have been granted with exercise prices which are currently higher than
market. These options are considered antidilutive and have not been included in
the dilutive calculation. Sprint's antidilutive securities totaled 92.1 million
shares in the 2004 second quarter and 92.2 million shares in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 129.8 million and 132.8 million shares in the
same 2003 periods.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Stock-based Compensation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective January 1, 2003, Sprint adopted SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, using the prospective
method. Upon adoption, Sprint began expensing the fair value of stock-based
compensation for all grants, modifications or settlements made on or after
January 1, 2003 using the Black-Scholes-Merton model. The following table
illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share of stock-based
compensation included in net income and the effect on net income and earnings
per share for grants issued on or before December 31, 2002, had Sprint applied
the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123.
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
-- --------------------------- -- ----------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- ---------------------------------------------------- -- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
(millions, except per share data)
Net income, as reported $ 233 $ 7 $ 455 $ 1,675
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense
included in reported net income, net of related
tax effects 30 15 43 15
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value based
method for all awards, net of related tax
effects (37) (59) (65) (93)
- ---------------------------------------------------- -- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Pro forma net income (loss) $ 226 $ (37) $ 433 $ 1,597
-- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic - as reported $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 1.19
-- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Basic - pro forma $ 0.15 $ (0.03) $ 0.30 $ 1.13
-- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Diluted - as reported $ 0.16 $ - $ 0.31 $ 1.18
-- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Diluted - pro forma $ 0.15 $ (0.03) $ 0.29 $ 1.13
-- ----------- -- ------------ -- ------------ -- ------------
Sprint recognized pre-tax charges of $22 million in the 2004 second quarter and
$43 million in the year-to-date period and $8 million in the 2003 second quarter
and $9 million in the year-to-date period related to stock-based grants issued
after December 31, 2002 and grants of restricted stock made in 2002 and previous
years.
In the 2004 second quarter, Sprint recognized pre-tax charges of approximately
$25 million of non-cash expense related to the recombination of FON and PCS
stock on April 23, 2004. The charges primarily reflect application of stock
option expensing to PCS stock options granted before January 1, 2003, as
required by SFAS No. 123. Sprint expects to recognize about $100 million of
non-cash pre-tax expense related to the conversion of PCS stock options into FON
stock options through 2006, with not more than $55 million recognized in 2004,
not more than $43 million in 2005, and the remaining amounts in 2006.
In the 2003 second quarter, Sprint recognized pre-tax charges of $15 million of
non-cash expense in connection with separation agreements agreed to by Sprint
and William T. Esrey, former chairman and chief executive officer; Ronald T.
LeMay, former president and chief operating officer; and J. Richard Devlin,
former executive vice president--general counsel, external affairs and corporate
secretary. The charges were associated with accounting for modifications which
accelerated vesting and extended exercise periods of stock options granted in
prior periods, as required by SFAS No. 123. Most of the FON options had exercise
prices that were approximately two times the market price at the modification
date, while most of the PCS options had exercise prices that were approximately
five times the market prices at the modification date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Employee Benefit Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement
Benefits
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Quarters Ended Quarters Ended
June 30, June 30,
---------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost $ 35 $ 32 $ 3 $ 4
Interest cost 62 59 15 16
Expected return on plan assets (76) (69) - -
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation - (1) (1) -
Amortization of prior service cost 4 4 (12) (11)
Amortization of net loss 21 8 9 7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net benefit expense $ 46 $ 33 $ 14 $ 16
------------------------------------------------------------
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement
Benefits
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Year-to-Date Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
---------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost $ 71 $ 64 $ 7 $ 8
Interest cost 124 117 30 32
Expected return on plan assets (152) (138) (1) (1)
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation (1) (2) (1) -
Amortization of prior service cost 8 8 (24) (22)
Amortization of net loss 42 16 17 15
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net benefit expense $ 92 $ 65 $ 28 $ 32
------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint contributed $300 million to the pension trust on January 27, 2004. This
is the only contribution expected to be made during the year.
In the 2004 first quarter, Sprint amended certain retiree medical plans to
standardize the plan design effective January 1, 2005, eliminating differences
in benefit levels. These amendments decreased the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation (APBO) related to other postretirement benefits by
approximately $35 million, and decreased the 2004 net benefit expense by $5
million, of which approximately $1 million was recognized in the 2004 second
quarter and approximately $3 million in the year-to-date period.
As a result of these amendments, Sprint also recognized the effects of the 2003
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (the Act). The Act
contains a subsidy to employers who provide prescription drug coverage to
retirees that is actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. Analysis of Sprint's
retiree prescription drug claims data determined that Sprint's retiree
prescription drug benefit was actuarially equivalent. In estimating the effects
of the Act, estimates of participation rates and per capita claims costs were
not changed. The effect of recognizing the federal subsidy related to the Act
was a $73 million reduction in the APBO and a $3 million reduction in the net
benefit cost in the 2004 second quarter and a $6 million reduction in the
year-to-date period. Sprint has accounted for its retiree medical benefit plan
in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No.
106-2.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Litigation, Claims and Assessments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In March 2004, eight purported class action lawsuits relating to the
recombination of the tracking stocks were filed against Sprint and its directors
by holders of PCS common stock. Seven of the lawsuits were consolidated in the
District Court of Johnson County, Kansas. The eighth, pending in New York, has
been voluntarily stayed. The consolidated lawsuit alleges breach of fiduciary
duty in connection with allocations between the FON Group and the PCS Group
before the recombination of the tracking stocks and breach of fiduciary duty in
the recombination. The lawsuit seeks to rescind the recombination and monetary
damages.
A number of putative class action cases that allege Sprint failed to obtain
easements from property owners during the installation of its fiber optic
network have been filed in various courts. Several of these cases sought
certification of nationwide classes, and in one case, a nationwide class was
certified. However, a nationwide settlement of these claims was recently
approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which
has enjoined all other similar cases. Objectors have appealed the preliminary
approval order and injunction to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2001,
Sprint accrued for the estimated settlement costs of these suits.
In 2002, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a declaratory
ruling in a matter referred to it by the federal district court for the Western
District of Missouri in Sprint's suit against AT&T Corporation for the
collection of terminating access charges. The FCC ruled that although nothing
prohibited wireless carriers from charging for access to their networks,
interexchange carriers were not required to pay such charges absent a
contractual obligation to do so. This case has now been settled. Adequate
provisions had previously been recorded in the results of operations.
In April and May 2003, three putative class action lawsuits were filed in the
U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas by individual participants in the
Sprint Retirement Savings Plan, the Sprint Retirement Savings Plan for
Bargaining Unit Employees and the Centel Retirement Savings Plan for Bargaining
Unit Employees against Sprint Corporation, the committees that administer the
two plans, and various current and former officers of Sprint. In November 2003,
a consolidated amended complaint was filed, naming additional officers and
directors and Fidelity Management, the plan trustee, as defendants. In December
2003, two additional complaints, making identical allegations, were filed. These
lawsuits have been consolidated before a single judge. The consolidated lawsuit
alleges that defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the plans and
violated the ERISA statutes by making the company contribution in FON and PCS
stock and including FON and PCS stock among the more than thirty investment
options offered to plan participants. The lawsuit seeks to recover any decline
in the value of FON and PCS stock during the class period.
Various other suits, proceedings and claims, including purported class actions,
typical for a business enterprise, are pending against Sprint.
While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these
proceedings and whether they will be resolved consistent with Sprint's beliefs,
Sprint expects that the outcome of such proceedings, individually or in the
aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or
results of operations of Sprint or its business segments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Income Taxes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The differences that caused Sprint's effective income tax rates to vary from the
35% federal statutory rate for income taxes related to continuing operations
were as follows:
Year-to-Date
June 30,
-----------------------------------
2004 2003
------------------------------------------------------------- -- -------------- -- --------------
(millions)
Income tax expense at the federal statutory rate $ 259 $ 55
Effect of:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect 20 8
Other, net 7 (2)
------------------------------------------------------------- -- -------------- -- --------------
Income tax expense $ 286 $ 61
-- -------------- -- --------------
Effective income tax rate 38.6% 39.1%
-- -------------- -- --------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Accounting for Derivative Instruments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk Management Policies
Sprint's derivative instruments include interest rate swaps, stock warrants,
variable prepaid forward contracts, credit forward contracts, and foreign
currency forward and option contracts. Sprint's derivative transactions are used
principally for hedging purposes and comply with board-approved policies. Senior
finance management receives frequent status updates of all outstanding
derivative positions.
Sprint enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage exposure to interest
rate movements and achieve an optimal mixture of floating and fixed-rate debt
while minimizing liquidity risk. Interest rate swap agreements that are
designated as fair value hedges effectively convert Sprint's fixed-rate debt to
a floating rate through the receipt of fixed-rate amounts in exchange for
floating-rate interest payments over the life of the agreement without an
exchange of the underlying principal amount. Interest rate swap agreements
designated as cash flow hedges reduce the impact of interest rate movements on
future interest expense by effectively converting a portion of its floating-rate
debt to a fixed rate.
In certain business transactions, Sprint is granted warrants to purchase the
securities of other companies at fixed rates. These warrants are supplemental to
the terms of the business transactions and are not designated as hedging
instruments.
Sprint enters into variable prepaid forward contracts which reduce the
variability in expected cash flows related to a forecasted sale of the
underlying equity securities held as available for sale.
Sprint enters into fair value hedges through credit forward contracts which
hedge changes in fair value of certain debt issues.
