VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS INC
10-Q, 1996-05-15
RADIOTELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

[ X ]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                           SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended       March 31, 1996
                                         ----------------------------------

                                       or

[     ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION A3 OR 15(d) OF THE
                           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the transition period from                 to

Commission file number  0-16560

                         Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         North Carolina                                 56-1549590
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S.Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)



  2002 Pisgah Church Road, Suite 300
     Greensboro, North Carolina                          27455-3314
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code (910) 282-3690

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                                      Yes X No ___.

The number of shares  outstanding  of the issuer's  common stock as of April 15,
1996 was 41,313,443.




<PAGE>




                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<S>                                                                           <C>      

  Item 1.         Financial Statements (Unaudited)

                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -                       I-1
                  March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995

                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -             I-2
                  Three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995

                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -             I-3
                  Three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995

                  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial                     I-4
                  Statements

  Item 2.         Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations                                     I-8


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

  Item 6.         Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                              II-1


SIGNATURES                                                                      II-2

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


        Item 1. Financial Statements

                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                                         March 31,      December 31,
        ASSETS                                                                                            1996              1995
        (Substantially all pledged on long-term debt)                                                   (Unaudited)     (See note)
<S>                                                                                                 <C>                <C>  

Current Assets:
        Cash                                                                                           $   5,867          $   8,085
        Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $6,306
        and $5,823                                                                                        24,585             31,270
        Cellular telephone inventories                                                                     8,161              8,957
        Prepaid expenses                                                                                   1,809              1,498
        Total current assets                                                                              40,422             49,810

Investments                                                                                              325,154            306,760

Property and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $100,224 and
$ 94,057                                                                                                 245,285            225,206

Other Assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4,177 and $3,390                                        14,131             14,801
        Total assets                                                                                   $ 624,992          $ 596,577


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
        Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                          $  37,270          $  43,147
        Customer deposits                                                                                  1,220              1,666
Total current liabilities                                                                                 38,490             44,813

Long-Term Debt                                                                                           542,142            522,143

Minority Interests                                                                                           560                573

Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholders' Equity:
        Preferred stock - $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, no shares
        issued                                                                                              --                 --
        Common stock, Class A - $.01 par value, 250,000 shares authorized,
        41,313 and 41,312 shares issued and outstanding                                                      413                413
        Common stock, Class B - $.01 par value, 30,000 shares authorized,
        no shares issued                                                                                    --                 --
        Additional capital in excess of par value                                                        238,683            238,662
        Net unrealized holding losses                                                                     (4,285)           (16,395)
        Accumulated deficit                                                                             (191,011)          (193,632)
Total shareholders' equity                                                                                43,800             29,048
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                             $ 624,992          $ 596,577


</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
are an integral part of these balance sheets.

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 1995 has been derived from the audited 
financial statements at that date.




                                      I - 1
<PAGE>


                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995


        (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                         1996                    1995
                                                                     (Unaudited)               (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                <C>                        <C>  

Revenue:
        Service revenue                                                 $ 62,168                  $ 43,867
        Cellular telephone equipment revenue                               3,182                     5,042
        Other                                                                667                       908
                                                                          66,017                    49,817


Costs and Expenses:
        Cost of service                                                    9,391                     5,974
        Cost of cellular telephone equipment                               4,649                     9,047
        General and administrative                                        17,312                    12,747
        Marketing and selling                                             12,469                    12,026
        Depreciation and amortization                                     10,324                     8,060
                                                                          54,145                    47,854
Income From Operations                                                    11,872                     1,963

Net Gain (Losses) on Dispositions                                           (365)                        7

Interest Expense                                                         (10,099)                   (8,574)

Other, net                                                                 1,200                      (530)
Income (Loss) Before Minority Interests                                    2,608                    (7,134)

Minority Interests                                                            13                       (23)
Net Income (Loss)                                                       $  2,621                  $ (7,157)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share                                             $   0.06                  $  (0.18)


Weighted Average Number of Common
Shares Outstanding                                                        41,313                    40,686

</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
are an integral part of these statements.




                                      I - 2



<PAGE>





                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995

        (Dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       1996                1995
                                                                                    (Unaudited)         (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                               <C>                   <C>  

Cash flows from operating activities:
        Net income (loss)                                                             $  2,621           $ (7,157)
        Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
        operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization                                                   10,324              8,060
        Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs                                       311                316
        Equity method (income) loss of unconsolidated entities                            (794)               211
        Minority interests                                                                 (13)                23
        Net (gain) loss on dispositions                                                    365                 (7)
        Noncash compensation for management consulting services                           (667)              (598)
        Changes in current items:
        Accounts receivable, net                                                         6,685              2,670
        Cellular telephone inventories                                                     795                655
        Account payable and accrued expenses                                            (9,730)            (8,539)
        Other, net                                                                        (758)              (656)
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                              9,139             (5,022)

Cash flows from investing activities:
        Purchases of property and equipment                                            (24,954)           (24,842)
        Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment                                64                 48
        Payments for acquisition of investments                                         (6,177)           (51,163)
        Capital contributions to unconsolidated cellular entities                         (195)               (67)
        Net cash used in investing activities                                          (31,262)           (76,024)

Cash flows from financing activities:
        Principal payments of long-term debt                                                (1)                (1)
        Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                                          22              1,622
        Proceeds of long-term debt                                                      20,000             83,500
        Increase in other assets                                                          (116)               (39)
        Net cash provided by financing activities                                       19,905             85,082

Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                         (2,218)             4,036
Cash, beginning of period                                                                8,085              5,745
Cash, end of period                                                                   $  5,867           $  9,781

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST PAID                                              $ 10,627           $  7,675


</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
are an integral part of these statements.




