Attached files

file filename
EX-12 - COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex12.htm
EX-10.2 - AMENDMENT NO. 9, DATED JULY 28, 2010, TO THE FIXED RATE PROMISSORY NOTE - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex102.htm
EX-32.2 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex322.htm
EX-32.1 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex321.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex311.htm
EX-10.1 - AMENDMENT NO.9 - TO AUCTION 73 FLOATING RATE PROMISSORY NOTE - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex101.htm
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex312.htm
EX-3.1 - AMENDMENT NO.4 TO CELLCO PARTNERSHIP - CELLCO PARTNERSHIPdex31.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

  (Mark one)      
  x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010   
    

 

OR

 

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

Commission file number: 333-160446

Cellco Partnership

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   22-3372889
(State of organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Verizon Way

Basking Ridge, New Jersey

  07920
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (908) 306-7000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

 

 

 


Table of Contents
Table of Contents

 

          Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

   2
  

Three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3
  

At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   4
  

Six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

  
  

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    13

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   24

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   25

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   26

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   26

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   26

Signature

   27

Certifications

  

 

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Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

Cellco Partnership (d/b/a Verizon Wireless)

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions) (unaudited)       2010             2009             2010             2009      

Operating Revenue (including $23, $25, $49 and $51 from affiliates)

       

Service revenue

  $ 13,788      $ 13,349      $ 27,633      $ 26,424   

Equipment and other

    1,950        2,131        3,888        4,178   
   

Total operating revenue

    15,738        15,480        31,521        30,602   
   

Operating Costs and Expenses (including $440, $420, $883 and $805 from affiliates)

       

Cost of service (exclusive of items shown below)

    2,025        1,912        4,025        3,831   

Cost of equipment

    2,851        2,936        5,663        5,739   

Selling, general and administrative

    4,623        4,536        9,305        9,117   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,852        1,819        3,692        3,612   
   

Total operating costs and expenses

    11,351        11,203        22,685        22,299   
   

Operating Income

    4,387        4,277        8,836        8,303   

Other Income (Expenses)

       

Interest expense, net

    (105     (290     (256     (732

Interest income and other, net

    15        19        40        39   
   

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

    4,297        4,006        8,620        7,610   

Provision for income taxes

    (505     (363     (748     (442
   

Net Income

  $ 3,792      $ 3,643      $ 7,872      $ 7,168   
   

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest

    71        67        140        137   

Net income attributable to Cellco Partnership

    3,721        3,576        7,732        7,031   
   

Net Income

  $ 3,792      $ 3,643      $ 7,872      $ 7,168   
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Cellco Partnership (d/b/a Verizon Wireless)

 

(dollars in millions) (unaudited)    June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Assets

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,016    $ 607

Receivables, net of allowances of $348 and $356

     5,736      5,721

Due from affiliates, net

     147      58

Inventories, net

     938      1,373

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     709      3,335
 

Total current assets

     8,546      11,094

Plant, property and equipment, net

     31,398      30,850

Wireless licenses

     72,282      72,005

Goodwill

     17,303      17,303

Other intangibles and other assets, net

     2,520      3,100
 

Total assets

   $ 132,049    $ 134,352
 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

     

Current liabilities

     

Short-term debt, including current maturities

   $ 3,999    $ 2,998

Due to affiliates

     —        5,003

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     7,210      6,123

Advance billings

     1,948      1,695

Other current liabilities

     765      415
 

Total current liabilities

     13,922      16,234

Long-term debt

     13,557      18,661

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     10,416      10,593

Other non-current liabilities

     1,659      1,877
 

Total liabilities

     39,554      47,365

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 9)

     —        —  

Partners’ capital

     

Capital

     90,504      84,886

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     43      113

Noncontrolling interest

     1,948      1,988
 

Total Partners’ capital

     92,495      86,987
 

Total liabilities and Partners’ capital

   $ 132,049    $ 134,352
 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Cellco Partnership (d/b/a Verizon Wireless)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions) (unaudited)            2010                     2009          

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net income

   $ 7,872      $ 7,168   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,692        3,612   

Changes in current assets and liabilities (net of the effects of acquisitions)

     1,151        (1,610

Other operating activities, net

     508        1,248   
   

Net cash provided by operating activities

     13,223        10,418   
   

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)

     (4,032     (3,334

Acquisition of businesses and licenses, net of cash acquired

     —          (4,881

Proceeds from dispositions

     2,594        —     

Other investing activities, net

     (324     (177
   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,762     (8,392
   

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Net decrease in affiliate borrowings

     (5,003     (1,288

Issuance of long-term debt

     —          9,223   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (3,790     (16,582

Distributions to partners

     (2,114     (1,427

Other financing activities, net

     (145     (630
   

Net cash used in financing activities

     (11,052     (10,704
   

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     409        (8,678

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     607        9,227   
   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,016      $ 549   
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Cellco Partnership (d/b/a Verizon Wireless)

 

1.

