form10q.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing  

 



 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                                                                              

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

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 001-14157

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

36-2669023

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 630-1900

 

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.  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 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 the 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 ¨ 

(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 ¨   No x    

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2011

 

Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

49,937,250 Shares

 

Special Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

46,859,323 Shares

 

Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

6,526,443 Shares

 




 
 

Table of contents

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2011

 

Index

 

 

Page No.

Part I.

Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

3

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

4

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

5

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

7

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

9

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10

 

 

Item 2.

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

24

 

 

Overview

24

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

30

 

Results of Operations — Consolidated

30

 

Results of Operations — Wireless

32

 

Results of Operations — Wireline

37

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

41

 

Results of Operations — Consolidated

41

 

Results of Operations — Wireless

42

 

Results of Operations — Wireline

44

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

46

 

Financial Resources

47

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

49

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

53

 

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

54

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

57

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

58

 

Part II.

Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

59

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

59

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

60

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

61

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

61

 

Signatures

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Unaudited

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

Operating revenues

$

1,279,640

 

 

$

1,232,219

 

 

$

2,538,321

 

 

$

2,454,654

 

 

Operating expenses

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)

 

473,899

 

 

 

453,037

 

 

 

960,645

 

 

 

897,569

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

482,103

 

 

 

501,329

 

 

 

973,209

 

 

 

982,416

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

194,751

 

 

 

190,258

 

 

 

387,269

 

 

 

379,647

 

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

3,238

 

 

 

1,214

 

 

 

4,381

 

 

 

6,645

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,153,991

 

 

 

1,145,838

 

 

 

2,325,504

 

 

 

2,266,277

 

 

Operating income

 

125,649

 

 

 

86,381

 

 

 

212,817

 

 

 

188,377

 

 

Investment and other income (expense)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

22,590

 

 

 

25,997

 

 

 

41,978

 

 

 

50,900

 

 

Interest and dividend income

 

2,093

 

 

 

2,674

 

 

 

4,717

 

 

 

5,115

 

 

Gain on investment

 

13,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,373

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(45,417

)

 

 

(29,265

)

 

 

(73,516

)

 

 

(58,223

)

 

Other, net

 

1,306

 

 

 

(1,929

)

 

 

1,386

 

 

 

(2,119

)

 

 

Total investment and other income (expense)

 

(6,055

)

 

 

(2,523

)

 

 

(12,062

)

 

 

(4,327

)

 

Income before income taxes

 

119,594

 

 

 

83,858

 

 

 

200,755

 

 

 

184,050

 

 

Income tax expense

 

10,916

 

 

 

31,469

 

 

 

39,833

 

 

 

69,392

 

Net income

 

108,678

 

 

 

52,389

 

 

 

160,922

 

 

 

114,658

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

(17,615

)

 

 

(12,102

)

 

 

(28,237

)

 

 

(25,957

)

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

 

91,063

 

 

 

40,287

 

 

 

132,685

 

 

 

88,701

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(12

)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(25

)

 

 

(25

)

Net income available to common shareholders

$

91,051

 

 

$

40,275

 

 

$

132,660

 

 

$

88,676

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

103,509

 

 

 

105,520

 

 

 

103,765

 

 

 

105,728

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

$

0.88

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

1.28

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

104,062

 

 

 

105,907

 

 

 

104,301

 

 

 

106,071

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

$

0.87

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

1.27

 

 

$

0.83

 

 

Dividends per share

$

0.1175

 

 

$

0.1125

 

 

$

0.2350

 

 

$

0.2250

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2011

 

2010

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Net income

$

160,922

 

 

$

114,658

 

 

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

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

387,269

 

 

 

379,647

 

 

 

 

Bad debts expense

 

29,906

 

 

 

39,633

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

18,913

 

 

 

16,743

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

79,637

 

 

 

(28,881

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

(41,978

)

 

 

(50,900

)

 

 

 

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

47,375

 

 

 

48,740

 

 

 

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

4,381

 

 

 

6,645

 

 

 

 

Gain on investment

 

(13,373

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncash interest expense

 

17,147

 

 

 

2,715

 

 

 

 

Other operating activities

 

1,070

 

 

 

666

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities from operations

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(37,819

)

 

 

(20,985

)

 

 

 

Inventory

 

(48,826

)

 

 

32,177

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(448

)

 

 

(35,572

)

 

 

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

22,600

 

 

 

4,217

 

 

 

 

Accrued taxes

 

(2,345

)

 

 

24,209

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest

 

2,945

 

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(89,713

)

 

 

(31,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

537,663

 

 

 

502,346

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(338,711

)

 

 

(317,950

)

 

Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses

 

(22,167

)

 

 

(28,264

)

 

Cash paid for investments

 

(71,000

)

 

 

(385,000

)

 

Cash received for investments

 

213,030

 

 

 

15,661

 

 

Other investing activities

 

(816

)

 

 

1,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

(219,664

)

 

 

(714,074

)

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(613,387

)

 

 

(1,280

)

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

643,700

 

 

 

 

 

TDS Common Shares and Special Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments

 

1,055

 

 

 

845

 

 

U.S. Cellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments

 

1,264

 

 

 

144

 

 

Repurchase of TDS Common and Special Common Shares

 

(21,500

)

 

 

(31,092

)

 

Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares

 

(62,308

)

 

 

(21,423

)

 

Dividends paid

 

(24,343

)

 

 

(23,732

)

 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

(21,191

)

 

 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

(1,377

)

 

 

(4,314

)

 

Other financing activities

 

2,077

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

 

 

 

(96,010

)

 

 

(80,787

)

 

Cash classified as held for sale

 

(5,687

)

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

216,302

 

 

 

(292,515

)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Beginning of period

 

368,134

 

 

 

670,992

 

 

End of period

$

584,436

 

 

$

378,477

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Assets

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

June 30,

2011

 

December 31,

2010

 

 

Current assets

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

584,436

 

$

368,134

 

Short-term investments

 

270,896

 

 

402,882

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $24,465 and $28,859, respectively

 

365,676

 

 

378,976

 

 

Other, less allowances of $5,543 and $6,148, respectively

 

153,426

 

 

133,970

 

Inventory

 

165,156

 

 

116,330

 

Net deferred income tax asset

 

47,970

 

 

37,079

 

Prepaid expenses

 

89,997

 

 

76,935

 

Income taxes receivable

 

63,978

 

 

64,386

 

Other current assets

 

17,390

 

 

17,384

 

 

 

 

 

1,758,925

 

 

1,596,076

 

Assets held for sale

 

53,910

 

 

 

Investments

 

Licenses

 

1,462,926

 

 

1,460,126

 

Goodwill

 

728,455

 

 

728,455

 

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $124,025 and $119,555, respectively

 

26,316

 

 

30,810

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

177,963

 

 

197,922

 

Long-term investments

 

90,900

 

 

102,185

 

Other investments

 

8,701

 

 

8,988

 

 

 

 

 

2,495,261

 

 

2,528,486

Property, plant and equipment

 

In service and under construction

 

9,675,106

 

 

9,393,385

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

6,157,168

 

 

5,835,051

 

 

 

 

 

3,517,938

 

 

3,558,334

 

Other assets and deferred charges

 

94,874

 

 

79,623

 

Total assets

$

7,920,908

 

$

7,762,519

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Liabilities and Equity

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

June 30,

2011

December 31,

2010

 

 

Current liabilities

 

Current portion of long-term debt

$

1,919

 

 

$

1,711

 

 

Accounts payable

 

344,026

 

 

 

344,355

 

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

194,381

 

 

 

171,781

 

 

Accrued interest

 

5,546

 

 

 

2,718

 

 

Accrued taxes

 

44,830

 

 

 

46,110

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

75,912

 

 

 

99,020

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

97,122

 

 

 

144,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

763,736

 

 

 

810,633

 

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

871

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred liabilities and credits

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

688,311

 

 

 

585,468

 

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

402,143

 

 

 

404,892

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,530,369

 

 

 

1,499,862

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

Noncontrolling interests with redemption features

 

863

 

 

 

855

 

 

Equity

 

TDS shareholders’ equity

 

 

Series A Common, Special Common and Common Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized 290,000 shares (25,000 Series A Common, 165,000 Special Common and 100,000 Common Shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued 127,061 shares (6,526 Series A Common, 63,442 Special Common and 57,093 Common Shares) and 127,045 shares (6,510 Series A Common, 63,442 Special Common and 57,093 Common Shares), respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding 103,323 shares (6,526 Series A Common, 46,859 Special Common and 49,938 Common Shares) and 103,936 shares (6,510 Series A Common, 47,531 Special Common and 49,895 Common Shares), respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Par Value ($.01 per share) ($65 Series A Common, $634 Special Common and $571 Common Shares)

 

1,270

 

 

 

1,270

 

 

 

Capital in excess of par value

 

2,108,280

 

 

 

2,107,929

 

 

 

Special Common and Common Treasury shares at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury shares 23,738 (16,583 Special Common and 7,155 Common Shares) and 23,109 (15,911 Special Common and 7,198 Common Shares), respectively

 

(756,284

)

 

 

(738,695

)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,972

)

 

 

(3,208

)

 

 

Retained earnings

 

2,553,863

 

 

 

2,446,626

 

 

 

 

Total TDS shareholders’ equity

 

3,904,157

 

 

 

3,813,922

 

 

 

Preferred shares

 

830

 

 

 

830

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

629,628

 

 

 

646,057

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

4,534,615

 

 

 

4,460,809

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

$

7,920,908

 

 

$

7,762,519

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 


 

 

Table of contents

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)

 

 

TDS Shareholders

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Series A Common, Special Common and Common Shares

 

Capital in
Excess of
Par Value

 

Special Common and Common Treasury Shares

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total TDS
Shareholders’
Equity

 

 

Preferred
Shares

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

Total Equity

December 31, 2010

$

1,270

 

$

2,107,929

 

 

$

(738,695

)

 

$

(3,208

)

 

$

2,446,626

 

 

$

3,813,922

 

 

$

830

 

$

646,057

 

 

$

4,460,809

 

Add (Deduct)

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,685

 

 

 

132,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,685

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,229

 

 

 

28,229

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments

138

138

138

Changes related to retirement plan

98

98

98

Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares dividends

(24,318

)

(24,318

)

(24,318

)

Preferred dividend requirement

(25

)

(25

)

(25

)

Repurchase of shares

(21,500

)

(21,500

)

(21,500

)

Dividend reinvestment plan

66

2,534

(649

)

1,951

1,951

Incentive and compensation plans

577

1,377

(456

)

1,498

1,498

Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances, and other compensation plans

(8,133

)

(8,133

)

(43,281

)

(51,414

)

Stock-based compensation awards (a)

8,115

8,115

8,115

Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards (b)

(274

)

(274

)

(274

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(1,377

)

(1,377

)

June 30, 2011

$

1,270

 

$

2,108,280

 

 

$

(756,284

)

 

$

(2,972

)

 

$

2,553,863

 

 

$

3,904,157

 

 

$

830

 

$

629,628

 

 

$

4,534,615

 

 
7
 

 
 

 

Table of contents

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

 

 

TDS Shareholders

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Series A Common, Special Common and Common Shares

Capital in

Excess of

Par Value

Special Common and Common Treasury Shares

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

Retained

Earnings

Total TDS

Shareholders’

Equity

 

Preferred Shares

Non

controlling

Interests

Total Equity

December 31, 2009

$

1,270

$

2,088,807

$

(681,649

)

$

(2,710

)

$

2,358,580

$

3,764,298

$

832

$

662,216

$

4,427,346

Add (Deduct)

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

— 

— 

— 

88,701

88,701

— 

— 

88,701

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

25,938

25,938

Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments

— 

— 

84

— 

84

— 

— 

84

Changes related to retirement plan

— 

— 

(513

)

— 

(513

)

— 

— 

(513

)

Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares dividends

— 

— 

— 

(23,707

)

(23,707

)

— 

— 

(23,707

)

Preferred dividend requirement

— 

— 

— 

— 

(25

)

(25

)

— 

— 

(25

)

Repurchase of shares

— 

— 

(31,092

)

— 

— 

(31,092

)

(1

)

— 

(31,093

)

Dividend reinvestment plan

— 

— 

3,192

— 

(971

)

2,221

— 

— 

2,221

Incentive and compensation plans

— 

433

2,562

— 

(1,716

)

1,279

— 

— 

1,279

Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans

— 

1,364

— 

— 

— 

1,364

— 

(14,838

)

(13,474

)

Stock-based compensation awards (a)

— 

7,731

— 

— 

— 

7,731

— 

— 

7,731

Tax windfall (shortfall) from from stock awards (b)

— 

45

— 

— 

— 

45

— 

— 

45

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(4,314

)

(4,314

)

June 30, 2010

$

1,270

$

2,098,380

$

(706,987

)

$

(3,139

)

$

2,420,862

$

3,810,386

$

831

$

669,002

$

4,480,219

 


(a)   Reflects TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom’s current year stock-based compensation awards impact on Capital in excess of par value. U.S. Cellular’s amounts are included in Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans.

 

(b)   Reflects tax windfalls/(shortfalls) associated with the exercise of options and the vesting of restricted stock awards of TDS Common Shares and TDS Special Common Shares. U.S. Cellular’s tax windfalls/(shortfalls) associated with the exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock awards of U.S. Cellular are included in Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances, and other compensation plans.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

8

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income

$

108,678

 

 

$

52,389

 

 

$

160,922

 

 

$

114,658

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments

 

138

 

 

 

84

 

 

 

138

 

 

 

84

 

 

Changes related to retirement plan

 

49

 

 

 

(257

)

 

 

98

 

 

 

(513

)

Comprehensive income

 

108,865

 

 

 

52,216

 

 

 

161,158

 

 

 

114,229

 

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(17,615

)

 

 

(12,102

)

 

 

(28,237

)

 

 

(25,957

)

Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders

$

91,250

 

 

$

40,114

 

 

$

132,921

 

 

$

88,272

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

9

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

1.   Basis of Presentation

 

The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and its majority-owned subsidiaries, including TDS’ 84%-owned wireless telephone subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), TDS’ 100%-owned wireline telephone subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”) and TDS’ majority-owned printing and distribution company, Suttle-Straus, Inc.  In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that require consolidation under GAAP.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

 

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the results of operations and changes in comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 and cash flows and changes in equity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  The results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended, and cash flows and changes in equity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

On May 12, 2011 FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820):  Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure.  TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2011-04 on January 1, 2012.  Early adoption is prohibited.  Although TDS does not value any financial assets or liabilities at fair value, certain assets and liabilities are disclosed at fair value (see Note 2 —  Fair Value Measurements).  Under ASU 2011-04, for these instruments, TDS will be required to disclose, in a tabular format, the level within the fair value hierarchy that each of these assets and liabilities are measured.  The adoption of ASU 2011-04 is not expected to have a significant impact on TDS’ financial position or results of operations.

 

On June 16, 2011 FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):  Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  ASU 2011-05 amends how other comprehensive income (“OCI”) is presented in the financial statements.  Under this standard, the Statement of Operations and OCI can be presented either continuously in a Statement of Comprehensive Income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012. TDS currently provides this information in two separate statements.  The adoption of ASU 2011-05 is not expected to have a significant impact on TDS’ financial position or results of operations.

 

10

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

2.   Fair Value Measurements

 

As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, TDS did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. However, TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.

