CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

                                    FORM 10-Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)


                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2000








                 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 March 31,June 30, 2000
                                                 ---------------------------

|_|    TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
             For the transition period from _________to__________

                        Commission file number 001-11001
                                               ---------

                         CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
________________________________________________________________________________- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                   06-0619596
________________________________            ____________________________________- ------------------------------------      --------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)


          3 High Ridge Park
            P.O. Box 3801
          Stamford, Connecticut                          06905
________________________________________    ____________________________________- ----------------------------------------         -------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code    (203) 614-5600
                                                  ______________________________

                                      NONE
________________________________________________________________________________------------------------------

                           CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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  twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past ninety days.

                                    Yes X   No

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's class of common stock as of
April 28,July 31, 2000 were 263,679,242.was 264,792,632.



                 CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                       Page No.
                                                                       --------
Part I.  Financial Information

   Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31,June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999     2

   Consolidated  Statements of Income and Comprehensive  Income (Loss)
     for the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2000 and 1999                    3

   Consolidated  Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
     for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 and 1999                      4

   Consolidated  Statements  of Cash Flows for the ThreeSix  Months
     Ended March 31,June 30, 2000 and 1999                                         45

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                             56

   Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
     and Results of Operations                                           811

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk            1318

Part II.  Other Information

   Legal Proceedings                                                     1419

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                   20

   Other Information                                                     20

   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                      1520

   Signatures                                                            1621












                                       1

                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

               CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)
March 31,  December 31,
                                                           2000         1999
                                                         ----------  ----------
ASSETS
- ------
Current assets:
     Cash                                              $    43,992  $   37,141
     Accounts receivable, net                              217,785     241,519
     Other                                                  30,038      29,964
                                                         ----------  ----------
        Total current assets                               291,815     308,624
                                                         ----------  ----------

Property, plant and equipment                            4,567,876   4,458,654
Less accumulated depreciation                            1,620,900   1,569,936
                                                         ----------  ----------
         Net property, plant and equipment               2,946,976   2,888,718
                                                         ----------  ----------

Investments                                                546,652     591,386
Regulatory assets                                          183,895     184,942
Deferred debits and other assets                           136,817     141,274
Assets of discontinued operations                        1,652,310   1,656,414
                                                         ----------  ----------
                     Total assets                      $ 5,758,465  $5,771,358
                                                         ==========  ==========

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
- ----------------------
Current liabilities:
      Long-term debt due within one year               $    33,005   $    31,156
      Accounts payable and other current liabilities       333,375       435,856
                                                         ----------   ----------
          Total current liabilities                        366,380       467,012

Deferred income taxes                                      448,160       460,208
Customer  advances for construction and  contributions
  in aid of construction                                   180,652       179,831
Deferred credits and other liabilities                      70,827        87,668
Regulatory liabilities                                      26,419        27,000
Long-term debt                                           2,193,494     2,107,460
Liabilities of discontinued operations                     394,861       310,269
                                                         ----------   ----------
           Total liabilities                             3,680,793     3,639,448
                                                         ----------   ----------

Company Obligated Mandatorily  Redeemable  Convertible
  Preferred Securities *                                   201,250       201,250
Minority interest in subsidiary                              6,930        11,112

