Document And Entity Information
Document And Entity Information | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018shares | |
Entity Registrant Name | United States Cellular Corporation |
Entity Central Index Key | 821,130 |
Document Type | 10-Q |
Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2018 |
Amendment Flag | false |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer |
Emerging Growth Company | false |
Smaller Reporting Company | false |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,018 |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 |
Trading Symbol | USM |
Common Shares | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 52,846,065 |
Series A Common Shares | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 33,005,877 |
Consolidated Statement of Opera
Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 1,001 | $ 963 | $ 2,916 | $ 2,862 |
Operating expenses | ||||
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $20 million and $20 million, respectively, for the three months, and $60 million and $62 million, respectively, for the nine months) | 346 | 350 | 1,014 | 1,041 |
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 160 | 153 | 478 | 460 |
Loss on impairment of goodwill | 0 | 370 | 0 | 370 |
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 3 | 5 | 5 | 14 |
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | 0 | (1) | 0 | (1) |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | 0 | 0 | (18) | (19) |
Total operating expenses | 967 | 1,323 | 2,761 | 3,163 |
Operating income (loss) | 34 | (360) | 155 | (301) |
Investment and other income (expense) | ||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | 42 | 35 | 120 | 101 |
Interest and dividend income | 4 | 2 | 10 | 6 |
Interest expense | (29) | (28) | (87) | (85) |
Other, net | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Total investment and other income | 17 | 9 | 43 | 23 |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 51 | (351) | 198 | (278) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 14 | (53) | 55 | (19) |
Net income (loss) | 37 | (298) | 143 | (259) |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax | 1 | 1 | 14 | 2 |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 36 | $ (299) | $ 129 | $ (261) |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) | 86 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.42 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.51 | $ (3.07) |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) | 87 | 85 | 86 | 85 |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.41 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.49 | $ (3.07) |
Service | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 759 | $ 737 | $ 2,224 | $ 2,223 |
Operating expenses | ||||
Cost of equipment sold | 200 | 185 | 566 | 549 |
Equipment sales | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | 242 | 226 | 692 | 639 |
Operating expenses | ||||
Cost of equipment sold | $ 258 | $ 261 | $ 716 | $ 749 |
Consolidated Statement of Ope_2
Consolidated Statement of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Operating expenses | ||||
Selling, general and administrative, charges from affiliates | $ 20 | $ 20 | $ 60 | $ 62 |
Consolidated Statement of Cash
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | ||
Net income (loss) | $ 143 | $ (259) |
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities | ||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 478 | 460 |
Bad debts expense | 67 | 64 |
Stock-based compensation expense | 26 | 21 |
Deferred income taxes, net | (4) | (73) |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | (120) | (101) |
Distributions from unconsolidated entities | 90 | 85 |
Loss on impairment of goodwill | 0 | 370 |
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 5 | 14 |
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | 0 | (1) |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | (18) | (19) |
Noncash interest | 2 | 1 |
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations | ||
Accounts receivable | (1) | (16) |
Equipment installment plans receivable | (88) | (164) |
Inventory | 15 | 36 |
Accounts payable | 21 | (58) |
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | (5) | (13) |
Accrued taxes | 1 | 31 |
Accrued interest | 9 | 9 |
Other assets and liabilities | (21) | 7 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 600 | 394 |
Cash flows from investing activities | ||
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment | (277) | (252) |
Cash paid for licenses | (2) | (189) |
Cash received for investments | 50 | 0 |
Cash paid for investments | 0 | (50) |
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges | 23 | 19 |
Other investing activities | 3 | 0 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (203) | (472) |
Cash flows from financing activities | ||
Repayment of long-term debt | (14) | (9) |
Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments | 7 | 1 |
Payment of debt issuance costs | (1) | 0 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (5) | (2) |
Other financing activities | (4) | 0 |
Net cash used in financing activities | (17) | (10) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 380 | (88) |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ||
Beginning of period | 352 | 586 |
End of period | $ 732 | $ 498 |
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 730 | $ 352 | |
Short-term investments | 0 | 50 | |
Accounts receivable | |||
Customers and agents, less allowances of $63 and $55, respectively | 845 | 775 | |
Roaming | 42 | 26 | |
Affiliated | 0 | 1 | |
Other, less allowances of $1 and $1, respectively | 42 | 41 | |
Inventory, net | 123 | 138 | |
Prepaid expenses | 62 | 79 | |
Other current assets | 20 | 21 | |
Total current assets | 1,864 | 1,483 | |
Assets held for sale | 42 | 10 | |
Licenses | 2,189 | 2,223 | |
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 461 | 415 | |
Property, plant and equipment | |||
In service and under construction | 7,647 | 7,628 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 5,521 | 5,308 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,126 | 2,320 | |
Other assets and deferred charges | 546 | 390 | |
Total assets | [1] | 7,228 | 6,841 |
Current liabilities | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 19 | 18 | |
Accounts payable | |||
Affiliated | 10 | 8 | |
Trade | 314 | 302 | |
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | 145 | 185 | |
Accrued taxes | 52 | 56 | |
Accrued compensation | 66 | 74 | |
Other current liabilities | 83 | 90 | |
Total current liabilities | 689 | 733 | |
Deferred liabilities and credits | |||
Deferred income tax liability, net | 510 | 461 | |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 386 | 337 | |
Long-term debt, net | 1,609 | 1,622 | |
Commitments and contingencies | |||
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features | 11 | 1 | |
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | |||
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 190 shares (50 Series A Common and 140 Common Shares) Issued 88 shares (33 Series A Common and 55 Common Shares) Outstanding 86 shares (33 Series A Common and 53 Common Shares) and 85 shares (33 Series A Common and 52 Common shares), respectively Par Value ($1.00 per share) ($33 Series A Common and $55 Common Shares) | 88 | 88 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,578 | 1,552 | |
Treasury shares, at cost, 2 and 3 Common Shares, respectively | (84) | (120) | |
Retained earnings | 2,430 | 2,157 | |
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | 4,012 | 3,677 | |
Noncontrolling interests | 11 | 10 | |
Total equity | 4,023 | 3,687 | |
Total liabilities and equity | [1] | $ 7,228 | $ 6,841 |
[1] | The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $851 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $20 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. |
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Accounts receivable | ||
Customer and agent allowances | $ 63 | $ 55 |
Other allowances | $ 1 | $ 1 |
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 190 | 190 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 88 | 88 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 86 | 85 |
Par value | $ 88 | $ 88 |
Variable Interest Entities VIEs | ||
Total VIE assets that can be used to settle only the VIEs' obligations | 851 | 785 |
Total VIE liabilities for which creditors have no recourse | $ 20 | $ 24 |
Series A Common Shares | ||
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 50 | 50 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 33 | 33 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 33 | 33 |
Par value per share (USD per share) | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Par value | $ 33 | $ 33 |
Common Shares | ||
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 140 | 140 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 55 | 55 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 53 | 52 |
Par value per share (USD per share) | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Par value | $ 55 | $ 55 |
Treasury shares (in shares) | 2 | 3 |
Consolidated Statement of Chang
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions | Total | Series A Common and Common shares | Additional paid-in capital | Treasury shares | Retained earnings | Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | Noncontrolling interests |
