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U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2024 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2024-05-03 11:40
Part I [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=3&type=section&id=Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) In Q1 2024, UScellular reported a 4% decrease in total operating revenues to $950 million, but operating income surged 94% to $51 million and net income grew 64% to $24 million, driven by a 6% reduction in total operating expenses [Executive Overview](index=3&type=section&id=Executive%20Overview) UScellular, an 83%-owned TDS subsidiary serving 4.5 million retail connections, is undergoing a strategic alternatives review that incurred $7 million in Q1 2024, while focusing on 5G network enhancement and revenue diversification - On August 4, 2023, TDS and UScellular initiated a process to explore strategic alternatives for UScellular, incurring **$7 million** in third-party expenses in Q1 2024[14](index=14&type=chunk) - UScellular's strategy focuses on providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive plans, including increasing revenue from device protection, fixed wireless internet, tower rent, and business solutions[15](index=15&type=chunk) - The company continues its multi-year deployment of 5G mid-band spectrum in 2024 to enhance network speed and capacity for mobility and fixed wireless services[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Operational Overview](index=7&type=section&id=Operational%20Overview) UScellular's Q1 2024 operational performance saw total retail connections decline to 4.487 million, with worsening postpaid net losses due to intense competition, yet Postpaid ARPU increased by 3% to $51.96 Retail Connections (End of Period) | As of March 31, | 2024 | 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Retail Connections – End of Period** | | | | Postpaid | 4,051,000 | 4,223,000 | | Prepaid | 436,000 | 470,000 | | **Total** | **4,487,000** | **4,693,000** | Postpaid Activity and Churn (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023) | | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Gross Additions** | 106,000 | 137,000 | (23)% | | **Total Net Additions (Losses)** | (44,000) | (24,000) | (83)% | | **Total Churn** | 1.22 % | 1.27 % | -0.05 p.p. | - Postpaid handset net losses increased year-over-year due to lower gross additions resulting from aggressive industry-wide competition[19](index=19&type=chunk) Postpaid Revenue Metrics (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023) | | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) | $51.96 | $50.66 | 3% | | Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA) | $132.00 | $130.77 | 1% | [Financial Overview](index=8&type=section&id=Financial%20Overview) For Q1 2024, total operating revenues decreased by 4% to $950 million, while total operating expenses fell 6% to $899 million, leading to a 94% increase in operating income to $51 million and a 64% rise in net income to $24 million Financial Highlights (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023) | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total operating revenues | $950 | $986 | (4)% | | Total operating expenses | $899 | $960 | (6)% | | Operating income | $51 | $26 | 94% | | Net income | $24 | $14 | 64% | | Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) | $272 | $252 | 8% | | Capital expenditures | $131 | $208 | (37)% | - Retail service revenues decreased due to a smaller base of postpaid and prepaid connections, partially offset by higher Postpaid ARPU[30](index=30&type=chunk) - Equipment sales revenues declined due to fewer smartphones sold from lower gross additions and upgrades, partly offset by a higher average price for new smartphones[31](index=31&type=chunk) - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased due to lower employee-related costs, commissions, and advertising, partially offset by a **$7 million** increase for strategic alternatives review expenses[36](index=36&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=11&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) UScellular maintains liquidity through cash, operating cash flows, and financing agreements, with **$610 million** in available undrawn borrowing capacity as of March 31, 2024, and projected 2024 capital expenditures between **$550 million** and **$650 million** - UScellular believes existing cash, available financing, and operating cash flows will provide sufficient liquidity for day-to-day needs, but may require substantial additional funding for capital expenditures, acquisitions, or spectrum purchases[43](index=43&type=chunk) Available Undrawn Borrowing Capacity (as of March 31, 2024) | (Dollars in millions) | Capacity | | :--- | :--- | | Revolving Credit Agreement | $300 | | Receivables Securitization Agreement | $310 | | **Total available undrawn borrowing capacity** | **$610** | - Capital expenditures for the full year 2024 are expected to be between **$550 million** and **$650 million**, primarily for network enhancement and 5G mid-band deployment[55](index=55&type=chunk) - The company is required to maintain a Consolidated Leverage Ratio not to exceed **4.00 to 1.00** from April 1, 2024, and an Interest Coverage Ratio not lower than **3.00 to 1.00**, with UScellular in compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2024[51](index=51&type=chunk) [Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis](index=15&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Cash%20Flow%20Analysis) In Q1 2024, cash and cash equivalents increased by **$31 million**, driven by **$203 million** in operating cash flow and a positive free cash flow of **$61 million**, reversing a negative trend from the prior year Consolidated Cash Flow Summary (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023) | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $203 | $41 | | Net cash used in investing activities | ($144) | ($192) | | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ($28) | $43 | | **Net increase (decrease) in cash** | **$31** | **($108)** | - The increase in operating cash flow in Q1 2024 was primarily due to net income of **$24 million**, non-cash adjustments of **$175 million**, and distributions from unconsolidated entities of **$22 million**, partially offset by an **$18 million** decrease from working capital changes[61](index=61&type=chunk) Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP) | $203 | $41 | | Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment | ($133) | ($196) | | Cash paid for software license agreements | ($9) | ($7) | | **Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)** | **$61** | **($162)** | [Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis](index=16&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheet%20Analysis) The balance sheet saw Property, plant and equipment (gross) decrease by **$1.24 billion** and accumulated depreciation by **$1.20 billion** due to CDMA network decommissioning, while accrued compensation decreased by **$51 million** from bonus payments - The gross basis of Property, plant and equipment decreased by **$1,239 million**, and Accumulated depreciation decreased by **$1,203 million**, mainly because of the decommissioning of fully depreciated assets from the CDMA network shutdown[66](index=66&type=chunk) - Accrued compensation decreased by **$51 million**, primarily due to the payment of associate bonuses in March 2024[67](index=67&type=chunk) [Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures](index=17&type=section&id=Supplemental%20Information%20Relating%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) This section defines and reconciles non-GAAP financial measures, with Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA at **$272 million** and Adjusted OIBDA at **$228 million**, both showing growth, and Free Cash Flow turning positive at **$61 million** Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA (Q1 2024) | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net income (GAAP) | $24 | $14 | | Add back: Income tax, Interest, D&A | $236 | $228 | | EBITDA (Non-GAAP) | $260 | $242 | | Add back/deduct: Other adjustments | $12 | $10 | | **Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)** | **$272** | **$252** | | Deduct: Equity earnings, Interest income | $44 | $46 | | **Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)** | **$228** | **$206** | Free Cash Flow Reconciliation (Q1 2024) | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP) | $203 | $41 | | Less: Cash paid for PP&E | ($133) | ($196) | | Less: Cash paid for software licenses | ($9) | ($7) | | **Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)** | **$61** | **($162)** | [Financial Statements (Unaudited)](index=24&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20%28Unaudited%29) The unaudited Q1 2024 financial statements show total operating revenues of **$950 million**, net income of **$18 million**, total assets of **$10.70 billion**, and operating cash flow of **$203 million**, with accompanying notes detailing accounting policies and the strategic review impact [Consolidated Statement of Operations](index=24&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statement%20of%20Operations) For Q1 2024, UScellular reported **$950 million** in total operating revenues, with operating income increasing to **$51 million** and net income attributable to shareholders rising to **$18 million**, resulting in basic earnings per share of **$0.21** Consolidated Statement of Operations Summary | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total operating revenues | $950 | $986 | | Operating income | $51 | $26 | | Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders | $18 | $13 | | Basic earnings per share | $0.21 | $0.15 | | Diluted earnings per share | $0.20 | $0.15 | [Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows](index=25&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statement%20of%20Cash%20Flows) In Q1 2024, net cash from operating activities was **$203 million**, investing activities used **$144 million**, and financing activities used **$28 million**, leading to a net increase in cash of **$31 million** and an end-of-period balance of **$210 million** Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Summary | (Dollars in millions) | Q1 2024 | Q1 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $203 | $41 | | Net cash used in investing activities | ($144) | ($192) | | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ($28) | $43 | | Net increase (decrease) in cash | $31 | ($108) | | Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $210 | $200 | [Consolidated Balance Sheet](index=26&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheet) As of March 31, 2024, UScellular