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 March 31, 2008

 

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 001-14157

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

36-2669023

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

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

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

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   x  No  o

 

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  x

 

Accelerated filer  o

Non-accelerated filer  o

 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company  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  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 March 31, 2008

Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

53,164,628 Shares

Special Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

57,234,617 Shares

Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

6,442,058 Shares

 

 



 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Period Ended March 31, 2008

 

Index

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 

 

Part I.          Financial Information

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and  Overview

 

25

 

 

Results of Operations – Consolidated

 

28

 

 

Results of Operations – Wireless

 

31

 

 

Results of Operations – Wireline

 

37

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

42

 

 

Financial Resources

 

43

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

45

 

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

49

 

 

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.         Other Information

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

59

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

 



 

Part I.  Financial Information

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands,

 

 

 

except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

$

1,249,101

 

$

1,156,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

442,383

 

402,033

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

463,299

 

420,417

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

186,158

 

188,005

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

3,652

 

3,305

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

1,095,492

 

1,013,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

153,609

 

142,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

21,470

 

23,696

 

Interest and dividend income

 

9,746

 

16,196

 

Interest expense

 

(41,380

)

(57,801

)

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments

 

(3,490

)

255,870

 

Other, net

 

(199

)

(2,224

)

Total Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

(13,853

)

235,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

 

139,756

 

378,534

 

Income tax expense

 

49,251

 

141,238

 

Income Before Minority Interest

 

90,505

 

237,296

 

Minority share of income, net of tax

 

(17,018

)

(17,971

)

Net Income

 

73,487

 

219,325

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(13

)

(13

)

Net Income Available To Common

 

$

73,474

 

$

219,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

117,570

 

116,837

 

Basic Earnings Per Share (Note 7)

 

$

0.62

 

$

1.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

118,191

 

118,383

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 7)

 

$

0.62

 

$

1.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Per Share

 

$

0.1025

 

$

0.0975

 

 

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

 

3



 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

73,487

 

$

219,325

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

186,158

 

188,005

 

Bad debts expense

 

20,405

 

12,255

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

3,116

 

4,651

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(102,540

)

81,841

 

(Gain) loss on investments and financial instruments

 

3,490

 

(255,870

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

(21,470

)

(23,696

)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

7,047

 

2,321

 

Minority share of income

 

17,018

 

17,971

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

3,652

 

3,305

 

Noncash interest expense

 

5,319

 

5,378

 

Other noncash expense

 

189

 

 

Excess tax benefit from stock awards

 

(1,138

)

(1,522

)

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accounts receivable

 

(10,156

)

20,262

 

Change in inventory

 

(15,485

)

15,785

 

Change in accounts payable

 

(14,529

)

(27,048

)

Change in customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

6,162

 

12,648

 

Change in accrued taxes

 

149,349

 

55,355

 

Change in accrued interest

 

5,807

 

5,403

 

Change in other assets and liabilities

 

(46,882

)

(49,901

)

 

 

268,999

 

286,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(132,465

)

(130,717

)

Cash paid for acquisitions

 

(107,685

)

(18,237

)

Cash received from divestitures

 

6,838

 

279

 

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

48,619

 

 

Other investing activities

 

371

 

2,246

 

 

 

(184,322

)

(146,429

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of notes payable

 

 

25,000

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

 

454

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(928

)

(848

)

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

 

1,103

 

7,040

 

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

 

(2,526

)

5,558

 

Excess tax benefit from stock awards

 

1,138

 

1,522

 

Repurchase of TDS Special Common Shares

 

(40,584

)

 

Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares

 

(6,201

)

 

Dividends paid

 

(13

)

(11,399

)

Distributions to minority partners

 

(2,588

)

(2,519

)

Other financing activities

 

1,262

 

(1,769

)

 

 

(49,337

)

23,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

35,340

 

163,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents -

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

1,174,446

 

1,013,325

 

End of period

 

$

1,209,786

 

$

1,176,403

 

 

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

 

4



 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Assets

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,209,786

 

$

1,174,446

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

 

 

Due from customers, less allowances of $15,104 and $16,326, respectively

 

368,337

 

379,558

 

Other, principally connecting companies, less allowances of $5,670 and $5,297, respectively

 

141,044

 

150,863

 

Marketable equity securities

 

969,311

 

1,917,893

 

Inventory

 

128,771

 

115,818

 

Prepaid expenses

 

92,890

 

77,155

 

Other current assets

 

23,872

 

59,855

 

 

 

2,934,011

 

3,875,588

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses

 

1,824,144

 

1,516,629

 

Goodwill

 

684,164

 

679,129

 

Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $85,947 and $82,243, respectively

 

25,794

 

25,851

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

224,282

 

206,418

 

Other investments

 

11,279

 

11,509

 

 

 

2,769,663

 

2,439,536

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

In service and under construction

 

8,174,705

 

8,064,229

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

4,692,065

 

4,539,127

 

 

 

3,482,640

 

3,525,102

 

Other Assets and Deferred Charges

 

52,099

 

53,917

 

Total Assets

 

$

9,238,413

 

$

9,894,143

 

 

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

 

5



 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

4,444

 

$

3,860

 

Forward contracts

 

669,226

 

1,005,512

 

Accounts payable

 

298,840

 

308,882

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

172,377

 

166,191

 

Accrued interest

 

24,264

 

18,456

 

Accrued taxes

 

153,245

 

40,439

 

Accrued compensation

 

61,806

 

91,703

 

Derivative liability

 

156,081

 

711,692

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

209,074

 

327,162

 

Other current liabilities

 

335,535

 

125,622

 

 

 

2,084,892

 

2,799,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Liabilities and Credits

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

570,747

 

555,593

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

177,527

 

173,468

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

157,195

 

154,602

 

 

 

905,469

 

883,663

 

Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

 

1,635,373

 

1,632,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interest

 

665,701

 

651,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Shares

 

860

 

860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 56,581,000 and 56,581,000 shares, respectively

 

566

 

566

 

Special Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 165,000,000 shares; issued 62,946,000 and 62,946,000 shares, respectively

 

629

 

629

 

Series A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,442,000 and 6,442,000 shares, respectively

 

64

 

64

 

Capital in excess of par value

 

2,049,738

 

2,048,110

 

Treasury Shares at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, 3,416,000 and 3,433,000 shares, respectively

 

(119,598

)

(120,544

)

Special Common Shares, 5,711,000 and 4,712,000 shares, respectively

 

(245,177

)

(204,914

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

9,180

 

511,776

 

Retained earnings

 

2,250,716

 

1,690,651

 

 

 

3,946,118

 

3,926,338

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

9,238,413

 

$

9,894,143

 

 

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

 

6



 

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 (“U.S. GAAP”).  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and its majority-owned subsidiaries, including TDS’ 80.8%-owned wireless telephone subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), TDS’ 100%-owned wireline telephone subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”) and TDS’ 80%-owned printing and distribution company, Suttle Straus, Inc.  In addition, the consolidated financial statements include all entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires TDS to absorb a majority of the entity’s expected gains or losses, or both.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 financial statement 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 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. However, TDS 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 TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“Form 10-K”).

 

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 March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  The results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

2.              Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Pension Plan

 

TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for the employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular.  Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently.  Pension costs were $4.6 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

TDS also sponsors an unfunded non-qualified deferred supplemental executive retirement plan for certain employees which supplements the benefits under the qualified plan to offset the reduction of benefits caused by the limitation on annual employer contributions under the tax laws.

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

TDS sponsors two contributory defined benefit postretirement plans that cover most employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and the subsidiaries of TDS Telecom.  One plan provides medical benefits and the other plan provides life insurance benefits.

 

Net periodic benefit costs for the defined benefit postretirement plans include the following components:

 

7



 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Service Cost

 

$

499

 

$

609

 

Interest on accumulated benefit obligation

 

863

 

858

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(948

)

(821

)

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

 

(207

)

(207

)

Net loss

 

242

 

340

 

Net postretirement cost

 

$

449

 

$

779

 

 

TDS expects to make contributions to the post-retirement plans in the second quarter of 2008.  The amount of contributions will be between $3.7 million and $4.5 million.

 

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, the 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 Statements of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in Operating revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $36.8 million and $30.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) operations followed the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (“SFAS 71”). This accounting recognized the economic effects of rate-making actions of regulatory bodies in the financial statements of TDS Telecom’s ILEC operations. In the third quarter of 2007, TDS Telecom discontinued the application of SFAS 71 for its ILEC operations. Therefore, TDS Telecom’s ILEC operations follow the provisions of SFAS 71 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and do not follow such provisions for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  This accounting change did not have a material impact on the comparability of TDS’ consolidated financial statements for these periods.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value as used in numerous accounting pronouncements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures related to the use of fair value measures in financial statements. SFAS 157 does not expand the use of fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in U.S. GAAP. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy from observable market data as the highest level to an entity’s own fair value assumptions about market participant assumptions as the lowest level. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2 to defer the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an annual or more frequently recurring basis, until years beginning after November 15, 2008. TDS adopted SFAS 157 for its financial assets and liabilities effective January 1, 2008 (See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements for more information related to TDS’ adoption of SFAS 157 for its financial assets and liabilities). TDS is currently reviewing the adoption requirements related to its nonfinancial assets and liabilities and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

8



 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141 (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141(R) retains the underlying concept of SFAS 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method, a method that requires the acquirer to measure and recognize the acquiree on an entire entity basis and recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. However, SFAS 141(R) changes the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects, such as requiring the expensing of transaction costs previously capitalized and requiring the accrual at fair value of certain contractual and noncontractual contingencies.  SFAS 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS 141(R) would also apply the provisions of SFAS 141(R). TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.160, Consolidated Financial Statements, Including Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries—a replacement of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, as amended by FASB Statement No. 94, Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries, to establish new standards that will govern the accounting and reporting of (1) noncontrolling interests (commonly referred to as minority interests) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and (2) the loss of control of subsidiaries. It also establishes that once control of a subsidiary is obtained, changes in ownership interests in that subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control shall be accounted for as equity transactions, not as step acquisitions under SFAS 141. SFAS 160 is effective on a prospective basis for TDS’ 2009 financial statements, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 160 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No.161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Statement specifically requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures addressing the following: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for TDS’ 2009 financial statements. TDS’ current derivative instruments are expected to mature prior to the effective date of SFAS 161, and therefore, TDS does not expect SFAS 161 to have an impact on its disclosures.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R) and other applicable accounting literature. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for TDS’ 2009 financial statements. TDS does not anticipate that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

9



 

3.              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 operating markets, telecommunications companies and wireless spectrum.  In addition, TDS may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other wireless interests those markets and wireless interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.

 

Transactions Pending as of March 31, 2008:

 

TDS’ subsidiary, U.S. Cellular, participated in the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) auction of spectrum in the 700 megahertz band, known as Auction 73, indirectly through its interest in King Street Wireless, L.P. (“King Street Wireless”).  U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in King Street Wireless.  King Street Wireless qualified as a “designated entity” and was eligible for bid credits with respect to spectrum purchased in Auction 73.  As discussed in Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities, TDS consolidates King Street Wireless.

 

The FCC released the results of Auction 73 on March 20, 2008.  King Street Wireless was the provisional winning bidder for 152 licenses for an aggregate bid of $300.5 million, net of its designated entity discount of 25%.  This amount is recorded as a component of Licenses in TDS’ March 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet.  In January 2008, U.S. Cellular made capital contributions and advances to King Street Wireless and its general partner of $97.0 million.  King Street Wireless used the funding to pay the FCC an initial deposit of $97.0 million in January 2008 to allow it to participate in Auction 73.  During April 2008, U.S. Cellular made additional capital contributions and advances to King Street Wireless and its general partner of $203.5 million in cash.  This amount is recorded as a component of Other current liabilities in TDS’ March 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet.  King Street Wireless then paid this amount to the FCC in April 2008 to fulfill its remaining obligation ($300.5 million aggregate bid less $97.0 million deposit) for the licenses for which it was the provisional winning bidder in the auction. U.S. Cellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to King Street Wireless and/or its general partner to provide additional funding for the development of such licenses.  U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.  While the bidding in Auction 73 has ended, the FCC has not yet awarded any of the licenses to winning bidders nor is there any prescribed timeframe for the FCC to review the qualifications of the various winning bidders and award licenses.  The licenses expected to be awarded to King Street Wireless cover areas that overlap or are proximate or contiguous to areas covered by licenses that U.S. Cellular currently owns, operates and/or consolidates.

 

On March 21, 2008, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% ownership interest of North Carolina RSA 1 Partnership, a wireless market operator in which U.S. Cellular had previously owned a 50% non-operating, unconsolidated interest, for $7.0 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment.  The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.

 

Transactions Completed as of March 31, 2008:

 

As previously disclosed, in October 2006, U.S. Cellular’s interest in Midwest Wireless Communications, LLC (“Midwest Wireless”) was sold to ALLTEL Corporation. In connection with the sale, U.S. Cellular became entitled to receive approximately $106.0 million in cash with respect to its interest in Midwest Wireless. On January 8, 2008, U.S. Cellular received a final distribution from the escrow of $6.3 million, plus interest of $0.5 million.  A gain and interest income of $6.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2007 related to this distribution.

 

As previously disclosed, on December 3, 2007, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement to acquire six 12 megahertz lower C block 700 megahertz licenses in Maine for $5.0 million in cash. On March 28, 2008, U.S. Cellular completed this transaction.

 

10



 

As previously disclosed, on November 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular entered into an exchange agreement with Sprint Nextel Corporation which provided for U.S. Cellular to receive personal communication service (“PCS”) spectrum in eight licenses covering portions of four states (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Maryland and Iowa), in exchange for U.S. Cellular delivering PCS spectrum in eight licenses covering portions of Illinois.  In connection with the exchange, TDS recognized a pre-tax loss of $20.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2007.  This transaction closed on March 19, 2008.

 

As previously disclosed, on November 30, 2007, TDS Telecom entered into an agreement to acquire a telephone company in Indiana serving 750 access lines for $6.7 million in cash, including acquisition costs of $0.1 million.  On February 13, 2008, TDS Telecom completed this transaction.

