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CenturyTel Reports Third Quarter Earnings

October 27, 2005

MONROE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 2005--CenturyTel, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) announces operating results for third quarter 2005.

    --  Operating revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, increased
        8.2% to $657.1 million from $607.4 million. Reported under
        GAAP, operating revenues increased 8.8% to $657.1 million from
        $603.9 million.

    --  Operating cash flow (as defined in the attached financial
        schedules), excluding nonrecurring items, was $340.6 million.

    --  Net income, excluding nonrecurring items, was $99.0 million
        compared to $81.1 million in third quarter 2004. Net income,
        reported under GAAP, was $91.4 million compared to $86.2
        million in third quarter 2004.

    --  Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items, was
        $.74 in third quarter 2005 and $.59 in third quarter 2004,
        while GAAP diluted earnings per share was $.68 in third
        quarter 2005 and $.63 in third quarter 2004.

    --  Free cash flow (as defined in the attached financial
        schedules), excluding nonrecurring items, was $127.5 million
        in third quarter 2005.
Third Quarter Highlights
(Excluding nonrecurring items)
(In thousands, except per share       Quarter     Quarter
 amounts and customer units)           Ended       Ended
                                      9/30/05     9/30/04   % Change
----------------------------------------------- ---------------------
 Operating Revenues (1)             $  657,085  $  607,392      8.2 %
Operating Cash Flow (2)             $  340,621  $  308,239     10.5 %
Net Income                          $   98,977  $   81,135     22.0 %
Diluted Earnings Per Share          $      .74  $      .59     25.4 %
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding     135,916     139,816    (2.8) %
Capital Expenditures                $  105,044  $   97,583      7.6 %
------------------------------------ ----------  --------------------
 Telephone Access Lines              2,250,416   2,336,517    (3.7) %
Long Distance Lines                  1,142,209   1,037,293     10.1 %
DSL Connections                        219,879     120,869     81.9 %
------------------------------------ ----------  --------------------

(1) Third quarter 2005 Operating Revenues increased approximately $34.2 million compared to third quarter 2004 due to the recognition of prior period revenue settlements.

(2) Operating Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of this item to comparable GAAP measures is included in the attached financial schedules.

"We continue to see strong demand for broadband and fiber transport services in our markets," Glen F. Post, III, chairman and chief executive officer, said. "The mid-year addition of the KMC metro fiber assets and continued solid internal growth in our LightCore operations drove revenue growth of $17.2 million, a 90% increase in fiber transport and CLEC revenues since third quarter 2004."

Operating revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, rose 8.2% to $657.1 million in third quarter 2005 from $607.4 million in third quarter 2004. Revenue increases aggregating $56 million resulted primarily from approximately $13.8 million of revenues generated by the metro fiber assets acquired in second quarter 2005, $34.2 million related to adjustments to recognize prior period revenue settlements, and data revenue growth from DSL subscribers. These increases more than offset revenue declines of $10.2 million attributable to previously anticipated lower intrastate toll revenues, universal service funding and access line losses.

Operating expenses, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 5.6% to $450.0 million from $426.2 million in third quarter 2004 due primarily to the fiber assets acquired during second quarter 2005 and strong growth in the broadband business.

"One of our key strategies is to be the broadband provider of choice in our markets. We continued to make progress in this area as we added more than 25,000 DSL connections during the third quarter, more than double the 12,000 added in third quarter 2004," Post said.

Operating cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, increased 10.5% to $340.6 million from $308.2 million. CenturyTel achieved an operating cash flow margin, excluding nonrecurring items, of 51.8% during the quarter versus 50.7% in third quarter 2004.

Net income, excluding nonrecurring items, was $99.0 million compared to $81.1 million in third quarter 2004. Diluted earnings per share, excluding nonrecurring items, was $.74 in third quarter 2005 and $.59 in third quarter 2004.

As of October 26, 2005, approximately 82% of the 12.9 million shares under the Company's accelerated share repurchase agreements had been repurchased at a weighted average price per share of approximately $34.50.

For the first nine months of 2005, operating revenues, excluding nonrecurring items, increased to $1.859 billion from $1.805 billion for the same period in 2004, a 3.0% increase. Operating cash flow, excluding nonrecurring items, was $966.0 million for 2005 compared to $939.5 million a year ago. Operating income, excluding nonrecurring items, increased to $569.8 million from $554.6 million in 2004.