 

 

June 30,

2011

 

December 31,

2010

 

Book Value

 

Fair Value

 

Book Value

 

Fair Value

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

584,436

 

$

584,436

 

$

368,134

 

$

368,134

Short-term investments (1)(2)

 

Certificates of deposit

 

74,240

 

 

74,240

 

 

97,270

 

 

97,270

 

Government-backed securities (3)

 

196,656

 

 

196,656

 

 

305,612

 

 

305,612

Long-term investments (1)(4)

 

Government-backed securities (3)

 

90,900

 

 

91,240

 

 

102,185

 

 

102,325

Long-term debt (5)

 

1,525,951

 

 

1,536,378

 

 

1,495,461

 

 

1,482,181

 


(1)     Designated as held-to-maturity investments and recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)     Maturities are less than twelve months from the respective balance sheet dates.

(3)     Includes U.S. treasuries and corporate notes guaranteed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

(4)     At June 30, 2011, maturities range between 12 and 24 months.

(5)     Excludes capital lease obligations and current portion of Long-term debt.

 

The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair values of Long-term investments were estimated using quoted market prices for the individual issuances. The fair value of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations and the current portion of such long-term debt, was estimated using market prices for TDS’ 7.6% Series A notes, 7.0% senior notes, 6.875% senior notes and 6.625% senior notes, and U.S. Cellular’s 7.5% and 6.95% senior notes, and discounted cash flow analysis for remaining debt.

 

As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, TDS did not have nonfinancial assets or liabilities that required the application of fair value accounting for purposes of reporting such amounts in its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

3.   Income Taxes

 

TDS’ overall effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was 9.1% and 19.8%, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was 37.5% and 37.7%, respectively.  The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was lower than the rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 primarily as a result of tax benefits from state tax law changes and the expiration of statutes of limitations for certain tax years.  The benefits from these changes, along with other discrete items, decreased income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 by $29.1 million and $30.8 million, respectively; absent these benefits, the effective tax rate for such periods would have been higher by 28.6 and 17.9 percentage points, respectively.

 

TDS expects to incur a federal net operating loss in 2011 for federal income tax purposes as a result of 100% bonus depreciation that applies to qualified capital expenditures.  TDS plans to carryback this federal net operating loss to prior tax years, and has recorded $45.1 million in Income taxes receivable at June 30, 2011 primarily related to the benefit associated with this estimated federal net operating loss carryback.  A portion of the loss will also be carried forward generating a current deferred tax asset of $10.9 million.  TDS’ future federal income tax liabilities associated with the benefits being realized from bonus depreciation are accrued as a component of Net deferred income tax liability (noncurrent) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

4.   Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income available to common shareholders of TDS by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income available to common shareholders of TDS by the weighted average number of common shares, both adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units.

 

11

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on income and the weighted average number of Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares are as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders:

 

Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share

$

91,051

 

 

$

40,275

 

 

$

132,660

 

 

$

88,676

 

 

Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:

 

Noncontrolling interest (1)

 

(342

)

 

 

(138

)

 

 

(570

)

 

 

(314

)

 

Preferred dividend (2)

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

25

 

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share

$

90,721

 

 

$

40,149

 

 

$

132,115

 

 

$

88,387

 

 

Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:

 

 

Common Shares

 

49,964

 

 

 

49,872

 

 

 

49,955

 

 

 

49,862

 

 

 

Special Common Shares

 

47,027

 

 

 

49,150

 

 

 

47,296

 

 

 

49,371

 

 

 

Series A Common Shares

 

6,518

 

 

 

6,498

 

 

 

6,514

 

 

 

6,495

 

 

 

 

Total

 

103,509

 

 

 

105,520

 

 

 

103,765

 

 

 

105,728

 

 

Effects of dilutive securities:

 

Stock options

 

289

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

286

 

 

 

122

 

 

Restricted stock units

 

209

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

173

 

 

Preferred shares

 

55

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

48

 

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share

 

104,062

 

 

 

105,907

 

 

 

104,301

 

 

 

106,071

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

$

0.88

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

1.28

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

$

0.87

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

1.27

 

 

$

0.83

 

 


(1)     The noncontrolling income adjustment reflects the additional noncontrolling share of U.S. Cellular’s income computed as if all of U.S. Cellular’s issuable securities were outstanding.

(2)     The preferred dividend adjustment reflects the dividend reduction related to preferred securities that were dilutive, and therefore treated as if converted for shares.

 

12

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Certain Common Shares and Special Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Stock options, vesting of Restricted stock units or conversion of Convertible preferred shares were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares and Special Common Shares excluded is shown in the table below.

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

(Shares in thousands)

 

Stock options

 

Common Shares

363

 

606

 

387

 

634

 

Special Common Shares

3,288

 

3,619

 

3,043

 

3,377

 

Restricted stock units

 

Common Shares

 

 

 

 

Special Common Shares

127

 

65

 

64

 

33

 

Convertible preferred shares

 

Common Shares

 

 

 

 

5.   Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

 

TDS assesses its existing wireless and wireline interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, TDS reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional wireless operating markets and wireless spectrum; and telecommunications companies and related service businesses. In addition, TDS may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other interests those interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.

 

On May 9, 2011, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in a wireless business in which it previously held a 49% noncontrolling interest, pursuant to certain required terms of the partnership agreement.  Prior to this acquisition, the partnership had been accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  In connection with the acquisition, a $13.4 million gain was recorded to adjust the carrying value of this 49%  investment to its fair value of $25.7 million based on an income approach valuation method.  The gain was recorded in Gain on investment in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  U.S. Cellular is actively trying to sell this business and, as a result, $53.9 million of assets and $0.9 million of liabilities have been classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “held for sale”.  Included in Assets held for sale are $9.6 million of Current assets, $36.6 million of Investments (primarily licenses) and $7.7 million of Property, plant and equipment.  Liabilities held for sale primarily includes Current liabilities.  For the period since acquisition, this business generated revenues of $3.9 million and operating income of $2.6 million.

 

Acquisitions had a non-material impact in the TDS’ consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.  Pro forma results, assuming acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.

 

13

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

TDS’ acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows:

 

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

 

 



Purchase

price (1)


 

Goodwill (2)



Licenses



Intangible

assets

subject to

amortization



Net tangible

assets

(liabilities)

(Dollars in thousands)

2011

U.S. Cellular licenses

$

2,800

 

$

 

$

2,800

 

$

 

$

U.S. Cellular business (3)

 

24,572

 

 

 

 

15,592

 

 

2,252

 

 

6,728

 

Total

$

27,372

 

$

 

$

18,392

 

$

2,252

 

$

6,728

 

2010

U.S. Cellular licenses

$

10,501

 

$

 

$

10,501

 

$

 

$

TDS Telecom ILEC business

 

18,191

 

 

5,336

 

 

 

 

7,900

 

 

4,955

 

Total

$

28,692

 

$

5,336

 

$

10,501

 

$

7,900

 

$

4,955

 


(1)       Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions. 

(2)       No goodwill was amortizable for income tax purposes.

(3)       Includes only the acquired interest and does not include amounts attributable to U.S. Cellular’s pre-existing noncontrolling interest described above in this Note 5.

 

6.   Licenses and Goodwill

 

Changes in TDS’ licenses and goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are presented below.

 

Licenses

U.S.

Cellular (1)

TDS Telecom

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Balance December 31, 2010

$

1,457,326

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,460,126

 

Acquisitions (2)

 

2,800

 

 

 

 

2,800

Balance June 30, 2011

$

1,460,126

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,462,926

 

 

Balance December 31, 2009

$

1,440,225

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,443,025

 

Acquisitions

 

10,501

 

 

 

 

10,501

Balance June 30, 2010

$

1,450,726

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,453,526

 

14

 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Goodwill

U.S.

Cellular (1)

TDS

Telecom (3)

Non-reportable

Segment (4)

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Assigned value at time of acquisition

$

622,681

 

 

$

465,312

 

 

$

3,802

 

$

1,091,795

 

 

Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods

 

(333,900

)

 

 

(29,440

)

 

 

 

 

(363,340

)

Balance December 31, 2010

 

288,781

 

 

 

435,872

 

 

 

3,802

 

 

728,455

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2011

$

288,781

 

 

$

435,872

 

 

$

3,802

 

$

728,455

 

 

Assigned value at time of acquisition

$

617,222

 

 

$

450,156

 

 

$

3,802

 

$

1,071,180

 

 

Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods

 

(333,900

)

 

 

(29,440

)

 

 

 

 

(363,340

)

Balance December 31, 2009

 

283,322

 

 

 

420,716

 

 

 

3,802

 

 

707,840

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 5,336

 

 

 

 

 

 5,336

 

 

Other (5)

 

5,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,459

 

Balance June 30, 2010

$

288,781

 

 

$

426,052

 

 

$

3,802

 

$

718,635

 

 


(1)       Prior to January 1, 2009, TDS accounted for U.S. Cellular’s share repurchases as step acquisitions, allocating a portion of the share repurchase value to TDS licenses and goodwill, as required by GAAP in effect at that time.  Consequently, U.S. Cellular’s licenses, goodwill and accumulated impairment loss reported on a stand-alone basis do not match the TDS consolidated licenses, goodwill and accumulated impairment losses related to U.S. Cellular.

(2)       Does not include the acquired interest, the adjustment of the pre-existing noncontrolling interest or the classification of such amounts as Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, all as described in Note 5  Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges.

(3)       The entire goodwill balance of $29.4 million at the TDS Telecom CLEC business segment was impaired in 2004.  The remaining goodwill balance at TDS Telecom is attributed to the ILEC business segment. 

(4)       “Non-reportable segment” consists of goodwill related to Suttle-Straus.

(5)       Amount reclassified from Investments in unconsolidated entities to Goodwill in June 2010.

 

7.   Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method. 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities totaled $22.6 million and $26.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $42.0 million and $50.9 million in the six month-periods then ended, respectively; of those amounts, TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $14.1 and $16.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $27.1 million and $33.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  TDS held a 5.5% ownership interest in the LA Partnership during these periods.

 

The following table, which is based on information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments:

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

Revenues

$

1,361,000

 

$

1,212,000

 

$

2,690,000

 

$

2,430,000

Operating expenses

 

1,039,000

 

 

851,000

 

 

2,076,000

 

 

1,714,000

 

Operating income

 

322,000

 

 

361,000

 

 

614,000

 

 

716,000

Other income

 

1,000

 

 

12,000

 

 

 

 

20,000

Net income

$

323,000

 

$

373,000

 

$

614,000

 

$

736,000

 

15

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

8.   Debt

 

In May 2011, U.S. Cellular issued $342 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured 6.95% senior notes due May 2060.  Interest on the notes is payable quarterly.  U.S. Cellular may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on and after May 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.  Capitalized debt issuance costs totaled $11.2 million and will be amortized over the life of the notes.  Such issuance costs are included in Other assets and deferred charges (a long-term asset account) at June 30, 2011.

 

U.S. Cellular used substantially all of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.95% senior notes to redeem $330 million (the entire outstanding amount) of its unsecured 7.5% senior notes on June 20, 2011 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  This redemption required U.S. Cellular to write-off $8.2 million of previously capitalized debt issuance costs related to the 7.5% senior notes; the write-off was included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2011.

 

In March 2011, TDS issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured 7% senior notes due March 2060.  Interest on the notes is payable quarterly.  TDS may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Capitalized debt issuance costs totaled $9.9 million and will be amortized over the life of the notes.  Such issuance costs are included in Other assets and deferred charges (a long-term asset account) at June 30, 2011.

 

TDS used substantially all of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 7% senior notes to redeem $282.5 million of its unsecured 7.6% Series A notes on May 2, 2011 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  This represented the entire outstanding amount of the 7.6% Series A notes.  This redemption required TDS to write-off $7.2 million of previously capitalized debt issuance costs related to the 7.6% Series A notes, which was included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2011.

 

9.   Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities

 

Agreements

 

As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  Pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated July 6, 2011, the implementation of B/OSS  is expected to take until 2013 to complete and payments to Amdocs are estimated to be approximately $122 million (subject to certain potential adjustments). The $122 million will be paid in installments through the second half of 2013.  As of June 30, 2011, $13.8 million has been paid to Amdocs.

 

Indemnifications

 

TDS enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties.  The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement.  The events or circumstances that would require TDS to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require TDS to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction.  TDS is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time.  Historically, TDS has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

TDS is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts.  If TDS believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss.  If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued.  The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events.  The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures.  The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

 

TDS has accrued $4.3 million and $7.8 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. TDS has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss. TDS does not believe that the amount of any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued would be material.

 

16

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Agent Liabilities

 

U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular.  At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, U.S. Cellular had accrued  $45.9 million and $71.3 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents, including rebates and commissions.  These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

10.   Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)

 

From time to time, the FCC conducts auctions through which additional spectrum is made available for the provision of wireless services. U.S. Cellular, TDS’ subsidiary, participated in spectrum auctions indirectly through its interests in Aquinas Wireless L.P. (“Aquinas Wireless”), King Street Wireless L.P. (“King Street Wireless”), Barat Wireless L.P. (“Barat Wireless”) and Carroll Wireless L.P. (“Carroll Wireless”), collectively, the “limited partnerships.” Each limited partnership participated in and was awarded spectrum licenses in one of four separate spectrum auctions (FCC Auctions 78, 73, 66 and 58). Each limited partnership qualified as a “designated entity” and thereby was eligible for bidding credits with respect to licenses purchased in accordance with the rules defined by the FCC for each auction. In most cases, the bidding credits resulted in a 25% discount from the gross winning bid. 

 

Consolidated VIEs

 

As of June 30, 2011, TDS consolidates the following VIEs under GAAP:

 

·         Aquinas Wireless;

·         King Street Wireless and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless;

·         Barat Wireless and Barat Wireless, Inc., the general partner of Barat Wireless; and

·         Carroll Wireless and Carroll PCS, Inc., the general partner of Carroll Wireless.

 

TDS holds a variable interest in the entities listed above. It has made capital contributions and/or advances to these entities. The power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact their economic performance is shared. Specifically, the general partner of each of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships; however, the general partner of each partnership needs consent of the limited partner, a TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of the VIEs is shared, TDS has a disproportionate level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs in accordance with GAAP.  Accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated. As of June 30, 2011, TDS’ capital contributions and advances made to these VIEs totaled $568.9 million.

 

The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

June 30,

2011

December 31,

2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets

 

Cash

$

6,605

 

$

1,673

 

Other current assets

 

400

 

 

323

 

Licenses

 

487,962

 

 

487,962

 

Other assets and deferred charges

 

735

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

3,501

 

 

1,548

 

Total assets

$

499,203

 

$

491,506

 

Liabilities

 

Other current liabilities

$

265

 

$

95

 

Total liabilities

$

265

 

$

95

 

17

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Other Related Matters

 

TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to the VIEs discussed above and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for the development of licenses granted in the various auctions. TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/or long-term debt. There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.

 

These VIEs are in the process of developing long-term business plans. These entities were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC licenses won in the auctions. As such, these entities have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

11.  TDS and U.S. Cellular Share Repurchases

 

On November 19, 2009, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program for both TDS Common and Special Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions.  This authorization will expire on November 19, 2012.

 

On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis.  These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions.  This authorization does not have an expiration date.

