News Details

CORRECTING and REPLACING CenturyTel Announces Third Quarter Earnings

October 30, 2003

MONROE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2003--In BW5330 issued Oct. 30, 2003: The heading in the second table titled "Consolidated Statements of Income" should read: Three Months ended September 30, 2002 (sted: Three Months ended September 30, 2003).

    The corrected release reads:

    CENTURYTEL ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS

CenturyTel, Inc. (NYSE Symbol:CTL) announces operating results for third quarter 2003.

    --  Revenues from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring
        items, increased 13.5% to $603.8 million from $532.1 million,
        while GAAP revenues from continuing operations increased 15.1%
        to $603.8 million from $524.5 million.

    --  Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from continuing operations (defined
        as operating income plus depreciation and amortization),
        excluding nonrecurring items, rose 12.7% to $307.6 million.

    --  Net income, excluding nonrecurring items, grew 9.1% to $88.5
        million. Reported under GAAP, net income was $91.0 million.

    --  Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items,
        increased 7.0% to $.61, while GAAP diluted earnings per share
        was $.63 in third quarter 2003.

    --  Free cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, climbed to
        $103.1 million from $89.9 million.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Third Quarter Highlights (1)
 (In thousands, except per share
  and customer amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Quarter Ended   Quarter Ended   % Change
                                9/30/03         9/30/02
Revenues from
 continuing operations        $  603,752      $  532,142        13.5%
OCF from
 continuing operations        $  307,638      $  272,875(2)     12.7%
Income from
 continuing operations        $   88,452      $   69,558(2)     27.2%
Net Income                    $   88,452      $   81,093         9.1%
Diluted Earnings
 Per Share from
 continuing operations        $      .61      $      .49        24.5%
Diluted Earnings
 Per Share                    $      .61      $      .57         7.0%
Average Diluted
 Shares Outstanding              145,171         142,770         1.7%

Telephone Revenues            $  521,439      $  468,580        11.3%
Other Operations Revenues     $   82,313      $   63,562        29.5%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone Access Lines         2,394,623       2,437,744       (1.8)%
Long Distance Customers          745,204         584,890        27.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) These results include adjustments for nonrecurring items and
other non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of these items to
comparable GAAP measures is included in the attached financial
schedules. For 2002, these results reflect only one month of
operations of the Company's Missouri telephone properties acquired
from Verizon on August 31, 2002.
(2) Includes corporate overheads previously allocated to
discontinued operations.

"CenturyTel again achieved solid results that reflect our focus on bringing quality communications services to customers in rural areas and smaller cities while driving revenue and controlling costs," Glen F. Post, III, chairman and chief executive officer, said. "We are pleased with our ability to sustain revenue and earnings growth in the currently challenging industry and economic environment."

Consolidated revenues from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, for the third quarter rose 13.5% to $603.8 million from $532.1 million, primarily due to contributions from the Missouri properties acquired from Verizon on August 31, 2002. Operating cash flow from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, grew to $307.6 million from $272.9 million, a 12.7% increase. The Company achieved a consolidated cash flow margin, excluding nonrecurring items, of 51.0% for the quarter versus 51.3% in third quarter 2002. Income from continuing operations for the quarter, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 27.2% to $88.5 million from $69.6 million in third quarter 2002. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 24.5% to $.61 from $.49. Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items, were $.61 in third quarter 2003 compared to $.57 in third quarter 2002.

Telephone revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, for third quarter reached $521.4 million, an 11.3% increase over $468.6 million in third quarter 2002. The Verizon Missouri properties acquired August 31, 2002, contributed $44.5 million of the increase. The remaining increase resulted primarily from growth in vertical services and access revenues that more than offset revenue declines due to access line losses. Telephone operating expenses increased primarily due to the Verizon Missouri acquisition. Telephone operating income, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 13.4% to $172.6 million from $152.3 million, and telephone operating cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, rose 10.8% to $284.3 million from $256.6 million a year ago. CenturyTel's third quarter 2003 telephone cash flow margin was 54.5% while the operating income margin was 33.1%.

Other operations revenues grew 29.5% to $82.3 million during third quarter 2003, compared with $63.6 million in third quarter 2002. CenturyTel's long distance revenues increased 14.2% to $45.2 million. Internet revenues increased 36.5% to $20.5 million in third quarter 2003 from $15.0 million in third quarter 2002. CenturyTel now serves more than 745,200 long distance customers and 76,300 DSL customers, adding more than 24,800 and 8,300 customers, respectively, during the quarter. Fiber transport revenues increased $6.9 million, primarily due to the June 2003 acquisition of fiber assets from Digital Teleport, Inc.

