SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q/A

Amendment No. 1

 

ý

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005 OR

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

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 1-9712

 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

62-1147325

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

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

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

8410 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois  60631

(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (773) 399-8900

 

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 o   No ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ý   No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes o   No ý

 

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, 2005

Common Shares, $1 par value

 

54,048,812 Shares

Series A Common Shares, $1 par value

 

33,005,877 Shares

 

 



 

Explanatory Note

 

United States Cellular Corporation. (“U.S. Cellular”) is filing this Amendment No. 1 to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005, which was originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 1, 2005 (“Original Form 10-Q”), to amend Part I Financial Information – Item 1 “Financial Statements,” Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”), and Item 4 “Controls and Procedures,” and Part II Other Information – Item 5 “Other Information” and Item 6 “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, on November 9, 2005, U.S. Cellular and its audit committee concluded that U.S. Cellular would amend its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, to restate its financial statements and financial information for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, including quarterly information for 2004 and 2003, and certain selected financial data for the years 2001 and 2000.  U.S. Cellular and its audit committee also concluded that U.S. Cellular would amend its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, to restate the financial statements and financial information included therein.

 

The restatement adjustments principally correct items that were recorded in the financial statements previously but not in the proper periods and certain income tax errors. Correction of the errors, with the exception of income taxes discussed below, individually did not have a material impact on income before income taxes and minority interest, net income or earnings per share; however, when aggregated, the items were considered to be material. The restatement adjustments to correct income tax accounting had a material impact individually on net income and earnings per share in prior periods. The restated financial statements are adjusted to record certain obligations in the periods such obligations were incurred and, correct the timing of the reversal of certain tax liabilities and record revenues in the periods such revenues were earned.  The adjustments are described below.

 

      Income taxes – U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. In the restatement, U.S. Cellular corrected its income tax expense, federal and state taxes payable, liabilities accrued for tax contingencies, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and related disclosures for the first and second quarters of 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 for items identified based on a reconciliation of income tax accounts.  The reconciliation compared amounts used for financial reporting purposes to the amounts used in the preparation of the income tax returns, and took into consideration the results of federal and state income tax audits and the resulting book/tax basis differences which generate deferred tax assets and liabilities.  In addition, a review of the state deferred income tax rates used to establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities identified errors in the state income tax used which resulted in adjustments to correct the amount of deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded for temporary differences between the timing of when certain transactions are recognized for financial and income tax reporting.

 

      Federal universal service fund (“USF”) contributions – In 2004 and 2003, Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) billings to U.S. Cellular for USF contributions were based on estimated revenues reported to USAC by U.S. Cellular in accordance with USAC’s established procedures. However, U.S. Cellular’s actual liability for USF is based upon its actual revenues and USAC’s established procedures provide a method to adjust U.S. Cellular’s estimated liability to its actual liability. In the first six months of 2005 and the full years of 2004 and 2003, U.S. Cellular’s actual revenues exceeded estimated revenues reported to USAC on an interim basis.  As a result, additional amounts were due to USAC in 2005 and 2004 based on U.S. Cellular’s annual report filings.  Such additional amounts were incorrectly expensed when the invoices were received from USAC rather than at the time the obligation was incurred.  In the third quarter of 2005, U.S. Cellular corrected its accounting for USF contributions to record expense reflecting the estimated obligation incurred based on actual revenues reported during the period.  Accordingly, in the restatement, U.S. Cellular has adjusted previously reported USF contributions expense to reflect the estimated liability incurred during the period.

 



 

      Customer contract termination fees – In the fourth quarter of 2003, U.S. Cellular revised its business practices related to the billing of contract termination fees charged when a customer disconnected service prior to the end of the customer’s contract.  This change resulted in an increase in amounts billed to customers and revenues even though a high percentage of the amounts billed were deemed uncollectible. At the time of the change in business practice, U.S. Cellular incorrectly recorded revenues related to such fees at the time of billing, as generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) would preclude revenue recognition if the receivable is not reasonably assured of collection.  In the first quarter of 2005, U.S. Cellular corrected its accounting to record revenues related to such fees only upon collection, in recognition of the fact that the collectibility of the revenues was not reasonably assured at the time of billing.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular made adjustments to properly reflect revenues for such fees upon collection beginning on October 1, 2003.

 

                  Leases and contracts – U.S. Cellular has entered into certain operating leases (as both lessee and lessor) that provide for specific scheduled increases in payments over the lease term. In the third quarter of 2004, U.S. Cellular made adjustments for the cumulative effect which were not considered to be material to either that quarter or to prior periods to correct its accounting and to recognize revenues and expenses under such agreements on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” as amended, and related pronouncements. In addition, the accounting for certain other long-term contracts, for which a cumulative effect adjustment was made in the first quarter of 2005, was corrected to recognize expenses in the appropriate periods. The restatement adjustments reverse the cumulative amounts previously recorded in the third quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005, and properly record such revenues and expenses on a straight-line basis in the appropriate periods.