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016 | $ 3,645 | $ 88 | $ 1,522 | $ (136) | $ 2,160 | $ 3,634 | $ 11 |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | (261) | (261) | (261) | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | 2 | 0 | 2 | ||||
Incentive and compensation plans | 1 | 16 | (15) | 1 | |||
Stock-based compensation awards | 21 | 21 | 21 | ||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (2) | 0 | (2) | ||||
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017 | 3,406 | 88 | 1,543 | (120) | 1,884 | 3,395 | 11 |
Cumulative effect of accounting change | 174 | 173 | 173 | 1 | |||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017 | 3,687 | 88 | 1,552 | (120) | 2,157 | 3,677 | 10 |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | 129 | 129 | 129 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | 2 | 0 | 2 | ||||
Incentive and compensation plans | 7 | 36 | (29) | 7 | |||
Stock-based compensation awards | 26 | 26 | 26 | ||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (2) | 0 | (2) | ||||
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018 | $ 4,023 | $ 88 | $ 1,578 | $ (84) | $ 2,430 | $ 4,012 | $ 11 |
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular), a Delaware corporation, is an 82% -owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS). The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that require consolidation under GAAP. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by U.S. Cellular pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, U.S. Cellular believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of U.S. Cellular’s financial position as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and its cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , equaled net income. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. U.S. Cellular has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , except as described below and as disclosed in Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities . Restricted Cash U.S. Cellular presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 730 $ 352 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 2 — Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 732 $ 352 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02) and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , and Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements . ASU 2016-02, as amended, requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all leases. This ASU does not substantially impact the lessor accounting model. However, some changes to the lessor accounting guidance were made to align with lessee accounting changes within ASC 842, Leases and certain key aspects of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Early adoption is permitted; however, U.S. Cellular plans to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, using a modified retrospective method when required on January 1, 2019. Under this method, a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings is recognized upon adoption and the guidance is applied prospectively. U.S. Cellular has identified that new systems, processes and controls are required to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, and is in the process of implementing a new lease management and accounting system to assist in the application of the new standard. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, is not expected to have a material impact on U.S. Cellular’s results of operations, but it is expected to result in a substantial increase to assets and liabilities on U.S. Cellular's balance sheet. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019; however, U.S. Cellular does not intend to adopt early. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures. In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2018-07). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations. In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, either retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date that this guidance is first applied. Early adoption is permitted. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have on its financial position and results of operations. Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $16 million and $50 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and $14 million and $42 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. |
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Change in Accounting Policy In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date , Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and Accounting Standards Update 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, collectively referred to hereinafter as ASU 2014-09. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies how entities account for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase of $173 million in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-05 had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. As a practical expedient, U.S. Cellular groups similar contracts or similar performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations if doing so does not result in a significant difference from applying the new accounting standard to the individual contracts. U.S. Cellular applies this grouping method for the following types of transactions: device activation fees, contract acquisition costs, and certain customer promotions. Contract portfolios will be recognized over the respective expected customer lives or terms of the contracts. The line items impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet are presented below. Consolidated Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Operating revenues Service $ 787 $ (28 ) $ 759 Equipment sales 223 19 242 Total operating revenues 1,010 (9 ) 1,001 Cost of equipment sold 261 (3 ) 258 Selling, general and administrative 348 (2 ) 346 Total operating expenses 972 (5 ) 967 Operating income (loss) 38 (4 ) 34 Income (loss) before income taxes 55 (4 ) 51 Income tax expense (benefit) 15 (1 ) 14 Net income (loss) 40 (3 ) 37 Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders 39 (3 ) 36 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.42 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.44 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.41 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Operating revenues Service $ 2,310 $ (86 ) $ 2,224 Equipment sales 632 60 692 Total operating revenues 2,942 (26 ) 2,916 Cost of equipment sold 724 (8 ) 716 Selling, general and administrative 1,013 1 1,014 (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net (17 ) (1 ) (18 ) Total operating expenses 2,769 (8 ) 2,761 Operating income (loss) 173 (18 ) 155 Income (loss) before income taxes 216 (18 ) 198 Income tax expense (benefit) 60 (5 ) 55 Net income (loss) 156 (13 ) 143 Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders 142 (13 ) 129 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 1.67 $ (0.16 ) $ 1.51 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 1.65 $ (0.16 ) $ 1.49 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. The decrease in Service revenues and the increase in Equipment sales revenues are driven primarily by differences in the timing and classification of revenue recognized for certain arrangements with multiple performance obligations and ceasing to record deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts. Under prior accounting standards, revenues were allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method, where consideration was allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price. Revenue recognized for the delivered items was limited to the amount due from the customer that was not contingent upon the delivery of additional products or services. Under ASU 2014-09, the revenue allocation of the transaction price is based on the relative standalone selling prices of the individual performance obligations in the customer’s contract, and the resulting revenue attributable to each is recognized as control over the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. This has resulted in increased Equipment sales revenues as more revenue is allocated to discounted equipment than under prior accounting standards. Under prior accounting standards, U.S. Cellular deferred imputed interest related to equipment installment plan receivable contracts that exceeded twelve months, and recognized the corresponding interest income over the contract period in Service revenues. Under the provisions of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular has determined that equipment installment plan contracts do not contain a significant financing component, and accordingly U.S. Cellular ceased recording deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Cost of equipment sold decreased due to a change in timing of recognition of cost of goods sold in the agent channel. Under prior accounting standards, Equipment sales to agents and the related Cost of equipment sold was recognized when equipment was sold through from the agent to end user customers. In accordance with the provisions of ASU 2014-09, such amounts are recognized when U.S. Cellular delivers the equipment to the agent. Selling, general and administrative expenses include the amortization of contract acquisition costs that are capitalized under ASU 2014-09. Under ASU 2017-05, (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net is calculated by subtracting the carrying amount