                                      I-3



<PAGE>


VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
Note 1:           Basis of Presentation

The  accompanying   condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Vanguard
Cellular Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared without
audit  pursuant to Rule 10-01 of Regulation  S-X of the  Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC").  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes  required by generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management,  all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals)  considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 1996
are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending  December 31, 1996. For further  information,  refer to the  consolidated
financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's 1995 annual
report on Form 10-K.

The consolidated  financial  statements include the accounts of the Company, its
wholly owned  subsidiaries  and  entities in which the Company  holds a majority
ownership  interest.  Investments  in entities  in which the  Company  exercises
significant  influence but does not exercise control through majority  ownership
have been  accounted  for  using the  equity  method  of  accounting.  Ownership
interests  in  entities  in which  the  Company  does not  exercise  significant
influence and does not control through majority ownership and for which there is
no readily determinable fair value have been accounted for using the cost method
of  accounting.  Ownership  interests  in entities in which the Company does not
control through majority ownership and does not exercise  significant  influence
and for which there is a readily determinable fair value have been accounted for
as available  for sale  pursuant to the  requirements  of Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities".  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.

Note 2:           Investments

Cellular Entities

The  Company  continues  to expand its  ownership  of cellular  markets  through
strategic  acquisitions.  The  Company  has entered into  a  letter agreement to
acquire the Logan, WV ("WV-6 RSA") for a cash purchase  price  of $16.7 million.
The WV-6 RSA is an operating cellular system and is  contiguous to the Company's
Charleston  and  Huntington,  West  Virginia  markets and its operations will be
managed as part of its West Virginia metrocluster.  The  transaction is expected
to  be  consummated  in  the  third quarter of 1996 and is subject to  customary
conditions,  including  negotiation  of  a  definitive  agreement and receipt of
regulatory approvals.


                                       I-4

<PAGE>




Noncellular Investments

Geotek Communications, Inc.

In  February  1994,  the Company  purchased  from  Geotek  Communications,  Inc.
("Geotek")  2.5  million  shares of Geotek  common  stock  for $30  million  and
received a series of options to purchase additional shares in Geotek.  Geotek is
a  telecommunications  company that is developing an Enhanced Specialized Mobile
Radio  wireless  communications  network  in  the  United  States  based  on its
Frequency Hopping Multiple Access digital  technology.  Geotek's common stock is
traded on the NASDAQ  National Market System.  In addition,  the Company entered
into a five year  management  consulting  agreement to provide  operational  and
marketing  support in exchange  for 300,000  shares of Geotek  common  stock per
year.  In the first three  months of 1996,  the Company  earned and  recorded as
revenue  approximately  75,000  shares under the  management  agreement  with an
aggregate value of  approximately  $665,000 based upon the average closing price
of Geotek common shares during the periods held. During the same period in 1995,
the  Company  earned  and  recorded  as revenue  Geotek  common  shares  with an
aggregate  value of  $600,000.  This  investment  in  Geotek  common  shares  is
accounted for as available for sale.

The Company purchased in September 1995 for $5 million in cash 531,463 shares of
convertible  preferred shares of Geotek.  These shares have a quarterly dividend
of 7 1/2% per annum payable in quarterly  installments,  at Geotek's option,  in
cash or additional  preferred  shares and all are  convertible  at the Company's
option into common  shares of Geotek at a conversion  price of $9.408 per share,
subject to certain  adjustments. The Company received $125,000 in cash dividends
in the first  quarter of 1996.  The  investment  in Geotek  preferred  shares is
accounted  for on the  cost  method.  The  options  to  purchase  common  shares
previously  granted to the Company by Geotek in 1994 have been amended to extend
their  expiration  dates and reduce the number of shares  subject to the options
such that the Company  will have the right to invest up to an aggregate of $86.1
million for 5,285,500 shares at specified prices as follows:

                             Per Share
Option Series    Shares     Exercise Price     Expiration Date

    A          1,000,000         $15         September 1, 1996
    B          1,714,200          16         September 1, 1996
    C          2,571,300          17         September 1, 1997

The  Company  may elect to extend  both the Series B and Series C Options by six
months and the Series C Option by an  additional  six months.  If any portion of
any  series  of  options  expires,  all  unexpired  options  and the  management
agreement will immediately expire.


                                       I-5

<PAGE>





International Wireless Communications, Inc.

