UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP
10-Q, 2000-08-11
RADIOTELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
Previous: NET 1 L P, 10-Q, EX-27, 2000-08-11
Next: UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP, 10-Q, EX-10, 2000-08-11





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------
                                    FORM 10-Q

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

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

For the quarterly period ended         June 30, 2000
                               ---------------------------------
                                              OR

        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to
                               -----------      ------------

                          Commission File Number 1-9712

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                     62-1147325
 ------------------------------------            -------------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     incorporation or organization)

             8410 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60631
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (773) 399-8900


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
                                                   -----
Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                Class                              Outstanding at July 31, 2000
  -------------------------------------          -------------------------------
        Common Shares, $1 par value                     52,804,774 Shares
    Series A Common Shares, $1 par value                33,005,877 Shares

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





<PAGE>



                       UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
                       ----------------------------------
                         2ND QUARTER REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                         -------------------------------
                                      INDEX
                                      -----
                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------
Part I.    Financial Information:

              Management's Discussion and Analysis of
              Results of Operations and Financial Condition                 2-12

              Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations  -
              Three  Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 and 1999     13

              Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows -
              Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 and 1999                       14

              Consolidated Balance Sheets -
              June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999                          15-16

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                   17-21


Part II.   Other Information                                               22-23


Signatures                                                                  24




<PAGE>



                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                          -----------------------------
               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
               ---------------------------------------------------
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
          -------------------------------------------------------------
                             AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                             -----------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
---------------------

Six  Months Ended 6/30/00 Compared to Six  Months Ended 6/30/99
---------------------------------------------------------------

United States Cellular Corporation (the "Company" - AMEX symbol: USM) owns,
operates and invests in cellular markets throughout the United States. USM is
an 82.4%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ("TDS").

USM owned either majority or minority cellular  interests in 180 markets at June
30, 2000,  representing 26,528,000 population equivalents ("pops"). USM included
the operations of 139 majority-owned and managed cellular markets,  representing
24.1 million pops, in  consolidated  operations  ("consolidated  markets") as of
June 30, 2000. Minority interests in 35 markets,  representing 2.4 million pops,
were  accounted  for using the equity  method and were  included  in  investment
income at that  date.  All other  interests  were  accounted  for using the cost
method. Following is a table of summarized operating data for USM's consolidated
operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             Six Months Ended or At June 30,
                                                                        ---------------------------------------
                                                                           2000                           1999
                                                                           ----                           ----

      <S>                                                                <C>                          <C>
      Total market population (in thousands) (1)                            25,044                       24,683
      Customers                                                          2,807,000                    2,364,000
      Market penetration                                                    11.21%                        9.58%
      Markets in operation                                                     139                          138
      Total employees                                                        4,800                        4,800
      Cell sites in service                                                  2,392                        2,163
      Average monthly revenue per customer                                  $44.97                       $48.71
      Churn rate per month                                                   1.97%                        2.00%
      Marketing cost per gross customer addition                              $337                         $335


           (1)   Calculated using Claritas population estimates for 2000 and 1999, respectively.
</TABLE>

The growth in the  Company's  operating  income in the first six months of 2000,
which  includes  100% of the revenues and expenses of its  consolidated  markets
plus its corporate office  operations,  primarily  reflects  improvements in the
Company's  overall  operations  compared  to the first six  months of 1999.  The
improvements  resulted from growth in the  Company's  customer base and revenues
coupled with continuing economies of scale. Operating revenues, driven primarily
by a 19% increase in customers served, rose $70.8 million, or 10%, in 2000. Cash
operating  expenses  rose $16.5  million,  or 4%, in 2000.  Operating  cash flow
(operating  income plus depreciation and amortization  expense)  increased $54.3
million, or 23%, in 2000.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased $22.8
million,  or 21%, in 2000.  Operating income increased $31.5 million, or 25%, in
2000.

Investment and other income  decreased  $230.2 million to $43.0 million in 2000,
due primarily to a decrease of $242.8  million in gains on sales of cellular and
other investments in 2000.

                                       -2-


<PAGE>



Income  tax  expense  decreased  $80.0  million to $76.5  million  in 2000,  due
primarily to the decrease in taxable  income as a result of the reduced gains in
2000.  An  after-tax  extraordinary  loss of $6.1  million was  recorded in 2000
related to the repurchase of convertible debentures.

Net income totaled $97.8 million in 2000, a decrease of $124.9 million,  or 56%,
from 1999.  Diluted  earnings  per share  totaled  $1.09 in 2000,  a decrease of
$1.32, or 55%, from 1999. Net income in 2000 and 1999 was significantly affected
by gains on the sales of cellular and other investments,  and net income in 2000
was affected by the  extraordinary  loss. A summary of the after-tax  effects of
gains and the extraordinary loss on net income and diluted earnings per share in
each period is shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                                2000                    1999
                                                                                ----                    ----
                                                                        (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
      <S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>
      Net income before after-tax effects of gains
          and extraordinary loss                                              $  92,643              $  66,321
      Add: After-tax effects of gains and extraordinary loss                      5,176                156,381
                                                                              ---------              ---------
      Net income as reported                                                  $  97,819              $ 222,702
                                                                              =========              =========

      Earnings per share before after-tax effects
         of gains and extraordinary loss                                      $    1.04              $    0.75
      Add: After-tax effects of gains and extraordinary loss                       0.05                   1.66
                                                                              ---------              ---------
      Diluted earnings per share                                              $    1.09              $    2.41
                                                                              =========              =========
</TABLE>



Operating Revenues
------------------

Operating  revenues  totaled $757.7  million in 2000, up $70.8 million,  or 10%,
over 1999.  Service  revenues  primarily  consist  of: (i)  charges  for access,
airtime  and  value-added  services  provided  to  the  Company's  local  retail
customers who use the local systems  operated by the Company  ("local  retail");
(ii)  charges to  customers  of other  systems  who use the  Company's  cellular
systems when roaming  ("inbound  roaming");  and (iii) charges for long-distance
calls made on the Company's systems.  Service revenues totaled $729.3 million in
2000, up $65.6 million, or 10%, over 1999. The increase was primarily due to the
growing number of local retail  customers using the Company's  systems.  Monthly
service revenue per customer declined 8% to $44.97 in 2000 from $48.71 in 1999.