of the distinct asset being disposed from the consideration measured and allocated to that distinct asset. With respect to license exchange transactions, the consideration, or transaction price, is the fair value of the licenses received. Under prior accounting standards, the transaction price was typically the fair value of the licenses surrendered. Consolidated Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customers and agents, less allowances $ 786 $ 59 $ 845 Prepaid expenses 78 (16 ) 62 Other current assets 17 3 20 Total current assets 1,818 46 1,864 Licenses 2,188 1 2,189 Investments in unconsolidated entities 446 15 461 Other assets and deferred charges 393 153 546 Total assets 7,013 215 7,228 Customer deposits and deferred revenues 157 (12 ) 145 Accrued taxes 55 (3 ) 52 Other current liabilities 80 3 83 Total current liabilities 701 (12 ) 689 Deferred income tax liability, net 459 51 510 Other deferred liabilities and credits 371 15 386 Retained earnings 2,270 160 2,430 Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity 3,852 160 4,012 Noncontrolling interests 10 1 11 Total equity 3,862 161 4,023 Total liabilities and equity $ 7,013 $ 215 $ 7,228 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. As a result of adoption of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular recorded short-term and long-term contract assets and contract liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018 . Under ASU 2014-09, the timing of recognition of revenue for each performance obligation may differ from the timing of the customer billing, creating a contract asset or contract liability. See Contract Balances below for additional information. Contract assets are included in Other current assets if short-term in nature or Other assets and deferred charges if long-term in nature. Short-term contract liabilities are classified as Customer deposits and deferred revenues and long-term contract liabilities are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits. Accounts receivable increased as a result of U.S. Cellular ceasing to record deferred imputed interest. Certain prepaid expenses decreased due to a change in timing of recognition of sales of equipment to agents. Investments in unconsolidated entities increased due to the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 to certain of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments as of January 1, 2018. Deferred income tax liabilities, net, increased due to the provisions of ASU 2014-09 increasing the net basis of assets on a U.S. GAAP basis, without a corresponding increase in tax basis. Contract cost assets have also been created as a result of ASU 2014-09 due to capitalization of costs to obtain a new contract. See Contract Cost Assets below for additional information. Nature of goods and services The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues. Services and products Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms Wireless services Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis. Wireless devices and accessories U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, modems, mobile hotspots, home phones and tablets for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery. Wireless roaming U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer. Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states. Wireless tower rents U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided. Activation fees U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. These fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted. Significant Judgments U.S. Cellular sells bundled service and equipment offerings. In these instances, U.S. Cellular recognizes its revenue based on the relative standalone selling prices for each distinct service or equipment performance obligation, or bundles thereof. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding discounts. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of wireless service to be the price offered to customers on month-to-month contracts. Revenues from sales of equipment are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided. Services are deemed to be highly interrelated when the method and timing of transfer and performance risk are the same. Highly interrelated services that are determined to not be distinct have been grouped into a single performance obligation. Each month of services promised is a performance obligation. The series of monthly service performance obligations promised over the course of the contract are combined into a single performance obligation for purposes of the allocation. U.S. Cellular has made judgments regarding transaction price, including but not limited to issues relating to variable consideration, time value of money and returns. When determined to be significant in the context of the contract, these items are considered in the valuation of transaction price at contract inception or modification, as appropriate. Disaggregation of Revenue In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of service and timing of revenue recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service $ 659 $ 1,960 Inbound roaming 50 116 Other service 34 99 Service revenues from contracts with customers 743 2,175 Equipment sales 242 692 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1 $ 985 $ 2,867 1 These amounts do not include revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contract Balances For contracts that involve multiple element service and equipment offerings, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. When payment is collected in advance of delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of U.S. Cellular’s right to receive consideration. Once there is an unconditional right to receive the consideration, U.S. Cellular bills the customer under the terms of the respective contract and the amounts are recorded as receivables. U.S. Cellular recognizes Equipment sales revenue when the equipment is delivered to the customer and a corresponding contract asset or liability is recorded for the difference between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount billed to the customer in cases where discounts are offered. The contract asset or liability is reduced over the contract term as service is provided and billed to the customer. The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. Bad debts expense recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , related to receivables was $26 million and $67 million , respectively. September 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customer and agents $ 845 Roaming 42 Other 36 Total 1 $ 923 1 These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table provides a rollforward of contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract Assets (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ — Change in accounting policy 26 Contract additions 19 Terminated contracts (1 ) Reclassified to receivables (34 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 10 The following table provides a rollforward of contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract Liabilities (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ — Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification 1 167 Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact (21 ) Contract additions 103 Revenue recognized (102 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 147 1 This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017. Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations The following table includes estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenue to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of September 30, 2018 , and may vary from actual results due to future contract modifications. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally contracts with month-to-month customers, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenue (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2018 $ 143 2019 113 Thereafter 21 Total $ 277 U.S. Cellular has certain contracts in which it bills an amount equal to a fixed per-unit price multiplied by a variable quantity (e.g., roaming agreements with other carriers). Because U.S. Cellular invoices for such items in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date, U.S. Cellular may recognize revenue in that amount. As a practical expedient, these contracts are excluded from the estimate of future revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period. Contract Cost Assets U.S. Cellular expects that incremental commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore U.S. Cellular capitalizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are not capitalized. The contract cost asset balance related to commission fees was $133 million at September 30, 2018 , and was recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Capitalized commission fees are amortized based on the transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term which ranges from thirteen months to thirty months. Amortization of contract cost assets was $27 million and $81 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. There was no impairment loss recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , related to contract cost assets. |
