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EX-99.2 - EX-99.2 - UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPusm8kexhibit992.htm
8-K - 8-K - UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPusm8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1   NEWS RELEASE

As previously announced, U.S. Cellular will hold a teleconference February 19, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. CST.  Listen to the live call via the Events & Presentations page of investors.uscellular.com.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Cellular reports fourth quarter and full year 2015 results

Significant improvements in operating and net income

Provides 2016 guidance

 

 

CHICAGO, (February 19, 2016) — United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE:USM) reported total operating revenues of $987.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, versus $1,008.7 million for the same period one year ago. Net loss attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders and related diluted earnings per share were $1.7 million and $0.02, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $21.3 million and $0.25, respectively, in the comparable period one year ago. 

U.S. Cellular reported total operating revenues of $3,996.9 million and $3,892.7 million for the years ended 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Net income (loss) attributed to U.S. Cellular shareholders and related diluted earnings per share were $241.3 million and $2.84, respectively, for the year ended 2015, compared to $(42.8) million and $(0.51), respectively, for the year ended 2014.

"We achieved many of the strategic goals we set for 2015,” said Kenneth R. Meyers, U.S. Cellular president and CEO. “We successfully completed the rollout of our 4G LTE network, rebuilt customer loyalty as evidenced by historically low churn, and significantly improved our profitability.

“In addition, in an extremely competitive market, we were able to grow our customer base.  We’re going to continue to focus on customer growth in 2016 by offering our high-quality network, competitively priced products and services, and outstanding customer service to provide the best value in wireless.

"Looking forward, we plan to build upon our strengths. We will continue to enhance our network with technologies such as Voice over LTE, and nationwide 4G LTE roaming. We also will remain focused on increasing revenue driven by net additions, smartphone adoption and data monetization.”


2016 Estimated Results

U.S. Cellular’s estimates of full-year 2016 results are shown below.  Such estimates represent management’s view as of February 19, 2016.  Such forwardlooking statements should not be assumed to be current as of any future date.  U.S. Cellular undertakes no duty to update such information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  There can be no assurance that final results will not differ materially from such estimated results.

 

 

 

2016 Estimated Results

 

 

Actual Results for Year Ended

December 31, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

 

$3,900-$4,100

 

 

$

3,997

Operating cash flow (1)

 

$525-$650

 

 

$

675

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

 

$725-$850

 

 

$

852

Capital expenditures

 

Approx. $

500

 

 

$

533

 


The following table provides reconciliation to Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 estimated results, and actual results for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Estimated Results (2)

 

 

Actual Results for the Year Ended

December 31, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (GAAP)

 

 

N/A

 

$

247 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

N/A

 

 

156 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (GAAP)

 

$

0-125 

 

$

404 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

105 

 

 

86 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

 

600 

 

 

606 

EBITDA

 

$

705-830 

 

$

1,096 

Add back (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on sale of business and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other exit costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

(114)

 

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net (4)

 

 

 

 

 

(147)

 

(Gain) loss on assets disposals, net

 

 

20 

 

 

16 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

 

$

725-850 

 

$

852 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

 

(140)

 

 

(140)

 

Interest and dividend income; other income

 

 

(60)

 

 

(37)

Operating cash flow (1)(3)

 

$

525-650 

 

$

675 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding differences.

 

  1. Operating cash flow is defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above.  Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion) is defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation aboveOperating cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA exclude these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, U.S. Cellular may exclude other items from Operating cash flow and/or Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. U.S. Cellular does not intend to imply that any such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.  Operating cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as indicators of the company’s operating performance or as alternatives to cash flows from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. U.S. Cellular believes Operating cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA are useful measures of U.S. Cellular’s operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as indicated above.
  2. In providing 2016 Estimated Results, U.S. Cellular has not completed the above reconciliation to net income because it does not provide guidance for income taxes. U.S. Cellular believes that the impact of income taxes cannot be reasonably predicted; therefore, the company is unable to provide such guidance. Accordingly, a reconciliation to net income is not available without unreasonable effort.
  3. A reconciliation of Operating cash flow (Non-GAAP) to Operating income (GAAP) for full year 2015, 2014 and 2013 actual results can be found on the Guidance and Reconciliation page of the company's website at investors.uscellular.com.
  4. In February 2016, U.S. Cellular entered into multiple agreements to exchange licenses.  Agreements are subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and are expected to close in 2016.  Upon closing of the transactions, U.S. Cellular expects to record a gain.  A reasonable estimate of the gains is unavailable at the time of this filing.