The Company owns  approximately  35% of the outstanding  stock of  International
Wireless  Communications,  Inc.  ("IWC") and has  invested an aggregate of $13.5
million. IWC is a development stage company  specializing in securing,  building
and  operating  wireless   businesses  other  than  cellular  telephone  systems
primarily in Latin America and Southeast  Asia. The Company's  investment in IWC
is recorded in the accompanying financial statements using the equity method.

Inter(Bullet) Act Systems, Incorporated

As of March 31, 1996, the Company had invested $10.0 million in Inter(Bullet)
Act Systems, Incorporated ("Inter(Bullet) Act") for an ownership interest of
approximately 26%. Inter(Bullet) Act is a development stage company that
provides targeted promotions to  retail  customers  at the  point  of entry  at
a  retail  outlet,  primarily supermarkets,  through a  computer-equipped kiosk.
The Company's  investment in Inter(Bullet) Act is recorded using the equity
method of accounting.


Note 3:    Long-Term Debt

Long-term  debt  consists of the following as of March 31, 1996 and December 31,
1995 (in thousands):

                                                        March 31,   December 31,
                                                          1996         1995
                                                       (Unaudited)

           Borrowings under the 1994 Credit Facility:
                  Term Loan                              $325,000    $325,000
                  Revolving Loan                          217,000     197,000
           Other Long-Term Debt                               142         143
                                                          --------    --------
                                                         $542,142    $522,143
                                                          =======    ========

On December 23, 1994, the Company completed the closing of a $675 million credit
facility,  pursuant to an Amended  and  Restated  Loan  Agreement  (the  "Credit
Facility"),  with various lenders led by The Toronto-Dominion  Bank and The Bank
of New York.

The Credit Facility  consists of a "Term Loan" and a "Revolving  Loan". The Term
Loan, in the amount of $325 million,  was used to repay the Company's borrowings
under the Company's


                                       I-6

<PAGE>




previously  existing loan agreement.  The Revolving Loan, in the amount of up to
$350 million, is available for capital expenditures, to make acquisitions of and
investments  in cellular and other  wireless  communication  interests,  and for
other general corporate purposes.

The Company maintains  interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements which
provide protection  against interest rate risk on the Credit Facility.  At March
31,  1996,  the Company had interest  rate cap  agreements  in place  covering a
notional  amount of $150  million.  The  interest  rate cap  agreements  provide
protection  to the  extent  that LIBOR  exceeds  the strike  level  through  the
expiration date as follows:

              Strike Level         Notional Amount       Expiration Date

                  9.0%                $50 Million         December, 1996
                  9.0%                 50 Million         December, 1997
           9.63% - 9.75%               50 Million         December, 1997
                                    -------------
                                     $150 Million

The total  cost of these  interest  rate cap  agreements  of  $597,000  has been
recorded  in  other  assets  in the  consolidated  balance  sheet  and is  being
amortized over the lives of the agreements as a component of interest expense.

Additionally,  the Company maintains  interest rate swap agreements that fix the
LIBOR  interest rate at 6.1% on a notional  amount of $100 million  through May,
1996 and 5.5% on a notional amount of $100 million through November, 1996. Under
these swap  agreements,  the Company  benefits if LIBOR  interest rates increase
above the fixed rates,  and incurs  additional  interest expense if rates remain
below the fixed rates.  Any amounts  received or paid under these agreements are
reflected as interest expense over the period covered.

The effect of interest rate  protection  agreements on the operating  results of
the  Company was to increase  interest  expense in the first  quarter of 1996 by
$134,000 and increase interest expense by $72,000 in the same period in 1995.

On April 10, 1996, subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company 
issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 9 3/8% Senior Debentures due 
2006 (the "Debentures")  through an underwritten public offering. The Debentures
were issued at a price to the public of 99.901 for  a yield  of 9.384%. The  net
proceeds from  the  sale  of the Debentures of approximately $194.5 million were
used  to  reduce  borrowings  under  the  Revolving  Loan  portion of the Credit
Facility  and  pay  approximately  $844,000  of expenses  in  connection with an
amendment  to  the  Credit  Facility  necessary  to  allow  the  issuance of the
Debentures.  The  Debentures  mature in 2006 and are redeemable at the Company's
option,  in  whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2001. There are
no  mandatory  sinking  fund  payments  for the Debentures. Interest is  payable
semi-annually.  Upon  a  Change  of  Control Triggering Event (as defined in the
Indenture for the Debentures), the Company will be required to make an  offer to
purchase the  Debentures  at  a  purchase  price  equal to 101% of the principal
amount  thereof  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  if  any,  to the date of
purchase.


                                       I-7

<PAGE>




ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
               AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The  following  is a summary of the  Company's  ownership  interests in cellular
markets in which the  Company's  ownership  interests  exceeded 20% at March 31,
1996 and 1995.  This table does not include any  ownership  interests  that were
contracted for at these dates.