Sprint's foreign exchange risk management program focuses on reducing
transaction exposure to optimize consolidated cash flow. Sprint enters into
forward and option contracts in foreign currencies to reduce the impact of
changes in foreign exchange rates. Sprint's primary transaction exposure results
from net payments made to and received from overseas telecommunications
companies for completing international calls made by Sprint's domestic customers
and the operation of its international subsidiaries.
Interest Rate Swaps
The interest rate swaps met all the required criteria under derivative
accounting rules for the assumption of perfect effectiveness resulting in no
recognition of changes in their fair value in earnings during the life of the
swap. Sprint held only fair-value hedges during 2003 and in the period ending
June 30, 2004.
Sprint recorded a $25 million decrease as of the end of June 2004 resulting from
changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps. The decrease in value for
these swaps has been recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. As the swaps have been deemed perfectly effective, an offset was
recorded to the underlying long-term debt.
Stock Warrants
The stock warrants are not designated as hedging instruments and changes in the
fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in earnings during the
period of change.
Sprint's net derivative gains on stock warrants were immaterial in both the 2004
second quarter and 2004 year-to-date period.
Net Purchased Equity Options
The net purchased equity options embedded in variable prepaid forward contracts
are designated as cash flow hedges.
Sprint recorded a $13 million after-tax decrease to other comprehensive income
in the 2004 second quarter and a $2 million after-tax decrease for the 2004
year-to-date period resulting from losses on these cash flow hedges. The changes
in other comprehensive income are included in "Net unrealized losses on
qualifying cash flow hedges" in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income.
Credit Forward Contracts
Sprint held fair value hedges in credit forward contracts during the 2003 first
quarter to hedge changes in fair value of certain debt issues. As there is high
correlation between the credit forward contracts and the debt issues being
hedged, fluctuations in the value of the credit forward contracts are generally
offset by changes in the fair value of the debt issues. A nominal amount was
recorded in Sprint's Consolidated Statements of Operations in the 2003 first
quarter on this investment. The contracts matured in the 2003 third quarter.
Foreign Currency Forward and Option Contracts
Foreign currency forward and option contracts held during the periods were not
designated as hedges as defined in SFAS No. 133 and changes in the fair value of
these derivative instruments are recognized in earnings during the period of
change. The activity associated with these contracts was immaterial in all
periods presented.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Sprint's accounts receivable are not subject to any concentration of credit
risk. Sprint controls credit risk of its interest rate swap agreements and
foreign currency contracts through credit approvals, dollar exposure limits and
internal monitoring procedures. In the event of nonperformance by the
counterparties, Sprint's accounting loss would be limited to the net amount it
would be entitled to receive under the terms of the applicable interest rate
swap agreement or foreign currency contract. However, Sprint does not anticipate
nonperformance by any of the counterparties to these agreements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Discontinued Operation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint sold its directory publishing business to R.H.
Donnelley for $2.23 billion in cash. The sale closed on January 3, 2003.
The pre-tax gain recognized in the 2003 year-to-date period was $2.14 billion,
$1.32 billion after-tax. In the 2003 second quarter, Sprint recognized a pretax
gain of $14 million, $9 million after-tax, primarily related to a final working
capital settlement in the on-going operation.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-lived Assets, Sprint has presented the directory publishing business as a
discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements. Included in
"Discontinued Operations, net" in the 2003 year-to-date Consolidated Statements
of Operations was $5 million of "Net operating revenues" and "Income from
continuing operations before income taxes."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Other Financial Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Sprint's net cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:
Year-to-Date
June 30,
-- ------------- -- -------------
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------
(millions)
Interest (net of capitalized interest) $ 643 $ 729
-- ------------- -- -------------
Income taxes $ 2 $ 94
-- ------------- -- -------------
Sprint's non-cash activities included the following:
Year-to-Date
June 30,
-- ------------- -- -------------
2004 2003
--------------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------
(millions)
Common stock issued:
Sprint's employee benefit stock plans $ - $ 12
-- ------------- -- -------------
Settlement of shareholder suit $ 5 $ -
-- ------------- -- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Segment Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint is divided into three main lines of business: Wireless, Local and Long
distance. Other consists primarily of wholesale distribution of
telecommunications products. In prior filings, our segments were labeled PCS
Wireless, Local and Global Markets. The relabeling of segments had no effect on
previously reported results.
Sprint manages its segments to the operating income (loss) level of reporting.
Items below operating income (loss) are managed at a corporate level. The
reconciliation from operating income to net income is shown on the face of the
Consolidated Statements of Operations in the consolidating information.
Segment financial information was as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate
Quarters Ended Long and
June 30, Wireless Local Distance Other(1) Eliminations(2) Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions)
2004
Net operating revenues $ 3,614 $ 1,510 $ 1,873 $ 225 $ (353) $ 6,869
Affiliated revenues 2 53 166 132 (353) -
Operating income (loss) 407 445 (139) (3) (3) 707
2003
Net operating revenues $ 3,096 $ 1,526 $ 2,005 $ 210 $ (374) $ 6,463
Affiliated revenues 2 66 170 136 (374) -
Operating income (loss) 261 453 (333) (6) (5) 370
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate
Year-to-Date Long and
June 30, Wireless Local Distance Other(1) Eliminations(2) Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions)
2004
Net operating revenues $ 7,051 $ 3,016 $ 3,785 $ 421 $ (697) $ 13,576
Affiliated revenues 6 109 335 247 (697) -
Operating income (loss) 674 891 (128) (11) (5) 1,421
2003
Net operating revenues $ 6,043 $ 3,058 $ 4,051 $ 397 $ (747) $ 12,802
Affiliated revenues 5 118 363 261 (747) -
Operating income (loss) 411 915 (329) (16) (7) 974
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint closed the sale of its directory
publishing business to R.H. Donnelley for $2.23 billion in cash. Operations
of the directory publishing business are reported as a discontinued
operation for all periods presented. See Note 13 for additional
information.
(2) Revenues eliminated in consolidation consist principally of access charged
to Long distance by Local, equipment purchases from the wholesale
distribution business, interexchange services provided to Local, Long
distance services provided to Wireless for resale to PCS customers and for
internal business use, Caller ID services provided by Local to Wireless and
handset purchases from Wireless.
Net operating revenues by product and services were as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended Long
June 30, Wireless Local Distance Other(1) Eliminations(2)Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions)
2004
Voice $ - $ 1,136 $ 1,164 $ - $ (189) $ 2,111
Data - 205 438 - (19) 624
Internet - - 214 - (4) 210
Wireless services 3,614 - - - (2) 3,612
Other - 169 57 225 (139) 312
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net operating revenues $ 3,614 $ 1,510 $ 1,873 $ 225 $ (353) $ 6,869
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003
Voice $ - $ 1,165 $ 1,244 $ - $ (205) $ 2,204
Data - 176 466 - (19) 623
Internet - - 245 - (11) 234
Wireless services 3,096 - - - (2) 3,094
Other - 185 50 210 (137) 308
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net operating revenues $ 3,096 $ 1,526 $ 2,005 $ 210 $ (374) $ 6,463
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-to-Date Long
June 30, Wireless Local Distance Other(1) Eliminations(2)Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions)
2004
Voice $ - $ 2,283 $ 2,350 $ - $ (385) $ 4,248
Data - 400 890 - (38) 1,252
Internet - - 437 - (7) 430
Wireless services 7,051 - - - (6) 7,045
Other - 333 108 421 (261) 601
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net operating revenues $ 7,051 $ 3,016 $ 3,785 $ 421 $ (697) $ 13,576
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003
Voice $ - $ 2,348 $ 2,537 $ - $ (400) $ 4,485
Data - 349 928 - (42) 1,235
Internet - - 488 - (23) 465
Wireless services 6,043 - - - (5) 6,038
Other - 361 98 397 (277) 579
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net operating revenues $ 6,043 $ 3,058 $ 4,051 $ 397 $ (747) $ 12,802
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint closed the sale of its directory
publishing business to R.H. Donnelley for $2.23 billion in cash. Operations
of the directory publishing business are reported as a discontinued
operation for all periods presented. See Note 13 for additional
information.
(2) Revenues eliminated in consolidation consist principally of access charged
to Long distance by Local, equipment purchases from the wholesale
distribution business, interexchange services provided to Local, Long
distance services provided to Wireless for resale to PCS customers and for
internal business use, Caller ID services provided by Local to Wireless and
handset purchases from Wireless.
(3) Prior to the 2003 second quarter, elimination information for Long distance
was not tracked at a specific products and services level. All eliminations
were considered voice revenues.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In March 2004, the EITF of the Financial Accounting Standards Board reached a
consensus on EITF No. 03-6, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method
under SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share (EITF No. 03-6). This guidance requires
that the rights of securities to participate in the earnings of an enterprise
must be reflected in the reporting of earnings per share. Sprint's equity unit
purchase contracts meet the "participating security" qualifications outlined in
the guidance, because the purchase contracts include a provision permitting the
equity unit holders to benefit from or "participate" in any dividends declared
on the common stock during the contract period.
Sprint adopted EITF No. 03-6 in the 2004 second quarter. Prior to April 23,
2004, the equity unit purchase contracts were tied only to the PCS common stock
which had no earnings upon which to declare dividends. Upon recombination, the
equity unit purchase contracts participate in the earnings of FON common stock.
The proportionate share of earnings attributable to these securities was $6
million, net of tax, in both the 2004 second quarter and year-to-date periods.
This attribution was reflected as "Earnings allocated to participating
securities" on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Part I.
Item 2.
SPRINT CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-looking Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint includes certain estimates, projections and other forward-looking
statements in its reports and in other publicly available material. Statements
regarding expectations, including performance assumptions and estimates relating
to capital requirements, as well as other statements that are not historical
facts, are forward-looking statements.