Under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), net income for third quarter 2005 was $91.4 million compared to $86.2 million for third quarter 2004. Diluted earnings per share for third quarter 2005 and 2004 was $.68 and $.63, respectively. For the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, net income was $256.1 million and $252.8 million, respectively, while diluted earnings per share was $1.91 and $1.79, respectively. As explained further in the attached financial schedules, third quarter 2005 results reflect a net after-tax charge of $7.6 million from expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and transactions related to certain non-operating investments. Third quarter 2004 results reflect an after-tax $6.0 million adjustment for over depreciated assets and the related revenue effect. Other nonrecurring items that affected the third quarters and first nine months of 2005 and 2004 are detailed in the accompanying financial information.

Outlook. For fourth quarter 2005, CenturyTel expects total revenues of $610 to $620 million and diluted earnings per share of $.52 to $.56. As a result of better than anticipated third quarter performance, the Company has increased and narrowed the range of anticipated full year 2005 diluted earnings per share guidance to $2.49 to $2.53. All outlook figures provided under this section are presented excluding the potential impact of any future mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, share repurchases or other unusual events.

CenturyTel expects to provide full year 2006 earnings per share guidance in January 2006. The Company has, however, identified several items that can be expected to affect 2006 results when compared to 2005. Increased national average loop costs are expected to negatively impact the Company's 2006 Universal Service Fund receipts and diluted earnings per share by $.06 to $.08. Revenue settlements related to prior periods are anticipated to decline and negatively impact 2006 diluted earnings per share by $.14 to $.18. The change in accounting for stock options is anticipated to negatively impact 2006 diluted earnings per share by $.05 to $.06. CenturyTel currently expects lower 2006 interest expense to contribute $.03 to $.05 to 2006 diluted earnings per share. Upon completion of its accelerated share repurchase program later this year, the Company currently anticipates completing the remaining $86 million outstanding under its $200 million share repurchase program. Additionally, CenturyTel believes it will continue to drive growth in its broadband and fiber transport businesses. These and other items that may affect 2006 results will be discussed further during the Company's fourth quarter 2005 earnings call in early 2006.

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 readers in their understanding of period-to-period operating performance and in identifying historical and prospective trends. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the attached financial statements. Reconciliation of additional non-GAAP financial measures that may be discussed during the earnings call described below will be available in the Investor Relations portion of the Company's Web site at www.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.

Investor Call. As previously announced, CenturyTel's management will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Central Time today. Interested parties can access the call by dialing 866.259.7123. The call will be accessible for replay through November 2, 2005, by calling 888.266.2081 and entering the conference ID number 788978. Investors can also listen to CenturyTel's earnings conference call and replay by accessing the Investor Relations portion of the Company's Web site at www.centurytel.com prior to November 16, 2005.

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 timing, success and overall effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers; the risks inherent in rapid technological change; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry; the Company's ability to effectively manage its growth, including integrating newly-acquired businesses into the Company's operations and hiring adequate numbers of qualified staff; 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; the Company's ability to successfully negotiate collective bargaining agreements on reasonable terms; other risks referenced from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the effects of more general factors such as changes in interest rates, in accounting policies or practices, in operating, medical or administrative costs, in general market, labor or economic conditions, or in legislation, regulation or public policy. These and other uncertainties related to the Company's business are described in greater detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to identify all such factors, nor can it predict the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any one or more factors may cause actual results to differ from those reflected in any forward-looking statements. You are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The information contained in this release is as of October 27, 2005. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements for any reason.

CenturyTel (NYSE: CTL) delivers advanced communications with a personal touch. The Company, included in the S&P 500 Index, is a leading provider of consumer and business communications solutions in rural areas and small to mid-size cities in 26 states. Visit CenturyTel at www.centurytel.com.

                           CenturyTel, Inc.

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
            THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004
                              (UNAUDITED)



                                          Three months ended
                                          September 30, 2005
                                 -------------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands, except per share       As     recurring      recurring
  amounts                          reported    items          items
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                  $ 176,069                   176,069
  Network access                   257,586                   257,586
  Long distance                     49,788                    49,788
  Data                              88,911                    88,911
  Fiber transport and CLEC          36,361                    36,361
  Other                             48,370                    48,370
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
                                   657,085          -        657,085
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products    222,724      5,853  (1)   216,871
  Selling, general and
   administrative                   99,593                    99,593
  Depreciation and amortization    133,526                   133,526
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
                                   455,843      5,853        449,990
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING INCOME                  201,242     (5,853)       207,095