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , U.S. Cellular did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. The provisions of GAAP establish 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 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. U.S. Cellular has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 730 $ 730 $ 352 $ 352 Short-term investments 1 — — 50 50 Long-term debt Retail 2 917 933 917 939 Institutional 2 534 528 534 522 Other 2 183 183 191 191 The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for the 6.95% Senior Notes, 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes and 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes. U.S. Cellular’s “Institutional” debt consists of the 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. U.S. Cellular’s “Other” debt consists of a senior term loan credit agreement. U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 4.75% to 6.51% and 4.74% to 7.13% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. |
Equipment Installment Plans
Equipment Installment Plans | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Equipment Installment Plans | Equipment Installment Plans U.S. Cellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract. U.S. Cellular values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability. The guarantee liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new device and the fair value of the device being traded-in at the time of trade-in. When a customer exercises the trade-in option, both the outstanding receivable and guarantee liability balances related to the respective device are reduced to zero, and the value of the used device that is received in the transaction is recognized as inventory. If the customer does not exercise the trade-in option at the time of eligibility, U.S. Cellular begins amortizing the liability and records this amortization as additional equipment revenue. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the guarantee liability related to these plans was $11 million and $15 million, respectively, and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 919 $ 873 Deferred interest — (80 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest 919 793 Allowance for credit losses (67 ) (65 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 852 $ 728 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 537 $ 428 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 315 300 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 852 $ 728 U.S. Cellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from the credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. Customers assigned to credit classes requiring no down payment represent a lower risk category, whereas those assigned to credit classes requiring a down payment represent a higher risk category. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Lower Risk Higher Risk Total Lower Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 848 $ 21 $ 869 $ 807 $ 20 $ 827 Billed — current 32 1 33 31 1 32 Billed — past due 15 2 17 12 2 14 Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 895 $ 24 $ 919 $ 850 $ 23 $ 873 Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , in the allowance for credit losses balance for the equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 65 $ 50 Bad debts expense 43 42 Write-offs, net of recoveries (41 ) (34 ) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 67 $ 58 |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes In December 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. Following the guidance of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Update 2018-05, Income Taxes: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 , Income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2017 , included a provisional estimate for the impact of the Tax Act on U.S. Cellular’s 2017 depreciation deduction. U.S. Cellular has now completed a full analysis of contracts and agreements related to fixed assets placed in service during 2017 and Income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , includes a benefit of $1 million and $4 million, respectively, related to this final adjustment. |
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units. The amounts used in computing earnings (loss) per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 36 $ (299 ) $ 129 $ (261 ) Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share 86 85 85 85 Effects of dilutive securities 1 — 1 — Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share 87 85 86 85 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.42 $ (3.51 ) $ 1.51 $ (3.07 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.41 $ (3.51 ) $ 1.49 $ (3.07 ) Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 2 million and 3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and 3 million and 4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. |
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Intangible Assets | Intangible Assets Activity related to Licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,223 Acquisitions 2 Transferred to Assets held for sale (42 ) Divestitures (11 ) Exchanges - Licenses received 18 Exchanges - Licenses surrendered (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 2,189 |
Investments in Unconsolidated E
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations. U.S. Cellular’s Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative fair value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 455 $ 411 Measurement alternative method investments 6 4 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 461 $ 415 The following table, which is based in part on information provided by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,693 $ 1,590 $ 5,005 $ 4,830 Operating expenses 1,229 1,180 3,635 3,615 Operating income 464 410 1,370 1,215 Other income (expense), net (2 ) — (2 ) (2 ) Net income $ 462 $ 410 $ 1,368 $ 1,213 |
Debt
Debt | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Debt | Debt Revolving Credit Agreements In May 2018, U.S. Cellular entered into a new $300 million revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the new revolving credit agreement are available for general corporate purposes, including spectrum purchases and capital expenditures, and may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in May 2023. As a result of the new agreement, U.S. Cellular’s previous revolving credit agreement due to expire in June 2021 was terminated. The following table summarizes the terms of the revolving credit agreement as of September 30, 2018 : (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ 2 Amount borrowed $ — Amount available for use $ 298 Except for the change in the maturity date, the terms of the new revolving credit agreement are substantially the same as the previous revolving credit agreement. Term Loan In May 2018, U.S. Cellular also amended its senior term loan credit agreement in order to align with the new revolving credit agreement. There were no significant changes to the maturity date or other key terms of the agreement. |
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |
Variable Interest Entities | Variable Interest Entities Consolidated VIEs U.S. Cellular consolidates variable interest entities (VIEs) in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance; and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . During 2017, U.S. Cellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, will transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will aggregate device equipment installment plan contracts, and perform servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will sell the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which will subsequently sell the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of U.S. Cellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that U.S. Cellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, U.S. Cellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables. The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC licenses won in the auctions: ▪ Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and ▪ King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless. These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect U.S. Cellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, U.S. Cellular has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , U.S. Cellular received liquidating distributions from Aquinas Wireless, L.P. (Aquinas Wireless). Subsequent to the final distribution date, Aquinas Wireless had no remaining assets and was dissolved. U.S. Cellular also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, U.S. Cellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships are also recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model. The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 24 $ 3 Accounts receivable 584 476 Other current assets 8 8 Assets held for sale 2 — Licenses 652 655 Property, plant and equipment, net 93 99 Other assets and deferred charges 325 303 Total assets $ 1,688 $ 1,544 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 31 $ 39 Deferred liabilities and credits 15 13 Total liabilities $ 46 $ 52 Unconsolidated VIEs U.S. Cellular manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model. U.S. Cellular’s total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $4 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by U.S. Cellular in those entities. Other Related Matters During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , U.S. Cellular made contributions, loans and/or advances to its VIEs totaling $92 million and $724 million, respectively; of these amounts $66 million and $701 million, respectively, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. U.S. Cellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of licenses granted in various auctions. U.S. Cellular may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/ or other 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 to provide such financial support. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , U.S. Cellular recorded an out-of-period adjustment attributable to 2016 and 2017 due to errors in the application of accounting guidance applicable to the calculation of Noncontrolling interests with redemption features related to King Street Wireless, Inc. This out-of-period adjustment had the impact of increasing Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, by $8 million and decreasing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted. The adjustment was made in the first quarter of 2018. |
