U.S. Cellular reports second quarter 2014 results

Provides 2014 financial guidance

As previously announced, U.S. Cellular will hold a teleconference Aug. 1, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Listen to the live call via the Events & Presentations page of investors.uscellular.com.

CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Cellular Corporation USM reported total operating revenues of $957.8 million for the second quarter of 2014, versus $995.1 million for the same period one year ago. Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders and related diluted earnings (loss) per share were $(18.8) million and $(0.22) respectively, for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $143.4 million and $1.69, respectively, in the comparable period one year ago.  Year-over-year comparisons are affected by the divestiture transaction in 2013.

"We have continued to generate strong gross additions and reduce churn, which led to net postpaid customer growth for the month of June, and that has continued into July," said Kenneth R. Meyers, U.S. Cellular president and CEO. "We are building momentum from strategic actions we've taken to attract more new customers and increase loyalty.

"More wireless consumers are responding to our strong value proposition that offers the speed and quality of our award-winning network, together with a wide range of devices and data services, and competitive pricing. Now that the billing system is stabilized, our associates are again delivering outstanding service to customers in our service centers and stores which has led to a significant reduction in postpaid customer churn.

"With smartphone penetration at 55 percent among postpaid customers, data use continues to grow, driving up our postpaid average revenue per user. Our equipment installment plans, introduced in April, have been well received and represented 14 percent of equipment transactions in the quarter.

"Growing our customer base is our highest priority in 2014, and our recent performance gives me confidence that we're on the right track to achieve this goal, with our competitive devices, plans, and pricing, our fast and reliable network, and our highly engaged associates."  

2014 Estimated Results

U.S. Cellular's estimates of full-year 2014 results are shown below.  Such estimates represent U.S. Cellular's view as of August 1, 2014.  Such forward‑looking statements should not be assumed to be current as of any future date.  U.S. Cellular undertakes no duty to update such information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  There can be no assurance that final results will not differ materially from such estimated results.



2014 Estimated Results



Current


Previous

(Dollars in millions)




Total operating revenues

$3,900-$4,000


N/A

Adjusted income before income taxes (1)

$350-$450


N/A

Capital expenditures

$640


Unchanged



(1)

Adjusted income before income taxes is defined as income before income taxes, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. Adjusted income before income taxes excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, U.S. Cellular may exclude other items from adjusted income before income taxes if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. U.S. Cellular does not intend to imply that any such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.  Adjusted income before income taxes is not a measure of financial performance under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to income before income taxes as an indicator of the company's operating performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. U.S. Cellular believes adjusted income before income taxes is a useful measure of U.S. Cellular's operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and financing charges (interest expense). The following table provides a reconciliation of income before income taxes to adjusted income before income taxes for 2014 estimated results, six months ended June 30, 2014 actual results, and year ended December 31, 2013 actual results:

 





Actual Results



2014 Estimated Results


Six Months Ended

June 30, 2014


Year Ended

December 31, 2013

(Dollars in millions)






Income (loss) before income taxes

($189)-($89)


$1


$258

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

$630


$316


$804

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

($50)


($17)


($247)

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges

($91)


($91)


($255)

(Gain) loss on investments

 ― 


 ― 


($19)

Interest expense

$50


$29


$44

Adjusted income before income taxes

$350-$450


$238


$585

 

Conference Call Information
U.S. Cellular will hold a conference call on Aug. 1, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. CDT.

  • Access the live call on the Events & Presentation page of investors.uscellular.com or at www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=100144.
  • Access the call by phone at 877/407-8029 (US/Canada), no pass code required.

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

About U.S. Cellular
United States Cellular Corporation provides a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, excellent customer support, and a high-quality network to 4.7 million customers in 23 states. The Chicago-based company had 6,400 full- and part-time associates as of June 30, 2014. At the end of the second quarter of 2014, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. owned 84 percent of U.S. Cellular. For more information about U.S. Cellular, visit uscellular.com.

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


 

United States Cellular Corporation

Total Markets* Summary Operating Data (Unaudited)


















As of or for the Quarter Ended

6/30/2014


3/31/2014


12/31/2013


9/30/2013


6/30/2013

Retail Customers
















Postpaid

















Total at end of period


4,148,000



4,174,000



4,267,000



4,343,000



4,412,000



Gross additions


190,000



197,000



176,000



165,000



165,000



Net additions (losses)


(26,000)



(93,000)



(71,000)



(60,000)



(120,000)



ARPU (1)

$

56.82


$

57.59


$

53.53


$

54.64


$

54.18



Churn rate (2)


1.7%



2.3%



1.9%



1.7%



2.0%



Smartphone penetration (3)


55.3%



53.1%



50.8%



47.1%



45.5%


Prepaid

















Total at end of period


352,000



356,000



343,000



370,000



381,000



Gross additions


65,000



85,000



63,000



65,000



77,000



Net additions (losses)


