Document And Entity Information
Document And Entity Information | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019shares | |
Entity Registrant Name | United States Cellular Corporation |
Entity Central Index Key | 0000821130 |
Document Type | 10-Q |
Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2019 |
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 | 2019 |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 |
Trading Symbol | USM |
Common Shares | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 53,348,200 |
Series A Common Shares | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 33,005,900 |
Consolidated Statement of Opera
Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Operating revenues | ||
Total operating revenues | $ 966 | $ 942 |
Operating expenses | ||
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $20 million and $19 million, respectively) | 326 | 326 |
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 169 | 159 |
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 2 | 1 |
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | (2) | 0 |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | (2) | (7) |
Total operating expenses | 902 | 877 |
Operating income | 64 | 65 |
Investment and other income (expense) | ||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | 44 | 38 |
Interest and dividend income | 6 | 4 |
Interest expense | (29) | (29) |
Other, net | 0 | (1) |
Total investment and other income | 21 | 12 |
Income before income taxes | 85 | 77 |
Income tax expense | 27 | 22 |
Net income | 58 | 55 |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax | 4 | 10 |
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 54 | $ 45 |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) | 86 | 85 |
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.63 | $ 0.52 |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) | 88 | 86 |
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.62 | $ 0.52 |
Service | ||
Operating revenues | ||
Total operating revenues | $ 741 | $ 724 |
Operating expenses | ||
Cost of equipment sold | 176 | 179 |
Equipment sales | ||
Operating revenues | ||
Total operating revenues | 225 | 218 |
Operating expenses | ||
Cost of equipment sold | $ 233 | $ 219 |
Consolidated Statement of Ope_2
Consolidated Statement of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Operating expenses | ||
Selling, general and administrative, charges from affiliates | $ 20 | $ 19 |
Consolidated Statement of Cash
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | ||
Net income | $ 58 | $ 55 |
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities | ||
Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 169 | 159 |
Bad debts expense | 24 | 19 |
Stock-based compensation expense | 9 | 8 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 17 | 15 |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | (44) | (38) |
Distributions from unconsolidated entities | 18 | 17 |
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 2 | 1 |
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | (2) | 0 |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net | (2) | (7) |
Noncash interest | 1 | 1 |
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations | ||
Accounts receivable | 31 | 69 |
Equipment installment plans receivable | (10) | (17) |
Inventory | (15) | (2) |
Accounts payable | 56 | (30) |
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | 7 | (26) |
Accrued taxes | 11 | 5 |
Accrued interest | 9 | 9 |
Other assets and liabilities | (52) | (50) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 287 | 188 |
Cash flows from investing activities | ||
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment | (107) | (76) |
Cash paid for licenses | (1) | (1) |
Cash received from investments | 2 | 50 |
Cash paid for investments | (1) | 0 |
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges | 31 | 4 |
Advance payments for license acquisitions | 135 | 0 |
Other investing activities | (1) | 0 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (212) | (23) |
Cash flows from financing activities | ||
Repayment of long-term debt | (5) | (5) |
Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments | 0 | 2 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (1) | 0 |
Other financing activities | 0 | (4) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (6) | (7) |
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 69 | 158 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ||
Beginning of period | 583 | 352 |
End of period | $ 652 | $ 510 |
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 648 | $ 580 | |
Short-term investments | 17 | 17 | |
Accounts receivable | |||
Customers and agents, less allowances of $66 and $66, respectively | 882 | 908 | |
Roaming | 20 | 20 | |
Affiliated | 1 | 2 | |
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively | 38 | 46 | |
Inventory, net | 157 | 142 | |
Prepaid expenses | 47 | 63 | |
Other current assets | 29 | 34 | |
Total current assets | 1,839 | 1,812 | |
Assets held for sale | 0 | 54 | |
Licenses | 2,213 | 2,186 | |
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 468 | 441 | |
Property, plant and equipment | |||
In service and under construction | 7,867 | 7,778 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 5,730 | 5,576 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,137 | 2,202 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 888 | 0 | |
Other assets and deferred charges | 684 | 579 | |
Total assets | [1] | 8,229 | 7,274 |
Current liabilities | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 19 | 19 | |
Accounts payable | |||
Affiliated | 9 | 9 | |
Trade | 355 | 304 | |
Customer deposits and deferred revenues | 164 | 157 | |
Accrued taxes | 34 | 30 | |
Accrued compensation | 42 | 78 | |
Short-term operating lease liabilities | 99 | 0 | |
Other current liabilities | 80 | 94 | |
Total current liabilities | 802 | 691 | |
Liabilities held for sale | 0 | 1 | |
Deferred liabilities and credits | |||
Deferred income tax liability, net | 527 | 510 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 858 | 0 | |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 296 | 389 | |
Long-term debt, net | 1,601 | 1,605 | |
Commitments and contingencies | |||
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features | 11 | 11 | |
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) Par Value ($1.00 per share) ($33 Series A Common and $55 Common Shares) | 88 | 88 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,599 | 1,590 | |
Treasury shares, at cost, 2 Common Shares | (63) | (65) | |
Retained earnings | 2,497 | 2,444 | |
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity | 4,121 | 4,057 | |
Noncontrolling interests | 13 | 10 | |
Total equity | 4,134 | 4,067 | |
Total liabilities and equity | [1] | $ 8,229 | $ 7,274 |
[1] | The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $911 million and $868 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $21 million and $23 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. |
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Accounts receivable | ||
Customer and agent allowances | $ 66 | $ 66 |
Other allowances | $ 2 | $ 2 |
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 190,000,000 | 190,000,000 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 88,000,000 | 88,000,000 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 86,000,000 | 86,000,000 |
Par value | $ 88 | $ 88 |
Variable Interest Entities VIEs | ||
Total VIE assets that can be used to settle only the VIEs' obligations | 911 | 868 |
Total VIE liabilities for which creditors have no recourse | $ 21 | $ 23 |
Series A Common Shares | ||
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 50,000,000 | 50,000,000 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 33,000,000 | 33,000,000 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 33,000,000 | 33,000,000 |
Par value per share (USD per share) | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Par value | $ 33 | $ 33 |
Common Shares | ||
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity | ||
Authorized shares (in shares) | 140,000,000 | 140,000,000 |
Issued shares (in shares) | 55,000,000 | 55,000,000 |
Outstanding shares (in shares) | 53,000,000 | 53,000,000 |
Par value per share (USD per share) | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Par value | $ 55 | $ 55 |
Treasury shares (in shares) | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
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 |
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 176 | $ 175 | $ 175 | $ 1 | |||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017 | 3,687 | $ 88 | $ 1,552 | $ (120) | 2,157 | 3,677 | 10 |
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | 45 | 45 | 45 | ||||
Incentive and compensation plans | 2 | 4 | (2) | 2 | |||
Stock-based compensation awards | 8 | 8 | 8 | ||||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018 | 3,918 | 88 | 1,560 | (116) | 2,375 | 3,907 | 11 |
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018 | 4,067 | 88 | 1,590 | (65) | 2,444 | 4,057 | 10 |
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | 54 | 54 | 54 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | 4 | 0 | 4 | ||||
Incentive and compensation plans | 1 | 2 | (1) | 1 | |||
Stock-based compensation awards | 9 | 9 | 9 | ||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (1) | 0 | (1) | ||||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019 | $ 4,134 | $ 88 | $ 1,599 | $ (63) | $ 2,497 | $ 4,121 | $ 13 |
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Note 1 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). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB 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 annual 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, 2018 . 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and its results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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, 2018 , except as disclosed in Note 8 — Leases . 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 648 $ 580 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 4 3 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 652 $ 583 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted 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; 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. |
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Revenue Recognition | Note 2 Revenue Recognition 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 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service $ 659 $ 649 Inbound roaming 34 27 Other service 32 32 Service revenues from contracts with customers 725 708 Equipment sales 225 218 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1 $ 950 $ 926 1 Revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as the balances do not include all sources of revenues. Contract Balances The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customer and agents $ 882 $ 908 Roaming 20 20 Other 32 32 Total 1 $ 934 $ 960 1 Accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as certain receivables are excluded from these balances. 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, 2018 $ 9 Contract additions 4 Reclassified to receivables (5 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 8 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, 2018 $ 163 Contract additions 45 Terminated contracts (2 ) Revenue recognized (37 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 169 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 and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of March 31, 2019 , 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 month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenue (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 198 2020 61 Thereafter 16 Total $ 275 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., certain 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. 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 liability account if the amount is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the amount on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the amount is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers 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 $11 million and $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. |
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value Measurements | Note 3 Fair Value Measurements As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 648 $ 648 $ 580 $ 580 Short-term investments 1 17 17 17 17 Long-term debt Retail 2 917 951 917 850 Institutional 2 534 585 534 531 Other 2 177 177 180 180 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 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 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes and 6.95% 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 4.25% to 5.93% and 5.03% to 6.97% at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. |
Equipment Installment Plans
Equipment Installment Plans | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Equipment Installment Plans | Note 4 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the guarantee liability related to these plans was $11 million and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 975 $ 974 Allowance for credit losses (77 ) (77 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 898 $ 897 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 571 $ 560 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 327 337 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 898 $ 897 U.S. Cellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from 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: March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Lower Risk Higher Risk Total Lower Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 901 $ 13 $ 914 $ 904 $ 17 $ 921 Billed — current 41 1 42 35 1 36 Billed — past due 17 2 19 15 2 17 Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 959 $ 16 $ 975 $ 954 $ 20 $ 974 Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 77 $ 65 Bad debts expense 18 14 Write-offs, net of recoveries (18 ) (13 ) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 77 $ 66 |
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per Share | Note 5 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income 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 per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows: Three Months Ended 2019 2018 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 54 $ 45 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share 86 85 Effects of dilutive securities 2 1 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 88 86 Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.63 $ 0.52 Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.62 $ 0.52 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 per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was less than 1 million and 2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. |
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Intangible Assets | Note 6 Intangible Assets Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 , is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 2,186 Acquisitions 1 Exchanges - Licenses received 26 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 2,213 During 2019, U.S. Cellular committed to purchase spectrum licenses in the amount of $249 million, subject to regulatory approval. U.S. Cellular paid $135 million of this amount in the three months ended March 31, 2019, and expects to pay substantially all of the remainder in 2019. This advance payment is included in Other assets and deferred charges in the March 31, 2019 Consolidated Balance Sheet. |
Investments in Unconsolidated E
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | Note 7 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. 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 months ended March 31, 2019 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 460 $ 434 Measurement alternative method investments 8 7 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 468 $ 441 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 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,689 $ 1,657 Operating expenses 1,215 1,208 Operating income 474 449 Other income (expense), net (5 ) (1 ) Net income $ 469 $ 448 |
Leases
Leases | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Leases | Note 8 Leases Change in Accounting Policy In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Updates 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements , and Accounting Standards Update 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors , collectively referred to as ASC 842. This standard replaces the previous lease accounting standard under ASC 840 - Leases and requires lessees to record a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability for the majority of leases. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, U.S. Cellular elected to apply the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, 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 ASC 842 had no impact on retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. U.S. Cellular elected transitional practical expedients for existing leases which eliminated the requirements to reassess existing lease classification, initial direct costs, and whether contracts contain leases. U.S. Cellular also elected the practical expedient related to land easements that allows it to carry forward the accounting treatment for pre-existing land easement agreements. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASC 842 on U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet is presented below. December 31, 2018 ASC 842 Adjustment January 1, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 63 $ (13 ) $ 50 Operating lease right-of-use assets — 899 899 Other assets and deferred charges 579 (12 ) 567 Short-term operating lease liabilities — 101 101 Other current liabilities 94 (8 ) 86 Long-term operating lease liabilities — 878 878 Other deferred liabilities and credits 389 (97 ) 292 As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, U.S. Cellular recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities for its operating leases in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019. The lease liabilities are calculated as the discounted value of future lease payments. The difference between the lease liabilities and the corresponding ROU assets is a result of various lease prepayments and straight-line expense recognition deferral balances as of December 31, 2018, which were offset against the ROU assets as of January 1, 2019. Finance leases are included in Property, plant and equipment and Long-term debt, net consistent with presentation under prior accounting standards. Lessee Agreements A lease is generally present in a contract if the lessee controls the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Nearly all of U.S. Cellular’s leases are classified as operating leases, although it does have a small number of finance leases. U.S. Cellular’s most significant leases are for land and tower spaces, network facilities, retail spaces, and offices. U.S. Cellular has agreements with both lease and nonlease components, which are accounted for separately. As part of the present value calculation for the lease liabilities, U.S. Cellular uses an incremental borrowing rate as the rates implicit in the leases are not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rates used for lease accounting are based on U.S. Cellular's unsecured rates, adjusted to approximate what U.S. Cellular would have to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar period of time as the recognized lease term. U.S. Cellular applies the incremental borrowing rates to lease components using a portfolio approach based upon the length of the lease term. The cost of nonlease components in U.S. Cellular’s lease portfolio (e.g., utilities and common area maintenance) are not typically predetermined at lease commencement and are expensed as incurred at their relative standalone price. Variable lease expense occurs when, subsequent to the lease commencement, lease payments are made that were not originally included in the lease liability calculation. U.S. Cellular’s variable lease payments are primarily a result of leases with escalations that are tied to an index. The incremental changes due to the index changes are recorded as variable lease expense and are not included in the ROU assets or lease liabilities. Lease term recognition determines the periods to allocate expense and also has a significant impact on the lease liability and ROU asset calculations. Many of U.S. Cellular’s leases include renewal and early termination options. At lease commencement, the lease terms include options to extend the lease when U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain that it will exercise the options. The lease terms do not include early termination options unless U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain to exercise the options. Certain asset classes have similar lease characteristics; therefore, U.S. Cellular has applied the portfolio approach for lease term recognition for its tower space, retail, and certain ground lease asset classes. The following table shows the components of lease cost included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Operating lease cost $ 40 Variable lease cost 2 Total lease cost $ 42 The following table shows supplemental cash flow information related to lease activities: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 37 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 20 The following table shows the classification of U.S. Cellular’s operating and finance leases in its Consolidated Balance Sheet: March 31, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 888 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 99 Long-term operating lease liabilities 858 Total operating lease liabilities $ 957 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment $ 7 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 3 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 4 Current portion of long-term debt $ 1 Long-term debt, net 3 Total finance lease liabilities $ 4 The table below shows a weighted-average analysis for lease term and discount rate for all leases: March 31, 2019 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 13 years Finance leases 23 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.5 % Finance leases 7.0 % The maturities of lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 108 $ 1 2020 146 1 2021 130 — 2022 113 — 2023 97 — Thereafter 734 12 Total lease payments 1 $ 1,328 $ 14 Less: Imputed interest 371 10 Present value of lease liabilities $ 957 $ 4 1 Lease payments exclude $6 million of legally binding lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced. Lessor Agreements U.S. Cellular's most significant lessor leases are for tower space. All of U.S. Cellular’s lessor leases are classified as operating leases. A lease is generally present in a contract if the lessee controls the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. U.S. Cellular’s lessor agreements with lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. Lease term recognition determines the periods to allocate revenue over the term of the lease. Many of U.S. Cellular’s leases include renewal and early termination options. At lease commencement, lease terms include options to extend the lease when U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain that lessees will exercise the options. Lease terms would not include periods after the date of a termination option that lessees are reasonably certain to exercise. Variable lease income occurs when, subsequent to the lease commencement, lease payments are received that were not originally included in the lease receivable calculation. U.S. Cellular’s variable lease income is primarily a result of leases with escalations that are tied to an index. The incremental increases due to the index changes are recorded as variable lease income. The following table shows the components of lease income which are included in service revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Operating lease income $ 16 The maturities of expected lease payments to be received are as follows: Operating Leases (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 39 2020 49 2021 37 2022 24 2023 12 Thereafter 3 Total future lease maturities $ 164 Disclosures under ASC 840 As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows: Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts (Dollars in millions) 2019 $ 154 $ 58 2020 143 47 2021 128 34 2022 112 22 2023 97 10 Thereafter 769 3 Total $ 1,403 $ 174 |
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |
Variable Interest Entities | Note 9 Variable Interest Entities Consolidated VIEs U.S. Cellular consolidates 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, 2018 . During 2017, U.S. Cellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the 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”, transfers device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells 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. 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. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 8 $ 9 Short-term investments 17 17 Accounts receivable 619 611 Inventory, net 4 5 Other current assets 5 6 Assets held for sale — 4 Licenses 652 652 Property, plant and equipment, net 92 94 Operating lease right-of-use assets 39 — Other assets and deferred charges 339 349 Total assets $ 1,775 $ 1,747 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 37 $ 34 Liabilities held for sale — 1 Long-term operating lease liabilities 36 — Deferred liabilities and credits 12 16 Total liabilities $ 85 $ 51 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 both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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 U.S. Cellular made contributions, loans and/or advances to its VIEs totaling $183 million and $19 million , during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively; of which $168 million in 2019 and $10 million in 2018 , 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. The limited partnership agreements of Advantage Spectrum and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless will become exercisable in 2019. The general partner’s put options related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will become exercisable in 2021 and 2022. The greater of the carrying value of the general partner's investment or the value of the put option, net of any borrowings due to U.S. Cellular is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the first quarter of 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 three months ended March 31, 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted. |
Basis of Presentation (Policies
Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
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). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB 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 annual 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, 2018 . 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and its results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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, 2018 , except as disclosed in Note 8 — Leases . |
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | 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; 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 February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Updates 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements , and Accounting Standards Update 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors , collectively referred to as ASC 842. This standard replaces the previous lease accounting standard under ASC 840 - Leases and requires lessees to record a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability for the majority of leases. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, U.S. Cellular elected to apply the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, 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 ASC 842 had no impact on retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. |
Revenue From Contract With Customer | 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., certain 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. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates. U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a liability account if the amount is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the amount on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the amount is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers 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 $11 million and $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. |
Lessee Agreements | A lease is generally present in a contract if the lessee controls the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Nearly all of U.S. Cellular’s leases are classified as operating leases, although it does have a small number of finance leases. U.S. Cellular’s most significant leases are for land and tower spaces, network facilities, retail spaces, and offices. U.S. Cellular has agreements with both lease and nonlease components, which are accounted for separately. As part of the present value calculation for the lease liabilities, U.S. Cellular uses an incremental borrowing rate as the rates implicit in the leases are not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rates used for lease accounting are based on U.S. Cellular's unsecured rates, adjusted to approximate what U.S. Cellular would have to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar period of time as the recognized lease term. U.S. Cellular applies the incremental borrowing rates to lease components using a portfolio approach based upon the length of the lease term. The cost of nonlease components in U.S. Cellular’s lease portfolio (e.g., utilities and common area maintenance) are not typically predetermined at lease commencement and are expensed as incurred at their relative standalone price. Variable lease expense occurs when, subsequent to the lease commencement, lease payments are made that were not originally included in the lease liability calculation. U.S. Cellular’s variable lease payments are primarily a result of leases with escalations that are tied to an index. The incremental changes due to the index changes are recorded as variable lease expense and are not included in the ROU assets or lease liabilities. Lease term recognition determines the periods to allocate expense and also has a significant impact on the lease liability and ROU asset calculations. Many of U.S. Cellular’s leases include renewal and early termination options. At lease commencement, the lease terms include options to extend the lease when U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain that it will exercise the options. The lease terms do not include early termination options unless U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain to exercise the options. Certain asset classes have similar lease characteristics; therefore, U.S. Cellular has applied the portfolio approach for lease term recognition for its tower space, retail, and certain ground lease asset classes. |
Lessor Agreements | U.S. Cellular's most significant lessor leases are for tower space. All of U.S. Cellular’s lessor leases are classified as operating leases. A lease is generally present in a contract if the lessee controls the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. U.S. Cellular’s lessor agreements with lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. Lease term recognition determines the periods to allocate revenue over the term of the lease. Many of U.S. Cellular’s leases include renewal and early termination options. At lease commencement, lease terms include options to extend the lease when U.S. Cellular is reasonably certain that lessees will exercise the options. Lease terms would not include periods after the date of a termination option that lessees are reasonably certain to exercise. Variable lease income occurs when, subsequent to the lease commencement, lease payments are received that were not originally included in the lease receivable calculation. U.S. Cellular’s variable lease income is primarily a result of leases with escalations that are tied to an index. The incremental increases due to the index changes are recorded as variable lease income. |
Variable Interest Entities | U.S. Cellular consolidates 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, 2018 . |
Basis of Presentation (Table)
Basis of Presentation (Table) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 648 $ 580 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 4 3 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 652 $ 583 |
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
Revenue Recognition (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
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 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service $ 659 $ 649 Inbound roaming 34 27 Other service 32 32 Service revenues from contracts with customers 725 708 Equipment sales 225 218 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1 $ 950 $ 926 1 Revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as the balances do not include all sources of revenues. |
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. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Accounts receivable Customer and agents $ 882 $ 908 Roaming 20 20 Other 32 32 Total 1 $ 934 $ 960 1 Accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as certain receivables are excluded from these balances. 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, 2018 $ 9 Contract additions 4 Reclassified to receivables (5 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 8 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, 2018 $ 163 Contract additions 45 Terminated contracts (2 ) Revenue recognized (37 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 169 |
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 and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of March 31, 2019 , 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 month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenue (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 198 2020 61 Thereafter 16 Total $ 275 |
Fair Value Measurements (Table)
Fair Value Measurements (Table) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
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. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 648 $ 648 $ 580 $ 580 Short-term investments 1 17 17 17 17 Long-term debt Retail 2 917 951 917 850 Institutional 2 534 585 534 531 Other 2 177 177 180 180 |
Equipment Installment Plans (Ta
Equipment Installment Plans (Table) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Equipment installment plan receivables | The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 975 $ 974 Allowance for credit losses (77 ) (77 ) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 898 $ 897 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 571 $ 560 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 327 337 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 898 $ 897 |
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: March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Lower Risk Higher Risk Total Lower Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 901 $ 13 $ 914 $ 904 $ 17 $ 921 Billed — current 41 1 42 35 1 36 Billed — past due 17 2 19 15 2 17 Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 959 $ 16 $ 975 $ 954 $ 20 $ 974 |
Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses | Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 77 $ 65 Bad debts expense 18 14 Write-offs, net of recoveries (18 ) (13 ) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 77 $ 66 |
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
Earnings Per Share (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per share | The amounts used in computing earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows: Three Months Ended 2019 2018 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 54 $ 45 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share 86 85 Effects of dilutive securities 2 1 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 88 86 Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.63 $ 0.52 Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders $ 0.62 $ 0.52 |
Intangible Assets (Tables)
Intangible Assets (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Licenses | Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 , is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 2,186 Acquisitions 1 Exchanges - Licenses received 26 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 2,213 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_2
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
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 months ended March 31, 2019 . March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 460 $ 434 Measurement alternative method investments 8 7 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 468 $ 441 |
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 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,689 $ 1,657 Operating expenses 1,215 1,208 Operating income 474 449 Other income (expense), net (5 ) (1 ) Net income $ 469 $ 448 |
Leases (Tables)
Leases (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Schedule of new accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles | The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASC 842 on U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet is presented below. December 31, 2018 ASC 842 Adjustment January 1, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 63 $ (13 ) $ 50 Operating lease right-of-use assets — 899 899 Other assets and deferred charges 579 (12 ) 567 Short-term operating lease liabilities — 101 101 Other current liabilities 94 (8 ) 86 Long-term operating lease liabilities — 878 878 Other deferred liabilities and credits 389 (97 ) 292 |
Components of lease expense | The following table shows the components of lease cost included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Operating lease cost $ 40 Variable lease cost 2 Total lease cost $ 42 |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases | The following table shows supplemental cash flow information related to lease activities: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 37 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 20 |
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases | The following table shows the classification of U.S. Cellular’s operating and finance leases in its Consolidated Balance Sheet: March 31, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 888 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 99 Long-term operating lease liabilities 858 Total operating lease liabilities $ 957 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment $ 7 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 3 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 4 Current portion of long-term debt $ 1 Long-term debt, net 3 Total finance lease liabilities $ 4 |
Schedule of weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate related to leases | The table below shows a weighted-average analysis for lease term and discount rate for all leases: March 31, 2019 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 13 years Finance leases 23 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.5 % Finance leases 7.0 % |
Maturities of lease liabilities | The maturities of lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 108 $ 1 2020 146 1 2021 130 — 2022 113 — 2023 97 — Thereafter 734 12 Total lease payments 1 $ 1,328 $ 14 Less: Imputed interest 371 10 Present value of lease liabilities $ 957 $ 4 1 Lease payments exclude $6 million of legally binding lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced. |
Lease income | The following table shows the components of lease income which are included in service revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended (Dollars in millions) Operating lease income $ 16 |
Maturities of expected lease revenues | The maturities of expected lease payments to be received are as follows: Operating Leases (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2019 $ 39 2020 49 2021 37 2022 24 2023 12 Thereafter 3 Total future lease maturities $ 164 |
Lease commitments | As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows: Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts (Dollars in millions) 2019 $ 154 $ 58 2020 143 47 2021 128 34 2022 112 22 2023 97 10 Thereafter 769 3 Total $ 1,403 $ 174 |
Variable Interest Entities (Tab
Variable Interest Entities (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019 | |
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. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 8 $ 9 Short-term investments 17 17 Accounts receivable 619 611 Inventory, net 4 5 Other current assets 5 6 Assets held for sale — 4 Licenses 652 652 Property, plant and equipment, net 92 94 Operating lease right-of-use assets 39 — Other assets and deferred charges 339 349 Total assets $ 1,775 $ 1,747 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 37 $ 34 Liabilities held for sale — 1 Long-term operating lease liabilities 36 — Deferred liabilities and credits 12 16 Total liabilities $ 85 $ 51 |
Basis of Presentation - Narrati
Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) | Mar. 31, 2019 |
TDS | U.S. Cellular | |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |
Ownership percentage | 82.00% |
Basis of Presentation - Restric
Basis of Presentation - Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 648 | $ 580 | ||
Restricted cash included in Other current assets | 4 | 3 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows | $ 652 | $ 583 | $ 510 | $ 352 |
Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation Of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | $ 950 | $ 926 |
Transferred over time | ||
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 725 | 708 |
Transferred over time | Retail service | ||
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 659 | 649 |
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming | ||
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 34 | 27 |
Transferred over time | Other service | ||
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 32 | 32 |
Transferred at point in time | Equipment sales | ||
Disaggregation of revenue | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | $ 225 | $ 218 |
Revenue Recognition - Accounts
Revenue Recognition - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Accounts receivable | ||
Customers and agents, less allowances | $ 882 | $ 908 |
Roaming | 20 | 20 |
Other | 38 | 46 |
Accounts receivable from contract with customer | ||
Accounts receivable | ||
Customers and agents, less allowances | 882 | 908 |
Roaming | 20 | 20 |
Other | 32 | 32 |
Total | $ 934 | $ 960 |
Revenue Recognition - Contract
Revenue Recognition - Contract Asset (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Contract Assets | |
Balance, beginning of period | $ 9 |
Contract additions | 4 |
Reclassified to receivables | (5) |
Balance, end of period | $ 8 |
Revenue Recognition - Contrac_2
Revenue Recognition - Contract Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Contract Liabilities | |
Balance, beginning of period | $ 163 |
Contract additions | 45 |
Terminated contracts | (2) |
Revenue recognized | (37) |
Balance, end of period | $ 169 |
Revenue Recognition - Performan
Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 275 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-04-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 198 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period | 9 months |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 61 |
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]: 2021-01-01 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Remaining performance obligation amount | $ 16 |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period |
Revenue Recognition - Narrative
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | ||
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | $ 11 | $ 17 |
Fair Value Measurements (Detail
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Financial Instruments | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 648 | $ 580 |
Short-term investments | $ 17 | 17 |
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 | $ 648 | 580 |
Short-term investments | 17 | 17 |
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 | 177 | 180 |
Fair Value | Level 1 | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 648 | 580 |
Short-term investments | 17 | 17 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 951 | 850 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | 585 | 531 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Long-term debt | $ 177 | $ 180 |
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Fair value assumption, interest rate | 4.25% | 5.03% |
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum | ||
Financial Instruments | ||
Fair value assumption, interest rate | 5.93% | 6.97% |
Equipment Installment Plans - N
Equipment Installment Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Receivables [Abstract] | ||
Guarantee liability | $ 11 | $ 11 |
Equipment Installment Plans - E
Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | $ 975 | $ 974 |
Allowance for credit losses | (77) | (77) |
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | 898 | 897 |
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | 571 | 560 |
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, net | $ 327 | $ 337 |
Equipment Installment Plans - G
Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | $ 975 | $ 974 |
Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 914 | 921 |
Billed | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 42 | 36 |
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due | 19 | 17 |
Lower Risk | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | 959 | 954 |
Lower Risk | Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 901 | 904 |
Lower Risk | Billed | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 41 | 35 |
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due | 17 | 15 |
Higher Risk | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross | 16 | 20 |
Higher Risk | Unbilled | ||
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] | ||
Equipment installment plan receivables | 13 | 17 |
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 | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Allowance for credit losses | ||
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period | $ 77 | |
Allowance for credit losses, end of period | 77 | |
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable | ||
Allowance for credit losses | ||
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period | 77 | $ 65 |
Bad debts expense | 18 | 14 |
Write-offs, net of recoveries | (18) | (13) |
Allowance for credit losses, end of period | $ 77 | $ 66 |
Earnings Per Share - Reconcilia
Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | $ 54 | $ 45 |
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares) | 86 | 85 |
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares) | 2 | 1 |
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares) | 88 | 86 |
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.63 | $ 0.52 |
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (USD per share) | $ 0.62 | $ 0.52 |
Earnings Per Share - Narrative
Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Antidilutive securities (in shares) | 2 | |
Maximum | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Antidilutive securities (in shares) | 1 |
Intangible Assets (Details)
Intangible Assets (Details) - Licenses $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Licenses | |
Balance, beginning of period | $ 2,186 |
Acquisitions | 1 |
Exchanges - Licenses received | 26 |
Balance, end of period | $ 2,213 |
Intangible Assets - Narrative (
Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | |
Licenses | ||
Advance payments for license acquisitions | $ (135) | $ 0 |
Licenses | ||
Licenses | ||
Commitment to purchase licenses | $ 249 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_3
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Narrative (Details) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
Measurement alternative, impairment | $ 0 |
Measurement alternative, observable price change | $ 0 |
Investments in Unconsolidated_4
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |||
Equity method investments | $ 460 | $ 434 | |
Measurement alternative method investments | 8 | 7 | |
Total investments in unconsolidated entities | 468 | $ 441 | |
Equity method investments, combined income statements | |||
Revenues | 1,689 | $ 1,657 | |
Operating expenses | 1,215 | 1,208 | |
Operating income | 474 | 449 | |
Other income (expense), net | (5) | (1) | |
Net income | $ 469 | $ 448 |
Leases - Narrative (Details)
Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Leases [Line Items] | ||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 176 | |
Retained earnings | ||
Leases [Line Items] | ||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 175 | |
ASC 842 | Retained earnings | ||
Leases [Line Items] | ||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | $ 0 |
Leases - Consolidated Balance S
Leases - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Jan. 01, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Leases - Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||
Prepaid expenses | $ 47 | $ 50 | $ 63 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 888 | 899 | 0 |
Other assets and deferred charges | 684 | 567 | 579 |
Short-term operating lease liabilities | 99 | 101 | 0 |
Other current liabilities | 80 | 86 | 94 |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 858 | 878 | 0 |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | $ 296 | 292 | $ 389 |
ASC 842 Adjustment | |||
Leases - Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||
Prepaid expenses | (13) | ||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 899 | ||
Other assets and deferred charges | (12) | ||
Short-term operating lease liabilities | 101 | ||
Other current liabilities | (8) | ||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 878 | ||
Other deferred liabilities and credits | $ (97) |
Leases - Lease Cost (Details)
Leases - Lease Cost (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Lease, Cost [Abstract] | |
Operating lease cost | $ 40 |
Variable lease cost | 2 |
Total lease cost | $ 42 |
Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow
Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ 37 |
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | |
Operating leases | $ 20 |
Leases - Classification of Oper
Leases - Classification of Operating and Finance Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Jan. 01, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Operating Leases | |||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ 888 | $ 899 | $ 0 |
Short-term operating lease liabilities | 99 | 101 | 0 |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 858 | $ 878 | 0 |
Total operating lease liabilities | 957 | ||
Finance Leases | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 7,867 | 7,778 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 5,730 | 5,576 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,137 | 2,202 | |
Current portion of long-term debt | 19 | 19 | |
Long-term debt, net | 1,601 | $ 1,605 | |
Total finance lease liabilities | 4 | ||
Operating leases | |||
Operating Leases | |||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 888 | ||
Short-term operating lease liabilities | 99 | ||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 858 | ||
Total operating lease liabilities | 957 | ||
Finance leases | |||
Finance Leases | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 7 | ||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3 | ||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 4 | ||
Current portion of long-term debt | 1 | ||
Long-term debt, net | 3 | ||
Total finance lease liabilities | $ 4 |
Leases - Lease Term and Discoun
Leases - Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details) | Mar. 31, 2019 |
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term | |
Operating leases | 13 years |
Finance leases | 23 years |
Weighted Average Discount Rate | |
Operating leases | 4.50% |
Finance leases | 7.00% |
Leases - Maturities of Lease Li
Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments | |
Remainder of 2019 | $ 108 |
2020 | 146 |
2021 | 130 |
2022 | 113 |
2023 | 97 |
Thereafter | 734 |
Total lease payments | 1,328 |
Less: Imputed interest | 371 |
Present value of lease liabilities | 957 |
Legally binding lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced | 6 |
Finance Leases | |
Remainder of 2019 | 1 |
2020 | 1 |
2021 | 0 |
2022 | 0 |
2023 | 0 |
Thereafter | 12 |
Total lease payments | 14 |
Less: Imputed interest | 10 |
Present value of lease liabilities | $ 4 |
Leases - Components of Lease In
Leases - Components of Lease Income (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Operating lease income | $ 16 |
Leases - Maturities of Expected
Leases - Maturities of Expected Lease Revenues (Details) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Remainder of 2019 | $ 39 |
2020 | 49 |
2021 | 37 |
2022 | 24 |
2023 | 12 |
Thereafter | 3 |
Total future lease maturities | $ 164 |
Leases - Minimum Lease Obligati
Leases - Minimum Lease Obligations (Details) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments | |
2019 | $ 154 |
2020 | 143 |
2021 | 128 |
2022 | 112 |
2023 | 97 |
Thereafter | 769 |
Total | 1,403 |
Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts | |
2019 | 58 |
2020 | 47 |
2021 | 34 |
2022 | 22 |
2023 | 10 |
Thereafter | 3 |
Total | $ 174 |
Variable Interest Entities - Co
Variable Interest Entities - Consolidataed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2019 | Jan. 01, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 648 | $ 580 | |
Short-term investments | 17 | 17 | |
Accounts receivable | 882 | 908 | |
Inventory, net | 157 | 142 | |
Other current assets | 29 | 34 | |
Licenses | 2,213 | 2,186 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,137 | 2,202 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 888 | $ 899 | 0 |
Other assets and deferred charges | 684 | 567 | 579 |
Liabilities | |||
Current liabilities | 802 | 691 | |
Liabilities held for sale | 0 | 1 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 858 | $ 878 | 0 |
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities | |||
Assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 8 | 9 | |
Short-term investments | 17 | 17 | |
Accounts receivable | 619 | 611 | |
Inventory, net | 4 | 5 | |
Other current assets | 5 | 6 | |
Assets held for sale | 0 | 4 | |
Licenses | 652 | 652 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 92 | 94 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 39 | 0 | |
Other assets and deferred charges | 339 | 349 | |
Total assets | 1,775 | 1,747 | |
Liabilities | |||
Current liabilities | 37 | 34 | |
Liabilities held for sale | 0 | 1 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 36 | 0 | |
Deferred liabilities and credits | 12 | 16 | |
Total liabilities | $ 85 | $ 51 |
Variable Interest Entities - Na
Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Investments in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure | $ 4 | $ 4 | |
Capital contributions, loans or advances | $ 183 | $ 19 | |
King Street Wireless out-of-period adjustment | |||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Immaterial error correction | During the first quarter of 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 three months ended March 31, 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was 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 Entity [Line Items] | |||
Out-of-period adjustment | 8 | ||
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | King Street Wireless out-of-period adjustment | |||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Out-of-period adjustment | (8) | ||
USCC EIP LLC | |||
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |||
Capital contributions, loans or advances | $ 168 | $ 10 |