Local retail revenue  increased  $73.3 million,  or 16%, in 2000.  Growth in the
Company's  customer base was the primary reason for the increase in local retail
revenue.  The number of  customers  increased  19% to 2,807,000 at June 30, 2000
from 2,364,000 at June 30, 1999. Management anticipates that overall growth rate
in the  Company's  customer  base will slow down in the future,  primarily  as a
result of an increase in the number of competitors in its markets.

Average monthly local retail revenue per customer  declined 2% to $32.14 in 2000
from $32.88 in 1999. Monthly local retail minutes of use per customer was 142 in
2000 and 112 in 1999.  The increase in monthly  local retail  minutes of use was
driven by the Company's focus on designing  incentive programs and rate plans to
stimulate overall usage. Average revenue per minute of use decreased as a result
of competitive  pressures and these pricing and incentive  programs.  Management
anticipates  that the Company's  average local retail  revenue per minute of use
will continue to decline in the future,  reflecting the continued  effect of the
previously mentioned factors.

                                       -3-


<PAGE>



Inbound roaming revenue  decreased $1.6 million,  or 1%, in 2000. The decline in
inbound roaming revenue in 2000 was affected by a decrease in revenue per minute
due to the downward trend in negotiated rates and an increase in roaming minutes
used on the  Company's  systems.  Both the decrease in revenue per minute of use
and the  increase  in  minutes  of use were  significantly  affected  by certain
pricing programs  offered by other wireless  companies.  Wireless  customers who
sign up for these programs are given price incentives to roam, and many of those
customers  travel in the  Company's  markets,  thus  driving an  increase in the
Company's inbound roaming minutes of use. Management anticipates that the growth
rate in inbound roaming  minutes of use will be slower  throughout the remainder
of  2000  due to  these  pricing  programs  being  present  in both  periods  of
comparison.  Additionally,  as  new  wireless  operators  begin  service  in the
Company's markets, the Company's roaming partners could switch their business to
these new operators,  further  slowing growth in inbound roaming minutes of use.
The  Company's  inbound  roaming  revenue  per  minute of use has  decreased  as
negotiated  rates  between  the Company  and its  roaming  partners  continue to
decline.  Management anticipates that average inbound roaming revenue per minute
of use will continue to decline in the future,  reflecting the continued  effect
of the previously mentioned factors. Monthly inbound roaming revenue per Company
customer  averaged  $9.15 in 2000 and $11.01 in 1999.  The  decrease  in monthly
inbound roaming revenue per Company  customer was  attributable to a decrease in
inbound roaming revenue compared to an increase in the Company's customer base.

Long-distance revenue decreased $10.9 million, or 17%, in 2000. While the volume
of long- distance calls billed by the Company increased,  primarily from inbound
roamers using the Company's systems to make long-distance  calls,  long-distance
revenue  declined due to price  reductions  primarily  related to  long-distance
charges  on  roaming  minutes  of use.  These  reductions,  similar to the price
reductions on roaming airtime charges,  are a continuation of the industry trend
toward reduced per minute prices.  The price  reductions also reduced the growth
in the  outbound  roaming  expense  component  of system  operations  expense by
approximately the same amount,  resulting in no material effect on the Company's
operating  cash flow or  operating  income.  Monthly  long-distance  revenue per
customer averaged $3.26 in 2000 and $4.67 in 1999.

Equipment sales revenues  increased $5.2 million,  or 22%, in 2000. The increase
in equipment  sales  revenues  reflected the 16% increase in the number of gross
customer activations,  to 524,000 in 2000 from 453,000 in 1999, plus an increase
in the number of higher  priced  dual- mode units and the volume of  accessories
sold.  Most of the gross  customer  activations  were  produced by the Company's
direct  and  retail  distribution  channels,  which  usually  generate  sales of
cellular  telephone  units. The increase in sales of dual-mode units was related
to the growth in the number of the Company's systems providing digital coverage,
which enables the Company to offer its customers more  features,  better clarity
and increased  roaming  capabilities.  As of June 30, 2000, 35% of the company's
customers  were on digital rate plans  compared to 11% as of June 30, 1999.  The
increase in the volume of accessories  sold  reflected an increased  emphasis on
the sale of accessories at retail prices in the Company's retail locations.

Operating Expenses
------------------

Operating expenses totaled $601.6 million in 2000, up $39.3 million, or 7%, over
1999.  System  operations  expenses  decreased  $22.7 million,  or 19%, in 2000,
primarily  as a result of  decreases in customer  usage  expense  related to the
lower cost per  minute of use  associated  with the  change in  roaming  pricing
discussed  previously.  Costs  associated  with serving the Company's  increased
number of customers  and the growing  number of cell sites within the  Company's
systems increased in 2000.