Shareholders' equity:
       Common stock issued, $.25 par value                  65,811        65,519
       Additional paid-in capital                        1,589,621     1,577,903
       Retained earnings                                   268,915       261,590
       Accumulated other comprehensive income              (13,122)       14,923
       Treasury stock                                      (41,733)        (387)
                                                         ----------   ----------
              Total shareholders' equity                 1,869,492     1,919,548
                                                         ----------   ----------
                 Total liabilities and
                  shareholders' equity                 $ 5,758,465
June 30, 2000 December 31, 1999 ------------- ----------------- ASSETS - ------ Current assets: Cash $ 49,150 $ 37,141 Accounts receivable, net 214,421 241,519 Other 35,286 29,964 ---------- --------- Total current assets 298,857 308,624 ---------- --------- Property, plant and equipment 4,986,687 4,458,654 Less accumulated depreciation 1,722,680 1,569,936 ---------- -------- Net property, plant and equipment 3,264,007 2,888,718 ---------- --------- Investments 493,444 591,386 Regulatory assets 182,847 184,942 Deferred debits and other assets 154,346 141,274 Assets of discontinued operations 1,679,821 1,656,414 ---------- --------- Total assets $ 6,073,322 $ 5,771,358 ========== ========== ========= LIABILITIES AND EQUITY - ---------------------- Current liabilities: Long-term debt due within one year $ 33,540 $ 31,156 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 305,422 435,856 ---------- --------- Total current liabilities 338,962 467,012 Deferred income taxes 445,661 460,208 Customer advances for construction and contributions in aid of construction 182,470 179,831 Deferred credits and other liabilities 68,387 87,668 Regulatory liabilities 25,835 27,000 Long-term debt 2,530,370 2,107,460 Liabilities of discontinued operations 400,807 310,269 ---------- --------- Total liabilities 3,992,492 3,639,448 ---------- --------- Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities * 201,250 201,250 Minority interest in subsidiary - 11,112 Shareholders' equity: Common stock issued, $.25 par value 66,116 65,519 Additional paid-in capital 1,606,107 1,577,903 Retained earnings 271,925 261,590 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (25,470) 14,923 Treasury stock (39,098) (387) ---------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 1,879,580 1,919,548 ---------- --------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 6,073,322 $ 5,771,358 ========== ========= * Represents securities of a subsidiary trust, the sole assets of which are securities of a subsidiary partnership, substantially all the assets of which are convertible debentures of the Company. The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
2 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999 (In thousands, except per-share amounts)
2000 1999 --------- --------- Revenue $ 287,324 $ 273,946 --------- --------- Operating Expenses: Network access 25,851 35,984 Depreciation and amortization 74,474 59,763 Other operating expenses 155,814 163,228 Acquisition assimilation expense 7,617 - --------- --------- Total operating expenses 263,756 258,975 --------- --------- Income from operations 23,568 14,971 Investment and other income, net 4,810 6,943 Minority interest 5,937 5,693 Interest expense 33,151 18,299 --------- --------- Income before income taxes, dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations 1,164 9,308 Income tax expense (benefit) (1) 250 --------- --------- Income before dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations 1,165 9,058 Dividends on convertible preferred securities, net of income tax benefit 1,552 1,552 --------- --------- Income (loss) before discontinued operations (387) 7,506 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 3,399 247 --------- --------- Net income 3,012 7,753 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax and reclassification adjustments (12,348) (293) --------- --------- Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (9,336) $ 7,460 ========= ========= Income (loss) before discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ - $ .03 Diluted $ - $ .03 Income from discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ .01 $ - Diluted $ .01 $ 282,455 $ 264,750 --------- --------- Operating Expenses: Network access 27,003 34,395 Depreciation and amortization 82,705 61,885 Other operating expenses 155,981 161,338 Acquisition assimilation expenses 3,974 - --------- --------- Total operating expenses 269,663 257,618 --------- --------- Income from operations 12,792 7,132 Investment and other income, net 5,265 75,521 Minority interest 6,285 5,993 Interest expense 29,164 19,098 --------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes, dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations (4,822) 69,548 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,253) 26,606 --------- --------- Income (loss) before dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations (3,569) 42,942 Dividends on convertible preferred securities, net of income tax benefit 1,552 1,552 --------- --------- Income (loss) before discontinued operations (5,121) 41,390 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 12,447 13,235 --------- --------- Net income 7,326 54,625 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax and reclassification adjustments (28,045) (14,118) --------- --------- Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (20,719) $ 40,507 ========= ========= Income (loss) before discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ (.02) $ .16 Diluted $ (.02) $ .16 Income from discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ .05 $ .05 Diluted $ .05 $ .05 Net income per common share: Basic $ .01 $ .03 Diluted $ .01 $ .03 $ .21 Diluted $ .03 $ .21 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
3 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSINCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE THREESIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999 (In thousands) 2000 1999 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by continuing operating activities $ 77,329 $ 217,671 ----------- ----------- Cash flows used for investing activities: Construction expenditures (138,466) (145,581) Securities purchased (23,886) (394,037) Securities sold 17,054 398,414 Securities matured 6,400 - Other (6,901) (297) ----------- ----------- (145,799) (141,501) Cash flows from financing activities: Short-term debt repayments - (110,000) Long-term debt borrowings 88,543 68,686 Long-term debt principal payments (10,814) (1,998) Issuance of common stock 12,009 8 Common stock buybacks (41,346) (131) Other 822 (12,522) ----------- ---------- 49,214 (55,957) Cash from (used for) discontinued operations 26,107 (30,485) Increase (decrease) in cash 6,851 (10,272) Cash at January 1, 37,141 31,922 ----------- ---------- Cash at March 31, $ 43,992 $ 21,650 =========== ==========thousands, except per-share amounts)
2000 1999 --------- --------- Revenue $ 569,779 $ 538,696 --------- --------- Operating Expenses: Network access 56,796 64,579 Depreciation and amortization 157,179 121,648 Other operating expenses 307,853 330,366 Acquisition assimilation expense 11,591 - --------- --------- Total operating expenses 533,419 516,593 --------- --------- Income from operations 36,360 22,103 Investment and other income, net 10,075 82,464 Minority interest 12,222 11,686 Interest expense 62,315 37,397 --------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes, dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations (3,658) 78,856 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,254) 26,856 --------- --------- Income (loss) before dividends on convertible preferred securities and discontinued operations (2,404) 52,000 Dividends on convertible preferred securities, net of income tax benefit 3,104 3,104 --------- --------- Income (loss) before discontinued operations (5,508) 48,896 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 15,846 13,482 --------- --------- Net income 10,338 62,378 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax and reclassification adjustments (40,393) (14,411) --------- --------- Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (30,055) $ 47,967 ========= ========= Income (loss) before discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ (.02) $ .19 Diluted $ (.02) $ .19 Income from discontinued operations per common share: Basic $ .06 $ .05 Diluted $ .06 $ .05 Net income per common share: Basic $ .04 $ .24 Diluted $ .04 $ .24 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
4 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999 (In thousands)
2000 1999 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by continuing operating activities $ 114,233 $ 220,733 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (253,642) (265,356) Securities purchased (48,590) (629,546) Securities sold 49,684 652,986 Securities matured 10,400 - Acquisitions (205,404) - Other (233) 223 ----------- ----------- Net cash (used by) investing activities (447,785) (241,693) Cash flows from financing activities: Short-term debt repayments - (110,000) Long-term debt borrowings 363,997 321,301 Long-term debt principal payments (18,719) (157,695) Issuance of common stock 30,660 4,088 Common stock buybacks (40,959) (3,719) Other 2,640 (4,883) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by financing activities 337,619 49,092 Cash provided by (used by) discontinued operations 7,942 (32,458) Increase (decrease) in cash 12,009 (4,326) Cash at January 1, 37,141 31,922 ----------- ----------- Cash at June 30, $ 49,150 $ 27,596 =========== =========== Supplemental cash flow information: Non-cash increase in capital lease asset $ 96,510 $ 45,195 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