These statements reflect management's judgments based on currently available
information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements. With respect to these forward-looking statements, management has
made assumptions regarding, among other things, customer and network usage,
customer growth and retention, pricing, operating costs, the timing of various
events and the economic environment.
Future performance cannot be ensured. Actual results may differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual
results to differ include:
o the effects of vigorous competition and the overall demand for Sprint's
service offerings in the markets in which Sprint operates;
o the costs and business risks associated with providing new services and
entering new markets;
o adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities by ratings
agencies;
o the ability of Wireless to continue to grow and improve profitability;
o the ability of Local and Long distance to maintain cash flow generation;
o the effects of mergers and consolidations within the telecommunications
industry and unexpected announcements or developments from others in the
telecommunications industry;
o the uncertainties related to bankruptcies affecting the telecommunications
industry;
o the impact of financial difficulties of third-party affiliates on Wireless
network coverage;
o the uncertainties related to Sprint's investments in networks, systems and
other businesses;
o the uncertainties related to the implementation of Sprint's business
strategies, including our initiative to realign services to enhance the focus
on business and consumer customers;
o the impact of new, emerging and competing technologies on Sprint's business;
o unexpected results of litigation filed against Sprint;
o the impact of wireless local number portability (WLNP) on Wireless growth and
churn rates, revenues and expenses;
o the risk of equipment failure, natural disasters, terrorist acts, or other
breaches of network or information technology security;
o the possibility of one or more of the markets in which Sprint competes being
impacted by changes in political or other factors such as monetary policy,
legal and regulatory changes, or other external factors over which Sprint has
no control; and
o other risks referenced from time to time in Sprint's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The words "estimate," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "believe,"
"target," "providing guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are found throughout
Management's Discussion and Analysis. The reader should not place undue reliance
on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.
Sprint is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking
statements to reflect events after the date of this report or unforeseen events.
Sprint provides a detailed discussion of risk factors in various SEC filings,
including its 2003 Form 10-K, and you are encouraged to review these filings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint is a global communications company and a leader in integrating wireless,
local service and long-distance communications. Sprint is also one of the
largest carriers of Internet traffic using its tier one Internet Protocol
network and is a leader in providing high-speed wireless data services.
Sprint operates a 100% digital PCS wireless network with licenses to provide
service to the entire United States population, including Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands, using a single frequency band and a single technology.
Wireless, together with third party affiliates, operates PCS systems in over 300
metropolitan markets, including the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.
Wireless, including third party affiliates, reaches a quarter billion people.
Combined with our wholesale and affiliate partners, Wireless served more than 22
million subscribers at the end of the 2004 second quarter. Additionally, Sprint
provides local service using its facilities, leased facilities or unbundled
network elements provided by other carriers in a total of 36 states and the
District of Columbia. Sprint is selling into the cable telephony market through
arrangements with cable companies that resell Sprint long distance service and
use Sprint back office systems and network assets in support of their local
telephone service provided over cable facilities. Sprint is the nation's
third-largest provider of long-distance services, based on revenues, and
operates nationwide, all-digital long distance and tier one Internet Protocol
networks. Sprint currently serves approximately 7.8 million access lines in its
franchise territories in 18 states. Long distance has ceased marketing
residential local service using unbundled elements, and will only provide new
local service selectively to small business customers who seek this service from
Long distance. Existing customers will continue to be served.
Sprint operates in an industry that has been and continues to be subject to
consolidation and dynamic change. Therefore, Sprint routinely reassesses its
business strategies. Due to changes in telecommunications, including
bankruptcies, over-capacity and a highly competitive pricing environment in
long-distance, Sprint has taken actions to appropriately allocate capital and
other resources to enable sustaining cash contribution. Sprint continues to
assess the implications of its actions on its operations. Any such assessment
may impact the future valuation of its long-lived assets.
As part of its overall business strategy, Sprint regularly evaluates
opportunities to expand and complement its business and may at any time be
discussing or negotiating a transaction that, if consummated, could have a
material effect on its business, financial condition, liquidity or results of
operations.
In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint sold its directory publishing business to R.H.
Donnelley for $2.23 billion in cash.
Business Transformation
Currently, Sprint's operations are divided into three lines of business:
Wireless, Local and Long distance operations.
In the 2003 fourth quarter, Sprint undertook an initiative to realign internal
resources. This effort was implemented to enhance our focus on the needs and
preferences of two distinct consumer types - businesses and individuals. This
effort is enabling Sprint to more effectively and efficiently use its portfolio
of assets to create customer-focused communications solutions. Throughout 2004,
management anticipates continuing to make decisions using the current
segmentation, taking into consideration the re-aligned customer-focused
approach.
In furtherance of the goals of the realignment initiative, efforts are underway
to improve Sprint's productivity through:
o Consolidating systems and eliminating redundancies
o Automation
o Process re-engineering
o E-enablement
o Organizational redesign and streamlining
These efforts have resulted and could continue to result in decisions requiring
restructuring charges and asset impairments over the next several years.
Elimination of Tracking Stocks
On April 23, 2004, Sprint recombined its two tracking stocks. Each share of PCS
common stock automatically converted into 0.5 shares of FON common stock. As of
April 23, 2004, the FON Group and the PCS Group no longer exist, and FON common
stock represents all of the operations and assets of Sprint, including Wireless,
Local and Long distance.
Regulatory Developments
In May 2004, the California Public Utilities Commission adopted consumer
protection rules applicable to the telecommunications industry. Both wireline
and wireless carriers, including Sprint, have initiated legal challenges to the
new rules, including applications for rehearing and motions for stay filed with
the Commission. If the rules are allowed to go into effect, they are expected to
impact the operations of telecommunications providers in California, forcing
increases to costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues $ 6,869 $ 6,463 $ 13,576 $ 12,802
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 233 $ (2) $ 455 $ 95
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Net operating revenues increased 6% in both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004
year-to-date period compared to the same 2003 periods reflecting growth in
Wireless revenues partially offset by declining Long distance and Local
revenues.
Income from continuing operations increased to $233 million in the 2004 second
quarter and $455 million in the 2004 year-to-date period and includes the
after-tax impacts of the items discussed below.
In the 2004 second quarter, income from continuing operations included a $58
million charge related to Sprint's Organizational Realignment and the
termination of its Web Hosting business and an $18 million charge associated
with the early retirement of $750 million of Equity Unit notes, including $12
million of premiums paid and the recognition of $6 million of deferred debt
costs. These charges were partially offset by a $9 million benefit resulting
from the receipt of the final payment of a bankruptcy settlement with MCI
(WorldCom).
In the 2004 first quarter, income from continuing operations included a $19
million charge related to severance costs associated with Sprint's
Organizational Realignment and the wind-down of its Web Hosting business, as
well as $15 million in advisory fees associated with the recombination of the
tracking stocks.
In the 2003 second quarter, income from continuing operations included a $22
million charge in connection with the separation agreements agreed to by Sprint
and three former executive officers and a $218 million charge related to winding
down the Web Hosting business. This charge includes a non-cash charge for the
impairment of hosting assets and a charge related to cash requirements for
employee terminations.
In the 2003 first quarter, income from continuing operations included a $32
million charge to settle derivative action and securities class action
litigation, a $12 million charge reflecting the premiums paid on debt tender
offers, and a $6 million charge associated with the termination of a software
development project.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segmental Results of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless
Wireless operates a 100% digital PCS wireless network with licenses to provide
service to the entire United States population, including Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands, using a single frequency band and a single technology.
Wireless, together with third party affiliates, operates PCS systems in over 300
metropolitan markets, including the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.
Wireless service, together with third party affiliates, reaches a quarter
billion people. Combined with our wholesale and affiliate partners, Wireless
served more than 22 million subscribers at the end of the 2004 second quarter.
Wireless provides nationwide service through a combination of:
o operating its own digital network in major U.S. metropolitan areas
using code division multiple access (CDMA), which is a digital
spread-spectrum wireless technology that allows a large number of users
to access a single frequency band by assigning a code to all
transmission bits, sending a scrambled transmission of the encoded
information over the air and reassembling the speech and data into its
original format,
o affiliating with other companies that use CDMA, mainly in and around smaller
U.S. metropolitan areas,
o roaming on other providers' analog cellular networks using multi-mode and
multi-band handsets, and
o roaming on other providers'digital networks that use CDMA.
Sprint PCS subscribers can use their phones through roaming agreements in
countries other than the United States, including areas of:
o Asia Pacific, including China, Guam, Hong Kong and New Zealand,
o Canada and Mexico,
o Central and South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Uruguay, and
o Most major Caribbean Islands.
Sprint's third generation (3G) capability allows more efficient utilization of
the network when voice calls are made using 3G-enabled handsets. It also
provides enhanced data services. The service, marketed as "Sprint PCS VisionSM,"
allows consumer and business subscribers to use their Vision-enabled PCS devices
to exchange instant messages, exchange personal and corporate e-mail, take, send
and receive pictures, play games with full-color graphics and polyphonic sounds
and browse the Internet wirelessly with speeds up to 144 kbps (with average
speeds of 50 to 70 kbps).
Wireless supplements its own network through affiliation arrangements with other
companies that use CDMA. Under these arrangements, these companies offer PCS
services using Sprint's spectrum under the Sprint brand name on CDMA networks
built and operated at their own expense. Several of these affiliates are
experiencing financial difficulties and are evaluating or have completed
restructuring activities. Two affiliates filed for bankruptcy protection and
simultaneously filed suit against us. Sprint has settled both law suits. One
other affiliate has filed suit against us. Several of the affiliates are
disputing and refusing to pay amounts owed to Sprint. Reserves have been
established that are expected to provide for the ultimate resolution of these
disputes, and Sprint is in negotiations with some of the affiliates regarding
restructuring its relationship with them.