                                       -4-


<PAGE>



Customer usage expense represents charges from other telecommunications  service
providers for the Company's  customers'  use of their  facilities as well as for
the Company's  inbound  roaming traffic on these  facilities.  Also included are
costs related to local  interconnection  to the landline network,  long-distance
charges and  expenses  incurred by the Company  when its  customers  use systems
other than their local systems ("outbound  roaming").  These expenses are offset
somewhat by amounts the Company bills to its customers for outbound roaming.

Customer usage expense decreased $27.7 million, or 33%, in 2000. The decrease in
2000 was  primarily due to the $30.9  million  decrease in net outbound  roaming
expense.  Net outbound roaming expense  decreased due to a reduction in cost per
minute of use  related to the lower  roaming  prices in the  industry  discussed
previously.  This  decrease was  partially  offset by the effect of increases in
monthly local minutes of use and inbound roaming minutes of use on the Company's
systems.  Customer usage expense  represented 8% of service revenues in 2000 and
13% in 1999.

Maintenance,  utility and cell site expense  increased $5.0 million,  or 14%, in
2000. The increase  primarily  reflected an increase in the number of cell sites
in the Company's systems, to 2,392 in 2000 from 2,163 in 1999.

In total,  the decrease in system  operations  expenses is expected to slow down
during the remainder of 2000, as the effects of these changes  become present in
both periods of  comparison.  System  operations  expenses are then  expected to
increase as the number of  customers  using and the number of cell sites  within
the Company's systems grows.

Marketing  and  selling  expenses  increased  $18.5  million,  or 15%,  in 2000.
Marketing and selling expenses  primarily  consist of salaries,  commissions and
expenses  of field  sales and retail  personnel  and  offices;  agent  expenses;
corporate  marketing  department salaries and expenses;  local advertising;  and
public  relations  expenses.  The increase in 2000 was  primarily due to the 16%
rise in the number of gross customer  activations,  and the associated increases
in  commissions  and  advertising  costs.  Marketing  cost  per  gross  customer
activation,   which  includes  marketing  and  selling  expenses  and  equipment
subsidies, increased 1% to $337 in 2000 from $335 in 1999.

Cost of equipment  sold increased  $11.6 million,  or 22%, in 2000. The increase
reflected the growth in unit sales related to the 16% increase in gross customer
activations as well as the impact of selling more higher cost dual-mode units in
2000.

General and  administrative  expenses  increased  $9.2 million,  or 6%, in 2000.
These  expenses  include the costs of operating  the  Company's  local  business
offices and its  corporate  expenses  other than the corporate  engineering  and
marketing  departments.  The  increase  includes  the  effects of  increases  in
expenses  required to serve the growing  customer base in the Company's  markets
and other expenses incurred related to the growth in the Company's business. The
Company incurred  additional costs in 2000 by providing dual-mode phone units to
customers  who  migrated  from analog to digital rate plans.  This  increase was
partially  offset by  decreases in  consulting  expenses  and  nonincome  taxes.
Employee-related  expenses  increased  $3.1  million,  or 4%,  in 2000.  Monthly
general and administrative expenses per customer decreased 11% to $10.36 in 2000
from $11.66 in 1999.  General and  administrative  expenses  represented  23% of
service revenues in 2000 and 24% in 1999.

Operating cash flow increased $54.3 million,  or 23%, to $287.2 million in 2000.
The improvement was primarily due to substantial growth in customers and service
revenues and the

                                       -5-


<PAGE>



effects  of  continued  operational  efficiencies  on cash  operating  expenses.
Operating  cash flow  margins (as a percent of service  revenues)  were 39.4% in
2000 and 35.1% in 1999.

Depreciation  expense  increased  $13.1  million,  or 15%, in 2000. The increase
reflects rising average fixed asset balances, which increased 12% in 2000, and a
reduction in the useful  lives of certain  assets  beginning in 2000.  Increased
fixed asset  balances in 2000 resulted from the addition of new cell sites built
to improve  coverage and capacity in the Company's  markets and from upgrades to
provide digital service in more of the Company's service areas.

Amortization of intangibles  increased $9.7 million, or 48%, in 2000.  Beginning
October 1, 1999, the Company's began amortizing  capitalized  development  costs
related to its new billing and information system.  Annual amortization of these
billing-related costs is expected to be approximately $17 million.

Operating Income
----------------

Operating  income  totaled  $156.1  million in 2000,  a $31.5  million,  or 25%,
increase over 1999.  The operating  income margin was 21.4% in 2000 and 18.8% in
1999. The  improvements in operating  income and operating income margin in 2000
reflected  increased  revenues  resulting from growth in the number of customers
served  by the  Company's  systems  and  the  effect  of  continued  operational
efficiencies on total operating expenses.

The Company expects service revenues to continue to grow during the remainder of
2000; however,  management anticipates that average monthly revenue per customer
will  decrease  as local  retail and inbound  roaming  revenue per minute of use
decline and as the Company further penetrates the consumer market. Additionally,
the Company  expects  expenses to increase  during the  remainder  of 2000 as it
incurs costs associated with both customer growth and fixed assets added.