5 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: ------------------------------------------ (a)Basis of Presentation: Citizen UtilitiesCitizens Communications Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as "we", "us" or "our" in this report. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. The results of the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. Certain reclassifications of balances previously reported have been made to conform to current presentation. (b)Regulatory Assets and Liabilities: Our regulated operations are subject to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." SFAS 71 requires regulated entities to record regulatory assets and liabilities as a result of actions of regulators. (c)Net Income Per Common Share: Basic net income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period being reported on. Diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock at the beginning of the period being reported on (see Note 5). (d)Minority Interest and Minority Interest in Subsidiary: Minority interest, as presented on the statements of income, represents the minority's share of Electric Lightwave, Inc.'s (ELI) net loss for the periods being reported on. Minority interest in subsidiary, as pre- sented on the balance sheet, represents the minority's share of ELI's equity capital. Since ELI's public offering, we have been recording minority interest on our income statement and reducing minority interest on our balance sheet by the amount of the minority interests' share of ELI's losses. As of June 30, 2000, the minority interest on the balance sheet has been reduced to zero, therefore, from this point going forward, we have discontinued recording minority interest income on our income statement as there is no obligation for the minority interests to make good on any additional losses of ELI. Therefore, beginning in the third quarter 2000, we will record ELI's entire loss in our consolidated results. When ELI becomes profitable, we will recognize ELI's earnings in full until the cumulative losses of the minority interests previously absorbed by us are recovered. After such recovery, we will begin to record minority interest on our income statement and minority interest in subsidiary on our balance sheet based on the percentage of ELI owned by third parties. (2)Acquisitions: ------------------------- From May 27, 1999 through July 12, 2000 we have entered into several agreements to acquire approximately 2,011,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) for approximately $6,471,000,000 in cash. These transactions have been/will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations have been/will be included in the accompanying financial statements from the date of acquisition. These agreements are described as follows: On May 27, September 21, and December 16, 1999, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements to purchase from GTE approximately 366,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska for approximately $1,171,000,000 in cash. We expect that theseThe acquisitions which are subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals,approvals. The first of these transactions, in Nebraska, closed on June 30, 2000. We expect that the remainder of these transactions will occurclose on a state-by-state basis and will begin closing inthroughout the third quarter 2000.next 12 months. On June 16, 1999, we announced that we had entered into a series of definitive agreements to purchase from Qwest Communications, formerly US West, approximately 545,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, 6 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS North Dakota and Wyoming for approximately $1,650,000,000 in cash. We expect that these acquisitions, which are subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals, will occur on a state-by-state basis and will begin closing in the third quarter 2000. On July 12, 2000, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase from Global Crossing Ltd. 100% of the stock of Frontier Corp. which holds approximately 1,100,000 access lines in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for approximately $3,650,000,000 in cash. We expect that this transaction, which is subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals, will be completed in the second half of 2001. (3)Discontinued Operations: ---------------------------------------------------- On August 24, 1999, our Board of Directors approved a plan of divestiture by sale of our public services properties, which include gas, electric and water and wastewater businesses. The proceeds from the sales of public services businesses will be used to partially fund the telephone access line purchases.purchases discussed in Note 2. We have signed agreements to date for all our water and wastewater operations, all our electric operations and one of our natural gas operations. The proceeds from these divestitures will total $1,745,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. These agreements are described as follows: On October 18, 1999, we announced that we had agreed to sell our water and wastewater operations to American Water Works, Inc. for $835,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The transaction isThese transactions are expected to closebegin closing in the fourth quarter of 2000 following regulatory approvals. On February 15, 2000, we announced that we had agreed to sell our electric utility operations for $535,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Arizona and Vermont electric divisions will be sold to Cap Rock Energy Corp. and the Kauai (Hawaii) electric division will be sold to Kauai Island Electric Co-op. TheThese transactions are expected to close in 2000early 2001 following regulatory approvals. On April 13, 2000, we announced that we had agreed to sell our Louisiana Gas operations to Atmos Energy Corporation for $375,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. TheThis transaction is expected to close in 2001the fourth quarter of 2000 following regulatory approvals. 5 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES We have accounted for the planned divestiture of the public services properties as a discontinued operation.operations. Discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) reflect the results of operations of the public services properties including allocated interest expense for the periods presented. Interest expense was allocated to the discontinued operations based on the outstanding debt issued forspecifically identified with these businesses. The debt presented in liabilities of discontinued operations represents only debt to be transferred pursuant to the asset sale agreements described above. Summarized financial information for the discontinued operations is set forth below: June 30, December 31, 2000 1999 ---------- ----------- ($ in thousands) Current assets $ 109,925 $ 109,250 Net property, plant and equipment 1,498,169 1,459,958 Other assets 71,727 87,206 ---------- ----------- Total assets $ 1,679,821 $ 1,656,414 ========== =========== Current liabilities $ 97,946 $ 18,040 Long-term debt 134,420 133,817 Other liabilities 168,441 158,412 ---------- ----------- Total liabilities $ 400,807 $ 310,269 ========== =========== 7 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, December 31, 2000 1999 ------------------------- ($ in thousands) Current assets $ 107,177 $ 109,250 Net property, plant and equipment 1,465,689 1,459,958 Other assets 79,444 87,206 --------- --------- Total assets $ 1,652,310 $ 1,656,414 ========= ========= Current liabilities $ 97,629 $ 18,040 Long-term debt 134,542 133,817 Other liabilities 162,690 158,412 --------- --------- Total liabilities $ 394,861 $ 310,269 ========= ========= For the three months For the six months ended March 31, --------------------------June 30, ended June 30, --------------------------- ------------------------ 2000 1999 --------------------------2000 1999 --------------------------- ------------------------ ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) Revenue $ 190,312157,859 $ 172,764140,901 $ 348,171 $ 313,665 Operating income $ 28,96117,406 $ 29,19116,450 $ 46,367 $ 45,641 Income taxes $ 5,9422,120 $ 4,9123,350 $ 8,062 $ 8,262 Net income $ 12,4473,399 $ 13,235247 $ 15,846 $ 13,482
In July 2000, the Arizona Corporate Commission (the Commission) gave final approval for a reduction in rates and a one-time refund for our Arizona electric customers totaling $3,750,000. The March 31,refund will be based on billed consumption from May 1999 through April 2000 and will appear as a credit on customer bills. As a result of the Commission's decision, we have recorded an accrued liability and have reduced revenue in our discontinued operations as of June 30, 2000 in the amount of $3,750,000. Net income in the second quarter 2000 has been reduced by the after-tax amount of approximately $2,311,000. We have classified certain balance sheet items as discontinued operations in the June 30, 2000 balance sheet has been adjusted for changesthat were previously classified as continuing operations in assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as well as for new agreements that have been signed since the December 31, 1999 balance sheet was published.as a result of the finalization of certain divestiture agreements and updates to our estimates. (4)1999 Restructuring Charges: --------------------------- In the fourth quarter of 1999, we approved a plan to restructure our corporate office activities. In connection with this plan, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $5,760,000 in other operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 1999. The restructuring resultsresulted in the reduction of 49 corporate employees. All affected employees were communicated with in the early part of November 1999. As of March 31,June 30, 2000, approximately $2,677,000$3,900,000 of the costs had been paid and 2238 employees were terminated. The remaining employees will be terminated during 2000. The remaining accrual of approximately $3,083,000$1,860,000 is included in other current liabilities. These costs are expected to be paid during 2000. 6 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES (5)Net Income Per Common Share: --------------------------------------------------------- The reconciliation of the net income per common share calculation for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively, is as follows:
For the three months ended June 30, ----------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ----------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ --------- Net income per common share: Basic $ 3,012 263,762 $ .01 $ 7,753 260,059 $ .03 Effect of dilutive options - 6,259 - - 1,412 - Diluted $ 3,012 270,021 $ .01 $ 7,753 261,471 $ .03 For the six months ended June 30, ----------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ----------------------------- ------------------------- ($ in----------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ --------- Net income per common share: Basic $10,338 263,246 $ 7,326 262,718.04 $62,378 259,879 $ .03 $ 54,625 259,701 $.21.24 Effect of dilutive sharesoptions - 4,5484,315 - - 6511,714 - Diluted $10,338 267,561 $ 7,326 267,266.04 $62,378 261,593 $ .03 $ 54,625 260,352 $.21.24
8 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS All share amounts represent weighted average shares outstanding for each respective period. The diluted net income per common share calculation excludes the effect of potentially dilutive shares when their effect is antidilutive. At March 31,June 30, 2000 and 1999, we have 4,025,000 shares of potentially dilutive Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities (Convertible Preferred) which are convertible into common stock at a 3.76 to 1 ratio at an exercise price of $13.30 per share and certain potentially dilutive stock options that are not included in the calculation as their effect isthey are antidilutive. At March 31, 1999, these Convertible Preferred shares and certain potentially dilutive stock options were not included in the calculation as their effect was antidilutive at that time. (6)Segment Information: ------------------- We operate in two segments, telecommunications and ELI. The telecommunications segment provides both regulated and competitive communications services to residential, business and wholesale customers. ELI is a facilities based integrated communications provider providingoffering a broad range of communications services throughout the United States. We own 83% of ELI and we guarantee all of ELI's long-term debt, one of its capital leases and one of its operating leases. EBITDA is earnings (operating income (loss)) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a measure commonly used to analyze companies on the basis of operating performance. It is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of performance nor as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
For the three months ended June 30, 2000 ---------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) Consolidated Telecommunications ELI Eliminations Total ------------------ --- ------------ ----- Revenue $ 227,396 $ 60,620 $ (692)(1) $ 287,324 Depreciation 59,763 14,721 (10)(2) 74,474 Operating Income (Loss) 39,393 (16,156) 331 (2,3) 23,568 EBITDA 99,156 (1,435) 321 (3) 98,042 For the three months ended March 31, 2000 -----------------------------------------June 30, 1999 ---------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) Consolidated Telecommunications ELI Eliminations Total ------------------ --- ------------ ----- Revenue $ 226,312228,621 $ 56,77846,095 $ (635)(770)(1) $ 282,455273,946 Depreciation 69,950 12,755 82,70551,613 8,150 - 59,763 Operating Income 32,020 (19,420) 192(2) 12,792(Loss) 39,315 (24,837) 493 (3) 14,971 EBITDA 101,970 (6,665) 192(2) 95,49790,928 (16,687) 493 (3) 74,734 For the threesix months ended March 31, 1999 -----------------------------------------June 30, 2000 -------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) Consolidated Telecommunications ELI Eliminations Total ------------------ --- ------------ ----- Revenue $ 227,232453,708 $117,398 $ 38,216 $ (698)(1,327)(1) $ 264,750569,779 Depreciation 54,891 6,994 61,885129,770 27,476 (67)(2) 157,179 Operating Income 36,610 (29,803) 325(2) 7,132(Loss) 71,356 (35,576) 580 (2,3) 36,360 EBITDA 91,501 (22,809) 325(2) 69,017 201,126 (8,100) 513 (3) 193,539 For the six months ended June 30, 1999 -------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) Consolidated Telecommunications ELI Eliminations Total ------------------ --- ------------ ----- Revenue $ 455,853 $ 84,311 $ (1,468)(1) $ 538,696 Depreciation 106,504 15,144 - 121,648 Operating Income (Loss) 75,925 (54,640) 818 (3) 22,103 EBITDA 182,429 (39,496) 818 (3) 143,751 (1) Represents revenue received by ELI from our telecommunications operations. (2) Represents amortization of the capitalized portion of intercompany interest. (3) Represents administrative fees charged to ELI by the Company.
79 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7) Capital Stock: ------------- In December 1999, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $100,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock. This share purchase program was completed in early April 2000 and resulted in the acquisition or contract to acquire approximately 6,165,000 shares of our common stock. Of those shares, 2,500,000 shares were purchased for approximately $40,959,000 in cash. We entered into an equity forward contract for the acquisition of the remaining 3,665,000 shares. In April 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to an additional $100,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock. Through June 30, 2000, this share purchase program has resulted in the contract to acquire approximately 4,483,000 additional shares of our common stock. These shares were also contracted for by entering into equity forward transactions. In addition to our share purchase programs described above, in April 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $25,000,000 worth of shares of Class A common stock of ELI, our 83% owned subsidiary, on the open market or in negotiated transactions. The ELI share purchase program was completed in July 2000 and resulted in the acquisition of approximately 1,221,000 shares of ELI common stock for approximately $23,960,000 in cash. In August 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of ELI on the open market or in negotiated transactions. 10 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------ of Operations - ------------- This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. All forward-lookingForward-looking statements (including oral representations) are only predictions or statements of current plans, which we review continuously. All forward-lookingForward-looking statements may differ from actual future results due to, but not limited to, any of the following possibilities: o changes in the economy of our markets, o the nature and pace of technological changes, o the number and effectiveness of competitors in our markets, o changes in legal and regulatory policy, o success in overall strategy, o our ability to identify future markets and successfully expand existing ones, o the mix of products and services offered in our target markets, and o the effects of acquisitions and dispositions and the ability to effectively integrate businesses acquired. You should consider these important factors in evaluating any statement in this Form 10-Q or otherwise made by us or on our behalf. The following information is unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements included in this report and as presented in our 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed.10-K. We have no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements. (a)Liquidity and Capital Resources ------------------------------- We consider our operating cash flows and our ability to raise debt and equity capital as the principal indicators of our liquidity. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2000, we used cash flow from operations and proceeds from net financings and parties desiring utility services to fund capital expenditures. Funds requisitioned from the Industrial Development Revenue Bond construction fund trust accounts and advances and contributions from parties desiring utility services were used to partially fund the construction of certain public services plant. We have $3,200,000,000In June 2000, we arranged for the issuance of $19,600,000 of 2000 Series special purpose revenue bonds as money market bonds with an initial interest rate of 4.6% and a maturity date of December 1, 2020. The proceeds were used to fund and/or prefund expenditures for construction, extension, improvement and purchase of facilities of the gas division in Hawaii. In June 2000, we completed the purchase of 37 telephone exchanges in Nebraska from GTE. This transaction totaled approximately $205,000,000 and was funded from cash balances, commercial paper and proceeds from sales of investments. In July 2000, we arranged for a committed $3,500,000,000 revolving bank credit facilitiesfacility for the purpose of purchasing from Global Crossing Ltd. 100% of the stock of Frontier Corp. which holds approximately 1,100,000 access lines. This credit facility is in addition to a credit commitmentcommitments under which wethe Company may borrow up to $200,000,000.$3,400,000,000. There were no amounts outstanding under these commitments at March 31,June 30, 2000. ELI has committed revolving lines of credit with commercial banks under which it may borrow up to $400,000,000. As of March 31,June 30, 2000, $300,000,000$354,000,000 was outstanding under ELI's revolving lines of credit. We have guaranteed all of ELI's obligations under these revolving lines of credit. Acquisitions - ------------ From May 27, 1999 through July 12, 2000 we have entered into several agreements to acquire approximately 2,011,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) for approximately $6,471,000,000 in cash. These transactions have been/will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations have been/will be included in the accompanying financial statements from the date of acquisition. These agreements are described as follows: On May 27, September 21, and December 16, 1999, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements to purchase from GTE approximately 366,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska for approximately $1,171,000,000 in cash. We expect that theseThe acquisitions which are subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals,approvals. The first of these transactions, in Nebraska, closed on June 30, 2000. We expect that the remainder of these transactions will occurclose on a state-by-state basis and will begin closing inthroughout the third quarter 2000.next 12 months. 