                                                         March 31,
CELLULAR MARKETS                                 1996                   1995
- ----------------                                 ----                   ----

MID-ATLANTIC SUPERSYSTEM:
         Allentown, PA/NJ                        100.0%                100.0%
         Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA               100.0                 100.0
         Harrisburg, PA                          100.0                  86.8
         Lancaster, PA                           100.0                 100.0
         York, PA                                100.0                 100.0
         Reading, PA                             100.0                 100.0
         Altoona, PA                             100.0                 100.0
         State College, PA                        97.0                  97.0
         Williamsport, PA                         93.3                  91.6
         Union, PA (PA-8 RSA)                    100.0                 100.0
         Chambersburg, PA (PA-10 East RSA)        92.1                  91.3
         Lebanon, PA (PA-12 RSA)                 100.0                 100.0
         Mifflin, PA (PA-11 RSA)                 100.0                 100.0
         Wayne, PA (PA-5 RSA)                    100.0                 100.0
         Orange County, NY                       100.0                 100.0
         Binghamton, NY                          100.0                 100.0
         Elmira, NY                              100.0                 100.0

NEW ENGLAND METRO-CLUSTER:
         Portland, ME                            100.0                 100.0
         Portsmouth, NH/ME                       100.0                 100.0
         Bar Harbor, ME (ME-4 RSA)               100.0                 100.0

FLORIDA METRO-CLUSTER:
         Pensacola, FL                           100.0                 100.0
         Fort Walton Beach, FL                   100.0                 100.0

WEST VIRGINIA METRO-CLUSTER:
         Huntington, WV/KY/OH                    100.0                 100.0
         Charleston, WV                          100.0                 100.0
         Ripley, WV (WV-1 East RSA)              100.0                 100.0

CAROLINAS METRO-CLUSTER:
         Myrtle Beach, SC (SC-5 RSA)             100.0                 100.0
         Wilmington, NC                           48.0                  47.7
         Jacksonville, NC                         47.8                  47.3



                                       I-8

<PAGE>




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of the historical financial condition
and results of  operations  of the Company and factors  affecting  the Company's
financial  resources.  This  discussion  should be read in conjunction  with the
Company's  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  the notes
thereto.

Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995

Service  revenue  in the first  quarter  rose 42% to $62.2  million  from  $43.9
million in the same period in 1995. This increase was primarily as a result of a
45%  increase  in  the  number  of  subscribers  in  majority-owned  markets  to
approximately 405,000 as of March 31, 1996, as compared to approximately 280,000
in the first quarter 1995.  Penetration increased to 5.7% at March 31, 1996 from
3.9% at March 31, 1995. The increase in subscribers is the result of the growing
acceptance of cellular communications and the Company's efforts to capitalize on
this  increasing  acceptance  through  a  more highly trained sales force and an
expanded distribution  network. This increase was offset slightly by an increase
in "churn" in the  first quarter of 1996 to 2.2% from 1.9% in the same period in
1995 due to cyclical economic concerns felt by certain segments of the Company's
subscriber base.  Churn is  the monthly rate of customer deactivations expressed
as a percentage of the subscriber base.

Service revenue  attributable  to the Company's own subscribers  (local revenue)
increased 46% during the first three months of 1996 to $52.8 million as compared
to $36.2 million in the same period in 1995.  Average  monthly local revenue per
subscriber  declined 2% to $45 in 1996 compared to $46 in the same period in the
prior year. This decline was primarily due to increased incremental  penetration
into the segment of  consumers  who  generally  use their  cellular  phones less
frequently.  Service  revenue  generated  by  nonsubscribers  roaming  into  the
Company's  markets  increased 21% to $9.3 million in the 1996 period as compared
to $7.7  million  in the prior  year  period.  This  increase  was the result of
increased usage and was partially offset by continued reductions in daily access
and usage rates of  approximately  30% initiated by the Company and agreed to by
certain other cellular providers in its Mid-Atlantic SuperSystem beginning early
in 1995.  The reduced  rates affect the Company both as a provider and purchaser
of roaming  services.  The revenue from the  Company's  customers  combined with
roaming  revenue  resulted in overall average monthly revenue per subscriber for
the quarter of $53, a decline of 5% from $56 in the prior year period.

Cellular  telephone  equipment  revenue  decreased  $1.9  million or 37% to $3.2
million  for the first  quarter of 1996 as  compared to the same period in 1995.
This decrease was primarily due to the continuing decline in the retail price of
cellular  telephone  equipment  charged to the  Company's  subscribers.  Cost of
cellular telephone equipment decreased


                                       I-9

<PAGE>




49% to $4.6  million  during the same  period due to  increased  activity in the
Company's rental phone program and a corresponding  reduction in sales. Net loss
on cellular  equipment was $1.5 million, a decrease of 62% from $4.0 million net
loss on cellular equipment experienced in the first quarter of 1995. The Company
continues to sell telephones at or below cost for marketing purposes in response
to  competitive  pressures  and also  continues the  availability  of its rental
program.