Background and Basis of Presentation

 

Cellco Partnership (the “Partnership”), a Delaware partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, provides wireless voice and data services and related equipment to consumers and business customers across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the United States. The Partnership has one segment and operates domestically only. References to “our Partners” refers to subsidiaries of Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon”), which own 55% of the Partnership, and U.S. subsidiaries of Vodafone Group Plc (“Vodafone”), which own 45% of the Partnership. We are the largest wireless service provider in the United States, as measured by total number of customers.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, you should refer to the audited financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded a one-time non-cash adjustment of $268 million primarily to reduce wireless data revenues. This adjustment was recorded to properly defer previously recognized wireless data revenues that will be earned and recognized in future periods. As the amounts involved were not material to our consolidated financial statements in the current or any previous reporting period, the adjustment was recorded during the second quarter.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In January 2010, we adopted the accounting standard regarding consolidation accounting for variable interest entities. This standard requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the entity’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling interest in a variable interest entity. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, we adopted the accounting standard update regarding fair value measurements and disclosures which requires additional disclosures regarding assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Standards

In September 2009, the accounting standard update regarding revenue recognition for multiple deliverable arrangements was issued. This update requires the use of the relative selling price method when allocating revenue in these types of arrangements. This method allows a vendor to use its best estimate of selling price if neither vendor specific objective evidence nor third party evidence of selling price exists when evaluating multiple deliverable arrangements. This standard update is effective January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2009, the accounting standard update regarding revenue recognition for arrangements that include software elements was issued. This update requires tangible products that contain software and non-software elements that work together to deliver the product’s essential functionality to be evaluated under the accounting

 

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standard regarding multiple deliverable arrangements. This standard update is effective January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

2.

Dispositions

 

As a condition of the regulatory approvals by the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission to complete the acquisition of Alltel Corporation (“Alltel”) in January 2009, the Partnership was required to divest overlapping properties in 105 operating markets in 24 states (the “Alltel Divestiture Markets”). Total assets and total liabilities divested were approximately $2.6 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, principally comprised of network assets, wireless licenses and customer relationships, and were included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other current liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2009.

On May 8, 2009, the Partnership entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T Mobility LLC (“AT&T Mobility”), a subsidiary of AT&T Inc., pursuant to which AT&T Mobility agreed to acquire 79 of the 105 Alltel Divestiture Markets, including licenses and network assets, for approximately $2.4 billion in cash. On June 9, 2009, the Partnership entered into a definitive agreement with Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (“ATN”), pursuant to which ATN agreed to acquire the remaining 26 Alltel Divestiture Markets, including licenses and network assets, for $200 million in cash. During the second quarter of 2010, the Partnership received the necessary regulatory approvals and completed both transactions. Upon the completion of the divestitures, we recorded a tax charge of approximately $201 million for the taxable gain on the excess of book over tax basis of the goodwill associated with the Alltel Divestiture Markets.

 

3.

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

 

Wireless Licenses

Changes in the carrying amount of Wireless licenses are as follows:

 

(dollars in millions)      

Balance as of December 31, 2009

   $ 72,005

Capitalized interest on wireless licenses

     270

Reclassifications, adjustments and other

     7
      

Balance as of June 30, 2010

   $ 72,282
      

As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, approximately $12.1 billion and $12.2 billion, respectively, of wireless licenses were under development for commercial service for which we are capitalizing interest costs.

Goodwill

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

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Other Intangibles, net

Other intangibles, net are included in Other intangibles and other assets, net and consist of the following:

 

     At June 30, 2010    At December 31, 2009
(dollars in millions)    Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   

Net

Amount

   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount

Customer lists (6 to 8 years)

   $ 2,120    $ (702   $ 1,418    $ 2,122    $ (497   $ 1,625

Capitalized software (2 to 5 years)

     874      (373     501      879      (377     502

Other (2 to 3 years)

     382      (285     97      397      (235     162
      

Total

   $ 3,376    $ (1,360   $ 2,016    $ 3,398    $ (1,109   $ 2,289
      

The amortization expense for other intangible assets was as follows:

 

(dollars in millions)   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2010

   $ 171    $ 341

2009

     209      398

Estimated future amortization expense for other intangible assets is as follows:

 

Years    (dollars in millions)

Remainder of 2010

   $ 354

2011

     534

2012

     396

2013

     314

2014

     218

Thereafter

     200
      

Total

   $ 2,016
      

 

4.

Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2010:

 

(dollars in millions)    Level 1  (1)    Level 2  (2)    Level 3  (3)    Total

Assets:

           

Other intangibles and other assets, net:

           

Derivative contracts—Cross currency swaps

   $ —      $ 34    $ —      $ 34

Liabilities:

Other non-current liabilities:

           

Derivative contracts—Cross currency swaps

   $ —      $ 103    $ —      $ 103

(1)  – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

(2)  – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

(3)  – no observable pricing inputs in the market

Derivative contracts consist of cross currency swaps. Derivative contracts are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of our derivative contracts and thus are classified within Level 2. We use mid-market pricing for fair value measurements of our derivative instruments.

We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

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Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt

The fair value of our term note due to affiliates was determined based on future cash flows discounted at current rates. The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt is determined based on quoted market prices or future cash flows discounted at current rates. Our financial instruments also include cash and cash equivalents, and trade receivables and payables. These financial instruments are short term in nature and are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value. The fair value of our term note due to affiliates and short-term and long-term debt were as follows:

 

     At June 30, 2010    At December 31, 2009
(dollars in millions)    Carrying
Amount
  

Fair

Value

   Carrying
Amount
  

Fair

Value

Term note due to affiliates

   $ —      $ —      $ 5,003    $ 5,008

Short-term and long-term debt

   $ 17,556    $ 20,137    $ 21,659    $ 23,597

Derivative Instruments

We have entered into derivative transactions to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We employ risk management strategies that may include the use of a variety of derivatives including cross currency swaps and interest rate swap agreements. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.

We measure all derivatives, including derivatives embedded in other financial instruments, at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments not qualifying as hedges or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the effective portions of cash flow hedges are reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings when the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

Cross Currency Swaps

We have entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $2.4 billion of the net proceeds from a debt offering of British Pound Sterling and Euro denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. The fair value of the cross currency swaps included in Other intangibles and other assets, net and Other non-current liabilities was $34 million and $103 million, respectively, at June 30, 2010. The fair value of the cross currency swaps included in Other intangibles and other assets, net was $315 million at December 31, 2009. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, a pretax $239 million and $383 million loss, respectively, on the cross currency swaps was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss), a portion of which was reclassified to Interest income and other, net to offset the related pretax foreign-currency transaction gain on the underlying debt obligations.