11 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES On June 16, 1999, we announced that we had entered into a series of definitive agreements to purchase from Qwest Communications, formerly US West, approximately 545,000 telephone access lines (as of December 31, 1999) in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming for approximately $1,650,000,000 in cash. We expect that these acquisitions, which are subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals, will occur on a state-by-state basis and will begin closing in the third quarter 2000. On July 12, 2000, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase from Global Crossing Ltd. 100% of the stock of Frontier Corp. which holds approximately 1,100,000 access lines in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for approximately $3,650,000,000 in cash. We expect that this transaction, which is subject to various state and federal regulatory approvals, will be completed in the second half of 2001. We expect to temporarily fund these telephone access line purchases with cash and investment balances and proceeds from commercial paper issuances, backed by the credit commitments described above. Permanent funding is expected to be from cash and investment balances, and the proceeds from the divestiture of our public services businesses. 8 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIESbusinesses, and direct drawdowns from the credit facilities described above. Divestiture - ----------- On August 24, 1999, our Board of Directors approved a plan of divestiture for our public services properties, which include gas, electric and water and wastewater businesses. The proceeds from the sales of public services businesses will be used to partially fund the telephone access line purchases.purchases discussed above. We have signed agreements to date for all our water and wastewater operations, all our electric operations and one of our natural gas operations. The proceeds from these divestitures will total $1,745,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. These agreements are described as follows: On October 18, 1999, we announced that we had agreed to sell our water and wastewater operations to American Water Works, Inc. for $835,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The transaction isThese transactions are expected to closebegin closing in the fourth quarter of 2000 following regulatory approvals. On February 15, 2000, we announced that we had agreed to sell our electric utility operations for $535,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Arizona and Vermont electric divisions will be sold to Cap Rock Energy Corp. and the Kauai (Hawaii) Electric Divisionelectric division will be sold to Kauai Island Electric Co-op. TheThese transactions are expected to close in 2000early 2001 following regulatory approvals. On April 13, 2000, we announced that we had agreed to sell our Louisiana Gas operations to Atmos Energy Corporation for $375,000,000 plus the assumption of certain liabilities. TheThis transaction is expected to close in 2001the fourth quarter of 2000 following regulatory approvals. We have accounted for the planned divestiture of the public services properties as a discontinued operation.operations. Discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) reflect the results of operations of the public services properties including allocated interest expense for the periods presented. Interest expense was allocated to the discontinued operations based on the outstanding debt specifically identified with these businesses. Share Purchase Program - ---------------------- In December 1999, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $100,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock. This share purchase program was completed in early April 2000 and resulted in the acquisition or contract to acquire approximately 6,165,000 shares of our common stock. Of those shares, 2,500,000 shares were purchased for approximately $40,959,000 in cash. We entered into an equity forward contract for the acquisition of the remaining 3,665,000 shares. In April 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to an additional $100,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock. Through June 30, 2000, this share purchase program has resulted in the contract to acquire approximately 4,483,000 additional shares of our common stock. These 12 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES shares were also contracted for by entering into equity forward transactions. In addition to our share purchase programs described above, in April 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $25,000,000 worth of shares of Class A common stock of ELI, our 83% owned subsidiary, on the open market or in negotiated transactions. The ELI share purchase program was completed in July 2000 and resulted in the acquisition of approximately 1,221,000 shares of ELI common stock for approximately $23,960,000 in cash. In August 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of ELI on the open market or in negotiated transactions. New Accounting Pronouncement - ---------------------------- In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities and, as amended, is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The statement requires balance sheet recognition of derivatives as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in the values of derivatives is dependent on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Management has not yet assessed the impact SFAS No. 133 will have on our financial statements. (b)Results of Operations ---------------------
REVENUE ------- For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------ --------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ Telecommunications revenue 2000 1999 (Decrease) -2000 1999 (Decrease) -------------------------- ---- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- Network access services $ 121,656124,977 $ 128,680 (5%127,429 (2%) $ 246,410 $ 254,797 (3%) Local network 73,180 69,405 5% 143,705 136,689 5% services 73,555 69,913 5% Long distance and data 17,988 20,048 (10%) 38,053 41,391 (8%) services 20,066 21,101 (5%) Directory services 8,819 8,3977,449 7,033 6% 14,620 13,959 5% Other 12,649 9,794 29%15,938 17,075 (7%) 33,489 32,039 5% Eliminations (10,433) (10,653)(12,136) (12,369) N/A --------- ----------(22,569) (23,022) N/A -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 226,312227,396 $ 227,232228,621 (1%) $ 453,708 $ 455,853 - ========= ================== ======== ======== ========
Network access services revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $2.5 million, or 2%, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to a decrease in intralata toll revenue and the price effect of a July 1999 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) tariff adjustment. Network access services revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $8.4 million, or 3%, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to a non-recurring $10.4 million interstate universal service fund (USF) settlement received in the first quarter of 1999, a decrease in intralata toll revenue and the price effect of a July 1999 FCC tariff adjustment. Before taking into account the USF settlement, network access revenue increased by $2 million, or 1%, which is due to growth in minutes of use and special access revenue. Local network services revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased $3.8 million, or 5%, as compared with the prior year period. Access line growth of 42,809 contributed $2 million, enhanced services increased $1.5 million, frame relay increased $.5 million, internet revenue increased $.5 million and white pages directory revenue increased $.1 million. These increases were partially offset by a $.8 million reduction in a subsidy payment. Local network services revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $7 million, or 5%, as compared with the first quarterprior year period. Access line growth of 1999 primarily due to a non-recurring $1042,809 contributed $4.5 million, interstate universal service fund settlement received in the first quarter of 1999. The decrease wasenhanced services increased $3.4 million and frame relay increased $.7 million. These increases were partially offset by access line and switched access minutesa reduction in a subsidy payment of use growth and increased special access revenue in the first quarter of 2000. Local network$1.6 million. Long distance services revenue increased $3.6for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $2.1 million, or 5%10%, and $3.3 million, or 8%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999 primarily due to access line growth, increased custom calling features and higher private line sales. Long distance and data services revenue decreased $1 million, or 5%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to a decrease in long distance revenue of $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000 and $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, partially offset by 13 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES increases in internet revenue of $.