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                 (49,904)                  (49,904)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                   1,270                     1,270
  Other income and expense          (4,214)    (6,429) (2)     2,215
  Income tax expense               (56,983)     4,716  (3)   (61,699)

                                  --------- ----------     ----------
 NET INCOME                      $  91,411     (7,566)        98,977
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE        $    0.70      (0.06)          0.76
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE      $    0.68      (0.06)          0.74

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                            130,150                   130,150
  Diluted                          135,916                   135,916

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE       $  0.0600                    0.0600

NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Includes (i) $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment, net of (ii) $3.5 million gain on sale of a
         separate non-operating investment.
 (3)  -  Tax effect of items (1) and (2).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect.
 (5)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (6)  -  Tax effect of items (4) and (5).

                                           Three months ended
                                           September 30, 2004
                                  ------------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands, except per share       As     recurring      recurring
  amounts                          reported    items          items
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                    179,793                   179,793
  Network access                   237,522     (3,091) (4)   240,613
  Long distance                     49,743                    49,743
  Data                              69,570       (422) (4)    69,992
  Fiber transport and CLEC          19,113                    19,113
  Other                             48,138                    48,138
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
                                   603,879     (3,513)       607,392
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products    191,000                   191,000
  Selling, general and
   administrative                  108,153                   108,153
  Depreciation and amortization    113,857    (13,221) (4)   127,078
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
                                   413,010    (13,221)       426,231
                                  --------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING INCOME                  190,869      9,708        181,161

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                 (52,174)                  (52,174)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                   1,929                     1,929
  Other income and expense            (822)    (1,500) (5)       678
  Income tax expense               (53,610)    (3,151) (6)   (50,459)

                                  --------- ----------     ----------
 NET INCOME                         86,192      5,057         81,135
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE             0.64       0.04           0.60
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE           0.63       0.04           0.59

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                            134,885                   134,885
  Diluted                          139,816                   139,816

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE          0.0575                    0.0575

NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Includes (i) $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment, net of (ii) $3.5 million gain on sale of a
         separate non-operating investment.
 (3)  -  Tax effect of items (1) and (2).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect.
 (5)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (6)  -  Tax effect of items (4) and (5).


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

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                      (2.1%)     (2.1%)
  Network access                       8.4%       7.1%
  Long distance                        0.1%       0.1%
  Data                                27.8%      27.0%
  Fiber transport and CLEC            90.2%      90.2%
  Other                                0.5%       0.5%
                                       8.8%       8.2%

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products       16.6%      13.5%
  Selling, general and
   administrative                    (7.9%)     (7.9%)
  Depreciation and amortization       17.3%       5.1%
                                      10.4%       5.6%

 OPERATING INCOME                      5.4%      14.3%

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                   (4.4%)     (4.4%)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (34.2%)    (34.2%)
  Other income and expense           412.7%     226.7%
  Income tax expense                   6.3%      22.3%

 NET INCOME                            6.1%      22.0%

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE              9.4%      26.7%
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE            7.9%      25.4%

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                              (3.5%)     (3.5%)
  Diluted                            (2.8%)     (2.8%)

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE             4.3%       4.3%


 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Includes (i) $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment, net of (ii) $3.5 million gain on sale of a
         separate non-operating investment.
 (3)  -  Tax effect of items (1) and (2).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect.
 (5)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (6)  -  Tax effect of items (4) and (5).



                           CenturyTel, Inc.

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
             NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                     Nine months ended
                                     September 30, 2005
                                 ------------------------- ----------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
                                     As      recurring      recurring
 In thousands, except per share   reported     items          items
  amounts
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                 $  530,319                   530,319
  Network access                   727,268                   727,268
  Long distance                    141,746                   141,746
  Data                             237,866                   237,866
  Fiber transport and CLEC          78,240                    78,240
  Other                            143,341                   143,341
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
                                 1,858,780          -      1,858,780
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products    609,590      5,853  (1)   603,737
  Selling, general and
   administrative                  289,053                   289,053
  Depreciation and amortization    396,153                   396,153
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
                                 1,294,796      5,853      1,288,943
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING INCOME                  563,984     (5,853)       569,837

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                (152,176)    (1,196) (2)  (150,980)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                   3,307                     3,307
  Other income and expense          (1,459)    (8,003) (3)     6,544
  Income tax expense              (157,511)     7,111  (4)  (164,622)

                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
 NET INCOME                     $  256,145     (7,941)       264,086
                                 ========== ==========     ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE       $     1.95      (0.06)          2.02
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE     $     1.91      (0.06)          1.97