Cost of service as a percentage of service  revenue  increased to 15% during the
first three months of 1996 from 14% during the same period in 1995  primarily as
a result of the effects of roaming fraud experienced by the Company in the first
three months of 1996. The Company estimated that charges  associated with roamer
fraud included in cost of service increased from less than 1% of service revenue
in the first  quarter of 1995 to  approximately  3% during the first  quarter of
1996,  but  declined  from  approximately  4% of  service  revenue in the fourth
quarter  of  1995.  The  Company  continues  its  implementation  of  additional
technology and procedures to address the industry wide increase in fraud through
the use of  computerized  systems  which  trigger  alarms  when  cellular  usage
conflicts with subscriber  profiles,  and by dedicating  additional resources to
the effort.  The costs of these  efforts are expected to be  approximately  $1.0
million in 1996.  Cellular fraud is expected to be a significant  industry issue
for the foreseeable future.

General and  administrative  expenses  increased 36% or $4.6 million  during the
first quarter of 1996 as compared to the same period in 1995, but decreased as a
percentage  of  service  revenue  to 28%  from  29%  respectively.  General  and
administrative  expenses are expected to continue to decline as a percentage  of
service  revenue  as the  Company  adds more  subscribers  without  commensurate
increases  in  general  and  administrative   overhead  and  experiences  higher
utilization of the Company's existing personnel and systems.

Marketing and selling  expenses  increased 4% to $12.5 million  during the first
quarter of 1996,  compared to $12.0  million in 1995. As a percentage of service
revenue,  these  expenses  decreased to 20% in 1996 from 27% in the 1995 period.
During  1996,  marketing  and  selling  expenses,  including  the  net  loss  on
subscriber  equipment,  decreased to $13.9  million from $16.0  million in 1995.
Marketing and selling expenses, including the loss on cellular equipment per net
subscriber addition, but excluding the number of subscribers in acquired markets
in 1995 at the time of acquisition,  decreased 5.8% to $581 in the first quarter
of 1996 from $617 during the same period in 1995.  This  decrease was  primarily
due to increases in the  proportion  of total  subscriber  activations  effected
through  internal  distribution  channels  and  was  offset  somewhat  by a 0.3%
increase  in churn in the first  quarter of 1996 as  compared to the same period
last year.

Depreciation  and amortization  expenses  increased $2.3 million or 28.1% during
the first quarter of 1996 as compared to 1995.  Property and equipment placed in
service since April


                                      I-10

<PAGE>




1, 1995 of  approximately  $70 million  accounted for  substantially  all of the
increase in depreciation expense.

Interest expense increased $1.5 million or 18% during the first quarter of 1996.
This  increase  primarily  resulted  from an increase in average  borrowings  of
approximately $122.2 million.

The Company  reported  net income of $2.6 million or $0.06 per share as compared
to a net loss of $(7.2) million or $(0.18) per share for 1995. This $9.8 million
positive change in net income is due to the rate of revenue growth exceeding the
rate of growth in related operating expenses as discussed above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The  Company  requires  capital to  acquire,  construct,  operate and expand its
cellular  systems.  The Company also  explores,  on an ongoing  basis,  possible
acquisitions  of cellular  systems and  properties  as well as other  investment
opportunities,   some  of  which  may  involve   significant   expenditures   or
commitments.  In addition,  although the initial buildout of its cellular system
is complete,  the Company will continue to construct  additional  cell sites and
purchase  cellular  equipment to increase  capacity as subscribers are added and
usage  increases,  to expand  geographic  coverage and to provide for  increased
portable  usage.  The Company  spent  approximately  $69.9 million and exchanged
certain cellular assets in connection with acquisitions in 1995 and spent $129.9
million on total capital expenditures in 1995 and $28.8 million during the first
quarter of 1996.

The specific  capital  requirements of the Company will depend  primarily on the
timing and size of any additional  acquisitions and other investments as well as
property  and  equipment  needs.  EBITDA has been a growing  source of  internal
funding  in  recent  years,  but the  Company  does not  expect  EBITDA  to grow
sufficiently   to  meet  both  its  property  and  equipment  and  debt  service
requirements  for  at least the next two years.  The Company has met its capital
requirements  primarily through  bank financing, issuance  of public debentures,
private issuances of its Class A Common  Stock and internally  generated  funds,
and  the  Company  intends to  continue to use external financing sources in the
future.

EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an  alternative to net
income or  operating  income as  determined  by  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.  It should not be  considered  in isolation  from other  measures of
performance  according to such principles,  including operating results and cash
flows. EBITDA increased to $22.2 million in the first quarter of 1996 from $10.0
million  in the  same  period  in  1995,  and net  cash  provided  by  operating
activities as shown on the Statement of Cash Flows  increased to $9.1 million in
the first quarter of 1996 as compared to net cash used of $5.0 million in the


                                      I-11

<PAGE>




same period in 1995.  Net cash  provided by  operating  activities  in the first
quarter of 1996  reflects a $1.2  million  increase  in  interest  expense and a
smaller  decrease  in the  change  in  working  capital  items of $2.9  million.
Investing  activities,   primarily  purchases  of  property  and  equipment  and
acquisitions,  used net cash of $31.3  million  and $76.0  million  in the first
three months of 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Financing activities provided net
cash of $19.9 million and $85.1 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Long-Term Debt. On December 23, 1994,  the Company  completed the closing of its
$675 million credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), pursuant to an Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement,  with various lenders led by The Toronto-Dominion  Bank
and The Bank of New York. The Credit  Facility,  which  refinanced the Company's
$390  million 1993 Loan  Agreement,  consists of a $325 million term loan ("Term
Loan") and a $350 million revolving loan ("Revolving Loan"). The Revolving  Loan
is  available  for  capital expenditures,  acquisitions  of and  investments  in
cellular  and  other  wireless  communication  interests,  and for other general
corporate purposes.