reported total assets of **$10.70 billion**, total liabilities of **$5.03 billion**, and total equity of **$4.67 billion**, with Licenses and net Property, plant and equipment as key assets Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary | (Dollars in millions) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total current assets | $1,395 | $1,400 | | Total assets | $10,704 | $10,750 | | Total current liabilities | $837 | $901 | | Total liabilities | $5,031 | $5,101 | | Total equity | $4,673 | $4,642 | | **Total liabilities and equity** | **$10,704** | **$10,750** | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=30&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail accounting policies, revenue recognition, and debt, disclosing **$7 million** in strategic review expenses, **$1.03 billion** in net equipment installment plan receivables, compliance with debt covenants, and consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - The company incurred **$7 million** in third-party expenses related to the strategic alternatives review during Q1 2024, included in Selling, general and administrative expenses[112](index=112&type=chunk) - Net equipment installment plan receivables totaled **$1,032 million** as of March 31, 2024, down from **$1,061 million** at the end of 2023[127](index=127&type=chunk) - As of March 31, 2024, UScellular was in compliance with all financial covenants for its debt agreements, including leverage and interest coverage ratios[136](index=136&type=chunk) - UScellular consolidates several Variable Interest Entities (VIEs), including special purpose entities created to facilitate its receivables securitization program[137](index=137&type=chunk)[138](index=138&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=23&type=section&id=Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) UScellular is exposed to interest rate risk, with approximately **70%** of its **$2.975 billion** long-term debt being fixed-rate and a weighted average interest rate of **6.4%** as of March 31, 2024 - As of March 31, 2024, approximately **70%** of UScellular's long-term debt was fixed-rate, with the remaining **30%** being variable-rate debt, exposing the company to interest rate risk[86](index=86&type=chunk) Principal Payments Due on Long-Term Debt (as of March 31, 2024) | (Dollars in millions) | Long-Term Debt Obligations | Weighted-Avg. Interest Rate | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Remainder of 2024 | $20 | 7.1% | | 2025 | $20 | 7.1% | | 2026 | $265 | 6.9% | | 2027 | $158 | 7.0% | | 2028 | $286 | 7.4% | | Thereafter | $2,226 | 6.2% | | **Total** | **$2,975** | **6.4%** | [Controls and Procedures](index=37&type=section&id=Controls%20and%20Procedures) UScellular's management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting during Q1 2024 - UScellular's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024, at a reasonable assurance level[149](index=149&type=chunk) - No changes in internal controls over financial reporting occurred during Q1 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting[150](index=150&type=chunk) Part II [Risk Factors](index=20&type=section&id=Risk%20Factors) The company identifies no material changes to its 2023 Form 10-K risk factors, which include intense industry competition, uncertainty from the strategic alternatives review, spectrum acquisition challenges, and cyber-attack threats - The company faces intense competition in products, services, pricing, and network technology, which could adversely affect revenues or increase costs[80](index=80&type=chunk) - The ongoing process to explore strategic alternatives for UScellular creates uncertainty, with no assurance of successful completion or additional value, and could adversely impact the business[82](index=82&type=chunk) - UScellular has experienced and expects to continue experiencing cyber-attacks or other security breaches, which could have an adverse effect on its business and financial results[84](index=84&type=chunk) - The report states there are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023[85](index=85&type=chunk) [Legal Proceedings](index=37&type=section&id=Legal%20Proceedings) The company reports no material changes to its legal proceedings since the end of the fiscal year 2023 - There have been no material changes to the legal proceedings information disclosed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023[151](index=151&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=38&type=section&id=Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) UScellular has an authorized share repurchase program with **1,927,000** shares remaining for purchase as of March 31, 2024, but no repurchases were made during Q1 2024 - No purchases of UScellular Common Shares were made by or on behalf of the company during the first quarter of 2024[153](index=153&type=chunk) - The maximum number of shares remaining for purchase under the company's repurchase program was **1,927,000** as of March 31, 2024[153](index=153&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=38&type=section&id=Other%20Information) During Q1 2024, no UScellular directors or officers adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements - No directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the three months ended March 31, 2024[154](index=154&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=39&type=section&id=Exhibits) This section lists exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including officer incentive plans, award agreements, officer certifications, and XBRL data files