"People in rural areas want and need advanced communications services similar to those in urban areas. In our markets, we are working to position CenturyTel as the carrier of choice for broadband and other services, which is reflected in CenturyTel's record DSL additions of more than 8,300 customers during the third quarter," Post said.

Under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company's net income was $91.0 million compared to $607.7 million in 2002, while diluted earnings per share was $.63 for third quarter 2003 compared to $4.26 in third quarter 2002. Net income in third quarter 2003 included a net nonrecurring $2.5 million benefit from out of period income tax adjustments. Net income in third quarter 2002 included a $551.4 million after-tax gain on the sale of its wireless operations. See the accompanying financial information for additional nonrecurring items that affected the third quarters and first nine months of 2003 and 2002.

For the first nine months of 2003, results from continuing operations benefited from the Alabama and Missouri wireline properties acquired from Verizon in third quarter 2002. Revenues from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, increased to $1.774 billion from $1.394 billion for the same period in 2002, a 27.3% increase. Operating cash flow from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, was $910.6 million for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $702.7 million a year ago, a 29.6% increase. Income from continuing operations, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 56.9% to $256.5 million from $163.4 million in 2002.

For the fourth quarter 2003, CenturyTel expects total revenues of $600 to $615 million and diluted earnings per share of $.58 to $.62. For the full year 2003, diluted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $2.36 to $2.40, increased from our previous guidance of $2.28 to $2.34. The increase in 2003 earnings per share guidance is driven by our third quarter results exceeding our expectations.

These outlook figures are presented on a GAAP basis, excluding nonrecurring items and the potential impact of any future mergers, acquisitions, divestitures or other similar business transactions.

Reconciliation to GAAP. This release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including but not limited to operating cash flow, free cash flow and adjustments to GAAP measures to exclude the effect of nonrecurring items. In addition to providing key metrics for management to evaluate the Company's performance, we believe these measurements assist investors in their understanding of period-to-period operating performance and to identify historical and prospective trends. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the attached financial schedules. Reconciliation of additional non-GAAP financial measures that may be discussed during the earnings call described below will be available on the Company's Web site at www.centurytel.com. Investors are urged to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not in substitution for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In addition to historical information, this release includes certain forward-looking statements, estimates and projections that are based on current expectations only, and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the Company's ability to effectively manage its growth, including integrating newly-acquired businesses into the Company's operations, hiring adequate numbers of qualified staff, and successfully upgrading its billing and other information systems; the risks inherent in rapid technological change; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry; the effects of greater than anticipated competition in the Company's markets; possible changes in the demand for, or pricing of, the Company's products and services; the Company's ability to successfully introduce new product or service offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; the Company's ability to collect its receivables from financially troubled communications companies; and the effects of more general factors such as changes in interest rates, in general market or economic conditions or in legislation, regulation or public policy. These and other uncertainties related to the Company's business are described in greater detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The information contained in this release is as of October 30, 2003. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements.

CenturyTel's management will host a conference call at 10:30 A.M. Central time today. Interested parties can access the call by dialing 800.346.2923 and the call will be accessible for replay until 1:30 p.m. CST, November 3, 2003, by calling 800.332.6854 and entering the conference-id number: 3383. Investors can also listen to CenturyTel's earnings conference call and replay by accessing the Company's Web site at www.centurytel.com.

CenturyTel, Inc. provides communications services including local, long distance, Internet access and data services to more than 3 million customers in 22 states. The company, headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CTL, and is included in the S&P 500 Index. CenturyTel is the 8th largest local exchange telephone company, based on access lines, in the United States. Visit CenturyTel at www.centurytel.com.

                           CenturyTel, Inc.

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
            THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND 2002
                              (UNAUDITED)


                                Three months ended September 30, 2003
                                --------------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                    Less      adjusted
                                                    non-     excluding
                                            As    recurring    non-
 In thousands, except per share amounts  reported   items    recurring
                                                               items
                                        --------- ---------- ---------
         TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                        $ 188,951          -    188,951
 Network access                         287,191          -    287,191
 Other                                   45,297          -     45,297
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                        521,439          -    521,439
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                       130,098          -    130,098
 Customer operations                     41,101          -     41,101
 Corporate and other                     65,931          -     65,931
 Depreciation and amortization          111,666          -    111,666
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                        348,796          -    348,796
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Telephone operating income             172,643          -    172,643
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

           OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                           45,207          -     45,207
 Internet                                20,469          -     20,469
 Other                                   16,637          -     16,637
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                         82,313          -     82,313
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                 58,984          -     58,984
 Depreciation and amortization            5,191          -      5,191
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                         64,175          -     64,175
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Other operating income                  18,138          -     18,138
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued operations        -          -          -
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                 190,781          -    190,781

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                       (54,360)         -    (54,360)
 Income from unconsolidated cellular
  entity                                  1,736          -      1,736
 Other income and expense                (1,076)         -     (1,076)
 Income tax expense                     (46,102)   2,527(1)   (48,629)
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS       90,979      2,527     88,452

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX          -          -          -
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 NET INCOME                           $  90,979      2,527     88,452
                                       ========= ========== ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations           $    0.63       0.02       0.61
 From discontinued operations         $       -          -          -
 Basic earnings per share             $    0.63       0.02       0.61

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations           $    0.63       0.02       0.61
 From discontinued operations         $       -          -          -
 Diluted earnings per share           $    0.63       0.02       0.61

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                  143,897               143,897
 Diluted                                145,171               145,171

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE           $  0.0550                0.0550

 NONRECURRING ITEMS


                                Three months ended September 30, 2002
                                --------------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                    Less      adjusted
                                                    non-     excluding
                                           As     recurring    non-
In thousands, except per share amounts  reported    items    recurring
                                                               items
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
         TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                          169,098          -    169,098
 Network access                         249,047  (7,645)(2)   256,692
 Other                                   42,790          -     42,790
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                        460,935     (7,645)   468,580
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                       117,997          -    117,997
 Customer operations                     41,161          -     41,161
 Corporate and other                     52,774          -     52,774
 Depreciation and amortization          104,384          -    104,384
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                        316,316          -    316,316
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Telephone operating income             144,619     (7,645)   152,264
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

           OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                           39,592          -     39,592
 Internet                                14,996          -     14,996
 Other                                    8,974          -      8,974
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                         63,562          -     63,562
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                 45,992          -     45,992
 Depreciation and amortization            3,130          -      3,130
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
                                         49,122          -     49,122
                                       --------- ---------- ----------
 Other operating income                  14,440          -     14,440
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued operations   (1,343)         -     (1,343)
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                 157,716     (7,645)   165,361

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                       (60,021)         -    (60,021)
 Income from unconsolidated cellular
  entity                                  1,492          -      1,492
 Other income and expense                  (573)         -       (573)
 Income tax expense                     (34,025)   2,676(3)   (36,701)
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS       64,589     (4,969)    69,558

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX    543,160  531,625(4)    11,535
                                       --------- ---------- ----------

 NET INCOME                             607,749    526,656     81,093
                                       ========= ========== ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                0.46      (0.04)      0.49
 From discontinued operations              3.83       3.75       0.08
 Basic earnings per share                  4.29       3.72       0.57

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                0.45      (0.03)      0.49
 From discontinued operations              3.80       3.72       0.08
 Diluted earnings per share                4.26       3.69       0.57

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                  141,692               141,692
 Diluted                                142,770               142,770

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE              0.0525                0.0525

 NONRECURRING ITEMS


                                                            Increase
                                               Increase    (decrease)
                                              (decrease)   excluding
                                                  as      nonrecurring
                                               reported      items
 In thousands, except per share amounts        ---------- -----------

             TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                                     11.7%         11.7%
 Network access                                    15.3%         11.9%
 Other                                              5.9%          5.9%
                                                   13.1%         11.3%
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                                  10.3%         10.3%
 Customer operations                              (0.1%)        (0.1%)
 Corporate and other                               24.9%         24.9%
 Depreciation and amortization                      7.0%          7.0%
                                                   10.3%         10.3%
 Telephone operating income                        19.4%         13.4%

               OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                                     14.2%         14.2%
 Internet                                          36.5%         36.5%
 Other                                             85.4%         85.4%
                                                   29.5%         29.5%
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                           28.2%         28.2%
 Depreciation and amortization                     65.8%         65.8%
                                                   30.6%         30.6%
 Other operating income                            25.6%         25.6%

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued operations          (100.0%)      (100.0%)

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                            21.0%         15.4%

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                                 (9.4%)        (9.4%)
 Income from unconsolidated cellular entity        16.4%         16.4%
 Other income and expense                          87.8%         87.8%
 Income tax expense                                35.5%         32.5%

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                 40.9%         27.2%

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX            (100.0%)      (100.0%)