(4,000)



13,000



(26,000)



(11,000)



(7,000)



ARPU (1)

$

34.02


$

32.22


$

31.66


$

28.72


$

31.69



Churn rate (2)


6.5%



6.9%



8.3%



6.8%



6.8%

Total customers at end of period


4,653,000



4,684,000



4,774,000



4,875,000



4,968,000

Billed ARPU (1)

$

53.36


$

53.93


$

50.25


$

50.92


$

50.60

Service revenue ARPU (1)

$

60.32


$

60.19


$

57.05


$

58.36


$

57.45

Smartphones sold as a percent of total

  devices sold


72.6%



73.0%



79.6%



65.2%



66.0%

Total population

















Consolidated markets (4)


54,817,000



54,817,000



58,013,000



84,025,000



84,025,000



Consolidated operating markets (4)


31,729,000



31,729,000



31,759,000



31,822,000



31,822,000

Market penetration at end of period

















Consolidated markets (5)


8.5%



8.5%



8.2%



5.8%



5.9%



Consolidated operating markets (5)


14.7%



14.8%



15.0%



15.3%



15.6%

Capital expenditures (000s)

$

143,927


$

89,581


$

208,135


$

242,459


$

168,497

Total cell sites in service


6,183



6,165



6,975



7,687



7,748

Owned towers


4,457



4,448



4,448



4,422



4,411



*     

Represents U.S. Cellular's consolidated markets. These results include markets which U. S. Cellular currently consolidates, or previously consolidated in the periods presented, and are not adjusted in prior periods for subsequent divestitures or deconsolidations.




Refer to U.S. Cellular's Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2013 for pro forma financial information related to the Divestiture Transaction and the NY1 and NY2 Deconsolidation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, as if the transactions had occurred at the beginning of the period.

 

United States Cellular Corporation

Core* Markets Summary Operating Data (Unaudited)


















As of or for the Quarter Ended

6/30/2014


3/31/2014


12/31/2013


9/30/2013


6/30/2013

Retail Customers
















Postpaid

















Total at end of period


4,148,000



4,174,000



4,267,000



4,343,000



4,412,000



Gross additions


190,000



197,000



176,000



165,000



165,000



Net additions (losses)


(26,000)



(93,000)



(71,000)



(60,000)



(53,000)



ARPU (1)

$

56.82


$

57.59


$

53.53


$

54.64


$

54.44



Churn rate (2)


1.7%



2.3%



1.9%



1.7%



1.6%



Smartphone penetration (3)


55.3%



53.1%



50.8%



47.1%



45.5%


Prepaid

















Total at end of period


352,000



356,000



343,000



370,000



381,000



Gross additions


65,000



85,000



63,000



65,000



76,000



Net additions (losses)


(4,000)



13,000



(26,000)



(11,000)



8,000



ARPU (1)

$

34.02


$

32.22


$

31.66


$

28.72


$

31.65



Churn rate (2)


6.5%



6.9%



8.3%



6.8%



6.0%

Total customers at end of period


4,653,000



4,684,000



4,774,000



4,875,000



4,968,000

Billed ARPU (1)

$

53.36


$

53.93


$

50.25


$

50.92


$

50.98

Service revenue ARPU (1)

$

60.32


$

60.19


$

57.05


$

58.36


$

57.88

Smartphones sold as a percent of total

  devices sold


72.6%



73.0%



79.6%



65.2%



66.1%

Total population

















Consolidated markets (4)


54,817,000



54,817,000



58,013,000



84,025,000



84,025,000



Consolidated operating markets (4)


31,729,000



31,729,000



31,759,000



31,822,000



31,822,000

Market penetration at end of period

















Consolidated markets (5)


8.5%



8.5%



8.2%



5.8%



5.9%



Consolidated operating markets (5)


14.7%



14.8%



15.0%



15.3%



15.6%

Capital expenditures (000s)

$

143,927


$

89,581


$

211,247


$

239,332


$

171,166

Total cell sites in service


6,183



6,165



6,161



6,127



6,113

Owned towers


3,892



3,883



3,883



3,857



3,846



*

U.S. Cellular's Core Markets excludes the results of the Divestiture Markets and NY1 and NY2 Partnerships for the periods presented.




Refer to U.S. Cellular's Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2013 for pro forma financial information related to the Divestiture Transaction and the NY1 and NY2 Deconsolidation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, as if the transactions had occurred at the beginning of the period.



(1)

ARPU metrics are calculated by dividing a revenue base by an average number of customers by the number of months in the period.  These revenue bases and customer populations are shown below:


a.   

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


b.   

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


c.   

Billed ARPU consists of total retail service or "billed" revenues (total postpaid, prepaid and reseller service revenues) and postpaid, prepaid and reseller customers.


d.   