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000 and $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000. The long distance decreases were due to decreased minutes of use byof 8.5 million and 21 million for the three and six month periods, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods as we continued to exit the out-of-territory customers, partially offset by an increase in long distance minutesmarket. In addition, the average rate per minute for long distance service declined from $.126 in the six months ended June 30, 1999 to $.113 in the six months ended June 30, 2000, or 10%, as a result of use by in-territory customers.offering discounted calling plans. Directory services revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $.4 million, or 6%, and $.7 million, or 5%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to increased directory advertising and listing sales. Other revenue increased $2.9for the three months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $1.1 million, or 29%7%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year period primarily due to a reduction in interexchange carrier billing and collections revenue and lower equipment sales, partially offset by an increase in conference call revenue. Other revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2000 increased equipment sales.$1.5 million, or 5%, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to an increase in conference call revenue, partially offset by the reduction in interexchange billing and collections revenue. Eliminations represent network access revenue received by our local exchange operations from our long distance operations. 9 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ ELI revenue 2000 1999 (Decrease) -2000 1999 (Decrease) ----------- ---- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------- Network services $ 16,00417,173 $ 10,424 54%12,983 32% $ 33,177 $ 23,407 42% Local telephone services 24,274 14,308 70%25,951 18,600 40% 50,225 32,908 53% Long distance services 4,596 8,530 (46%4,265 9,245 (54%) 8,862 17,775 (50%) Data services 11,904 4,954 140% ---------- ---------- 56,778 38,216 49%13,231 5,267 151% 25,134 10,221 146% -------- -------- --------- -------- 60,620 46,095 32% 117,398 84,311 39% Intersegment revenue (635) (698)(692) (770) N/A ---------- ----------(1,327) (1,468) N/A -------- -------- --------- -------- $ 56,14359,928 $ 37,518 50% ========== ==========45,325 32% $ 116,071 $ 82,843 40% ======== ======== ========= ========
Network services revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $5.6$4.2 million, or 54%32%, and $9.8 million, or 42%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter 1999prior year periods primarily due to continued growth in our network expansion and sales of additional circuits to new and existing customers. Local telephone services revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $10$7.4 million, or 70%40%, and $17.3 million, or 53%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to increased dial tone and integrated service digital network (ISDN) revenue as a result of an increase in the average access line equivalents installed.installed of 74,742 or 62% and 78,336 or 71% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000, respectively. Carrier access billings and reciprocal compensation revenue also increased.contributed to the increase. Long distance services revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $3.9$5 million, or 46%54%, and $8.9 million, or 50%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to our decision to exit the prepaid services market in the third quarter of 1999, partially offset by increased retail minutes of use as a result of new customers and expanded services to existing customers.use. Data services revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $7$8 million, or 140%151%, and $14.9 million, or 146%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to increased sales from Internet services as a result of an increase in Internet routers installed from 42 to 63, or 50% and an 18 month take-or-pay contract that commenced in September 1999. The take-or-pay contract provides $20 million in revenue for 2000. There is no assurance this take-or-pay contract will be renewed in 2001. Intersegment revenue reflects revenue received by ELI from our telecommunicationstelecommunica- tions operations. 14 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NETWORK ACCESS EXPENSE ----------------------
For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Network access $ 38,07138,679 $ 45,746 (17%49,123 (21%) $ 80,692 $ 89,069 (9%) Eliminations (11,068) (11,351)(12,828) (13,139) N/A ---------- ----------(23,896) (24,490) N/A --------- -------- -------- -------- $ 27,00325,851 $ 34,395 (21%35,984 (28%) ========== ==========$ 56,796 $ 64,579 (12%) ======== ======== ========= ========
Network access expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $7.7$10.4 million, or 17%21%, and $8.4 million, or 9%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to a decrease in long distance minutes of use by out-of-territory customers of 8.5 million and 21 million minutes for the three and six month periods, respectively, related to our telecommunications long distance operations and ELI's decisiona reduction in costs related to the exit theof ELI's prepaid services market in the third quarter of 1999.business. Eliminations represent expenses incurred by our long distance operations related to network access services provided by our local exchange operations and expenses incurred by our telecommunications operations related to network services provided by ELI. 10 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE -------------------------------------
For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------For the six months ended June 30, June 30, ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- Depreciation and amortization $ 82,70574,474 $ 61,885 34%59,763 25% $ 157,179 $ 121,648 29%
Depreciation expense for the three and amortization expensesix months ended June 30, 2000 increased $20.8$14.7 million, or 34%25%, and $35.5 million, or 29%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to $15.1higher plant in service balances for newly completed communications network facilities and electronics at ELI and $4 million and $19.1 million, respectively, of accelerated depreciation related to the change in useful life of an operating system in the telecommunications sector and increased property, plant and equipment.sector.
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES ------------------------
For the three months ended March 31, ------------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ---- ----------2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- Operating expenses $ 122,594122,647 $ 128,678 (5%131,264 (7%) $ 243,014 $ 266,358 (9%) Taxes other than income 16,573 16,422 1%taxes 17,649 16,033 10% 34,222 32,455 5% Sales and marketing 17,006 16,563 3%15,839 16,424 (4%) 31,130 32,371 (4%) Eliminations (192) (325)(321) (493) N/A ---------- ---------(513) (818) N/A -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 155,981155,814 $ 161,338 (3%163,228 (5%) ========== =========$ 307,853 $ 330,366 (7%) ======== ======== ======== ========
Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $6.1$8.6 million, or 5%7%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year period primarily due to decreased Y2K, separationYear 2000 (Y2K) expenses of $4.3 million, decreased corporate office expense of $1.5 million and rent expense,prior year consulting, severance and benefits payments totaling $2.9 million. The decreases were partially offset by an increase inincreased operating expenses to support the expanded delivery of services. Taxes other than income remained consistent withOperating expenses for the first quarter of 1999. Sales and marketing expenses increased $.4six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $23.3 million, or 3%9%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year period primarily due to an increase in personneldecreased Y2K expenses of $7.3 million, decreased corporate office expense of $2.4 million, prior year consulting, severance and relatedbenefits payments totaling $7.3 million and prior year costs of $3.1 million associated with information technology projects that have been completed. The decreases were partially offset by increased operating expenses to support the expanded delivery of servicesservices. 15 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Taxes other than income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $1.6 million, or 10%, and $1.8 million or 5%, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods primarily due to an increase in existingpayroll and new markets.property taxes. Eliminations represent the elimination of administrative fees chargedcharges to ELI. ACQUISITION ASSIMILATION EXPENSES ---------------------------------
ACQUISITION ASSIMILATION EXPENSE -------------------------------- For the three months ended March 31, ------------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- ------ ----------- --------- ------- ---------- Acquisition assimilation expensesexpense $ 3,9747,617 $ - 100%N/A $ 11,591 $ - N/A
Acquisition assimilation expenses wereexpense of $7.6 million and $11.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000, respectively, was incurred by us related to the pending acquisition of approximately 12 million telephone access lines.lines (as of December 31, 1999). We anticipate that we will continue to incur such assimilation costs through the remainder of the fiscal year as we prepare to integrate the pending acquisitions.2000 and into 2001.
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS ----------------------
For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- ------- ----------- --------- ------- ---------- Income from operations $ 12,79223,568 $ 7,132 79%14,971 57% $ 36,360 $ 22,103 65%
11 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Income from operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $5.7$8.6 million, or 79%57%, and $14.3 million, or 65%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year periods primarily due to decreased ELI operating losses and decreased Y2K and separation expenses, partially offset by increased depreciation expense related to the change in useful life of an operating system in the telecommunications sector andsector. The income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 1999 non-recurringalso included the $10.4 million universal service fund revenue.settlement.
INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME, NET / NET/MINORITY INTEREST/INTEREST / INTEREST EXPENSE / EXPENSE/INCOME TAXES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) -------- ------ ---------- -------- ------- ---------- Investment and other income, net $ 5,2654,810 $ 75,521 (93%6,943 (31%) $ 10,075 $ 82,464 (88%) Minority interest $ 5,937 $ 5,693 4% $ 12,222 $ 11,686 5% Interest expense $ 33,151 $ 18,299 81% $ 62,315 $ 37,397 67% Income taxes (benefit) $ (1) $ 250 (100%) $ (1,254) $ 26,856 (105%)
Investment and other income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $70.3$2.1 million, or 93%31%, as compared with the first quarter ofprior year period primarily due to a $1 million settlement in May 1999 with Hungarian Telephone and Cable Corp. Investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $72.4 million, or 88%, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to the $69.5 million gain on the sale of our investment in Centennial Cellular Corp. in January 1999.
For the three months ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ---- ---------- Minority interest $ 6,285 $ 5,993 5%
Minority interest, as presented on the income statement, represents the minority's share of ELI's net loss. Minority interest in subsidiary, as presented on the balance sheet, represents the minority's share of ELI's equity capital. Since ELI's public offering, we have been recording minority interest on our income statement and reducing minority interest on our balance sheet by the amount of the minority interests' share of ELI's losses. As of June 30, 2000, 16 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES the minority interest on the balance sheet has been reduced to zero, therefore, from this point going forward, we have discontinued recording minority interest income on our income statement as there is no obligation for the minority interests to make good on any additional losses of ELI. Therefore, beginning in the third quarter 2000, we will record ELI's entire loss beforein our consolidated results. When ELI becomes profitable, we will recognize ELI's earnings in full until the cumulative losses of the minority interests previously absorbed by us are recovered. After such recovery, we will begin to record minority interest on our income tax.
For the three months ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ---- --------- Interest expense $ 29,164 $ 19,098 53%
statement and minority interest in subsidiary on our balance sheet based on the percentage of ELI owned by third parties. Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased $10.1$14.9 million, or 53%81%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior year period primarily due to a $5.5 million increase in ELI's interest expense related to increased ELI borrowings and thehigher interest rates, $1.6 million increase due to an increase in our commercial paper outstanding and $3.2 million for amortization of costs associated with our committed bank credit facilities. A reduction in capitalized interest of $1.7 million due to lower average capital work in process balances at ELI also contributed to the increase. During the three months ended June 30, 2000, we had average long-term debt outstanding of $2,361,932,000 compared to $2,039,452,000 during the three months ended June 30, 1999. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $24.9 million, or 67%, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to a $12.8 million increase in ELI's interest expense related to increased borrowings and higher interest rates and $6.4 million for amortization of costs associated with our committed bank credit facilities. A reduction in capitalized interest of $2.9 million due to lower average capital work in process balances at ELI also contributed to the increase. During the six months ended June 30, 2000, we had average long-term debt outstanding of $2,318,915,000 compared to $1,940,926,000 during the six months ended June 30, 1999. Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $.3 million, or 100%, and $28.1 million, or 105%, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods primarily due to changes in taxable income. The estimated annual effective tax rate for 2000 is 34% as compared with 35% for 1999. Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 includes true- ups to arrive at these rates.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS ----------------------- For the three months ended March 31, -----------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ---- --------- Income taxes $ (1,253) $ 26,606 (105%)
Income taxes decreased $27.9 million, or 105%, as compared with the first quarter of 1999 primarily due to the $26.6 million of income taxes on the sale of our investment in Centennial Cellular Corp. in January 1999. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS -----------------------
For the three months ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- ($ in thousands) % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- Revenue $ 190,312157,859 $ 172,764 10%140,901 12% $ 348,171 $ 313,665 11% Operating income 28,961 29,191 (1%)$ 17,406 $ 16,450 6% $ 46,367 $ 45,641 2% Net income 12,447 13,235 (6%)$ 3,399 $ 247 1,276% $ 15,846 $ 13,482 18%
12 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Revenue from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $17.5$17 million, or 10%12%, and $34.5 million, or 11%, respectively, as compared with the first quarter of 1999prior periods primarily due to customer growth in the public services sector, increased consumption in the electric and water and wastewater sectors due to favorable weather conditions and increased purchased fuel costs and purchased power costs passed on to customers, partially offset by $3,750,000 of customer refunds recorded in the second quarter of 2000 in Arizona in the electric sector and decreased consumption in the gas sector. Operating income from discontinued operations decreased $.2for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $1 million, or 1%6%, and net$.7 million, or 2%, respectively, as compared with prior periods primarily due to increased revenue, decreased Y2K expenses and decreased sales and marketing expenses, partially offset by increased costs related to the data conversion of a new geographical information system for the gas sector and increased depreciation expense due to increased property, plant and equipment. Net income from discontinued operations decreased $.8for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 increased $3.2 million, or 6%1,276%, and $2.4 million, or 18%, as comparedcom- pared with the first quarter of 1999prior periods primarily due to increased depreciation expense, maintenance expense and payroll related costs,operating income, partially offset by increased consumption in the electric and water and wastewater sectors. Increased income taxes also contributed to the decrease in net income.interest expense. 17 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NET INCOME / NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX AND RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months ended March 31, -------------------------------------------June 30, For the six months ended June 30, ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) % Increase/ % Increase/ 2000 1999 (Decrease) ---- ----2000 1999 (Decrease) --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- ----------- Net income $ 7,3263,012 $ 54,625 (87%7,753 (61%) $ 10,338 $ 62,378 (83%) Net income per common share $ .01 $ .03 (67%) $ .21 (86%.04 $ .24 (83%) Other comprehensive income (loss),loss, net of tax and reclassification adjustments $ (28,045)(12,348) $ (14,118)(293) N/A $ (40,393) $(14,411) N/A
Net income and net income per share for the three months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $47.3$4.7 million, or 87%61%, and 18(cent)2(cent), or 86%67%, respectively, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to accelerated depreciation related to the change in useful life of an operating system in the telecommunications sector and increased ELI interest expense, partially offset by decreased Y2K expenses. Net income and net income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2000 decreased $52 million, or 83%, and 20(cent), or 83%, respectively, as compared with the prior year period primarily due to the $42.9 million, or 16(cent) per share, after tax gain on the sale of our investment in Centennial Cellular Corp.Corporation in January 1999, and the 1999 non-recurring universal service fund revenue,settlement, accelerated depreciation related to the change in useful life of an operating system in the telecommunications sector and increased ELI interest expense, partially offset by increased operating income and decreased Y2K and separation expenses. Other comprehensive income (loss),loss, net of tax and reclassification adjustments decreased $28 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2000 and the three months ended March 31, 2000June 30, 1999 are primarily due to increasedthe result of higher unrealized losses on our investment portfolio. Other comprehensive income (loss),loss, net of tax and reclassification adjustments decreased $14.1 million during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 1999 is primarily due tothe result of the realization of the gain on the sale of our investment in Centennial Cellular Corp. in January 1999, partially offset by increasedhigher unrealized gains on our investment portfolio.portfolio during the first quarter 1999. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are exposed to the impact of interest rate and market risks. In the normal course of business, we employ established policies, procedures and internal processespro- cesses to manage our exposure to interest rate and market risks. Our objective in managing our interest rate risk is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we maintain fixed rate debt on a majority of our borrowings and refinance debt when advantageous. We maintain a portfolio of investments consisting of both equity and debt financial instruments. Our equity portfolio is comprised of investments in communications companies. Our bond portfolio consists of government, corporate and municipal fixed-income securities.se- curities. We do not hold or issue derivative or other financial instruments for trading purposes. We purchase monthly gas futures contracts to manage well-definedwell- defined commodity price fluctuations, caused by weather and other unpredictable factors, associated with our commitments to deliver natural gas to certain industrialin- dustrial customers at fixed prices. This derivative financial instrument activityac- tivity relates to the discontinued operations and is not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 1318 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 1. Legal Proceedings ----------------- In November 1995, our Vermont electric division was permitted an 8.5% rate increase. Subsequently, the Vermont Public Service Board (VPSB) called into question the level of rates awarded us in connection with its formal review of allegations made by the Department of Public Service (the DPS), the consumer advocate in Vermont and a former Citizens employee. The major issues in this proceeding involved classification of certain costs to property, plant and equipment accounts and our Demand Side Management program. In addition, the DPS believed that we should have sought and received regulatory approvals prior to construction of certain facilities in prior years. On June 16, 1997, the VPSB ordered us to reduce our rates for Vermont electric service by 14.65% retroactive to November 1, 1995 and to refund to customers, with interest, all amounts collected since that time in excess of the rates then authorized by the VPSB. In addition, the VPSB assessed statutory penalties totaling $60,000 and placed us on regulatory probation for a period of at least five years. During this probationary period, we could lose our franchise to operate in Vermont if we violate the terms of probation prescribed by the VPSB. The VPSB prescribed final terms of probation in its final order issued September 15, 1998. In October 1998, we filed an appeal in the Vermont Supreme Court challenging certain of the penalties imposed by the VPSB. The appeal has been fully briefed and argued and we are awaiting the Court's decision. In August 1997, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (Leventhal vs. Tow, et al.) against us and five of our officers, one of whom is also a director, on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Series A and Series B shares of our Common Stock between September 5, 1996 and July 11, 1997, inclusive. On February 9, 1998, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The complaint alleged that we and the individual defendants, during such period, violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based upon certain public statements made by us, which are alleged to be materially false or misleading, or are alleged to have failed to disclose information necessary to make the statements made not false or misleading. The plaintiffs sought to recover unspecified compensatory damages. We and the individual defendants believe the allegations are unfounded and filed a motion to dismiss on March 27, 1998 and on March 30, 1999 the Court dismissed the action. On April 29, 1999 the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The parties have entered into a settlement stipulation which is subject to the District Court's approval. In March 1998, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (Ganino vs. Citizens Utilities Company, et al.), against us and three of our officers, one of whom is also a director, on behalf of all purchasers of our Common Stock between May 6, 1996 and August 7, 1997, inclusive. The complaint alleges that we and the individual defendants, during such period, violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making materially false and misleading public statements concerning our relationship with a purported affiliate, Hungarian Telephone and Cable Corp. (HTCC), and by failing to disclose material information necessary to render prior statements not misleading. The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified compensatory damages. We and the individual defendants believe that the allegations are unfounded and filed a motion to dismiss. The plaintiff requested leave to file an amended complaint and an amended complaint was served on us on July 24, 1998. Our motion to dismiss the amended complaint was filed on October 13, 1998 and the Court dismissed the action with prejudice on June 28, 1999. The Plaintiffsplaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, briefing has been completed and oral argument took place April 10, 2000. In November 1998, a class action lawsuit was filed in state District Court for Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, against us and our subsidiary LGS Natural Gas Company. The lawsuit alleges that we and the other named defendants passed through in rates charged to Louisiana customers certain costs that plaintiffs contend were unlawful. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages in the amount of the alleged overcharges and punitive damages equal to three times the amount of any compensatory damages, as allowed under Louisiana law. In addition, the Louisiana Public Service Commission has opened an investigation into the allegations raised in the lawsuit. We believe that the allegations made in the lawsuit are unfounded and we will vigorously defend our interests in both the lawsuits and the related Commission investigation. In addition, we are party to proceedings arising in the normal course of business. The outcome of individual matters is not predictable. However, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such matters, including those discussed above, after considering insurance coverages, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or our cash flows. 1419 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders --------------------------------------------------- (a)The Registrant held its 2000 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders on May 18, 2000. (b)Proxies for the Annual Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14; there was no solicitation in opposition to management's nominees for directors as listed in the Proxy Statement. All such nominees were elected pursuant to the following votes: Number of Votes Directors For Abstain --------- --- ------- N. I. Botwinik 221,831,432 6,497,403 A. I. Fleischman 219,244,957 9,083,878 S. Harfenist 222,499,416 5,829,420 A. N. Heine 222,307,264 6,021,571 J. L. Schroeder 222,516,298 5,812,538 R. D. Siff 222,029,203 6,299,633 R. A. Stanger 222,662,219 5,666,616 C. H. Symington, Jr. 222,633,374 5,695,461 E. Tornberg 222,294,061 6,034,774 C. Tow 218,586,328 9,742,507 L. Tow 220,384,326 7,944,509 (c) At the 2000 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, the shareholders approved the proposal to change the Company's name from Citizens Utilities Company to Citizens Communications Company. The following sets forth the number of votes on this proposal. For Against Abstain --- ------- ------- 223,693,116 3,067,632 1,568,087 Item 5. Other Information ----------------- As disclosed in our proxy statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting, under our bylaws, if any stockholder intends to propose any matter at the 2001 annual meeting, the proponent must give written notice to us not earlier than January 1, 2001 nor later than February 15, 2001. Furthermore, in accordance with the proxy rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if a stockholder does not notify us by February 14, 2001 of a proposal, then our proxies would be able to use their discretionary voting authority when the stockholder's proposal is raised at the meeting. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K -------------------------------- a) Exhibits: 3.200.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Citizens Communications Company, as restated May 19, 2000. 10.31 Asset Purchase Agreement between Citizens Utilities Company and Atmos Energy Corporation dated April 13, 2000. 27 Financial data schedule for the periods ended June 30, 2000 and restated June 30, 1999. b) Reports on Form 8-K: We filed on Form 8-K dated April 13, 2000 under Item 5 "Other Events" and Item 7 "Exhibits," a press release announcing that we will sell our Louisiana gas operations. We filed on Form 8-K dated May 16, 2000 under Item 7 "Exhibits," a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 and restated March 31, 1999. b) Reports on Form 8-K: We filed on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2000 under Item 5 "Other Events" and Item 7 "Exhibits," a press release announcing that we will sell all of our electric utility operations. We filed on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2000 under Item 7 "Exhibits," a press release announcing financial results for the year ended December 31, 1999 and certain operating data.
1520 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued) CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CITIZENS UTILITIESCOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY --------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant) By: /s/ Robert J. DeSantis -------------------------------------------- Robert J. DeSantis Vice President and Chief Financial Officer By: /s/ Livingston E. Ross -------------------------------------------- Livingston E. Ross
By: /s/ Robert J. Larson ------------------------- Robert J. Larson Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer By: /s/ Livingston E. Ross --------------------------- Livingston E. Ross Vice President, Reporting and Audit
Date: May 12,August 10, 2000 1621