 

      Promotion rebates – From time to time, U.S. Cellular’s sales promotions include rebates on sales of handsets to customers.  In such cases, U.S. Cellular reduces revenues and records a liability at the time of sale reflecting an estimate of rebates to be paid under the promotion.  Previously, the accrued liability was not adjusted on a timely basis upon expiration of the promotion to reflect the actual amount of rebates paid based upon information available at the date the financial statements were issued.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected revenues and accrued liabilities to reflect the impacts associated with promotion rebates in the appropriate periods.

 

      Operations of consolidated partnerships managed by a third party – Historically, U.S. Cellular recorded the results of operations of certain consolidated partnerships managed by a third party on an estimated basis, and adjusted such estimated results to the actual results upon receipt of financial statements in the following quarter. However, GAAP requires that the actual amounts be used.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected its financial statements to recognize results of operations in the appropriate period based on the partnerships’ actual results of operations reported for such periods.

 

      Investment income from entities accounted for by the equity method – Historically, U.S. Cellular recorded an estimate each quarter of its proportionate share of net income (loss) from certain entities accounted for by the equity method, and adjusted such estimate to the actual share of net income (loss) upon receipt of financial statements in the following quarter. However, GAAP requires that the actual amounts be used.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected its financial statements to recognize investment income in the appropriate period based on the entities’ actual net income (loss) reported for such periods.

 

      Consolidated statements of cash flows – In the restatement, the classification of cash distributions received from unconsolidated entities has been corrected to properly reflect cash received, which represents a return on investment in the unconsolidated entities, as cash flows from operating activities; previously, the cash received on such investments was classified as cash flows from investing activities. Also, the classification of certain noncash stock-based compensation expense has been corrected to properly reflect such noncash expense as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities; previously, such expense was classified as cash flows from financing activities.

 

      Other items – In addition to the adjustments described above, U.S. Cellular recorded a number of other adjustments to correct and record revenues and expenses in the periods in which such revenues and expenses were earned or incurred. These adjustments were not significant, either individually or in aggregate.

 



 

In connection with the restatement, U.S. Cellular concluded that certain material weaknesses existed in its internal control over financial reporting.  See Part I – Item 4 “Controls and Procedures.”

 

For the convenience of the reader, this Form 10-Q/A sets for the Original Form 10-Q, as amended hereby, in its entirety.  However, this Form 10-Q/A amends and restates only Items 1, 2, and 4 of Part I and Item 6 of Part II of the Original From 10-Q, in each case solely as a result of and to reflect the adjustments discussed above and more fully in Note 1 of the accompanying financial statements, and no other information in the Original Form 10-Q is amended hereby. The foregoing items have not been updated to reflect other events occurring after the filing of the Original Form 10-Q, or to modify or update those disclosures affected by other subsequent events.  In particular, forward-looking statements included in the Form 10-Q/A represented management’s views as of the date of filing of the Original Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 on August 1, 2005. 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.

 

As required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, new certifications by U.S. Cellular’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are being filed with this Form 10-Q/A as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2.

 



 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

 

2ND QUARTER REPORT ON FORM 10-Q/A

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I.

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations - As Restated
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - As Restated
Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - As Restated
June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

5-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7-24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

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

 

25-30

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

31-40

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

41-44

 

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

45

 

 

 

Financial Resources

 

46-47

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

47-51

 

 

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

52-56

 

 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

57

 

 

 

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

 

58-59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

60-61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

62-64

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

68

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

$

691,746

 

$

655,782

 

$

1,363,385

 

$

1,270,733

 

Equipment sales

 

50,219

 

49,808

 

89,651

 

88,032

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

741,965

 

705,590

 

1,453,036

 

1,358,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System operations (excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately below)

 

147,238

 

145,337

 

285,709

 

284,945

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

116,811

 

110,605

 

244,059

 

230,423

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

284,209

 

265,623

 

562,539

 

516,416

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

126,784

 

122,228

 

254,277

 

236,246

 

(Gain) on assets held for sale

 

 

(582

)

 

(725

)

Total Operating Expenses

 

675,042

 

643,211

 

1,346,584

 

1,267,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

66,923

 

62,379

 

106,452

 

91,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income

 

17,825

 

16,297

 

32,265

 

30,081

 

Interest and dividend income

 

4,347

 

2,108

 

6,372

 

2,478

 

Interest (expense)

 