Sprint has reached agreements with some of its affiliates, including two of the
largest who have completed restructuring activities. Sprint amended the existing
agreements to provide for a simplified pricing mechanism, as well as refining
and changing various business processes. The amended agreements cover slightly
more than 50% of the subscribers served by all affiliates. The agreements
provide simplified and predictable long-term pricing for service bureau fees and
stability to the rates charged for inter-area service fees. In addition, the
agreements settled all significant outstanding disputes with these affiliates.
Wireless may incur additional expenses to ensure that service is available to
its subscribers in the areas served by its affiliates. If any of the PCS
affiliates cease operations, Wireless may incur roaming charges in areas where
service was previously provided by the affiliates and costs to meet FCC buildout
and renewal requirements, as well as experience lower revenues.
Wireless also provides services to companies that resell wireless services to
their subscribers on a retail basis under their own brand. These companies bear
the costs of acquisition, billing and customer service. In the 2003 third
quarter, Sprint executed a five year wholesale agreement with Qwest
Communications (Qwest) whereby Qwest wireless subscribers will use Sprint's
national PCS network and have access to Sprint-branded PCS Vision data services.
Qwest will continue to provide sales and service support to its wireless
subscribers, including the promotion and sale of handsets and price plans, as
well as provide customer service, including billing and account information.
Sprint will serve as the exclusive provider to Qwest of wireless services for
resale in the markets served by Wireless. Qwest began adding new subscribers in
the 2004 first quarter. In the 2004 second quarter, existing subscribers have
begun transition to Sprint's network and this transition is expected to be
substantively complete by year-end.
Wireless also includes its investment in Virgin Mobile, USA, a joint venture to
market wireless services, principally to youth and pre-pay segments.
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended
June 30, Variance
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Service $ 3,102 $ 2,803 $ 299 10.7%
Equipment 388 237 151 63.7%
Wholesale, affiliate and other 124 56 68 NM
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 3,614 3,096 518 16.7%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 1,733 1,521 212 13.9%
Selling, general and administrative 811 697 114 16.4%
Depreciation and amortization 651 617 34 5.5%
Restructuring and asset impairment 12 - 12 NM
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 3,207 2,835 372 13.1%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating income $ 407 $ 261 $ 146 55.9%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Capital expenditures $ 667 $ 533 $ 134 25.1%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
NM = Not meaningful
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-to-Date
June 30, Variance
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Service $ 6,041 $ 5,409 $ 632 11.7%
Equipment 765 505 260 51.5%
Wholesale, affiliate and other 245 129 116 90.0%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 7,051 6,043 1,008 16.7%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 3,477 2,969 508 17.1%
Selling, general and administrative 1,579 1,428 151 10.6%
Depreciation and amortization 1,305 1,225 80 6.5%
Restructuring and asset impairment 16 10 6 60.0%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 6,377 5,632 745 13.2%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating income $ 674 $ 411 $ 263 64.0%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Capital expenditures $ 1,079 $ 720 $ 359 49.9%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Wireless markets its products through multiple distribution channels, including
its own retail stores, as well as other retail outlets. Equipment sales to one
retail chain and the service revenues generated by sales to its customers
accounted for 20.0% of net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and
20.7% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 20.6% and 21.7% for the same
2003 periods.
Net Operating Revenues
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Direct subscribers (millions) 16.9 15.3 16.9 15.3
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Average monthly service revenue
per user (ARPU) $ 62 $ 62 $ 62 $ 60
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Subscriber churn rate 2.3% 2.4% 2.6% 2.8%
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Average monthly service revenue per user (ARPU), calculated on our direct
subscriber base, is computed by dividing wireless service revenues by weighted
average monthly wireless subscribers to measure revenue on a per user basis.
This is a measure which uses GAAP as the basis for the calculation. ARPU, which
is used by most wireless companies, is a method of valuing the recurring
activity by measuring revenue on a per user basis. Analysts and investors
primarily use ARPU to compare relative value across the wireless industry.
Net operating revenues include service revenues from the direct subscriber base,
revenues from sales of handsets and accessory equipment, and revenues from our
wholesale and affiliate partners. Service revenues consist of monthly recurring
charges, usage charges and miscellaneous fees such as directory assistance,
operator-assisted calling, handset insurance and late payment charges. Service
revenues increased 10.7% in the 2004 second quarter and 11.7% for the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods reflecting an increase in the
number of subscribers, increased revenues from data services, and subscriber
elections to add services to their base plans. These increases were partially
offset by lower overage charges from usage-based plans. Average monthly usage in
the 2004 second quarter was over 16 hours per month, an increase of more than
three hours when compared to the 2003 second quarter. At the end of the period
approximately 41% of the subscriber base included data services in their package
compared to approximately 30% at the end of the 2003 second quarter.
Wireless had 505,000 direct net retail additions in the 2004 second quarter and
acquired 91,000 subscribers from a third party affiliate at the end of the
quarter, ending the period with approximately 16.9 million subscribers compared
to approximately 15.3 million subscribers at the end of the 2003 second quarter.
Wholesale partners added 299,000 subscribers in the second quarter of 2004,
which increased their subscriber base to 2.3 million, principally due to Virgin
Mobile, USA. The PCS third-party affiliates added 93,000 subscribers in the
second quarter of 2004 before giving effect to the 91,000 subscribers acquired
by Wireless from an affiliate at the end of the quarter. This brings the total
number of subscribers served on the Wireless and affiliate networks, including
direct retail, affiliate and wholesale subscribers, to more than 22.2 million at
the end of the 2004 second quarter. In the 2004 second quarter, 55% of new
direct retail subscribers chose to include PCS Vision in their service package.
Subscriber churn, which is calculated on our direct subscriber base, is computed
by dividing the subscribers who discontinued Sprint PCS service by the weighted
average subscribers for the period. This is an operational measure which is used
by most wireless companies as a method of estimating the life of the subscriber.
Analysts and investors primarily use churn to compare relative value across the
wireless industry. The subscriber churn rate in the 2004 second quarter was 2.3%
compared to 2.4% for the same 2003 period. Viewed sequentially, 2004 second
quarter churn dropped more than 50 basis points. These improvements were due to
effective subscriber retention programs and network improvements, as well as
improved credit management policies.
Revenues from sales of handsets and accessories, including new subscribers and
upgrades, were approximately 10.7% of net operating revenues in the 2004 second
quarter and 10.8% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 7.7% and 8.4% for
the same 2003 periods. The increase was mainly due to higher subscriber
additions and higher retail prices, which was partially offset by higher
rebates. As part of Wireless marketing plans, handsets, net of rebates, are
normally sold at prices below the cost.
Wholesale, affiliate and other revenues consist primarily of net revenues
retained from Sprint PCS subscribers residing in PCS affiliate territories, and
revenues from the sale of Sprint PCS services to companies that resell those
services to their subscribers on a retail basis. These revenues represented 3.4%
of net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and 3.5% in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 1.8% and 2.1% for the same 2003 periods. These
increases mainly reflect net additions to the affiliate and wholesale customer
base.
Costs of Services and Products
Costs of services and products mainly include handset and accessory costs,
switch and cell site expenses, customer service costs and other network-related
costs. These costs increased 14% in the 2004 second quarter and 17% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. These increases were primarily
due to network support of a larger subscriber base, higher minutes of use,
expanded network coverage and initial costs associated with customer service
co-sourcing arrangements. Equipment costs also increased due to higher direct
gross retail additions and handset upgrades as well as a decline in availability
of refurbished handsets. These increases were somewhat offset by decreases in
information technology expense due to operational efficiencies. Handset and
equipment costs were 38.9% of total costs of services and products in the 2004
second quarter and 40.1% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 36.0% and
37.9% for the same 2003 periods. Costs of services and products were 48.0% of
net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and 49.3% in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 49.1% for both 2003 periods.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expense mainly includes marketing
costs to promote and sell products and services, as well as related salary and
benefit costs. SG&A expense increased 16% in the 2004 second quarter and 11% in
the 2004 year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods reflecting an increase
in sales and distribution costs primarily driven by higher direct gross retail
additions and an increase in the number of owned retail stores. Marketing costs
also contributed to the increase as a significant campaign was launched in the
second quarter to reposition the PCS brand. This increase was offset by a
decline in bad debt expense due to improved cash collections. SG&A expense was
22.4% of net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 22.5% and 23.6% for the same 2003 periods. Bad
debt expense as a percentage of net revenues was 1.3% in the 2004 second quarter
and 1.2% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 1.8% and 2.4% in the same
2003 periods. Reserve for bad debt as a percent of outstanding accounts
receivable was 7.2% at the end of the 2004 second quarter and 7.3% at year-end
2003. This improvement was mainly driven by lower involuntary churn and improved
cash collections.
Depreciation and Amortization
Estimates and assumptions are used both in setting depreciable lives and testing
for recoverability. Assumptions are based on internal studies of use, industry
data on lives, recognition of technological advancements and understanding of
business strategy. Depreciation expense consists mainly of depreciation of
network assets.
Depreciation expense increased 6% in the 2004 second quarter and 7% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods due to an increase in the network
asset investment during 2003 and the 2004 year-to-date period. Depreciation
expense was 18.0% of net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and 18.5%
in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 19.9% and 20.3% for the same 2003
periods.
Restructuring and Asset Impairment
Wireless recorded a $12 million restructuring charge in the second quarter of
2004 and a $4 million restructuring charge in the first quarter of 2004. Both
charges represent severance costs associated with Sprint's Organizational
Realignment.