 

Share repurchases made under these authorizations were as follows:

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

Number of Shares

 

Average Cost

Per Share

 

Amount

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except cost per share)

2011

 

U.S. Cellular Common Shares

1,276

 

$

48.83

 

$

62,308

 

TDS Common Shares

 

 

 —

 

 

 

TDS Special Common Shares

748

 

 

28.73

 

 

21,500

2010

 

U.S. Cellular Common Shares

523

 

$

40.97

 

$

21,423

 

TDS Common Shares

 

 

 

 

 

TDS Special Common Shares

1,079

 

 

28.81

 

 

31,092

 

12.  Noncontrolling Interests

 

The following schedule discloses the effects of net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in U.S. Cellular on TDS’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

$

132,685

 

 

$

88,701

 

 

Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests

 

 

Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular’s issuance of U.S. Cellular shares

 

(8,405

)

 

 

(4,697

)

 

 

Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares

 

(7,734

)

 

 

(334

)

 

 

Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests

 

(16,139

)

 

 

(5,031

)

 

Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests

$

116,546

 

 

$

83,670

 

 

18

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Finite-Lived Subsidiaries

 

TDS’ consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that meet the GAAP definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. These mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), where the terms of the underlying partnership or LLC agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the noncontrolling interest holders and TDS in accordance with the respective partnership and LLC agreements. The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2107.

 

The settlement value or estimate of cash that would be due and payable to settle these noncontrolling interests, assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs on June 30, 2011, net of estimated liquidation costs, is $164.9 million.  This amount excludes redemption amounts recorded in Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount. TDS currently has no plans or intentions relating to the liquidation of any of the related partnerships or LLCs prior to their scheduled termination dates. The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs at June 30, 2011 was $50.2 million, and is included in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is primarily due to the unrecognized appreciation of the noncontrolling interest holders’ share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships and LLCs. Neither the noncontrolling interest holders’ share, nor TDS’ share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

 

13.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The changes in the cumulative balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

Equity Method Investments

Balance, beginning of period

$

390

 

 

$

306

 

Add (deduct):

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments

 

138

 

 

 

84

 

Net change in equity method investments

 

138

 

 

 

84

 

Balance, end of period

$

528

 

 

$

390

 

 

Retirement Plans

Balance, beginning of period

$

(3,598

)

 

$

(3,016

)

Add (deduct):

 

Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(1,908

)

 

 

(1,908

)

 

 

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

 

960

 

 

 

1,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

(948

)

 

 

(829

)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,046

 

 

 

316

 

Changes related to retirement plan

 

98

 

 

 

(513

)

Balance, end of period

$

(3,500

)

 

$

(3,529

)

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Balance, beginning of period

$

(3,208

)

 

$

(2,710

)

Add (deduct):

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments

 

138

 

 

 

84

 

 

 

Changes related to retirement plan

 

98

 

 

 

(513

)

Balance, end of period

$

(2,972

)

 

$

(3,139

)

 
19

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

14.  Business Segment Information

 

Financial data for TDS’ business segments for the three month periods ended, or as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, is as follows. TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carriers are designated as “ILEC” in the table and its competitive local exchange carrier is designated as “CLEC.”

 

 

TDS Telecom


Non-

Reportable

Segment (1)


Other

Reconciling

Items (2)




Total

Three Months Ended or as of

June 30, 2011

U.S.

Cellular

ILEC

CLEC

ILEC/CLEC

Eliminations

TDS Telecom

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating revenues

$

1,076,182

 

$

156,006

 

$

45,596

 

$

(2,706

)

 

$

198,896

 

$

9,530

 

 

$

(4,968

 

$

1,279,640

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)

 

396,415

 

 

49,839

 

 

23,029

 

 

(2,279

)

 

 

70,589

 

 

7,290

 

 

 

(395

)

 

 

473,899

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

426,172

 

 

42,597

 

 

16,087

 

 

(427

)

 

 

58,257

 

 

1,675

 

 

 

(4,001

)

 

 

482,103

Adjusted OIBDA (3)

 

253,595

 

 

63,570

 

 

6,480

 

 

 

 

 

70,050

 

 

565

 

 

 

(572

)

 

 

323,638

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

148,283

 

 

38,404

 

 

5,439

 

 

 

 

 

43,843

 

 

475

 

 

 

2,150

 

 

 

194,751

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

2,922

 

 

270

 

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

317

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

3,238

Operating income (loss)

 

102,390

 

 

24,896

 

 

994

 

 

 

 

 

25,890

 

 

91

  

 

 

(2,722

)

 

 

125,649

 

Total assets

 

6,089,916

 

 

1,456,308

 

 

112,942

 

 

 

 

 

1,569,250

 

 

23,487

  

 

 

238,255

 

 

 

7,920,908

Capital expenditures

$

162,107

 

$

39,070

 

$

6,218

 

$

 

 

$

45,288

 

$

603

  

 

$

3,250

 

 

$

211,248

 

 

TDS Telecom


Non-

Reportable

Segment (1)


Other

Reconciling

Items (2)

Total

Three Months Ended or as of

June 30, 2010

U.S.

Cellular


ILEC


CLEC

ILEC/CLEC

Eliminations

TDS Telecom

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating revenues

$

1,029,893

 

$

154,258

 

 

$

47,325

 

$

(2,377

)

 

$

199,206

 

 

$

8,713

 

$

(5,593

)

 

$

1,232,219

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)

 

375,507

 

 

49,302

 

 

 

24,495

 

 

(2,247

)

 

 

71,550

 

 

 

6,456

 

 

(476

)

 

 

453,037

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

445,177

 

 

44,167

  

 

 

15,978

 

 

(130

)

 

 

60,015

 

 

 

1,620

  

 

(5,483

)

 

 

501,329

Adjusted OIBDA (3)

 

209,209

 

 

60,789

 

 

 

6,852

 

 

 

 

 

67,641

 

 

 

637

 

 

366

 

 

 

277,853

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

144,455

 

 

36,847

 

 

 

6,302

 

 

 

 

 

43,149

 

 

 

516

 

 

2,138

 

 

 

190,258

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

1,250

 

 

(228

)

 

 

160

 

 

 

 

 

(68

)

 

 

17

 

 

15

 

 

 

1,214

Operating income (loss)

 

63,504

 

 

24,170

 

 

 

390

 

 

 

 

 

24,560

 

 

 

104

 

 

(1,787

)

 

 

86,381

 

Total assets

 

5,795,648

 

 

1,446,475

 

 

 

117,931

 

 

 

 

 

1,564,406

 

 

 

21,553

 

 

228,821

 

 

 

7,610,428

Capital expenditures

$

133,490

 

$

28,167

 

 

$

5,404

 

$

 

 

$

33,571

 

 

$

434

 

$

3,833

 

 

$

171,328

 

20

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

 

TDS Telecom

Non-

Reportable

Segment (1)

Other

Reconciling

Items (2)

Total

Six Months Ended or as of

June 30, 2011

U.S.

Cellular

ILEC

CLEC

ILEC/CLEC

Eliminations

TDS Telecom

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating revenues

$

2,133,274

 

$

311,822

 

$

90,924

 

$

(4,934

)

 

$

397,812

 

$

18,145

 

 

$

(10,910

)

 

$

2,538,321

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)

 

808,378

 

 

97,523

 

 

45,501

 

 

(4,070

)

 

 

138,954

 

 

14,111

 

 

 

(798

)

 

 

960,645

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

868,176

 

 

80,790

 

 

31,735

 

 

(864

)

 

 

111,661

 

 

3,307

 

 

 

(9,935

)

 

 

973,209

Adjusted OIBDA (3)

 

456,720

 

 

133,509

 

 

13,688

 

 

 

 

 

147,197

 

 

727

 

 

 

(177

)

 

 

604,467

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

293,328

 

 

77,751

 

 

10,929

 

 

 

 

 

88,680

 

 

949

 

 

 

4,312

 

 

 

387,269

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

3,959

 

 

343

 

 

78

 

 

 

 

 

421

 

 

(1

)

 

 

2

 

 

 

4,381

Operating income (loss)

 

159,433

 

 

55,415

 

 

2,681

 

 

 

 

 

58,096

 

 

(221

)

 

 

(4,491

)

 

 

212,817

 

Total assets

 

6,089,916

 

 

1,456,308

 

 

112,942

 

 

 

 

 

1,569,250

 

 

23,487

 

 

 

238,255

 

 

 

7,920,908

Capital expenditures

$

258,040

 

$

61,124

 

$

10,452

 

$

 

 

$

71,576

 

$

2,493

 

 

$

6,602

 

 

$

338,711

 

 

TDS Telecom

Non-

Reportable

Segment (1)

Other

Reconciling

Items (2)

Total

Six Months Ended or as of

June 30, 2010

U.S.

Cellular

ILEC


CLEC

ILEC/CLEC
Eliminations

TDS Telecom

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating revenues

$

2,053,750

 

$

304,414

 

$

95,068

 

$

(4,771

)

 

$

394,711

 

$

18,855

 

 

$

(12,662

)

 

$

2,454,654

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)

 

743,726

 

 

95,794

 

 

48,987

 

 

(4,478

)

 

 

140,303

 

 

14,489

 

 

 

(949

)

 

 

897,569

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

874,782

 

 

85,904

 

 

31,516

 

 

(293

)

 

 

117,127

 

 

3,316

 

 

 

(12,809

)

 

 

982,416

Adjusted OIBDA (3)

 

435,242

 

 

122,716

 

 

14,565

 

 

 

 

 

137,281

 

 

1,050

 

 

 

1,096

 

 

 

574,669

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

287,688

 

 

73,905

 

 

12,667

 

 

 

 

 

86,572

 

 

1,049

 

 

 

4,338

 

 

 

379,647

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

6,426

 

 

32

 

 

245

 

 

 

 

 

277

 

 

(76

)

 

 

18

 

 

 

6,645

Operating income (loss)

 

141,128

 

 

48,779

 

 

1,653

 

 

 

 

 

50,432

 

 

77

 

 

 

(3,260

)

 

 

188,377

 

Total assets

 

5,795,648

 

 

1,446,475

 

 

117,931

 

 

 

 

 

1,564,406

 

 

21,553

 

 

 

228,821

 

 

 

7,610,428

Capital expenditures

$

255,004

 

$

48,357

 

$

8,590

 

$

 

 

$

56,947

 

$

704

 

 

$

5,295

 

 

$

317,950

 


(1)     Represents Suttle-Straus. 

(2)     Consists of corporate operations, intercompany eliminations between U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom and corporate operations.

(3)     Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income excluding the effects of: depreciation, amortization and accretion (OIBDA); the net gain or loss on asset disposals (if any); and the loss on impairment of assets (if any). Adjusted OIBDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. This amount may also be commonly referred to by management as operating cash flow. This amount should not be confused with Cash flows from operating activities, which is a component of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Adjusted OIBDA excludes the net gain or loss on asset disposals and loss on impairment of assets (if any), in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such amounts that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual. Accordingly you should be aware that TDS may incur such amounts in the future.

 

21

 


 
   

 

Table of contents

 

15.  Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

 

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards:

 

TDS

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

Common Shares withheld

 

 

 

 

 

Special Common Shares withheld (1)

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld

$

 

 

$

 —

 

Aggregate value of Special Common Shares withheld

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options

$

1,115

 

 

$

845

 

Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (2)

 

(60

)

 

 

 

Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards

$

1,055

 

 

$

845

 

 

U.S. Cellular

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

Common Shares withheld (1)

 

120

 

 

 

86

 

 

Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld

$

5,940

 

 

$

3,620

 

 

Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options

$

4,764

 

 

$

1,876

 

Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (2)

 

(3,500

)

 

 

(1,732

)

Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards

$

1,264

 

 

$

144

 

 


(1)     Such shares were withheld to cover the exercise price of stock options, if applicable, and required tax withholdings.

(2)     In certain situations, TDS and U.S. Cellular withhold shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. TDS and U.S. Cellular then pay the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.

 

TDS declared and paid dividends of $24.3 million or $0.2350 per share during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  TDS declared and paid dividends of $23.7 million or $0.2250 per share in the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

16.  Other Disclosures

 

Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

 

TDS records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon TDS, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Operating revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $35.1 million and $70.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $41.8 million and $80.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  These revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease in Universal Service Fund contributions.

 

22

 


 
 

 

Table of contents 

 

17.  Subsequent Events

 

On July 1, 2011, TDS acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of OneNeck IT Services Corporation (“OneNeck”) for $95.0 million in cash, not including working capital adjustments, which are expected to be determined during the third quarter of 2011. OneNeck is a provider of hosted application management and managed IT hosting services to middle market businesses. The acquisition of OneNeck is expected to complement the TDS’ existing hosted and managed services.  Because the acquisition occurred after June 30, 2011, OneNeck is not included in the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.  Pro forma statements are not included since the impact of this acquisition on the TDS’ pro forma results, assuming the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.

 

On August 7, 2011 the Board of Directors of TDS approved certain amendments to the TDS certificate of incorporation (“Charter Amendments”).  These include (a) a Share Consolidation Amendment to reclassify TDS Special Common Shares as TDS Common Shares on a one-for-one basis, (b) a Vote Amendment to fix the percentage voting power in matters other than the election of directors of the Series A Common Shares and of the Common Shares (including the Special Common Shares that will be reclassified as Common Shares) at the aggregate percentage voting power of the Series A Common Shares and Common Shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Share Consolidation Amendment; and (c) an Ancillary Amendment to eliminate obsolete and inoperative provisions relating to Tracking Stock which has never been issued and series of Preferred Shares that are no longer outstanding.  None of the Share Consolidation Amendment, the Vote Amendment or the Ancillary Amendment will be effected if any of the other Charter Amendments is not approved or effected.  The effectiveness of the Charter Amendments is subject to approval of the Charter Amendments by TDS shareholders and certain other conditions.  If approved and effected, each outstanding Special Common Share will be reclassified as one Common Share and the Special Common Shares will cease to exist and cease to be outstanding.  The increase in the par value due to the increased number of outstanding Common Shares will be offset by a decrease in the par value of the Special Common Shares that are reclassified.  Accordingly, there will be no change to the overall amount of shareholders’ equity or to any earnings per share calculation for any historical periods.  The Charter Amendments are more fully described in TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2011 and in a Preliminary Proxy Statement that is being filed with respect to the Charter Amendments.

 

23

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

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

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) is a diversified telecommunications company providing high-quality telecommunications services in 36 states to approximately 6.0 million wireless customers and 1.1 million wireline equivalent access lines at June 30, 2011. TDS conducts substantially all of its wireless operations through its 84%‑owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), and provides wireline services through its incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) and competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) operations under its wholly owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”). TDS conducts printing and distribution services through its majority‑owned subsidiary, Suttle-Straus, Inc. which represents a small portion of TDS’ operations.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with TDS’ interim consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 1 above, and with the description of TDS’ business, its audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the TDS Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The following is a summary of certain selected information contained in the comprehensive Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations that follows. The overview does not contain all of the information that may be important. You should carefully read the entire Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and not rely solely on the overview.

 

U.S. Cellular

 

U.S. Cellular provides wireless telecommunications services to approximately 6.0 million customers in five geographic market areas in 26 states. As of June 30, 2011, U.S. Cellular’s average penetration rate in its consolidated operating markets was 12.7%. U.S. Cellular operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, striving to meet or exceed customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, excellent customer support, and a high-quality network.

 

Financial and operating highlights in the six months ended June 30, 2011 included the following:

 

·      Total customers were 5,968,000 at June 30, 2011, including 5,644,000 retail customers.

 

·      On October 1, 2010, U.S. Cellular launched The Belief Project which introduced several innovative service offerings including no contract after the first contract; simplified national rate plans; a loyalty rewards program; overage protection, caps and forgiveness; a phone replacement program; and discounts for paperless billing and automatic payment. As of June 30, 2011, 2.3 million new and existing customers had subscribed to the new Belief Plans, up from 1.8 million as of March 31, 2011.