 

5.

Debt

 

Debt

During the first half of 2010, the Partnership repaid $2,770 million of borrowings under a three-year term loan facility, reducing the outstanding borrowings under this facility to $1,226 million. During July 2010, the Partnership repaid an additional $700 million of borrowings under this facility reducing the outstanding borrowings under this facility to $526 million.

 

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On June 28, 2010, the Partnership exercised its right to redeem all of its outstanding $1,000 million Put/Call Floating Rate Notes due June 2011 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption.

Term Notes Payable to Affiliate

Through June 30, 2010, the Partnership repaid $5,003 million of its $9,363 million floating rate promissory note. No borrowings remain outstanding under this note as of June 30, 2010.

On July 28, 2010, the Partnership entered into an amendment of our affiliate $750 million fixed rate promissory note payable to Verizon Financial Services LLC (“VFSL”), due August 1, 2010. The fixed rate note, as amended, extends the maturity date to August 1, 2013 and gives VFSL the right to cancel this note and require settlement of the aggregate unpaid principal and interest under this note on August 1, 2011 or August 1, 2012. There were no outstanding borrowings under this note at the time of the amendment.

Debt Covenants

As of June 30, 2010, we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

 

6.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

Verizon Wireless Long Term Incentive Plan

The 2000 Verizon Wireless Long Term Incentive Plan (“Wireless Plan”) provides compensation opportunities to eligible employees of the Partnership. The Wireless Plan provides rewards that are tied to the long-term performance of the Partnership. Under the Wireless Plan, Value Appreciation Rights (“VARs”) are granted to eligible employees. As of June 30, 2010, all VARs were fully vested.

VARs reflect the change in the value of the Partnership, as defined in the Wireless Plan, similar to stock options. Once VARs become vested, employees can exercise their VARs and receive a payment that is equal to the difference between the VAR price on the date of grant and the VAR price on the date of exercise, less applicable taxes. VARs are fully exercisable three years from the date of grant with a maximum term of 10 years. All VARs were granted at a price equal to the estimated fair value of the Partnership, as defined in the Wireless Plan, at the date of grant.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 the intrinsic value of VARs exercised during the period was $30 million and $45 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 the intrinsic value of VARs exercised during the period was $12 million and $152 million, respectively.

Cash paid to settle VARs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $27 million and $39 million, respectively. Cash paid to settle VARs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $9 million and $146 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes award activity under the Wireless Plan as of June 30, 2010 and changes during the six-month period:

 

(shares in thousands)    VARs    

Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value

Outstanding, December 31, 2009

   16,591      $ 16.54

Exercised

   (3,210     25.31

Cancelled/Forfeited

   (19     16.82
    

Outstanding, June 30, 2010

   13,362      $ 14.43
    

 

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The following table summarizes the status of the Partnership’s VARs as of June 30, 2010:

 

     VARs Vested & Outstanding (a)

(shares in thousands)

Range of Exercise Prices

   VARs    Weighted
Average Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

$8.74 - $14.79

   9,900    3.21    $ 12.25

$14.80 - $22.19

   2,441    1.28      16.77

$22.20 - $30.00

   1,021    0.03      30.00
    

Total

   13,362       $ 14.43
    

 

(a)

As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate intrinsic value of VARs outstanding and vested was $327 million.

Verizon Communications Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan

The 2009 Verizon Communications Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Verizon Plan”) permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and other awards. The maximum number of shares available for awards from the Verizon Plan is 115 million shares.

Restricted Stock Units

The Verizon Plan provides for grants of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. The RSUs outstanding at January 1, 2010 are classified as liability awards because the RSUs will be paid in cash upon vesting. The RSU award liability is measured at its fair value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, will fluctuate based on the performance of Verizon common stock. The RSUs granted during 2010 are classified as equity awards because these RSUs will be paid in Verizon common stock upon vesting. Compensation expense for RSUs classified as equity awards is measured based on the market price of Verizon common stock at the date of grant and is recognized over the vesting period. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time the RSU award is paid, and in the same proportion as the RSU award.

The Partnership had approximately 3.9 million and 3.5 million RSUs outstanding under the Verizon Plan as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Performance Stock Units

The Verizon Plan also provides for grants of Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. As defined by the Verizon Plan, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Verizon determines the number of PSUs a participant earns based on the extent to which the corresponding goal has been achieved over the three-year performance cycle. All payments are subject to approval by the Verizon Human Resources Committee. The PSUs are classified as liability awards because the PSU awards are paid in cash upon vesting. The PSU award liability is measured at its fair value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, will fluctuate based on the price of Verizon common stock as well as performance relative to the targets. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time that the PSU award is determined and paid, and in the same proportion as the PSU award.

The Partnership had approximately 5.7 million and 5.2 million PSUs outstanding under the Verizon Plan as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

 

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7.

Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income

 

Partners’ Capital

Changes in Partners’ capital were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
(dollars in millions)   

Attributable

to Cellco
Partnership

    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Partners’
Capital
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 84,999      $ 1,988      $ 86,987   

Net income

     7,732        140        7,872   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (70     —          (70
        

Comprehensive income

     7,662        140        7,802   

Distributions

     (2,114     (144     (2,258

Disposition of noncontrolling interests

            (36     (36
        

Balance at end of period

   $ 90,547      $ 1,948      $ 92,495   
        

Noncontrolling interests included in our condensed consolidated financial statements includes Verizon’s ownership interest in our majority owned limited partnership Verizon Wireless of the East LP and noncontrolling interest in cellular partnerships.