 NET INCOME                                      (85.0%)          9.1%

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                        37.0%         24.5%
 From discontinued operations                   (100.0%)      (100.0%)
 Basic earnings per share                        (85.3%)          7.0%

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                        40.0%         24.5%
 From discontinued operations                   (100.0%)      (100.0%)
 Diluted earnings per share                      (85.2%)          7.0%

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                              1.6%          1.6%
 Diluted                                            1.7%          1.7%

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE                         4.8%          4.8%

 NONRECURRING ITEMS

(1) - Net out of period income tax adjustments.
(2) - Reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange carriers.
(3) - Tax effect of item (2).
(4) - Gain on sale of wireless operations ($551.4 million after tax),
      net of write down of wireless portion of billing system ($19.8
      million after tax).
                           CenturyTel, Inc.

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
             NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND 2002
                              (UNAUDITED)


                                            Nine months ended
                                            September 30, 2003
                                      --------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                    Less      adjusted
                                                    non-     excluding
                                          As      recurring    non-
 In thousands, except per share        reported     items    recurring
  amounts                                                      items
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

         TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                       $  565,599          -    565,599
 Network access                         845,999          -    845,999
 Other                                  136,191          -    136,191
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                      1,547,789          -  1,547,789
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                       378,587          -    378,587
 Customer operations                    124,068          -    124,068
 Corporate and other                    189,284  (4,959)(1)   194,243
 Depreciation and amortization          337,250          -    337,250
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                      1,029,189     (4,959) 1,034,148
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Telephone operating income             518,600      4,959    513,641
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

           OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                          130,968          -    130,968
 Internet                                58,345          -     58,345
 Other                                   37,328          -     37,328
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                        226,641          -    226,641
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                166,896          -    166,896
 Depreciation and amortization           14,410          -     14,410
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                        181,306          -    181,306
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Other operating income                  45,335          -     45,335
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued
   operations                                 -          -          -
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                 563,935      4,959    558,976

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                      (165,909)         -   (165,909)
 Income from unconsolidated cellular
  entity                                  4,895          -      4,895
 Nonrecurring gains and losses                -          -          -
 Other income and expense                (1,034)         -     (1,034)
 Income tax expense                    (139,622)     791(2)  (140,413)
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS      262,265      5,750    256,515

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX          -          -          -
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 NET INCOME                          $  262,265      5,750    256,515
                                      ========== ========== ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations          $     1.83       0.04       1.79
 From discontinued operations        $        -          -          -
 Basic earnings per share            $     1.83       0.04       1.79

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations          $     1.82       0.04       1.78
 From discontinued operations        $        -          -          -
 Diluted earnings per share          $     1.82       0.04       1.78

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                  143,370               143,370
 Diluted                                144,481               144,481

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE          $   0.1650                0.1650

 NONRECURRING ITEMS


                                             Nine months ended
                                             September 30, 2002
                                      --------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                              adjusted
                                                    Less     excluding
                                                    non-       non-
                                          As      recurring  recurring
In thousands, except per share         reported     items      items
  amounts
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
         TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                          418,332          -    418,332
 Network access                         686,325  (7,645)(3)   693,970
 Other                                  109,508          -    109,508
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                      1,214,165     (7,645) 1,221,810
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                       305,230          -    305,230
 Customer operations                    103,484          -    103,484
 Corporate and other                    155,269   15,000(4)   140,269
 Depreciation and amortization          283,886          -    283,886
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                        847,869     15,000    832,869
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Telephone operating income             366,296    (22,645)   388,941
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

           OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                          105,871          -    105,871
 Internet                                42,263          -     42,263
 Other                                   23,818          -     23,818
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                        171,952          -    171,952
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                130,818          -    130,818
 Depreciation and amortization            9,859          -      9,859
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
                                        140,677          -    140,677
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------
 Other operating income                  31,275          -     31,275
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued operations  (11,275)         -    (11,275)
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                 386,296    (22,645)   408,941

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                      (164,826)         -   (164,826)
 Income from unconsolidated cellular
  entity                                  3,852          -      3,852
 Nonrecurring gains and losses            3,709    3,709(5)         -
 Other income and expense                  (356) (3,000)(6)     2,644
 Income tax expense                     (79,487)   7,678(7)   (87,165)
                                      ---------- ---------- ----------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS      149,188    (14,258)   163,446

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX    608,091  531,625(8)    76,466
                                        -------- ---------- ----------

 NET INCOME                             757,279    517,367    239,912
                                      ========== ========== ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                1.05      (0.10)      1.15
 From discontinued operations              4.30       3.76       0.54
 Basic earnings per share                  5.36       3.66       1.70