Basis of Presentation (Policies
Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Principles of Consolidation | The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that require consolidation under GAAP. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. |
Basis of Accounting | The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by U.S. Cellular pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, U.S. Cellular believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of U.S. Cellular’s financial position as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and its cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , equaled net income. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. U.S. Cellular has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , except as described below and as disclosed in Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities . |
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02) and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , and Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements . ASU 2016-02, as amended, requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all leases. This ASU does not substantially impact the lessor accounting model. However, some changes to the lessor accounting guidance were made to align with lessee accounting changes within ASC 842, Leases and certain key aspects of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Early adoption is permitted; however, U.S. Cellular plans to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, using a modified retrospective method when required on January 1, 2019. Under this method, a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings is recognized upon adoption and the guidance is applied prospectively. U.S. Cellular has identified that new systems, processes and controls are required to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, and is in the process of implementing a new lease management and accounting system to assist in the application of the new standard. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, is not expected to have a material impact on U.S. Cellular’s results of operations, but it is expected to result in a substantial increase to assets and liabilities on U.S. Cellular's balance sheet. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019; however, U.S. Cellular does not intend to adopt early. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures. In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2018-07). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations. In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, either retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date that this guidance is first applied. Early adoption is permitted. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have on its financial position and results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date , Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and Accounting Standards Update 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, collectively referred to hereinafter as ASU 2014-09. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies how entities account for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase of $173 million in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-05 had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations. |
Revenue From Contract With Customer | U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are not capitalized. As a practical expedient, U.S. Cellular groups similar contracts or similar performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations if doing so does not result in a significant difference from applying the new accounting standard to the individual contracts. U.S. Cellular applies this grouping method for the following types of transactions: device activation fees, contract acquisition costs, and certain customer promotions. Contract portfolios will be recognized over the respective expected customer lives or terms of the contracts. U.S. Cellular has certain contracts in which it bills an amount equal to a fixed per-unit price multiplied by a variable quantity (e.g., roaming agreements with other carriers). Because U.S. Cellular invoices for such items in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date, U.S. Cellular may recognize revenue in that amount. As a practical expedient, these contracts are excluded from the estimate of future revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally contracts with month-to-month customers, are excluded from these estimates. The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues. Services and products Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms Wireless services Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis. Wireless devices and accessories U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, modems, mobile hotspots, home phones and tablets for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery. Wireless roaming U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer. Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states. Wireless tower rents U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided. Activation fees U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. These fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted. Significant Judgments U.S. Cellular sells bundled service and equipment offerings. In these instances, U.S. Cellular recognizes its revenue based on the relative standalone selling prices for each distinct service or equipment performance obligation, or bundles thereof. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding discounts. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of wireless service to be the price offered to customers on month-to-month contracts. Revenues from sales of equipment are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided. Services are deemed to be highly interrelated when the method and timing of transfer and performance risk are the same. Highly interrelated services that are determined to not be distinct have been grouped into a single performance obligation. Each month of services promised is a performance obligation. The series of monthly service performance obligations promised over the course of the contract are combined into a single performance obligation for purposes of the allocation. U.S. Cellular has made judgments regarding transaction price, including but not limited to issues relating to variable consideration, time value of money and returns. When determined to be significant in the context of the contract, these items are considered in the valuation of transaction price at contract inception or modification, as appropriate. |
Variable Interest Entities | U.S. Cellular consolidates variable interest entities (VIEs) in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance; and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . |
Basis of Presentation (Table)
Basis of Presentation (Table) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 730 $ 352 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 2 — Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 732 $ 352 |
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