(21,444

)

(20,951

)

(42,182

)

(41,266

)

Gain (loss) on investments

 

 

(1,830

)

551

 

(1,830

)

Other income, net

 

(71

)

227

 

155

 

551

 

Total Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

657

 

(4,149

)

(2,839

)

(9,986

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

67,580

 

58,230

 

103,613

 

81,474

 

Income tax expense

 

27,040

 

21,365

 

40,974

 

33,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

 

40,540

 

36,865

 

62,639

 

48,456

 

Minority share of income

 

(2,463

)

(2,435

)

(4,997

)

(4,622

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

38,077

 

$

34,430

 

$

57,642

 

$

43,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000s)

 

86,708

 

86,199

 

86,558

 

86,176

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 5)

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000s)

 

87,375

 

86,653

 

87,257

 

86,682

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 5)

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.51

 

 

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

 

3



 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

57,642

 

$

43,834

 

Add (Deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

254,277

 

236,246

 

Bad debts expense

 

14,296

 

22,328

 

Deferred income taxes

 

34,819

 

31,836

 

Investment income

 

(32,265

)

(30,081

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

27,956

 

7,221

 

Minority share of income

 

4,997

 

4,622

 

(Gain) on assets held for sale

 

 

(725

)

(Gain) Loss on investments

 

(551

)

1,830

 

Other noncash expense

 

4,423

 

8,376

 

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accounts receivable

 

(22,444

)

(36,617

)

Change in inventory

 

21,791

 

24,397

 

Change in accounts payable

 

(44,643

)

(88,412

)

Change in accrued interest

 

(123

)

1,310

 

Change in accrued taxes

 

10,871

 

3,647

 

Change in customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

4,737

 

8,373

 

Change in other assets and liabilities

 

(8,559

)

(1,451

)

 

 

327,224

 

236,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(256,557

)

(263,903

)

Cash received from sale of assets

 

 

96,932

 

Acquisitions, excluding cash acquired

 

(125,482

)

(40,367

)

Other investing activities

 

(1,358

)

(842

)

 

 

(383,397

)

(208,180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of notes payable

 

310,000

 

270,000

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

 

412,484

 

Repayment of notes payable

 

(290,000

)

(270,000

)

Repayment of long-term debt – affiliated

 

 

(105,000

)

Common shares issued for benefit plans

 

14,012

 

1,739

 

Other financing activities

 

(1,256

)

(1,006

)

 

 

32,756

 

308,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(23,417

)

336,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

41,062

 

10,029

 

End of period

 

$

17,645

 

$

346,800

 

 

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

 

4



 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

Unaudited

 

 

 

June 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17,645

 

$

41,062

 

Accounts Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

Customers, less allowance of $9,345 and $10,820, respectively

 

260,708

 

248,383

 

Roaming

 

27,701

 

26,421

 

Other

 

35,730

 

41,632

 

Inventory

 

55,127

 

76,918

 

Prepaid expenses

 

29,721

 

31,764

 

Deferred tax asset

 

35,936

 

73,216

 

Other current assets

 

16,035

 

24,951

 

 

 

478,603

 

564,347

 

INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses

 

1,362,434

 

1,228,801

 

Goodwill

 

445,352

 

445,212

 

Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $39,214 and $34,630, respectively

 

20,952

 

24,915

 

Marketable equity securities

 

251,115

 

282,829

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

161,239

 

155,519

 

Notes and interest receivable – long-term

 

4,753

 

4,885

 

 

 

2,245,845

 

2,142,161

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

In service and under construction

 

4,356,357

 

4,133,471

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

1,905,050

 

1,692,751

 

 

 

2,451,307

 

2,440,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DEFERRED CHARGES

 

31,164

 

32,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

5,206,919

 

$

5,180,035

 

 

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

 

5



 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Unaudited

 

 

 

June 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable

 

$

50,000

 

$

30,000

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliated

 

5,111

 

5,314

 

Trade

 

214,726

 

259,167

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

109,131

 

104,394

 

Accrued taxes

 

88,623

 

80,512

 

Accrued compensation

 

29,740

 

49,116

 

Other current liabilities

 

24,045

 

20,829

 

 

 

521,376

 

549,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED LIABILITIES AND CREDITS

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

663,615

 

670,250

 

Derivative liability

 

46,616

 

70,796

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

110,506

 

99,222

 

 

 

820,737

 

840,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

1,161,014

 

1,160,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

43,773

 

40,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, par value $1 per share; authorized 140,000,000 shares; issued 55,045,684 shares

 

55,046

 

55,046

 

Series A Common Shares, par value $1 per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 33,005,877 shares

 

33,006

 

33,006

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,288,595

 