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                1.05      (0.10)      1.15
 From discontinued operations              4.26       3.73       0.54
 Diluted earnings per share                5.31       3.63       1.68

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                  141,324               141,324
 Diluted                                142,710               142,710

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE              0.1575                0.1575

 NONRECURRING ITEMS

                                                           Increase
                                               Increase    (decrease)
                                              (decrease)   excluding
 In thousands, except per share amounts          as       nonrecurring
                                               reported      items
                                             ----------- -------------


             TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Local service                                     35.2%         35.2%
 Network access                                    23.3%         21.9%
 Other                                             24.4%         24.4%
                                                   27.5%         26.7%
 Operating expenses
 Plant operations                                  24.0%         24.0%
 Customer operations                               19.9%         19.9%
 Corporate and other                               21.9%         38.5%
 Depreciation and amortization                     18.8%         18.8%
                                                   21.4%         24.2%
 Telephone operating income                        41.6%         32.1%

               OTHER OPERATIONS
 Operating revenues
 Long distance                                     23.7%         23.7%
 Internet                                          38.1%         38.1%
 Other                                             56.7%         56.7%
                                                   31.8%         31.8%
 Operating expenses
 Cost of sales and other                           27.6%         27.6%
 Depreciation and amortization                     46.2%         46.2%
                                                   28.9%         28.9%
 Other operating income                            45.0%         45.0%

 Corporate overhead costs
  allocable to discontinued operations          (100.0%)      (100.0%)

 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME                            46.0%         36.7%

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense                                   0.7%          0.7%
 Income from unconsolidated cellular entity        27.1%         27.1%
 Nonrecurring gains and losses                  (100.0%)            -%
 Other income and expense                         190.4%      (139.1%)
 Income tax expense                                75.7%         61.1%

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                 75.8%         56.9%

 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX            (100.0%)      (100.0%)

 NET INCOME                                      (65.4%)          6.9%

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                        74.3%         55.7%
 From discontinued operations                   (100.0%)      (100.0%)
 Basic earnings per share                        (65.9%)          5.3%

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 From continuing operations                        73.3%         54.8%
 From discontinued operations                   (100.0%)      (100.0%)
 Diluted earnings per share                      (65.7%)          6.0%

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Basic                                              1.4%          1.4%
 Diluted                                            1.2%          1.2%

 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE                         4.8%          4.8%

 NONRECURRING ITEMS

(1) - Partial recovery of amounts previously written off in
      connection with WorldCom bankruptcy.  See Note 4.
(2) - Net out of period income tax adjustments ($2.5 million credit),
      net of tax expense effect of item (1).
(3) - Reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange
      carriers.
(4) - Reserve for uncollectible receivables, primarily WorldCom.
(5) - Gain on sale of PCS license.
(6) - Costs to defend unsolicited takeover proposal.
(7) - Tax effect of items (3) through (6).
(8) - Gain on sale of wireless operations ($551.4 million after-tax),
      net of write down of wireless portion of billing system ($19.8
      million after-tax).
                           CenturyTel, Inc.

                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2002
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                                Sept. 30,   Dec. 31,
                                                  2003        2002
                                               ----------- -----------
                                                    (in thousands)
                    ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                     $   157,944       3,661
Other current assets                              265,057     292,241
                                               ----------- -----------
   Total current assets                           423,001     295,902
                                               ----------- -----------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone                                       6,536,888   6,347,900
Other                                             566,045     521,292
Accumulated depreciation                       (3,647,723) (3,337,547)
                                               ----------- -----------
   Net property, plant and equipment            3,455,210   3,531,645
                                               ----------- -----------

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill                                        3,429,479   3,427,281
Other                                             504,131     515,580
                                               ----------- -----------
    Total investments and other assets          3,933,610   3,942,861
                                               ----------- -----------


TOTAL ASSETS                                  $ 7,811,821   7,770,408
                                               =========== ===========


            LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt          $   115,167      70,737
Other current liabilities                         419,850     317,367
                                               ----------- -----------
    Total current liabilities                     535,017     388,104

LONG-TERM DEBT                                  3,119,378   3,578,132
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES            795,853     716,168
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                            3,361,573   3,088,004
                                               ----------- -----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                  $ 7,811,821   7,770,408
                                               =========== ===========


                         CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
            NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND 2002