On April 10,  1996,  subsequent  to the end of the first  quarter,  the  Company
issued $200 million  aggregate  principal amount of 93/8% Senior  Debentures due
2006 (the "Debentures") through an underwritten public offering and entered into
a related  amendment to the Credit Facility.  The Credit Facility was amended to
permit the issuance of the Debentures  and require the structural  subordination
of the  Debentures  by making a  subsidiary  the  primary  obligor of the Credit
Facility and all  liabilities  of the Company other than the  Debentures and the
owner  of  all  stock   and  partnership  interests  of  the Company's operating
subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 1996, $542 million had been borrowed under the Credit  Facility.
The  net  proceeds  of the  sale  of the  Debentures  on  April  10,  1996  were
approximately $194.5 million.  After adjustment for the payment of approximately
$884,000 of expenses in connection with the amendment to the Credit Facility and
the  reduction  of  borrowings  under the  revolving  loan portion of the Credit
Facility  with  the  remaining  $193.7  million  of the net  proceeds  from  the
Debentures,  the Company  had  available  borrowings  under the  Revolving  Loan
portion of the Credit Facility of approximately $145.8 million as of March 31,
1996.

According to the terms of the Credit  Facility,  the  outstanding  amount of the
Term  Loan  as of  March  30,  1998  is to be  repaid  in  increasing  quarterly
installments  commencing  on March  31,  1998 and  terminating  at  maturity  on
December 23, 2003.  The quarterly  installment  payments  begin at 1.875% of the
outstanding  principal amount at March 30, 1998 and gradually increase to 5.625%
of the principal amount  at March  31,  2003,  at which  time the Term Loan will
be  repaid.  The  available  borrowings  under  the  Revolving Loan will also be
reduced  on a quarterly  basis  commencing on March 31, 1998 and  terminating on
December 31, 2003. The  quarterly  reduction  begins at 1.875%  of the Revolving
Loan  commitment  at  March 30, 1998  and  gradually  increases to 5.625% of the
commitment on March 31, 2003 at which


                                      I-12

<PAGE>




time the Revolving Loan will be repaid.

The Term  Loan and the  Revolving  Loan  bear  interest  at a rate  equal to the
Company's  choice of the Prime Rate (as defined) or Eurodollar Rate (as defined)
plus an applicable margin based upon a leverage ratio for the most recent fiscal
quarter.  As of March 31, 1996,  the applicable  margins on the borrowings  were
 .375% and 1.625% per annum for the Prime Rate and Eurodollar Rate, respectively.

The  Debentures  mature in 2006 and are redeemable at the Company's  option,  in
whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2001. There are no mandatory
sinking fund  payments for the  Debentures.  Interest is payable  semi-annually.
Upon a Change of Control  Triggering  Event (as defined in the Indenture for the
Debentures),  the Company  will be  required  to make an offer to  purchase  the
Debentures  at a purchase  price equal to 101% of the principal  amount  thereof
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

Borrowings  under the Credit  Facility are secured by  substantially  all of the
tangible  and  intangible  assets and  future  cash  flows of the  Company.  The
Debentures are senior unsecured obligations of the Company.

Among other  restrictions,  the Credit  Facility  restricts  the payment of cash
dividends,  limits the use of  borrowings,  limits the  creation  of  additional
long-term indebtedness and requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios.
The requirements of the Credit Facility have been established in relation to the
Company's  projected  capital  needs,  projected  results of operations and cash
flow.  These   requirements   were  generally   designed  to  require  continued
improvement  in the Company's  operating  performance  such that EBITDA would be
sufficient  to continue  servicing  the debt as  repayments  are  required.  The
Indenture for the Debentures  contains  limitations on, among other things,  (i)
the  incurrence  of additional  indebtedness,  (ii) the payment of dividends and
other distributions with respect to the capital stock of the Company,  (iii) the
incurrence  of  certain  liens,  (iv)  the  ability  of  the  Company  to  allow
restrictions  on   distributions  by   subsidiaries,   (v)  asset  sales,   (vi)
transactions  with  affiliates  and (vii)  certain  consolidations,  mergers and
transfers of assets.  The Company is in compliance with all  requirements of the
Credit Facility and the Indenture.

Acquisitions.  The Company continues to expand its ownership of cellular markets
through strategic acquisitions.

In January 1995, the Company purchased the Union,  Pennsylvania (PA-8) RSA for a
cash price of $51.3  million.  The PA-8 RSA lies in the center of the  Company's
Mid-Atlantic SuperSystem.