1,305,249

 

Treasury Shares, at cost, 1,238,263 and 1,716,658 Common Shares, respectively

 

(65,428

)

(99,627

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

28,038

 

32,803

 

Retained earnings

 

1,320,762

 

1,263,120

 

 

 

2,660,019

 

2,589,597

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

5,206,919

 

$

5,180,035

 

 

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

 

6



 

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.               Basis of Presentation

 

The accounting policies of United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, its majority-owned subsidiaries since acquisition, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and any entity in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that requires U.S. Cellular to absorb a majority of the entity’s expected gains or losses, or both. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by U.S. Cellular, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although U.S. Cellular believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in U.S. Cellular’s latest annual report on Form 10-K. (See discussion of Restatement below).

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items unless otherwise disclosed) necessary to present fairly U.S. Cellular’s financial position as of June 30, 2005, its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.  The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and the cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Certain amounts reported in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The capitalized costs of developing information systems, “system development costs,” and the related accumulated amortization have been reclassified from Deferred Charges to Property, Plant and Equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, financial condition or cash flows.

 

Restatement

 

U.S. Cellular and its audit committee concluded on November 9, 2005, that U.S. Cellular would amend its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 to restate its financial statements and financial information for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, including quarterly information for 2004 and 2003, and certain selected financial data for the years 2001 and 2000. U.S. Cellular and its audit committee also concluded that U.S. Cellular would amend its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005 to restate the financial statements and financial information included therewith.

 

On November 11, 2005, U.S. Cellular announced that the staff of the Midwest Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) had advised U.S. Cellular that it was conducting an investigation into the restatement of financial statements announced by U.S. Cellular on November 10, 2005.   U.S. Cellular intends to cooperate fully with the SEC staff in this investigation.

 

7



 

The restatement adjustments principally correct items that were recorded in the financial statements previously but not in the proper periods and certain income tax errors. Correction of the errors, with the exception of income taxes discussed below, individually did not have a material impact on income before income taxes and minority interest, net income or earnings per share; however, when aggregated, the items were considered to be material. The restatement adjustments to correct income tax accounting had a material impact individually on net income and earnings per share in prior periods. The restated financial statements are adjusted to record certain obligations in the periods such obligations were incurred and, correct the timing of the reversal of certain tax liabilities and record revenues in the periods such revenues were earned.  The adjustments are described below.

 

      Income taxes – U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. In the restatement, U.S. Cellular corrected its income tax expense, federal and state taxes payable, liabilities accrued for tax contingencies, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and related disclosures for the first and second quarters of 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 for items identified based on a reconciliation of income tax accounts.  The reconciliation compared amounts used for financial reporting purposes to the amounts used in the preparation of the income tax returns, and took into consideration the results of federal and state income tax audits and the resulting book/tax basis differences which generate deferred tax assets and liabilities.  In addition, a review of the state deferred income tax rates used to establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities identified errors in the state income tax rate used which resulted in adjustments to correct the amount of deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded for temporary differences between the timing of when certain transactions are recognized for financial and income tax reporting.

 

      Federal universal service fund (“USF”) contributions – In 2004 and 2003, Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) billings to U.S. Cellular for USF contributions were based on estimated revenues reported to USAC by U.S. Cellular in accordance with USAC’s established procedures. However, U.S. Cellular’s actual liability for USF is based upon its actual revenues and USAC’s established procedures provide a method to adjust U.S. Cellular’s estimated liability to its actual liability.  In the first six months of 2005 and the full years of 2004 and 2003, U.S. Cellular’s actual revenues exceeded estimated revenues reported to USAC on an interim basis.  As a result, additional amounts were due to USAC in 2005 and 2004 based on U.S. Cellular’s annual report filings.  Such additional amounts were incorrectly expensed when the invoices were received from USAC rather than at the time the obligation was incurred.  In the third quarter of 2005, U.S. Cellular corrected its accounting for USF contributions to record expense reflecting the estimated obligation incurred based on actual revenues reported during the period.  Accordingly, in the restatement, U.S. Cellular has adjusted previously reported USF contributions expense to reflect the estimated liability incurred during the period.

 

      Customer contract termination fees – In the fourth quarter of 2003, U.S. Cellular revised its business practices related to the billing of contract termination fees charged when a customer disconnected service prior to the end of the customer’s contract.  This change resulted in an increase in amounts billed to customers and revenues even though a high percentage of the amounts billed were deemed uncollectible. At the time of the change in business practice, U.S. Cellular incorrectly recorded revenues related to such fees at the time of billing, as generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) would preclude revenue recognition if the receivable is not reasonably assured of collection.  In the first quarter of 2005, U.S. Cellular corrected its accounting to record revenues related to such fees only upon collection, in recognition of the fact that the collectibility of the revenues was not reasonably assured at the time of billing.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular made adjustments to properly reflect revenues for such fees upon collection beginning on October 1, 2003.