                                      Nine months ended
                                         September 30,       Increase
                                       2003        2002     (decrease)
                                    ----------- ----------- ----------
                                         (in thousands)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Telephone                          $   216,448     221,327      (2.2%)
Wireless (discontinued operations)           -      27,242    (100.0%)
Other                                   40,011      49,447     (19.1%)
                                    ----------- -----------
Total capital expenditures         $   256,459     298,016     (13.9%)
                                    =========== ===========


                         CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
            THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND 2002


                                      Three months ended
                                          September 30,      Increase
                                       2003         2002    (decrease)
                                    ----------------------------------
                                        (in  thousands)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Telephone                          $    85,050       75,505      12.6%
Wireless (discontinued operations)           -        6,978   (100.0%)
Other                                   17,151       16,235       5.6%
                                    ------------------------
Total capital expenditures         $   102,201       98,718       3.5%
                                    ========================
                           CenturyTel, Inc.

             RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                            Three months ended
                                            September 30, 2003
                                       -------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                                   Less     excluding
                                                   non-       non-
                                           As     recurring recurring
                                        reported  items       items
                                       -----------------   ----------
 Consolidated operating cash flow from continuing
  operations and cash flow margin
  Operating income                    $ 190,781       -      190,781
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization   116,857       -      116,857
                                       --------- -------   ----------
  Consolidated operating cash flow
   from continuing operations         $ 307,638       -      307,638
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Revenues from continuing operations $ 603,752       -      603,752
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Consolidated cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided by
   revenues)                               51.0%                51.0%
                                       =========           ==========


 Telephone operating cash flow, operating income margin
  and cash flow margin
  Telephone operating income          $ 172,643       -      172,643
  Add: Depreciation and amortization    111,666       -      111,666
                                       --------- -------   ----------
  Telephone operating cash flow       $ 284,309       -      284,309
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Telephone revenues                  $ 521,439       -      521,439
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Telephone operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                               33.1%                33.1%
                                       =========           ==========

  Telephone cash flow margin (operating
   cash flow divided by revenues)          54.5%                54.5%
                                       =========           ==========


 Other Operations operating cash flow, operating income margin and
  cash flow margin
  Other Operations operating income   $  18,138       -       18,138
  Add: Depreciation and amortization      5,191       -        5,191
                                       --------- -------   ----------
  Other Operations operating cash flow$  23,329       -       23,329
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Other Operations revenues           $  82,313       -       82,313
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Other Operations operating income
   margin (operating income divided by
   revenues)                               22.0%                22.0%
                                       =========           ==========

  Other Operations cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided by
   revenues)                               28.3%                28.3%
                                       =========           ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt service
  requirements)
  Net income                          $  90,979   2,527(1)    88,452
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization   116,857       -      116,857
  Less:  Capital expenditures (4)      (102,201)      -     (102,201)
                                       --------- -------   ----------
  Free cash flow                      $ 105,635   2,527      103,108
                                       ========= =======   ==========

  Free cash flow                      $ 105,635
  Income from discontinued operations,
   net of tax                                 -
  Income from unconsolidated cellular
   entity                                (1,736)
  Deferred income taxes                  24,181
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities                   12,604
  Increase in other noncurrent assets    (6,779)
  Increase in other noncurrent
   liabilities                           (1,277)
  Other, net                             14,520
  Add:  capital expenditures            102,201
                                       ---------
  Net cash provided by operating
   activities from continuing
   operations                         $ 249,349
                                       =========


                                             Three months ended
                                             September 30, 2002
                                       -------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                              adjusted
                                                   Less      excluding
                                                   non-        non-
                                           As     recurring  recurring
                                        reported   items       items
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
 Consolidated operating cash flow from
  continuing operations and cash flow margin
  Operating income                      157,716   (7,645)(2)  165,361
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization   107,514        -      107,514
                                       --------- --------   ----------
  Consolidated operating cash flow from
   continuing operations                265,230   (7,645)     272,875
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Revenues from continuing operations   524,497   (7,645)     532,142
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Consolidated cash flow margin (operating
   cash flow divided by revenues)          50.6%                 51.3%
                                           =====            ==========


 Telephone operating cash flow, operating
  income margin and cash flow margin
  Telephone operating income            144,619   (7,645)(2)  152,264
  Add: Depreciation and amortization    104,384        -      104,384
                                       --------- --------   ----------
  Telephone operating cash flow         249,003   (7,645)     256,648
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Telephone revenues                    460,935   (7,645)     468,580
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Telephone operating income margin
   (operating income divided by revenues)  31.4%                 32.5%
                                           =====            ==========