Management  continues  to believe  there  exists a  seasonality  in both service
revenues,  which tend to increase more slowly in the first and fourth  quarters,
and  operating  expenses,  which tend to be higher in the fourth  quarter due to
increased  marketing  activities and customer growth,  which may cause operating
income to vary from quarter to quarter.  Additionally,  competitors  licensed to
provide  personal  communications  services  ("PCS") have  initiated  service in
certain of the Company's  markets over the past four years.  The Company expects
PCS operators to continue  deployment of PCS in portions of all of the Company's
clusters  throughout  2000 and 2001.  The Company has increased its  advertising
since 1997 to promote its brand and distinguish the Company's service from other
wireless communications providers. The Company's management continues to monitor
other wireless communications  providers' strategies to determine how additional
competition is affecting the Company's results.  While the effects of additional
wireless  competition  have slowed  customer  growth in certain of the Company's
markets,  the overall effect on the Company's  total customer growth to date has
not been material.  However, management anticipates that customer growth will be
lower in the  future,  primarily  as a result of the  increase  in the number of
competitors in its markets.

Investment and Other Income
---------------------------

Investment  and other income totaled $43.0 million in 2000 and $273.2 million in
1999.  Gain on sale of cellular and other  investments  totaled $17.9 million in
the first half of 2000 and  $260.7 in the first  half of 1999.  The gain in 2000
was from the sale of the Company's  minority interest in one market. The Company
recognized a $259.5 million gain in the second quarter of 1999 on the difference
between its historical basis in its investment in AirTouch Communications, Inc.

                                       -6-


<PAGE>



("ATI")  common  shares and the value of  Vodafone  Group plc  ("VOD")  American
Depositary Receipts and cash received in the merger of ATI and VOD.

Investment income was $19.6 million in 2000 compared to $13.8 million in 1999, a
41% increase.  Investment income primarily represents the Company's share of net
income from the markets  managed by others that are  accounted for by the equity
method. The aggregate income from the markets in which the Company had interests
in both 1999 and 2000 increased in 2000.

Interest and Income Taxes
-------------------------

Interest expense  increased  $130,000 in 2000 as the Company's  outstanding debt
balances remained relatively constant in 1999 and 2000.

Income tax  expense  was $76.5  million in 2000 and $156.4  million in 1999.  In
2000,  $6.6 million of income tax expense  related to gains on sales of cellular
and other investments.  In 1999, $104.3 million of income tax expense related to
gains on sales of cellular  and other  investments.  The overall  effective  tax
rates were 42% in 2000 and 41% in 1999. The change in 2000's  effective tax rate
was  primarily  related to the nature of the gains on sale of cellular and other
investments in 2000 and 1999.

TDS and the Company are parties to a Tax Allocation Agreement, pursuant to which
the Company is included in a  consolidated  federal income tax return with other
members of the TDS consolidated  group. For financial  reporting  purposes,  the
Company  computes federal income taxes as if it were filing a separate return as
its own affiliated group and was not included in the TDS group.

Extraordinary Loss
------------------

Extraordinary  item - (loss) on  extinguishment of debt, net of tax totaled $6.1
million in 2000, or $.07 per diluted  share,  resulting  from the  repurchase of
$25,817,000  face value of LYONs in May 2000 for $16.5 million in cash. The loss
resulted from the difference  between the repurchase price,  which  approximated
market value, and the accreted value of the LYONs repurchased.  This loss is not
deductible for tax purposes.

Net Income
----------

Net income  totaled  $97.8 million in 2000 and $222.7  million in 1999.  Diluted
earnings per share was $1.09 in 2000 and $2.41 in 1999.  Net income and earnings
per share in 2000 and 1999 included significant  after-tax gains on the sales of
cellular and other investments,  and an extraordinary loss in 2000, representing
$5.2 million and $0.05 per share in 2000 and $156.4  million and $1.66 per share
in 1999. Excluding the after-tax effect of these gains and an extraordinary loss
in 2000, net income would have been $92.6 million,  or $1.04 per share,  in 2000
and $66.3 million, or $.75 per share, in 1999.

Three Months Ended 6/30/00 Compared to Three Months Ended 6/30/99
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Operating  revenues  totaled  $397.7  million in the second  quarter of 2000, up
$36.7 million,  or 10%, over 1999.  Average monthly service revenue per customer
decreased to $46.37 in the second quarter of 2000 compared to $50.18 in the same
period of 1999 for reasons generally the same as the first half of 2000.

                                       -7-


<PAGE>



Revenues from local  customers' usage of the Company's  systems  increased $39.2
million,  or 17%, in 2000  primarily  due to the  increased  number of customers
served.  Average monthly local retail minutes of use per customer totaled 156 in
the  second  quarter of 2000  compared  to 123 in 1999.  Also,  as the number of
customers and amount of revenue earned  continued to grow,  average  revenue per
minute of use continued to decline.  As a result,  average  monthly local retail
revenue  per  customer  declined  2% to $33.11  in the  second  quarter  of 2000
compared to $33.76 in 1999.

Inbound roaming revenue  decreased $3.9 million,  or 5%, in 2000 as the increase
in  inbound  roaming  minutes of use was more than  offset by a decrease  in the
average  inbound  roaming  revenue per minutes of use.  Monthly  inbound roaming
revenue per customer averaged $9.10 in 2000 compared to $11.39 in 1999.

Long-distance  revenue decreased $4.7 million, or 14%, in 2000. While the volume
of long- distance calls billed by the Company increased,  primarily from inbound
roamers using the Company's systems to make long-distance  calls,  long-distance
revenue  declined due to price  reductions  primarily  related to  long-distance
charges on roaming minutes of use.  Monthly long- distance  revenue per customer
averaged $3.50 in 2000 and $4.85 in 1999.