Revenue Recognition (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Schedule of new accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles | The line items impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet are presented below. Consolidated Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Operating revenues Service $ 787 $ (28 ) $ 759 Equipment sales 223 19 242 Total operating revenues 1,010 (9 ) 1,001 Cost of equipment sold 261 (3 ) 258 Selling, general and administrative 348 (2 ) 346 Total operating expenses 972 (5 ) 967 Operating income (loss) 38 (4 ) 34 Income (loss) before income taxes 55 (4 ) 51 Income tax expense (benefit) 15 (1 ) 14 Net income (loss) 40 (3 ) 37 Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders 39 (3 ) 36 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.42 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.44 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.41 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Operating revenues Service $ 2,310 $ (86 ) $ 2,224 Equipment sales 632 60 692 Total operating revenues 2,942 (26 ) 2,916 Cost of equipment sold 724 (8 ) 716 Selling, general and administrative 1,013 1 1,014 (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net (17 ) (1 ) (18 ) Total operating expenses 2,769 (8 ) 2,761 Operating income (loss) 173 (18 ) 155 Income (loss) before income taxes 216 (18 ) 198 Income tax expense (benefit) 60 (5 ) 55 Net income (loss) 156 (13 ) 143 Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders 142 (13 ) 129 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 1.67 $ (0.16 ) $ 1.51 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 1.65 $ (0.16 ) $ 1.49 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. Consolidated Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2018 Results under prior accounting standards Adjustment As reported (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customers and agents, less allowances $ 786 $ 59 $ 845 Prepaid expenses 78 (16 ) 62 Other current assets 17 3 20 Total current assets 1,818 46 1,864 Licenses 2,188 1 2,189 Investments in unconsolidated entities 446 15 461 Other assets and deferred charges 393 153 546 Total assets 7,013 215 7,228 Customer deposits and deferred revenues 157 (12 ) 145 Accrued taxes 55 (3 ) 52 Other current liabilities 80 3 83 Total current liabilities 701 (12 ) 689 Deferred income tax liability, net 459 51 510 Other deferred liabilities and credits 371 15 386 Retained earnings 2,270 160 2,430 Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity 3,852 160 4,012 Noncontrolling interests 10 1 11 Total equity 3,862 161 4,023 Total liabilities and equity $ 7,013 $ 215 $ 7,228 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. |
Schedule of Multiple-deliverable Arrangements | The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues. Services and products Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms Wireless services Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis. Wireless devices and accessories U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, modems, mobile hotspots, home phones and tablets for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery. Wireless roaming U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer. Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states. Wireless tower rents U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided. Activation fees U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. These fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted. |
Disaggregation of revenue | In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of service and timing of revenue recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service $ 659 $ 1,960 Inbound roaming 50 116 Other service 34 99 Service revenues from contracts with customers 743 2,175 Equipment sales 242 692 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1 $ 985 $ 2,867 1 These amounts do not include revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. |
Contract with customer, Assets and Liabilities | The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. Bad debts expense recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , related to receivables was $26 million and $67 million , respectively. September 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customer and agents $ 845 Roaming 42 Other 36 Total 1 $ 923 1 These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table provides a rollforward of contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract Assets (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ — Change in accounting policy 26 Contract additions 19 Terminated contracts (1 ) Reclassified to receivables (34 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 10 The following table provides a rollforward of contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract Liabilities (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ — Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification 1 167 Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact (21 ) Contract additions 103 Revenue recognized (102 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 147 1 This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017. |
Remaining performance obligation | The following table includes estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenue to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of September 30, 2018 , and may vary from actual results due to future contract modifications. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally contracts with month-to-month customers, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenue (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2018 $ 143 2019 113 Thereafter 21 Total $ 277 |
Fair Value Measurements (Table)
Fair Value Measurements (Table) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair value measurements | U.S. Cellular has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 730 $ 730 $ 352 $ 352 Short-term investments 1 — — 50 50 Long-term debt Retail 2 917 933 917 939 Institutional 2 534 528 534 522 Other 2 183 183 191 191 |
Equipment Installment Plans (Ta
Equipment Installment Plans (Table) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Equipment installment plans | The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 919 $ 873 Deferred interest — (80 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest 919 793 Allowance for credit losses (67 ) (65 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 852 $ 728 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 537 $ 428 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 315 300 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 852 $ 728 |
Equipment installment plan receivables credit categories | The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Lower Risk Higher Risk Total Lower Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 848 $ 21 $ 869 $ 807 $ 20 $ 827 Billed — current 32 1 33 31 1 32 Billed — past due 15 2 17 12 2 14 Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 895 $ 24 $ 919 $ 850 $ 23 $ 873 |
Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses | Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , in the allowance for credit losses balance for the equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 65 $ 50 Bad debts expense 43 42 Write-offs, net of recoveries (41 ) (34 ) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 67 $ 58 |
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
Earnings Per Share (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per share | The amounts used in computing earnings (loss) per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 36 $ (299 ) $ 129 $ (261 ) Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share 86 85 85 85 Effects of dilutive securities 1 — 1 — Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share 87 85 86 85 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.42 $ (3.51 ) $ 1.51 $ (3.07 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.41 $ (3.51 ) $ 1.49 $ (3.07 ) |
Intangible Assets (Tables)
Intangible Assets (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Licenses | Activity related to Licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,223 Acquisitions 2 Transferred to Assets held for sale (42 ) Divestitures (11 ) Exchanges - Licenses received 18 Exchanges - Licenses surrendered (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 2,189 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_2
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
Equity and measurement alternative method investments | U.S. Cellular’s Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative fair value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 455 $ 411 Measurement alternative method investments 6 4 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 461 $ 415 |
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations | The following table, which is based in part on information provided by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,693 $ 1,590 $ 5,005 $ 4,830 Operating expenses 1,229 1,180 3,635 3,615 Operating income 464 410 1,370 1,215 Other income (expense), net (2 ) — (2 ) (2 ) Net income $ 462 $ 410 $ 1,368 $ 1,213 |
Debt (Tables)
Debt (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The following table summarizes the terms of the revolving credit agreement as of September 30, 2018 : (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ 2 Amount borrowed $ — Amount available for use $ 298 |
Variable Interest Entities (Tab
Variable Interest Entities (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities | The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 24 $ 3 Accounts receivable 584 476 Other current assets 8 8 Assets held for sale 2 — Licenses 652 655 Property, plant and equipment, net 93 99 Other assets and deferred charges 325 303 Total assets $ 1,688 $ 1,544 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 31 $ 39 Deferred liabilities and credits 15 13 Total liabilities $ 46 $ 52 |
Basis of Presentation - Narrati
Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||||
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | $ 16 | $ 14 | $ 50 | $ 42 |
TDS | U.S. Cellular | ||||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||||
Ownership percentage | 82.00% | 82.00% |
Basis of Presentation - Restric
Basis of Presentation - Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 730 | $ 352 | ||
Restricted cash included in Other current assets | 2 | 0 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows | $ 732 | $ 352 | $ 498 | $ 586 |
Revenue Recognition - Narrative