 

TDS’ acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and the allocation of the purchase price for each respective acquisition were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Purchase
price

 

Goodwill(1)

 

Licenses

 

Customer
lists

 

Net tangible
assets/(liabilities)

 

U.S. Cellular Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction 73 Licenses

 

$

300,479

 

$

 

$

300,479

 

$

 

$

 

Maine Licenses

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

Other

 

1,891

 

970

 

623

 

964

 

(666

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telecom Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILEC telephone company

 

6,712

 

1,923

 

 

499

 

4,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

314,082

 

$

2,893

 

$

306,102

 

$

1,463

 

$

3,624

 

 


(1)          None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

 

4.     Variable Interest Entities

 

As of March 31, 2008, TDS consolidates the following variable interest entities:

 

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

·                  Barat Wireless L.P. (“Barat Wireless”) and Barat Wireless, Inc., the general partner of Barat Wireless

·                  Carroll Wireless L.P. (“Carroll Wireless”) and Carroll PCS, Inc., the general partner of Carroll Wireless

 

These variable interest entities are consolidated pursuant to the guidelines of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46(R)”), as U.S. Cellular anticipates benefiting from or absorbing a majority of the variable interest entities’ expected gains or losses. Pending finalization of the variable interest entities’ permanent financing plans, and upon request by the variable interest entities, U.S. Cellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and advances to the variable interest entities.

 

See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for further details on King Street Wireless.

 

U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Barat Wireless, an entity which participated in the auction of wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 66. Barat Wireless was qualified to receive a 25% bid credit available to “very small businesses”, defined as businesses having annual gross revenues of less than $15 million. At the conclusion of the auction on September 18, 2006, Barat Wireless was the successful bidder with respect to 17 licenses for which it had bid $127.1 million, net of its bid credit. On April 30, 2007, the FCC granted Barat Wireless’ applications with respect to the 17 licenses for which it was the successful bidder. These 17 license areas cover portions of 20 states and are in markets which are either adjacent to or overlap U.S. Cellular licensed areas.

 

11



 

Barat Wireless is in the process of developing its long-term business and financing plans. As of March 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular has made capital contributions and advances to Barat Wireless and/or its general partner of $127.2 million; of this amount $127.1 million is included in Licenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Barat Wireless used the funding to pay the FCC $127.1 million in 2006 to fulfill its obligation for the licenses purchased in Auction 66.

 

U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Carroll Wireless, an entity which participated in the auction of wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 58. Carroll Wireless was qualified to bid on “closed licenses” that were available only to companies included under the FCC definition of “entrepreneurs,” which are small businesses that have a limited amount of assets and revenues. In addition, Carroll Wireless bid on “open licenses” that were not subject to restriction. With respect to these licenses, Carroll Wireless was qualified to receive a 25% bid credit available to “very small businesses” which were defined as having average annual gross revenues of less than $15 million. Carroll Wireless was a successful bidder for 16 licenses in Auction 58, which ended on February 15, 2005. The aggregate amount paid to the FCC for the licenses was $129.7 million, net of the bid credit to which Carroll Wireless was entitled. These licenses cover portions of 10 states and are in markets which are either adjacent to or overlap U.S. Cellular licensed areas.

 

Carroll Wireless is in the process of developing its long-term business and financing plans. As of March 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular has made capital contributions and advances to Carroll Wireless and/or its general partner of approximately $129.9 million; of this amount, $129.7 million is included in Licenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

5.              Fair Value Measurements

 

Effective January 1, 2008, TDS adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 for its financial assets and liabilities. Also on January 1, 2008, TDS elected to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
(“SFAS 159”), for certain assets and liabilities.

 

SFAS 157 Adoption

 

SFAS 157 defines “fair value”, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in the application of U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 does not expand the use of fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and application in U.S. GAAP.  SFAS 157 provides that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price).  This pronouncement establishes a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.  Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.  Level 2 inputs must be observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable.

 

Although TDS believes the valuation methodologies being utilized are most appropriate for valuing a given asset or liability, different methodologies or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value at the measurement date.

 

TDS’ methods of determining or estimating fair value for financial assets and liabilities that are reported on a fair value basis subject to the provisions of SFAS 157 are as follows:

 

Marketable Equity Securities:

TDS and its subsidiaries hold marketable equity securities in Deutsche Telekom and Rural Cellular Corporation (“RCCC”).  These securities are publicly traded. Fair value for these securities is based upon quoted market prices for identical assets in active markets. Therefore, these inputs are considered Level 1 inputs in accordance with guidance set forth in SFAS 157.

 

TDS’ investment in RCCC is accounted for as an “available for sale” security under the provisions of SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“SFAS 115”).  Therefore, unrealized gains and losses on this investment are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

12



 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 (see below), TDS’ investment in Deutsche Telekom was accounted for as an “available for sale” security under the provisions of SFAS 115, and therefore unrealized gains and losses on this investment were recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 159, TDS’ investment in Deutsche Telekom was accounted for as a “trading” security under the provisions of SFAS 115, and therefore unrealized gains and losses on this investment were recorded as a component of (Gain) loss on investments and financial instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

Derivative Liabilities:

 

TDS has variable prepaid forward contracts (“forward contracts”) in connection with its Deutsche Telekom marketable equity securities.  The collar component of these forward contracts represents a derivative instrument as defined by SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”).  The fair value of these collars is estimated by applying option pricing models.  The inputs to these models include the current Deutsche Telekom stock price, collar ceiling strike price, collar floor strike price, risk-free interest rate, contractual dividend yield, contract term, and the estimated future volatility of the underlying Deutsche Telekom stock.  Cumulatively, these inputs are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with the guidance set forth in SFAS 157.

 

The following table includes each major category of financial assets and liabilities that are reported on a fair value basis subject to SFAS 157 at March 31, 2008 and its classification within the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

 

Quoted prices in

 

 

 

 

 

active markets for

 

Significant other

 

 

 

identical assets

 

observable inputs

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable equity securities

 

$

969,311

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability

 

$

 

$

156,081

 

 

SFAS 159 Adoption

 

SFAS 159 permits companies to choose to measure various financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 159, at the date the option is elected, entities are required to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings.  In subsequent periods, for those instruments in which the fair value option is elected, unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the Statement of Operations.  On January 1, 2008, TDS adopted SFAS 159 for its investment in Deutsche Telekom AG Ordinary Shares, and also for the “collar” portions of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to such Deutsche Telekom stock.

 

TDS adopted SFAS 159 for these items in order to better align the financial statement presentation of the unrealized gains and losses attributable to these items with their underlying economics.  Specifically, prior to the adoption of SFAS 159 for these items, the Deutsche Telekom stock was subject to the recognition provisions of SFAS 115, which required that the unrealized gains and losses on such stock be recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income, a balance sheet account.  Since the related collars did not qualify as cash flow hedges after June 2003, the changes in the fair value of the collars were reported in earnings in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 133 after this date.  As a result of adopting SFAS 159 for both the Deutsche Telekom stock and the related collars, unrealized gains and losses on both of these items will be recorded in earnings as a (Gain) loss on investments and financial instruments.  Such gains and losses are expected to substantially offset each other, and thus better reflect the economics of the collars, which were established in order to hedge the variability in the fluctuations of the fair value of the underlying Deutsche Telekom stock.

 

13



 

At March 31, 2008, in addition to the aforementioned investment in Deutsche Telekom, TDS’ investment in marketable equity securities included a $31.8 million investment in RCCC common stock.  TDS accounts for its RCCC common stock under the provisions of SFAS 115, as an “available-for-sale” security.  TDS did not elect to adopt the provisions of SFAS 159 for this investment since TDS does not have any collars or other derivative instruments that hedge the impact of changes in the market value of this RCCC stock.

 

As a result of the election of SFAS 159 for its Deutsche Telekom stock and related collars, TDS recorded an adjustment to increase the January 1, 2008 beginning retained earnings by $502.7 million, net of $291.2 of income taxes.  This amount reflects an unrealized gain attributable to the Deutsche Telekom stock of $647.3 million, net of income tax of $374.9 million, offset by an unrealized loss on the related collars of $144.6 million, net of income tax of $83.7 million.  The unrealized loss on the collars was attributable to the periods from inception to June 2003.  During such periods the collars qualified as cash flow hedges and the changes in the fair value were recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

There were no tax accounting implications to the Consolidated Balance Sheet or Statement of Operations upon TDS’ election of the fair value option for its Deutsche Telekom marketable equity securities and related collars other than to reclassify the related tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income to beginning retained earnings, as mentioned above.  On a recurring basis, as the Consolidated Statement of Operations reflects a benefit or detriment related to the increase or decrease in the value of these securities and collars, there will be deferred tax consequences.  For income tax purposes, no gain or loss is recognized until the securities are sold and until the collars are settled.

 

The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2008:

 

 

 

Balance Sheet prior

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

to the adoption

 

Net unrealized

 

after adoption

 

 

 

of SFAS 159

 

gain reclassified

 

of SFAS 159

 

 

 

on January 1, 2008

 

upon adoption

 

on January 1, 2008

 

Marketable equity securities

 

$

1,917,893

 

$

 

$

1,917,893

 

Derivative liabilities

 

711,692

 

 

711,692

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

511,776

 

(502,677

)

9,099

 

Retained earnings

 

1,690,651

 

502,677

 

2,193,328

 

 

The following table details the (Gain) loss on investments and financial instruments included in the Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Gain (loss) on marketable equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom AG

 

$

(357,160

)

$

 

VeriSign, Inc.

 

 

2,527

 

 

 

(357,160

)

2,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom AG collars(1)

 

353,670

 

239,746

 

Vodafone Group Plc collars (1)

 

 

15,769

 

VeriSign, Inc. collars(1)

 

 

(2,172

)

 

 

353,670

 

253,343

 

Total

 

$

(3,490

)

$

255,870

 

 


(1)          These derivative instruments represent the collar portions of variable prepaid forward contracts that relate to each of these marketable equity security investments.  All forward contracts relating to the Vodafone Group and VeriSign shares were settled and the remaining shares disposed of in 2007.  See Note 10 - Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts, for more information on the variable prepaid forward contracts.

 

14



 

6.              Income Taxes

 

The overall effective tax rate on income before income taxes and minority interest for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was 35.2% and 37.3%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the 2008 period was attributable to lower state income tax rates applicable to tax gains recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

 

7.              Earnings per Share

 

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

 

The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect 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

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands,

 

 

 

except earnings per share)

 

Basic Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

73,487

 

$

219,325

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(13

)

(13

)

Net income available to common used in basic earnings per share

 

$

73,474

 

$

219,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common used in basic earnings per share

 

$

73,474

 

$

219,312

 

Minority income adjustment (1)

 

(321

)

(529

)

Preferred dividend adjustment (2)

 

12

 

12

 

Net income available to common used in diluted earnings per share

 

$

73,165

 

$

218,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares

 

53,208

 

51,975

 

Special Common Shares

 

57,920

 

58,417

 

Series A Common Shares

 

6,442

 

6,445

 

Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share

 

117,570

 

116,837

 

Effects of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of preferred shares

 

50

 

44

 

Effects of stock options (3)

 

481

 

1,427

 

Effects of restricted stock units (4)

 

90

 

75

 

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share

 

118,191

 

118,383

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share

 

$

0.62

 

$

1.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$

0.62

 

$

1.85

 

 


(1)   The minority income adjustment reflects the additional minority share of U.S. Cellular’s income computed as if all of

 

15



 

U.S. Cellular’s issuable securities were outstanding.

(2)   The preferred dividend adjustment reflects the dividend reduction in the event any preferred series were dilutive, and therefore converted for shares.

(3)   Stock options exercisable into 335,867 Common Shares and 1,414,320 Special Common Shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and 224,722 Common Shares and 224,722 Special Common Shares for the three months ended March 31, 2007, were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share because their effects were antidilutive.

(4)   Restricted stock units issuable upon vesting into 466 Special Common Shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were not included in computing diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive.  There were no antidilutive restricted stock units for the comparable period in 2007.

 

8.              Licenses and Goodwill

 

Changes in TDS’ licenses and goodwill are primarily the result of acquisitions, divestitures and impairment of its licenses, wireless markets and telephone companies. See Note 3 – Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for information regarding transactions which affected licenses and goodwill during the period.

 

 

 

U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cellular(1)

 

TDS Telecom

 

Total

 

Licenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2007

 

$

1,513,829

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,516,629

 

Acquisitions

 

306,102

 

 

306,102

 

U.S. Cellular Common Share repurchases (2)

 

1,413

 

 

1,413

 

Balance March 31, 2008

 

$

1,821,344

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,824,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2006

 

$

1,517,607

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,520,407

 

Acquisitions

 

7,900

 

 

7,900

 

Balance March 31, 2007

 

$

1,525,507

 

$

2,800

 

$

1,528,307

 

 


(1)          U.S. Cellular’s balances include licenses allocated from TDS.

(2)          This adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs.  See Note 13 - TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of its Common Shares.

 

 

 

U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cellular(1)

 

TDS Telecom

 

Other(2)

 

Total

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2007

 

$

276,416

 

$

398,911

 

$

3,802

 

$

679,129

 

Acquisitions

 

970

 

1,923

 

 

2,893

 

U.S. Cellular Common Share repurchases(3)

 

2,142

 

 

 

2,142

 

Balance March 31, 2008

 

$

279,528

 

$

400,834

 

$

3,802

 

$

684,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2006

 

$

246,920

 

$

398,652

 

$

2,281

 

$

647,853

 

Acquisitions

 

5,818

 

 

 

5,818

 

Balance March 31, 2007

 

$

252,738

 

$

398,652

 

$

2,281

 

$

653,671

 

 


(1)          U.S. Cellular’s balances include goodwill allocated from TDS.

(2)          Other consists of goodwill related to Suttle Straus.

(3)          This adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs.  See Note 13 - TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of its Common Shares.

 

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9.              Customer Lists

 

Customer lists, which are intangible assets resulting from acquisitions or step acquisition allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs, are amortized using a combination of accelerated and straight-line methods over the remaining estimated life. The changes in the customer lists for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

U.S.