Distributions

On February 12, 2010, we paid tax distributions to our Partners of $867 million, including an aggregate tax distribution of $700 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 as well as a $167 million supplemental tax distribution.

On May 14, 2010, we paid tax distributions to our Partners of $1,247 million, including an aggregate tax distribution of $1,080 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as well as a $167 million supplemental tax distribution.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting Partners’ capital that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net income. Significant changes in the components of Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax expense (benefit), are described below.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
(dollars in millions)        2010             2009            2010             2009    

Net Income

   $ 3,792      $ 3,643    $ 7,872      $ 7,168

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes

         

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges

     (78     100      (70     178

Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans

     —          1      —          3
      

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (78     101      (70     181
      

Comprehensive Income

   $ 3,714      $ 3,744    $ 7,802      $ 7,349
      

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

   $ 71      $ 67    $ 140      $ 137

Comprehensive income attributable to Cellco Partnership

     3,643        3,677      7,662        7,212
      

Comprehensive Income

   $ 3,714      $ 3,744    $ 7,802      $ 7,349
      

 

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The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

(dollars in millions)    At June 30,
2010
    At December 31,
2009
 

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges

   $ 52      $ 122   

Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans

     (9     (9
        

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 43      $ 113   
        

 

 

8.

Other Information

 

The Partnership’s service revenue and interest expense, net is comprised of the following:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(dollars in millions)    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service revenue:

        

Voice revenue

   $ 9,202      $ 9,441      $ 18,435      $ 18,867   

Data revenue

     4,586        3,908        9,198        7,557   
        

Total service revenue

   $ 13,788      $ 13,349      $ 27,633      $ 26,424   
        

Interest expense, net:

        

Interest expense

   $ (285   $ (352   $ (566   $ (868

Affiliate interest expense

     (2     (19     (8     (40

Capitalized interest

     182        81        318        176   
        

Interest expense, net

   $ (105   $ (290   $ (256   $ (732
        

 

9.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The U.S. Wireless Alliance Agreement contains provisions, subject to specified limitations, that require Vodafone and Verizon to indemnify the Partnership for certain contingencies, excluding PrimeCo Personal Communications L.P. contingencies, arising prior to the formation of the Partnership.

The Partnership is subject to lawsuits and other claims, including class actions and claims relating to product liability, patent infringement, intellectual property, antitrust, partnership disputes, and relations with resellers and agents. The Partnership is also defending lawsuits filed against the Partnership and other participants in the wireless industry alleging adverse health effects as a result of wireless phone usage. Various consumer class action lawsuits allege that the Partnership violated certain state consumer protection laws and other statutes and defrauded customers through misleading billing practices or statements. These matters may involve indemnification obligations by third parties and/or affiliated parties covering all or part of any potential damage awards against the Partnership and/or insurance coverage.

All of the above matters are subject to many uncertainties. Consequently, the ultimate liability with respect to these matters as of June 30, 2010 cannot be predicted with certainty. To the extent that actual results differ from any estimated liabilities previously recorded, the effect, if any, on the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership in the period in which these matters are resolved may be material.

In addition to the aforementioned matters, the Partnership is subject to various other legal actions and claims in the normal course of business. While the Partnership’s legal counsel cannot give assurance as to the outcome of each of these other matters, in management’s opinion, based on an investigation of these matters and the advice of such legal counsel, the ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions, or all of them combined, will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “we”, “our”, “us” and “the Partnership” refer to Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless. References to “our Partners” refer to subsidiaries of Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon Communications”), and U.S. subsidiaries of Vodafone Group Plc (“Vodafone”), which are the partners in Cellco Partnership.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

This discussion reflects the results of operations of the markets acquired from Alltel Corporation (“Alltel”) that were not subject to divestiture requirements from the date of our acquisition of Alltel on January 9, 2009.

In connection with obtaining regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition of Alltel, we agreed to divest 105 markets in 24 states (“Alltel Divestiture Markets”). This discussion reflects the results of operations of these markets through the dates of divestiture to Atlantic Tele-Network Inc. (“ATN”) and AT&T Mobility LLC (“AT&T Mobility”), respectively.

 

Overview

We believe we are the industry-leading wireless service provider in the United States in terms of profitability, as measured by operating income. We are the largest national wireless service provider in the United States, as measured by total number of customers. We offer wireless voice and data services across one of the most extensive networks in the United States.

Our goal is to be the market leader in providing wireless voice and data communication services in the United States. We focus on providing a high-quality, differentiated service across a cost-efficient network designed to meet the growing needs of our customers. Our results of operations, financial condition and sources and uses of cash in recent periods reflect management’s continued focus on implementing the following key elements of our business strategy:

 

   

Provide highest network reliability and continue to build out and expand our network. We continue to build out, expand and upgrade our network. We invested $4,032 million in capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily to fund continued investment in our Evolution-Data Optimized (“EV-DO”) networks as well as the build-out of our fourth generation (“4G”) network based on Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) technology. We expanded our national coverage in the six months ended June 30, 2009, when we completed the acquisition of Alltel, paying $4,881 million, net of cash acquired from Alltel, for the equity of Alltel.

 

   

Profitably acquire, satisfy and retain our customers and increase the value of our service offerings to customers. We expect to achieve revenue and operating income growth by retaining our existing base of customers, obtaining new customers, increasing individual customer usage of our existing services, and bringing our customers new ways of using wireless services in their daily lives. We had approximately 92.1 million total customers at June 30, 2010, an increase of 5.0% from approximately 87.7 million at June 30, 2009.