                                      I-13

<PAGE>





On December 1, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of an its additional
ownership  interest  in the  Harrisburg,  PA  MSA.  In  exchange  for  ownership
interests  in certain  minority  owned  cellular  markets  outside  its regional
metro-clusters  and $2.9 million in cash, the Company  received the final 13.24%
ownership interest in the Harrisburg, PA MSA, and now is the sole owner of such
market, which is in the Mid-Atlantic SuperSystem.

All markets that were acquired during 1995 were operational cellular systems.

The Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the Logan,  WV ("WV-6 RSA")
for a cash purchase  price of $16.7  million.  The WV-6 RSA is contiguous to the
Company's Charleston and Huntington,  West Virginia markets and will be operated
as part of the West Virginia metro-cluster. The transaction is expected to be
consummated in the third quarter of 1996 and is subject to customary conditions,
including  negotiation  of  a  definitive  agreement  and  receipt of regulatory
approvals.

Geotek  Communications.  In February  1994,  the Company  purchased  from Geotek
Communications,  Inc.  ("Geotek")  2.5 million shares of Geotek common stock for
$30.0 million and received a series of options to purchase  additional shares in
Geotek in three linked  transactions.  In addition,  the Company  entered into a
five-year  management  consulting agreement to provide operational and marketing
support in  exchange  for 300,000  shares of Geotek  common  stock per year.  On
September 1, 1995 the Company  purchased for $5.0 million in cash 531,463 shares
of convertible preferred stock of Geotek with a stated value of $9.408 per share
(the  "Geotek  Preferred  Stock").  In  connection  with the  purchase of Geotek
Preferred Stock, the stock options  previously  granted to the Company by Geotek
in 1994 were amended to extend their  expiration  dates and reduce the number of
shares  subject  to the  options  such that the  Company  will have the right to
1,000,000 shares of Geotek Common Stock at $15 per share ("Series A Option") and
1,714,200 additional shares at $16 per share ("Series B Option") until September
1, 1996 and  2,571,400  additional  shares at $17 per share until 12 months from
the expiration date of the Series B Option ("Series C Option").  The Company may
extend the Series B and Series C Options by six months,  and the Series C Option
by an additional  six months.  If any portion of any series of options  expires,
all unexercised options will expire immediately.


International  Wireless  Communications,  Inc. As of March 31, 1996, the Company
had  invested  $13.5  million in  International  Wireless  Communications,  Inc.
("IWC") and owns  approximately 35% of the outstanding common preferred stock of
IWC. IWC is a development stage company  specializing in securing,  building and
operating  wireless  businesses  generally other than cellular telephone systems
primarily in Latin America and Asia.



                                      I-14

<PAGE>




Inter(Bullet) Act Systems, Incorporated. As of March 31, 1996, the Company had
invested $10.0 million in Inter(Bullet) Act Systems, Incorporated 
("Inter(Bullet) Act")  for an ownership  interest of  approximately  26%.  
Inter(Bullet) Act is a  development  stage company that provides  targeted  
promotions to retail customers at the point of entry at a retail outlet,  
primarily  supermarkets, through a computer-equipped kiosk.

Capital  Expenditures.  As of March 31, 1996,  the Company had $303.2 million of
property and equipment in service. The Company historically has incurred capital
expenditures  primarily  based  upon  capacity  needs  in its  existing  markets
resulting from continued subscriber growth. During 1994, the Company initiated a
plan to double the number of cell sites in order to increase geographic coverage
and provide for additional  portable usage in the Company's cellular markets. As
a result of this  accelerated  network  buildout and the continued growth of the
Company's subscriber base, capital expenditures were approximately $28.8 million
and  $24.6  million  during  the  first quarter of 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
Capital  expenditures for 1996 are  estimated to be  approximately  $127 million
and are expected to be funded primarily through  internally   generated   funds.
Approximately  $100 million of those capital  expenditures  will be for cellular
network equipment, and the remainder will be primarily for rental telephones and
computer equipment.

Although  no  assurance  can be given  that such will be the case,  the  Company
believes that its internally  generated funds and available  borrowing  capacity
under the amended  Credit  Facility will be  sufficient  during the next several
years to complete  its  planned  network  expansion,  to fund debt  service,  to
provide flexibility to pursue acquisitions and other business opportunities that
might arise in the future,  and to meet  working  capital and general  corporate
needs. The Company also may issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock.

INFLATION

The  Company  believes  that  inflation  affects  its  business  no more than it
generally affects other similar business.






                                      I-15

<PAGE>




Item 6.           EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) The  exhibits  to this Form 10-Q are  listed  in the  accompanying  Index to
Exhibits.

(b) On  April 4, 1996,  the  Registrant  filed  a  Current Report on Form 8-K to
provide  certain  exhibits  related  to  the underwritten public offering of its
9 3/8% Senior Debentures due 2006.





                                      II-1

<PAGE>







                                   SIGNATURES




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





                            VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC.