Equipment  sales  revenue  increased  $1.8  million,  or 15%,  reflecting  a 15%
increase  in the  number  of gross  customer  activations,  to  258,000  in 2000
compared to 224,000 in 1999,  plus  increases in the number of  dual-mode  units
sold and in the volume of accessories sold.

Operating  expenses  totaled  $302.7  million in the second  quarter of 2000, up
$14.2 million,  or 5%, over 2000.  System  operations  expenses  decreased $11.2
million,  or 18%,  in 2000 as a  result  of  decreases  in cost per  minute  for
outbound roaming and toll transactions, partially offset by increases in minutes
of use and costs associated with maintaining 11% more cell sites than in 1999.

Marketing and selling  expenses  increased  $7.3 million,  or 12%, in 2000.  The
increase was  primarily  due to a 15%  increase in the number of gross  customer
activations.  Cost per gross  customer  activation  was $335 in 2000 and $351 in
1999.

Cost of equipment  sold  increased  $2.4 million,  or 9%, in 2000.  The increase
reflects a rise in the number of dual-mode  units sold in 1999, plus an increase
in the volume of accessories sold. General and administrative expenses increased
$7.0  million,  or 9%, in 2000,  primarily  related to the increase in customers
served.

Operating cash flow increased $31.2 million,  or 24%, to $160.1 million in 2000;
operating cash flow margins totaled 41.8% in 2000 and 37.0% in 1999.

Depreciation  expense increased $3.5 million, or 8%, in 2000,  reflecting an 11%
increase in average fixed asset balances.

Amortization of intangibles  increased $5.1 million, or 52%, in 2000, reflecting
the  amortization of capitalized  development  costs  beginning  October 1, 1999
related to the Company's new billing and information system.

Operating  income  totaled  $95.0  million in 2000  compared to $72.5 million in
1999, a 31%  increase.  The operating  income margin  increased to 24.8% in 2000
from 20.8% in 1999. The  improvements in operating  income and operating  income
margin were primarily the result of increased revenues and improved  operational
efficiencies.

                                       -8-


<PAGE>



Investment  and other income  decreased  $253.2 million to $14.0 million in 2000
due to the gains on sales of  cellular  and other  investments  totaling  $260.7
million in 1999.  There were no gains in the second quarter of 2000.  Investment
income  increased  $3.6 million,  or 50%, in 2000 due to the increase in 2000 in
the aggregate income from the markets in which the Company had interests in both
1999 and 2000.

Total interest  expense  decreased  $14,000 in 2000.  Income tax expense totaled
$42.8  million in 2000 and $135.4  million in 1999. In 1999,  $104.3  million of
income tax expense related to gains on sales of cellular and other  investments.
Extraordinary (loss), net of tax totaled $6.1 million in 2000.

Net income  totaled $50.7  million in 2000  compared to $194.9  million in 1999.
Both net income and earnings per share in both years were significantly affected
by gains on the sales of cellular and other investments and by the extraordinary
loss in 2000. A summary of the after-tax  effect of gains and the  extraordinary
loss on net income and diluted earnings per share is shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Three Months Ended June 30,
                                                                     ---------------------------

                                                                    2000                  1999
                                                                 ---------             ---------
                                                            (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
      <S>                                                          <C>                   <C>
      Net income before after-tax effects of gains
          and extraordinary loss                                   $  56,786             $  38,495
      Add:  After-tax effects of gains and
           extraordinary loss                                         (6,106)              156,381
                                                                   ----------            ---------
      Net income as reported                                       $  50,680             $ 194,876
                                                                   ==========            =========


      Earnings per share before after-tax effects
         of gains and extraordinary loss                           $     .64             $     .43
      Add:  After-tax effects of gains and
          extraordinary loss                                            (.07)                 1.66
                                                                   ----------            ---------
      Diluted earnings per share as reported                       $     .57             $    2.09
                                                                   ==========            =========

</TABLE>


FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
---------------------------------

The Company  operates a capital-  and  marketing-intensive  business.  In recent
years, the Company has generated  operating cash flow and received cash proceeds
from  divestitures to fund its construction  costs and operating  expenses.  The
Company  anticipates  further increases in cellular units in service,  revenues,
operating cash flow and fixed asset additions in the future. Operating cash flow
may fluctuate  from quarter to quarter  depending on the  seasonality of each of
these growth factors.

Cash flows from operating  activities provided $258.5 million in 2000 and $165.1
million in 1999.  Operating cash flow provided $287.2 million in 2000 and $232.9
million in 1999.  Cash flows from other  operating  activities  (investment  and
other income,  interest  expense,  income taxes,  changes in working capital and
changes in other  assets and  liabilities)  required  $28.7  million in 2000 and
$67.8  million in 1999.  Income taxes and interest paid totaled $46.8 million in
2000 and $32.6 million in 1999.

Cash flows from investing  activities required $129.8 million in 2000 and $113.5
million in 1999.  Cash  required for  property,  plant and  equipment and system
development expenditures totaled

                                       -9-


<PAGE>



$129.8  million  in 2000 and  $161.9  million in 1999.  In both  periods,  these
expenditures  were financed with internally  generated cash. These  expenditures
primarily  represent the  construction of 92 and 98 cell sites in 2000 and 1999,
respectively, plus other plant additions and costs related to the development of
the Company's office systems.  In both periods,  other plant additions  included
significant  amounts  related  to the  replacement  of  retired  assets  and the
changeout of analog radio  equipment for digital radio  equipment.  Acquisitions
required  $33.6 million in 2000 and $8.1 million in 1999.  The Company  received
net cash  proceeds  totaling  $22.5 million in 2000 related to sales of cellular
and other  investments.  Cash  distributions from cellular entities in which the
Company has an interest provided $9.7 million in 2000 and $12.7 million in 1999.