 

TDS

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cellular(1)

 

Telecom

 

Total

 

Customer lists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2007

 

$

25,851

 

$

 

$

25,851

 

Acquisitions

 

964

 

499

 

1,463

 

Amortization

 

(3,703

)

 

(3,703

)

U.S. Cellular Common Share repurchases(2)

 

2,183

 

 

2,183

 

Balance March 31, 2008

 

$

25,295

 

$

499

 

$

25,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2006

 

$

26,196

 

$

 

$

26,196

 

Acquisitions

 

1,560

 

 

1,560

 

Amortization

 

(3,773

)

 

(3,773

)

Balance March 31, 2007

 

$

23,983

 

$

 

$

23,983

 

 


(1)         U.S. Cellular’s balance include customer lists allocated from TDS.

(2)         This adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs.  See Note 13 - TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of its Common Shares.

 

Based on the Customer lists balance as of March 31, 2008, amortization expense for the remainder of 2008 and for the years 2009-2013 is expected to be $8.5 million, $7.7 million, $6.0 million, $3.0 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

10.       Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts

 

TDS holds marketable equity securities, which were obtained in connection with the sale of non-strategic investments.  Information regarding TDS’ marketable equity securities is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Marketable Equity Securities – Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom AG - 55,969,689 and 85,969,689 Ordinary Shares, respectively

 

$

937,492

 

$

1,886,175

 

Rural Cellular Corporation - 719,396 Common Shares

 

31,819

 

31,718

 

Aggregate fair value included in Current Assets

 

969,311

 

1,917,893

 

Accounting cost basis

 

938,140

 

864,643

 

Gross unrealized holding gains (1)

 

31,171

 

1,053,250

 

Equity method unrealized gains

 

387

 

387

 

Income tax (expense)

 

(11,435

)

(386,315

)

Minority share of unrealized holding gains

 

(1,949

)

(1,945

)

Unrealized holding gains, net of tax and minority share (1)

 

18,174

 

665,377

 

Derivative instruments, net of tax and minority share(1)

 

 

(144,583

)

Retirement plans, net of tax

 

(8,994

)

(9,018

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

$

9,180

 

$

511,776

 

 


(1)         Upon the adoption of SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, unrealized holding gains and losses related to the Deutsche Telekom AG Ordinary Shares and the collar portions of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to such shares (derivatives) were reclassified to retained earnings.  See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements, for further details on the adoption of SFAS 159.

 

17



 

TDS entered into variable prepaid forward contracts (“forward contracts”) related to the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares it holds. The economic hedge risk management objective of the forward contracts is to hedge the value of the marketable equity securities from losses due to decreases in the market prices of the securities while retaining a share of gains from increases in the market prices of such securities. The downside risk is hedged at or above the accounting cost basis of the securities.  As of December 31, 2007, such forward contracts were scheduled to mature during the period January 2008 to September 2008.  The principal amount of the forward contracts was accounted for as a loan. The forward contracts contain embedded collars that are bifurcated and accounted for as derivatives in accordance with SFAS 133.

 

The forward contracts related to 30 million Deutsche Telekom Ordinary Shares matured during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  TDS elected to deliver a substantial majority of the 30 million Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares in settlement of the forward contracts relating to such Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares and disposed of the remaining Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares related to such forward contracts and realized $48.6 million of cash proceeds. Disposition of these 30 million shares through settlement and sale resulted in a current tax liability of $113.0 million.  After these forward contracts were settled in January and February 2008, TDS owns 55,969,689 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares at March 31, 2008.  The forward contracts related to TDS’ 55,969,689 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares are scheduled to mature between May and September 2008.  As a result of TDS adopting SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2008, no gain or loss was recognized upon the settlement in the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  Rather changes in the fair value of the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares and the collar portion of the forward contracts related to such shares were recorded in Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments from January 1, 2008 through the respective settlement dates. See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements for details on TDS’ adoption of SFAS 159 and the impact on TDS’ financial statements.

 

The remaining Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares are classified as Current Assets and the related forward contracts and derivative liability are classified as Current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2008. Contracts aggregating $236.4 million require quarterly interest payments at the LIBOR rate plus 50 basis points (the three-month LIBOR rate was 2.69% at March 31, 2008). Contracts aggregating $438.0 million are structured as zero-coupon obligations with a weighted average effective interest rate of 4.4% per year. No interest payments are required for the zero-coupon obligations during the contract period.

 

Under the terms of the forward contracts, TDS will continue to own the contracted shares and will receive dividends paid on such contracted shares, if any. The forward contracts may be settled in Deutsche Telekom shares or in cash, pursuant to formulas that “collar” the price of the shares. The collars typically are adjusted contractually for any changes in dividends on the underlying shares. If the dividend increases, the collar’s upside potential typically is reduced. If the dividend decreases, the collar’s upside potential typically is increased. If TDS elects to settle in shares, it will be required to deliver the number of shares of the contracted security determined pursuant to the formula. If shares are delivered in the settlement of the forward contract, TDS would incur a current tax liability at the time of delivery based on the difference between the tax basis of the marketable equity securities delivered and the net amount realized through maturity. If TDS elects to settle in cash, it will be required to pay an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of the number of shares determined pursuant to the formula.

 

In April and May 2008, TDS settled or agreed to settle forward contracts related to 46,969,689 additional Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. The forward contracts related to the 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom shares were or will be settled prior to their scheduled maturity dates in May 2008 through September 2008.  See Note 17 — Subsequent Events, for details on the early settlement of such forward contracts.

 

TDS is required to comply with certain covenants under the forward contracts. TDS believes that it was in compliance as of March 31, 2008 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its forward contracts.

 

18



 

On July 30, 2007, RCCC announced that Verizon Wireless agreed to purchase the outstanding shares of RCCC for $45 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in 2008 and, therefore, the investment is classified as a Current Asset in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008. If the transaction closes, TDS will receive approximately $32.4 million in cash, recognize a $31.7 million pre-tax gain and cease to own any interest in RCCC.

 

11.       Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

 

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

 

TDS held a 5.5% ownership interest in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) as of March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and recorded $15.8 million and $18.0 million, respectively, of equity income related to the LA Partnership in the three month periods then ended.  Such amounts are included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Based on data furnished to TDS by the managing partner the following table summarizes the operating results of the LA Partnership:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Revenues

 

$

949,000

 

$

904,000

 

Operating expenses

 

652,000

 

584,000

 

Operating income

 

297,000

 

320,000

 

Other income

 

7,000

 

8,000

 

Net income

 

$

304,000

 

$

328,000

 

 

12.       Commitments and Contingencies

 

Indemnifications

 

TDS enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. These agreements include certain asset sales and financings with other parties. 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.

 

19



 

13.       TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases

 

On March 2, 2007, the TDS Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of TDS Special Common Shares from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise. This authorization will expire on March 2, 2010. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, TDS repurchased 1,041,016 Special Common Shares for $45.1 million, or an average of $43.28 per share pursuant to this authorization.  Of this amount, $40.6 million was paid in the first quarter of 2008, and $4.5 million was paid in April of 2008.  TDS did not repurchase any Special Common Shares in the first quarter of 2007.  As of March 31, 2008, TDS has purchased a total of $171.7 million of Special Common Shares under this authorization, and therefore may purchase up to $78.3 million in future periods.

 

The Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular has authorized the repurchase of up to 1% of the outstanding U.S. Cellular Common Shares held by non-affiliates in each three month period, primarily for use in employee benefit plans.  This authorization does not have an expiration date. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular repurchased 150,000 Common Shares for $10.8 million, or an average of $71.70 per share, pursuant to this authorization.  U.S. Cellular also received $4.6 million in cash during the first quarter of 2008 as a final settlement payment for 2007 Common Share repurchases executed through accelerated share repurchase agreements with an investment banking firm.  U.S. Cellular did not repurchase any Common Shares in the first quarter of 2007.

 

TDS’ ownership percentage of U.S. Cellular increases upon such U.S. Cellular share repurchases. Therefore, TDS accounts for U.S. Cellular’s purchases of U.S. Cellular Common Shares as step acquisitions using purchase accounting. See Note 8 - Licenses and Goodwill, and Note 9 - Customer Lists, for details on the amounts allocated to Licenses, Goodwill and Customer Lists related to the repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

20



 

14.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

The cumulative balances of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, derivative instruments and retirement plans and related income tax effects included in Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Marketable Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period (prior to adoption of SFAS 159)

 

$

665,377

 

$

749,978

 

Cumulative effect adjustment upon the adoption of SFAS 159(1)

 

(647,260

)

 

Balance, beginning of period (after adoption of SFAS 159)

 

18,117

 

749,978

 

Add (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses)

 

101

 

(247,902

)

Deferred tax (expense) benefit

 

(39

)

90,774

 

 

 

62

 

(157,128

)

Minority share of unrealized gains

 

(5

)

962

 

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized gains

 

57

 

(156,166

)

Initial application of FIN 48(2)

 

 

30,306

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

18,174

 

$

624,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period (prior to adoption of SFAS 159)

 

$

(144,583

)

$

(215,122

)

Cumulative effect adjustment upon the adoption of SFAS 159(1)

 

144,583

 

 

Balance, beginning of period (after adoption of SFAS 159)

 

 

(215,122

)

Add (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

Minority share of unrealized losses

 

 

(4

)

Net (increase) decrease in unrealized losses

 

 

(4

)

Initial application of FIN 48(2)

 

 

(9,583

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

 

$

(224,709

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement Plans

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

(9,018

)

$

(12,743

)

Add (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(207

)

(207

)

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

 

242

 

340

 

 

 

35

 

133

 

Deferred income tax (expense)

 

(11

)

(51

)

Net change in retirement plans

 

24

 

82

 

Balance, end of year

 

$

(8,994

)

$

(12,661

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period (prior to adoption of SFAS 159)

 

$

511,776

 

$

522,113

 

Cumulative effect adjustment upon the adoption of SFAS 159(1)

 

(502,677

)

 

Balance, beginning of period (after adoption of SFAS 159)

 

9,099

 

522,113

 

Add (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in marketable equity securities

 

57

 

(156,166

)

Net change in derivative instruments

 

 

(4

)

Net change in retirement plans

 

24

 

82

 

Net change included in comprehensive income

 

81

 

(156,088

)

Initial application of FIN 48(2)

 

 

20,723

 

Net change included in accumulated comprehensive income

 

81

 

(135,365

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

9,180

 

$

386,748

 

 


(1)         See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements for additional detail related to the cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of SFAS 159.

(2)         FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”).

 

21



 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Comprehensive Income

 

$

73,487 

 

$

219,325 

 

Net income

 

81 

 

(156,088

)

Net change included in comprehensive income

 

$

73,568 

 

$

63,237 

 

 

15.       Business Segment Information

 

Financial data for TDS’ business segments for the three month period ended or as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 are 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”.

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended or as of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

Other

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

U.S.

 

TDS Telecom

 

Reportable

 

Reconciling

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cellular

 

ILEC

 

CLEC

 

Segment(1)

 

Items(2)

 

Total

 

Operating revenues

 

$

1,037,856

 

$

151,815

 

$

56,129

 

$

11,623

 

$

(8,322

)

$

1,249,101

 

Cost of services and products

 

365,053

 

44,834

 

26,333

 

8,479

 

(2,316

)

442,383

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

407,634

 

42,481

 

17,026

 

1,902

 

(5,744

)

463,299

 

Operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion, (gain) loss on asset disposals(3)

 

265,169

 

64,500

 

12,770

 

1,242

 

(262

)

343,419

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

142,530

 

33,624

 

5,884

 

722

 

3,398

 

186,158

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals

 

3,673

 

(21

)

 

 

 

3,652

 

Operating income (loss)

 

118,966

 

30,897

 

6,886

 

520

 

(3,660

)

153,609

 

Significant non-operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

21,235

 

1

 

 

 

234

 

21,470

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

(3,490

)

(3,490

)

Marketable equity securities

 

16,404

 

 

 

 

952,907

 

969,311

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

172,586

 

6,528

 

 

 

45,168

 

224,282

 

Total assets

 

5,926,074

 

1,659,633

 

146,902

 

29,304

 

1,476,500

 

9,238,413

 

Capital expenditures

 

111,690

 

14,646

 

3,436

 

929

 

1,764

 

132,465

 

 

22



 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended or as of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

Other

 

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

U.S.

 

TDS Telecom

 

Reportable

 

Reconciling

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cellular

 

ILEC

 

CLEC

 

Segment (1)

 

Items(2)

 

Total

 

Operating revenues

 

$

934,674

 

$

157,592

 

$

61,350

 

$

9,323

 

$

(6,382

)

$

1,156,557

 

Cost of services and products

 

318,028

 

49,097

 

28,957

 

7,298

 

(1,347

)

402,033

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

358,866

 

41,859

 

21,603

 

1,466

 

(3,377

)

420,417

 

Operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion, (gain) loss on asset disposals(3)

 

257,780

 

66,636

 

10,790

 

559

 

(1,658

)

334,107

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

145,952

 

34,046

 

5,859

 

632

 

1,516

 

188,005

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals

 

3,305

 

 

 

 

 

3,305

 

Operating income (loss)

 

108,523

 

32,590

 

4,931

 

(73

)

(3,174

)

142,797

 

Significant non-operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

23,098

 

 

 

 

598

 

23,696

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments

 

12,461

 

 

 

 

243,409

 

255,870

 

Marketable equity securities

 

245,228

 

 

 

 

2,300,027

 

2,545,255

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

171,040

 

3,623

 

 

 

44,211

 

218,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

5,798,194

 

1,663,824

 

155,870

 

25,001

 

2,777,050

 

10,419,939

 

Capital expenditures

 

109,729

 

16,055

 

2,583

 

1,057

 

1,293

 

130,717

 

 


(1)         Represents Suttle Straus.

 

(2)         Consists of the Corporate operations, intercompany eliminations, TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom marketable equity securities and other corporate investments.

 

(3)         The amount of operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and (gain) loss on asset disposals is a non-GAAP financial measure. The amount may also be commonly referred to by management as operating cash flow. TDS has presented operating cash flow because this financial measure, in combination with other financial measures, is an integral part of our internal reporting system utilized by management to assess and evaluate the performance of its business. Operating cash flow is also considered a significant performance measure. It is used by management as a measurement of its success in obtaining, retaining and servicing customers by reflecting its ability to generate subscriber revenue while providing a high level of customer service in a cost effective manner. The components of operating cash flow include the key revenue and expense items for which operating managers are responsible and upon which TDS evaluates its performance.