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2024 Q1 - Quarterly Results
2024-05-03 11:33
NEWS RELEASE Exhibit 99.1 As previously announced, UScellular will hold a teleconference on May 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CDT. Listen to the call live via the Events & Presentations page of investors.uscellular.com. UScellular reports first quarter 2024 results 2024 guidance reaffirmed CHICAGO (May 3, 2024) — United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE:USM) reported total operating revenues of $950 million for the first quarter of 2024, versus $986 million for the same period one year ago. Service revenues totaled ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2024-02-19 08:52
United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE:USM) Q4 2023 Earnings Conference Call February 16, 2024 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Colleen Thompson - VP, Corporate Relations Vicki Villacrez - EVP & CFO Laurent Therivel - President, CEO & Director Douglas Chambers - EVP, CFO and Treasurer Michelle Brukwicki - CFO, TDS Telecommunications LLC Conference Call Participants Richard Prentiss - Raymond James Simon Flannery - Morgan Stanley Michael Rollins - Citigroup Sergey Dluzhevskiy - GAMCO Investors Operator Goo ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report
2024-02-16 12:44
Customer Connections and Performance - UScellular serves 4.6 million retail connections, including 4.1 million postpaid and 0.5 million prepaid connections, operating in 21 states with 4,300 employees and 4,373 owned towers[138] - Total postpaid connections decreased from 4,247,000 in 2022 to 4,106,000 in 2023, while prepaid connections decreased from 493,000 to 451,000[143] - Postpaid ARPU increased by 2% to $51.01 in 2023, driven by favorable plan and product mix, while Postpaid ARPA remained flat at $130.91[146] - Postpaid handset net losses increased by 32% to 145,000 in 2023, primarily due to aggressive industry-wide competition and lower gross additions[144] - UScellular served 4.6 million retail connections as of December 31, 2023[269] Financial Performance and Revenues - Total operating revenues decreased by 6% to $3,906 million in 2023, with retail service revenues declining by 2% to $2,742 million and equipment sales revenues dropping by 17% to $862 million[149] - Net income increased by 67% to $58 million in 2023, with Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA growing by 4% and 3% to $818 million and $986 million, respectively[149] - Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders increased by 80% to $54 million in 2023, compared to $30 million in 2022[162] - Total operating revenues decreased to $3,906 million in 2023 from $4,169 million in 2022, a decline of 6.3%[250] - Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders increased to $54 million in 2023 from $30 million in 2022, an 80% increase[250] - Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders rose to $54 million in 2023 from $30 million in 2022, with diluted earnings per share of $0.63[340] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Capital expenditures decreased by 15% to $611 million in 2023, reflecting reduced spending on network infrastructure[149] - UScellular's capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to range between $550 million and $650 million, primarily for network upgrades and 5G deployment[192] - Cash flows used for investing activities in 2023 totaled $721 million, including $608 million for property, plant, and equipment, and $130 million for wireless spectrum licenses[201] - Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment was $608 million in 2023, slightly higher than $602 million in 2022[252] - UScellular's free cash flow for 2023 is $192 million, compared to $208 million in 2022, calculated as cash flows from operating activities ($866 million) minus cash paid for property, plant, and equipment ($608 million) and software license agreements ($66 million)[245] Strategic Alternatives and Expenses - UScellular incurred $8 million in third-party expenses related to exploring strategic alternatives, with potential financial impacts still uncertain[140] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased in 2023, primarily due to lower bad debts, commissions, facilities, and employee-related expenses, partially offset by higher advertising expenses and $8 million in strategic alternatives review costs[160] - UScellular incurred third-party expenses of $8 million in 2023 related to the strategic alternatives review[302] - UScellular is exploring strategic alternatives, but there is no assurance that these efforts will result in additional value for shareholders or avoid adverse impacts on its business[235] Network and Spectrum Deployment - The company continued its 5G deployment, focusing on mid-band spectrum to enhance speed and capacity for mobility and fixed wireless services[141] - UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses in Auction 107 for $1,283 million, with $30 million paid in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021[226] - UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 380 wireless spectrum licenses in Auction 110 for $580 million, with $20 million paid in 2021 and