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                            130,877                   130,877
  Diluted                          136,143                   136,143

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE      $   0.1800                    0.1800

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Write-off of unamortized deferred debt costs associated with
         purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million of Series
         J notes.
 (3)  -  Includes (i) a $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment and a $4.8 million debt extinguishment charge
         related to purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million
         of Series J notes, net of (ii) a $3.5 million gain on sale of
         non-operating investment and $3.2 million of interest income
         related to the settlement of various income tax audits.
 (4)  -  Includes (i) $1.3 million tax benefit related to the
         settlement of various income tax audits and (ii) $5.8 million
         net tax benefit of items (1), (2) and (3).
 (5)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect.
 (6)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (7)  -  Tax effect of items (5) and (6).


                                     Nine months ended
                                     September 30, 2004
                                 ------------------------- ----------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
                                     As      recurring      recurring
 In thousands, except per share   reported     items          items
  amounts
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                    537,993                   537,993
  Network access                   723,994     (3,091) (5)   727,085
  Long distance                    140,059                   140,059
  Data                             203,367       (422) (5)   203,789
  Fiber transport and CLEC          54,866                    54,866
  Other                            140,859                   140,859
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
                                 1,801,138     (3,513)     1,804,651
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products    562,775                   562,775
  Selling, general and
   administrative                  302,426                   302,426
  Depreciation and amortization    371,600    (13,221) (5)   384,821
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
                                 1,236,801    (13,221)     1,250,022
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------

 OPERATING INCOME                  564,337      9,708        554,629

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                (157,806)                 (157,806)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                   6,114                     6,114
  Other income and expense          (2,329)    (1,500) (6)      (829)
  Income tax expense              (157,561)    (3,151) (7)  (154,410)

                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
 NET INCOME                        252,755      5,057        247,698
                                 ========== ==========     ==========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE             1.82       0.04           1.79
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE           1.79       0.04           1.75

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                            138,512                   138,512
  Diluted                          143,403                   143,403

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE          0.1725                    0.1725

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Write-off of unamortized deferred debt costs associated with
         purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million of Series
         J notes.
 (3)  -  Includes (i) a $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment and a $4.8 million debt extinguishment charge
         related to purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million
         of Series J notes, net of (ii) a $3.5 million gain on sale of
         non-operating investment and $3.2 million of interest income
         related to the settlement of various income tax audits.
 (4)  -  Includes (i) $1.3 million tax benefit related to the
         settlement of various income tax audits and (ii) $5.8 million
         net tax benefit of items (1), (2) and (3).
 (5)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect.
 (6)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (7)  -  Tax effect of items (5) and (6).


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

 OPERATING REVENUES
  Local service                      (1.4%)     (1.4%)
  Network access                       0.5%       0.0%
  Long distance                        1.2%       1.2%
  Data                                17.0%      16.7%
  Fiber transport and CLEC            42.6%      42.6%
  Other                                1.8%       1.8%
                                       3.2%       3.0%

 OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of services and products        8.3%       7.3%
  Selling, general and
   administrative                    (4.4%)     (4.4%)
  Depreciation and amortization        6.6%       2.9%
                                       4.7%       3.1%

 OPERATING INCOME                    (0.1%)       2.7%

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense                   (3.6%)     (4.3%)
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (45.9%)    (45.9%)
  Other income and expense          (37.4%)   (889.4%)
  Income tax expense                 (0.0%)       6.6%

 NET INCOME                            1.3%       6.6%

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE              7.1%      12.8%
 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE            6.7%      12.6%

 SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic                              (5.5%)     (5.5%)
  Diluted                            (5.1%)     (5.1%)

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE             4.3%       4.3%

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 (2)  -  Write-off of unamortized deferred debt costs associated with
         purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million of Series
         J notes.
 (3)  -  Includes (i) a $9.9 million impairment of non-operating
         investment and a $4.8 million debt extinguishment charge
         related to purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million
         of Series J notes, net of (ii) a $3.5 million gain on sale of
         non-operating investment and $3.2 million of interest income
               related to the settlement of various income tax audits.
 (4)  -  Includes (i) $1.3 million tax benefit related to the
         settlement of various income tax audits and (ii) $5.8 million
         net tax benefit of items (1), (2) and (3).
 (5)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
           revenue effect.
 (6)  -  Impairment of non-operating investment.
 (7)  -  Tax effect of items (5) and (6).


                            CenturyTel, Inc.