  Telephone cash flow margin (operating
   cash flow divided by revenues)          54.0%                 54.8%
                                           =====            ==========


 Other Operations operating cash flow,
  operating income margin and cash flow margin
  Other Operations operating income      14,440        -       14,440
  Add: Depreciation and amortization      3,130        -        3,130
                                       --------- --------   ----------
  Other Operations operating cash flow   17,570        -       17,570
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Other Operations revenues              63,562        -       63,562
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Other Operations operating income margin
   (operating income divided by revenues)  22.7%                 22.7%
                                           =====            ==========

  Other Operations cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided by
   revenues)                               27.6%                 27.6%
                                           =====            ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt service
  requirements)
  Net income                            607,749  526,656(3)    81,093
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization   107,514        -      107,514
  Less:  Capital expenditures (4)       (98,718)       -      (98,718)
                                       --------- --------   ----------
  Free cash flow                        616,545  526,656       89,889
                                       ========= ========   ==========

  Free cash flow                        616,545
  Income from discontinued operations,
   net of tax                          (543,160)
  Income from unconsolidated cellular
   entity                                (1,492)
  Deferred income taxes                  14,084
  Changes in current assets and current
   liabilities                           32,686
  Increase in other noncurrent assets    (9,154)
  Increase in other noncurrent
   liabilities                           19,456
  Other, net                             29,059
  Add:  capital expenditures             98,718
                                       ---------
  Net cash provided by operating
   activities from continuing
   operations                           256,742
                                       =========

(1) Net out of period income tax adjustments.
(2) Reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange carriers.
(3) Gain on sale of wireless operations ($551.4 million after tax),
    net of write down of wireless portion of billing system ($19.8
    million after tax) and reserve for refunds of access charges to
    interexchange carriers ($5.0 million after tax).
(4) Includes discontinued operations for 2002.
                           CenturyTel, Inc.

             RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                             Nine months ended
                                             September 30, 2003
                                        ------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                              adjusted
                                                    Less     excluding
                                                    non-       non-
                                            As     recurring recurring
                                         reported  items       items
                                        ---------  -------- ----------
 Consolidated operating cash flow from continuing operations
  and cash flow margin
 Operating income                      $  563,935  4,959(1)   558,976
 Add:  Depreciation and amortization      351,660      -      351,660
                                        --------   --------- ---------
 Consolidated operating cash flow from
  continuing operations                $  915,595  4,959      910,636
                                        ========   ========= =========

 Revenues from continuing operations   $1,774,430      -    1,774,430
                                        ========   ========= =========

 Consolidated cash flow margin
  (operating cash flow divided by
  revenues)                                  51.6%               51.3%
                                            ======           =========


 Telephone operating cash flow, operating income margin
  and cash flow margin
 Telephone operating income            $  518,600  4,959 (1)  513,641
 Add: Depreciation and amortization       337,250      -      337,250
                                       ---------  ---------- ---------
 Telephone operating cash flow         $  855,850  4,959      850,891
                                       ========   ========= =========


 Telephone revenues                    $1,547,789      -    1,547,789
                                       ========   ========= =========



 Telephone operating income margin
  (operating income divided by revenues)     33.5%               33.2%
                                           ========          =========


 Telephone cash flow margin (operating
  cash flow divided by revenues)             55.3%               55.0%
                                           ========          =========


 Other Operations operating cash flow, operating income margin and
  cash flow margin
 Other Operations operating income     $   45,335      -       45,335
 Add: Depreciation and amortization        14,410      -       14,410
                                        ----------  -------   --------
 Other Operations operating cash flow  $   59,745      -       59,745
                                        ==========  =======   ========

 Other Operations revenues             $  226,641      -      226,641
                                        ==========  =======   ========

 Other Operations operating income
  margin (operating income divided by
  revenues)                                  20.0%               20.0%
                                        ==========          ==========

 Other Operations cash flow margin
  (operating cash flow divided by
  revenues)                                  26.4%               26.4%
                                        ==========          ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt service
  requirements)
 Net income                            $  262,265  5,750 (2)  256,515
 Add:  Depreciation and amortization
  (6)                                     351,660      -      351,660
 Less:  Capital expenditures (6)         (256,459)     -     (256,459)
                                        ---------- -------  ----------
 Free cash flow                        $  357,466  5,750      351,716
                                        ========== =======  ==========