the remainder in the first quarter of 2022[227] - UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 34 wireless spectrum licenses in Auction 108 for $3 million, with licenses granted by the FCC on December 1, 2022[228] - UScellular acquired 380 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band for $580 million in Auction 110, with payments completed in 2022[343] Expenses and Cost Management - System operations expenses decreased in 2023, primarily due to lower roaming and customer usage expenses, partially offset by higher maintenance, utility, and cell site expenses[158] - Cost of equipment sold decreased in 2023, driven by a decline in smartphone upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average cost per unit sold[159] - Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expenses decreased in 2023 due to enhancements extending the useful life of a software platform[161] - Depreciation and amortization expense for 2023 was $637 million, down from $682 million in 2022[346] - Implementation costs for cloud-hosted arrangements were $24 million in 2023, down from $42 million in 2022, with amortization costs of $17 million in 2023[278] Debt and Financial Obligations - Interest expense increased by 21% to $196 million in 2023, driven by higher interest rates on variable rate debt[164] - UScellular had $600 million in available undrawn borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2023, including $300 million under a revolving credit agreement[173][174] - UScellular's credit ratings as of December 31, 2023, were Ba1 (Moody's), BB (Standard & Poor's), and BB+ (Fitch Ratings), with a stable outlook from Moody's and Fitch[187] - UScellular repaid $50 million under its receivables securitization agreement in January 2024[178] - UScellular's long-term debt as of December 31, 2023, is $2.98 billion, with 70% in fixed-rate senior notes and 30% in variable-rate debt[236] - The weighted average interest rate on UScellular's long-term debt is 6.4%, with principal payments due in 2024 at $20 million (7.1%) and in 2028 at $286 million (7.5%)[237] - The estimated fair value of UScellular's long-term debt obligations at December 31, 2023, is $2.611 billion, compared to a book value of $3.099 billion[238] - UScellular has a total maximum borrowing capacity of $800 million across three term loans, with $783 million borrowed and outstanding as of December 31, 2023[361] - The company has a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada, fully borrowed as of December 31, 2023, bearing interest at SOFR plus 1.60%[362] Cash Flow and Liquidity - UScellular's cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased by $129 million in 2023, with net cash provided by operating activities at $866 million[200] - Cash flows used for financing activities in 2023 were $274 million, primarily due to repayments of $440 million on the receivables securitization agreement[202] - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $866 million in 2023 from $832 million in 2022, a 4.1% increase[252] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $273 million in 2022 to $150 million in 2023, while restricted cash decreased from $35 million to $29 million[274] Assets and Liabilities - UScellular's inventory decreased by $62 million in 2023 due to efforts to reduce inventory on hand[208] - The fair value of UScellular's wireless spectrum licenses exceeded the carrying value by 17% in 2023, with no impairment recorded[215] - UScellular's accounts payable, trade decreased by $103 million in 2023 due to the timing of vendor invoice payments related to inventory[209] - UScellular's other current liabilities decreased by $181 million in 2023 due to the payment of Auction 107 relocation fees and repayments on the EIP receivables repurchase agreement[210] - Total assets decreased to $10,750 million in 2023 from $11,119 million in 2022, a 3.3% decline[254] - Long-term debt decreased to $3,044 million in 2023 from $3,187 million in 2022, a 4.5% reduction[257] - UScellular shareholders' equity increased to $4,626 million in 2023 from $4,554 million in 2022, a 1.6% increase[257] - Inventory decreased to $199 million in 2023 from $261 million in 2022, a 23.8% reduction[254] - Accounts receivable decreased to $900 million in 2023 from $985 million in 2022, an 8.6% decline[254] - Total current liabilities decreased to $901 million in 2023 from $1,195 million in 2022, a 24.6% reduction[257] - UScellular's total equity increased from $4,554 million in 2022 to $4,626 million in 2023, reflecting a net income attributable to UScellular shareholders of $54 million[259] - Property, plant, and equipment, net, decreased slightly to $2.576 billion in 2023 from $2.624 billion in 2022, with gross assets of $9.560 billion[346] Leasing and Real Estate - Total lease costs for 2023 were $203 million, including $191 million in operating lease costs and $12 million in variable lease costs[351] - Operating cash flows from operating leases increased to $194 million in 2023, up from $185 million in 2022 and $183 million in 2021[352] - Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations were $158 million in 2023, compared to $113 million in 2022 and $182 million in 2021[352] - Weighted average remaining lease term increased to 13 years in 2023 from 12 years in 2022, with a weighted average discount rate of 4.3% in 2023, up from 3.9% in 2022[352] - Total lease payments for operating leases