 

   

Continue to expand our wireless data offerings and develop and bring to market innovative wireless devices for both consumers and business customers. As the demand for wireless data services grows, we continue to expand our offerings of data services and devices with advanced data capabilities for consumer and business customers, and to increase our data revenues. We had total data revenue of $4,586 million and $9,198 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, representing increases of 17.3% and 21.7%, respectively, compared to the corresponding prior year periods. Our total data revenue accounted for 33.3% of our service revenue in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

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Focus on profitability and cash flow. Our goal is to maintain industry-leading profitability levels, as measured by operating income, and to generate substantial cash flow from operations. Operating income increased by 2.6% and 6.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the corresponding prior year periods. Cash flow from operations increased by 26.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar period in 2009.

Trends

Information related to trends affecting our business was disclosed under Item 7 to part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we have continued to experience growth in our reseller customer base, and we expect this trend in our net reseller customer additions to continue through the end of the year. There have been no other significant changes to our previously discussed trends.

 

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Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Selected Operating Statistics and Trends

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(in thousands, except churn)      2010         2009         Change       2010     2009     Change  

Total customers

         92,063      87,694      5.0   

Retail customers

         86,176      85,240      1.1   

Total customer net additions in period
(excluding the Alltel related acquisition and divestitures)

   1,351      1,142      18.3      2,903      2,419      20.0   

Retail customer net additions in period
(excluding the Alltel related acquisition and divestitures)

   454      1,145      (60.3   742      2,406      (69.2

Total customer net additions (divestitures) in period (including acquisition and divestitures)

   (738   1,142      nm      814      15,638      (94.8

Retail customer net additions (divestitures) in period (including acquisition and divestitures)

   (1,635   1,145      nm      (1,347   15,219      nm   

Total churn rate

   1.27   1.37   (7.3   1.34   1.42   (5.6

Retail postpaid churn rate

   0.94   1.01   (6.9   1.01   1.08   (6.5

nm - Not meaningful

Excluding the Alltel related acquisition and divestitures, we added approximately 454,000 net retail customers during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to approximately 1.1 million during the similar period in 2009, and approximately 742,000 net retail customers during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to approximately 2.4 million during the similar period in 2009. The decline in net retail customer additions during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the similar periods in 2009 was due to a decrease in gross retail customer additions as well as an increase in churn for our retail prepaid offerings, in part attributable to a marketplace shift in customer activations within the period toward unlimited prepaid offerings of the type being sold by a number of our resellers. However, we expect to continue to experience retail customer growth based on the strength of our product offerings and network service quality. Our churn rate during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, improved as a result of successful customer retention efforts. Churn is the rate at which customers disconnect individual lines of service.

Excluding the Alltel related acquisition and divestitures, we added approximately 1.4 million net total customers during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to approximately 1.1 million during the similar period in 2009, and approximately 2.9 million net total customers during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to approximately 2.4 million during the similar period in 2009. The increase in net total customer additions during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, was due to an increase in net customer additions from our reseller channel, as a result of the marketplace shift in customer activations mentioned above.

During the second quarter, our customer base was reduced by approximately 2.1 million net customers, primarily as a result of the completion of the divestitures to AT&T Mobility and ATN, partially offset by certain adjustments. Customers from acquisitions for the six months ended June 30, 2009 included approximately 13.2 million net total customer additions, after conforming adjustments but before the impact of required divestitures, which resulted from our acquisition of Alltel on January 9, 2009.

 

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Operating Revenue

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions, except ARPU)    2010    2009    % Change     2010    2009    % Change  

Service revenue

   $ 13,788    $ 13,349    3.3      $ 27,633    $ 26,424    4.6   

Equipment and other

     1,950      2,131    (8.5     3,888      4,178    (6.9
                  

Total Operating Revenue

   $ 15,738    $ 15,480    1.7      $ 31,521    $ 30,602    3.0   
                  

Service ARPU

   $ 49.50    $ 51.10    (3.1   $ 49.82    $ 50.92    (2.2

Retail service ARPU

     50.57      51.11    (1.1     50.76      51.04    (0.5

Total data ARPU

     16.46      14.96    10.0        16.59      14.56    13.9   

Our total operating revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $258 million, or 1.7%, and $919 million, or 3.0%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily due to growth in service revenue.

Service Revenue

Service revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $439 million, or 3.3%, and $1,209 million, or 4.6%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily due to a 4.4 million, or 5.0%, increase in total customers since July 1, 2009, as well as continued growth from data services, partially offset by a decline in wireless voice revenue.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded a one-time non-cash adjustment of $268 million primarily to reduce wireless data revenues. This adjustment was recorded to properly defer previously recognized wireless data revenues that will be earned and recognized in future periods. As the amounts involved were not material to our consolidated financial statements in the current or any previous reporting period, the adjustment was recorded during the second quarter.

Total data revenue was $4,586 million and accounted for 33.3% of service revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $3,908 million and 29.3% during the similar period in 2009. Total data revenue was $9,198 million and accounted for 33.3% of service revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $7,557 million and 28.6% during the similar period in 2009. Total data revenue continues to increase as a result of growth of our e-mail, Mobile Broadband and messaging services, partially offset by the one-time non-cash reduction to wireless data revenue as described above. Voice revenue decreased as a result of continued declines in our voice average revenue per customer per month (“ARPU”), as discussed below, partially offset by an increase in the number of customers. We expect that total service revenue and data revenue will continue to grow as we grow our customer base, increase the penetration of our data offerings and increase the proportion of our customer base using third generation (“3G”) multimedia phones or 3G smartphone devices.