 

Other companies in the wireless industry may define operating cash flow in a different manner or present other varying financial measures, and, accordingly, TDS’ presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

Operating cash flow should not be construed as an alternative to operating income (loss), as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity. TDS believes operating cash flow is useful to investors as a means to evaluate TDS’ operating performance prior to noncash depreciation and amortization expense, and certain other noncash charges. Although operating cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in the wireless industry, TDS believes that operating cash flow provides some commonality of measurement in analyzing operating performance of companies in the wireless industry.

 

16.       Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

 

TDS withheld 1,368 Special Common Shares with an aggregate value of $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 from employees who exercised stock options or who received distribution of vested restricted stock awards. Such shares were withheld to cover the exercise price of stock options, if applicable, and required tax withholdings. No Common Shares were withheld in the same period.  No Special Common Shares or Common Shares were withheld in the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

U.S. Cellular withheld 145,827 and 6,950 Common Shares with an aggregate value of $8.6 million and $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, from employees who exercised stock options or who received a distribution of vested restricted stock awards. Such shares were withheld to cover the exercise price of stock options, if applicable, and required tax withholdings.

 

23



 

TDS declared a dividend of $0.1025 per share during the first quarter of 2008.  This resulted in aggregate dividends of $12.0 million, which were paid in April 2008.  This amount is recorded as a component of Other current liabilities in TDS’ March 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

17.       Subsequent Events

 

U.S. Cellular has a $700 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. U.S. Cellular may select borrowing periods of either seven days or one, two, three or six months. If U.S. Cellular provides less than two days’ notice of intent to borrow, the related borrowings bear interest at the prime rate less 50 basis points. This credit facility expires in December 2009.

 

On April 15, 2008, U.S. Cellular borrowed $100 million under its revolving credit facility.  These proceeds along with additional cash on hand of $103.5 million were contributed to King Street Wireless and its general partner.  King Street Wireless in turn paid $203.5 million to the FCC in order to fulfill its remaining obligation incurred upon the purchase of licenses in Auction 73.  See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for more information on Auction 73.  U.S. Cellular is a limited partner of King Street Wireless and consolidates this entity pursuant to the provisions of FIN 46(R).  See Note 4 - Variable Interest Entities for more information on King Street Wireless.  U.S. Cellular anticipates repaying the amount borrowed from future cash flows from operations and/or long-term debt financing.

 

During the period April 1, 2008 through May 7, 2008, TDS settled or has agreed to settle variable prepaid forward contracts related to 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom shares.  These forward contracts were or will be settled prior to their scheduled maturity dates in May 2008 through September 2008.  TDS settled or will settle these forward contracts through a combination of delivery of Deutsche Telekom shares and the payment of cash. The Deutsche Telekom shares retained by TDS related to variable prepaid forward contracts that have settled in April and May 2008 were subsequently sold.  These early settlements are not expected to have a significant impact on TDS’ results of operations.  After these transactions, TDS will hold 9 million Deutsche Telekom shares and forward contracts related to such shares which mature in June 2008.

 

24



 

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 26 states to approximately 6.2 million wireless customers and 1.2 million wireline equivalent access lines at March 31, 2008. TDS conducts substantially all of its wireless operations through its 80.8%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), and its incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) and competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) wireline operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”). TDS conducts printing and distribution services through its 80%-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 footnotes included herein and the description of TDS’ business included in Item 1 of the TDS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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 6.2 million customers in five geographic market areas in 26 states. As of March 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular owned or had rights to acquire interests in 260 wireless markets and operated approximately 6,452 cell sites. U.S. Cellular operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, excellent customer support, and a high-quality network. U.S. Cellular’s business development strategy is to 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 anticipates that operating in contiguous market areas will continue to provide it with certain economies in its capital and operating costs.

 

Financial and operating highlights in the first quarter of 2008 included the following:

 

·                  Total customers increased 4% year-over-year to 6.2 million at March 31, 2008; net retail customer additions were 85,000;

 

·                  The retail postpay churn rate was 1.4% per month. Retail postpay customers comprised approximately 86% of U.S. Cellular’s customer base as of March 31, 2008;

 

·                  Average monthly service revenue per customer increased 7% year-over-year to $52.06;

 

·                  Additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $111.7 million, including expenditures to construct cell sites, increase capacity in existing cell sites and switches, outfit new and remodel existing retail stores and continue the development and enhancements of U.S. Cellular’s office systems. Total cell sites in service increased 7% year-over-year to 6,452; and

 

·                  To strengthen its operating footprint, U.S. Cellular participated in the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) auction of spectrum in the 700 megahertz band, known as Auction 73, indirectly through its interest in King Street Wireless, L.P. (“King Street Wireless”). U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in King Street Wireless. King Street Wireless was the provisional winning bidder for 152 licenses for an aggregate bid of $300.5 million, net of its designated entity discount of 25%. The licenses expected to be awarded to King Street Wireless cover areas that overlap or are proximate or contiguous to areas covered by licenses that U.S. Cellular currently owns, operates and/or consolidates.

 

25



 

Service revenues increased $101.5 million, or 12%, to $962.1 million in 2008 from $860.6 million in 2007.  Customer growth and improvements in average monthly revenue per unit have driven increased revenues. U.S. Cellular continues to experience growth in its customer base, primarily in the retail postpay segment. In addition, U.S. Cellular continues to experience increases in average monthly revenue per unit driven by continuing migration of customers to national, wide area and family service plans and growth in revenues from data products and services.

 

Operating Income increased $10.4 million, or 10%, to $119.0 million in 2008 from $108.5 million in 2007. Operating income margin (as a percent of service revenues) was 12.4% in 2008 compared to 12.6% in 2007.

 

U.S. Cellular anticipates that there will be continued pressure on its operating income and operating income margin in the next few years related to the following factors:

 

·                  increasing penetration in the wireless industry;

 

·                  costs of customer acquisition and retention, such as equipment subsidies and advertising;

 

·                  effects of competition;

 

·                  providing service in recently launched areas or potential new market areas;

 

·                  potential increases in prepaid and reseller customers as a percentage of U.S. Cellular’s customer base;

 

·                  costs of developing and introducing new products and services;

 

·                  continued enhancements to its wireless networks, including potential deployments of new technology;

 

·                  increasing costs of regulatory compliance; and

 

·                  uncertainty in future eligible telecommunication carrier (“ETC”) funding.

 

In addressing these challenges, U.S. Cellular will continue to focus on improving customer satisfaction and enhancing the quality of its networks, its product and service offerings and its sales distribution.

 

See “Results of Operations—Wireless.”

 

TDS Telecom - TDS Telecom provides high-quality telecommunication services, including full-service local exchange service, long distance telephone service, and Internet access, to rural and suburban area communities. TDS Telecom’s business plan is designed for a full-service telecommunications company, including competitive local exchange carrier operations (“CLEC”), by leveraging TDS Telecom’s strength as an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”). TDS Telecom’s strategy is to be the preferred provider of telecommunications services—including voice, broadband, and video services—in its chosen markets. This strategy encompasses many components, including developing service and product, market and customer strategies; investing in networks and deploying advanced technologies; monitoring the competitive environment; advocating with respect to state and federal regulation 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.

 

Both ILECs and CLECs are faced with significant challenges, including the industry decline in use of second lines by customers, growing competition from wireless and other wireline providers (other CLECs and cable providers), changes in regulation, new technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), and the 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.

 

26



 

Overall equivalent access lines served by TDS Telecom as of March 31, 2008 decreased 2% compared to March 31, 2007, while physical access lines declined 5% as of March 31, 2008 compared to March 31, 2007.  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.

 

Operating revenues decreased $11.5 million, or 5.3% to $206.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $217.6 million in 2007. The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to a decline in ILEC and CLEC physical access lines, lower rates from bundling promotions and a decrease in network usage by inter-exchange carriers.

 

Operating income remained substantially unchanged at $37.8 million in 2008 compared to $37.5 million in 2007, as decreased revenues were offset by lower costs.  Operating margins improved in 2008 to 18.3% from 17.2% in 2007. The increase in 2008 was primarily due to cost reduction initiatives.

 

See “Results of Operations—Wireline.”

 

Cash Flows and Investments - TDS and its subsidiaries had cash and cash equivalents totaling $1,209.8 million, availability under their revolving credit facilities of $1,296.4 million, and additional bank lines of credit of $25 million as of March 31, 2008. Also, during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, TDS and its subsidiaries generated $269.0 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 financial flexibility and are sufficient to permit TDS and its subsidiaries to finance their contractual obligations and anticipated capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

 

See “Financial Resources” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information related to cash flows and investments.

 

Recent Developments

 

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, before the FCC for comment are proposals made by the Federal-State Joint Board and by the FCC itself to change the universal service high cost fund in various ways. On April 29, 2008, the FCC adopted an interim "cap" on the high cost program for funding that goes to competitive ETCs, limiting total high cost funding for the state to the levels being provided to all such carriers in that state in March 2008, with an exemption from the cap for carriers serving tribal lands and Alaskan Native Lands. The cap, which will be of indefinite duration, will result in wireless ETCs, such as U.S. Cellular, receiving less support than they would have been otherwise eligible to receive while the cap is in effect, as overall support will not increase as a carrier adds customers or as new competitive carriers are granted ETC status in the state. The decision to cap overall funding to competitive ETCs will not impact the wireline carriers owned by TDS Telecom. The FCC will also consider the other changes in the Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) discussed in our Form 10-K.

 

27



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONSOLIDATED

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

Percentage

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2008

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

$

1,037,856

 

$

103,182

 

11.0

%

$

934,674

 

Telecom

 

206,076

 

(11,546

)

(5.3

)%

217,622

 

All other(1)

 

5,169

 

908

 

21.3

%

4,261

 

Total operating revenues

 

1,249,101

 

92,544

 

8.0

%

1,156,557

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

918,890

 

92,739

 

11.2

%

826,151

 

Telecom

 

168,293

 

(11,808

)

(6.6

)%

180,101

 

All other(1)

 

8,309

 

801

 

10.7

%

7,508

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,095,492

 

81,732

 

8.1

%

1,013,760

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

118,966

 

10,443

 

9.6

%

108,523

 

Telecom

 

37,783

 

262

 

0.7

%

37,521

 

All other(1)

 

(3,140

)

107

 

3.3

%

(3,247

)

Total operating income (loss)

 

153,609

 

10,812

 

7.6

%

142,797

 

Other income and (expenses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

21,470

 

(2,226

)

(9.4

)%

23,696

 

Interest and dividend income

 

9,746

 

(6,450

)

(39.8

)%

16,196

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments

 

(3,490

)

(259,360

)

(101.4

)%

255,870

 

Interest expense

 

(41,380

)

16,421

 

28.4

%

(57,801

)

Other income (expense)

 

(199

)

2,025

 

91.1

%

(2,224

)

Income tax expense

 

(49,251

)

91,987

 

65.1

%

(141,238

)

Minority share of income

 

(17,018

)

953

 

5.3

%

(17,971

)

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(13

)

 

0.0

%

(13

)

Net Income Available to Common

 

$

73,474

 

$

(145,838

)

(66.5

)%

$

219,312

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

$

0.62

 

$

(1.26

)

(67.0

)%

$

1.88

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

0.62

 

$

(1.23

)

(66.5

)%

$

1.85

 

 


(1)         Consists of Suttle Straus printing and distribution operations, Corporate Operations and intercompany eliminations

 

Operating Revenues

 

The increase in operating revenues primarily reflects growth in wireless customers and average monthly service revenue per wireless customer. U.S. Cellular revenue growth reflects wireless customer growth of 4% in 2008, and growth in average monthly service revenue per wireless customer of 7% in 2008. TDS Telecom operating revenues decreased primarily reflecting a decline in ILEC and CLEC physical access lines, lower rates from bundling promotions and a decrease in network usage by inter-exchange carriers. Equivalent access lines decreased 2% from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008.

 

Operating Expenses

 

The increase primarily reflects costs associated with acquiring customers and serving and retaining its expanding customer base at U.S. Cellular.

 

Operating Income

 

The increase in operating income from 2007 to 2008 reflects higher operating revenues at U.S. Cellular.

 

28



 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from markets in which it has a minority interest and that are accounted for by the equity method. TDS follows the equity method of accounting for minority interests in which its ownership interest equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies.

 

TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $15.8 million and $18.0 million in equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Interest and dividend income

 

The decrease in interest and dividend income in 2008 is primarily due to a lower interest rate paid on cash balances in 2008 than 2007. This was due to both a decline in short-term interest rates in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007, and a change in TDS’ cash investments during each quarter.  During the first quarter of 2008, TDS invested substantially all of its cash balances in money market funds that invest exclusively in short-term U.S. Treasury securities.  During the first quarter of 2007, TDS invested substantially all of its cash balances in prime money market funds.

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments for 2008 includes a $357.2 loss attributable to a decrease in the fair value of Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares.  This loss was largely offset by a $353.7 gain on the collar portions of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to such Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares.  Effective January 1, 2008, TDS adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”) for the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares and the collar portions of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to such shares.  As a result, after January 1, 2008, changes in the fair value of the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares are recorded in the Statement of Operations.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 159, gains and losses on the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares were recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income, a balance sheet account.

 

Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments for 2007 primarily includes $239.7 million and $15.8 million of gains attributable to the collar portions of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to TDS’ Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone Group Plc holdings, respectively.

 

See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements in the Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information on the adoption of SFAS 159, and further detail on the components of Gain (loss) on investments and financial instruments in each period.

 

Interest expense

 

The decrease in interest expense in 2008 was primarily due to a decrease in interest incurred on variable prepaid forward contracts ($14.5 million) due to the settlement of prepaid forward contacts with an aggregate principal amount of $1,079.7 million in 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, and a decrease in interest related to U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility ($1.9 million).

 

Other income (expense)

 

Borrowing costs on the variable prepaid forward contracts decreased $1.2 million in 2008 compared to 2007.