In the first quarter of 2003, Wireless recorded a charge of $10 million
associated with the termination of a software development project.
Local
Local consists mainly of regulated local phone companies serving approximately
7.8 million access lines in 18 states. Local provides voice and data services,
including digital subscriber line (DSL), for customers within its franchise
territories, access by phone customers and other carriers to the local network,
nationwide long-distance services to residential customers in its franchise
territories, sales of telecommunications equipment, and other services within
specified calling areas to residential and business customers. Local provides
wireless services and video services to customers in its franchise territories
through agency relationships.
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended
June 30, Variance
----------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- --------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Voice $ 1,136 $ 1,165 $ (29) (2.5)%
Data 205 176 29 16.5%
Other 169 185 (16) (8.6)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 1,510 1,526 (16) (1.0)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 462 489 (27) (5.5)%
Selling, general and administrative 329 313 16 5.1%
Depreciation and amortization 271 271 - NM
Restructuring 3 - 3 NM
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 1,065 1,073 (8) (0.7)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating income $ 445 $ 453 $ (8) (1.8)%
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating margin 29.5% 29.7%
--- ------------- -- --------------
Capital expenditures $ 247 $ 289 $ (42) (14.5)%
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
NM = Not meaningful
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-to-Date
June 30, Variance
----------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- --------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Voice $ 2,283 $ 2,348 $ (65) (2.8)%
Data 400 349 51 14.6%
Other 333 361 (28) (7.8)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 3,016 3,058 (42) (1.4)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 913 976 (63) (6.5)%
Selling, general and administrative 656 631 25 4.0%
Depreciation and amortization 539 536 3 0.6%
Restructuring 17 - 17 NM
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 2,125 2,143 (18) (0.8)%
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating income $ 891 $ 915 $ (24) (2.6)%
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating margin 29.5% 29.9%
--- ------------- -- --------------
Capital expenditures $ 456 $ 570 $ (114) (20.0)%
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
NM = Not meaningful
Net Operating Revenues
Net operating revenues decreased 1% in both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The decline was driven by lower
voice revenue primarily due to fewer access lines and lower consumer
long-distance revenues. Lower equipment sales also contributed to the decrease.
Local ended the 2004 second quarter with approximately 7.8 million switched
access lines, a 2% decrease during the past 12 months. The reduction in access
lines was driven by wireless and broadband substitution, losses to competitive
local providers, and seasonally higher disconnects in the second quarter. The
reduction in access lines is expected to continue, although Sprint expects its
ongoing rate of line loss to be less than the loss rates experienced by other
major urban carriers. On a voice-grade equivalent basis, which includes both
traditional switched services and high capacity lines, voice-grade equivalents
grew 7% during the past 12 months. This growth reflects growth in DSL, as well
as many business customers switching from individual lines to high capacity
dedicated circuits.
Voice Revenues
Voice revenues, derived from local exchange services, long-distance revenue and
switched access revenue, decreased 2% in the 2004 second quarter and 3% in the
2004 year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods due to a decrease in access
lines and lower consumer long-distance revenue. Voice revenues partially
benefited this quarter from a retroactive access billing adjustment with a
third-party carrier. Additionally, FCC-allowable cost recoveries associated with
local number portability ceased in February 2004.
Data Revenues
Data revenues are mainly derived from DSL, local data transport services, and
special access. Data revenues increased 16% in the 2004 second quarter and 15%
in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to the same 2003 periods driven by
strong growth in DSL lines.
Other Revenues
Other revenues decreased 9% in the 2004 second quarter and 8% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods principally driven by lower
equipment sales.
Costs of Services and Products
Costs of services and products include costs to operate and maintain the local
network and costs of equipment sales. These costs decreased 6% in both the 2004
second quarter and the 2004 year-to-date period compared to the same 2003
periods. This decrease was mainly driven by general expense controls and lower
costs associated with equipment sales, somewhat offset by higher pension costs.
Costs of services and products were 30.6% of net operating revenues in the 2004
second quarter and 30.3% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 32.0% and
31.9% for the same periods a year ago.
Selling, General and Administrative
SG&A expense increased 5% in the 2004 second quarter and 4% in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to the same 2003 periods. The increase was
primarily due to higher pension costs and stock-based compensation offset by
general expense controls. SG&A expense was 21.8% of net operating revenues in
both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 20.5%
and 20.6% for the same periods a year ago. SG&A includes charges for estimated
bad debt expense. The reserve for bad debts requires management's judgment and
is based on customer specific indicators, as well as historical trending,
industry norms, regulatory decisions and recognition of current market
indicators about general economic conditions. Bad debt expense as a percentage
of net revenues was 1.3% in both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 1.1% and 1.3% in the same periods a year ago.
Reserve for bad debt as a percent of outstanding accounts receivable was 8.9% at
the end of the 2004 second quarter and 8.5% at year-end 2003.
Depreciation and Amortization
Estimates and assumptions are used in setting depreciable lives and testing for
recoverability. Assumptions are based on internal studies of use, industry data
on lives, recognition of technological advancements and understanding of
business strategy. Depreciation expense was flat in both the 2004 second quarter
and the 2004 year-to-date period compared to the same 2003 periods. Depreciation
expense was 17.9% of net operating revenues in both the 2004 second quarter and
the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 17.8% and 17.5% for the same periods a
year ago.
Restructuring and Asset Impairment
In the 2004 first quarter, Local recorded a $14 million restructuring charge
representing severance associated with Sprint's Organizational Realignment. In
the 2004 second quarter, an additional $3 million was recorded.
Long distance
Long distance provides a broad suite of communications services targeted to
domestic business and residential customers, multinational corporations and
other communications companies. These services include domestic and
international voice; data communications using various protocols, such as
Internet Protocol (IP) and frame relay (a data service that transfers packets of
data over Sprint's network), and managed network services. Long distance is
selling into the cable telephony market through arrangements with cable
companies that resell Sprint long distance service and use Sprint back office
systems and network assets in support of their local telephone service provided
over cable facilities. In addition, Long distance provides international data
communications, and provides local service using Sprint's facilities, leased
facilities or unbundled network elements provided by other carriers in a total
of 36 states and the District of Columbia.
Long distance also includes the operating results of the wireless high speed
data and cable TV service operations of the wireless broadband companies using
Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Services (MMDS) technology. Sprint is
focusing its future efforts in the use of MMDS technology on a broad range of
alternative strategies. Sprint is continuing to optimize its spectrum portfolio,
is monitoring technology and industry developments, and is involved in efforts
to achieve favorable regulatory rulings with respect to this spectrum.
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended
June 30, Variance
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Voice $ 1,164 $ 1,244 $ (80) (6.4)%
Data 438 466 (28) (6.0)%
Internet 214 245 (31) (12.7)%
Other 57 50 7 14.0%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 1,873 2,005 (132) (6.6)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 1,095 1,064 31 2.9%
Selling, general and administrative 515 563 (48) (8.5)%
Depreciation and amortization 321 363 (42) (11.6)%
Restructuring and asset impairment 81 348 (267) (76.7)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 2,012 2,338 (326) (13.9)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating loss $ (139) $ (333) $ 194 58.3%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Capital expenditures $ 64 $ 94 $ (30) (31.9)%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Selected Operating Results
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-to-Date
June 30, Variance
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 $ %
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -- ------------- -----------------
(millions)
Net operating revenues
Voice $ 2,350 $ 2,537 $ (187) (7.4)%
Data 890 928 (38) (4.1)%
Internet 437 488 (51) (10.5)%
Other 108 98 10 10.2%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total net operating revenues 3,785 4,051 (266) (6.6)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating expenses
Costs of services and products 2,148 2,170 (22) (1.0)%
Selling, general and administrative 1,031 1,138 (107) (9.4)%
Depreciation and amortization 641 724 (83) (11.5)%
Restructuring and asset impairment 93 348 (255) (73.3)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Total operating expenses 3,913 4,380 (467) (10.7)%
- ---------------------------------------------- -- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Operating loss $ (128) $ (329) $ 201 61.1%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Capital expenditures $ 120 $ 155 $ (35) (22.6)%
-- ------------- -- -------------- -- -------------
Net Operating Revenues
Net operating revenues decreased 7% in both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004
year-to-date periods from the same 2003 periods. The revenue decline in nearly
all categories was due to a competitive pricing environment in the long-distance
business.
Voice Revenues
Voice revenues decreased 6% in the 2004 second quarter and 7% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods due to a decline in consumer
voice revenues resulting from wireless, e-mail and instant messaging
substitution, aggressive competition from Regional Bell Operating Companies
(RBOCs) for consumer and small business customers and aggressive pricing by
traditional interexchange carriers and the RBOCs for enterprise customers.
Minute volume increased 13% in the 2004 second quarter and 11% in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to the same 2003 periods.
Data Revenues
Data revenues decreased 6% in the 2004 second quarter and 4% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The decrease is driven by
declines in frame relay and private line services partially offset by an
increase in ATM and managed network services.
Internet Revenues
Internet revenues decreased 13% in the 2004 second quarter and 10% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The decline was mainly driven by
a decrease in dial IP and Web Hosting services, somewhat offset by an increase
in dedicated IP. Sprint made the decision to exit the web hosting business in
the 2003 second quarter.
Other Revenues
Other revenues increased 14% in the 2004 second quarter and 10% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The increase was primarily due
to higher equipment sales.