Conference Call Information

U.S. Cellular will hold a conference call on February 19, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Central Time.

  • Access the live call on the Events & Presentation page of investors.uscellular.com or at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1145/13319.
  • Access the call by phone at 877-407-8029 (US/Canada), no pass code required.

Before the call, certain financial and statistical information to be discussed during the call will be posted to investors.uscellular.com. The call will be archived on the Events & Presentations page of investors.uscellular.com.

About U.S. Cellular

United States Cellular Corporation provides a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, excellent customer support, and a high-quality network to 4.9 million customers in 23 states. The Chicago-based company had 6,400 full- and part-time associates as of December 31, 2015. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. owned 84 percent of U.S. Cellular. For more information about U.S. Cellular, visit uscellular.com.

Contacts

Jane McCahon, Vice President, Corporate Relations and Corporate Secretary

312-592-5379

jane.mccahon@tdsinc.com

 

Julie Mathews, Investor Relations Director

312-592-5341

julie.mathews@tdsinc.com

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:  All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forward-looking statements. This includes all statements about the company’s plans, beliefs, estimates, and expectations. These statements are based on current estimates, projections, and assumptions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that may affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: intense competition; the ability to execute U.S. Cellular’s business strategy; uncertainties in U.S. Cellular’s future cash flows and liquidity and access to the capital markets; the ability to make payments on U.S. Cellular indebtedness or comply with the terms of debt covenants; impacts of any pending acquisitions/divestitures/exchanges of properties and/or licenses,  including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, successfully complete the transactions and the financial impacts of such transactions; the ability of the company to successfully manage and grow its markets; the overall economy; the ability to obtain or maintain roaming arrangements with other carriers on acceptable terms; the state and federal telecommunications regulatory environment; the value of assets and investments; adverse changes in the ratings afforded U.S. Cellular debt securities by accredited ratings organizations; industry consolidation; advances in telecommunications technology; pending and future litigation; changes in income tax rates, laws, regulations or rulings; changes in customer growth rates, average monthly revenue per user, churn rates, roaming revenue and terms, the availability of wireless devices, or the mix of products and services offered by U.S. Cellular. Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are discussed in the Form 8-K Current Report used by U.S. Cellular to furnish this press release to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are incorporated by reference herein.   

For more information about U.S. Cellular, visit:

U.S. Cellular: www.uscellular.com



United States Cellular Corporation

Summary Operating Data (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of or for the Quarter Ended

12/31/2015

 

9/30/2015

 

6/30/2015

 

3/31/2015

 

12/31/2014

Retail Customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postpaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total at end of period

 

4,409,000 

 

 

4,341,000 

 

 

4,324,000 

 

 

4,307,000 

 

 

4,298,000 

 

 

Gross additions

 

240,000 

 

 

200,000 

 

 

191,000 

 

 

200,000 

 

 

302,000 

 

 

Net additions (losses)

 

68,000 

 

 

17,000 

 

 

17,000 

 

 

9,000 

 

 

98,000 

 

 

ARPU (1)(11)

$

51.46 

 

$

58.12 

 

$

53.62 

 

$

54.87 

 

$

56.51 

 

 

ABPU (2)(11)

$

58.57 

 

$

63.88 

 

$

58.08 

 

$

58.50 

 

$

59.13 

 

 

ARPA (3)(11)

$

131.96 

 

$

147.00 

 

$

133.85 

 

$

134.94 

 

$

136.13 

 

 

ABPA (4)(11)