Date:      May 15, 1996      By:  /s/         Haynes G. Griffin
                                  -----------------------------
                                                Haynes G. Griffin
                                                    President
                                                       and
                                             Chief Executive Officer


Date:      May 15, 1996      By:  /s/      Stephen L. Holcombe
                                  ----------------------------
                                             Stephen L. Holcombe
                                            Senior Vice President
                                                       and
                                           Chief Financial Officer
                                             (principal accounting and
                                              principal financial officer)


                                      II-2

<PAGE>



                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT NO.                                         DESCRIPTION


* 4 (a)      Articles of  Incorporation  of Registrant as amended  through
             July  25,1995,  filed as Exhibit 1 to the  Registrant's  Form 8-A/A
             dated July 25, 1995.

* 4 (b)      Bylaws of Registrant (compilation of July 25, 1995), filed as
             Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's Form 8-A/A dated July 25, 1995.

* 4(c)       Specimen Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 2 to the
             Registrant's Form 8-A/A dated July 25, 1995.

**4(d)(1)    Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Vanguard 
             Cellular Operating Corp. and various lenders led by The Bank of 
             New York and The Toronto-Dominion Bank as agents, dated as of 
             April 10, 1996.

**4(d)(2)    VCOC Security Agreement between Vanguard Cellular Operating Corp. 
             and various lenders led by The Bank of New York and The 
             Toronto-Dominion Bank as Secured Party, dated as of April 10, 
             1996.

**4(d)(3)    Second Amended and Restated Master Subsidiary Security Agreement 
             between certain subsidiaries of the Registrant and various lenders
             led by The Bank of New York and The Toronto-Dominion Bank, as 
             Secured Party, dated as of April 10, 1996.

**4(d)(4)    Assignment, Bill of Sale and Assumption Agreement by and between
             Registrant and Vanguard Cellular Financial Corp., dated as of
             April 10, 1996.

**4(e)(1)    Indenture dated as of April 1, 1996 between Registrant and The Bank
             of New York as Trustee.

**4(e)(2)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1996 between
             Registrant and The Bank of New York as Trustee.

  11         Calculation  of fully  diluted  earnings  per  share  for the three
             months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995.

  27         Financial Data Schedule.


* Incorporated by reference to the statement or report indicated.

** To be filed under cover of Form SE pursuant to a temporary hardship exemption
   in accordance with Rule 201 of Regulation S-T.

The following schedules to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, filed
as Exhibit 4(d)(1) hereto, have been omitted. The Registrant hereby undertakes
to furnish supplementally a copy of any such omitted schedule to the Commission
upon request.

Exhibit A         Form of Assignment of Rights by Partner
Exhibit B         Form of Borrower Pledge Agreement
Exhibit C         Form of Certificate of Financial Condition
Exhibit D         Form of Note Pledge Agreement
Exhibit E         Form of Request for Advance
Exhibit F         Form of Revolving Loan Note
Exhibit G         Form of Security Agreement
Exhibit H         Form of Subsidiary Guaranty
Exhibit I         Form of Subsidiary Pledge Agreement
Exhibit J         Form of Subsidiary Security Agreement
Exhibit K         Form of Term Loan Note
Exhibit L         Form of VCFC Assumption Agreement
Exhibit M         Form of Borrower's Loan Certificate
Exhibit N         Form of Subsidiary Loan Certificate
Exhibit O         Form of Performance Certificate
Exhibit P         Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Schedule 1        Licenses
Schedule 2        Liens of Record as of the Agreement Date
Schedule 3        Subsidiaries
Schedule 4        Litigation
Schedule 5        Agreements with Affiliates
Schedule 6        Investments

The following schedules to the VCOC Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 
4(d)(2) hereto, have been omitted. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish
supplementally a copy of such omitted Schedule to the Commission upon request.

               Exhibit A          Licenses
               Exhibit B          Contracts
               Exhibit C          Leases

The following schedules to the Second Amended and Restated Master Subsidiary 
Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4(d)(3) hereto, have been omitted. The 
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any such 
omitted Schedule to the Commission upon request.

               Exhibit A          Licenses
               Exhibit B          Contracts
               Exhibit C          Leases

The following schedules to the Assignment, Bill of Sale and Assumption Agreement
filed as Exhibit 4(d)(4) hereto, have been omitted. The Registrant hereby
undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any such omitted Schedule to the
Commission upon request.

               Schedule A         List of Personal Property Assigned
               Schedule B         List of Agreements Assigned



                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CALCULATION OF FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
               For The Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995

        (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                        1996            1995

<S>                                                               <C>               <C>  

Net Income (Loss)                                                    $  2,621         $ (7,157)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                   41,313           40,686

Adjustments necessary to reflect weighted average number
of common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis                   1,057            1,489

                                                                       42,370           42,175

Fully diluted earnings per share                                     $   0.06         $  (0.17)

</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
financial statements in the Registrant's Form 10-Q and is qualified in its
entirety by references to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                       5,867,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               30,891,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 6,306,000
<INVENTORY>                                  8,161,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            40,422,000
<PP&E>                                     345,509,000
<DEPRECIATION>                             100,224,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             624,992,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       38,490,000
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       413,000
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               624,992,000
<SALES>                                     62,168,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            66,017,000
<CGS>                                        9,391,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               14,040,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            40,105,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          10,099,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              2,621,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          2,621,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 2,621,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.06
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.06
        

</TABLE>


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