 

 

8



 

                  Leases and contracts – U.S. Cellular has entered into certain operating leases (as both lessee and lessor) that provide for specific scheduled increases in payments over the lease term. In the third quarter of 2004, U.S. Cellular made adjustments for the cumulative effect which were not considered to be material to either that quarter or to prior periods to correct its accounting and to recognize revenues and expenses under such agreements on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” as amended, and related pronouncements. In addition, the accounting for certain other long-term contracts, for which a cumulative effect adjustment was made in the first quarter of 2005, was corrected to recognize expenses in the appropriate periods. The restatement adjustments reverse the cumulative amounts previously recorded in the third quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005, and properly record such revenues and expenses on a straight-line basis in the appropriate periods.

 

      Promotion rebates – From time to time, U.S. Cellular’s sales promotions include rebates on sales of handsets to customers.  In such cases, U.S. Cellular reduces revenues and records a liability at the time of sale reflecting an estimate of rebates to be paid under the promotion.  Previously, the accrued liability was not adjusted on a timely basis upon expiration of the promotion to reflect the actual amount of rebates paid based upon information available at the date the financial statements were issued.  In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected revenues and accrued liabilities to reflect the impacts associated with promotion rebates in the appropriate periods.

 

      Operations of consolidated partnerships managed by a third party – Historically, U.S. Cellular recorded the results of operations of certain consolidated partnerships managed by a third party on an estimated basis, and adjusted such estimated results to the actual results upon receipt of financial statements in the following quarter. However, GAAP requires that the actual amounts be used. In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected its financial statements to recognize results of operations in the appropriate period based on the partnerships’ actual results of operations reported for such periods.

 

      Investment income from entities accounted for by the equity method – Historically, U.S. Cellular recorded an estimate each quarter of its proportionate share of net income (loss) from certain entities accounted for by the equity method, and adjusted such estimate to the actual share of net income (loss) upon receipt of financial statements in the following quarter. However, GAAP requires that the actual amounts be used. In the restatement, U.S. Cellular has corrected its financial statements to recognize investment income in the appropriate period based on the entities’ actual net income (loss) reported for such periods.

 

      Consolidated statements of cash flows – In the restatement, the classification of cash distributions received from unconsolidated entities has been corrected to properly reflect cash received, which represents a return on investment in the unconsolidated entities, as cash flows from operating activities; previously, the cash received on such investments was classified as cash flows from investing activities. Also, the classification of certain noncash stock-based compensation expense has been corrected to properly reflect such noncash expense as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities; previously, such expense was classified as cash flows from financing activities.

 

      Other items – In addition to the adjustments described above, U.S. Cellular recorded a number of other adjustments to correct and record revenues and expenses in the periods in which such revenues and expenses were earned or incurred. These adjustments were not significant, either individually or in aggregate.

 

9



 

The table below summarizes the impact on income before income taxes and minority interest as a result of the restatement.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Increase (decrease) dollars in thousands)

 

Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest, as previously reported

 

$

66,220

 

$

63,860

 

$

98,425

 

$

86,865

 

Federal universal service fund contributions

 

(1,224

)

(1,704

)

(2,655

)

(113

)

Customer contract termination fees

 

124

 

(84

)

3,592

 

(235

)

Leases and contracts

 

(133

)

(628

)

2,105

 

(1,314

)

Promotion rebates

 

 

 

(446

)

 

Operations of consolidated partnerships managed by a third party

 

935

 

(1,064

)

481

 

(794

)

Investment income from entities accounted for by the equity method

 

1,667

 

(2,064

)

2,189

 

(2,568

)

Other items

 

(9

)

(86

)

(78

)

(367

)

Total adjustment

 

1,360

 

(5,630

)

5,188

 

(5,391

)

Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest, as restated

 

$

67,580

 

$

58,230

 

$

103,613

 

$

81,474

 

 

The table below summarizes the impact on net income and earnings per share as a result of the restatement.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Net Income (loss)

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

Net Income (loss)

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

Net Income (loss)

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

Net Income (loss)

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

 

 

(Increase (decrease) dollars in thousands,
except per share amounts)

 

As previously reported

 

$

37,936

 

$

0.43

 

$

37,984

 

$

0.44

 

$

54,834

 

$

0.63

 

$

47,216

 

$

0.54

 

Federal universal service fund contributions

 

(709

)

(0.01

)

(994

)

(0.01

)

(1,538

)

(0.02

)

(66

)

 

Customer contract termination fees

 