The declines in both our service ARPU and retail service ARPU were due to a continued reduction in voice revenue per customer, partially offset by increases in our penetration of data offerings. Additionally, the decline in our service ARPU was impacted by changes in our customer mix as a result of increased reseller net customer additions. Total voice ARPU declined $3.10, or 8.6%, during the three months ended June 30, 2010, and declined $3.13, or 8.6%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, due to the on-going impact of customers seeking to optimize the value of our offerings by moving to bundled minute and Family Share plans. The increases in total data ARPU were due to increases of $2.41 and $2.48 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, as a result of continued growth and penetration of our data offerings, primarily as a result of data packages attached to our 3G multimedia phones and 3G smartphone devices. Partially offsetting the increases in total data ARPU were reductions of $0.91 and $0.45 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as a result of the above mentioned one-time non-cash reduction to wireless data revenue.

 

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Equipment and Other Revenue

Equipment and other revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased by $181 million, or 8.5%, and $290 million, or 6.9%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009. Equipment revenue decreased primarily due to declines in gross retail customer additions and average revenue per equipment unit as a result of promotional activities.

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions)    2010    2009    % Change     2010    2009    % Change  

Cost of service

   $ 2,025    $ 1,912    5.9      $ 4,025    $ 3,831    5.1   

Cost of equipment

     2,851      2,936    (2.9     5,663      5,739    (1.3

Selling, general and administrative

     4,623      4,536    1.9        9,305      9,117    2.1   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,852      1,819    1.8        3,692      3,612    2.2   
                  

Total Operating Costs and Expenses

   $ 11,351    $ 11,203    1.3      $ 22,685    $ 22,299    1.7   
                  

Cost of Service

Cost of service during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $113 million, or 5.9%, and $194 million, or 5.1%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009. The increase in cost of service was primarily attributable to higher wireless network costs as a result of an increase in operating lease expense and local interconnection cost. Cost of service in the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 also included $51 million and $75 million, respectively, and $3 million and $27 million, respectively, during similar periods in 2009, for merger integration costs related to the acquisition of Alltel.

Cost of Equipment

Cost of equipment during the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased by $85 million, or 2.9%, and $76 million, or 1.3%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily due to a decrease in gross retail customer additions partially offset by an increase in the average cost per unit. Cost of equipment in the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 also included $45 million and $58 million, respectively, and $21 million and $58 million, respectively, during similar periods in 2009, for merger integration costs related to the Alltel acquisition.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expense during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $87 million, or 1.9%, and $188 million, or 2.1%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily due to an increase in sales commission expense in our indirect channel as well as an increase in regulatory fees. Indirect sales commission expense increased $195 million and $312 million, respectively, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 as a result of increases in both equipment upgrades leading to contract renewals and the average commission per unit as the mix of units and service plans sold continues to shift toward data devices and bundled data plans. Regulatory fees increased $32 million and $109 million, respectively, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, due to both the growth in our revenues subject to fees and an increase in the federal universal service fund rate. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in compensation related costs, excluding commissions, of $126 million and $91 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 also included $66 million and $106 million, respectively, of merger integration costs related to the acquisition of Alltel. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 included $66 million and $206 million, respectively, primarily related to the acquisition of Alltel, for transaction fees and costs associated with the acquisition and merger integration costs.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $33 million, or 1.8%, and $80 million, or 2.2%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009. These increases were primarily driven by growth in depreciable assets through the second quarter of 2010.

 

Other Consolidated Results

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions)        2010         2009     % Change     2010     2009     % Change  

Interest expense, net

   $ (105   $ (290   (63.8   $ (256   $ (732   (65.0

Interest income and other, net

     15        19      (21.1     40        39      2.6   

Provision for income taxes

     (505     (363   39.1        (748     (442   69.2   

Effective income tax rate

     11.8     9.1   29.7        8.7     5.8   49.4   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     71        67      6.0        140        137      2.2   

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net during the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased by $185 million, or 63.8%, and $476 million, or 65.0%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily due to a decrease in the weighted-average amount of debt outstanding and lower weighted-average interest rates. The decrease in the weighted-average amount of debt outstanding compared to the similar periods in 2009 was primarily driven by repayments for both affiliate and external borrowings. Interest costs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 included fees related to the bridge facility that was entered into and utilized to complete the acquisition of Alltel, which contributed to the higher weighted-average interest rate in the prior year.

Capitalized interest for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $182 million and $318 million, respectively, relating to capitalization of interest on wireless licenses under development for commercial services, primarily as a result of the spectrum acquired in the 700 MHZ auction.

Provision for income taxes

The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the similar periods in 2009 increased due to a tax charge of approximately $201 million for the taxable gain on the excess of book over tax basis of the goodwill associated with the Alltel Divestiture Markets, which we recorded upon the completion of the divestitures. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, there was a one-time benefit resulting from the Alltel acquisition’s impact on our deferred tax liability.

 

Net Income

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)    2010    2009    % Change    2010    2009    % Change

Net income

   $ 3,792    $ 3,643    4.1    $ 7,872    $ 7,168    9.8

Net income during the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $149 million, or 4.1%, and $704 million, or 9.8%, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar periods in 2009, primarily as a result of the impact of factors described in connection with operating revenue and operating expenses above.

 

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Consolidated Financial Condition

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(dollars in millions)    2010     2009     Change  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 13,223      $ 10,418      2,805   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,762     (8,392   6,630   

Net cash used in financing activities

     (11,052     (10,704   (348

Increase (Decrease) in cash

     409        (8,678   9,087   

We use the net cash generated from our operations to fund network expansion and technology upgrades, repay affiliate and external debt, pay distributions to our Partners, and from time to time, make strategic investments in licenses or operating markets. We believe that internally generated funds are sufficient to meet ongoing operating and investing requirements. We expect that our capital spending, distributions to our Partners, interest payments on our debt and other general corporate expenditures will continue to be financed primarily through internally generated funds. We also have borrowing capacity under a fixed rate promissory note with an affiliate that permits us to borrow, repay and re-borrow from time to time up to $0.8 billion. This note provides daily liquidity, which has historically allowed us to maintain low cash balances.