Cash  flows  from  financing  activities  required  $154.3  million  in 2000 and
$538,000 in 1999. In 2000,  the Company  repurchased a total of 2,063,000 of its
Common Shares for a total of $135.8 million.  These stock  repurchases were made
under separate programs authorized by the Company's Board of Directors. In March
2000, the Board of Directors  authorized the repurchase of up to 1.4 million USM
Common Shares. A total of 1.4 million common shares were repurchased  under this
program as of June 30, 2000. A total of 335,400  common shares were  repurchased
under a separate  program of 1.4 million  USM Common  Shares  authorized  by the
Board of Directors in May 2000.  An  additional  327,600 USM Common  Shares were
purchased  pursuant to a previously  authorized  program to repurchase a limited
amount of shares on a quarterly  basis,  primarily  for use in employee  benefit
plans.  Retirement  of debt  required  $16.5  million  in  2000  as the  Company
repurchased $25,817,000 face value of LYONs.

Anticipated  capital  requirements  for 2000  primarily  reflect  the  Company's
construction and system expansion program. The Company's construction and system
expansion budget for 2000 is approximately  $330 million,  to expand and enhance
the Company's  coverage in its service areas,  including the addition of digital
service  capabilities  to its  systems,  and to  enhance  the  Company's  office
systems.

Acquisitions and Divestitures
-----------------------------

The Company  assesses  its  cellular  holdings  on an ongoing  basis in order to
maximize the benefits  derived from  clustering  its markets.  Over the past few
years, the Company has completed exchanges of controlling  interests in its less
strategic  markets for controlling  interests in markets which better complement
its  clusters.  The  Company  has also  completed  outright  sales of other less
strategic  markets,  and has  purchased  controlling  interests in markets which
enhance its clusters.  The proceeds from any sales have been used to further the
Company's growth.

In the first six months of 2000, the Company acquired a majority interest in one
market and several  minority  interests in other markets,  representing  242,000
pops, for consideration  totaling $59.5 million. The consideration  consisted of
$33.6 million in cash,  approximately  28,000 USM Common Shares,  forgiveness of
notes receivable totaling $10.0 million and payables totaling $14.2 million.

In the first six months of 1999,  the Company  acquired  minority  interests  in
several markets representing 93,000 pops for a total of $9.1 million in cash.

In the first six months of 2000, the Company divested a minority interest in one
market  representing  114,000 pops for a total consideration of $22.5 million in
cash.

                                      -10-


<PAGE>



In the first half of 1999,  the  Company  divested a  majority  interest  in one
market and a minority interest in another market, representing 406,000 pops, for
cash  totaling  $43.3  million.  The  majority  interest  was sold to  BellSouth
Corporation  as  part of the  exchange  which  was  substantially  completed  in
November 1997; therefore, no gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

As of June 30,  2000,  the Company had  agreements  pending to divest a majority
interest in one market and  minority  interests  in four  markets,  representing
approximately  305,000 pops, for  consideration  totaling  $104.9  million.  The
consideration  will  consist  of $51.7  million  in cash and  $53.2  million  in
receivables.  These  transactions  will be completed during the third quarter of
2000 and the  Company  will  record  substantial  book  gains  related  to these
transactions.

Liquidity
---------

The Company  anticipates that the aggregate resources required for the remainder
of 2000 will include the  following:
o  approximately  $200  million  for  capital  spending;  and
o  an as yet  undetermined  amount that may be needed to repurchase USM Common
   Shares  or  LYONs  under  programs  authorized  by  the  Company's  Board  of
   Directors.

In May 2000,  the Company's  Board of Directors  authorized the repurchase of an
additional 1.4 million USM Common Shares. Through June 30, 2000, the Company had
repurchased  335,400  shares under this program.  Additionally,  the Company may
repurchase a limited amount of additional shares on a quarterly basis, primarily
for use in employee benefit plans.

The Board of Directors has authorized management to opportunistically repurchase
LYONs in private transactions.  U.S. Cellular may also purchase a limited amount
of LYONs in open- market transactions from time to time.

The Company is generating  substantial  cash from its operations and anticipates
financing these expenditures  primarily with internally  generated cash, the $52
million  it  expects  from  the  completion  of  a  divestiture  and  short-term
borrowings.  The Company had $172.1 million of cash and cash equivalents at June
30, 2000.  Additionally,  the entire balance of $500 million under the Company's
Revolving Credit Facility is unused and remains available to meet any short-term
borrowing requirements.

Management  believes  that the  Company's  operating  cash flows and  sources of
external financing,  including the  above-referenced  Revolving Credit Facility,
provide  substantial  financial  flexibility  for the  Company  to meet both its
short- and long-term  needs. The Company also currently has access to public and
private capital markets to help meet its long-term  financing needs. The Company
anticipates  issuing debt and equity  securities only when capital  requirements
(including acquisitions), financial market conditions and other factors warrant.

Revenue Recognition
-------------------

In December 1999,  the SEC issued Staff  Accounting  Bulletin No. 101,  "Revenue
Recognition in Financial  Statements ("SAB 101")." SAB 101 provides  guidance on
the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financial statements.
On June 26, 2000, the SEC issued Staff Accounting  Bulletin No. 101B "Amendment:
Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements". SAB 101B allows companies to defer
the reporting of a change in accounting principle, as required by SAB 101, until
the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.  Management  continues to analyze
this bulletin and anticipates the impact to be immaterial.