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jan. 01, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] | |||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 174,000,000 | ||||
Bad debts expense | $ 67,000,000 | $ 64,000,000 | |||
Capitalized contract cost | |||||
Capitalized contract cost related to commission fees | $ 133,000,000 | 133,000,000 | |||
Amortization of contract cost assets | 27,000,000 | 81,000,000 | |||
Impairment of capitalized contract cost | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||
Minimum | |||||
Capitalized contract cost | |||||
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period | 13 months | 13 months | |||
Maximum | |||||
Capitalized contract cost | |||||
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period | 30 months | 30 months | |||
Retained earnings | |||||
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] | |||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 173,000,000 | ||||
Revenue from contract with customer | |||||
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] | |||||
Bad debts expense | $ 26,000,000 | $ 67,000,000 | |||
ASU 2014-09 | Retained earnings | |||||
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] | |||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 173,000,000 |
Revenue Recognition - Consolida
Revenue Recognition - Consolidated Statement Of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 1,001 | $ 963 | $ 2,916 | $ 2,862 |
Selling, general and administrative | 346 | 350 | 1,014 | 1,041 |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | 0 | 0 | (18) | (19) |
Total operating expenses | 967 | 1,323 | 2,761 | 3,163 |
Operating income (loss) | 34 | (360) | 155 | (301) |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 51 | (351) | 198 | (278) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 14 | (53) | 55 | (19) |
Net income (loss) | 37 | (298) | 143 | (259) |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 36 | $ (299) | $ 129 | $ (261) |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.42 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.51 | $ (3.07) |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.41 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.49 | $ (3.07) |
Service | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 759 | $ 737 | $ 2,224 | $ 2,223 |
Cost of equipment sold | 200 | 185 | 566 | 549 |
Equipment sales | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | 242 | 226 | 692 | 639 |
Cost of equipment sold | 258 | $ 261 | 716 | $ 749 |
Results under prior accounting standards | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | 1,010 | 2,942 | ||
Selling, general and administrative | 348 | 1,013 | ||
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | (17) | |||
Total operating expenses | 972 | 2,769 | ||
Operating income (loss) | 38 | 173 | ||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 55 | 216 | ||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 15 | 60 | ||
Net income (loss) | 40 | 156 | ||
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 39 | $ 142 | ||
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.45 | $ 1.67 | ||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.44 | $ 1.65 | ||
Results under prior accounting standards | Service | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 787 | $ 2,310 | ||
Results under prior accounting standards | Equipment sales | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | 223 | 632 | ||
Cost of equipment sold | 261 | 724 | ||
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | (9) | (26) | ||
Selling, general and administrative | (2) | 1 | ||
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | (1) | |||
Total operating expenses | (5) | (8) | ||
Operating income (loss) | (4) | (18) | ||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (4) | (18) | ||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (1) | (5) | ||
Net income (loss) | (3) | (13) | ||
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ (3) | $ (13) | ||
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ (0.03) | $ (0.16) | ||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ (0.03) | $ (0.16) | ||
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | Service | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ (28) | $ (86) | ||
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | Equipment sales | ||||
Operating revenues | ||||
Total operating revenues | 19 | 60 | ||
Cost of equipment sold | $ (3) | $ (8) |
Revenue Recognition - Consoli_2
Revenue Recognition - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Accounts receivable | |||||
Customers and agents, less allowances | $ 845 | $ 775 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 62 | 79 | |||
Other current assets | 20 | 21 | |||
Total current assets | 1,864 | 1,483 | |||
Licenses | 2,189 | 2,223 | |||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 461 | 415 | |||
Other assets and deferred charges | 546 | 390 | |||
Total assets | [1] | 7,228 | 6,841 | ||
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | 145 | 185 | |||
Accrued taxes | 52 | 56 | |||
Other current liabilities | 83 | 90 | |||
Total current liabilities | 689 | 733 | |||
Deferred income tax liability, net | 510 | 461 | |||
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 386 | 337 | |||
Retained earnings | 2,430 | 2,157 | |||
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | 4,012 | 3,677 | |||
Noncontrolling interests | 11 | 10 | |||
Total equity | 4,023 | 3,687 | $ 3,406 | $ 3,645 | |
Total liabilities and equity | [1] | 7,228 | $ 6,841 | ||
Results under prior accounting standards | |||||
Accounts receivable | |||||
Customers and agents, less allowances | 786 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 78 | ||||
Other current assets | 17 | ||||
Total current assets | 1,818 | ||||
Licenses | 2,188 | ||||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 446 | ||||
Other assets and deferred charges | 393 | ||||
Total assets | 7,013 | ||||
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | 157 | ||||
Accrued taxes | 55 | ||||
Other current liabilities | 80 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 701 | ||||
Deferred income tax liability, net | 459 | ||||
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 371 | ||||
Retained earnings | 2,270 | ||||
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | 3,852 | ||||
Noncontrolling interests | 10 | ||||
Total equity | 3,862 | ||||
Total liabilities and equity | 7,013 | ||||
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | |||||
Accounts receivable | |||||
Customers and agents, less allowances | 59 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | (16) | ||||
Other current assets | 3 | ||||
Total current assets | 46 | ||||
Licenses | 1 | ||||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 15 | ||||
Other assets and deferred charges | 153 | ||||
Total assets | 215 | ||||
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | (12) | ||||
Accrued taxes | (3) | ||||
Other current liabilities | 3 | ||||
Total current liabilities | (12) | ||||
Deferred income tax liability, net | 51 | ||||
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 15 | ||||
Retained earnings | 160 | ||||
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | 160 | ||||
Noncontrolling interests | 1 | ||||
Total equity | 161 | ||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ 215 | ||||
[1] | The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $851 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $20 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. |
Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation Of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | $ 985 | $ 2,867 |
Transferred over time | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 743 | 2,175 |
Transferred over time | Retail service | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 659 | 1,960 |
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 50 | 116 |
Transferred over time | Other service | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 34 | 99 |
Transferred at point in time | Equipment sales | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | $ 242 | $ 692 |
Revenue Recognition - Accounts
Revenue Recognition - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Accounts receivable | |||
Customers and agents, less allowances | $ 845 | $ 775 | |
Roaming | 42 | 26 | |
Other | 42 | $ 41 | |
Accounts receivable from contract with customer | |||
Accounts receivable | |||
Customers and agents, less allowances | 845 | ||
Roaming | 42 | ||
Other | 36 | ||
Total | [1] | $ 923 | |
[1] | These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. |
Revenue Recognition - Contract
Revenue Recognition - Contract Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Jan. 01, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Contract Assets | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ 0 | ||
Change in accounting policy | $ 174 | ||
Contract additions | 19 | ||
Terminated contracts | (1) | ||
Reclassified to receivables | (34) | ||
Balance, end of period | $ 10 | ||
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | |||
Contract Assets | |||
Change in accounting policy | $ 26 |
Revenue Recognition - Contrac_2
Revenue Recognition - Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Jan. 01, 2018 | ||
Contract Liabilities | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ 0 | ||
Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification | [1] | $ 167 | |
Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact | $ (21) | ||