$

150.19 

 

$

161.57 

 

$

144.99 

 

$

143.86 

 

$

142.44 

 

 

Churn rate (5)

 

1.3%

 

 

1.4%

 

 

1.3%

 

 

1.5%

 

 

1.6%

 

 

Smartphone penetration (6)

 

74%

 

 

72%

 

 

69%

 

 

67%

 

 

65%

 

Prepaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total at end of period

 

387,000 

 

 

380,000 

 

 

368,000 

 

 

360,000 

 

 

348,000 

 

 

Gross additions

 

69,000 

 

 

71,000 

 

 

65,000 

 

 

73,000 

 

 

60,000 

 

 

Net additions (losses)

 

7,000 

 

 

12,000 

 

 

8,000 

 

 

12,000 

 

 

(2,000)

 

 

ARPU (1)(11)

$

35.54 

 

$

35.64 

 

$

35.98 

 

$

35.72 

 

$

35.33 

 

 

Churn rate (5)

 

5.4%

 

 

5.2%

 

 

5.2%

 

 

5.8%

 

 

5.9%

Total customers at end of period

 

4,876,000 

 

 

4,807,000 

 

 

4,779,000 

 

 

4,775,000 

 

 

4,760,000 

Billed ARPU (1)(11)

$

49.40 

 

$

55.42 

 

$

51.29 

 

$

52.29 

 

$

53.63 

Service revenue ARPU (1)(11)

$

55.31 

 

$

62.31 

 

$

57.55 

 

$

58.01 

 

$

60.10 

Smartphones sold as a percent of total

  handsets sold

 

91%

 

 

87%

 

 

87%

 

 

86%

 

 

87%

Total population

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated markets (7)(10)

 

50,520,000 

 

 

50,313,000 

 

 

52,809,000 

 

 

52,822,000 

 

 

58,840,000 

 

 

Consolidated operating markets (7)

 

31,967,000 

 

 

31,814,000 

 

 

31,814,000 

 

 

31,814,000 

 

 

31,729,000 

Market penetration at end of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated markets (8)

 

10%

 

 

10%

 

 

9%

 

 

9%

 

 

8%

 

 

Consolidated operating markets (8)

 

15%

 

 

15%

 

 

15%

 

 

15%

 

 

15%

Capital expenditures (000s)

$

198,111 

 

$

134,816 

 

$

133,666 

 

$

66,460 

 

$

181,655 

Total cell sites in service

 

6,297 

 

 

6,246 

 

 

6,223 

 

 

6,219 

 

 

6,220 

Owned towers (9)

 

3,978 

 

 

3,957 

 

 

3,940 

 

 

3,936 

 

 

4,280 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Average Revenue Per User (“ARPU”) are metrics calculated by dividing a revenue base by an average number of customers by the number of months in the period.  These revenue bases and customer populations are shown below:

 

 

 

a.

Postpaid ARPU consists of total postpaid service revenues and postpaid customers.

 

 

 

b.

Prepaid ARPU consists of total prepaid service revenues and prepaid customers.

 

 

 

c.

Billed ARPU consists of total postpaid, prepaid and reseller service revenues and postpaid, prepaid and reseller customers.

 

 

 

d.

Service revenue ARPU consists of total postpaid, prepaid and reseller service revenues, inbound roaming and other service revenues and postpaid, prepaid and reseller customers.

(2)

Average Billing Per User (“ABPU”) metric is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues plus equipment installment plan billings by the average number of postpaid customers by the number of months in the period.

(3)

Average Revenue Per Account (“ARPA”) metric is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenue by the average number of postpaid accounts by the number of months in the period.

(4)

Average Billing Per Account (“ABPA”) metric is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues plus equipment installment plan billings by the average number of postpaid accounts by the number of months in the period.

(5)

Churn metrics represent the percentage of the postpaid or prepaid customers that disconnect service each month. These metrics represent the average monthly postpaid or prepaid churn rate for each respective period.