 

·      Retail customer net losses were 89,000 in 2011 compared to net additions of 31,000 in 2010.  In the postpaid category, there was a net loss of 63,000 in 2011 compared to a net loss of 31,000 in 2010. Prepaid net losses were 26,000 in 2011 compared to net additions of 62,000 in 2010.

 

·      Postpaid customers comprised approximately 95% of U.S. Cellular’s retail customers as of June 30, 2011. The postpaid churn rate remained flat at 1.4% in both 2011 and 2010.

 

·      Postpaid customers on smartphone service plans increased to 23% as of June 30, 2011 compared to 10% as of June 30, 2010. Smartphones represented 41% of all devices sold in 2011 compared to 16% in 2010.

 

·      Service revenues of $1,987.1 million increased $49.6 million year-over-year, primarily due to increases in inbound roaming revenues and eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) revenues.

 

·      Additions to Property, plant and equipment totaled $258.0 million, including expenditures to construct cell sites, increase capacity in existing cell sites and switches, outfit new and remodel existing retail stores, develop new billing and other customer management related systems and platforms, and enhance existing office systems. Total cell sites in service increased 5% year-over-year to 7,770.

 

·      U.S. Cellular continued its efforts on a number of multi-year initiatives including the development of a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”) with a new point-of-sale system to consolidate billing on one platform; an Electronic Data Warehouse/Customer Relationship Management System to collect and analyze information more efficiently and thereby build and improve customer relationships; and a new Internet/Web platform to enable customers to complete a wide range of transactions and to manage their accounts online.

 

24

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

·         On May 9, 2011, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in a wireless business in which it previously held a noncontrolling interest.  In connection with this transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized a gain of $13.4 million.  See Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional details.

 

U.S. Cellular anticipates that its future results will be affected by the following factors:

 

-     Relative ability to attract and retain customers in a competitive marketplace in a cost effective manner;

 

-     The Belief Project, which is intended to accelerate growth and have a positive impact on long-term profitability by increasing postpaid gross additions over the next several years and by contributing to incremental growth in average revenue per customer and improvement of U.S. Cellular’s already low postpaid churn rate;

 

-     Continued uncertainty related to current economic conditions and their impact on customer purchasing and payment behaviors;

 

-     A shift in the mix of new customer additions in the wireless industry from postpaid to prepaid customers;

 

-     Rapid growth in the demand for new data devices and services which may result in increased cost of equipment sold and other operating expenses and the need for additional investment in network capacity;

 

-     Increased competition in the wireless industry, including potential reductions in pricing for products and services overall and impacts associated with the expanding presence of carriers offering low-priced, unlimited prepaid service, and emerging fourth generation technologies such as Long-term Evolution (“LTE”) and WiMax;

 

-     Potential increases in prepaid customers, who generally generate lower average monthly service revenue per customer, as a percentage of U.S. Cellular’s customer base, in response to changes in customer preferences and industry dynamics;

 

-     Increasing penetration in the wireless industry, requiring U.S. Cellular to grow revenues primarily from selling additional products and services to its existing customers, increasing the number of multi-device users among its existing customers, increasing data products and services and attracting wireless customers switching from other wireless carriers rather than by adding customers that are new to wireless service;

 

-     Continued growth in revenues and costs related to data products and services and lower growth or declines in revenues from voice services;

 

-     Effects on industry competition of ongoing industry consolidation; 

 

-     Costs of developing and enhancing office and customer support systems, including costs and risks associated with the completion and potential benefits of the multi-year initiatives described above;

 

-     Continued enhancements to U.S. Cellular’s wireless networks to meet the rapid increase in demand for data services from its customers. These enhancements include expansion of its current network and a planned upgrade to LTE technology with attendant costs and risks;

 

-     Uncertainty related to various rulemaking proceedings underway at the Federal Communications Commission, including uncertainty relating to future eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) funding from the universal service fund (“USF”);

 

-     The FCC’s adoption of mandatory roaming rules which will be of assistance in the negotiation of data roaming agreements with other wireless operators in the future; and

 

-     Exclusive arrangements between manufacturers of wireless devices and other carriers that restrict U.S. Cellular’s access to devices desired by customers.

 

See “Results of Operations—Wireless.”

 

25

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

2011 Wireless Estimates

 

U.S. Cellular’s current estimates of full-year 2011 results are shown below. Such estimates represent U.S. Cellular’s views as of the date of filing of U.S. Cellular’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011. Such forward‑looking statements should not be assumed to be accurate 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.

 

 

Current Estimates

 

Previous Estimates (1)

Service revenues

$4,000-$4,100 million

 

Unchanged

Operating income (2)(3)

$210-$285 million

 

$185-$285 million

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses, and losses on asset disposals and impairment of assets (2)

Approx. $590 million

 

Unchanged

Adjusted OIBDA (3)(4)

$800-$875 million

 

$775-$875 million

Capital expenditures (3)

$750-$800 million

 

Unchanged

 


(1)     The 2011 Estimated Results as disclosed in TDS’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011.

 

(2)     The 2011 Estimated Results do not include any estimate for losses on impairment of assets since these cannot be predicted.

 

(3)     This guidance is based on U.S. Cellular’s current plans, which include a multi-year deployment of LTE technology commencing in 2011. As customer demand for data services increases, and competitive conditions in the wireless industry evolve, such as the rate of deployment of LTE technology by other carriers, the timing of U.S. Cellular’s deployment of LTE and the timing of other capital expenditures could change. These factors could affect U.S. Cellular’s estimated capital expenditures and operating expenses in 2011.

 

(4)     Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income excluding the effects of: depreciation, amortization and accretion (OIBDA); the net gain or loss on asset disposals (if any); and the loss on impairment of assets (if any). This measure also may be commonly referred to by management as operating cash flow. This measure should not be confused with Cash flows from operating activities, which is a component of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

 

U.S. Cellular management currently believes that the foregoing estimates represent a reasonable view of what is achievable considering actions that U.S. Cellular has taken and will be taking. However, the current general economic conditions and competition in the markets served by U.S. Cellular have created a challenging business environment that could continue to significantly impact actual results. U.S. Cellular expects to continue its focus on customer satisfaction by delivering a high quality network, attractively priced service plans, a broad line of wireless devices and other products, and outstanding customer service in its company‑owned and agent retail stores and customer care centers. U.S. Cellular believes that future growth in its revenues will result primarily from selling additional products and services, including data products and services, to its existing customers, increasing the number of multi‑device users among its existing customers, and attracting wireless users switching from other wireless carriers, rather than by adding users that are new to wireless service. U.S. Cellular is focusing on opportunities to increase revenues, pursuing cost reduction initiatives in various areas and implementing a number of initiatives to enable future growth. The initiatives are intended, among other things, to allow U.S. Cellular to accelerate its introduction of new products and services, better segment its customers for new services and retention, sell additional services such as data, expand its Internet sales and customer service capabilities, improve its prepaid products and services and reduce operational expenses over the long term.

 

TDS Telecom  

 

TDS Telecom provides high-quality telecommunications services, including full-service local exchange service, long-distance telephone service and broadband access, to rural and suburban area communities. TDS Telecom’s business plan is designed as a full-service telecommunications company, including both ILEC and CLEC operations. TDS Telecom’s strategy is to be the preferred provider of telecommunications and related services—including voice, broadband and video services—in its chosen markets. This strategy encompasses many components, including:

 

·         Developing services and products;

·         Formulating market and customer strategies;

·         Investing in networks and deploying advanced technologies;

·         Assessing the competitive environment and responding as appropriate;

·         Advocating with respect to state and federal regulations for positions that support its ability to provide advanced telecommunications services to its customers; and

·         Exploring transactions to acquire or divest properties that would result in strengthening its operations.

 

26

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Both ILECs and CLECs are faced with significant challenges, including growing competition from wireless and other wireline providers (other CLECs and cable providers), changes in regulation, technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and uncertainty in the economy. These challenges could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of TDS Telecom in the future.

 

Financial and operating highlights in the six months ended June 30, 2011 included the following:

 

·         Overall equivalent access lines served by TDS Telecom as of June 30, 2011 decreased 3% to 1,093,300 compared to June 30, 2010. Equivalent access lines are the sum of physical access lines and high-capacity data lines adjusted to estimate the equivalent number of physical access lines in terms of capacity.  A physical access line is an individual circuit connecting a customer to a telephone company’s central office facilities. Each digital subscriber line (“DSL”) is treated as an equivalent access line in addition to a voice line that may operate on the same copper loop.

 

·         Operating revenues grew 1% to $397.8 million compared to 2010 primarily due to an increase in revenues from hosted and managed services and increased ILEC data customers, partially offset by lower revenues due to a decline in ILEC and CLEC physical access lines. 

 

·         Operating expenses decreased 1% to $339.7 million compared to 2010 primarily due to lower network costs, discrete items including an asset loss in 2010 and the related insurance proceeds received in 2011, the refund of certain prior year regulatory contributions and the settlement of a legal dispute, offset by an increase in operating expenses due to hosted and managed services.

 

TDS anticipates that TDS Telecom’s future results will be affected by the following factors:

 

-       Continued increases in high-speed data customers;

 

-       Expansion of terrestrial TV to additional markets;

 

-       Continued focus on customer retention programs, including discounting for “triple-play” bundles including voice, DSL and satellite TV;

 

-       Continued focus on cost-reduction initiatives through product cost improvement and process efficiencies;

 

-       Potential acquisitions by TDS Telecom, including additional potential acquisitions of hosted and managed services businesses;

 

-       The Federal government’s disbursement of broadband stimulus funds to bring broadband to rural customers;

 

-       Continued declines in physical access lines in service related to voice lines and second lines;

 

-       Effects of recent industry consolidation on competition;

 

-       Uncertainty related to various rulemaking proceedings currently underway at the FCC, including uncertainty relating to future funding from the USF;

 

-       Continued increases in competition from wireless and other wireline providers (other CLECs and cable providers) and technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), and emerging fourth generation technologies such as LTE and WiMax; and

 

-       Continued uncertainty related to current economic conditions and the challenging business environment.

 

See “Results of Operations—Wireline.”

 

27

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

2011 Wireline Estimates

 

TDS Telecom’s current estimates of full-year 2011 results are shown below.  Such forward-looking statements should not be assumed to be accurate as of any future date.  Such estimates represent TDS Telecom’s view as of the filing date of TDS’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011.  TDS 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 these estimated results.

 

 

Current Estimates

 

Previous Estimates (1)

ILEC and CLEC Operations:

 

Operating revenues

$800-$830 million

 

$780-$810 million

 

Operating income (2)

$85-$115 million

 

$75-$105 million

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses and losses on asset disposals (2)

Approx. $185 million

 

Unchanged

 

Adjusted OIBDA (3)

$270-$300 million

 

$260-$290 million

 

Capital expenditures (4)

$175-$200 million

 

Unchanged

 


(1)     The 2011 Estimated Results as disclosed in TDS’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011.

 

(2)     The 2011 Estimated Results do not include an estimate for losses on impairment of assets since these cannot be predicted.

 

(3)     Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income excluding the effects of: depreciation, amortization and accretion (OIBDA); the net gain or loss on asset disposals (if any); and the loss on impairment of assets (if any). This measure also may be commonly referred to by management as operating cash flow. This measure should not be confused with Cash flows from operating activities, which is a component of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

 

(4)     The capital expenditure guidance does not include federal grants of $105.1 million awarded to TDS Telecom through the Broadband Stimulus program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for 44 projects to be completed between 2011 and 2013.

 

The foregoing estimates reflect the expectations of TDS Telecom’s management considering its strategic plans and the current general economic conditions.  In this challenging business environment, TDS Telecom will continue to focus on revenue growth through new service offerings as well as expense reduction through product cost improvement and process efficiencies.  In order to achieve these objectives the company has allocated capital expenditures for:

 

·         Process and productivity initiatives;

 

·         Increased network and product capabilities for broadband services;

 

·         The expansion of terrestrial TV to additional markets;

 

·         Data center investments to support the Hosted and Managed Services strategy; and

 

·         Success-based spending to sustain managedIP growth.

 

Cash Flows and Investments

 

TDS and its subsidiaries had cash and cash equivalents totaling $584.4 million; short-term investments in the form of U.S. treasury securities, corporate notes and certificates of deposit aggregating $270.9 million; long-term investments in the form of U.S. treasury securities and corporate notes of $90.9 million; and borrowing capacity under their revolving credit facilities of $699.6 million as of June 30, 2011.  Also, during the six months ended June 30, 2011, TDS and its subsidiaries generated $537.7 million of cash flows from operating activities. Management believes that cash on hand, expected future cash flows from operating activities and sources of external financing provide substantial liquidity and financial flexibility and are sufficient to permit TDS and its subsidiaries to finance their contractual obligations and anticipated capital and operating expenditures for the foreseeable future.

 

In May 2011, U.S. Cellular issued $342 million of 6.95% senior notes due 2060.  The net proceeds of such offering were used to redeem $330 million of U.S. Cellular’s 7.5% senior notes due 2034 in June 2011, which represents the entire outstanding amount of such notes.  The redemption price of the 7.5% senior notes is equal to 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon until the redemption date.

 

28

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

In March 2011, TDS issued $300 million of 7% senior notes due 2060.  The net proceeds of such offering were used to redeem $282.5 million of TDS’ 7.6% Series A Notes due 2041 in May 2011, which represents the entire outstanding amount of such notes.  The redemption price of the 7.6% Series A Notes is equal to 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon until the redemption date.

 

See “Financial Resources” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for additional information related to cash flows, investments and revolving credit agreements.

 

29

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — CONSOLIDATED 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

2011

2010

Change

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating revenues

 

U.S. Cellular

 

$

2,133,274

 

 

$

2,053,750

 

 

$

79,524

 

 

4

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

397,812

 

 

 

394,711

 

 

 

3,101

 

 

1

%

 

All other (1)

 

 

7,235

 

 

 

6,193

 

 

 

1,042

 

 

17

%

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

2,538,321

 

 

 

2,454,654

 

 

 

83,667

 

 

3

%

Operating expenses

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

1,973,841

 

 

 

1,912,622

 

 

 

61,219

 

 

3

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

339,716

 

 

 

344,279

 

 

 

(4,563

)

 

(1

)%

 

All other (1)

 

 

11,947

 

 

 

9,376

 

 

 

2,571

 

 

27

%

 

Total operating expenses 

 

 

2,325,504

 

 

 

2,266,277

 

 

 

59,227

 

 

3

%

Operating income (loss)

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

159,433

 

 

 

141,128

 

 

 

18,305

 

 

13

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

58,096

 

 

 

50,432

 

 

 

7,664

 

 

15

%

 

All other (1)

 

 

(4,712

)

 

 

(3,183

)

 

 

(1,529

)

 

(48

)%

 

Total operating income

 

 

212,817

 

 

 

188,377

 

 

 

24,440

 

 

13

%

Other income and (expenses)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

 

41,978

 

 

 

50,900

 

 

 

(8,922

)

 

(18

)%

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

4,717

 

 

 

5,115

 

 

 

(398

)

 

(8

)%

 

Gain on investment

 

 

13,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,373

 

 

N/M

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 (73,516

)

 

 

(58,223

)

 

 

(15,293

)

 

(26

)%

 

Other, net

 

 

1,386

 

 

 

(2,119

)

 

 

3,505

 

 

>(100

)%

 

 

Total investment and other income (expense)

 

 

(12,062

)

 

 

(4,327

)

 

 

(7,735

)

 

>100

%

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

200,755

 

 

 

184,050

 

 

 

16,705

 

 

9

%

 

Income tax expense

 

 

39,833

 

 

 

69,392

 

 

 

(29,559

)

 

(43

)%

 

Net income

 

 

160,922

 

 

 

114,658

 

 

 

46,264

 

 

40

%

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

 

(28,237

)

 

 

(25,957

)

 

 

(2,280

)

 

(9

)%

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

 

 

132,685

 

 

 

88,701

 

 

 

43,984

 

 

50

%

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

 

(25

)

 

 

(25

)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

132,660

 

 

$

88,676

 

 

$

43,984

 

 

50

%

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

 

$

1.28

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

$

0.44

 

 

52

%

Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

 

$

1.27

 

 

$

0.83

 

 

$

0.44

 

 

53

%

 


N/M — Not meaningful

(1)     Consists of non-reportable segment, corporate operations and intercompany eliminations.