 

Income tax expense

 

The effective tax rate on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest was 35.2% and 37.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.   The effective tax rate for the 2008 period was attributable to lower state income tax rates applicable to taxable gains recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

 

29



 

Minority share of income

 

Minority share of income includes the minority public shareholders’ share of U.S. Cellular’s net income, the minority shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain U.S. Cellular subsidiaries’ net income or loss and other TDS minority interests.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Minority Share of Income

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Public Shareholders’

 

$

(13,483

)

$

(14,466

)

Minority Shareholders’ or Partners’

 

(3,462

)

(3,511

)

 

 

(16,945

)

(17,977

)

Other

 

(73

)

6

 

 

 

$

(17,018

)

$

(17,971

)

 

30



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – WIRELESS

 

TDS provides wireless telephone service through United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), an 80.8%-owned subsidiary.  U.S. Cellular owns, manages and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States.  Growth in the customer base is the primary reason for the change in U.S. Cellular’s results of operations in 2008 from 2007. The number of customers increased 4% to 6,201,000 at March 31, 2008, from 5,973,000 at March 31, 2007, due to customer additions from its marketing channels and acquisition, divestitures and exchange activities.

 

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

 

As of March 31,(1)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Total market population of consolidated operating markets(2)

 

45,262,000

 

44,416,000

 

Customers(3)

 

6,201,000

 

5,973,000

 

Market penetration(2)

 

13.7

%

13.4

%

Total full-time equivalent employees

 

8,105

 

7,484

 

Cell sites in service

 

6,452

 

6,004

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,(4)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net customer additions(5)

 

80,000

 

152,000

 

Net retail customer additions(5)

 

85,000

 

146,000

 

Average monthly service revenue per customer(6)

 

$

52.06

 

$

48.69

 

Retail postpay churn rate per month(7)

 

1.4

%

1.3

%

Total postpay churn rate per month(7)

 

1.5

%

1.5

%

 


(1)               Amounts include results for U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operating markets as of March 31; results for operating markets acquired during a particular period are included as of the acquisition date.

 

(2)               Calculated using 2007 and 2006 Claritas population estimates for 2008 and 2007, 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 82,846,000 and 7.5%, and 56,048,000 and 10.7% as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular had rights to acquire majority interests in 19 licenses, resulting from an exchange transaction with AT&T Wireless (now part of AT&T) that closed in August 2003. As of April 10, 2008, U.S. Cellular exercised its rights to acquire 18 licenses pursuant to this exchange agreement.  These licenses will increase total market population of consolidated markets by 1,566,000 to 84,412,000.  The exercise of these rights did not require U.S. Cellular to provide any additional consideration to AT&T, other than consideration already provided in conjunction with the August 2003 exchange transaction.  Therefore, exercise of these rights did not cause a change in U.S. Cellular’s Licenses balance in 2008.  U.S. Cellular continues to have a right that does not have a stated expiration date to acquire a majority interest in one license under the exchange agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

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

 

5,331,000

 

5,048,000

 

End user customers acquired through U.S. Cellular’s agreement with a third party (“reseller customers”)*

 

561,000

 

596,000

 

Total postpay customers

 

5,892,000

 

5,644,000

 

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

 

309,000

 

329,000

 

Total customers

 

6,201,000

 

5,973,000

 

 


* Pursuant to its agreement with the third party, U.S. Cellular is compensated by the third party on a postpay basis; as a result, all customers U.S. Cellular has acquired through this agreement are considered to be postpay customers.

 

31



 

(4)               Amounts include results for U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operating markets for the period January 1 through March 31; operating markets acquired during a particular period are included as of the acquisition date.

 

(5)               “Net customer additions” represents the number of net customers added to U.S. Cellular’s overall customer base through all of its marketing distribution channels, excluding any customers transferred through acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges. “Net retail customer additions” represents the number of net customers added to U.S. Cellular’s customer base through its marketing distribution channels, excluding net reseller customers added to its reseller customer base and excluding any customers transferred through acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges.

 

(6)               Management uses this measurement to assess the amount of service revenue that U.S. Cellular generates each month on a per customer basis. Variances in this measurement are monitored and compared to variances in expenses on a per customer basis. Average monthly service revenue per customer is calculated as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Service revenues per Consolidated Statements of Operations (000s)

 

$

962,094

 

$

860,583

 

Divided by average customers during period (000s)*

 

6,160

 

5,892

 

Divided by number of months in each period

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average monthly service revenue per customer

 

$

52.06

 

$

48.69

 

 


* “Average customers during period” is calculated by adding the number of total customers, including reseller 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.

 

(7)               Postpay churn rate per month represents the percentage of the postpay customer base that disconnects service each month. Retail postpay churn rate includes only retail customers; total postpay churn rate includes both retail and reseller customers.

 

Components of Operating Income

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2008

 

Increase/
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Change

 

2007

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail service

 

$

834,213

 

$

79,698

 

10.6

%

$

754,515

 

Inbound roaming

 

54,089

 

12,821

 

31.1

%

41,268

 

Long-distance and other

 

73,792

 

8,992

 

13.9

%

64,800

 

Service revenues

 

962,094

 

101,511

 

11.8

%

860,583

 

Equipment sales

 

75,762

 

1,671

 

2.3

%

74,091

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

1,037,856

 

103,182

 

11.0

%

934,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

191,016

 

23,732

 

14.2

%

167,284

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

174,037

 

23,293

 

15.5

%

150,744

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

407,634

 

48,768

 

13.6

%

358,866

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

142,530

 

(3,422

)

(2.3

)%

145,952

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

3,673

 

368

 

11.1

%

3,305

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

918,890

 

92,739

 

11.2

%

826,151

 

Total Operating Income

 

$

118,966

 

$

10,443

 

9.6

%

$

108,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income Margin (as a percent of service revenues)

 

12.4

%

 

 

 

 

12.6

%

 

32



 

Operating Revenues

 

Service revenues

 

Service revenues primarily consist 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 (“inbound roaming”); (iii) charges for long-distance calls made on U.S. Cellular’s systems; and (iv) amounts received from the USF.

 

The increase in service revenues was due to the growth in the average customer base, which increased 5% to 6.2 million in 2008 from 5.9 million in 2007 and higher monthly service revenue per customer; monthly service revenue per customer averaged $52.06 in the first three months of 2008 and $48.69 in the first three months of 2007.

 

Retail service revenues

 

The increase in retail service revenues in 2008 was due primarily to growth in U.S. Cellular’s average customer base and an increase in average monthly retail revenue per customer.

 

The increase in the average number of customers each year was primarily driven by the net retail customer additions that U.S. Cellular generated from its marketing distribution channels. The average number of customers also was affected by the timing of acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges.

 

U.S. Cellular anticipates that its customer base will increase during 2008 as a result of its continuing focus on customer satisfaction, attractively priced service plans, a broader line of handsets and other products, and improvements in distribution. U.S. Cellular believes growth in its customer base will be primarily from capturing wireless users switching from other wireless carriers or increasing the number of multi-device users rather than by adding users that are new to the industry. However, the level of growth in the customer base for 2008 will depend upon U.S. Cellular’s ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers in a highly, and increasingly, competitive marketplace. See “Overview - 2008 Estimates” above for U.S. Cellular’s estimate of net retail customer additions for 2008.

 

The increase in average monthly retail service revenue was driven primarily by growth in revenues from data services and higher regulatory fees such as universal service fund contributions that are billed to customers. Average monthly retail service revenues per customer increased 6% to $45.14 in 2008 from $42.69 in 2007.

 

Monthly local retail minutes of use per customer averaged 948 in 2008 and 783 in 2007. The increase in 2008 was primarily driven by U.S. Cellular’s focus on designing sales incentive programs and customer billing rate plans to stimulate overall usage. The impact on retail service revenues of the increase in average monthly minutes of use was offset by a decrease in average revenue per minute of use. The decrease in average revenue per minute of use reflects the impact of increasing competition, which has led to the inclusion of an increasing number of minutes in package pricing plans and the inclusion of features such as unlimited night and weekend minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes in certain pricing plans. U.S. Cellular anticipates that its average revenue per minute of use may continue to decline in the future, reflecting increased competition and continued penetration of the consumer market.

 

Revenues from data products and services grew significantly year-over-year, totaling $115.7 million in 2008 and $77.5 million in 2007, and representing 12% of total service revenues in 2008 compared to 9% of total service revenues in 2007. Such growth, which positively impacted average monthly retail service revenues per customer, reflected customers’ continued increasing acceptance and usage of U.S. Cellular’s easyedgeSM products and offerings, such as Short Messaging Service (“SMS”) and Smartphone handsets and service.

 

33



 

Inbound roaming revenues

 

The increase in inbound roaming revenues in 2008 was related primarily to an increase in roaming minutes of use. The increase in inbound roaming minutes of use was driven primarily by the overall growth in the number of customers and retail minutes of use per customer throughout the wireless industry, including usage related to data products, leading to an increase in inbound traffic from other wireless carriers.

 

U.S. Cellular anticipates that inbound roaming minutes of use might continue to grow over the next few years, reflecting continuing industry-wide growth in customers and usage per customer, including increased usage of data services while roaming, but that the rate of growth will decline due to higher penetration, slower overall growth in the consumer wireless market and the consolidation of wireless carriers. U.S. Cellular anticipates that its roaming revenue per minute of use will remain fairly constant over the next few years pursuant to its existing contract rates, but that renewal of these contracts and the negotiation of new contracts will reflect lower rates over time.

 

Long-distance and other revenues

 

In 2008, the increase reflected a $9.3 million increase in other revenues, partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in long-distance revenues.  The growth in other revenues was due primarily to an increase in ETC funds that were received from the USF. In 2008 and 2007, U.S. Cellular was eligible to receive ETC funds in eleven and seven states, respectively; the ETC revenue amounts recorded in 2008 and 2007 were $30.5 million and $22.5 million, respectively.

 

Equipment sales revenues

 

Equipment sales revenues include revenues from sales of handsets and related accessories to both new and existing customers, as well as revenues from sales of handsets to agents. All equipment sales revenues are recorded net of anticipated rebates.

 

U.S. Cellular continues to offer a competitive line of quality handsets to both new and existing customers. U.S. Cellular’s customer retention efforts include offering new handsets at discounted prices to existing customers as the expiration date of the customer’s service contract approaches. U.S. Cellular also continues to sell handsets to agents; this practice enables U.S. Cellular to provide better control over the quality of handsets sold to its customers, establish roaming preferences and earn quantity discounts from handset manufacturers which are passed along to agents. U.S. Cellular anticipates that it will continue to sell handsets to agents in the future.

 

The increase in 2008 equipment sales revenues was driven by an increase of 3% in average revenue per handset sold, primarily reflecting the sale of more expensive handsets with expanded capabilities.

 

Operating Expenses

 

System operations expenses (excluding Depreciation, amortization, and accretion)

 

System operations expenses (excluding Depreciation, amortization, and accretion) include charges from wireline 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 increases in system operations expenses were as follows:

 

·                  maintenance, utility and cell site expenses increased $12.1 million, or 18%, in 2008, primarily driven by increases in the number of cell sites within U.S. Cellular’s network, resulting in higher cell site rent expense, and software maintenance costs to support rapidly growing data needs. The number of cell sites totaled 6,452 in 2008 and 6,004 in 2007, as U.S. Cellular continued to grow by expanding and enhancing coverage in its existing markets and also through acquisitions of existing wireless operations;

 

·                  expenses incurred when U.S. Cellular’s customers used other carriers’ networks while roaming increased $8.1 million, or 22%, in 2008. The increase is due to an increase in roaming minutes of use driven by customer migration to national and wide area plans; and

 

34



 

·                  the cost of network usage on U.S. Cellular’s systems increased $3.6 million, or 6%, in 2008, as total minutes used on U.S. Cellular’s systems increased 23% in 2008, primarily driven by continued migration to pricing plans with a larger number of packaged minutes, mostly offset by the ongoing reduction in the per-minute cost of usage for U.S. Cellular’s network. In addition, data network and developer costs increased driven by the increase in data usage.

 

Management expects total system operations expenses to increase over the next few years, driven by the following factors:

 

·                  increases in the number of cell sites and other network facilities within U.S. Cellular’s systems as it continues to add capacity and enhance quality in most markets and continues development activities in recently launched markets; and

 

·                  increases in minutes of use, both on U.S. Cellular’s network and by U.S. Cellular’s customers on other carriers’ networks when roaming.

 

These factors are expected to be partially offset by anticipated decreases in the per-minute cost of usage both on U.S. Cellular’s network and on other carriers’ networks.

 

Cost of equipment sold

 

The increase in Cost of equipment sold was due primarily to a 16% increase in the average cost per handset due to a shift to the sale of more expensive handsets with expanded capabilities.  U.S. Cellular believes that the expanded capabilities will drive increases in data revenues.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of 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; advertising; and public relations expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include the costs of operating U.S. Cellular’s customer care centers and the majority of U.S. Cellular’s corporate expenses.

 

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2008 was due primarily to higher expenses associated with acquiring, serving and retaining customers, driven in part by an increase in U.S. Cellular’s customer base in 2008; increased regulatory charges and taxes also are a factor. Key components of the increases in selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows:

 

·                  advertising expenses increased $15.7 million, or 38%, in 2008, primarily due to an increase in media purchases;

 

·                  other selling and marketing expenses increased $8.9 million, or 7%, in 2008, reflecting more retail sales associates, higher commissions due to a greater number of customer renewal transactions and higher retail facility expenses; and

 

·                  general and administrative expenses increased $24.2 million, or 13%, in 2008, due to increases related to bad debts expense, reflecting both higher revenues and slightly higher bad debts experience as a percent of revenues, federal universal service fund contributions and other regulatory fees and taxes due to an increase in the contribution rate and an increase in service revenues, and increases in expenses related to the operations of U.S. Cellular’s regional support offices, primarily due to the increase in the customer base.

 

Depreciation expense

 

Depreciation expense was relatively flat compared to the prior year.

 

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

 

35



 

Amortization and accretion expenses

 

Amortization expense decreased $3.3 million in 2008, primarily due to a customer list becoming fully amortized in April 2007.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”), U.S. Cellular accretes liabilities for future remediation obligations associated with leased properties. Such accretion expense totaled $2.3 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Loss on asset disposals, net

 

These amounts represent charges related to disposals of assets, trade-ins of older assets for replacement assets and other retirements of assets from service.