Costs of Services and Products
Costs of services and products include interconnection costs paid to local phone
companies, other domestic service providers and foreign phone companies to
complete calls made by the division's domestic customers, costs to operate and
maintain our long-distance networks, and costs of equipment sales. These costs
increased 3% in the 2004 second quarter, but decreased 1% in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The increase is primarily
attributable to higher volumes, particularly in international traffic. The
decrease was due to renegotiated access rate agreements, and initiatives to
reduce access unit costs. Costs of services and products for Long distance were
58.5% of net operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and 56.8% in the 2004
year-to-date period compared to 53.1% and 53.6% for the same periods a year ago.
These increases reflect the competitive pricing environment of the long-distance
business.
Selling, General and Administrative
SG&A expenses decreased 9% in both the 2004 second quarter and the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 periods. The decline was due to
restructuring efforts and general cost controls. SG&A expense was 27.5% of net
operating revenues in the 2004 second quarter and 27.2% in the 2004 year-to-date
period compared to 28.1% for the same periods a year ago.
SG&A includes charges for estimated bad debt expense. The reserve for bad debts
requires management's judgment and is based on customer specific indicators, as
well as historical trending, industry norms, regulatory decisions and
recognition of current market indicators about general economic conditions. Bad
debt expense as a percentage of net revenues was 3.5% in the 2004 second quarter
and 2.4% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to 1.9% and 2.2% for the same
2003 periods. This increase is primarily driven by higher bad debt experience in
the wholesale market. Reserve for bad debt as a percent of outstanding accounts
receivable was 11.4% at the end of the 2004 second quarter and 11% at year-end
2003.
Depreciation and Amortization
Estimates and assumptions are used both in setting depreciable lives and testing
for recoverability. Assumptions are based on internal studies of use, industry
data on lives, recognition of technological advancements and understanding of
business strategy. Depreciation expense decreased 12% in the 2004 second quarter
and 11% in the year-to-date period from the same periods a year ago primarily
driven by a decreased asset base due to the asset impairments associated with
the wind-down of the Web Hosting business announced in the 2003 second quarter,
as well as the extension of the depreciable life of certain high-capacity
transmission equipment from eight years to twelve years due to slower
anticipated evolution of technology and limited physical deterioration. This
extension in life decreased the 2004 second quarter and year-to-date
depreciation expense in Long distance by approximately $24 million and $49
million, respectively. Depreciation expense was 17.1% of net operating revenues
in the 2004 second quarter and 16.9% in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to
18.1% and 17.9% for the same periods a year ago.
Restructuring and Asset Impairment
Long distance recorded an $81 million restructuring charge in the 2004 second
quarter and $12 million in the 2004 first quarter representing severance costs
associated with Sprint's Organizational Realignment and the wind-down of the Web
Hosting business.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonoperating Items
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $41 million in the 2004 second quarter and $87
million in the 2004 year-to-date period compared to the same periods a year ago.
These decreases are primarily due to reductions in Sprint's outstanding debt.
Sprint's effective interest rate on long-term debt was 6.9% in the 2004 second
quarter compared to 7.0% in the 2003 second quarter. The lower effective
interest rate is primarily due to $1 billion worth of fair value interest rate
swaps entered into during the third quarter of 2003. At June 30, 2004, the
average floating rate of interest on the swapped debt was 4.2%; the average
coupon on the underlying debt was 7.2%. Interest costs on short-term borrowings
and interest costs on deferred compensation plans have been excluded so as not
to distort the effective interest rate on long-term debt.
Premium on Early Retirement of Debt
In May 2004, Sprint recorded a premium of $20 million due to early retirement of
$750 million of senior notes related to the equity units. The notes had an
interest rate of 6% and a maturity date of August 17, 2006.
In March 2003, Sprint completed a tender offer to purchase $442 million
principal amount of current senior notes before their scheduled maturity. The
notes had an interest rate of 5.7% and a maturity date of November 15, 2003. A
premium of $6 million was paid as part of the tender offer.
Also in March 2003, Sprint completed a tender offer to purchase $635 million
principal amount of its long-term senior notes before their scheduled maturity.
The notes had an interest rate of 5.9% and a maturity date of May 1, 2004. A
premium of $13 million was paid as part of the tender offer.
Other, net
Other, net consisted of the following:
Quarters Ended Year-to-Date
June 30, June 30,
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
(millions)
Dividend and interest income $ 8 $ 7 $ 17 $ 21
Equity in net losses of affiliates (10) (10) (22) (28)
Amortization of debt costs (15) (8) (21) (15)
Royalties 3 4 7 7
Litigation settlement - - - (50)
Losses on sales of investments - (3) - (3)
Tracking stock recombination
advisory fees - - (15) -
Other, net 10 (11) 4 (14)
- --------------------------------------------- --- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Total $ (4) $ (21) $ (30) $ (82)
--- ------------- -- -------------- -- ------------- --- -------------
Equity in net losses of affiliates was driven by Sprint's investment in Virgin
Mobile, USA, in all periods presented.
Amortization of debt costs include the recognition of $9 million of deferred
costs associated with the early retirement of $750 million of equity unit notes
in the 2004 second quarter.
Royalties are payments made to Sprint by Call-Net equaling 2.5% of Call-Net
gross revenues from telecommunication services.
In the 2004 first quarter, Sprint recorded $15 million in advisory fees relating
to the tracking stock recombination.
In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint recorded a $50 million charge to settle
shareholder litigation.
Income Taxes
See Note 11 of Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
information about the differences that caused the effective income tax rates to
vary from the federal statutory rate for income taxes related to continuing
operations.
Discontinued Operation, Net
In the 2002 third quarter, Sprint reached a definitive agreement to sell its
directory publishing business to R.H. Donnelley for $2.23 billion in cash. The
sale closed on January 3, 2003.
The pretax gain recognized in the 2003 year-to-date period was $2.14 billion,
$1.32 billion after-tax. In the 2003 second quarter, Sprint recognized a pretax
gain of $14 million, $9 million after-tax, primarily related to a final working
capital settlement in the on-going operation.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-lived Assets, Sprint has presented the directory publishing business as a
discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements.
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Net
In the 2003 first quarter, Sprint adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, Sprint recorded a
reduction in Local's depreciation reserves to remove previously accrued costs of
removal. Historically, Local accrued costs of removal in its depreciable rate, a
practice consistent with regulatory requirements and others in the industry.
These costs of removal do not meet the standard's definition of an asset
retirement obligation liability. This one-time benefit of approximately $420
million resulted in a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
credit, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations of $258
million.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Condition
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint's consolidated assets of $42.0 billion decreased $809 million in the 2004
year-to-date period. Cash and equivalents decreased $46 million as capital
expenditures, early retirement of equity unit notes and dividend payments
slightly exceeded operating cash flows. Inventories increased $172 million as
several new wireless handset models were launched in the 2004 second quarter.
Net property, plant, and equipment decreased $931 million, as capital
expenditures were more than offset by depreciation expense in the 2004
year-to-date period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint's board of directors exercises discretion regarding the liquidity and
capital resource needs of its business segments. This includes the ability to
prioritize the use of capital and debt capacity, to determine cash management
policies and to make decisions regarding the timing and amount of capital
expenditures.
Operating Activities
Sprint's operating cash flows of $3.0 billion decreased $22 million in the 2004
year-to-date period from the same 2003 period. The 2004 decrease was mainly due
to a $300 million contribution to the pension trust in the 2004 first quarter,
partially offset by growth in Wireless.
Investing Activities
Sprint's cash flows used by investing activities, which consisted mainly of
capital expenditures, totaled $1.6 billion in the 2004 year-to-date period
compared to $1.4 billion in the same 2003 period. Wireless capital expenditures
were incurred mainly to maintain network reliability and upgrade capabilities
for providing new products and services. Local incurred capital expenditures to
accommodate voice grade equivalent growth, expand capabilities for providing
enhanced services, convert our network from circuit to packet switching, and
continue the build-out of high-speed DSL services, to meet federal, state and
local regulatory requirements, and to replace network and support assets. Long
distance capital expenditures were incurred mainly to maintain network
reliability and upgrade capabilities for providing new products and services.
The overall increase in capital expenditures in 2004 was driven by higher
Wireless spending, somewhat offset by Local and Long distance spending
reductions.
Financing Activities
Sprint's cash flows used by financing activities totaled $1.4 billion in the
2004 year-to-date period and $2.1 billion in the same 2003 period. Financing
activities include a $1.1 billion reduction of debt in the 2004 year-to-date
period compared with a reduction of $1.9 billion in the same 2003 period. The
debt reduction in the 2004 year-to-date period was primarily due to the early
retirement of a portion of Sprint's equity unit notes and payment of scheduled
maturities on senior notes. The debt reduction in the 2003 year-to-date period
was mainly due to the tender for the 2003 and 2004 senior notes and the
prepayment of borrowings under the long distance accounts receivable
securitization facility. Sprint paid cash dividends of $295 million in the 2004
year-to-date period compared with $228 million in the same 2003 period. The
dividend increase was due to additional FON shares issued in the April 2004
stock recombination.
Capital Requirements
Sprint's 2004 investing activities, mainly consisting of capital expenditures,
are expected to total approximately $4.0 billion. These expenditures are
primarily for increased network capacity and coverage. They also include
investments for growth in demand for enterprise services, broadband initiatives
including DSL and Evolution Data Optimized or EV-DO, which is the next version
of CDMA technology enabling high-speed wireless data capabilities, and the
phased transition from circuit to packet switching. Sprint continues to review
capital expenditure requirements closely and will adjust spending and capital
investment in concert with customer demand. Dividend payments are expected to
approximate $670 million in 2004. Sprint expects overall cash from operations to
be approximately $6.5 billion in 2004.
Liquidity
Prior to 2003, Sprint has used the long-term bond market, as well as other
financial markets to fund its needs. As a result of its improved liquidity
position, Sprint has not recently accessed the capital markets, and does not
currently expect to do so in 2004 to fund either capital expenditures or
operating requirements.