amount to $1,340 million, with a present value of lease liabilities at $966 million after deducting imputed interest of $374 million[352] - Variable lease income from operating leases reached $101 million in 2023, up from $93 million in 2022 and $83 million in 2021[355] - Total future lease maturities expected to be received amount to $282 million, with $80 million due in 2024[356] - Legally binding lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced total $28 million, excluded from total lease payments[352] - Asset retirement obligations are associated with leased cell sites, switching office sites, retail store sites, and office locations, included in Other deferred liabilities and credits[357] Revenue Recognition and Contract Liabilities - Contract assets were $4 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $5 million in 2022[318] - Contract liabilities were $331 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $349 million in 2022[318] - Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2023, was $220 million for the year ended December 31, 2023[318] - Contract cost asset balance related to commission fees and other costs was $127 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $131 million in 2022[321] Equipment Installment Plans and Credit Losses - Equipment installment plan receivables, net, were $1,061 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $1,115 million in 2022[329] - Equipment installment plan receivables totaled $1.151 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared to $1.211 billion in 2022, with the majority classified as "Lowest Risk" ($1.024 billion in 2023 vs. $1.070 billion in 2022)[330] - Write-offs, net of recoveries, for equipment installment plan receivables amounted to $75 million in 2023, with $45 million originating from 2022[330] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to $90 million at the end of 2023 from $96 million in 2022, with bad debts expense of $69 million in 2023[331] Taxes and Deferred Tax Liabilities - Total income tax expense for 2023 was $53 million, up from $37 million in 2022, with a federal deferred tax expense of $28 million[332] - UScellular's net deferred income tax liability increased to $755 million in 2023 from $708 million in 2022, driven by deferred tax assets of $669 million and liabilities of $1.278 billion[333] Advertising and Employee Benefits - Advertising costs totaled $181 million in 2023, $171 million in 2022, and $184 million in 2021[295] - Pension costs were $11 million in 2023, $12 million in 2022, and $12 million in 2021[300] - Total costs for UScellular's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15 million for each of 2023, 2022, and 2021[301] Risks and Challenges - UScellular faces risks from intense competition, changes in roaming practices, and potential declines in roaming revenues, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition[231] - The company's inability to attract and retain diverse talent could negatively impact its operations and financial performance[231] - UScellular's smaller scale compared to larger competitors may hinder its ability to compete effectively, potentially affecting its financial results[231] - The company's reliance on the U.S. wireless telecommunications industry makes its operating results susceptible to fluctuations in this sector[235] Miscellaneous - Amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $63 million in 2023, $61 million in 2022, and $66 million in 2021[312] - UScellular's wireless spectrum licenses are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets, with no impairment identified as of the latest assessment[279]
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-11-05 11:03
United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE:USM) Q3 2023 Earnings Conference Call November 3, 2023 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Colleen Thompson - VP, Corporate Relations Vicki Villacrez - SVP, Finance & CFO, TDS Telecommunications Corporation Laurent Therivel - President, CEO & Director Douglas Chambers - EVP, CFO and Treasurer Michelle Brukwicki - CFO, TDS Telecommunications LLC Conference Call Participants Richard Prentiss - Raymond James & Associates Philip Cusick - JPMorgan Chase & Co. Simon Flannery ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2023-11-03 11:41
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-09712 UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2023-08-04 11:57
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-09712 UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION Delaware 62-1147325 8410 West Bryn Mawr, Chicago, Illinois 60631 (Address of principal e ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2023 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2023-05-04 20:21
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-09712 The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of March 31, 2023, is 51,712,600 Comm ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report
2023-02-16 21:21
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-09712 UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 62-1147325 (State or other j ...
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2022 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2022-08-04 20:23
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-09712 UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of i ...