The amount of cash that we need to service our debt substantially increased with the acquisition of Alltel. Our ability to make payments on our debt when due will depend largely upon our future cash balances and operating performance. Internally generated funds may not be sufficient to repay the principal on our debt when due, or to pay additional distributions to our Partners, if declared, and as a result, we may need to obtain cash from other sources. Sources of future affiliate and external financing requirements may include a combination of debt financing provided through affiliate debt facilities with Verizon Communications and its subsidiaries, borrowings from banks, or debt issued in private placements or in the public markets.

 

Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities

Our primary source of funds continues to be cash generated from operations. Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased by $2.8 billion, or 26.9%, compared to the similar period in 2009, primarily due to an increase in changes in working capital along with increases in operating income.

 

Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures continue to be our primary ongoing use of capital resources as they facilitate the introduction of new products and services, enhance responsiveness to competitive challenges and increase the operating efficiency and productivity of our wireless networks. We invested $4.0 billion and $3.3 billion in capital expenditures, including capitalized software, in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the similar period in 2009, was primarily due to continued investment in our wireless EV-DO networks and funding the build-out of our 4G network based on LTE technology.

Dispositions

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we received cash proceeds of $2.6 billion in connection with the required divestitures of overlapping properties as a result of the acquisition of Alltel (see Recent Developments).

Acquisitions

On January 9, 2009, we completed our acquisition of the equity of Alltel for cash consideration of $4.9 billion, net of cash acquired from Alltel.

 

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Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, net cash used in financing activities was $11.1 billion and $10.7 billion, respectively, which primarily included net debt repayments and distributions to our Partners as described below.

Our total debt decreased by $9.1 billion to $17.6 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to December 31, 2009, primarily due to the following debt repayments:

 

   

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we repaid $5.0 billion of our $9.4 billion floating rate promissory note, which was payable to Verizon Financial Services LLC (“VFSL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications.

 

   

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we repaid $2.8 billion of borrowings under a three-year term loan facility, reducing the outstanding borrowings under this facility to $1.2 billion at June 30, 2010. During July 2010, we repaid $0.7 billion of borrowings under this facility, reducing the outstanding borrowings under this facility to $0.5 billion.

 

   

On June 28, 2010, we exercised our right to redeem all of our outstanding $1,000 million Put/Call Floating Rate Notes due June 2011 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption.

Additionally, on July 28, 2010, we entered into an amendment of our affiliate $750 million fixed rate promissory note payable to VFSL, due August 1, 2010. The fixed rate note, as amended, extends the maturity date to August 1, 2013 and gives VFSL the right to cancel this note and require settlement of the aggregate unpaid principal and interest under this note on August 1, 2011 or August 1, 2012. There were no outstanding borrowings under this note at the time of the amendment.

Distributions

As required under the Partnership Agreement, we paid aggregate tax distributions of $2,114 million and $1,427 million to our Partners during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition to our quarterly tax distribution to our Partners, our Partners have directed us to make supplemental tax distributions to them, subject to our board of representatives’ right to reconsider these distributions based on significant changes in overall business and financial conditions. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we made a supplemental tax distribution in the aggregate amount of $334 million, which is included in the total distribution paid above. Supplemental tax distributions in the amount of $333 million, comprised of $150 million to Vodafone and $183 million to Verizon Communications, remain payable in equal installments in each of the remaining quarters of 2010. Subsequent annual supplemental tax distributions in the amount of $667 million comprised of $300 million to Vodafone and $367 million to Verizon Communications, in each of 2011 and 2012, will be paid in equal quarterly installments during each of those years on the same dates that the established regular quarterly tax distributions are made.

Credit Ratings

There were no changes to the credit ratings of Cellco Partnership from those discussed in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Cash Flows (Used in)/Provided by Financing Activities,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The three primary rating agencies have identified factors which they believe could result in a ratings downgrade for Cellco Partnership in the future, including sustained leverage levels resulting from: (i) diminished wireless operating performance as a result of a weakening economy and competitive pressures; and (ii) failure to achieve significant synergies from the Alltel integration. A downgrade in our credit rating, or that of Verizon Communications, would increase our cost of obtaining financing, and could affect the amounts of indebtedness and types of financing structures and debt that may be available to us.

 

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Covenants

Our three-year term loan facility contains covenants that are typical for large, investment grade companies. These covenants include requirements to pay interest and principal in a timely fashion, to pay taxes, to maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies, to keep appropriate books and records of financial transactions, to maintain our properties, to provide financial and other reports to our lenders, to limit pledging and disposition of assets and mergers and consolidations, and other similar covenants.

In addition, we are required to maintain on the last day of any period of four fiscal quarters a leverage ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other adjustments, as defined in the three-year term loan facility, not in excess of 3.25 times based on the preceding twelve months. At June 30, 2010, the leverage ratio was 0.7 times.

As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

 

Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2010 totaled $1.0 billion, a $0.4 billion increase compared to Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2009 for the reasons discussed above.

 

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Market Risk

We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We employ risk management strategies which may include the use of a variety of derivatives, including cross-currency swaps and interest rate swap agreements. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.

It is our general policy to enter into interest rate and foreign currency derivative transactions only to the extent necessary to achieve our desired objectives in limiting our exposure to the various market risks. Our objectives include maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt to lower borrowing costs within reasonable risk parameters and to protect against earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from changes in market conditions. We do not hedge our market risk exposure in a manner that would completely eliminate the effect of changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates on our earnings. We do not expect that our net income, liquidity nor cash flows will be materially affected by these risk management strategies.