 

2008 Estimates

 

U.S. Cellular expects the above industry, competitive and regulatory factors to impact revenues, operating income and operating income margin for the next several quarters. Any changes in the above factors, as well as the effects of other drivers of U.S. Cellular’s operating results, may cause revenues, operating income and operating income margin to fluctuate over the next several quarters.

 

The following are U.S. Cellular’s estimates of full year 2008 net retail customer additions; service revenues; operating income; depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses; and capital expenditures. Such estimates represent U.S. Cellular’s views as of the date of the filing of U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  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.

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

Estimated Results

 

Actual Results

 

Net retail customer additions

 

200,000-275,000

 

333,000

 

Service revenues

 

$3,900-$4,000 million

 

$3,679.2 million

 

Operating income

 

$435-$510 million

 

$396.2 million

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses(1)

 

Approx. $615 million

 

$637.1 million

 

Capital expenditures

 

$565-$615 million

 

$565.5 million

 

 


(1) Includes losses on exchange and disposals of assets.

 

36



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – WIRELINE

 

TDS operates its wireline operations through TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”), a wholly-owned subsidiary.  TDS Telecom served 1,193,800 equivalent access lines at March 31, 2008, a decrease of 25,800 lines from the 1,219,600 equivalent access lines served at March 31, 2007.  Equivalent access lines are the sum of the 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 the individual circuit connecting a customer to a telephone company’s central office facilities.  Each digital subscriber line (“DSL”) is treated as an equivalent line in addition to a voice line that may operate on the same copper loop.

 

TDS Telecom provides services through its ILEC and CLEC operations.  An ILEC is an independent local 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.

 

TDS Telecom’s ILEC subsidiaries served 767,100 equivalent access lines at March 31, 2008, an increase of 3,700 lines from the 763,400 equivalent access lines served at March 31, 2007.  Acquisitions added 1,100 equivalent access lines in 2008.

 

TDS Telecom’s CLEC served 426,700 equivalent access lines at March 31, 2008, a decrease of 29,500 lines from the 456,200 served at March 31, 2007.  The decline in 2008 is the result of a continual shift in focus from residential to commercial customers.

 

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

 

As of or at March 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILEC

 

 

 

 

 

Equivalent access lines

 

767,100

 

763,400

 

Access lines

 

579,200

 

610,300

 

Digital subscriber line (DSL) accounts

 

154,800

 

118,000

 

Dial-up Internet service accounts

 

49,000

 

71,100

 

Long-distance customers

 

344,900

 

343,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLEC

 

 

 

 

 

Equivalent access lines

 

426,700

 

456,200

 

Digital subscriber line (DSL) accounts

 

43,100

 

42,600

 

Dial-up Internet service accounts

 

6,800

 

10,200

 

 

37



 

TDS Telecom

 

Components of Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

Percentage

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2008

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2007

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILEC revenues

 

$

151,815

 

$

(5,777

)

(3.7

)%

$

157,592

 

CLEC revenues

 

56,129

 

(5,221

)

(8.5

)%

61,350

 

Intra-company elimination

 

(1,868

)

(548

)

(41.5

)%

(1,320

)

Telecom operating revenues

 

206,076

 

(11,546

)

(5.3

)%

217,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILEC expenses

 

120,918

 

(4,084

)

(3.3

)%

125,002

 

CLEC expenses

 

49,243

 

(7,176

)

(12.7

)%

56,419

 

Intra-company elimination

 

(1,868

)

(548

)

(41.5

)%

(1,320

)

Telecom operating expenses

 

168,293

 

(11,808

)

(6.6

)%

180,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TDS Telecom operating income

 

$

37,783

 

$

262

 

0.7

%

$

37,521

 

 

Operating revenues

 

Operating revenues decreased in 2008 primarily due to a decline in ILEC and CLEC physical access lines, lower rates from bundling promotions and a decrease in network usage by inter-exchange carriers.  These decreases were partially offset by the increase in ILEC data revenues.

 

Operating expenses

 

Operating expenses decreased in 2008 primarily due to reduced contributions to certain ILEC national network access pools, a reduction in cost of services for our CLEC operations due to settlements reached in the first quarter of 2008 and various process improvements implemented by TDS Telecom.

 

2008 Guidance

 

The following are estimates of full-year 2008 operating revenues, operating income, depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses, and capital expenditures.  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 date of filing of TDS’ Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  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.

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

Estimated Results

 

Actual Results

 

 

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

ILEC and CLEC Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

 

$810 - $840

 

$860.2

 

Operating income

 

$110 - $140

 

$141.2

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses

 

Approx. $160

 

$157.5

 

Capital expenditures

 

$130 - $160

 

$128.2

 

 

38



 

ILEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

Percentage

 

 

 

Quarter Ended March 31,

 

2008

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2007

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenues

 

$

51,576

 

$

(5,946

)

(10.3

)%

$

57,522

 

Data revenues

 

21,186

 

4,764

 

29.0

%

16,422

 

Network access revenues

 

70,082

 

(6,091

)

(8.0

)%

76,173

 

Miscellaneous revenues

 

8,971

 

1,496

 

20.0

%

7,475

 

Total operating revenues

 

151,815

 

(5,777

)

(3.7

)%

157,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

44,834

 

(4,263

)

(8.7

)%

49,097

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

42,481

 

622

 

1.5

%

41,859

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

33,624

 

(422

)

(1.2

)%

34,046

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

 

(21

)

(21

)

N/M

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

120,918

 

(4,084

)

(3.3

)%

125,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating income

 

$

30,897

 

$

(1,693

)

(5.2

)%

$

32,590

 

 

N/M – Not meaningful

 

Operating Revenues

 

Voice revenues (charges for the provision of local telephone exchange service and reselling long-distance service).

 

The decline in voice revenues in the first quarter of 2008 was primarily due to a 5% decline in physical access lines which negatively impacted local service revenues by $2.2 million.  Second line disconnections accounted for 18% of this decline and were significantly influenced by subscribers converting to DSL service.  Additionally, local service and long-distance revenues decreased during the quarter by $3.0 million due to an increase in bundled offerings, which allowed subscribers to bundle product suite offerings such as local service, long-distance, advance calling features and voice messaging services at a reduced bundled rate.

 

As discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Polices to the Consolidated Financial Statements, TDS Telecom’s ILEC operations discontinued the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (“SFAS 71”) in the third quarter of 2007.  The discontinuance of SFAS 71 further decreased voice revenues by $0.7 million from 2007 to 2008.  Under SFAS 71, telecommunications companies were required to recognize activation fees as revenue upon subscriber’s connection to TDS Telecom’s local network.  Upon discontinuance of SFAS 71, activation fees are required to be deferred over the estimated life of the subscriber.

 

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

 

The growth in data revenues for 2008 was primarily due to the growth in DSL customers which grew by 31% (36,800 subscribers) and accounted for increased revenues of $3.7 million.  Additionally, new data service offerings generated an additional $0.5 million in revenues during the first quarter of 2008.  These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million decline in data revenues from dial-up Internet subscribers primarily related to subscriber losses somewhat offset by higher dial-up rates.

 

39



 

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 declined $3.2 million in 2008 as compared to 2007 due to a 16% decline in intra-state minutes of use.  In addition, TDS Telecom ILEC operations elected in July of 2007 to exit certain national network access pools which resulted in an additional $2.0 million reduction in access revenues for the first quarter of 2008.  The decision to exit these pools correspondingly reduced operating expenses by $3.7 million, resulting in a positive impact on operating income of $1.7 million for the quarter.

 

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

 

The increase in miscellaneous revenues was primarily due to the discontinuance of the application of SFAS 71 in the third quarter of 2007.  Under SFAS 71, telecommunications companies were required for regulatory purposes to report bad debts expense as a reduction of revenues.  Upon discontinuance of SFAS 71, bad debts expense is recorded as a selling, general and administrative expense.  For the three months ended March 31, 2007, revenues were reduced by $1.1 million for bad debts expense.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products

 

The reduction in cost of services and products expense in 2008 was primarily due to TDS Telecom’s election to exit certain national network access pools in July of 2007.  As noted above under network access revenues, this decision decreased revenues $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2008 while also reducing contributions to the pool by $3.7 million, resulting in a positive impact on operating income of $1.7 million for the quarter.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense in 2008 is primarily related to TDS Telecom’s discontinuance of the application of SFAS 71 in the third quarter of 2007.  As noted in miscellaneous revenues section above, TDS Telecom’s discontinuance of the application of SFAS 71 resulted in a reclassification of bad debts expense from miscellaneous revenues (where it was shown as a reduction in revenues) to an increase in selling, general and administrative expense.  In 2008, TDS Telecom ILEC operations recorded $2.2 million in bad debts expense.  Additionally, expenses decreased $1.6 million primarily due to process improvements implemented by TDS Telecom.

 

CLEC Operations

 

Components of Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

Percentage

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2008

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2007

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail revenue

 

$

51,761

 

$

(2,490

)

(4.6

)%

$

54,251

 

Wholesale revenue

 

4,368

 

(2,731

)

(38.5

)%

7,099

 

Total operating revenues

 

56,129

 

(5,221

)

(8.5

)%

61,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

26,333

 

(2,624

)

(9.1

)%

28,957

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

17,026

 

(4,577

)

(21.2

)%

21,603

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

5,884

 

25

 

0.4

%

5,859

 

Total operating expenses

 

49,243

 

(7,176

)

(12.7

)%

56,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating income

 

$

6,886

 

$

1,955

 

39.6

%

$

4,931

 

 

40



 

Operating Revenues

 

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

 

CLEC equivalent access lines declined 6% from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 which resulted in a decrease in retail revenues of $3.3 million. Residential equivalent access lines decreased 18% with commercial equivalent access lines decreasing less than 1% as the CLEC operations continues to implement its strategic shift towards serving primarily a commercial subscriber base. Partially offsetting this decline was an increase in revenues of $0.8 million for the quarter due to higher average revenue per subscriber.

 

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

 

Wholesale revenues were lower in 2008 than for the same period in 2007 due to two positive settlements with inter-exchange carriers that were received and recorded in 2007 for $1.0 million. Additionally minutes of use declined 25% in 2008 decreasing revenues by $1.5 million with the remainder of the decrease due to lower average wholesale rates.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of services and products

 

The decrease in 2008 was due to settlements with two inter-exchange carriers related to pricing of certain services. The settlement reduced the cost of services for the first quarter of 2008 by $2.4 million.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to a decrease of $2.4 million in advertising expenses and commissions as TDS Telecom continues to realign its expenditures to focus mainly on its commercial markets. Additionally, expenditures decreased $1.6 million in 2008 due to process improvements implemented by TDS Telecom.

 

41



 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value as used in numerous accounting pronouncements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures related to the use of fair value measures in financial statements. SFAS 157 does not expand the use of fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in U.S. GAAP. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy from observable market data as the highest level to an entity’s own fair value assumptions about market participant assumptions as the lowest level. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2 to defer the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an annual or more frequently recurring basis, until years beginning after November 15, 2008. TDS adopted SFAS 157 for its financial assets and liabilities effective January 1, 2008 (See Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to TDS’ adoption of SFAS 157 for its financial assets and liabilities). TDS is currently reviewing the adoption requirements related to its nonfinancial assets and liabilities and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141 (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141(R) retains the underlying concept of SFAS 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method, a method that requires the acquirer to measure and recognize the acquiree on an entire entity basis and recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. However, SFAS 141(R) changes the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects, such as requiring the expensing of transaction costs previously capitalized and requiring the accrual at fair value of certain contractual and noncontractual contingencies. SFAS 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS 141(R) would also apply the provisions of SFAS 141(R). TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.160, Consolidated Financial Statements, Including Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries—a replacement of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, as amended by FASB Statement No. 94, Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries, to establish new standards that will govern the accounting and reporting of (1) noncontrolling interests (commonly referred to as minority interests) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and (2) the loss of control of subsidiaries. It also establishes that once control of a subsidiary is obtained, changes in ownership interests in that subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control shall be accounted for as equity transactions, not as step acquisitions under SFAS 141. SFAS 160 is effective on a prospective basis for TDS’ 2009 financial statements, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 160 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No.161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Statement specifically requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures addressing the following (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for TDS’ 2009 financial statements. TDS’ current derivative instruments are expected to mature prior to the effective date of SFAS 161, and therefore, TDS does not expect SFAS 161 to have an impact on its disclosures.

 

42



 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R) and other applicable accounting literature. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for TDS’ 2009 financial statements. TDS does not anticipate that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

 

TDS operates a capital- and marketing-intensive business. In recent years, TDS has generated cash from its operating activities, received cash proceeds from divestitures, used short-term credit facilities and used long-term debt financing to fund its acquisitions including licenses, construction costs and operating expenses. TDS anticipates further increases in wireless customers, revenues and operating expenses, cash flows from operating activities and capital expenditures in the future. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to seasonality, capital expenditures and other factors.

 

The following table provides a summary of TDS’ cash flow activities for the periods shown:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cash flows from (used in)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

268,999

 

$

286,468

 

Investing activities

 

(184,322

)

(146,429

)

Financing activities

 

(49,337

)

23,039

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

35,340

 

$

163,078

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

TDS generated cash flows from operating activities of $269.0 million and $286.5 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Excluding changes in assets and liabilities from operations, cash flows from operating activities totaled $194.7 million in 2008 and $254.0 million in 2007. Changes in assets and liabilities from operations generated $74.3 million in 2008 and $32.5 million in 2007, reflecting increases in accrued taxes balances offset by changes in other working capital accounts.

 

The following table is a summary of the components of cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

73,487

 

$

219,325

 

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

 

121,246

 

34,639

 

 

 

194,733

 

253,964

 

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

74,266

 

32,504

 

 

 

$

268,999

 

$

286,468

 

 

43



 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

TDS makes substantial investments each year 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 revenue enhancing and cost reducing upgrades to TDS’ networks.

 

Cash used for property, plant and equipment and system development totaled $132.5 million in 2008 and $130.7 million in 2007. The primary purpose of TDS’ construction and expansion expenditures is to provide for customer 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 additions totaled $111.7 million in 2008 and $109.7 million in 2007 representing expenditures to construct cell sites, increase capacity in existing cell sites and switches, remodel new and existing retail stores and continue the development of U.S. Cellular’s office systems. TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for its ILEC operations totaled $14.6 million in 2008 and $16.1 million in 2007 representing expenditures for switch modernization and outside plant facilities to maintain and enhance the quality of service and to offer new services. TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for its CLEC operations totaled $3.4 million in 2008 and $2.6 million in 2007 for switching and other network facilities. Corporate and other capital expenditures totaled $2.7 million in 2008 and $2.3 million in 2007.