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

(2)

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

(3)

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

(4)

The decrease in the population of Consolidated markets is due primarily to the divestiture of the Mississippi Valley non-operating license in October 2013 and the majority of the St. Louis area non-operating market license in March 2014. Total Population is used only to calculate market penetration of consolidated markets and consolidated operating markets, respectively. See footnote (5) below.

(5)

Market penetration is calculated by dividing the number of wireless customers at the end of the period by the total population of consolidated markets and consolidated operating markets, respectively, as estimated by Claritas.  The increase in penetration is due primarily to a lower denominator as a result of the license divestitures described in footnote (4) above.

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights

Three Months Ended June 30,

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










      Change




2014


2013


Amount


Percent

Operating revenues












Service

$

843,473


$

910,966


$

(67,493)


(7%)


Equipment sales


114,300



84,164



30,136


36%



Total operating revenues


957,773



995,130



(37,357)


(4%)














Operating expenses












System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion

  reported below)


187,131



192,267



(5,136)


(3%)


Cost of equipment sold


271,978



217,070



54,908


25%


Selling, general and administrative


404,252



404,127



125



Depreciation, amortization and accretion


148,337



202,580



(54,243)


(27%)


(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


6,893



9,018



(2,125)


(24%)


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


(10,511)



(249,024)



238,513


96%



Total operating expenses


1,008,080



776,038



232,042


30%














Operating income (loss)


(50,307)



219,092



(269,399)


>(100%)














Investment and other income (expense)












Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


33,120



35,602



(2,482)


(7%)


Interest and dividend income


1,573



969



604


62%


Gain (loss) on investments




18,527



(18,527)


N/M


Interest expense


(14,336)



(10,154)



(4,182)


(41%)


Other, net


100



321



(221)


(69%)



Total investment and other income


20,457



45,265



(24,808)


(55%)














Income (loss) before income taxes


(29,850)



264,357



(294,207)


>(100%)


Income tax expense (benefit)


(10,399)



120,682



(131,081)


>(100%)

Net income (loss)


(19,451)



143,675



(163,126)


>(100%)


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


(662)



284



(946)


>(100%)

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

$

(18,789)


$

143,391


$

(162,180)


>(100%)













Basic weighted average shares outstanding


84,341



83,845



496


1%

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

(0.22)


$

1.71


$

(1.93)


>(100%)














Diluted weighted average shares outstanding


84,341



84,661



(320)


Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

(0.22)


$

1.69


$

(1.91)


>(100%)

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights

Six Months Ended June 30,

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










      Change




2014


2013


Amount


Percent

Operating revenues












Service

$

1,697,086


$

1,907,315


$

(210,229)


(11%)


Equipment sales


186,498



169,561



16,937


10%



Total operating revenues


1,883,584



2,076,876



(193,292)


(9%)














Operating expenses












System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion

  reported below)


367,738



408,566



(40,828)


(10%)


Cost of equipment sold


542,452



458,761



83,691


18%


Selling, general and administrative


799,816



824,207



(24,391)


(3%)


Depreciation, amortization and accretion


316,090



392,425



(76,335)


(19%)


(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


8,827



14,452



(5,625)


(39%)


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


(17,411)



(242,093)



224,682


93%


(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges


(91,446)





(91,446)


N/M



Total operating expenses


1,926,066



1,856,318



69,748


4%














Operating income (loss)


(42,482)



220,558



(263,040)


>(100%)














Investment and other income (expense)












Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


70,195



62,437



7,758


12%


Interest and dividend income


2,457



1,872



585


31%


Gain (loss) on investments




18,527



(18,527)


N/M


Interest expense


(29,198)



(21,064)



(8,134)


(39%)


Other, net


186



106



80


75%



Total investment and other income


43,640



61,878



(18,238)


(29%)














Income before income taxes


1,158



282,436



(281,278)


(100%)


Income tax expense


2,205



128,051



(125,846)


(98%)

Net income (loss)


(1,047)



154,385



(155,432)


>(100%)


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


(1,740)



6,080



(7,820)


>(100%)

Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

693


$

148,305


$

(147,612)


(100%)













Basic weighted average shares outstanding


84,277



83,842



435


1%

Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

0.01


$

1.77


$

(1.76)


(99%)














Diluted weighted average shares outstanding


85,041



84,655



386


Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders

$

0.01


$

1.75


$

(1.74)


(99%)

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)