(6)

Smartphones represent wireless devices which run on an Android, Apple, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile operating system, excluding connected devices. Smartphone penetration is calculated by dividing postpaid smartphone customers by total postpaid customers.

(7)

During the third quarter of 2015 U.S. Cellular reassessed population statistics with respect to markets which U.S. Cellular consolidates and revised its calculations to more accurately calculate such population statistics.  As a result, prior period population data and corresponding market penetration ratios were revised for markets that U.S. Cellular currently consolidates, or previously consolidated in the periods presented.  The decrease in the population of Consolidated markets is due primarily to the license exchange transactions of certain non-operating licenses in Illinois and Indiana in March 2015. Total Population is used only to calculate market penetration of consolidated markets and consolidated operating markets, respectively.  See footnote (8) below.

(8)

Market penetration is calculated by dividing the number of wireless customers at the end of the period by the total population of consolidated markets and consolidated operating markets, respectively, as estimated by Claritas.

(9)

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, U.S. Cellular sold 359 towers in divested markets.

(10)

As licenses awarded in Auction 97 have not yet been granted, population statistics related to such licenses have not been included in population data.

(11)

The quarter ended September 30, 2015 results include the recognition of $58 million in revenue due to the termination of the awards program.



United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights

Three Months Ended December 31,

(Unaudited, dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

      Change

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Amount

 

Percent

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

$

801,887 

 

$

849,788 

 

$

(47,901)

 

(6)%

 

Equipment sales

 

185,148 

 

 

158,956 

 

 

26,192 

 

16%

 

 

Total operating revenues

 

987,035 

 

 

1,008,744 

 

 

(21,709)

 

(2)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization

   and accretion reported below)

 

189,107 

 

 

202,423 

 

 

(13,316)

 

(7)%

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

273,582 

 

 

342,355 

 

 

(68,773)

 

(20)%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

387,206 

 

 

394,553 

 

 

(7,347)

 

(2)%

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

156,420 

 

 

140,955 

 

 

15,465 

 

11%

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

4,045 

 

 

4,695 

 

 

(650)

 

(14)%

 

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

 

270 

 

 

(5,136)

 

 

5,406 

 

>100%

 

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net

 

 

 

 

(21,547)

 

 

21,547 

 

N/M

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,010,630 

 

 

1,058,298 

 

 

(47,668)

 

(5)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(23,595)

 

 

(49,554)

 

 

25,959 

 

52%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

30,354 

 

 

23,598 

 

 

6,756 

 

29%

 

Interest and dividend income

 

10,498 

 

 

6,119 

 

 

4,379 

 

72%

 

Interest expense

 

(24,955)

 

 

(14,674)

 

 

(10,281)

 

(70)%

 

Other, net

 

192 

 

 

(121)

 

 

313 

 

>100%

 

 

Total investment and other income

 

16,089 

 

 

14,922 

 

 

1,167 

 

8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(7,506)

 

 

(34,632)

 

 

27,126 

 

78%

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(4,880)

 

 

(12,528)

 

 

7,648 

 

61%

Net income (loss)

 

(2,626)

 

 

(22,104)

 

 

19,478 

 

88%

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling

   interests, net of tax

 

(963)

 

 

(764)

 

 

(199)

 

(26)%

Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

(1,663)

 

$

(21,340)

 

$

19,677 

 

92%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

84,320 

 

 

84,066 

 

 

254 

 

-

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to

   U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.25)

 

$

0.23 

 

92%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

84,320 

 

 

84,066 

 

 

254 

 

-

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to

   U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.25)

 

$

0.23 

 

92%

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

(Unaudited, dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Amount

 

Percent

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

$

3,350,431 

 

$

3,397,937 

 

$

(47,506)

 

(1)%

 

Equipment sales

 

646,422 

 

 

494,810 

 

 

151,612 

 

31%

 

 

Total operating revenues

 

3,996,853 

 

 

3,892,747 

 

 

104,106 

 

3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization

   and accretion reported below)

 

775,042 

 

 

769,911 

 

 

5,131 

 

1%

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

1,052,810 

 