                                      -11-


<PAGE>



Market Risk
-----------

The  Company is subject to market  rate risks due to  fluctuations  in  interest
rates and equity  markets.  All of the Company'  existing debt is in the form of
long-term  fixed-rate  notes with  original  maturities  ranging from five to 20
years.  Accordingly,  fluctuations in interest rates can lead to fluctuations in
the fair value of such  instruments.  The Company has not entered into financial
derivatives  to reduce its exposure to interest  rate risks.  There have been no
material changes to the Company's  outstanding  debt instruments  since December
31, 1999.

The Company  maintains a  portfolio  of  available  for sale  marketable  equity
securities  which  resulted  from  acquisitions  and the  sale of  non-strategic
assets. The market value of these investments, principally Vodafone AirTouch plc
American  Depositary  Receipts ("VOD ADRs"),  amounted to $459.8 million at June
30, 2000. A hypothetical  10% decrease in the share prices of these  investments
would result in a $46.0 million decline in the market value of the investments.

PRIVATE  SECURITIES  LITIGATION  REFORM  ACT  OF  1995  SAFE  HARBOR  CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition  and other  sections  of this  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q  contain
statements  that  are  not  based  on  historical  fact,   including  the  words
"believes",  "anticipates",   "intends",  "expects"  and  similar  words.  These
statements  constitute  "forward-looking  statements"  within the meaning of the
Private  Securities   Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  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 factors include:

o        general economic and business conditions,  both nationally and in the
         regions in which the Company operates;
o        technology changes;
o        competition;
o        changes in business strategy or development plans;
o        changes in governmental regulations;
o        availability of future financing; and
o        changes in growth in cellular customers, penetration rates, churn rates
         and roaming rates.

The Company  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.

                                      -12-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                        ---------------------------------------------------
                                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                                ---------------------------------
                                                           Unaudited
                                                           ---------

                                                                   Three Months Ended                  Six Months Ended
                                                                         June 30,                          June 30,
                                                                   ------------------                  ----------------

                                                                  2000                1999                 2000             1999
                                                                 -----               ------               ------           ------
                                                                      (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
    Service                                                 $     383,389       $     348,523      $     729,349      $    663,717
    Equipment sales                                                14,268              12,429             28,395            23,220
                                                            -------------       -------------       ------------      ------------
        Total Operating Revenues                                  397,657             360,952            757,744           686,937
                                                            -------------       -------------       ------------      -------------

OPERATING EXPENSES
    System operations                                              50,443              61,641             97,627           120,332
    Marketing and selling                                          70,728              63,380            140,186           121,685
    Cost of equipment sold                                         30,054              27,659             64,651            53,100
    General and administrative                                     86,352              79,354            168,039           158,873
    Depreciation                                                   50,218              46,685            101,387            88,301
    Amortization of intangibles                                    14,907               9,781             29,746            20,080
                                                             ------------       -------------       ------------       ------------
        Total Operating Expenses                                  302,702             288,500            601,636           562,371
                                                             ------------       -------------       ------------       ------------
OPERATING INCOME                                                   94,955              72,452            156,108           124,566
                                                             ------------       -------------       ------------       ------------

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME
    Investment income                                              10,832               7,216             19,557            13,834
    Amortization of licenses related to investments                  (206)               (263)              (553)             (570)
    Interest income                                                 4,753               1,558              8,751             2,757
    Other income (expense), net                                     1,964                (363)             1,717              (471)
    Minority share of income                                       (3,295)             (1,596)            (4,310)           (3,079)
    Gain on sale of cellular and other investments                     --             260,698             17,851           260,698
                                                             ------------       -------------        -----------        ----------
        Total Investment and Other Income                          14,048             267,250             43,013           273,169
                                                             ------------       -------------        -----------        ----------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST
  AND INCOME TAXES                                                109,003             339,702            199,121           397,735
Interest expense                                                    9,378               9,392             18,738            18,608
                                                             ------------       -------------        -----------        ----------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                         99,625             330,310            180,383           379,127
Income tax expense                                                 42,839             135,434             76,458           156,425
                                                             ------------       -------------        -----------        ----------

INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                                   56,786             194,876            103,925           222,702
                                                             ------------       -------------      -------------      ------------
Extraordinary item-(loss) on extinguishment
 of debt, net of tax                                               (6,106)                 --             (6,106)               --
                                                             -------------      -------------      --------------     ------------

NET INCOME                                                  $      50,680       $     194,876      $      97,819      $    222,702
                                                            =============       =============      =============      ============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON
 AND SERIES A COMMON SHARES (000s)                                 86,277              87,461             86,938            87,426

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE COMMON AND
 SERIES A COMMON SHARES (Note 2)
  Income Before Extraordinary Item                          $         .66       $        2.23      $        1.20      $       2.55
  Extraordinary Item                                                 (.07)                 --               (.07)               --
                                                            --------------      -------------      -------------      ------------
  Net Income                                                $         .59       $        2.23      $        1.13      $       2.55
                                                            =============       =============      =============      ============

DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON AND
 SERIES A COMMON SHARES (Note 2)
  Income Before Extraordinary Item                          $         .64       $        2.09      $        1.16      $       2.41
  Extraordinary Item                                                 (.07)                 --               (.07)               --
                                                            -------------       -------------      -------------      ------------
  Net Income                                                $         .57       $        2.09      $        1.09      $       2.41
                                                            =============       =============      =============      ============