ASSETS

















June 30,


December 31,



2014


2013

Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents

$

404,058


$

342,065


Short-term investments


40,035



50,104


Accounts receivable from customers and others


480,488



586,595


Inventory, net


199,859



238,188


Prepaid expenses


63,836



65,596


Net deferred income tax asset


99,105



99,105


Other current assets


20,908



19,538




1,308,289



1,401,191








Assets held for sale




16,027








Investments







Licenses


1,437,831



1,401,126


Goodwill


387,524



387,524


Investments in unconsolidated entities


270,215



265,585




2,095,570



2,054,235








Property, plant and equipment







In service and under construction


7,670,466



7,717,512


Less: Accumulated depreciation


4,909,062



4,860,992




2,761,404



2,856,520








Other assets and deferred charges


133,704



117,735








Total assets

$

6,298,967


$

6,445,708

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)









LIABILITIES AND EQUITY




















June 30,


December 31,




2014


2013

Current liabilities







Current portion of long-term debt

$

46


$

166


Accounts payable








Affiliated


9,937



11,243



Trade


348,223



405,583


Customer deposits and deferred revenues


267,533



256,740


Accrued taxes


51,249



73,820


Accrued compensation


54,993



66,566


Other current liabilities


139,229



192,055





871,210



1,006,173









Deferred liabilities and credits







Net deferred income tax liability


822,205



836,297


Other deferred liabilities and credits


318,793



315,073









Long-term debt


876,715



878,032









Noncontrolling interests with redemption features


911



536









Equity






U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity







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


88,074



88,074


Additional paid-in capital


1,434,045



1,424,729


Treasury shares


(161,137)



(164,692)


Retained earnings


2,032,355



2,043,095



Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity


3,393,337



3,391,206









Noncontrolling interests


15,796



18,391










Total equity


3,409,133



3,409,597









Total liabilities and equity

$

6,298,967


$

6,445,708

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)


The following table presents U.S. Cellular's cash and cash equivalents and investments at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.




June 30,


December 31,


2014


2013








Cash and cash equivalents

$

404,058


$

342,065








Amounts included in short-term investments (1)(2)







U.S. Treasury Notes


40,035



50,104








Total cash and cash equivalents and investments

$

444,093


$

392,169



(1)

Designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)

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

 


United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)







2014


2013

Cash flows from operating activities







Net income (loss)

$

(1,047)


$

154,385


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

  operating activities









Depreciation, amortization and accretion


316,090



392,425




Bad debts expense


49,083



32,715




Stock-based compensation expense


10,560



6,530




Deferred income taxes, net


(13,267)



(26,527)




Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


(70,195)



(62,437)




Distributions from unconsolidated entities


65,565



45,370




(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


8,827



14,452




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


(17,411)



(242,093)




(Gain) loss on investments




(18,527)




(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges


(91,446)






Noncash interest expense


540



526




Other operating activities


57



489


Changes in assets and liabilities from operations









Accounts receivable


52,471



(1,544)




Inventory


38,329



(7,644)




Accounts payable - trade


(34,666)



67,457




Accounts payable - affiliate


(1,934)



4,734




Customer deposits and deferred revenues


10,793



8,663




Accrued taxes


(20,280)



147,566




Accrued interest


61



176




Other assets and liabilities


(89,270)



(68,131)






212,860



448,585










Cash flows from investing activities







Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment


(262,397)



(323,157)


Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses


(17,245)



(14,150)


Cash received from divestitures


125,905



480,000


Cash received for investments


10,000




Other investing activities


836



3,993






(142,901)



146,686










Cash flows from financing activities







Repayment of long-term debt


(28)



(71)


Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments


830



(2,206)


Common shares repurchased


(8,298)



(18,425)


Dividends paid




(482,270)


Distributions to noncontrolling interests


(482)



(3,292)


Other financing activities


12



56






(7,966)



(506,208)










Net increase in cash and cash equivalents


61,993



89,063










Cash and cash equivalents







Beginning of period


342,065



378,358


End of period

$

404,058


$

467,421

 

United States Cellular Corporation

Financial Measures and Reconciliations

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)




















Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended





June 30,


June 30,




2014



2013



2014



2013

















Cash flows from operating activities


$

149,324


$

224,970


$

212,860


$

448,585


Add: Sprint Cost Reimbursement



22,862





34,116




Less: Cash used for additions to property,

   plant and equipment



152,899



172,133



262,397



323,157



Adjusted free cash flow (1)


$

19,287


$

52,837


$

(15,421)


$

125,428



(1)

Adjusted free cash flow is defined as Cash flows from operating activities, as adjusted for cash proceeds from the Sprint Cost Reimbursement (which are included in Cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows), less Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment. Adjusted free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which U.S. Cellular believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating the amount of cash generated by business operations (including cash proceeds from the Sprint Cost Reimbursement), after Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment. The prior manner of calculating free cash flow has been adjusted to include the Sprint Cost Reimbursement. The reason for this is that the Sprint decommissioning cash outflows are included in "Cash flows from operating activities," but the reimbursements from Sprint related to these outflows are not included in this caption.

 

SOURCE United States Cellular Corporation

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