 

Acquisitions required $107.7 million in 2008 and $18.2 million in 2007. TDS’ 2008 acquisitions included primarily U.S. Cellular’s capital contribution of $97.0 million to King Street Wireless and its general partner, which was used to pay the FCC an initial deposit of $97.0 million to allow it to participate in Auction 73. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of all transactions completed in 2008.

 

TDS received $48.6 million in cash proceeds upon the sale of Deutsche Telecom ordinary shares that occurred in the first quarter of 2008 in conjunction with the settlements of the variable prepaid forward contracts related to such shares. See Note 10 - Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on these settlements.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

Cash flows from financing activities primarily reflect issuances and repayments of short-term debt, proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, repayments of long-term debt and repurchases of common shares. TDS has used short-term debt to finance acquisitions, to repurchase common shares and for other general corporate purposes. Cash flows from operating activities, proceeds from forward contracts and, from time to time, the sale of non-strategic cellular and other investments have been used to reduce short-term debt. In addition, from time to time, TDS has used proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt to reduce short-term debt.

 

There were no short-term borrowings on revolving lines of credit in 2008. The borrowings totaled $25.0 million in the first quarter of 2007.

 

Proceeds from re-issuances of TDS and U.S. Cellular treasury shares in connection with employee benefit plans, net of tax payments, provided $1.4 million in 2008 and $12.6 million in 2007.

 

Dividends of $12.0 million were declared but not paid on TDS Common and Special Common Shares as of March 31, 2008, and therefore not reflected as a cash outflow in the first quarter of 2008. The dividends were paid in April 2008. Dividends paid on TDS Common Shares and Preferred Shares required $11.4 million in the first quarter of 2007.

 

Payment for repurchase of TDS Special Common Shares required $40.6 million in 2008. TDS did not repurchase any Special Common Shares in 2007. Payment for repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares required $10.8 million in 2008. U.S. Cellular did not repurchase any Common Shares in the first quarter of 2007. U.S. Cellular also received $4.6 million in 2008 from an investment banking firm for the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchases made in 2007. See Note 13 – TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

44



 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

TDS believes that cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and funds available under the revolving credit facilities provide substantial financial flexibility for TDS to meet both its short- and long-term needs for the foreseeable future. In addition, TDS and its subsidiaries may have access to public and private capital markets to help meet their long-term financing needs.

 

However, the availability of external financial resources is dependent on economic events, business developments, technological changes, financial conditions or other factors, some of which are not in TDS’ control. If at any time financing is not available on terms acceptable to TDS, TDS might be required to reduce its business development and capital expenditure plans, which could have a material adverse effect on its business and financial condition. TDS cannot provide assurances that circumstances that could have a material adverse affect on TDS’ liquidity or capital resources will not occur. Economic downturns, changes in financial markets or other factors could affect TDS’ liquidity and availability of capital resources. Uncertainty of access to capital for telecommunications companies, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in market conditions 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, acquisition and Special Common Share repurchase programs.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

At March 31, 2008, TDS had $1,209.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, which include 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 March 31, 2008, TDS invested substantially all of its cash balances in money market funds that invested exclusively in short-term U.S. Treasury securities. Management believes that the credit risk associated with these investments is minimal.

 

Revolving Credit Facilities

 

TDS has a $600 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. At March 31, 2008, there were no outstanding borrowings. Outstanding letters of credit were $3.4 million, leaving $596.6 million available for use. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a contractual spread based on TDS’ credit rating. At March 31, 2008, the contractual spread was 75 basis points. TDS may select borrowing periods of either seven days or one, two, three or six months (the one-month LIBOR was 2.70% at March 31, 2008). If TDS provides less than two days’ notice of intent to borrow, interest on borrowings is at the prime rate less 50 basis points (the prime rate was 5.25% at March 31, 2008). This credit facility expires in December 2009.

 

TDS also has $25 million of direct bank lines of credit at March 31, 2008, all of which were unused. The terms of the direct lines of credit bear negotiated interest rates up to the prime rate.

 

U.S. Cellular has a $700 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. At March 31, 2008, there were no outstanding borrowings and outstanding letters of credit were $0.2 million, leaving $699.8 million available for use. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. At March 31, 2008, the contractual spread was 75 basis points. U.S. Cellular may select borrowing periods of either seven days or one, two, three or six months (the one-month LIBOR was 2.70% at March 31, 2008). If U.S. Cellular provides less than two days’ notice of intent to borrow, interest on borrowings is the prime rate less 50 basis points (the prime rate was 5.25% at March 31, 2008). This credit facility expires in December 2009.

 

On April 15, 2008, U.S. Cellular borrowed $100 million under its revolving credit facility. These proceeds along with additional cash on hand of $103.5 million were contributed to King Street Wireless and its general partner. King Street Wireless in turn paid $203.5 million to the FCC in order to fulfill its remaining obligation incurred upon the purchase of licenses in Auction 73. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on Auction 73. U.S. Cellular is a limited partner of King Street Wireless and consolidates this entity pursuant to the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46(R)”). See Note 4 - Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on King Street Wireless. U.S. Cellular anticipates repaying the amount borrowed from future cash flows from operations and/or long-term debt financing.

 

45



 

TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s interest cost on their revolving credit facilities would increase if their current credit ratings from either Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Moody’s Investor Service (“Moody’s”) were lowered. However, the credit facilities would not cease to be available or accelerate solely as a result of a decline in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. A downgrade in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew existing, or obtain access to new credit facilities in the future. Currently, TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings are as follows:

 

Moody’s (issued April 3, 2008)

Baa3

- under review for possible upgrade

Standard & Poor’s (issued March 13, 2008)

BBB-

- with positive outlook

Fitch Ratings (issued August 16, 2007)

BBB+

- stable outlook

 

On April 3, 2008, Moody’s changed its outlook on TDS and U.S. Cellular’s credit rating to under review for possible upgrade from stable.

 

On March 13, 2008, Standard & Poor’s upgraded its credit rating on TDS and U.S. Cellular to BBB- with positive outlook from BB+ with developing outlook.

 

On August 16, 2007, Fitch Ratings changed its outlook on TDS and U.S. Cellular’s credit rating to stable from ratings watch negative.

 

The maturity dates of any borrowings under the TDS and U.S. Cellular revolving credit facilities would accelerate in the event of a change in control.

 

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 March 31, 2008 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the revolving credit facilities and lines of credit.

 

Long-term Financing

 

TDS believes it and its subsidiaries were in compliance as of March 31, 2008 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in long-term debt indentures. Such 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.

 

U.S. Cellular expects to file a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in May 2008, shortly after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Because U.S. Cellular is a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such registration statement will become automatically effective upon filing with the SEC and will register an indeterminate amount of debt securities. Under such automatic shelf registration statement, U.S. Cellular will be permitted, at any time and from time to time, to sell senior debt securities in one or more offerings in an indeterminate amount. U.S. Cellular does not have any set time frame for issuing any specific amount of debt securities under such registration statement at the present time. U.S. Cellular’s ability to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statement will be dependent on market conditions and other factors at the time.

 

Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts

 

TDS holds marketable equity securities, which were the result of sales or trades of non-strategic assets. TDS also has variable prepaid forward contracts (“forward contracts”) with counterparties in connection with its Deutsche Telekom securities. The principal amount of the forward contracts was accounted for as a loan. The forward contracts contain embedded collars that are bifurcated and receive separate accounting treatment in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. TDS believes that it was in compliance as of March 31, 2008 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its forward contracts.

 

See Note 10 - Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the marketable equity securities and forward contracts.

 

46



 

The remaining Deutsche Telekom forward contracts were scheduled to mature from May 2008 to September 2008. Accordingly, such Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares are classified as Current Assets and the related forward contracts and derivative liability is classified as Current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008.

 

Under the terms of the forward contracts, TDS will continue to own the contracted shares and will receive dividends paid on such contracted shares, if any. The forward contracts may be settled in Deutsche Telekom shares or in cash, pursuant to formulas that “collar” the price of the shares. The collars effectively limit downside risk and upside potential on the contracted shares. The collars typically are adjusted contractually for any changes in dividends on the underlying shares. If the dividend increases, the collar’s upside potential typically is reduced. If the dividend decreases, the collar’s upside potential typically is increased. If TDS elects to settle in shares, it will be required to deliver the number of shares of the contracted security determined pursuant to the formula. If shares are delivered in the settlement of the forward contract, TDS would incur a current tax liability at the time of delivery based on the difference between the tax basis of the marketable equity securities delivered and the net amount realized through maturity. If TDS elects to settle in cash, it will be required to pay an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of the number of shares determined pursuant to the formula.

 

The following table details the outstanding forward contracts related to the Deutsche Telekom stock and maturity dates of the contracts as of March 31, 2008.

 

Marketable Equity Security

 

Shares

 

Loan Amounts

 

Maturity Date

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom AG

 

38,000,000

 

$

452,105

 

Second Quarter 2008

 

Unaccreted Discount

 

 

 

(1,541

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

450,564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom AG

 

17,969,689

 

222,297

 

Third Quarter 2008

 

Unaccreted Discount

 

 

 

(3,635

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

218,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

669,226

 

 

 

 

In April and May 2008, TDS settled or agreed to settle forward contracts related to 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. The forward contracts related to the 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom shares were or will be settled prior to their scheduled maturity dates in May 2008 through September 2008.  See Note 17 — Subsequent Events, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the early settlement of such forward contracts.

 

On July 30, 2007, Rural Cellular Corporation (“RCCC”) announced that Verizon Wireless agreed to purchase the outstanding shares of RCCC for $45 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in 2008. If the transaction closes, TDS will receive approximately $32.4 million in cash, recognize a $31.7 million pre-tax gain and cease to own any interest in RCCC.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

U.S. Cellular’s anticipated capital expenditures for 2008 primarily reflect plans for construction, system expansion and the build-out of certain licensed areas. U.S. Cellular plans to finance its construction program using cash flows from operating activities and short-term financing. U.S. Cellular’s estimated capital spending for 2008 is expected to range from $565 million to $615 million. These expenditures primarily address the following needs:

 

·      expand and enhance U.S. Cellular’s coverage in its service areas.

·      provide additional capacity to accommodate increased network usage by current customers.

·      enhance U.S. Cellular’s retail store network and office systems.

 

TDS Telecom’s anticipated capital spending for 2008 is expected to range from $130 to $160 million to provide for normal growth and to upgrade plant and equipment to provide enhanced services.

 

47



 

Acquisitions, Exchanges and Divestitures

 

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

 

See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements for details on 2008 transactions.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

TDS consolidates certain variable interest entities pursuant to FIN 46(R). See Note 4 - Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to the 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.

 

TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases

 

TDS and U.S. Cellular have and expect to continue to repurchase their Special Common Shares and Common Shares, respectively, subject to repurchase programs. For details of these repurchase programs and repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, see Note 13 - TDS Special Common and U.S. Cellular Common Share Repurchases in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Contractual and Other Obligations

 

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, 2007, did not include any liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits under FASB issued Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). TDS is unable to predict the period of settlement of such FIN 48 liabilities. Subject to the foregoing, there has been no material change to Contractual and Other Obligations or FIN 48 liabilities between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, except as follows:

 

As disclosed in Note 3 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on March 20, 2008, the FCC announced that King Street Wireless was the provisional winning bidder for 152 licenses for an aggregate bid of $300.5 million, net of its designated entity discount of 25%. As disclosed in Note 4 - Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, TDS consolidates King Street Wireless and its general partner pursuant to FIN 46(R). King Street Wireless’ bid amount, less the initial deposit, was paid to the FCC in April 2008. In January 2008, TDS’ subsidiary, U.S. Cellular, made capital contributions and advances to King Street Wireless and its general partner of $97.0 million, which were used by King Street Wireless to pay the FCC an initial deposit of $97.0 million to allow it to participate in Auction 73. Also, during April 2008, U.S. Cellular made additional capital contributions and advances to King Street Wireless and its general partner of $203.5 million in cash and King Street Wireless then paid this amount to the FCC in April 2008 to fulfill its remaining obligation ($300.5 million aggregate bid less $97.0 million deposit) for the licenses for which it was the provisional winning bidder in the auction.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

TDS has no transactions, agreements or contractual arrangements with unconsolidated entities involving off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by SEC rules, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, cash flows from operating activities, liquidity, capital resources or financial flexibility.

 

48



 

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. TDS has certain variable interests in investments in which TDS holds a minority interest.  The investments in unconsolidated entities totaled $224.3 million as of March 31, 2008 and are accounted for using either the equity or cost method. TDS’ maximum accounting loss exposure for these variable interests is limited to the aggregate carrying amount of the investments.

 

Indemnity Agreements.  TDS enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. These include certain asset sales and financings with other parties. 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.

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and 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, both included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. There were no material changes to TDS’ significant accounting policies or application of critical accounting policies during the first three months of 2008, except as discussed in Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, related to the adoption of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, and SFAS 159.

 

49



 

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”), including exhibits, contains statements that are not based on historical fact 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, 2007.  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, 2007, 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’ 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. Such agreements cover traditional voice services as well as data services, which are an area of strong growth for TDS and other carriers. TDS’ rate of adoption of new technologies, such as those enabling high-speed data services, could affect its ability to enter into or maintain roaming agreements with other carriers.

 

·                  Changes in access to content for data or video services or access to new handsets being developed by vendors, or an inability to manage its supply chain or inventory successfully, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·                  A failure by TDS to acquire adequate 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 and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.

 

·                  An inability to attract and/or retain 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.

 

·                  Consolidation in the telecommunications industry could adversely affect TDS’ revenues and increase its costs of doing business.

 

50



 

·                  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. These business factors may include but are not limited to, demand, pricing, growth, average revenue per unit, penetration, churn, expenses, customer acquisition and retention costs, roaming rates, minutes of use, and mix and costs of products and services.