 

Operating revenues and expenses

 

See “Results of Operations — Wireless” and “Results of Operations — Wireline” below for factors that affected consolidated Operating revenues and expenses.

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for by the equity method. TDS generally follows the equity method of accounting for unconsolidated entities in which its ownership interest is less than or equal to 50% but equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies.

 

30

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $27.1 million and $33.5 million to Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities in 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

 

Gain on investment

 

Included in Gain on investment is a $13.4 million gain from the adjustment of a pre-existing noncontrolling interest for which U.S. Cellular purchased the remaining interest in May 2011, as more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest expense

 

The 2011 increase in interest expense was primarily the result of recognizing in the Consolidated Statement of Operations $15.4 million of previously capitalized debt issuance costs related to senior notes redeemed in May and June 2011, as described more fully in Note 8 — Debt.

 

Income tax expense

 

See Note 3 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change in Income tax expense and the overall effective tax rate on Income before income taxes.

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of U.S. Cellular’s net income and the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain U.S. Cellular subsidiaries’ net income or loss.

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling public shareholders’

$

(18,023

)

 

$

(15,942

)

 

Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’

 

(10,214

)

 

 

(10,015

)

 

$

(28,237

)

 

$

(25,957

)

 

31

 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — WIRELESS

 

TDS provides wireless telephone service through U.S. Cellular, an 84%-owned subsidiary.  U.S. Cellular owns, manages and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. 

 

Following is a table of summarized operating data for U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operations.

 

As of June 30, (1)

 

2011

 

2010

Total market population of consolidated operating markets (2)

 

 

46,888,000

 

 

 

46,546,000

 

Customers (3)

 

 

5,968,000

 

 

 

6,144,000

 

Market penetration (2)

 

 

12.7

%

 

 

13.2

%

Total full-time equivalent employees (4)

 

 

8,778

 

 

 

8,882

 

Cell sites in service

 

 

7,770

 

 

 

7,416

 

Smartphone penetration (9)(10)

 

 

23.0

%

 

 

10.1

%

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, (5)

 

2011

 

2010

Gross customer additions

 

 

550,000

 

 

 

707,000

 

 

Net postpaid customer additions (losses)

 

 

(63,000

)

 

 

(31,000

)

Net prepaid customer additions (losses)

 

 

(26,000

)

 

 

62,000

 

Net retail customer additions (losses) (6)

 

 

(89,000

)

 

 

31,000

 

Net customer additions (losses) (6)

 

 

(109,000

)

 

 

3,000

 

Postpaid churn rate (8)

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

1.4

%

Total ARPU (7)

 

$

55.01

 

 

$

52.57

 

Billed ARPU (7)

 

$

47.98

 

 

$

46.91

 

Postpaid ARPU (7)

 

$

51.54

 

 

$

50.63

 

Smartphones sold as a percent of total devices sold (9)

 

 

41.0

%

 

 

16.2

%

 


(1)     Amounts include results for U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operating markets as of June 30.

 

(2)     Calculated using 2010 and 2009 Claritas population estimates for 2011 and 2010, respectively. “Total market population of consolidated operating markets” is used only for the purposes of calculating market penetration of consolidated operating markets, which is calculated by dividing customers by the total market population (without duplication of population in overlapping markets).

 

The total market population and penetration measures for consolidated operating markets apply to markets in which U.S. Cellular provides wireless service to customers. For comparison purposes, total market population and penetration related to all consolidated markets in which U.S. Cellular owns an interest were 91,204,000 and 6.5%, and 90,468,000 and 6.8%, as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

(3)     U.S. Cellular’s customer base consists of the following types of customers:

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Customers on postpaid service plans in which the end user is a customer of U.S. Cellular (“postpaid customers”)

5,356,000

 

5,451,000

 

Customers on prepaid service plans in which the end user is a customer of U.S. Cellular (“prepaid customers”)

288,000

 

324,000

 

Total retail customers

5,644,000

 

5,775,000

 

 

 

End user customers acquired through U.S. Cellular’s agreements with third parties (“reseller customers”)

324,000

 

369,000

 

Total customers

5,968,000

 

6,144,000

 

(4)     Part-time employees are calculated at 70% of full-time employees.

 

(5)     Amounts include results for U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operating markets for the period January 1 through June 30; operating markets acquired during a particular period are included as of the acquisition date.

 

32

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

(6)     “Net retail customer additions (losses)” represents the number of net customers added or lost to U.S. Cellular’s retail customer base through its marketing distribution channels; this measure excludes activity related to reseller customers and customers transferred through acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges. “Net customer additions (losses)” represents the number of net customers added to (deducted from) U.S. Cellular’s overall customer base through its marketing distribution channels; this measure includes activity related to reseller customers but excludes activity related to customers transferred through acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges.

 

(7)      Management uses these measurements to assess the amount of revenue that U.S. Cellular generates each month on a per customer basis:

 

Total ARPU — Average monthly service revenue per customer includes retail service, inbound roaming and other service revenues and is calculated by dividing total service revenues by the number of months in the period and by the average total customers during the period.  The average total customers during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 6,021,000 and 6,143,000, respectively.

 

Billed ARPU — Average monthly billed revenue per customer is calculated by dividing total retail service revenues by the number of months in the period and by the average total customers during the period.  Retail service revenues include revenues attributable to postpaid, prepaid and reseller customers. The average total customers during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 6,021,000 and 6,143,000, respectively.

 

Postpaid ARPU — Average monthly revenue per postpaid customer is calculated by dividing total retail service revenues from postpaid customers by the number of months in the period and by the average postpaid customers during the period.  The average postpaid customers during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 5,387,000 and 5,468,000, respectively.

 

Average customers during the period is calculated by adding the number of respective customers at the beginning of the first month of the period and at the end of each month in the period and dividing by the number of months in the period plus one. Acquired and divested customers are included in the calculation on a prorated basis for the amount of time U.S. Cellular included such customers during each period. The calculation of average total customers includes postpaid, prepaid and reseller customers.

 

(8)      Postpaid churn rate represents the percentage of the postpaid customer base that disconnects service each month. This amount represents the average postpaid churn rate for the six months of the respective year.

 

(9)      Smartphones represent wireless devices which run on a Blackberry®, Windows Mobile, or Android operating system.

 

(10)  Smartphone penetration is calculated by dividing postpaid customers on smartphone service plans by total postpaid customers.

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Percentage Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Retail service

 

$

1,733,232

 

 

$

1,728,875

 

 

$

4,357

 

 

 

Inbound roaming

 

 

147,146

 

 

 

112,844

 

 

 

34,302

 

 

30

%

Other

 

 

106,765

 

 

 

95,865

 

 

 

10,900

 

 

11

%

 

Service revenues

 

 

1,987,143

 

 

 

1,937,584

 

 

 

49,559

 

 

3

%

Equipment sales

 

 

146,131

 

 

 

116,166

 

 

 

29,965

 

 

26

%

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

2,133,274

 

 

 

2,053,750

 

 

 

79,524

 

 

4

%

 

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

445,404

 

 

 

420,656

 

 

 

24,748

 

 

6

%

Cost of equipment sold

 

 

362,974

 

 

 

323,070

 

 

 

39,904

 

 

12

%

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

868,176

 

 

 

874,782

 

 

 

(6,606

)

 

(1

)%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

293,328

 

 

 

287,688

 

 

 

5,640

 

 

2

%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

3,959

 

 

 

6,426

 

 

 

(2,467

)

 

(38

)%

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

1,973,841

 

 

 

1,912,622

 

 

 

61,219

 

 

3

%

 

Operating income

 

$

159,433

 

 

$

141,128

 

 

$

18,305

 

 

13

%

 

33

 

 
 

 

Table of contents 

 

Operating Revenues

 

Service revenues

 

Service revenues consist primarily of: (i) charges for access, airtime, roaming, recovery of regulatory costs and value‑added services, including data products and services, provided to U.S. Cellular’s retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers (“retail service”); (ii) charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems when roaming, including long-distance roaming (“inbound roaming”); and (iii) amounts received from the Federal USF.

 

Retail service revenues

 

Retail service revenues remained relatively flat in 2011 compared to 2010 as the impact of an increase in billed ARPU was mostly offset by a decrease in U.S. Cellular’s average customer base.

 

Billed ARPU increased to $47.98 in 2011 from $46.91 in 2010. This overall increase reflects an increase in Postpaid ARPU from $50.63 in 2010 to $51.54 in 2011, reflecting increases in revenues from data products and services.

 

The average number of customers decreased to 6,021,000 in 2011 from 6,143,000 in 2010, driven by reductions in postpaid and reseller customers.

 

U.S. Cellular expects continued pressure on revenues in the foreseeable future due to industry competition for customers and related effects on pricing of service plan offerings.

 

Inbound roaming revenues

 

Inbound roaming revenues increased by $34.3 million, or 30%, in 2011 compared to 2010. The growth in revenue was driven primarily by an increase in revenues from data roaming.

 

Other revenues

 

Other revenues increased by $10.9 million, or 11%, primarily due to an increase in ETC revenues. ETC revenues recorded in 2011 were $77.9 million compared to $69.8 million in 2010, due to increases in ETC eligible areas.

 

Equipment sales revenues

 

Equipment sales revenues include revenues from sales of wireless devices (handsets, modems and tablets) and related accessories to both new and existing customers, as well as revenues from sales of devices and accessories to agents. All equipment sales revenues are recorded net of rebates.

 

U.S. Cellular strives to offer a competitive line of quality wireless devices to both new and existing customers. U.S. Cellular’s customer acquisition and retention efforts include offering new devices to customers at discounted prices; in addition, customers on the new Belief Plans receive loyalty reward points that may be used to purchase a new device or accelerate the timing of a customer’s eligibility for a device upgrade at promotional pricing. U.S. Cellular also continues to sell devices to agents; this practice enables U.S. Cellular to provide better control over the quality of devices sold to its customers, establish roaming preferences and earn quantity discounts from device manufacturers which are passed along to agents. U.S. Cellular anticipates that it will continue to sell devices to agents in the future.

 

The increase in 2011 equipment sales revenues was driven by an increase of 38% in average revenue per device sold, partially offset by a decline of 6% in total devices sold. Average revenue per device sold increased due to a shift in the mix of units sold to higher priced smartphones.

 

Total operating revenues – Loyalty reward program impact

 

U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program, which launched on October 1, 2010. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is deferred and recognized at the time the loyalty reward points are used or redeemed.  The deferred revenue related to the loyalty reward program is included in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, deferred revenues related to the loyalty reward program increased $16.3 million, from $7.1  million at December 31, 2010 to $23.4 million at June 30, 2011.  This net change for the period is comprised of deferred revenues of $19.2 million related to loyalty reward points awarded to customers, offset by a decrease of  $2.9  million attributable to loyalty rewards points redeemed or used.  Equipment sales revenues of $1.8  million and Retail service revenues of $1.1 million were recognized in the six  months ended June 30, 2011 related to redemption or usage of

 

34

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

loyalty reward points.  Since this program was introduced on October 1, 2010 in conjunction with The Belief Project, it had no impact on financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

Operating Expenses

 

System operations expenses (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion)

 

System operations expenses (excluding Depreciation, amortization, and accretion) include charges from telecommunications service providers for U.S. Cellular’s customers’ use of their facilities, costs related to local interconnection to the wireline network, charges for maintenance of U.S. Cellular’s network, long-distance charges, outbound roaming expenses and payments to third‑party data product and platform developers.

 

Key components of the overall increase in System operations expenses were as follows:

 

·         Expenses incurred when U.S. Cellular’s customers used other carriers’ networks while roaming increased $18.8 million, or 19%, primarily due to higher data roaming expenses offset by a decline in voice roaming expenses.

 

·         Maintenance, utility and cell site expenses increased $8.2 million, or 5%, driven primarily by an increase in the number of cell sites within U.S. Cellular’s network. The number of cell sites totaled 7,770 at June 30, 2011 and 7,416 at June 30, 2010, as U.S. Cellular continued to grow by expanding and enhancing coverage in its existing markets. The increases in expenses were also due to an increase in software maintenance costs to support rapidly growing data needs.

 

U.S. Cellular expects total system operations expenses to increase on a year-over-year basis in the foreseeable future to support the continued growth in cell sites and other network facilities as it continues to add capacity, enhance quality and deploy new technologies as well as to support increases in total customer usage, particularly data usage.

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

Cost of equipment sold increased by $39.9 million, or 12%, in 2011 compared to 2010. The increase was driven by an 18% increase in the average cost per device sold, which reflected a shift in the mix of units sold to higher priced smartphones. The impact of higher average cost per unit sold was partially offset by a decline in total wireless devices sold of 6%.

 

U.S. Cellular’s loss on equipment, defined as equipment sales revenues less cost of equipment sold, was $216.8 million and $206.9 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively. U.S. Cellular expects loss on equipment to continue to be a significant cost in the foreseeable future as wireless carriers continue to use device availability and pricing as a means of competitive differentiation. In addition, U.S. Cellular expects increasing sales of data centric wireless devices such as smartphones and tablets to result in higher equipment subsidies over time; these devices generally have higher purchase costs which cannot be recovered through proportionately higher selling prices to customers.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, commissions and expenses of field sales and retail personnel and facilities; telesales department salaries and expenses; agent commissions and related expenses; corporate marketing and merchandise management; and advertising expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include bad debts expense, costs of operating customer care centers and corporate expenses.

 

Key components of the net decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2011 were as follows:

 

·         General and administrative expenses decreased $7.0 million, or 1%, due to reductions in USF contributions (most of the USF contribution expenses are offset by revenues for amounts passed through to customers as discussed above) and reduced bad debts expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher customer service expenses to support the more complex devices currently being sold, higher expenses associated with various phone-related retention programs and higher consulting expenses related to strategic initiatives.

  

U.S. Cellular expects Selling, general and administrative expenses to increase on a year-over-year basis driven primarily by increases in expenses associated with acquiring, serving and retaining customers, as well as costs related to its multi-year initiatives.

 

35

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased primarily due to an increase in the gross property, plant and equipment balances from 2010 to 2011.

 

See “Financial Resources” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s capital expenditures.

 

36

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — WIRELINE

 

TDS Telecom served 1,093,300 equivalent access lines at June 30, 2011, a net decrease of 29,000 lines from the 1,122,300 equivalent access lines served at June 30, 2010. 

 

TDS Telecom provides services through its ILEC and CLEC operations.  An ILEC is an incumbent local exchange telephone company that formerly had the exclusive right and responsibility to provide local transmission and switching services in its designated service territory.  CLEC depicts companies that enter the operating areas of incumbent local exchange telephone companies to offer local exchange and other telephone services.