In June 2004, Sprint entered into a new revolving credit facility with a
syndicate of banks. The $1.0 billion facility is unsecured, with no springing
liens, and is structured as a 364-day credit line with a subsequent one-year,
$1.0 billion term-out option. Sprint does not intend to draw against this
facility. Sprint had standby letters of credit serving as a backup to various
obligations of approximately $121 million as of June 30, 2004.
Sprint has a Wireless accounts receivable asset securitization facility that
provides Sprint with up to $500 million of additional liquidity. The facility,
which expires in 2005, does not include any ratings triggers that would allow
the lenders involved to terminate the facility in the event of a credit rating
downgrade. The maximum amount of funding available is based on numerous factors
and will fluctuate each month. Sprint has not drawn against the facility and
more than $295 million was available as of June 30, 2004.
Sprint has a Long distance accounts receivable asset securitization facility
that provides Sprint with up to $700 million of additional liquidity. The
facility, which expires in 2005, is subject to annual renewals and does not
include any ratings triggers that would allow the lenders involved to terminate
the facility in the event of a credit rating downgrade. The maximum amount of
funding available is based on numerous factors and will fluctuate each month. In
February 2003, Sprint prepaid all outstanding borrowings under this facility. As
of June 30, 2004, Sprint had more than $380 million total funding available
under the facility.
The undrawn loan facilities described above would charge interest rates equal to
LIBOR or Prime Rate plus a spread that varies depending on Sprint's credit
ratings.
Debt maturities, including capital lease obligations, for the remainder of 2004
total approximately $220 million. Sprint's $2.4 billion cash balance at June 30,
2004 and expected 2004 cash flow from operations more than fund these
requirements.
Any borrowings Sprint may incur are ultimately limited by certain debt
covenants. On June 30, 2004, Sprint's most restrictive debt covenant would allow
an additional $7.4 billion of debt. Sprint is currently in compliance with all
debt covenants associated with its borrowings.
Fitch Ratings currently rates Sprint's long-term senior unsecured debt at BBB
with a stable outlook. Standard and Poor's Corporate Ratings currently rates
Sprint's long-term senior unsecured debt at BBB- with a stable outlook. Moody's
Investor Service currently rates Sprint's long-term senior unsecured debt at
Baa3 with a stable outlook.
Sprint's ability to fund its capital needs is ultimately impacted by the overall
capacity and terms of the bank, term-debt and equity markets. Given the
volatility in the markets, Sprint continues to monitor the markets closely and
to take steps to maintain financial flexibility and a reasonable capital
structure cost. Sprint currently plans to access the markets only for extension,
replacement or renewal of current credit arrangements.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing
Sprint does not participate in, nor secure, financings for any unconsolidated,
special purpose entities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Strategies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Risk Management Policies
Sprint selectively enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its
exposure to interest rate changes on its debt. Sprint also enters into forward
contracts and options in foreign currencies to reduce the impact of changes in
foreign exchange rates. Sprint seeks to minimize counterparty credit risk
through stringent credit approval and review processes, the selection of only
the most creditworthy counterparties, continual review and monitoring of all
counterparties, and thorough legal review of contracts. Sprint also controls
exposure to market risk by regularly monitoring changes in foreign exchange and
interest rate positions under normal and stress conditions to ensure they do not
exceed established limits.
Sprint's derivative transactions are used principally for hedging purposes and
comply with Board-approved policies. Senior management receives frequent status
updates of all outstanding derivative positions.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Fair Value Hedges
Sprint enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage exposure to interest
rate movements and achieve an optimal mixture of floating and fixed-rate debt
while minimizing liquidity risk. The interest rate swap agreements designated as
fair value hedges effectively convert Sprint's fixed-rate debt to a floating
rate by receiving fixed rate amounts in exchange for floating rate interest
payments over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the underlying
principal amount. During 2003, Sprint entered into interest rate swap
agreements, which were designated as fair value hedges.
Cash Flow Hedges
Sprint enters into interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges
to reduce the impact of interest rate movements on future interest expense by
effectively converting a portion of its floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate. As
of June 30, 2004, Sprint had no outstanding interest rate cash flow hedges.
Other Derivatives
In certain business transactions, Sprint is granted warrants to purchase the
securities of other companies at fixed rates. These warrants are supplemental to
the terms of the business transaction and are not designated as hedging
instruments.
During 2003, Sprint entered into variable prepaid forward contracts to monetize
equity securities held as available for sale. The derivatives have been
designated as cash flow hedges to reduce the variability in expected cash flows
related to the forecasted sale of the underlying equity securities.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Sprint's foreign exchange risk management program focuses on reducing
transaction exposure to optimize consolidated cash flow. Sprint's primary
transaction exposure results from payments made to and received from overseas
telecommunications companies for completing international calls made by Sprint's
domestic customers and from the operation of its international subsidiaries.
These international operations were immaterial to the consolidated financial
position at June 30, 2004 or results of operations or cash flows for the quarter
ended June 30, 2004. Sprint has not entered into any significant foreign
currency forward and option contracts or other derivative instruments to reduce
the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. As a result,
Sprint was not subject to material foreign exchange risk.
PART I.
Item 3
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The risk inherent in Sprint's market risk sensitive instruments and positions is
the potential loss arising from adverse changes in those factors. Sprint is
susceptible to certain risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations. Sprint does not purchase or hold any
derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
The communications industry is a capital intensive, technology driven business.
Sprint is subject to interest rate risk primarily associated with its
borrowings. Sprint selectively enters into interest rate swap agreements to
manage its exposure to interest rate changes on its debt.
Approximately 93% of Sprint's outstanding debt at June 30, 2004 is fixed-rate
debt, excluding interest rate swaps. While changes in interest rates impact the
fair value of this debt, there is no impact to earnings and cash flows because
Sprint intends to hold these obligations to maturity unless market conditions
are favorable.
As of June 30, 2004, Sprint held fair value interest rate swaps with a notional
value of $1 billion. These swaps were entered into as hedges of the fair value
of a portion of our senior notes. These interest rate swaps have maturities
ranging from 2008 to 2012. On a semiannual basis, Sprint pays a floating rate of
interest equal to the six-month LIBOR, plus a fixed spread, which averaged 4.2%
as of June 30, 2004, and received an average interest rate equal to the coupon
rates stated on the underlying senior notes of 7.2%. Assuming a one percentage
point increase in the prevailing forward yield curve, the fair value of the
interest rate swaps and the underlying senior notes would change by $49 million.
These interest rate swaps met all the requirements for perfect effectiveness
under derivative accounting rules; therefore, there is no impact to earnings and
cash flows for any fair value fluctuations.
Sprint performs interest rate sensitivity analyses on its variable-rate debt
including interest rate swaps. These analyses indicate that a one percentage
point change in interest rates would have an annual pre-tax impact of $14
million on the Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows at June 30, 2004. While Sprint's variable-rate debt is subject to earnings
and cash flows impacts as interest rates change, it is not subject to changes in
fair values.
Sprint also performs a sensitivity analysis on the fair market value of its
outstanding debt. A 10% decrease in market interest rates would cause a $572
million increase in fair market value of its debt to $20 billion.
Foreign Currency Risk
Sprint also enters into forward and option contracts in foreign currencies to
reduce the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. Sprint uses foreign
currency derivatives to hedge its foreign currency exposure related to
settlement of international telecommunications access charges and the operation
of international subsidiaries. The dollar equivalent of Sprint's net foreign
currency payables from international settlements was $34 million and net foreign
currency receivables from international operations was $32 million at June 30,
2004. The potential immediate pre-tax loss to Sprint that would result from a
hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates based on these
positions would be approximately $9 million.
PART I.
Item 4
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
In response to adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Sprint formalized its
disclosure controls and procedures. In connection with the preparation of this
Form 10-Q and as of June 30, 2004, Sprint's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer directed Sprint's internal auditors to update their review of
the effectiveness of these disclosure controls and procedures and report their
conclusions. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer also met
with other members of management, as well as members of the financial accounting
and legal departments, to discuss and evaluate Sprint's disclosures and the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures. Based on these
discussions and the report of the internal auditors, the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of the
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2004 and
enabled Sprint to disclose all material financial and non-financial information
affecting its businesses as required by the rules governing this report. No
changes were made in Sprint's internal controls over financial reporting during
the 2004 second quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely
to materially affect Sprint's financial reporting.
PART II.
Other Information
PART II. - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The complaint in the consolidated lawsuit filed in the District Court
of Johnson County, Kansas, relating to the recombination of the
tracking stocks, reported in Sprint's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K
and its 2004 first quarter report on Form 10-Q, has been amended and
now alleges breach of fiduciary duty in connection with allocations
between the FON Group and the PCS Group before the recombination of the
tracking stocks as well as breach of fiduciary duty in the
recombination. The lawsuit seeks to rescind the recombination of the
tracking stocks and monetary damages.
Sprint's motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by individual participants
in the Sprint Retirement Savings Plan, the Sprint Retirement Savings
Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and the Centel Savings Plan for
Bargaining Unit Employees, reported in Sprint's 2003 Annual Report on
Form 10-K, was granted in part and denied in part. The consolidated
lawsuit alleges that defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the
plans and violated the ERISA statutes by making the company
contribution in FON and PCS stock and by including FON and PCS stock
among the more than thirty investment options offered to plan
participants. The lawsuit seeks to recover any decline in the value of
FON and PCS stock during the class period.
Various other suits, proceedings and claims, including purported class
actions, typical for a business enterprise, are pending against Sprint.