69

 

 

(46

)

 

2,011

 

0.02

 

(131

)

 

Leases and contracts

 

(75

)

 

(367

)

 

1,281

 

0.01

 

(770

)

(0.01

)

Promotion rebates

 

 

 

 

 

(250

)

 

 

 

Operations of consolidated partnerships managed by a third party

 

413

 

0.01

 

(474

)

(0.01

)

213

 

 

(354

)

 

Investment income from entities accounted for by the equity method

 

1,008

 

0.02

 

(1,249

)

(0.02

)

1,324

 

0.02

 

(1,554

)

(0.02

)

Income taxes

 

(551

)

(0.01

)

(372

)

 

(181

)

 

(296

)

 

Other items

 

(14

)

 

(52

)

 

(52

)

 

(211

)

 

Total adjustment

 

141

 

0.01

 

(3,554

)

(0.04

)

2,808

 

0.03

 

(3,382

)

(0.03

)

As restated

 

$

38,077

 

$

0.44

 

$

34,430

 

$

0.40

 

$

57,642

 

$

0.66

 

$

43,834

 

$

0.51

 

 

10



 

The effect of the restatement on the previously reported Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2005

 

June 30, 2004

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

$

691,574

 

$

691,746

 

$

662,658

 

$

655,782

 

Equipment sales

 

50,348

 

50,219

 

49,567

 

49,808

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

741,922

 

741,965

 

712,225

 

705,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System operations (excluding depreciation amortization and accretion shown separately below)

 

147,738

 

147,238

 

144,887

 

145,337

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

116,977

 

116,811

 

110,182

 

110,605

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

283,676

 

284,209

 

269,619

 

265,623

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

126,467

 

126,784

 

122,249

 

122,228

 

Gain on assets of operations held for sale

 

 

 

(582

)

(582

)

Total Operating Expenses

 

674,858

 

675,042

 

646,355

 

643,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

67,064

 

66,923

 

65,870

 

62,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income

 

16,157

 

17,825

 

18,361

 

16,297

 

Interest and dividend income

 

4,359

 

4,347

 

2,118

 

2,108

 

Interest (expense)

 

(21,444

)

(21,444

)

(20,951

)

(20,951

)

Loss on investments

 

 

 

(1,830

)

(1,830

)

Other income, net

 

84

 

(71

)

292

 

227

 

Total Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

(844

)

657

 

(2,010

)

(4,149

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

66,220

 

67,580

 

63,860

 

58,230

 

Income tax expense

 

26,021

 

27,040

 

23,094

 

21,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

 

40,199

 

40,540

 

40,766

 

36,865

 

Minority share of income

 

(2,263

)

(2,463

)

(2,782

)

(2,435

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

37,936

 

$

38,077

 

$

37,984

 

$

34,430

 

Basic Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

Diluted Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

 

11



 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 2005

 

June 30, 2004

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

$

1,360,366

 

$

1,363,385

 

$

1,282,040

 

$

1,270,733

 

Equipment sales

 

89,991

 

89,651

 

87,835

 

88,032

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

1,450,357

 

1,453,036

 

1,369,875

 

1,358,765

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System operations (excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately below)

 

287,804

 

285,709

 

282,410

 

284,945

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

243,870

 

244,059

 

230,070

 

230,423

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

561,665

 

562,539

 

527,825

 

516,416

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

253,717

 

254,277

 

236,143

 

236,246

 

Gain on assets of operations held for sale

 

 

 

(725

)

(725

)

Total Operating Expenses

 

1,347,056

 

1,346,584

 

1,275,723

 

1,267,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

103,301

 

106,452

 

94,152

 

91,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income

 

30,076

 

32,265

 

32,648

 

30,081

 

Interest and dividend income

 

6,395

 

6,372

 

2,496

 

2,478

 

Interest (expense)

 

(42,182

)

(42,182

)

(41,266

)

(41,266

)

Gain (loss) on investments

 

551

 

551

 

(1,830

)

(1,830

)

Other income, net

 

284

 

155

 

665

 

551

 

Total Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

(4,876

)

(2,839

)

(7,287

)

(9,986

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

98,425

 

103,613

 

86,865

 

81,474

 

Income tax expense

 

38,824

 

40,974

 

34,755

 

33,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

 

59,601

 

62,639

 

52,110

 

48,456

 

Minority share of income

 

(4,767

)

(4,997

)

(4,894

)

(4,622

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

54,834

 

$

57,642

 

$

47,216

 

$

43,834

 

Basic Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.51

 

Diluted Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.51

 

 

12



 

The effect of the restatement on the previously reported Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

54,834

 

$

57,642

 

$

47,216

 

$

43,834

 