 

Acquisitions consist of two hosted managed services companies that provide collocation, dedicated hosting, Internet and virtual computing services purchased in 2010.  The operations of these companies are included in the ILEC operations.

 

The following table summarizes operating data for TDS Telecom’s ILEC and CLEC operations:

 

As of June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

ILEC

 

Equivalent access lines

 

764,600

 

779,200

 

(14,600

)

 

Physical access lines

 

496,300

 

525,000

 

(28,700

)

 

High-speed data customers

 

235,600

 

223,200

 

12,400

 

 

ManagedIP stations

 

5,100

 

2,700

 

2,400

 

 

Long-distance customers

 

373,200

 

369,100

 

4,100

 

 

CLEC

 

Equivalent access lines

 

328,700

 

343,100

 

(14,400

)

 

High-speed data customers

 

31,500

 

35,000

 

(3,500

)

 

ManagedIP stations

 

30,200

 

17,000

 

13,200

 

 

TDS Telecom

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Six months ended June 30,

2011

2010

Change

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating revenues

 

ILEC revenues

 

$

311,822

 

 

$

304,414

 

 

$

7,408

 

 

2

%

 

CLEC revenues

 

 

90,924

 

 

 

95,068

 

 

 

(4,144

)

 

(4

)%

 

Intra-company elimination

 

 

(4,934

)

 

 

(4,771

)

 

 

(163

)

 

(3

)%

 

TDS Telecom operating revenues

 

 

397,812

 

 

 

394,711

 

 

 

3,101

 

 

1

%

 

Operating expenses

 

ILEC expenses

 

 

 256,407

 

 

 

255,635

 

 

 

772

 

 

 

 

CLEC expenses

 

 

88,243

 

 

 

93,415

 

 

 

(5,172

)

 

(6

)%

 

Intra-company elimination

 

 

 (4,934

)

 

 

(4,771

)

 

 

(163

)

 

(3

)%

 

TDS Telecom operating expenses

 

 

339,716

 

 

 

344,279

 

 

 

(4,563

)

 

(1

)%

 

 

TDS Telecom operating income

 

$

58,096

 

 

$

50,432

 

 

$

7,664

 

 

15

%

 

37

 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

ILEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Six months ended June 30,

2011

2010

Change

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Voice revenues

 

$

86,086

 

 

$

90,296

 

 

$

(4,210

)

 

(5

)%

Data revenues

 

 

73,150

 

 

 

60,291

 

 

 

12,859

 

 

21

%

Network access revenues

 

 

132,492

 

 

 

134,893

 

 

 

(2,401

)

 

(2

)%

Miscellaneous revenues

 

 

20,094

 

 

 

18,934

 

 

 

1,160

 

 

6

%

Total operating revenues

 

 

 311,822

 

 

 

304,414

 

 

 

7,408

 

 

2

%

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

97,523

 

 

 

95,794

 

 

 

1,729

 

 

2

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 80,790

 

 

 

85,904

 

 

 

(5,114

)

 

(6

)%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

77,751

 

 

 

73,905

 

 

 

3,846

 

 

5

%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

343

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

311

 

 

>100

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

256,407

 

 

 

255,635

 

 

 

772

 

 

 

 

Total operating income

 

$

55,415

 

 

$

48,779

 

 

$

6,636

 

 

14

%

 

Operating Revenues

 

Voice revenues (charges for providing local telephone exchange and long-distance services).

 

The decrease in Voice revenues in 2011 was primarily due to a 5% decline in average physical access lines in service which negatively impacted  revenues by $3.9 million. 

 

Data revenues (charges for providing Internet, hosted and managed services and other data related services).

 

Hosted and managed services revenues increased Data revenues $9.2 million in 2011.  Hosted and managed services comprised 17% of Data revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Growth in average high-speed data customers of 7% increased revenues $3.4 million.

 

Network access revenues (compensation from other telecommunication carriers for carrying long-distance traffic on TDS Telecom’s local telephone network and for local interconnection).

 

Network access revenues decreased $2.0 million due to an 8% decline in intra-state minutes of use and $1.1 million due to declines in revenues received through inter-state regulatory recovery mechanisms.  Partially offsetting these decreases were $1.2 million of increases in revenues received from changes in participation in state Universal Service Funding programs.

 

Miscellaneous revenues (charges for providing terrestrial video and selling direct broadcast satellite service and leasing, selling, installing and maintaining customer premise equipment as well as for other miscellaneous services).

 

Miscellaneous revenues increased $2.0 million due to increases in satellite TV and terrestrial video subscribers and changes in promotions.  A $1.2 million decrease in business sales partially offset this increase.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion)

  

Hosted and managed services increased cost of services and products $3.2 million in 2011.  Partially offsetting this increase was $2.8 million of reduced network costs primarily resulting from improved circuit infrastructure and traffic routing.

 

38

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses  

 

Discrete items including an asset loss recorded in 2010 and the related insurance proceeds received in 2011, the refund of certain prior year regulatory contributions and the settlement of a legal dispute reduced Selling, general and administrative expenses $6.9 million in 2011.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in hosted and managed services which increased Selling, general and administrative expenses $3.5 million in 2011.   

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

Hosted and managed services increased Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense $3.4 million in 2011.

 

CLEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Six months ended June 30,

2011

2010

Change

 

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Retail revenues

 

$

81,617

 

 

$

85,154

 

 

$

(3,537

)

 

(4

)%

Wholesale revenues

 

 

9,307

 

 

 

9,914

 

 

 

(607

)

 

(6

)%

Total operating revenues

 

 

90,924

 

 

 

95,068

 

 

 

(4,144

)

 

(4

)%

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

45,501

 

 

 

48,987

 

 

 

(3,486

)

 

(7

)%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

31,735

 

 

 

31,516

 

 

 

219

 

 

1

%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

 10,929

 

 

 

12,667

 

 

 

(1,738

)

 

(14

)%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

78

 

 

 

245

 

 

 

(167

)

 

(68

)%

Total operating expenses

 

 

88,243

 

 

 

93,415

 

 

 

(5,172

)

 

(6

)%

 

Total operating income

 

$

2,681

 

 

$

1,653

 

 

$

1,028

 

 

62

%

 

Operating Revenues

 

Retail revenues (charges to CLEC customers for the provision of direct telecommunication services).

 

Average CLEC equivalent access lines in service decreased 5% from 2010, decreasing retail revenues $3.8 million.  Residential equivalent access lines decreased 24% as the CLEC operation continues to implement its strategic shift towards serving primarily a commercial customer base.  Average commercial equivalent access lines remained flat from 2010 to 2011, however, an increase in average revenue per commercial customer resulted in slightly higher commercial revenues in 2011.

 

Wholesale revenues (charges to other carriers for utilizing TDS Telecom’s network infrastructure).

 

The decline in wholesale revenues in 2011 was primarily driven by a 10% reduction in minutes of use.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products (excluding  Depreciation, amortization and accretion)

 

Cost of services and products decreased in 2011 due to a $4.3 million reduction in purchased network services, primarily caused by the decrease in the residential customer base. 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses  

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were relatively unchanged in 2011.

 

39

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense decreased in 2011 primarily due to accelerated depreciation recorded in 2010 on certain equipment due to technological obsolescence as well as certain assets becoming fully depreciated in 2011.

 

40

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — CONSOLIDATED

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

2011

2010

Change

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating revenues

 

U.S. Cellular

 

$

1,076,182

 

 

$

1,029,893

 

 

$

46,289

 

 

4

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

198,896

 

 

 

199,206

 

 

 

(310

)

 

 

 

All other (1)

 

 

4,562

 

 

 

3,120

 

 

 

1,442

 

 

46

%

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

1,279,640

 

 

 

1,232,219

 

 

 

47,421

 

 

4

%

Operating expenses

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

973,792

 

 

 

966,389

 

 

 

7,403

 

 

1

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

173,006

 

 

 

174,646

 

 

 

(1,640

)

 

(1

)%

 

All other (1)

 

 

7,193

 

 

 

4,803

 

 

 

2,390

 

 

50

%

 

Total operating expenses 

 

 

1,153,991

 

 

 

1,145,838

 

 

 

8,153

 

 

1

%

Operating income (loss)

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

102,390

 

 

 

63,504

 

 

 

38,886

 

 

61

%

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

25,890

 

 

 

24,560

 

 

 

1,330

 

 

5

%

 

All other (1)

 

 

(2,631

)

 

 

(1,683

)

 

 

(948

)

 

(56

)%

 

Total operating income

 

 

125,649

 

 

 

86,381

 

 

 

39,268

 

 

45

%

Other income and (expenses)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

 

22,590

 

 

 

25,997

 

 

 

(3,407

)

 

(13

)%

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

2,093

 

 

 

2,674

 

 

 

(581

)

 

(22

)%

 

Gain on investment

 

 

13,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,373

 

 

N/M

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 (45,417

)

 

 

(29,265

)

 

 

(16,152

)

 

(55

)%

 

Other, net

 

 

1,306

 

 

 

(1,929

)

 

 

3,235

 

 

>100

%

 

 

Total investment and other income (expense)

 

 

(6,055

)

 

 

(2,523

)

 

 

(3,532

)

 

>(100

)%

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

119,594

 

 

 

83,858

 

 

 

35,736

 

 

43

%

 

Income tax expense

 

 

10,916

 

 

 

31,469

 

 

 

(20,553

)

 

(65

)%

 

Net income

 

 

108,678

 

 

 

52,389

 

 

 

56,289

 

 

>100

%

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

 

(17,615

)

 

 

(12,102

)

 

 

(5,513

)

 

(46

)%

Net income attributable to TDS shareholders

 

 

91,063

 

 

 

40,287

 

 

 

50,776

 

 

>100

%

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

91,051

 

 

$

40,275

 

 

$

50,776

 

 

>100

%

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

 

$

0.88

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

>100

%

Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders

 

$

0.87

 

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.49

 

 

>100

%

 


N/M – Not meaningful

 

(1)     Consists of non-reportable segment, corporate operations and intercompany eliminations.

 

Operating Revenues and Expenses

 

See “Results of OperationsWireless” and “Results of OperationsWireline” below for factors that affected consolidated Operating Revenues and Expenses.

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

TDS’ investment in the LA Partnership contributed $14.1 million and $16.6 million to Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities in 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

 

41

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Gain on investment

 

Included in Gain on investment is a $13.4 million gain from the adjustment of a pre-existing noncontrolling interest for which U.S. Cellular purchased the remaining interest in May 2011, as more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest expense

 

The 2011 increase in interest expense was primarily the result of recognizing in the Consolidated Statement of Operations $15.4 million of previously capitalized debt issuance costs related to senior notes redeemed in May and June 2011 as more fully described in Note 8 — Debt.

 

Income tax expense

 

See Note 3 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change in income tax expense and the overall effective tax rate on Income before income taxes. 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of U.S. Cellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain U.S. Cellular subsidiaries’ net income or loss and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

Noncontrolling public shareholders’

$

(12,213

)

 

$

(7,334

)

 

 

Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’

 

(5,402

)

 

 

(4,768

)

 

$

(17,615

)

 

$

(12,102

)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — WIRELESS

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Percentage Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Retail service

 

$

868,630

 

 

$

863,836

 

 

$

4,794

 

 

1

%

Inbound roaming

 

 

82,760

 

 

 

60,902

 

 

 

21,858

 

 

36

%

Other

 

 

50,640

 

 

 

47,838

 

 

 

2,802

 

 

6

%

 

Service revenues

 

 

1,002,030

 

 

 

972,576

 

 

 

29,454

 

 

3

%

Equipment sales

 

 

74,152

 

 

 

57,317

 

 

 

16,835

 

 

29

%

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

1,076,182

 

 

 

1,029,893

 

 

 

46,289

 

 

4

%

 

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

227,801

 

 

 

213,542

 

 

 

14,259

 

 

7

%

Cost of equipment sold

 

 

168,614

 

 

 

161,965

 

 

 

6,649

 

 

4

%

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

 426,172

 

 

 

445,177

 

 

 

(19,005

)

 

(4

)%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

148,283

 

 

 

144,455

 

 

 

3,828

 

 

3

%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

2,922

 

 

 

1,250

 

 

 

1,672

 

 

>100

%

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

973,792

 

 

 

966,389

 

 

 

7,403

 

 

1

%

 

Operating income

 

$

102,390

 

 

$

63,504

 

 

$

38,886

 

 

61

%

 

42

 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Operating Revenues

 

Retail service revenues

 

Retail service revenues increased $4.8 million or 1% in 2011 compared to 2010 as the impact of an increase in billed ARPU was mostly offset by a decrease in U.S. Cellular’s average customer base

 

·         Average monthly retail service revenue per customer increased to $48.27 in 2011 compared to $46.81 in 2010. The net increase resulted primarily from growth in revenues from data products and services.

 

·         The average number of customers decreased to 5,998,000 in 2011 from 6,151,000 in 2010, driven by reductions in postpaid, prepaid, and reseller customers.

 

U.S. Cellular expects continued pressure on revenues in the foreseeable future due to industry competition for customers and related effects of service plan offerings.

 

Inbound roaming revenues

 

Inbound roaming revenues increased by $21.9 million, or 36% in 2011 compared to 2010. The growth in revenue was driven primarily by an increase in revenues from data roaming.

 

Equipment sales revenues

 

The increase in 2011 Equipment sales revenues was driven by a  47% increase in average revenue per handset sold due to a shift in mix of handsets purchased by customers to handsets with expanded capabilities, such as smartphones. This was partially offset by a 9% decline in the total number of handsets sold.

 

Total operating revenues – Loyalty reward program impact

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2011, deferred revenues related to the loyalty reward program increased $8.7 million, from $14.7 million at March 31, 2011 to $23.4 million at June 30, 2011.  This net change for the period is comprised of deferred revenues of $10.5 million related to loyalty reward points awarded to customers, offset by a decrease of  $1.8 million attributable to loyalty rewards points redeemed or used.  Equipment sales revenues of $1.1 million and Retail service revenues of $0.7 million were recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2011 related to redemption or usage of loyalty reward points.  Since this program was introduced on October 1, 2010 in conjunction with The Belief Project, it had no impact on financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

 

Operating Expenses

 

System operations expenses (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion)

 

Key components of the overall increase in System operations expenses were as follows:

 

·         Expenses incurred when U.S. Cellular’s customers used other carriers’ networks while roaming increased $10.1 million, or 21%, primarily due to higher data roaming expenses offset by a decline in voice roaming expenses.

 

·         Maintenance, utility and cell site expenses increased $6.0 million, or 7%, driven primarily by an increase in the number of cell sites within U.S. Cellular’s network. The number of cell sites totaled 7,770 at June 30, 2011 and 7,416 at June 30, 2010, as U.S. Cellular continued to grow by expanding and enhancing coverage in its existing markets. The increases in expenses were also due to an increase in software maintenance costs to support rapidly growing data needs.

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

Cost of equipment sold increased slightly in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a shift in the mix of handsets purchased by customers to handsets with expanded capabilities, such as smartphones, which resulted in an increase of 10% in average cost per handset sold. This increase was offset by a 9% decrease in the total number of handsets sold.

 

43

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Key components of the net decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows:

 

·         General and administrative expenses decreased $10.8 million, or 4% due to reductions in USF contributions (most of the USF contribution expenses are offset by revenues for amounts passed through to customers as discussed above) and reduced bad debts expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher customer service expenses to support the more complex devices currently being sold, higher expenses associated with various phone-related retention programs and higher consulting expenses related to strategic initiatives.

  

·         Selling and marketing expenses decreased $8.2 million, or 4%. This was driven primarily by lower commissions expense due to fewer transactions.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — WIRELINE

 

TDS Telecom

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Three months ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Operating revenues

 

ILEC revenues

 

$

156,006

 

 

$

154,258

 

 

$

1,748

 

 

1

%

 

CLEC revenues

 

 

45,596

 

 

 

47,325

 

 

 

(1,729

)

 

(4

)%

 

Intra-company elimination

 

 

(2,706

)

 

 

(2,377

)

 

 

(329

)

 

(14

)%

 

 

TDS Telecom operating revenues

 

 

198,896

 

 

 

199,206

 

 

 

(310

)

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

ILEC expenses

 

 

131,110

 

 

 

130,088

 

 

 

1,022

 

 

1

%

 

CLEC expenses

 

 

 44,602

 

 

 

46,935

 

 

 

(2,333

)

 

(5

)%

 

Intra-company elimination

 

 

(2,706

)

 

 

(2,377

)

 

 

(329

)

 

(14

)%

 

 

TDS Telecom operating expenses

 

 

173,006

 

 

 

174,646

 

 

 

(1,640

)

 

(1

)%

 

TDS Telecom operating income

 

$

25,890

 

 

$

24,560

 

 

$

1,330

 

 

5

%

 

44

 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

ILEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Three months ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Voice revenues

 

$

42,916

 

 

$

45,738

 

 

$

(2,822

)

 

(6

)%

Data revenues

 

 

36,998

 

 

 

31,993

 

 

 

5,005

 

 

16

%

Network access revenues

 

 

66,320

 

 

 

66,951

 

 

 

(631

)

 

(1

)%

Miscellaneous revenues

 

 

9,772

 

 

 

9,576

 

 

 

196

 

 

2

%

Total operating revenues

 

 

156,006

 

 

 

154,258

 

 

 

1,748

 

 

1

%

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

49,839

 

 

 

49,302

 

 

 

537

 

 

1

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

42,597

 

 

 

44,167

 

 

 

(1,570

)

 

(4

)%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

 38,404

 

 

 

36,847

 

 

 

1,557

 

 

4

%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

270

 

 

 

(228

)

 

 

498

 

 

>(100

)%

Total operating expenses

 

 

131,110

 

 

 

130,088

 

 

 

1,022

 

 

1

%

 

Total operating income

 

$

24,896

 

 

$

24,170

 

 

$

726

 

 

3

%

 

Operating Revenues

 

Voice revenues  

 

The decrease in Voice revenues in 2011 was primarily due to a 5% decline in average physical access lines in service which negatively impacted revenues $2.0 million.   

 

Data revenues

 

Hosted and managed services revenues increased Data revenues $3.4 million in 2011.   Growth of 6% in average high-speed data customers increased revenues $1.5 million.

 

Network access revenues

 

Network access revenues decreased primarily due to an 9% decrease in intra-state minutes of use.  Revenues received from changes in participation in state Universal Service Funding programs partially offset the decrease.

 

Miscellaneous revenues

 

Miscellaneous revenues increased primarily due to increases in satellite and video revenues.  These increases were partially offset by decreased business sales.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion)

 

Reduced network costs resulting from improved circuit infrastructure and traffic routing decreased Cost of services and products $1.5 million in 2011.  Hosted and managed services increased Cost of services and products $1.2 million in 2011.  

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Hosted and managed services increased Selling, general and administrative expenses $1.2 million in 2011.  A discrete item recorded in 2010 for an asset loss decreased expense $1.7 million in 2011. 

 

45

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

Hosted and managed services increased Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense $1.4 million in 2011.

 

CLEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Three months ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Percentage

Change

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Retail revenues

 

$

40,793

 

 

$

42,487

 

 

$

(1,694

)

 

(4

)%

Wholesale revenues

 

 

4,803

 

 

 

4,838

 

 

 

(35

)

 

(1

)%

Total operating revenues

 

 

45,596

 

 

 

47,325

 

 

 

(1,729

)

 

(4

)%

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)

 

 

23,029

 

 

 

24,495

 

 

 

(1,466

)

 

(6

)%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 16,087

 

 

 

15,978

 

 

 

109

 

 

1

%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

 

5,439

 

 

 

6,302

 

 

 

(863

)

 

(14

)%

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

 

47

 

 

 

160

 

 

 

(113

)

 

(71

)%

Total operating expenses

 

 

44,602

 

 

 

46,935

 

 

 

(2,333

)

 

(5

)%

 

Total operating income

 

$

994

 

 

$

390

 

 

$

604

 

 

>100

%

 

Operating Revenues

 

Retail revenues

 

Average residential access lines in service decreased 24% in 2011 decreasing retail revenues $1.7 million. 

 

Wholesale revenues

 

A decrease in revenues from decreased minutes of use was largely offset by an increase in special access revenues.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion)  

 

The decrease in Cost of services and products in 2011 was caused by the reduction of purchased network services primarily a result of the declining residential customer base.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses  

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses remained relatively flat from 2010 to 2011.

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense decreased in 2011 primarily due to accelerated depreciation recorded in 2010 on certain equipment due to technological obsolescence as well as certain assets becoming fully depreciated in 2011.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Recent accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a significant effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.  See Note 1 —  Basis of Presentation in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.

 

46

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

 

TDS operates a capital- and marketing-intensive business. TDS utilizes cash from its operating activities, cash proceeds from divestitures and dispositions of investments, short-term credit facilities, long-term debt financing and cash on hand to fund its acquisitions (including licenses), construction costs, operating expenses and share repurchases. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, the timing of acquisitions, capital expenditures and other factors. The table below and the following discussion in this Financial Resources section summarize TDS’ cash flow activities in the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash flows from (used in):

 

Operating activities

$

537,663

 

 

$

502,346

 

 

Investing activities

 

(219,664

)

 

 

(714,074

)

 

Financing activities

 

(96,010

)

 

 

(80,787

)

 

Cash classified as held for sale

 

(5,687

)

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$

216,302

 

 

$

(292,515

)

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

The following table presents Adjusted OIBDA and is included for purposes of analyzing operating activities. TDS believes this measure provides useful information to investors regarding TDS’ financial condition and results of operations because it highlights certain key cash and non-cash items and their impacts on Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating income

$

212,817

 

 

$

188,377

 

Non-cash items

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

387,269

 

 

 

379,647

 

 

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

4,381

 

 

 

6,645

 

Adjusted OIBDA (1)

$

604,467

 

 

$

574,669

 

 


(1)     Adjusted OIBDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance.  Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income excluding the effects of: depreciation, amortization and accretion (OIBDA); the net gain or loss on asset disposals (if any); and the loss on impairment of assets (if any).  This measure also may be commonly referred to by management as operating cash flow.  This measure should not be confused with Cash flows from operating activities, which is a component of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. See Note 14 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Adjusted OIBDA excludes the net gain or loss on asset disposals and loss on impairment of assets (if any) in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period.  TDS does not intend to imply that any of such amounts that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual and, accordingly, they may be incurred in the future.  

 

Cash flows from operating activities in 2011 were $537.7 million, an increase of $35.3 million from 2010. Significant changes included the following:

 

·         Adjusted OIBDA, as shown in the table above, increased by $29.8 million primarily due to an increase in U.S. Cellular operating income.  See discussion in the “Results of Operations — Wireless” for factors that affected U.S. Cellular operating income.

 

·         Income tax payments, net of refunds, decreased by $123.7 million due to a net refund of $38.8 million in 2011 compared to a net payment of $84.9 million in 2010.  This decrease primarily relates to a net federal income tax refund of $42.8 million received in March 2011 related to the 2010 tax year as well as lower taxable income in 2011 compared to 2010.  In 2011, subject to changes in projected operating results, TDS expects to incur a federal net operating loss as a result of 100% bonus depreciation applicable to qualified capital expenditures during 2011.  In addition, in the 2012 tax year, TDS is permitted to take 50% bonus depreciation on qualified capital expenditures which will reduce federal income tax payments

 

47

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

related to the 2012 tax year.  Beginning in 2013, TDS expects federal income tax payments to substantially increase and remain at a higher level for several years as the amount of TDS’ federal tax depreciation deduction substantially decreases as a result of having accelerated depreciation into prior years.  This expectation assumes that federal bonus depreciation provisions are not enacted in future periods that would apply to tax years beyond 2012.  To the extent further federal bonus deprecation provisions are enacted, this expectation will change.  TDS’ future federal income tax liabilities associated with the current benefits being realized from bonus depreciation are accrued as a component of Net deferred income tax liability (noncurrent) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

·         Changes in inventory required $48.8 million in 2011, and provided $32.2 million in 2010, resulting in an $81.0 million decrease in cash flows.  This change was primarily due to higher inventory levels and a change in inventory mix, resulting in a higher cost per unit.

 

·         Changes in accounts payable required $0.4 million and $35.6 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, causing a year-over-year increase in cash flows of $35.1 million.  Changes in accounts payable were primarily driven by payment timing differences.

 

·         Changes in customer deposits and deferred revenues provided $22.6 million and $4.2 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, resulting in a year-over-year increase in cash flows of $18.4 million.  This change was primarily driven by deferred revenues related to the loyalty reward program at U.S. Cellular.

 

·         Changes in other assets and liabilities required $89.7 million and $31.5 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, causing a year-over-year decrease in cash flows of $58.2 million.  This was partially driven by decreases in amounts due to agents at U.S. Cellular.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities   

 

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless licenses and properties and to construct, operate and upgrade modern high-quality communications networks and facilities as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-reducing upgrades to TDS’ networks.

 

Cash used for property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures totaled $338.7 million in 2011 and $318.0 million in 2010. These expenditures were made to provide for customer and usage growth (in recent periods, particularly with respect to data usage growth), to upgrade service and to take advantage of service-enhancing and cost-reducing technological developments in order to maintain competitive services. 

 

·         U.S. Cellular’s capital expenditures totaled $258.0 million in 2011 and $255.0 million in 2010 representing expenditures to construct cell sites, increase capacity in existing cell sites and switches, develop new and enhance existing office systems, and construct new and remodel existing retail stores.

 

·         TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for its ILEC operations totaled $61.1 million in 2011 and $48.4 million in 2010 representing expenditures to upgrade plant and equipment to provide enhanced services.  TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for its CLEC operations totaled $10.5 million in 2011 and $8.6 million in 2010 for switching and other network facilities.

 

·         Corporate and other capital expenditures totaled $9.1 million in 2011 and $6.0 million in 2010.

 

Cash payments for acquisitions in 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

Cash Payment for Acquisitions (1)

2011

 

2010

(Dollars in thousands)

U.S. Cellular licenses

$

2,800

 

$

10,501

U.S. Cellular business

 

19,367

 

 

TDS Telecom business

 

 

 

17,763

Total

$

22,167

 

$

28,264

 


(1)     Cash amounts paid for the acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions.

 

48

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

TDS invested $71.0 million and $385.0 million, respectively, in U.S. treasuries and corporate notes with maturities of greater than three months from the acquisition date.  TDS realized proceeds of $213.0 million and $15.7 million in 2011 and 2010 related to the maturities of its investments in U.S. treasuries, corporate notes, and certificates of deposit.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities 

 

In May 2011, U.S. Cellular issued $342 million of 6.95% senior notes due 2060, and paid related debt issuance costs of $11.2 million.  The net proceeds from the 6.95% senior notes were used primarily to redeem $330 million of U.S. Cellular’s 7.5% senior notes in June 2011.  The redemption price of the 7.5% senior notes was equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

In March 2011, TDS issued $300 million of 7% senior notes due 2060, and paid related debt issuance costs of $9.9 million.  The net proceeds from the 7% senior notes were used primarily to redeem $282.5 million of TDS’ 7.6% Series A notes in May 2011.  The redemption price of the 7.6% Series A notes was equal to 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

In 2011, TDS repurchased Special Common Shares at an aggregate cost of $21.5 million.  In 2010, TDS repurchased Common and Special Common Shares at an aggregate cost of $31.1 million. Payments for repurchases of U.S. Cellular Common Shares required $62.3 million in 2011 and $21.4 million in 2010.  See Note 11 — TDS and U.S. Cellular Share Repurchases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these transactions.

 

Cash Classified as Held for Sale

 

On May 9, 2011, U.S. Cellular purchased the remaining ownership interest in a wireless business in which it previously held a noncontrolling interest.  The assets and liabilities of this business, including $5.7 million in cash, have been classified as “held for sale,” resulting in a $5.7 million reduction in cash.

 

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow. TDS believes that Free cash flow as reported by TDS may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating the amount of cash generated by business operations, after capital expenditures.

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

  2011   2010

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities

 

$

537,663

 

 

$

502,346

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(338,711

)

 

 

(317,950

)

Free cash flow (1)

 

$

198,952

 

 

$

184,396

 

 


(1)     Free cash flow is defined as Cash flows from operating activities minus Capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. 

 

See Cash Flows from Operating Activities and Cash Flows from Investing Activities for details on the changes to the components of Free cash flow.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

At June 30, 2011, TDS had Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments and Long-term investments totaling $946.2 million, as described in more detail below. 

 

TDS believes that existing cash and investments balances, expected cash flows from operating activities and funds available under its revolving credit facilities provide substantial liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its normal financing needs (including working capital, construction and development expenditures and share repurchases under approved programs) for the foreseeable future. In addition, TDS and its subsidiaries may have access to public and private capital markets to help meet their financing needs.

 

Consumer spending significantly impacts TDS’ operations and performance. Factors that influence levels of consumer spending include: unemployment rates, increases in fuel and other energy costs, conditions in residential real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence and other macroeconomic factors. Changes in these and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect on demand for TDS’ products and services and on TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

 

TDS cannot provide assurances that circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or capital resources will not occur. Economic conditions, changes in financial markets or other factors could restrict TDS’ liquidity and availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development, acquisition or share repurchase programs. Such reductions could have a material adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

49

 


 
   

 

Table of contents

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

At June 30, 2011, TDS had $584.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, which included cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The primary objective of TDS’ cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal.  At June 30, 2011, TDS’ cash and cash equivalents were held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that invest exclusively in U.S. Treasury securities with original maturities of less than three months or in repurchase agreements fully collateralized by such obligations.  TDS monitors the financial viability of the money market funds and direct investments in which it invests and believes that the credit risk associated with these investments is low.

 

Short-term and Long-term Investments

 

At June 30, 2011, TDS had $270.9 million in Short-term investments and $90.9 million in Long-term investments. Short-term and Long-term investments consist of U.S. treasuries, corporate notes and certificates of deposit, all of which are designated as held-to-maturity investments, and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The corporate notes are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  For these investments, TDS’ objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk.  See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments. 

 

Revolving Credit Facilities

 

TDS has a $400 million and U.S. Cellular has a $300 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes.  At June 30, 2011, there were no outstanding borrowings and $0.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving $399.8 million available for use under the TDS revolving credit facility, and there were no outstanding borrowings and $0.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving $299.8 million available for use under the U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility.  In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility.  At June 30, 2011, no U.S. Cellular debt was subordinated pursuant to this subordination agreement.

 

TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s interest cost on their revolving credit facilities is subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and is subject to decrease if the ratings are raised.  The credit facilities would not cease to be available nor would the maturity date accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating.  However, a downgrade in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the credit facilities or obtain access to other credit facilities in the future.

 

TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade as of June 30, 2011.