 

1,192,669 

 

 

(139,859)

 

(12)%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

1,493,730 

 

 

1,591,914 

 

 

(98,184)

 

(6)%

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

606,455 

 

 

605,997 

 

 

458 

 

-

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

16,313 

 

 

21,469 

 

 

(5,156)

 

(24)%

 

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

 

(113,555)

 

 

(32,830)

 

 

(80,725)

 

>(100)%

 

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net

 

(146,884)

 

 

(112,993)

 

 

(33,891)

 

(30)%

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

3,683,911 

 

 

4,036,137 

 

 

(352,226)

 

(9)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

312,942 

 

 

(143,390)

 

 

456,332 

 

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

140,083 

 

 

129,764 

 

 

10,319 

 

8%

 

Interest and dividend income

 

36,332 

 

 

12,148 

 

 

24,184 

 

>100%

 

Interest expense

 

(86,194)

 

 

(57,386)

 

 

(28,808)

 

(50)%

 

Other, net

 

466 

 

 

160 

 

 

306 

 

>100%

 

 

Total investment and other income

 

90,687 

 

 

84,686 

 

 

6,001 

 

7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

403,629 

 

 

(58,704)

 

 

462,333 

 

>100%

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

156,334 

 

 

(11,782)

 

 

168,116 

 

>100%

Net income (loss)

 

247,295 

 

 

(46,922)

 

 

294,217 

 

>100%

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling

   interests, net of tax

 

5,948 

 

 

(4,110)

 

 

10,058 

 

>100%

Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

241,347 

 

$

(42,812)

 

$

284,159 

 

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

84,248 

 

 

84,213 

 

 

35 

 

-

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to

   U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

2.86 

 

$

(0.51)

 

$

3.37 

 

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

84,891 

 

 

84,213 

 

 

678 

 

1%

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to

   U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

2.84 

 

$

(0.51)

 

$

3.35 

 

>100%

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

715,376 

 

$

211,513 

 

Accounts receivable from customers and others, net

 

672,219 

 

 

556,958 

 

Inventory, net

 

149,307 

 

 

267,068 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

80,794 

 

 

59,744 

 

Net deferred income tax asset

 

 

 

 

93,058 

 

Other current assets

 

53,946 

 

 

90,834 

 

 

 

1,671,642 

 

 

1,279,175 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

 

 

107,055 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses

 

1,834,212 

 

 

1,443,438 

Goodwill

 

369,596 

 

 

370,151 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

363,383 

 

 

283,014 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

In service and under construction

 

7,668,736 

 

 

7,458,740 

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

5,019,803 

 

 

4,730,523 

 

         Property, plant and equipment, net

 

2,648,933 

 

 

2,728,217 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets and deferred charges (1)

 

172,212 

 

 

251,259 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

7,059,978 

 

$

6,462,309 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

U.S. Cellular reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs of $25.0 million as of December 31, 2014 from Other assets and deferred charges to Long-term debt, net due to early adoption of ASU 2015-03.

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

$

11,313 

 

$

46 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliated

 

10,170 

 

 

9,774 

 

 

Trade

 

274,807 

 

 

306,845 

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

250,983 

 

 

287,562 

 

Accrued taxes

 

28,448 

 

 

36,652 

 

Accrued compensation

 

67,770 

 

 

66,162 

 

Other current liabilities

 

104,447 

 

 

149,853 

 

 

 

 

747,938 

 

 

856,894 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

 

 

 

20,934 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred liabilities and credits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

820,731 

 

 

859,867 

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

290,949 

 

 

284,002 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net (1)

 

1,628,507 

 

 

1,126,860 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests with redemption features

 

1,097 

 

 

1,150 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A Common and Common Shares, par value $1 per share

 

88,074 

 

 

88,074 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,496,453 

 

 

1,472,558 

 

Treasury shares

 

(156,535)

 

 

(169,139)

 

Retained earnings

 

2,132,521 

 

 

1,910,498 

 

 

Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity

 

3,560,513 

 

 

3,301,991 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

10,243 

 

 

10,611 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

3,570,756 

 

 

3,312,602 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

$

7,059,978 

 

$

6,462,309 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

U.S. Cellular reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs of $25.0 million as of December 31, 2014 from Other assets and deferred charges to Long-term debt, net due to early adoption of ASU 2015-03.

