President’s Comments “The fourth quarter capped off what was a very successful year for TDS,” said LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., president and chief executive officer. “Our companies delivered good operating and financial results, and made significant strides delivering on their strategies during the year. “During the fourth quarter, U.S. Cellular generated 150,000 net customer additions, continuing its strong net add performance of the last several quarters. Postpay churn remained low, at 1.6 percent for the quarter, testifying to the effectiveness of U.S. Cellular’s customer satisfaction strategy. In addition, despite the divestiture of several markets during the year, service revenue increased 8.5 percent year over year. When adjusted for those divestitures, revenue increased 11 percent year over year. “U.S. Cellular added to its many accomplishments of 2004 during the fourth quarter. Its three new markets, launched the previous quarter, are all doing well. The company completed its three-year wireless network upgrade to CDMA 1X, which allows it to now offer its popular data services in all of its markets. Those data services continue to perform well, and we expect the strong take rates to continue, as data usage becomes more popular and as U.S. Cellular continues to enhance its data service offerings. “TDS Telecom’s revenues grew 2 percent during the quarter. Contributing to TDS Telecom’s overall revenue performance was the continued strong growth of its long-distance and high-speed Internet services. Data services are proving an excellent growth driver for the company. And the fourth quarter marked a significant milestone for the ILEC’s popular DSL service when its DSL customer market share topped that of cable modems in the markets where the ILEC offers DSL, based on the company’s perceptual survey. This milestone underscores the progress TDS Telecom is making on being the preferred broadband provider in the markets it serves. And for the year, we are pleased that residential primary access lines at the ILEC were level, positive performance in a wireline industry environment characterized by declining access lines. “In summary, the fourth quarter concluded what was a very productive year for the TDS businesses. I want to take this opportunity to thank all TDS employees for their hard work throughout the year. Their dedication to providing an outstanding experience for each of our customers is critical to growing our customer base. Our appreciation goes as well to each of TDS’s 6.1 million customers for their business and continued loyalty. Finally, we also appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and debt holders. Of note, TDS’s stock price rose 23 percent during the year, outperforming the broad market indices, and TDS increased its dividend once again, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend increases. TDS made significant progress in 2004, and the company is well positioned for another good year in 2005.” For the Year For the year, operating revenues were $3.72 billion, up 8% from $3.45 billion in 2003. Operating income decreased 18% to $220.8 million from $267.9 million in 2003, principally attributed to the write-downs at TDS Metrocom. Net income available to common and diluted earnings per share for 2
the year were $48.8 million and $0.84 respectively, compared to net income available to common and diluted earnings per share of $46.2 million and $0.79 respectively, in the year 2003. In 2004, the company recorded a $6.4 million gain in “Discontinued Operations, net of tax” or $0.11 gain per diluted share relating to certain tax-related issues associated with the merger of Aerial Communications, Inc. with VoiceStream Wireless Corporation. In 2003, the company recorded a diluted loss per share of $.03 for discontinued operations relating to certain liabilities associated with the Aerial merger and a diluted loss per share of $.20 for the cumulative effect of an accounting change related to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. CFO’s Comments Said Sandra L. Helton, executive vice president and chief financial officer, “2004 was a good year for the company. Our increase in revenues over 2003 were driven by continued strong customer growth at U.S. Cellular and steady performance at TDS Telecom. “Equally important, we made progress during the year improving the company’s financial position, in line with our commitment to maintain a strong balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings. Taking advantage of the positive credit market environment, we lengthened the maturity schedules of a portion of U.S. Cellular’s debt. This provides considerable financial flexibility going forward. “In addition, we worked concertedly during the year to meet the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. While this entailed a great deal of time and effort, we fully support the principles it embodies, which are in complete alignment with TDS’s commitment to financial integrity. The Sarbanes Oxley requirements provided us an opportunity to further improve our financial and operational processes and controls, which will benefit us in the future. “In sum, TDS is well positioned financially going into 2005. Our balance sheet is strong; we have considerable liquidity to support our businesses; and we have solid investment-grade credit ratings. We look forward to another positive year.” Reconciliation of U. S. Cellular Service Revenues |