                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
                               (UNAUDITED)

                                              September    December
                                                  30,         31,
                                                 2005        2004
                                              ----------- -----------
                                                             (in
                                                           thousands)
                     ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents                 $   268,501     167,215
   Other current assets                          259,850     252,632
                                              ----------- -----------
      Total current assets                       528,351     419,847
                                              ----------- -----------

NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
   Property, plant and equipment               7,699,418   7,431,017
   Accumulated depreciation                   (4,400,303) (4,089,616)
                                              ----------- -----------
      Net property, plant and equipment        3,299,115   3,341,401
                                              ----------- -----------

GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
   Goodwill                                    3,432,623   3,433,864
   Other                                         582,447     601,841
                                              ----------- -----------
       Total goodwill and other assets         4,015,070   4,035,705
                                              ----------- -----------


TOTAL ASSETS                                 $ 7,842,536   7,796,953
                                              =========== ===========


             LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
   Current maturities of long-term debt      $   334,576     249,617
   Other current liabilities                     472,991     442,001
                                              ----------- -----------
       Total current liabilities                 807,567     691,618

LONG-TERM DEBT                                 2,500,270   2,762,019
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES           979,264     933,551
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                           3,555,435   3,409,765
                                              ----------- -----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                 $ 7,842,536   7,796,953
                                              =========== ===========


                           CenturyTel, Inc.

             RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                   Three months ended September 30,
                                                  2005
                                  -----------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands                         As     recurring      recurring
                                   reported    items          items
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
 Operating cash flow and cash
  flow margin
  Operating income              $  201,242     (5,853) (1)   207,095
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    133,526          -        133,526
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
  Operating cash flow           $  334,768     (5,853)       340,621
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Revenues                      $  657,085          -        657,085
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                          30.6%                     31.5%
                                  =========                ==========

  Operating cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided
   by revenues)                       50.9%                     51.8%
                                  =========                ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt
  service requirements and
  dividends)
  Net income                    $   91,411     (7,566) (2)    98,977
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    133,526          -        133,526
  Less:  Capital expenditures     (105,044)         -       (105,044)
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
  Free cash flow                $  119,893     (7,566)       127,459
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Free cash flow                $  119,893
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (1,270)
  Deferred income taxes              7,471
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities              10,413
  (Increase) decrease in other
   noncurrent assets                   535
  Increase (decrease) in other
   noncurrent liabilities            3,080
  Retirement benefits                1,472
  Other, net                         7,818
  Add:  Capital expenditures       105,044
                                  ---------
  Net cash provided by
   operating activities         $  254,456
                                  =========

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
         (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (2)  -  Includes (i) a $6.1 million after-tax impairment of non-
         operating investment and a $3.6 million after-tax expense
         associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of (ii) a
         $2.2 million after-tax gain on sale of a separate non-
         operating investment.
 (3)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect, and impairment of non-operating investment
         (presented on an after-tax basis).


                                   Three months ended September 30,
                                                  2004
                                  -----------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands                         As     recurring      recurring
                                   reported    items          items
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
 Operating cash flow and cash
  flow margin
  Operating income                 190,869      9,708  (3)   181,161
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    113,857    (13,221) (3)   127,078
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
  Operating cash flow              304,726     (3,513)       308,239
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Revenues                         603,879     (3,513) (3)   607,392
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                          31.6%                     29.8%
                                  =========                ==========

  Operating cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided
   by revenues)                       50.5%                     50.7%
                                  =========                ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt
  service requirements and
  dividends)
  Net income                        86,192      5,057  (4)    81,135
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    113,857    (13,221) (3)   127,078
  Less:  Capital expenditures      (97,583)         -        (97,583)
                                  --------- ----------     ----------
  Free cash flow                   102,466     (8,164)       110,630
                                  ========= ==========     ==========

  Free cash flow                   102,466
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (1,929)
  Deferred income taxes             18,370
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities              13,622
  (Increase) decrease in other
   noncurrent assets                (4,401)
  Increase (decrease) in other
   noncurrent liabilities           (1,152)
  Retirement benefits                5,137
  Other, net                         2,740
  Add:  Capital expenditures        97,583
                                  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating
   activities                      232,436
                                  =========

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
         (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (2)  -  Includes (i) a $6.1 million after-tax impairment of non-
         operating investment and a $3.6 million after-tax expense
         associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of (ii) a
         $2.2 million after-tax gain on sale of a separate non-
         operating investment.
 (3)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect, and impairment of non-operating investment
         (presented on an after-tax basis).