 

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary market risk relates to changes in interest rates, primarily on the portion of our debt that carries a floating interest rate. As of June 30, 2010 we had approximately $2.5 billion of aggregate floating rate debt outstanding. A change in the interest rate of 1.0% would change annual interest expense by $25 million. The interest rates on our existing debt obligations, with the exception of the three-year term loan facility, are unaffected by changes to our credit ratings.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

Cross Currency Swaps

We have entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $2.4 billion of the net proceeds from a debt offering of British Pound Sterling and Euro denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. The fair value of these swaps included in Other intangibles and other assets, net and Other non-current liabilities was $34 million and $103 million, respectively, at June 30, 2010. The fair value of these swaps included in Other intangibles and other assets, net was $315 million at December 31, 2009. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, a pretax loss of $239 million and $383 million, respectively, was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss), a portion of which was reclassified to Interest income and other, net to offset the related pretax foreign-currency transaction gain on the underlying debt obligations.

 

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Other Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Recent Developments

Alltel Divestiture Markets

As a condition of the regulatory approvals by the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission to complete the acquisition of Alltel in January 2009, we were required to divest overlapping properties in 105 operating markets in 24 states. Total assets and total liabilities divested were $2.6 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, principally comprised of network assets, wireless licenses and customer relationships; that were included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other current liabilities, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2009.

On May 8, 2009, we entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T Mobility, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc., pursuant to which AT&T Mobility agreed to acquire 79 of the 105 Alltel Divestiture Markets, including licenses and network assets for approximately $2.4 billion in cash. On June 9, 2009, we entered into a definitive agreement with ATN, pursuant to which ATN agreed to acquire the remaining 26 Alltel Divestiture Markets, including licenses and network assets, for $200 million in cash. During the second quarter of 2010, we received the necessary regulatory approvals and completed both transactions.

 

Regulatory and Competitive Trends

Information related to Regulatory and Competitive Trends is disclosed in Part I, Item 1. “Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

In September 2009, the accounting standard update regarding revenue recognition for multiple deliverable arrangements was issued. This update requires the use of the relative selling price method when allocating revenue in these types of arrangements. This method allows a vendor to use its best estimate of selling price if neither vendor specific objective evidence nor third party evidence of selling price exists when evaluating multiple deliverable arrangements. This standard update is effective January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2009, the accounting standard update regarding revenue recognition for arrangements that include software elements was issued. This update requires tangible products that contain software and non-software elements that work together to deliver the product’s essential functionality to be evaluated under the accounting standard regarding multiple deliverable arrangements. This standard update is effective January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q we have made forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “hopes” or similar expressions.

The following important factors, along with those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

materially adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by us;

 

   

the effects of adverse conditions in the U.S. economy;

 

   

the effects of competition in our markets;

 

   

the effects of material changes in available technology;

 

   

any disruption of our suppliers’ provisioning of critical products or services;

 

   

the impact of natural or man-made disasters or existing or future litigation and any resulting financial impact not covered by insurance;

 

   

technology substitution;

 

   

an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities, or those of Verizon Communications, by nationally accredited ratings organizations or adverse conditions in the credit markets impacting the cost, including interest rates, and/or availability of financing;

 

   

our ability to obtain sufficient financing to satisfy our substantial capital requirements, including to fund capital expenditures, debt service and distributions to our owners, and to refinance our existing debt;

 

   

any changes in the regulatory environments in which we operate, including any loss of or inability to renew wireless licenses, and the final results of federal and state regulatory proceedings and judicial review of those results;

 

   

changes in our accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings;

 

   

our ability to complete acquisitions and dispositions;

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate Alltel Corporation into our business and achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition;

 

   

the impact of continued unionization efforts with respect to our employees; and

 

   

the inability to implement our business strategies.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information relating to market risk is included in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption “Market Risk.”

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2010.

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are a defendant, along with other wireless service providers, wireless phone manufacturers, standard-setting bodies, industry trade associations and others, in a lawsuit, Marks v. Motorola, filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia on April 22, 2010. The plaintiff alleges personal injuries, including brain cancer, from wireless phone use. Cellular One Group and Western Wireless Corp., both Alltel-related entities, are also named as defendants in this lawsuit. Plaintiff seeks compensatory, consequential and/or punitive damages.

On June 22, 2010, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s dismissal of all remaining claims of plaintiffs in Jasso, et al. v. Verizon Wireless, et al., an action by pro se plaintiffs that was filed on November 30, 2005 in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Plaintiffs alleged various illnesses as a result of alleged exposure to radiofrequency emissions from radiofrequency antennas that plaintiffs claimed had failed to comply with federal regulatory emissions standards. Plaintiffs sought unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and attorneys’ fees. On July 2, 2010, the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the Ninth Circuit’s decision.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

3.1    Amendment No. 4 to Cellco Partnership Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2010.
10.1    Amendment No. 9, dated as of April 30, 2010, to the Auction 73 Floating Rate Promissory Note between Cellco Partnership and Verizon Financial Services dated as of March 31, 2008.
10.2    Amendment No. 9, dated as of July 28, 2010, to the Fixed Rate Promissory Note Between Cellco Partnership and Verizon Financial Services LLC dated as of September 1, 2005.
12       Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Signature

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

CELLCO PARTNERSHIP (d/b/a VERIZON WIRELESS)

Date: July 29, 2010     By   /s/ John Townsend
      John Townsend
      Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

3.1    Amendment No. 4 to Cellco Partnership Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2010.
10.1    Amendment No. 9, dated as of April 30, 2010, to the Auction 73 Floating Rate Promissory Note between Cellco Partnership and Verizon Financial Services dated as of March 31, 2008.
10.2    Amendment No. 9, dated as of July 28, 2010, to the Fixed Rate Promissory Note Between Cellco Partnership and Verizon Financial Services LLC dated as of September 1, 2005.
12       Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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