 

The continued availability of the revolving credit facilities requires TDS and U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing.  TDS and U.S. Cellular believe they were in compliance as of June 30, 2011 with all of the covenants and requirements set forth in their revolving credit facilities.

 

Long-Term Financing

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, TDS issued $300 million of 7% senior notes, and redeemed $282.5 million of 7.6% Series A notes, the entire outstanding amount of such notes.  This redemption occurred on May 2, 2011.  In addition, U.S. Cellular issued $342 million of 6.95% senior notes, and redeemed $330 million of 7.5% senior notes, the entire outstanding amount of such notes.  This redemption occurred on June 20, 2011.  See Note 8 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on these transactions.

 

TDS and its subsidiaries had the following public debt outstanding as of June 30, 2011:

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (Parent):

 

·         $116,250,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior notes due March 31, 2045.  TDS may redeem such notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 31, 2010, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

·         $225,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due November 15, 2059. TDS may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after November 15, 2015, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

50

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

·         $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7% senior notes due March 21, 2060.  TDS may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The proceeds of this debt issuance were used to redeem TDS’ 7.6% Series A notes on May 2, 2011.

 

Subsidiaries—U.S. Cellular:

 

·         $544,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.7% senior notes due December 15, 2033.  U.S. Cellular may redeem such notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest, or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points.

 

·         $342,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.95% senior notes due May 15, 2060.  U.S. Cellular may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The proceeds from this debt issuance were used primarily to redeem U.S. Cellular’s 7.5% senior notes on June 20, 2011.

 

TDS and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt and indentures do not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in TDS’ credit rating. However, a downgrade in TDS’ credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future. TDS believes it and its subsidiaries were in compliance as of June 30, 2011 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in long-term debt indentures. TDS and U.S. Cellular have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

 

The long-term debt principal payments due for the remainder of 2011 and the next four years represent less than 1% of the total long-term debt obligation at June 30, 2011.  Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ long-term debt.

 

TDS, at its discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase its outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

 

TDS and U.S. Cellular each have effective shelf registration statements on Form S-3 that they can use to issue senior debt securities that can be used for general corporate purposes, including to finance the redemption of any of the above existing debt.  The TDS shelf registration statement is an automatic shelf registration that permits TDS to issue at any time and from time to time, senior debt securities in one or more offerings in an indeterminate amount.  The U.S. Cellular shelf registration statement permits U.S. Cellular to issue at any time and from time to time, senior debt securities in one or more offerings up to an aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000, of which $158,000,000 remains available as of June 30, 2011.  The ability of TDS or U.S. Cellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

U.S. Cellular’s capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to be approximately $750 million to $800 million. These expenditures are expected to be for the following general purposes:

 

·         Expand and enhance U.S. Cellular’s network coverage in its service areas, including providing additional capacity to accommodate increased network usage, principally data usage, by current customers;

 

·         Deploy LTE technology in certain markets;

 

·         Enhance U.S. Cellular’s retail store network;

 

·         Develop and enhance office systems; and

 

·         Develop new billing and other customer management related systems and platforms.

 

51

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for 2011  are expected to be approximately $175 to $200 million.  These expenditures are expected to be for the following general purposes:

 

·           Process and productivity initiatives;

 

·           Increased network and product capabilities for broadband services;

 

·           Expansion of terrestrial TV to additional markets;

 

·           Data center investments to support the hosted and managed services strategy;

 

·           Success-based spending to sustain managedIP growth; and

 

·           Fund its share for projects approved under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 

TDS plans to finance its capital expenditures program for 2011 using cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, if necessary, short-term debt.

 

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

 

TDS assesses its existing wireless and wireline interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on investment. As part of this strategy, TDS reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional wireless operating markets, telecommunications companies, wireless spectrum and related service businesses, such as hosted and managed service businesses. In addition, to strengthen its operations, TDS may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other wireless interests those wireless interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.

U.S. Cellular’s business development strategy is to acquire and operate controlling interests in wireless licenses in areas adjacent to or in proximity to its other wireless licenses, thereby building contiguous operating market areas.  U.S. Cellular believes that operating in contiguous market areas will continue to provide it with certain economies in its capital and operating costs.

In May 2011, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million to purchase the remaining ownership interest in a partnership in which it previously held a noncontrolling interest.  U.S. Cellular is actively trying to sell this business and, as a result, $53.9 million of assets and $0.9 million of liabilities have been classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “held for sale”.

TDS also from time to time may be engaged in negotiations relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, strategic properties or wireless spectrum. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

Variable Interest Entities

 

TDS consolidates certain entities because they are “variable interest entities” under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the details of these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

TDS and U.S. Cellular have repurchased and expect to continue to repurchase their Special Common Shares (TDS only) and Common Shares, subject to their repurchase programs. For additional information related to the current TDS and U.S. Cellular repurchase authorizations and repurchases during 2011 and 2010, see Note 11 — TDS and U.S. Cellular Share Repurchases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 2, Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Contractual and Other Obligations

 

There was no material change between December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011 to the Contractual and Other Obligations disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 other than the commitments described below.

 

TDS issued 7% senior notes and redeemed its 7.6% Series A notes, and U.S. Cellular issued 6.95% senior notes and redeemed its 7.5% senior notes as discussed in the Long-Term Financing section above. 

 

In July 2011, TDS acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of OneNeck IT Services Corporation, as discussed in Note 17 — Subsequent Events.

 

52

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  Pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated July 6, 2011, the implementation of B/OSS is expected to take until 2013 to complete and payments to Amdocs are estimated to be approximately $122 million (subject to certain potential adjustments). The $122 million will be paid in installments through the second half of 2013.  As of June 30, 2011, $13.8 million has been paid to Amdocs.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

TDS had no transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements with unconsolidated entities involving “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, that had or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP.  TDS’ Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates is discussed in detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which is included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  There were no material changes to TDS’ application of critical accounting policies and estimates during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

53

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This Form 10-Q, including exhibits, contains statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include those set forth below, as more fully discussed under “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document.  Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements.  TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You should carefully consider the Risk Factors in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, the following factors and other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-Q to understand the material risks relating to TDS’ business.

 

·         Intense competition in the markets in which TDS operates could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

 

·         A failure by TDS to successfully execute its business strategy or allocate resources or capital could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         A failure by TDS’ service offerings to meet customer expectations could limit TDS’ ability to attract and retain customers and could have an adverse effect on TDS’ operations.

 

·         TDS’ system infrastructure may not be capable of supporting changes in technologies and services expected by customers, which could result in lost customers and revenues.

 

·         An inability to obtain or maintain roaming arrangements with other carriers on terms that are acceptable to TDS could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         TDS currently receives a significant amount of roaming revenues from its wireless business. Further consolidation within the wireless industry and/or continued network build outs by other wireless carriers could cause roaming revenues to decline from current levels, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

·         A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business and operations.

 

·         To the extent conducted by the FCC, TDS is likely to participate in FCC auctions of additional spectrum in the future as an applicant or as a noncontrolling partner in another auction applicant and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.

 

·         Changes in the regulatory environment or a failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any applicable regulatory requirements could adversely affect TDS’ financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business.

 

·         Changes in USF funding and/or intercarrier compensation could have a material adverse impact on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         An inability to attract and/or retain highly competent management, technical, sales and other personnel could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         TDS’ assets are concentrated in the U.S. telecommunications industry. As a result, its results of operations may fluctuate based on factors related entirely to conditions in this industry.

 

·         The completion of acquisitions by other companies has led to increased consolidation in the wireless telecommunications industry.  TDS’ lower scale relative to larger wireless carriers has in the past and could in the future prevent or delay its access to new products including wireless devices, new technology and/or new content and applications which could

 

54

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

adversely affect TDS’ ability to attract and retain customers and, as a result, could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.    

 

·         TDS’ inability to manage its supply chain or inventory successfully could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Changes in general economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the markets in which TDS operates, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Changes in various business factors could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Advances or changes in telecommunications technology, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), High-Speed Packet Access (“HSPA”), WiMAX or Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”), could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

 

·         Complexities associated with deploying new technologies, such as TDS’ planned upgrade to LTE technology, present substantial risk.

 

·         TDS could incur higher than anticipated intercarrier compensation costs.

 

·         TDS is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of these fees are subject to great uncertainty.

 

·         Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless licenses or wireline markets, adverse developments in the business or the industry in which TDS is involved and/or other factors could require TDS to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its license costs, goodwill and/or physical assets.

 

·         Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with developing and enhancing business support systems, acquisitions/divestitures of properties or licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ business could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         A significant portion of TDS’ wireless revenues is derived from customers who buy services through independent agents who market TDS’ services on a commission basis. If TDS’ relationships with these agents are seriously harmed, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

·         TDS’ investments in technologies which are unproven may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

 

·         A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network and support systems could have an adverse effect on its operations.

 

·         Financial difficulties (including bankruptcy proceedings) or other operational difficulties of TDS’ key suppliers or vendors, termination or impairment of TDS’ relationships with such suppliers or vendors, or a failure by TDS to manage its supply chain effectively could result in delays or termination of TDS’ receipt of required equipment or services, or could result in excess quantities of required equipment or services, any of which could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, including breaches of network or information technology security, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Wars, conflicts, hostilities and/or terrorist attacks or equipment failures, power outages, natural disasters or other events could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         The market prices of TDS’ Common Shares and Special Common Shares are subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.

 

55

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

·         Identification of errors in financial information or disclosures could require amendments to or restatements of financial information or disclosures included in this or prior filings with the SEC. Such amendments or restatements and related matters, including resulting delays in filing periodic reports with the SEC, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         The existence of material weaknesses in the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting could result in inaccurate financial statements or other disclosures or failure to prevent fraud, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information that affects the calculation of potential liabilities for contingent obligations under guarantees, indemnities, claims, litigation or otherwise, could require TDS to record charges in excess of amounts accrued in the financial statements, if any, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events, could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Uncertainty of access to capital for telecommunications companies, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs.

 

·         Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business.

 

·         The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices such as pacemakers, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·         Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS.

 

·         Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause customer net additions, revenues, operating income, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from TDS’ forward-looking estimates by a material amount.

 

56

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

MARKET RISK

 

Long-term Debt

 

Refer to the disclosure under Market Risk — Long-Term Debt in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ long-term debt.  There have been no material changes to such information since December 31, 2010, except as it relates to TDS’ issuance of $300 million of 7.0% senior notes in March 2011 and redemption of the entire outstanding balance of TDS’ $282.5 million of the 7.6% Series A notes on May 2, 2011 and U.S. Cellular’s issuance of $342 million of 6.95% senior notes in May 2011 and redemption of the entire outstanding balance of U.S. Cellular’s $330 million 7.5% senior notes on June 20, 2011.  Such transactions changed the weighted average interest rate on long-term debt obligations to 6.8% at June 30, 2011 from 7.1% at December 31, 2010.  See Note 8 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of these transactions.

 

See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the fair market value of TDS’ long-term debt as of June 30, 2011.

 

57

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

TDS maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to TDS’ management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), TDS carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of TDS’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.  Based on this evaluation, TDS’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that TDS’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2011, at the reasonable assurance level. 

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in TDS’ internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect TDS’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

58

 


 

 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

TDS is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts.  If TDS believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss.  If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued.  The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events.  The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures.  The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which could materially affect TDS’ business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K may not be the only risks that could affect TDS.  Additional unidentified or unrecognized risks and uncertainties could materially adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition and/or operating results.  In addition, you are referred to the above Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in particular the section captioned “Overview,” for disclosures of certain developments that have occurred since TDS filed its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Subject to the foregoing, TDS has not identified for disclosure any material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

59

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

On November 19, 2009, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a new $250 million stock repurchase program for both TDS Common and Special Common shares.  Depending on market conditions, such shares may be repurchased in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, or pursuant to accelerated share repurchase arrangements, prepaid share repurchases, private transactions or as otherwise authorized.  This authorization will expire in November 2012.

 

The following table provides certain information with respect to all purchases made by or on behalf of TDS, and any open market purchases made by any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined by the SEC) of TDS, of TDS Common and Special Common Shares during the quarter covered by this Form 10-Q.

 

TDS PURCHASES OF COMMON SHARES AND SPECIAL COMMON SHARES

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price

Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

April 1 – 30, 2011

 

Common

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Special Common

 

245,965

 

 

29.04

 

245,965

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

245,965

 

 

29.04

 

245,965

 

$

160,323,909

May 1 – 31, 2011

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Common

 

95,000

 

 

28.98

 

 95,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

95,000

 

 

28.98

 

95,000

 

 

157,570,912

June 1 – 30, 2011

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,570,912

Total for or as of end of the quarter ended June 30, 2011

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Common

 

340,965

 

 

29.03

 

340,965

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

340,965

 

$

29.03

 

340,965

 

$

157,570,912

 

The following is additional information with respect to the Common and Special Common Shares authorization:

 

i.         The date the program was announced was November 20, 2009 by Form 8-K.

 

ii.        The amount originally approved was up to $250 million in aggregate purchase price of TDS Common and Special Common Shares.

 

iii.      The expiration date for the program is November 19, 2012.

 

iv.      The Common and Special Common Shares authorization did not expire during the second quarter of 2011.

 

v.       TDS did not determine to terminate the foregoing Common and Special Common Shares repurchase program prior to expiration, or cease making further purchases thereunder, during the second quarter of 2011.

 

60

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

Item 5.  Other Information.

 

The following information is being provided to update prior disclosures made pursuant to the requirements of Form 8-K, Item 2.03 — Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

 

Neither TDS nor U.S. Cellular borrowed or repaid any amounts under their revolving credit facilities in the second quarter of 2011 and had no borrowings outstanding under their revolving credit facilities as of June 30, 2011. 

 

A description of TDS’ revolving credit facility is included under Item 1.01 in TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2010 and is incorporated by reference herein. 

 

A description of U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility is included under Item 1.01 in U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2010 and is incorporated by reference herein. 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits.

 

Exhibit 4.1 — Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 21, 2011 between TDS and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. establishing TDS’ 7% senior notes due 2060, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2011.

 

Exhibit 4.2 — Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 9, 2011 between U.S. Cellular and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., establishing U.S. Cellular’s 6.95% Senior Notes due 2060, is hereby incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2011.

 

Exhibit 10.1 — Form of U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement for grants of stock options to the President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Cellular, is hereby incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2011.

 

Exhibit 10.2 — Form of U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for grants of restricted stock options to the President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Cellular, is hereby incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2011.

 

Exhibit 11 — Computation of Earnings per share is included herein as Note 4 — Earnings Per Share in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Exhibit 12 — Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 

Exhibit 31.1 — Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Exhibit 31.2 — Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Exhibit 32.1 — Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

Exhibit 32.2 — Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

Exhibit 101.INS — XBRL Instance Document

 

Exhibit 101.SCH — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

Exhibit 101.PRE — XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

Exhibit 101.CAL — XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

 

Exhibit 101.LAB — XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

 

Exhibit 101.DEF — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

The foregoing exhibits include only the exhibits that relate specifically to this Form 10-Q or that supplement the exhibits identified in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Reference is made to TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a complete list of exhibits, which are incorporated herein except to the extent supplemented or superseded above.  

 

61

 


 
 

 

Table of contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

August 8, 2011

 

/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.

 

 

 

LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.,

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

August 8, 2011

 

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers

 

 

 

Kenneth R. Meyers,

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

August 8, 2011

 

/s/ Douglas D. Shuma

 

 

 

Douglas D. Shuma,

Senior Vice President and

Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

Signature page for the TDS 2011 Second Quarter Form 10-Q