Add (Deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

253,717

 

254,277

 

236,143

 

236,246

 

Bad debts expense

 

15,950

 

14,296

 

34,903

 

22,328

 

Deferred income taxes

 

32,669

 

34,819

 

33,574

 

31,836

 

Investment income

 

(30,076

)

(32,265

)

(32,648

)

(30,081

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

 

27,956

 

 

7,221

 

Minority share of income

 

4,767

 

4,997

 

4,894

 

4,622

 

(Gain) on assets held for sale

 

 

 

(725

)

(725

)

(Gain) Loss on investments

 

(551

)

(551

)

1,830

 

1,830

 

Other noncash expense

 

4,236

 

4,423

 

8,260

 

8,376

 

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accounts receivable

 

(21,752

)

(22,444

)

(51,375

)

(36,617

)

Change in inventory

 

21,791

 

21,791

 

24,397

 

24,397

 

Change in accounts payable

 

(45,424

)

(44,643

)

(92,530

)

(88,412

)

Change in accrued interest

 

(123

)

(123

)

1,310

 

1,310

 

Change in accrued taxes

 

10,418

 

10,871

 

3,647

 

3,647

 

Change in customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

4,475

 

4,737

 

8,518

 

8,373

 

Change in other assets and liabilities

 

(6,349

)

(8,559

)

1,227

 

(1,451

)

 

 

298,582

 

327,224

 

228,641

 

236,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(255,986

)

(256,557

)

(263,114

)

(263,903

)

Cash received from sale of assets

 

 

 

96,932

 

96,932

 

Acquisitions, excluding cash acquired

 

(125,482

)

(125,482

)

(40,367

)

(40,367

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

27,956

 

 

7,221

 

 

Other investing activities

 

(1,373

)

(1,358

)

(1,011

)

(842

)

 

 

(354,885

)

(383,397

)

(200,339

)

(208,180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of notes payable

 

310,000

 

310,000

 

270,000

 

270,000

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

412,484

 

412,484

 

Repayment of notes payable

 

(290,000

)

(290,000

)

(270,000

)

(270,000

)

Repayment of long-term debt – affiliated

 

 

 

(105,000

)

(105,000

)

Common shares reissued

 

14,199

 

14,012

 

1,855

 

1,739

 

Other financing activities

 

(1,256

)

(1,256

)

(1,006

)

(1,006

)

 

 

32,943

 

32,756

 

308,333

 

308,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(23,360

)

(23,417

)

336,635

 

336,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

40,922

 

41,062

 

9,848

 

10,029

 

End of period

 

$

17,562

 

$

17,645

 

$

346,483

 

$

346,800

 

 

13



 

The effect of the restatement on the previously reported Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17,562

 

$

17,645

 

$

40,922

 

$

41,062

 

Accounts Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customers

 

260,117

 

260,708

 

251,943

 

248,383

 

Roaming

 

27,701

 

27,701

 

26,421

 

26,421

 

Other

 

35,185

 

35,730

 

39,285

 

41,632

 

Inventory

 

55,127

 

55,127

 

76,918

 

76,918

 

Prepaid expenses

 

29,351

 

29,721

 

31,507

 

31,764

 

Deferred tax asset

 

46,461

 

35,936

 

83,741

 

73,216

 

Other current assets

 

18,056

 

16,035

 

28,214

 

24,951

 

 

 

489,560

 

478,603

 

578,951

 

564,347

 

INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses

 

1,362,434

 

1,362,434

 

1,228,801

 

1,228,801

 

Goodwill

 

426,058

 

445,352

 

425,918

 

445,212

 

Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization

 

20,952

 

20,952

 

24,915

 

24,915

 

Marketable equity securities

 

251,115

 

251,115

 

282,829

 

282,829

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

166,310

 

161,239

 

162,764

 

155,519

 

Notes and interest receivable – long-term

 

4,753

 

4,753

 

4,885

 

4,885

 

 

 

2,231,622

 

2,245,845

 

2,130,112

 

2,142,161

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In service and under construction

 

4,352,889

 

4,356,357

 

4,130,551

 

4,133,471

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

1,902,593

 

1,905,050

 

1,690,832

 

1,692,751

 

 

 

2,450,296

 

2,451,307

 

2,439,719

 

2,440,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DEFERRED CHARGES

 

31,372

 

31,164

 

33,145

 

32,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

5,202,850

 

$

5,206,919

 

$

5,181,927

 

$

5,180,035

 

 

14



 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As
Restated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable

 

$

50,000

 

$

50,000

 

$

30,000

 

$

30,000

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliated

 

5,111

 

5,111

 

5,314

 

5,314

 

Trade

 

209,704

 

214,726

 

254,926

 