While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each
of these proceedings and whether they will be resolved consistent with
Sprint's beliefs, Sprint expects that the outcome of such proceedings,
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition or results of operations of Sprint or
its business segments.
Item 2. Changes in Securities
Sale of Unregistered Equity Securities
In June 2004, Sprint issued to its directors and certain of its current
and former executive officers an aggregate of 6,221 unregistered
restricted stock units relating to shares of FON Stock. These
restricted stock units were the result of dividend equivalent rights
attached to restricted stock units granted to these directors and
officers in 2003. Each restricted stock unit represents the right to
one share of FON Stock once the unit vests. Delivery of the shares may
be delayed under certain circumstances. The underlying shares are
currently scheduled to be delivered at various times beginning in 2005
and ending in 2007.
Neither these restricted stock units nor the common stock issuable once
the units vest were registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The
issuance of the restricted stock units was exempt from registration
under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption provided by
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act because the restricted stock units
were issued in transactions not involving a public offering.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
--- ---------------- --- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Total Number Maximum Number
of Shares (or Approximate
Purchased Dollar Value)
as Part of of Shares that
Publicly May Yet Be
Total Number Average Price Announced Purchased Under
Period of Shares Paid Plans or the Plans or
Purchased(1),(2) Per Share(3),(4) Programs Programs
--- ---------------- --- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
April 1 through April 30
FON Stock 34,669 $ 15.517 - -
PCS Stock(5) 34,349 $ 7.709 - -
May 1 through May 31
FON Stock 1,113 $ 17.771 - -
June 1 through June 30
FON Stock 35,610 $ 17.316 - -
(1) Excludes an aggregate of 1,502.5 shares of FON Stock acquired as a
result of Sprint's decision to pay cash for fractional shares in
the recombination of the PCS Stock and FON Stock. The
recombination occurred on April 23, 2004.
(2) Except for fractional shares of FON Stock acquired in the
recombination of PCS Stock and FON Stock, all acquisitions of
equity securities during the 2004 second quarter were the result
of the operation of the terms of Sprint's shareholder approved
equity compensation plans (the Management Incentive Stock Option
Plan and the 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Program) and the terms
of the equity grants pursuant to those plans, as follows: the
forfeiture of restricted stock; the surrender of restricted stock
to pay required minimum income, Medicare and FICA tax withholding
on the vesting of restricted stock; and the delivery of previously
owned shares owned by the grantee to pay additional income tax
withholding on (i) the vesting of restricted stock, (ii) the
delivery of shares underlying restricted stock units, and (iii)
the exercise of options. Excludes shares used for the exercise
price of options and required minimum tax withholding on the
exercise of options and the delivery of shares underlying
restricted stock units when only the net shares were issued.
(3) Excludes the purchase price for the fractional shares of FON Stock
resulting from the recombination of the PCS Stock and FON Stock.
Pursuant to Sprint's Articles of Incorporation, the cash value per
share is determined by averaging the high and low reported sales
price of the FON Stock on the fifth trading day before the date on
which the payment is made. The payment is made when the
certificates for PCS Stock are surrendered for exchange. As of
June 30, 2004, payment had been made for an aggregate of 802.5
shares of FON Stock at an average price per share of $17.65.
(4) Excludes forfeited restricted stock since the purchase price was
zero. The purchase price of a share of stock used for tax
withholding is the amount of withholding paid per share used for
that purpose, which is the market price of the stock on the date
of vesting of the restricted stock, the delivery date of the stock
underlying restricted stock units, and the date of the exercise of
the option.
(5) PCS Stock purchased before the recombination of PCS Stock and FON
Stock on April 23, 2004.
No options may be granted pursuant to the Management Incentive Stock
Option Plan after April 18, 2005. No awards may be granted pursuant to
the 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Program after April 15, 2007.
Options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards
outstanding on those dates may continue to be outstanding after those
dates. Sprint cannot estimate how many shares will be acquired in the
manner described in footnote (2) to the table above through operation
of these plans.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
There were no reportable events during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On April 20, 2004, Sprint held its annual meeting of shareholders. In
addition to the election of four directors to serve a term of one year,
the shareholders ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent
auditors of Sprint for 2004. The shareholders did not approve four
shareholder proposals.
The following votes were cast for each of the following nominees for
director or were withheld with respect to such nominees:
For Withheld
Gordon M. Bethune 1,118,424,077 28,619,249
E. Linn Draper, Jr. 1,119,191,385 27,851,941
Deborah A. Henretta 1,119,101,182 27,942,144
Linda Koch Lorimer 903,478,590 243,564,736
The following votes were cast with respect to the proposal to ratify
the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of Sprint for 2004:
For 1,104,672,293
Against 23,537,370
Abstain 18,833,820
The following votes were cast with respect to a shareholder proposal
requesting the Sprint board to adopt an executive compensation policy
that all future stock option grants to senior executives be indexed to
an industry peer group stock performance index.
For 308,500,915
Against 658,961,361
Abstain 23,390,075
Broker Non-Votes 156,190,973
The following votes were cast with respect to a shareholder proposal
requesting the Sprint board to (1) establish a cap on the total
compensation that may be paid to the CEO in a given year equal to 50
times the average compensation paid to employees not exempt from
coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act in the prior year and (2)
report to shareholders on the policy before the 2005 annual
shareholders' meeting.
For 90,250,278
Against 879,936,280
Abstain 20,670,932
Broker Non-Votes 156,185,834
The following votes were cast with respect to a shareholder proposal
urging the Sprint board to amend the bylaws, effective upon expiration
of current employment contracts, to require that an independent
director be chairman of the board of directors.
For 346,806,821
Against 622,117,140
Abstain 21,932,429
Broker Non-Votes 156,186,935
The following votes were cast with respect to a shareholder proposal
requesting the Sprint board to establish an independent committee to
prepare a report evaluating the risk of damage to Sprint's brand name
and reputation in the United States resulting from its offshoring
initiative and make copies of the report available to shareholders upon
request.
For 90,348,634
Against 803,327,826
Abstain 97,175,145
Broker Non-Votes 156,191,721
Item 5. Other Information
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Sprint's ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 1.85 and 1.82 in the
2004 second quarter and year-to-date period compared to 1.15 in the
2003 year-to-date period. In the 2003 second quarter, earnings were
inadequate to cover fixed charges by $12 million. The ratio of earnings
to fixed charges was computed by dividing fixed charges into the sum of
earnings, after certain adjustments, and fixed charges. Earnings
include income from continuing operations before income taxes plus net
losses in equity method investees, less capitalized interest. Fixed
charges include interest on all debt of continuing operations,
including amortization of debt issuance costs, and the interest
component of operating rents.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
(3) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:
(a) Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated as of
December 9, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Sprint
Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by
reference).
(b) Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of
Preferred Stock-Sixth Series, dated as of April 23,
2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to Sprint Corporation's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
(c) Certificate of Elimination of Designations of Preferred
Stock-Eighth Series,dated as of April 23, 2004 (filed
as Exhibit 3(c) to Sprint Corporation's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
(d) Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(d) to
Sprint Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and incorporated
herein by reference).
(4) Instruments defining the Rights of Sprint's Security Holders:
(a) The rights of Sprint's equity security holders are
defined in the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth
Articles of Sprint's Articles of Incorporation. See
Exhibits 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c).
(b) Provision regarding Kansas Control Share Acquisition
Act is in Article II, Section 5 of the Bylaws.
Provisions regarding Stockholders' Meetings are set
forth in Article III of the Bylaws. See Exhibit 3(d).
(c) Second Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between
Sprint Corporation and UMB Bank, n.a., as Rights Agent,
dated as of March 16, 2004 and effective as of April
23, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 5 to
Sprint Corporation's Registration Statement on Form 8-A
relating to Sprint's Rights, filed April 12, 2004, and
incorporated herein by reference).
(10) Material Agreements
(a) 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004,
among Sprint Corporation and Sprint Capital
Corporation, as Borrowers, the initial Lenders named
therein, as Initial Lenders, Citibank, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers
and as book managers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as
syndication agent, and Bank of America, N.A., Deutsche
Bank A.G. New York Branch and UBS Loan Finance LLC, as
documentation agents.
(12) Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(31) (a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14(a).
(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14(a).
(32) (a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Sprint will furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a
copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt that
does not exceed 10% of the total assets of Sprint.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Sprint filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 5, 2004, in which
it reported that it had been advised of the plaintiffs' decision to
withdraw their request for a preliminary injunction in the lawsuits
relating to the recombination of Sprint's PCS and FON tracking stocks.
Sprint filed a Current report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2004, in
which it reported that it announced 2004 first quarter results. The
news release, which was furnished as an exhibit to the Current Report,
included the following information:
Sprint Corporation Consolidated Statements of Operations
Sprint Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets
Sprint Corporation Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Information
Sprint Corporation Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures
Sprint Corporation Operating Statistics
Sprint Corporation Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share
Sprint Corporation Selected Information
Sprint filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2004, to file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission a certain tax opinion to be
incorporated by reference in Sprint's registration statement relating
to the remarketing of its equity unit notes.
Sprint filed a Current report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2004, in which
it reported that it announced 2004 second quarter results. The news
release, which was furnished as an exhibit to the Current Report,
included the following information:
Sprint Corporation Consolidated Statements of Operations
Sprint Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets
Sprint Corporation Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Information
Sprint Corporation Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures
Sprint Corporation Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share
Sprint Corporation Operating Statistics
Sprint Corporation Wireless-Selected Information
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.
SPRINT CORPORATION
------------------
(Registrant)
By /s/ John P. Meyer
-----------------------------------
John P. Meyer
Senior Vice President -- Controller
Principal Accounting Officer
Dated: August 5, 2004