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

247,295 

 

$ 

(46,922)

 

Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

606,455 

 

 

605,997 

 

 

 

Bad debts expense

 

105,745 

 

 

101,282 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

24,748 

 

 

22,383 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

55,306 

 

 

57,604 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

(140,083)

 

 

(129,764)

 

 

 

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

60,041 

 

 

112,336 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

16,313 

 

 

21,469 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

 

(113,555)

 

 

(32,830)

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net

 

(146,884)

 

 

(112,993)

 

 

 

Noncash interest expense

 

1,621 

 

 

1,155 

 

 

 

Other operating activities

 

(400)

 

 

26 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(95,730)

 

 

12,547 

 

 

 

Equipment installment plans receivable

 

(133,734)

 

 

(188,829)

 

 

 

Inventory

 

117,764 

 

 

(28,878)

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

4,931 

 

 

(98,177)

 

 

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

(36,612)

 

 

33,524 

 

 

 

Accrued taxes

 

33,569 

 

 

(99,483)

 

 

 

Accrued interest

 

4,047 

 

 

1,307 

 

 

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(55,723)

 

 

(59,412)

 

 

 

   Net cash provided by operating activities

 

555,114 

 

 

172,342 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(580,593)

 

 

(605,083)

 

Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses

 

(285,807)

 

 

(38,150)

 

Cash received from divestitures and exchanges

 

316,729 

 

 

179,842 

 

Cash received for investments

 

 

 

 

50,000 

 

Federal Communications Commission deposit

 

 

 

 

(60,000)

 

Other investing activities

 

1,003 

 

 

2,619 

 

 

 

   Net cash used in investing activities

 

(548,668)

 

 

(470,772)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

525,000 

 

 

275,000 

 

Repayment of borrowing under revolving credit facility

 

 

 

 

(150,000)

 

Borrowing under revolving credit facility

 

 

 

 

150,000 

 

Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments

 

2,167 

 

 

830 

 

Common shares repurchased

 

(6,188)

 

 

(18,943)

 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

(13,005)

 

 

(9,644)

 

Acquisition of towers in common control transaction

 

(2,437)

 

 

(76,298)

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

(6,369)

 

 

(3,056)

 

Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries

 

(2,108)

 

 

 

 

Other financing activities

 

357 

 

 

(11)

 

 

 

   Net cash provided by financing activities

 

497,417 

 

 

167,878 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

503,863 

 

 

(130,552)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

211,513 

 

 

342,065 

 

End of period

$

715,376 

 

$ 

211,513 

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Financial Measures and Reconciliations

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

$

(341)

 

$

(158,289)

 

$

555,114 

 

$

172,342 

Less: Cash used for additions to property, plant

     and equipment

 

 

173,997 

 

 

180,309 

 

 

580,593 

 

 

605,083 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

 

(174,338)

 

 

(338,598)

 

 

(25,479)

 

 

(432,741)

Add: Sprint Cost Reimbursement

 

 

2,378 

 

 

19,085 

 

 

29,974 

 

 

71,097 

 

Adjusted free cash flow (1) 

 

$

(171,960)

 

$

(319,513)

 

$

4,495 

 

$

(361,644)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Free cash flow is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment.  Adjusted free cash flow is defined as Cash flows from operating activities (which includes cash outflows related to the Sprint decommissioning), as adjusted for cash proceeds from the Sprint Cost Reimbursement (which are included in Cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows), less Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment.  Sprint decommissioning and Sprint Cost Reimbursement are further defined and discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Free cash flow and Adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures which U.S. Cellular believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating the amount of cash generated by business operations (including cash proceeds from the Sprint Cost Reimbursement), after Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment.