Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

Registration Nos.    033-08857-99

033-59435-99

333-125001

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

to

 

PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 20, 2007

 

The attached Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2007 was filed by the registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated August 20, 2007.

 

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is November 6, 2007

 



 

FORM 8-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 6, 2007

 

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in their charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-14157

 

36-2669023

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000, Chicago, Illinois

60602

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

                Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (312) 630-1900

 

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On November 6, 2007, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) issued a news release announcing its results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2007 and certain other information.  A copy of the news release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 2.02 of Form 8-K is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section.

Item 8.01. Other Matters.

James Barr III, director of TDS, has entered into a Rule 10b5-1 sales plan with his broker to sell TDS Common Shares and/or TDS Special Common Shares.  The purpose of such Rule 10b5-1 plan is to achieve broader diversification of investments while reducing the risk of over concentration in a particular investment.

In addition, TDS will make open market repurchases and/or enter into one or more Rule 10b5-1 plans with one or more brokers to purchase TDS Special Common Shares.  The purposes of any open market repurchases and such Rule 10b5-1 plan would be to acquire TDS Special Common Shares pursuant to TDS’s previously announced share repurchase authorization.  On March 5, 2007, TDS announced that the TDS Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million in aggregate purchase price of TDS Special Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases and/or block purchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, or pursuant to accelerated share repurchase arrangements, prepaid share repurchases, private transactions or as otherwise approved by the TDS Pricing Committee.  This authorization will expire on March 2, 2010.

A Rule 10b5-1 plan is designed to permit a company or its officers and directors to plan securities transactions in advance when they are not aware of material non-public information or subject to a company-imposed blackout period, and then carry out those pre-planned transactions at a later time, even if they later become aware of material non-public information and/or become subject to a company-imposed blackout period.  A Rule 10b5-1 plan must either specify (including by formula) the amount, pricing and timing of transactions in advance or delegate discretion on those matters to an independent third party.  During the term of the plan, the company, officer or director may not exercise any influence over the amount of securities to be traded, the price at which they are to be traded or the date of the trade.  As transactions are executed in the future under the plan, they will be disclosed to the extent required in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws. Except as may be required by law, TDS does not undertake to report future plans by TDS or its officers or directors nor to report modifications, terminations, transactions or other activities under any Rule 10b5-1 plan or any such future plans.

 

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d)       Exhibits:

In accordance with the provisions of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, any Exhibits filed or furnished herewith are set forth on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 is a safe harbor cautionary statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

2



 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Date:

 November 6, 2007

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Douglas D. Shuma

 

 

Douglas D. Shuma

 

 

Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller

 

 

 

3



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed or furnished herewith as noted below.

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Earnings Press Release dated November 6, 2007

 

 

 

99.2

 

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

 
 

 

 

4


 


Exhibit 99.1

 

As previously announced, TDS will hold a teleconference Nov. 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Chicago time.  Interested parties may listen to the call live via the Internet by accessing the Conference Calls page of www.teldta.com.

 

Contact:

Mark A. Steinkrauss, Vice President, Corporate Relations

 

(312) 592-5384 mark.steinkrauss@teldta.com

 

 

 

Julie D. Mathews, Manager, Investor Relations

 

(312) 592-5341 julie.mathews@teldta.com

 

FOR RELEASE:  IMMEDIATE

 

TDS REPORTS THIRD-QUARTER 2007 OPERATING RESULTS;

STRONG WIRELESS RESULTS

 

CHICAGO — Nov. 6, 2007 — Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [AMEX:TDS, TDS.S] reported operating revenues of $1,236.9 million for the third quarter of 2007, up 11 percent from $1,112.1 million for the comparable period one year ago.  The company recorded operating income of $134.5 million, up 22 percent compared to $110.4 million for the third quarter of 2006.  Net income available to common and diluted income per share were $231.7 million and $1.93, respectively, compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $75.2 million and $0.64, respectively, for the comparable period one year ago.

 

Third Quarter Highlights

      The total number of U.S. Cellular customers increased 6 percent year over year to 6,067,000.  The number of retail customers increased 7 percent to 5,500,000.  The company added 73,000 net retail postpay customers.

      U.S. Cellular average monthly revenue per unit (ARPU) increased 10 percent to $52.71.

      U.S. Cellular total revenues grew 14 percent to $1,015.8 million.

      U.S. Cellular data revenues grew 66 percent to $96.8 million, 10 percent of service revenues.

      TDS Telecom equivalent access lines (ILEC and CLEC) increased by 1,700 to 1,206,700.

      TDS Telecom digital subscriber line customers (ILEC and CLEC) increased 33 percent to 179,100.  ILEC DSL customers increased 44 percent.

      Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments was a loss of $54.8 million.

      TDS recorded a gain on investments of $248.9 million due to the settlement of certain forward contracts.  TDS delivered 41,008,930 Deutsche Telekom shares in settlement of the forward contacts and sold 4,483,242 shares.  TDS now owns 85,969,689 ordinary



 

shares of Deutsche Telekom that are subject to other forward contracts that will continue until their scheduled maturity dates.

      TDS repurchased 1,265,913 special common shares for $76.5 million or $60.45 per share.  $160.9 million remains under the existing authorization.

 

“U.S. Cellular’s customer satisfaction strategy continues to generate strong returns,” said LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., TDS president and chief executive officer.  “For the third consecutive quarter, the company grew revenues and operating income, while achieving higher ARPUs and low customer churn rates.  The company continued its focus on the postpay customer, adding 73,000 postpay customers in a very competitive market.  In addition, U.S. Cellular won its fourth consecutive J.D. Power and Associates Award for call quality, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing superior customer service and a high-quality network.

 

“Our wireline business, TDS Telecom, made good strides in the quarter toward being the preferred broadband provider in its markets.  Growth in ILEC equivalent access lines was driven in part by a 44 percent increase in the number of Digital Subscriber Lines, up 41,400 from the third quarter of last year to 135,500.  At the end of the quarter, approximately 86 percent of its total lines were equipped for DSL, and it held a substantial share of the high-speed Internet market in its DSL markets.”

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 71 (“SFAS 71”)

Historically, TDS Telecom’s ILEC followed the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by SFAS 71.  However, a number of alternative telecommunications providers have transformed a pricing structure historically based on the recovery of costs to a pricing structure based on competitive market conditions.  Consequently, TDS Telecom has altered its strategy to compete in its markets.  Based on these factors, management determined in the third quarter of 2007 that it is no longer appropriate to continue the application of SFAS 71 for reporting its financial results.  As a result of discontinuing the application of SFAS 71, TDS Telecom recorded a non-cash extraordinary gain of $42.8 million, net of taxes of $27.0 million, primarily due to a reduction in the regulatory liability for cost of removal of fixed assets.

 

Guidance

Guidance for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007 is as follows.  There can be no assurance that final results will not differ materially from this guidance.

 

U.S. Cellular 2007 guidance as of Nov. 6, 2007 is as follows:

 

 

 

         Net Retail Customer Additions

 

375,000 - 425,000

 

         Service Revenues

 

$3.6 - $3.7 billion

 

         Operating Income

 

$410 - $460 million

 

         Depreciation, Amortization & Accretion

 

Approx. $600 million

 

         Capital Expenditures

 

Approx. $600 million

 

 

 

 

 

TDS Telecom (ILEC and CLEC) 2007 guidance as of Nov. 6, 2007 is as follows:

 

 

 

         Operating Revenues

 

$850 - $880 million

 

         Operating Income

 

$130 - $150 million

 

         Depreciation and Amortization

 

Approx. $155 million

 

         Capital Expenditures

 

$120 - $140 million

 

 

 

2



 

Conference Call Information

As previously announced, TDS will hold a teleconference Nov. 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Chicago time.   Interested parties may listen to the call live via the Internet by accessing http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=43702 or the Conference Calls page of www.teldta.com.  To connect by phone, call 800/706-9695 (US/Canada) and use conference ID # 22669548.  The call will be archived on the Conference Calls page of www.teldta.com.

 

Prior to the start of the call, certain financial and statistical information to be discussed during the call will be posted to the Conference Calls page of www.teldta.com, together with reconciliations to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of any non-GAAP information to be disclosed.

 

About TDS

TDS is a diversified telecommunications corporation founded in 1969. Through its business units, U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom, TDS operates primarily by providing wireless, local telephone and broadband services. As of Sept. 30, 2007, the company employed 11,700 people and served 7.3 million customers/units in 36 states.

 

About U.S. Cellular

As of Sept. 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular Corporation, the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier, employed 8,200 associates and provided wireless service to 6.1 million customers in 26 states.  The Chicago-based company operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network.

 

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forward-looking statements. This includes all statements about the company’s plans, beliefs, estimates and expectations. These statements are based on current estimates, projections and assumptions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that may affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: The ability of U.S. Cellular to successfully manage and grow the operations of  newly launched markets; changes in the overall economy; changes in competition in the markets in which U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom operate; changes due to industry consolidation; advances in telecommunications technology; changes to access and pricing of unbundled network elements; changes in the state and federal telecommunications regulatory environment; changes in the value of assets; changes in the value of investments, including variable prepaid forward contracts; an adverse change in the ratings afforded TDS and U.S. Cellular debt securities by accredited ratings organizations; uncertainty of access to the capital markets; risks and uncertainties relating to restatements and possible future restatements; ability to remediate material weaknesses; pending and future litigation; acquisitions/ divestitures of properties and/or licenses; and changes in customer growth rates, average monthly revenue per unit, churn rates, roaming terms and the mix of products and services offered in U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom markets.  Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are discussed in the Form 8-K used by TDS to furnish this press release to the SEC, which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

For more information about TDS and its subsidiaries, visit the web sites at:

 

TDS:  www.teldta.com     TDS Telecom: www.tdstelecom.com    USM:www.uscellular.com

 

###

 

3

 



 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

SUMMARY OPERATING DATA

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

9/30/2007

 

6/30/2007

 

3/31/2007

 

12/31/2006

 

9/30/2006

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Markets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total population (000s) (1)

 

81,841

 

81,581

 

56,048

 

55,543

 

55,543

 

All customers -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer units

 

6,067,000

 

6,010,000

 

5,973,000

 

5,815,000

 

5,729,000

 

Gross customer unit activations

 

447,000

 

418,000

 

459,000

 

389,000

 

365,000

 

Net customer unit activations

 

57,000

 

37,000

 

152,000

 

86,000

 

25,000

 

Market penetration (1)

 

7.4

%

7.4

%

10.7

%

10.5

%

10.3

%

Retail customers -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer units

 

5,500,000

 

5,448,000

 

5,377,000

 

5,225,000

 

5,127,000

 

Gross customer unit activations

 

374,000

 

347,000

 

397,000

 

375,000

 

353,000

 

Net customer unit activations

 

52,000

 

71,000

 

146,000

 

98,000

 

28,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cell sites in service

 

6,255

 

6,140

 

6,004

 

5,925

 

5,726

 

Average monthly revenue per unit  (2)

 

$

52.71

 

$

50.42

 

$

48.69

 

$

48.15

 

$

47.93

 

Retail service revenue per unit (2)

 

$

45.00

 

$

43.87

 

$

42.69

 

$

42.21

 

$

41.75

 

Inbound roaming revenue per unit (2)

 

$

3.36

 

$

2.68

 

$

2.33

 

$

2.34

 

$

2.55

 

Long-distance/other revenue per unit (2)

 

$

4.35

 

$

3.87

 

$

3.67

 

$

3.60

 

$

3.63

 

Minutes of use (MOU) (3)

 

887

 

858

 

783

 

749

 

725

 

Retail postpay churn rate per month (4)

 

1.6

%

1.4

%

1.3

%

1.5

%

1.7

%

Construction Expenditures (000s)

 

$

130,600

 

$

137,100

 

$

109,700

 

$

158,400

 

$

152,800

 

 

(1) Market penetration is calculated using 2006 Claritas population estimates for all periods of 2007 and 2005 Claritas estimates for all periods of 2006.  "Total population" represents the total population of each of U.S. Cellular's consolidated markets, regardless of whether the market has begun marketing operations (without duplication of population in overlapping markets). The population of markets in which U.S. Cellular has deferred the transfer of licenses from AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. is not included in the total population counts for any period.     

 

(2) Per unit revenue measurements are derived from Service Revenues as reported in Financial Highlights for each respective quarter as follows:

Service Revenues per Financial Highlights

 

$

954,540

 

$

906,218

 

$

860,583

 

$

831,663

 

$

821,820

 

Components:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail service revenue during quarter

 

$

814,948

 

$

788,535

 

$

754,515

 

$

729,072

 

$

715,896

 

Inbound roaming revenue during quarter

 

$

60,843

 

$

48,084

 

$

41,268

 

$

40,354

 

$

43,806

 

Long-distance/other revenue during quarter

 

$

78,749

 

$

69,599

 

$

64,800

 

$

62,237

 

$

62,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divided by average customers during quarter (000s)

 

6,036

 

5,991

 

5,892

 

5,757

 

5,716

 

Divided by three months in each quarter

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average monthly revenue per unit

 

$

52.71

 

$

50.42

 

$

48.69

 

$

48.15

 

$

47.93

 

Retail service revenue per unit

 

$

45.00

 

$

43.87

 

$

42.69

 

$

42.21

 

$

41.75

 

Inbound roaming revenue per unit

 

$

3.36

 

$

2.68

 

$

2.33

 

$

2.34

 

$

2.55

 

Long-distance/other revenue per unit

 

$

4.35

 

$

3.87

 

$

3.67

 

$

3.60

 

$

3.63

 

 

(3) Average monthly local minutes of use per customer (without roaming).

 

(4) Retail postpay churn rate per month is calculated by dividing the total monthly customer disconnects during the quarter by the average customer base for the quarter.

 

4



 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

SUMMARY OPERATING DATA

 

Quarter Ended

 

9/30/2007

 

6/30/2007

 

3/31/2007

 

12/31/2006

 

9/30/2006

 

TDS Telecom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILEC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access line equivalents (1)

 

763,000

 

761,200

 

763,400

 

757,300

 

752,100

 

Access lines

 

595,100

 

601,600

 

610,300

 

616,500

 

622,700

 

Dial-up Internet service accounts

 

61,300

 

65,800

 

71,100

 

77,100

 

82,200

 

Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) customers

 

135,500

 

127,400

 

118,000

 

105,100

 

94,100

 

Long Distance customers

 

346,400

 

346,500

 

343,800

 

340,000

 

335,100

 

Construction Expenditures (000s)

 

$

23,500

 

$

30,900

 

$

16,100

 

$

39,400

 

$

27,000

 

CLEC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access line equivalents (1)

 

443,700

 

448,400

 

456,200

 

456,200

 

452,900

 

Dial-up Internet service accounts

 

8,200

 

8,800

 

10,200

 

10,200

 

11,000

 

Percent of access lines on-switch

 

93.9

%

93.7

%

93.3

%

93.0

%

92.6

%

Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) customers

 

43,600

 

43,800

 

42,600

 

42,100

 

41,000

 

Construction Expenditures (000s)

 

$

3,400

 

$

4,800

 

$

2,500

 

$

5,700

 

$

4,500

 

 

(1) Access line equivalents are derived by converting high capacity data lines to the estimated capacity of one switched access line.

 

5



 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Three Months Ended September 30,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

$

1,015,834

 

$

888,523

 

$

127,311

 

14.3

%

TDS Telecom

 

214,632

 

220,348

 

(5,716

)

(2.6

%)

All Other (1)

 

6,419

 

3,199

 

3,220

 

N/M

 

 

 

1,236,885

 

1,112,070

 

124,815

 

11.2

%

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

765,119

 

664,256

 

100,863

 

15.2

%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

149,776

 

146,940

 

2,836

 

1.9

%

 

 

914,895

 

811,196

 

103,699

 

12.8

%

TDS Telecom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

140,124

 

146,779

 

(6,655

)

(4.5

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

38,474

 

39,628

 

(1,154

)

(2.9

%)

 

 

178,598

 

186,407

 

(7,809

)

(4.2

%)

All Other (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

 

5,458

 

3,381

 

2,077

 

61.4

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,445

 

711

 

2,734

 

N/M

 

 

 

8,903

 

4,092

 

4,811

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

1,102,396

 

1,001,695

 

100,701

 

10.1

%

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

100,939

 

77,327

 

23,612

 

30.5

%

TDS Telecom

 

36,034

 

33,941

 

2,093

 

6.2

%

All Other (1)

 

(2,484

)

(893

)

(1,591

)

N/M

 

 

 

134,489

 

110,375

 

24,114

 

21.8

%

Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

23,823

 

24,080

 

(257

)

(1.1

%)

Interest and dividend income

 

18,687

 

16,323

 

2,364

 

14.5

%

Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments

 

(54,824

)

34,619

 

(89,443

)

N/M

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

248,860

 

 

248,860

 

N/M

 

Interest expense

 

(49,730

)

(59,365

)

9,635

 

16.2

%

Other expense

 

(865

)

(4,319

)

3,454

 

80.0

%

 

 

185,951

 

11,338

 

174,613

 

N/M

 

Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

 

320,440

 

121,713

 

198,727

 

N/M

 

Income tax expense

 

115,907

 

35,718

 

80,189

 

N/M

 

Income Before Minority Interest

 

204,533

 

85,995

 

118,538

 

N/M

 

Minority share of income

 

(15,623

)

(10,756

)

(4,867

)

(45.2

%)

Income Before Extraordinary Item

 

188,910

 

75,239

 

113,671

 

N/M

 

Extraordinary item, net of taxes

 

42,827

 

 

42,827

 

N/M

 

Net Income

 

231,737

 

75,239

 

156,498

 

N/M

 

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(13

)

(51

)

38

 

74.5

%

Net Income Available to Common

 

$

231,724

 

$

75,188

 

$

156,536

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (000s)

 

118,705

 

115,768

 

2,937

 

2.5

%

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before extraordinary item

 

$

1.59

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.94

 

N/M

 

Extraordinary item

 

0.36

 

 

0.36

 

N/M

 

 

 

$

1.95

 

$

0.65

 

$

1.30

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (000s)

 

119,950

 

116,862

 

3,088

 

2.6

%

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before extraordinary item

 

$

1.57

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.93

 

N/M

 

Extraordinary item

 

0.36

 

---

 

0.36

 

N/M

 

 

 

$

1.93

 

$

0.64

 

$

1.29

 

N/M

 

 

(1) Consists of Suttle Straus printing and distribution operations and intercompany eliminations.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

 

 

6



 

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

$

2,922,154

 

$

2,571,036

 

$

351,118

 

13.7

%

TDS Telecom

 

648,555

 

657,641

 

(9,086

)

(1.4

%)

All Other (1)

 

15,567

 

11,157

 

4,410

 

39.5

%

 

 

3,586,276

 

3,239,834

 

346,442

 

10.7

%

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

2,141,331

 

1,915,334

 

225,997

 

11.8

%

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

447,889

 

429,451

 

18,438

 

4.3

%

 

 

2,589,220

 

2,344,785

 

244,435

 

10.4

%

TDS Telecom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

425,125

 

435,569

 

(10,444

)

(2.4

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

116,823

 

119,115

 

(2,292

)

(1.9

%)

 

 

541,948

 

554,684

 

(12,736

)

(2.3

%)

All Other (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

 

15,046

 

13,365

 

1,681

 

12.6

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,821

 

2,132

 

6,689

 

N/M

 

 

 

23,867

 

15,497

 

8,370

 

54.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

3,155,035

 

2,914,966

 

240,069

 

8.2

%

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

332,934

 

226,251

 

106,683

 

47.2

%

TDS Telecom

 

106,607

 

102,957

 

3,650

 

3.5

%

All Other (1)

 

(8,300

)

(4,340

)

(3,960

)

(91.2

%)

 

 

431,241

 

324,868

 

106,373

 

32.7

%

Investment and Other Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

 

71,394

 

66,376

 

5,018

 

7.6

%

Interest and dividend income

 

182,651

 

174,351

 

8,300

 

4.8

%

Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments

 

(157,073

)

22,881

 

(179,954

)

N/M

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

386,780

 

91,418

 

295,362

 

N/M

 

Interest expense

 

(162,776

)

(177,185

)

14,409

 

(8.1

%)

Other expense

 

(4,957

)

(6,187

)

1,230

 

19.9

%

 

 

316,019

 

171,654

 

144,365

 

84.1

%

Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

 

747,260

 

496,522

 

250,738

 

50.5

%

Income tax expense

 

283,845

 

185,246

 

98,599

 

53.2

%

Income Before Minority Interest

 

463,415

 

311,276

 

152,139

 

48.9

%

Minority share of income

 

(63,807

)

(33,281

)

(30,526

)

(91.7

%)

Income Before Extraordinary Item

 

399,608

 

277,995

 

121,613

 

43.7

%

Extraordinary item, net of taxes

 

42,827

 

 

42,827

 

N/M

 

Net Income

 

442,435

 

277,995

 

164,440

 

59.2

%

Preferred dividend requirement

 

(39

)

(152

)

113

 

74.3

%

Net Income Available to Common

 

$

442,396

 

$

277,843

 

$

164,553

 

59.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (000s)

 

117,526

 

115,759

 

1,767

 

1.5

%

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before extraordinary item

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.40

 

$

1.00

 

41.7

%

Extraordinary item

 

0.36

 

 

0.36

 

N/M

 

 

 

$

3.76

 

$

2.40

 

$

1.36

 

56.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (000s)

 

119,164

 

116,623

 

2,541

 

2.2

%

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before extraordinary item

 

$

3.33

 

$

2.38

 

$

0.95

 

39.9

%

Extraordinary item

 

0.36

 

 

0.36

 

N/M

 

 

 

$

3.69

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.31

 

55.0

%

 

(1) Consists of Suttle Straus printing and distribution operations and intercompany eliminations.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

 

 

7



 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,319,978

 

$

1,013,325

 

Marketable equity securities

 

1,802,076

 

1,205,344

 

Accounts receivable from customers and other

 

544,714

 

520,167

 

Materials and supplies, at average cost

 

126,333

 

128,981

 

Other current assets

 

80,191

 

105,267

 

 

 

3,873,292

 

2,973,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses

 

1,532,165

 

1,520,407

 

Goodwill

 

673,628

 

647,853

 

Customer lists

 

26,939

 

26,196

 

Marketable equity securities

 

10

 

1,585,286

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

225,268

 

197,636

 

Other investments

 

10,948

 

11,073

 

 

 

2,468,958

 

3,988,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cellular

 

2,569,831

 

2,628,848

 

TDS Telecom

 

892,914

 

920,350

 

Other

 

32,283

 

32,188

 

 

 

3,495,028

 

3,581,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets and Deferred Charges

 

50,630

 

56,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

9,887,908

 

$

10,599,514

 

 

 

8



 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

1,045,034

 

$

741,325

 

Derivative liability

 

561,069

 

359,970

 

Notes payable

 

 

35,000

 

Accounts payable

 

296,036

 

294,932

 

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

 

166,226

 

141,164

 

Accrued taxes

 

158,707

 

38,324

 

Accrued compensation

 

76,434

 

72,804

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

348,749

 

236,397

 

Other current liabilities

 

148,899

 

164,815

 

 

 

2,801,154

 

2,084,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Liabilities and Credits

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

 

563,405

 

950,348

 

Derivative liability

 

 

393,776

 

Other deferred liabilities and credits

 

321,902

 

369,045

 

 

 

885,307

 

1,713,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

 

1,634,098

 

2,620,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries

 

652,371

 

609,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Shares

 

860

 

863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

566

 

566

 

Special Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

629

 

629

 

Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

64

 

64

 

Capital in excess of par value

 

2,040,242

 

1,992,597

 

Treasury Shares, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares

 

(128,701

)

(187,103

)

Special Common Shares

 

(178,169

)

(187,016

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

405,841

 

522,113

 

Retained earnings

 

1,773,646

 

1,428,570

 

 

 

3,914,118

 

3,570,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

$

9,887,908

 

$

10,599,514

 

 

9



 

BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

TDS

 

TDS Corporate

 

Intercompany

 

TDS

 

 

 

 

 

Cellular

 

Telecom

 

& Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

$

182,020

 

$

417,834

 

$

720,124

 

$

 

$

1,319,978

 

Affiliated cash investments

 

 

 

 

677,853

 

 

(677,853

)

 

Marketable equity securities

 

 

 

16,133

 

100,936

 

1,685,007

 

 

1,802,076

 

Notes receivable—affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

270,582

 

(270,582

)

 

 

 

 

 

$

198,153

 

$

1,196,623

 

$

2,675,713

 

$

(948,435

)

$

3,122,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licenses, goodwill and customer lists

 

 

 

$

2,008,850

 

$

401,711

 

$

(177,829

)

$

 

$

2,232,732

 

Marketable equity securities

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

10

 

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

 

 

176,557

 

3,673

 

50,947

 

(5,909

)

225,268

 

Other investments

 

 

 

4,452

 

2,671

 

3,825

 

 

10,948

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,189,859

 

$

408,065

 

$

(123,057

)

$

(5,909

)

$

2,468,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

 

$

2,569,831

 

$

892,914

 

$

32,283

 

$

 

$

3,495,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable:

external

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

cash management

 

 

 

677,853

 

(677,853

)

 

 

intercompany

 

 

270,582

 

---

 

(270,582

)

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

270,582

 

$

677,853

 

$

(948,435

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward contracts (all current)

 

 

 

$

 

$

41,182

 

$

1,000,885

 

$

 

$

1,042,067

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion

 

 

 

$

 

$

474

 

$

2,493

 

$

 

$

2,967

 

Non-current portion

 

 

 

1,002,180

 

3,232

 

628,686

 

 

1,634,098

 

Total

 

 

 

$

1,002,180

 

$

3,706

 

$

631,179

 

$

 

$

1,637,065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Shares

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

860

 

$

 

$

860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended 9/30/07

 

 

 

$

130,609

 

$

26,883

 

$

1,874

 

 

 

$

159,366

 

Nine months ended 9/30/07

 

 

 

$

377,399

 

$

81,141

 

$

6,255

 

 

 

$

464,795

 

 

 

10



 

TDS Telecom Highlights

Three Months Ended September 30,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Local Telephone Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local service

 

$

48,876

 

$

50,327

 

$

(1,451

)

(2.9

%)

Network access and long-distance

 

79,522

 

89,016

 

(9,494

)

(10.7

%)

Miscellaneous

 

28,842

 

22,899

 

5,943

 

26.0

%

 

 

157,240

 

162,242

 

(5,002

)

(3.1

%)

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products

 

49,069

 

48,275

 

794

 

1.6

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

43,703

 

46,251

 

(2,548

)

(5.5

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

32,642

 

33,757

 

(1,115

)

(3.3

%)

 

 

125,414

 

128,283

 

(2,869

)

(2.2

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

31,826

 

$

33,959

 

$

(2,133

)

(6.3

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

58,972

 

$

59,370

 

$

(398

)

(0.7

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

 

48,932

 

53,517

 

(4,585

)

(8.6

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

5,832

 

5,871

 

(39

)

(0.7

%)

 

 

54,764

 

59,388

 

(4,624

)

(7.8

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

$

4,208

 

$

(18

)

$

4,226

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany revenues

 

$

(1,580

)

$

(1,264

)

$

(316

)

N/M

 

Intercompany expenses

 

(1,580

)

(1,264

)

(316

)

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total TDS Telecom Operating Income

 

$

36,034

 

$

33,941

 

$

2,093

 

6.2

%

 

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

 

 

11



 

 

TDS Telecom Highlights

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Local Telephone Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local service

 

$

147,259

 

$

151,058

 

$

(3,799

)

(2.5

%)

Network access and long-distance

 

250,280

 

266,994

 

(16,714

)

(6.3

%)

Miscellaneous

 

76,396

 

67,176

 

9,220

 

13.7

%

 

 

473,935

 

485,228

 

(11,293

)

(2.3

%)

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products

 

148,883

 

141,833

 

7,050

 

5.0

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

129,622

 

137,436

 

(7,814

)

(5.7

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

98,912

 

100,585

 

(1,673

)

(1.7

%)

 

 

377,417

 

379,854

 

(2,437

)

(0.6

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

96,518

 

$

105,374

 

$

(8,856

)

(8.4

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

179,089

 

$

176,599

 

$

2,490

 

1.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

 

151,089

 

160,486

 

(9,397

)

(5.9

%)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

17,911

 

18,530

 

(619

)

(3.3

%)

 

 

169,000

 

179,016

 

(10,016

)

(5.6

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

$

10,089

 

$

(2,417

)

$

12,506

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany revenues

 

$

(4,469

)

$

(4,186

)

$

(283

)

N/M

 

Intercompany expenses

 

(4,469

)

(4,186

)

(283

)

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total TDS Telecom Operating Income

 

$

106,607

 

$

102,957

 

$

3,650

 

3.5

%

 

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

 

 

12


 

 


 

Exhibit 99.2

 

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This Form 8-K and/or press release attached to this Form 8-K contain statements that are not based on historical fact and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include those set forth below, as more fully discussed under “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document.  Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements.  TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You should carefully consider the Risk Factors in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, the following factors and other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 8-K and/or press release attached to this Form 8-K to understand the material risks relating to TDS’ business.

                       Intense competition in the markets in which TDS operates could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

                       A failure by TDS’ service offerings to meet customer expectations could limit TDS’ ability to attract and retain customers and could have an adverse effect on TDS’ operations.

                       TDS’ system infrastructure may not be capable of supporting changes in technologies and services expected by customers, which could result in lost customers and revenues.

                       An inability to obtain or maintain roaming arrangements with other carriers on terms that are acceptable to TDS could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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

                       A failure by TDS to acquire adequate radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business and operations.

                       TDS is likely to participate in FCC auctions of additional spectrum in the future and during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.

                       An inability to attract and/or retain management, technical, sales and other personnel could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

                       TDS’ assets are concentrated in the U.S. telecommunications industry.  As a result, its results of operations may fluctuate based on factors related entirely to conditions in this industry.

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

                       Changes in general economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the markets in which TDS operates, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

                       Changes in various business factors could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations. These business factors may include but are not limited to demand, usage, pricing, growth, penetration, churn, expenses, customer acquisition and retention, roaming rates, minutes of use, mix of products and services and costs.

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

                       Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the supply or demand of the market for wireless licenses or telephone company franchises, adverse developments in the business or the industry in which TDS is involved and/or other factors could require TDS to recognize impairments in the carrying value of TDS’ license costs, goodwill and/or physical assets.

                       Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions/divestitures of properties or licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ business could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

 



                       A significant portion of TDS’ revenues is derived from customers who buy services through independent agents and dealers who market TDS’ services on a commission basis.  If TDS’ relationships with these agents and dealers are seriously harmed, its wireless revenues could be adversely affected.

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

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

                       Financial difficulties of TDS’ key suppliers or vendors, or termination or impairment of TDS’ relationships with such suppliers or vendors or interruption of or interference in the delivery of equipment from such suppliers or vendors, due to intellectual property disputes or other matters, could result in a delay or termination of TDS’ receipt of equipment, content or services which could adversely affect TDS’ business and results of operations.

                       TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control.  Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ results of operations or financial condition.

                       War, conflicts, hostilities and/or terrorist attacks or equipment failure, power outages, natural disasters or breaches of network or information technology security could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

                       The market prices of TDS’ Common Shares and Special Common Shares are subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.

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

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

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

                       Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information that affects the calculation of potential liabilities for contingent obligations under guarantees, indemnities or otherwise, could require TDS to record charges in excess of amounts accrued in the financial statements, if any, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

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

                       Early redemptions of debt or repurchases of debt, issuances of debt, changes in prepaid forward contracts, changes in operating leases, changes in purchase obligations or other factors or developments could cause the amounts reported under Contractual or Other Obligations in TDS’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, to be different from the amounts actually incurred.

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

                       Uncertainty of access to capital for telecommunications companies, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development and acquisition programs.

                       Changes in the regulatory environment or a failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any regulatory requirements could adversely affect TDS’ financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business. For example, if adopted, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service recommendation to impose an interim cap on high-cost support received by competitive eligible telecommunications carriers from the Universal Service Fund could impair TDS’ ability to offer service in many rural areas and could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

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

 



 

                       Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business.

                       The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from handsets, wireless data devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices such as pacemakers, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.

                       Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS.

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

 

TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.