                           CenturyTel, Inc.

             RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
                              (UNAUDITED)

                                   Nine months ended September 30,
                                                  2005
                                 ------------------------------------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands                        As      recurring      recurring
                                  reported     items          items
                                 ---------------------     ----------
 Operating cash flow and cash
  flow margin
  Operating income              $  563,984     (5,853) (1)   569,837
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    396,153          -        396,153
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
  Operating cash flow           $  960,137     (5,853)       965,990
                                 ========== ==========     ==========

  Revenues                      $1,858,780          -      1,858,780
                                 ========== ==========     ==========

  Operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                          30.3%                     30.7%
                                 ==========                ==========

  Operating cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided
   by revenues)                       51.7%                     52.0%
                                 ==========                ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt
  service requirements and
  dividends)
  Net income                    $  256,145     (7,941) (2)   264,086
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    396,153          -        396,153
  Less:  Capital expenditures     (281,958)         -       (281,958)
                                 ---------- ----------     ----------
  Free cash flow                $  370,340     (7,941)       378,281
                                 ========== ==========     ==========

  Free cash flow                $  370,340
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (3,307)
  Deferred income taxes             33,418
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities              29,367
  (Increase) decrease in other
   noncurrent assets                (4,207)
  Increase (decrease) in other
   noncurrent liabilities            2,496
  Retirement benefits               13,989
  Other, net                         9,315
  Add:  Capital expenditures       281,958
                                 ----------
  Net cash provided by
   operating activities         $  733,369
                                 ==========

NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
         (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (2)  -  Includes (i) a $6.1 million after-tax impairment of non-
         operating investment, a $3.7 million after-tax expense
         related to purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million
         of Series J notes and a $3.6 million after-tax expense
         associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of (ii) a
         $3.3 million net benefit related to the settlement of various
         income tax audits and a $2.2 million after-tax gain on sale
         of non-operating investment.
 (3)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect, and impairment of non-operating investment
         (presented on an after-tax basis).


                                    Nine months ended
                                     September 30, 2004
                                -------------------------- ----------
                                                               As
                                                             adjusted
                                               Less         excluding
                                               non-           non-
 In thousands                        As      recurring      recurring
                                  reported     items          items
                                ----------------------     ----------
 Operating cash flow and cash
  flow margin
  Operating income                 564,337      9,708  (3)   554,629
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    371,600    (13,221) (3)   384,821
                                ----------- ----------     ----------
  Operating cash flow              935,937     (3,513)       939,450
                                =========== ==========     ==========

  Revenues                       1,801,138     (3,513) (3) 1,804,651
                                =========== ==========     ==========

  Operating income margin
   (operating income divided by
   revenues)                          31.3%                     30.7%
                                ===========                ==========

  Operating cash flow margin
   (operating cash flow divided
   by revenues)                       52.0%                     52.1%
                                ===========                ==========


 Free cash flow (prior to debt
  service requirements and
  dividends)
  Net income                       252,755      5,057  (4)   247,698
  Add:  Depreciation and
   amortization                    371,600    (13,221) (3)   384,821
  Less:  Capital expenditures     (253,597)         -       (253,597)
                                ----------- ----------     ----------
  Free cash flow                   370,758     (8,164)       378,922
                                =========== ==========     ==========

  Free cash flow                   370,758
  Income from unconsolidated
   cellular entity                  (6,114)
  Deferred income taxes             75,408
  Changes in current assets and
   current liabilities              45,892
  (Increase) decrease in other
   noncurrent assets               (26,555)
  Increase (decrease) in other
   noncurrent liabilities           (4,696)
  Retirement benefits               23,000
  Other, net                         4,504
  Add:  Capital expenditures       253,597
                                -----------
  Net cash provided by
   operating activities            735,794
                                ===========

 NONRECURRING ITEMS
 (1)  -  Expenses associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
         (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (2)  -  Includes (i) a $6.1 million after-tax impairment of non-
         operating investment, a $3.7 million after-tax expense
         related to purchasing and retiring approximately $400 million
         of Series J notes and a $3.6 million after-tax expense
         associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of (ii) a
         $3.3 million net benefit related to the settlement of various
         income tax audits and a $2.2 million after-tax gain on sale
         of non-operating investment.
 (3)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect (presented on a pre-tax basis).
 (4)  -  Adjustment for overdepreciated assets, including related
         revenue effect, and impairment of non-operating investment
         (presented on an after-tax basis).


MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5005678



    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.