Contract additions | 103 | ||
Revenue recognized | (102) | ||
Balance, end of period | $ 147 | ||
[1] | This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017. |
Revenue Recognition - Performan
Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 277 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-10-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 143 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period | 3 months |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 113 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period | 1 year |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 21 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period |
Fair Value Measurements (Detail
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Financial Instruments | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 730 | $ 352 |
Short-term investments | $ 0 | 50 |
6.95% Senior Notes | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Interest rate | 6.95% | |
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Interest rate | 7.25% | |
7.25% 2064 Senior Notes | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Interest rate | 7.25% | |
6.7% Senior Notes | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Interest rate | 6.70% | |
Book Value | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 730 | 352 |
Short-term investments | 0 | 50 |
Book Value | Retail | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 917 | 917 |
Book Value | Institutional | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 534 | 534 |
Book Value | Other | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 183 | 191 |
Fair Value | Level 1 | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 730 | 352 |
Short-term investments | 0 | 50 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 933 | 939 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 528 | 522 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | $ 183 | $ 191 |
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Fair value assumption, interest rate | 4.75% | 4.74% |
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Fair value assumption, interest rate | 6.51% | 7.13% |
Equipment Installment Plans - N
Equipment Installment Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Receivables [Abstract] | ||
Guarantee liability | $ 11 | $ 15 |
Equipment Installment Plans - E
Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | $ 919 | $ 873 |
Deferred interest | 0 | (80) |
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest | 919 | 793 |
Allowance for credit losses | (67) | (65) |
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | 852 | 728 |
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | 537 | 428 |
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | $ 315 | $ 300 |
Equipment Installment Plans - G
Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | $ 919 | $ 873 |
Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 869 | 827 |
Billed | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 33 | 32 |
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due | 17 | 14 |
Lower Risk | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | 895 | 850 |
Lower Risk | Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 848 | 807 |
Lower Risk | Billed | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 32 | 31 |
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due | 15 | 12 |
Higher Risk | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | 24 | 23 |
Higher Risk | Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 21 | 20 |
Higher Risk | Billed | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 1 | 1 |
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due | $ 2 | $ 2 |
Equipment Installment Plans - A
Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Allowance for credit losses | ||
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period | $ 65 | |
Allowance for credit losses, end of period | 67 | |
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable | ||
Allowance for credit losses | ||
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period | 65 | $ 50 |
Bad debts expense | 43 | 42 |
Write-offs, net of recoveries | (41) | (34) |
Allowance for credit losses, end of period | $ 67 | $ 58 |
Income Taxes (Details)
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Income tax benefit, adjustment | $ 1 | $ 4 |
Earnings Per Share - Reconcilia
Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 36 | $ (299) | $ 129 | $ (261) |
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share (in shares) | 86 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares) | 87 | 85 | 86 | 85 |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.42 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.51 | $ (3.07) |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.41 | $ (3.51) | $ 1.49 | $ (3.07) |
Earnings Per Share - Narrative
Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
Antidilutive securities (in shares) | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Intangible Assets (Details)
Intangible Assets (Details) - Licenses $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) | |
Licenses | |
Balance, beginning of period | $ 2,223 |
Acquisitions | 2 |
Transferred to Assets held for sale | (42) |
Divestitures | (11) |
Exchanges - Licenses received | 18 |
Exchanges - Licenses surrendered | (1) |
Balance, end of period | $ 2,189 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_3
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | ||
Measurement alternative, impairment | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Measurement alternative, observable price change | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_4
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |||||
Equity method investments | $ 455 | $ 455 | $ 411 | ||
Measurement alternative method investments | 6 | 6 | 4 | ||
Total investments in unconsolidated entities | 461 | 461 | $ 415 | ||
Equity method investments, combined income statements | |||||
Revenues | 1,693 | $ 1,590 | 5,005 | $ 4,830 | |
Operating expenses | 1,229 | 1,180 | 3,635 | 3,615 | |
Operating income | 464 | 410 | 1,370 | 1,215 | |
Other income (expense), net | (2) | 0 | (2) | (2) | |
Net income | $ 462 | $ 410 | $ 1,368 | $ 1,213 |
Debt (Details)
Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | May 31, 2018 |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Maximum borrowing capacity | $ 300 | |
Letters of credit outstanding | 2 | |
Amount borrowed | 0 | |
Amount available for use | $ 298 | |
Revolving credit agreement | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Maximum borrowing capacity | $ 300 |
Variable Interest Entities - Ba
Variable Interest Entities - Balance Sheets Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 730 | $ 352 |
Accounts receivable | 845 | 775 |
Other current assets | 20 | 21 |
Licenses | 2,189 | 2,223 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,126 | 2,320 |
Other assets and deferred charges | 546 | 390 |
Liabilities | ||
Current liabilities | 689 | 733 |
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities | ||
Assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 24 | 3 |
Accounts receivable | 584 | 476 |
Other current assets | 8 | 8 |
Assets held for sale | 2 | 0 |
Licenses | 652 | 655 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 93 | 99 |
Other assets and deferred charges | 325 | 303 |
Total assets | 1,688 | 1,544 |
Liabilities | ||
Current liabilities | 31 | 39 |
Deferred liabilities and credits | 15 | 13 |
Total liabilities | $ 46 | $ 52 |
Variable Interest Entities - Na
Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | ||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Assets | [1] | $ 7,228,000,000 | $ 6,841,000,000 | |
Investments in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure | 4,000,000 | $ 4,000,000 | ||
Capital contributions, loans or advances | $ 92,000,000 | $ 724,000,000 | ||
King Street Wireless out-of-period adjustment | ||||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Immaterial error correction | During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, U.S. Cellular recorded out-of-period adjustments attributable to 2016 and 2017 due to errors in the application of accounting guidance applicable to the calculation of Noncontrolling interests with redemption features related to King Street Wireless, Inc. These out-of-period adjustments had the impact of increasing Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, by $8 million and decreasing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that these adjustments were not material to any of the periods impacted. | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax | King Street Wireless out-of-period adjustment | ||||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Out-of-period adjustment | $ 8,000,000 | |||
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | King Street Wireless out-of-period adjustment | ||||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Out-of-period adjustment | (8,000,000) | |||
USCC EIP LLC | ||||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Capital contributions, loans or advances | 66,000,000 | $ 701,000,000 | ||
Aquinas L.P. | ||||
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures | ||||
Assets | $ 0 | |||
[1] | The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $851 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $20 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. |