 Free cash flow                        $  357,466
 Income from discontinued operations,
  net of tax                                    -
 Less: depreciation and amortization of
  discontinued operations                       -
 Nonrecurring gains and losses                  -
 Income from unconsolidated cellular
  entity                                   (4,895)
 Deferred income taxes                     68,022
 Changes in current assets and current
  liabilities                             128,547
 Increase in other noncurrent assets      (18,280)
 Increase in other noncurrent
  liabilities                               7,047
 Other, net                                34,056
 Add:  capital expenditures               256,459
                                        ----------
 Net cash provided by operating
  activities from continuing operations$  828,422
                                        ==========

                                            Nine months ended
                                            September 30, 2002
                                      --------------------------------
                                                                As
                                                              adjusted
                                                   Less      excluding
                                                   non-        non-
                                          As      recurring  recurring
                                       reported    items       items
                                      ---------- --------   ----------
 Consolidated operating cash flow from
  continuing operations and cash flow margin
  Operating income                      386,296  (22,645)(3)  408,941
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization   293,745        -      293,745
                                      ---------- --------   ----------
  Consolidated operating cash flow
   from continuing operations           680,041  (22,645)     702,686
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Revenues from continuing operations 1,386,117   (7,645)(4)1,393,762
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Consolidated cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided by
   revenues)                               49.1%                 50.4%
                                        ========            ==========


 Telephone operating cash flow, operating
  income margin and cash flow margin
  Telephone operating income            366,296  (22,645)(3)  388,941
  Add: Depreciation and amortization    283,886        -      283,886
                                      ---------- --------   ----------
  Telephone operating cash flow         650,182  (22,645)     672,827
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Telephone revenues                  1,214,165   (7,645)(4)1,221,810
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Telephone operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                               30.2%                 31.8%
                                        ========            ==========

  Telephone cash flow margin (operating
   cash flow divided by revenues)          53.5%                 55.1%
                                        ========            ==========


 Other Operations operating cash flow,
  operating income margin and cash flow margin
  Other Operations operating income      31,275        -       31,275
  Add: Depreciation and amortization      9,859        -        9,859
                                      ---------- --------   ----------
  Other Operations operating cash flow   41,134        -       41,134
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Other Operations revenues             171,952        -      171,952
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Other Operations operating income
   margin (operating income divided by
   revenues)                               18.2%                 18.2%
                                        ========            ==========

  Other Operations cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided by
   revenues)                               23.9%                 23.9%
                                        ========            ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt service
  requirements)
  Net income                            757,279  517,367 (5)  239,912
  Add:  Depreciation and amortization
   (6)                                  306,639        -      306,639
  Less:  Capital expenditures (6)      (298,016)       -     (298,016)
                                      ---------- --------   ----------
  Free cash flow                        765,902  517,367      248,535
                                      ========== ========   ==========

  Free cash flow                        765,902
  Income from discontinued operations,
   net of tax                          (608,091)
  Less: depreciation and amortization of
   discontinued operations              (12,894)
  Nonrecurring gains and losses          (3,709)
  Income from unconsolidated cellular
   entity                                (3,852)
  Deferred income taxes                  43,343
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities                  104,722
  Increase in other noncurrent assets   (23,562)
  Increase in other noncurrent
   liabilities                           31,849
  Other, net                             43,315
  Add:  capital expenditures            298,016
                                      ----------
  Net cash provided by operating
   activities from continuing
   operations                           635,039
                                      ==========

(1) Partial recovery of amounts previously written off in connection
    with WorldCom bankruptcy.  See Note 3.
(2) Net out of period income tax adjustments ($2.5 million credit)
    and after-tax effect of item (1).
(3) Reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange carriers
    ($7.6 million) and reserve for uncollectible receivables,
    primarily WorldCom ($15.0 million).
(4) Reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange carriers.
(5) Includes gain on sale of wireless operations ($551.4 million
    after tax) and gain on sale of  a PCS license ($2.4 million after
    tax). Such favorable items were partially offset by unfavorable
    charges for reserve for refunds of access charges to interexchange
    carriers ($5.0 million after tax), reserve for uncollectible
    receivables, primarily WorldCom ($9.8 million after tax), costs to
    defend unsolicited takeover proposal ($2.0 million after tax) and
    write down of wireless portion of billing system ($19.8 million
    after tax).
(6) Includes discontinued operations for 2002.

NOTE: A spreadsheet is available at URL:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.103003/bb5

    CONTACT: CenturyTel, Inc.

             Media: Patricia Cameron, 318-388-9674
             patricia.cameron@centurytel.com
             or
             Investors: Tony Davis, 318-388-9525
             tony.davis@centurytel.com

    SOURCE: CenturyTel, Inc.