 

·                  Advances or changes in telecommunications technology, such as Voice over Internet Protocol, WiMAX or LTE (Long-Term Evolution), could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

 

·                  Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the supply or demand of the market for wireless licenses or telephone company franchises, 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 TDS’ license costs, goodwill and/or physical assets.

 

·                  Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with 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 and dealers who market TDS’ services on a commission basis. If TDS’ relationships with these agents and dealers are seriously harmed, its wireless revenues could be adversely affected.

 

·                  TDS’ investments in technologies which are unproven or for which success has not yet been demonstrated may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

 

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

 

·                  Financial difficulties of TDS’ key suppliers or vendors, or termination or impairment of TDS’ relationship with such suppliers or vendors could result in a delay or termination of TDS’ receipt of equipment, content or services which could adversely affect TDS’ business and 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’ results of operations or financial condition.

 

·                  War, conflicts, hostilities and/or terrorist attacks or equipment failure, power outages, natural disasters or breaches of network or information technology security 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 such as:  general economic conditions; wireless and telecommunications industry conditions; fluctuations in TDS’ quarterly customer activations, churn rate, revenues, results of operations or cash flows; variations between TDS’ actual financial and operating results and those expected by analysts and investors; and announcements by TDS’ competitors.

 

·                  Changes in guidance or interpretations of accounting requirements, changes in industry practice, identification of errors or changes in management assumptions could require amendments to or restatements of financial information or disclosures included in this or prior filings with the SEC.

 

51



 

·                  Restatements of financial statements by TDS and related matters, including resulting delays in filing periodic reports with the SEC, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ credit rating, liquidity, financing arrangements, capital resources and ability to access the capital markets, including pursuant to shelf registration statements; could adversely affect TDS’ listing arrangements on the American Stock Exchange and/or New York Stock Exchange; and/or could have other negative consequences, any of which could have an adverse effect on the trading prices of TDS’ publicly traded equity and/or debt and/or on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·                  The pending SEC investigation regarding the restatement of TDS’ financial statements could result in substantial expenses, and could result in monetary or other penalties.

 

·                  Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information that affects the calculation of potential liabilities for contingent obligations under guarantees, indemnities 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.

 

·                  A failure to successfully remediate the existing material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in a timely manner or the identification of additional material weaknesses in the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting could result in inaccurate financial statements or other disclosures or fail to prevent fraud, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

·                  Early redemptions of debt or repurchases of debt, issuances of debt, changes in prepaid forward contracts, changes in operating leases, changes in purchase obligations or other factors or developments could cause the amounts reported under Contractual Obligations in TDS’ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to be different from the amounts actually incurred.

 

·                  An increase of TDS’ debt in the future could subject TDS to various restrictions and higher interest costs and decrease its cash flows and earnings.

 

·                  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 and acquisition programs.

 

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

 

·                  Changes in income tax rates, laws, regulations or rulings, or federal or state tax assessments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

 

·                  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 handsets, wireless data 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.

 

·                  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.

 

52



 

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

 

You are referred to a further discussion of these risks as set forth under “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

 

53



 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

MARKET RISK

 

Long-term Debt

 

TDS is subject to risks due to fluctuations in interest rates. As of March 31, 2008, the majority of TDS’ debt, excluding current debt related to the forward contracts, is in the form of long-term, fixed-rate notes with original maturities ranging up to 40 years. Accordingly, fluctuations in interest rates can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair value of such instruments. The current debt related to the forward contracts consists of both variable-rate debt and fixed-rate zero-coupon debt. The variable-rate forward contracts require quarterly interest payments that are dependent on market interest rates. Increases in interest rates will result in increased interest expense. As of March 31, 2008, TDS had not entered into any significant financial derivatives to reduce its exposure to interest rate risks.

 

Refer to the disclosure under Market Risk – Long-Term Debt in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ long-term debt.

 

Marketable Equity Securities and Derivatives

 

TDS holds marketable equity securities, which were obtained in connection with the sale of non-strategic investments.  The market value of these investments aggregated $969.3 million at March 31, 2008 and $1,917.9 million at December 31, 2007.

 

TDS and its subsidiaries own 719,396 shares of Rural Cellular Corporation (“RCCC”). On July 30, 2007, RCCC announced that Verizon Wireless agreed to purchase the outstanding shares of RCCC for $45 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in 2008 and, therefore, the investment is classified as a Current Asset in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008. If the transaction closes, TDS will receive approximately $32.4 million in cash, recognize a $31.7 million pre-tax gain and cease to own any interest in RCCC.

 

TDS also holds 55,969,689 shares of Deutsche Telekom Ordinary Shares at March 31, 2008.  Further, TDS has variable prepaid forward contracts (“forward contracts”) with counterparties in connection with these Deutsche Telekom shares. The principal amount of the forward contracts was accounted for as a loan. The forward contracts contain embedded collars that are bifurcated and receive separate accounting treatment in accordance with SFAS 133.  See Note 10 - Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the marketable equity securities and forward contracts.

 

In April and May 2008, TDS settled or agreed to settle forward contracts related to 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. The forward contracts related to the 46,969,689 Deutsche Telekom shares were or will be settled prior to their scheduled maturity dates in May 2008 through September 2008.  See Note 17 — Subsequent Events, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the early settlement of such forward contracts.

 

54



 

The following table summarizes certain details related to the contracted securities as of March 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

Collar(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downside

 

Upside

 

Loan

 

 

 

 

 

Limit

 

Potential

 

Amount

 

Security

 

Shares

 

(Floor)

 

(Ceiling)

 

(000s)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Telekom

 

55,969,689

 

$11.59 - $12.41

 

$13.25 - $14.99

 

$

674,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaccreted Discount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,176

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

669,226

 

 


(1)         The per share amounts represent the range of floor and ceiling prices of all securities monetized.

(2)         Total amount is included in current liabilities in the caption “Forward Contracts”.

 

The following analysis presents the hypothetical change in the fair value of marketable equity securities and derivative instruments at March 31, 2008, using the Black-Scholes model, assuming hypothetical price fluctuations of plus and minus 10%, 20% and 30%.

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

Valuation of investments
assuming indicated decrease

 

March 31,
2008

 

Valuation of investments assuming
indicated increase

 

 

 

-30%

 

-20%

 

-10%

 

Fair Value

 

10%

 

20%

 

30%

 

Marketable Equity Securities

 

$

678.5

 

$

775.4

 

$

872.4

 

$

969.3

 

$

1,066.2

 

$

1,163.2

 

$

1,260.1

 

Derivative Instruments(1)

 

$

58.4

 

$

(7.5

)

$

(77.8

)

$

(156.1

)

$

(240.0

)

$

(328.1

)

$

(418.7

)

 


(1)         Represents the fair value of the derivative instruments assuming the indicated increase or decrease in the underlying securities.

 

55



 

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, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that TDS’ disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2008 because of the material weakness in accounting for income taxes described below.  Notwithstanding the material weakness that existed as of March 31, 2008, management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of TDS and its subsidiaries in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Management identified the following material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, which continued to exist at March 31, 2008:

 

TDS did not maintain effective controls over the completeness, accuracy, presentation and disclosure of its accounting for income taxes.  Specifically, TDS did not have effective controls designed and in place to monitor the difference between the income tax basis and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and reconcile the resulting basis difference to its deferred income tax asset and liability balances. This control deficiency affected deferred income tax asset and liability accounts and income taxes payable. This control deficiency resulted in the restatement of TDS’ annual consolidated financial statements for 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the interim consolidated financial statements for all quarters in 2005, 2004 and 2003, the interim consolidated financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2006, as well as adjustments, including audit adjustments, to the 2006 third quarter interim consolidated financial statements and the 2006 and 2007 annual consolidated financial statements.  Additionally, this control deficiency could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts that would result in a material misstatement to TDS’ interim or annual consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.  Accordingly, our management has determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness.

 

Remediation of Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management has been and is currently addressing this material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and is committed to remediating it as expeditiously as possible.

 

During 2007 TDS implemented tax provisioning software which enhanced internal controls related to accounting for income taxes on a TDS enterprise-wide basis, including U.S. Cellular. Further, during 2007, TDS took the following steps:

 

·                  With the assistance of external tax advisors, enhanced controls and policies with respect to monitoring the difference between the income tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and reconciling the difference to the deferred income tax asset and liability balances. The scope of this project encompassed controls over income taxes on a TDS enterprise-wide basis, including U.S. Cellular.

 

56



 

·                  Provided extensive training to associates to strengthen their technical expertise in U.S. GAAP, including accounting for income taxes.

 

·                  Reorganized the tax department to have a separate group responsible solely for income tax accounting which reports directly to the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller.

 

TDS is in the process of implementing additional controls to address the remaining income tax accounting control deficiencies which together constitute a material weakness at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in TDS’ internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect TDS’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

57



 

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, 2007, 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 facing TDS.  Additional unidentified or unrecognized risks and uncertainties may materially adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition and/or operating results. 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, 2007.

 

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

 

The table required by this item is not included with respect to TDS Common Shares because TDS does not have a share repurchase authorization with respect to its Common Shares and there have been no purchases made by or on behalf of TDS, or any open market purchases made by any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined by the SEC) of any TDS Common Shares during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

 

On March 2, 2007, the TDS Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million in aggregate purchase price of TDS Special Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases and/or block purchases 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 on March 2, 2010.

 

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 Special Common Shares during the quarter covered by this Form 10-Q.

 

TDS PURCHASES OF SPECIAL COMMON SHARES

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Special Common
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid
per Special Common
Share

 

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

 

Maximum Dollar
Value of Special
Common Shares
that may yet be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

 

January 1 – 31, 2008

 

220,016

 

$

53.37

 

220,016

 

$

111,590,144

 

February 1 – 29, 2008

 

264,000

 

46.04

 

264,000

 

99,436,708

 

March 1 – 31, 2008

 

557,000

 

37.98

 

557,000

 

78,279,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total for or as of end of the quarter ended March 31, 2008

 

1,041,016

 

$

43.28

 

1,041,016

 

$

78,279,348

 

 

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

 

i.                  The date the program was announced was March 5, 2007 by Form 8-K.

 

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

 

iii.            The original expiration date for the program is March 2, 2010.

 

iv.           The Special Common Shares authorization did not expire during the first quarter of 2008.

 

v.              TDS has not determined to terminate the foregoing Special Common Shares repurchase program prior to expiration, or to cease making further purchases thereunder, during the first quarter of 2008.

 

Item 5.  Other Information.

 

1.              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.

 

On April 15, 2008, U.S. Cellular borrowed $100 million under its revolving credit facility.  U.S. Cellular anticipates repaying the amount borrowed from future cash flows from operations and/or long-term debt financing.

 

The foregoing description is qualified by reference to the description of the Revolving Credit Facility under Item 1.01 in U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2004, and a copy of the Revolving Credit Facility, which is included as Exhibit 4.1 of U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on such Form 8-K dated December 9, 2004 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

2.              On March 13, 2008, the Stock Option Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular amended the forms of the following award agreements under the U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

·                  Form of Stock Option Award Agreement to be used for grants of stock options to John E. Rooney.

 

·                  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants of restricted stock units to John E. Rooney.

 

The foregoing description is qualified by reference to the forms of award agreements which are attached as Exhibits to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2008.

 

3.              The following information is being provided to update prior disclosures made with respect to Form 8-K, Item 5.02(e) - Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

Beginning with the 2007 performance year relating to bonuses that were paid in 2008, TDS has established performance guidelines and procedures for awarding bonuses.  These guidelines and procedures were filed by TDS as Exhibit 10.1 to TDS’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  Starting with the 2007 performance year relating to bonuses that will be paid in 2008, 70% of each officer’s target bonus will be based on his/her assessed performance.  The remaining 30% will be based on performance of TDS, based on the weighted average of the percentage achievement of target of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom.  However, the foregoing are only guidelines and notwithstanding anything to the contrary, 100% of the bonus continues to be discretionary and is not earned by the officer unless and until awarded and paid. For disclosure purposes, the amount of bonus paid in the first quarter of 2008 with respect to 2007 performance to the named executive officers was as follows:

 

 

 

LeRoy T.
Carlson, Jr.

 

Kenneth R.
Meyers

 

John E.
Rooney

 

Scott H.
Williamson

 

LeRoy T.
Carlson

 

Bonus for 2007 Paid in 2008

 

$

950,000

 

$

356,000

 

$

675,000

 

$

277,000

 

$

202,600

 

 

These amounts and the calculation thereof will be reported in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis to be included in TDS’ 2009 proxy statement.

 

59



 

4.              The following information is being provided to update disclosures pursuant to Form 8-K, Item 1.02 - Termination of Material Definitive Agreement.

 

(a)  In April 2008, the Guarantee by TDS dated November 6, 2002, and the Guarantee by TDS dated November 12, 2002, were terminated early due to the early termination by TDS of the related variable prepaid forward contracts relating to the monetization of Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. Both Guarantees were in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Counterparty”).  TDS and its affiliates do not have any material relationship with the Counterparty except with respect to variable prepaid forward contracts and the TDS and U.S. Cellular revolving credit agreements.

 

(b)  The description of the material terms and conditions of the variable prepaid forward contracts are incorporated herein by reference from Note 10 - Marketable Equity Securities and Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts

 

(c)  The material circumstances surrounding the terminations are incorporated herein by reference from Note 17 - Subsequent Events.

 

(d)  TDS did not incur any material early termination penalties.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit 10.1 – Form of U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement to be used for grants to John E. Rooney, is hereby incorporated by reference to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2008.

 

Exhibit 10.2 – Form of U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants to John E. Rooney, is hereby incorporated by reference to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2008.

 

Exhibit 11 – Computation of Earnings per share is included herein as Note 7 to the Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Exhibit 12 – Statement regarding computation of ratios 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.

 

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, 2007.  Reference is made to TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a complete list of exhibits, which are incorporated herein except to the extent supplemented or superseded above.

 

60



 

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: May 7, 2008

 

/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.

 

 

LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.,

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date: May 7, 2008

 

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers

 

 

Kenneth R. Meyers,

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Date: May 7, 2008

 

/s/ Douglas D. Shuma

 

 

Douglas D. Shuma,

 

 

Senior Vice President and

 

 

Corporate Controller

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

Signature page for the TDS 2008 First Quarter Form 10-Q