259,167

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

109,054

 

109,131

 

104,578

 

104,394

 

Accrued taxes

 

87,342

 

88,623

 

78,624

 

80,512

 

Accrued compensation

 

29,740

 

29,740

 

49,116

 

49,116

 

Other current liabilities

 

27,078

 

24,045

 

24,308

 

20,829

 

 

 

518,029

 

521,376

 

546,866

 

549,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED LIABILITIES AND CREDITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

671,148

 

663,615

 

680,278

 

670,250

 

Derivative liability

 

46,616

 

46,616

 

70,796

 

70,796

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

106,271

 

110,506

 

94,738

 

99,222

 

 

 

824,035

 

820,737

 

845,812

 

840,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

1,161,014

 

1,161,014

 

1,160,786

 

1,160,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

43,863

 

43,773

 

40,373

 

40,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, par value $1 per share

 

55,046

 

55,046

 

55,046

 

55,046

 

Series A Common Shares, par value $1 per share

 

33,006

 

33,006

 

33,006

 

33,006

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,285,843

 

1,288,595

 

1,302,496

 

1,305,249

 

Treasury Shares, at cost

 

(65,428

)

(65,428

)

(99,627

)

(99,627

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

26,832

 

28,038

 

31,393

 

32,803

 

Retained earnings

 

1,320,610

 

1,320,762

 

1,265,776

 

1,263,120

 

 

 

2,655,909

 

2,660,019

 

2,588,090

 

2,589,597

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

5,202,850

 

$

5,206,919

 

$

5,181,927

 

$

5,180,035

 

 

2.               Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Pension Plan

 

U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”), U.S. Cellular’s parent organization.  The plan provides benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries.  Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently.  Pension costs were $1.7 million and $3.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $1.3 million and $2.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

U.S. Cellular accounts for stock options, stock appreciation rights and employee stock purchase plans under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” as allowed by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

 

15



 

No compensation costs have been recognized for stock options because, under U.S. Cellular’s stock option plans, the option exercise price for each grant is equal to the quoted stock price at the grant date.  No compensation costs have been recognized for employee stock purchase plans because the stock purchase price is not less than 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock at the purchase date.  Had compensation cost for all plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, U.S. Cellular’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

38,077

 

$

34,430

 

$

57,642

 

$

43,834

 

Pro forma expense

 

(2,997

)

(3,148

)

(4,920

)

(5,170

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

35,080

 

$

31,282

 

$

52,722

 

$

38,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.51

 

Pro forma expense per share

 

(0.03

)

(0.04

)

(0.06

)

(0.06

)

Pro forma basic earnings per share

 

$

0.41

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.51

 

Pro forma expense per share

 

(0.03

)

(0.04

)

(0.06

)

(0.06

)

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.41

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.45

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Share-Based Payment

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” was issued in December 2004.  In April 2005, the SEC postponed the effective date of SFAS 123R until the issuer’s first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005.  As a result, U.S. Cellular will be required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of 2006.  The statement requires that compensation cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements.  SFAS 123R also requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow. This requirement may reduce net cash flows from operating activities and increase net cash flows from financing activities in periods after adoption.  In addition, in March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) regarding the SEC’s interpretation of SFAS 123R and the valuation of share-based payments for public companies.  U.S. Cellular has reviewed the provisions of these statements and expects to record additional compensation expense for certain share-based payment transactions, primarily related to stock options, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations upon adoption of SFAS 123R.  See the “Stock-Based Compensation” disclosure above for a discussion of the pro forma impact on net income and earnings per share under current accounting requirements.

 

16



 

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections

 

SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”) which replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinions No. 20 “Accounting Changes” and SFAS No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 28” was issued in May 2005. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections.  Specifically, this statement requires “retrospective application” of the direct effect of a voluntary change in accounting principle to prior periods’ financial statements, if it is practicable to do so. SFAS 154 also strictly redefines the term “restatement” to mean the correction of an error by revising previously issued financial statements.  SFAS 154 replaces APB No. 20, which requires that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle.  Unless adopted early, SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.  U.S. Cellular does not expect the adoption of SFAS 154 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations except to the extent that the statement requires retrospective application in circumstances that would previously have been effected in the period of the change under APB No. 20.

 

Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” was issued in March 2005.  It is effective no later than December 31, 2005.  This Interpretation clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity.  The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement.  Uncertainty about the timing and (or) method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists.  FASB Interpretation No. 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation.  U.S. Cellular is currently reviewing the requirement of this Interpretation and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations.

 

3.               Income Taxes

 

The following table summarizes the effective income tax rates in each of the periods.

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(As Restated)

 

(As Restated)