                     The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                      -13-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                ---------------------------------------------------
                                                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                        -------------------------------------
                                                                        Unaudited
                                                                        ---------


                                                                                     Six Months Ended
                                                                                         June 30,
                                                                             --------------------------------
                                                                               2000                     1999
                                                                             -------                 --------

                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>                        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income                                                              $     97,819               $   222,702
   Add (Deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income
      to net cash provided by operating activities
        Depreciation and amortization                                           131,133                   108,381
        Deferred income tax provision                                            20,179                   107,369
        Investment income                                                       (19,557)                  (13,834)
        Minority share of income                                                  4,310                     3,079
        Extraordinary Item                                                        6,106                        --
        Gain on sale of cellular and other investments                          (17,851)                 (260,698)
        Other noncash expense                                                    14,952                    13,928
        Change in inventory                                                      10,309                    (6,156)
        Change in accounts receivable                                            (7,887)                  (24,031)
        Change in accounts payable                                              (11,230)                  (18,175)
        Change in accrued taxes                                                  24,185                    29,836
        Change in customer deposits and deferred revenues                         4,415                       681
        Change in other assets and liabilities                                    1,643                     2,063
                                                                           -------------               -----------
                                                                                258,526                   165,145
                                                                           -------------               -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Additions to property, plant and equipment                                  (125,426)                 (149,826)
   System development costs                                                      (4,373)                  (12,026)
   Investments in and advances (to)/from
      unconsolidated entities                                                      (959)                      413
   Distributions from unconsolidated entities                                     9,698                    12,684
   Proceeds from sale of cellular and other investments                          22,500                    43,324
   Acquisitions, excluding cash acquired                                        (33,635)                   (8,131)
   Other investing activities                                                     2,406                        31
                                                                           -------------               -----------
                                                                               (129,789)                 (113,531)
                                                                           -------------               -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Repayment on debt retirement                                                 (16,539)                       --
   Repurchase of Common Shares                                                 (135,793)                       --
   Common Shares issued                                                           1,768                     2,000
   Capital (distributions) to minority partners                                  (3,756)                   (2,538)
                                                                           -------------               -----------
                                                                               (154,320)                     (538)
                                                                           -------------               -----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
   CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                             (25,583)                   51,076

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-
   Beginning of period                                                          197,675                    51,975
                                                                           -------------               -----------
   End of period                                                           $     172,092               $  103,051
                                                                           =============               ===========


       The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                      -14-


<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                        ---------------------------------------------------
                                                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                                 ASSETS
                                                                 ------

                                                                      (Unaudited)
                                                                    June 30, 2000           December 31, 1999
                                                                  ----------------          -----------------
                                                                             (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>                       <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents
      General funds                                                       $   10,727                $   29,169
      Affiliated cash equivalents                                            161,365                   168,506
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             172,092                   197,675
   Temporary investments                                                         180                       148
   Accounts receivable
      Customers, net of allowance                                            125,252                   124,145
      Roaming                                                                 68,577                    61,915
      Affiliates                                                                  46                        15
      Other                                                                    7,187                     9,584
   Inventory                                                                  19,691                    29,999
   Note receivable                                                                --                    10,000
   Prepaid expenses                                                            8,898                    10,081
   Other current assets                                                        6,293                     5,221
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             408,216                   448,783
                                                                          ----------                ----------

INVESTMENTS

   Licenses, net of accumulated amortization                               1,145,502                 1,156,175
   Marketable equity securities                                              459,764                   540,711
   Investment in unconsolidated entities,
     net of accumulated amortization                                         185,461                   124,573
   Notes and interest receivable - long-term                                   8,278                    10,736
   Marketable non-equity securities                                              269                       216
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                           1,799,274                 1,832,411
                                                                          ----------                ----------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
   In service and under construction                                       1,673,382                 1,579,278
   Less accumulated depreciation                                             578,932                   508,273
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                           1,094,450                 1,071,005
DEFERRED CHARGES                                                          ----------                ----------
   System development costs,
       net of accumulated amortization                                       127,086                   135,462
   Other, net of accumulated amortization                                     11,634                    12,434
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             138,720                   147,896
                                                                          ----------                ----------
Total Assets                                                              $3,440,660                $3,500,095
                                                                          ==========                ==========



                     The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                      -15-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                        UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                        ---------------------------------------------------
                                                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                ---------------------------
                                           LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                           ------------------------------------

                                                                     (Unaudited)
                                                                    June 30, 2000           December 31, 1999
                                                                  -----------------         -----------------
                                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>                       <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
   Accounts payable
      Affiliates                                                          $    2,584                $    3,127
      Other                                                                  134,981                   143,967
   Customer deposits and deferred revenues                                    41,297                    36,882
   Accrued interest                                                            7,058                     7,064
   Accrued taxes                                                              31,702                     7,517
   Accrued compensation                                                       16,151                    16,555
   Other current liabilities                                                  12,966                    11,867
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             246,739                   226,979
                                                                          ----------                ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT
   7.25% unsecured notes                                                     289,933                   296,322
   6% zero coupon convertible debentures                                     250,000                   250,000
   Other                                                                      13,000                        --
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             552,933                   546,322
                                                                          ----------                ----------

DEFERRED LIABILITIES AND CREDITS
   Net deferred income tax liability                                         390,274                   401,983
   Other                                                                      10,903                     9,199
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                             401,177                   411,182
                                                                          ----------                ----------

MINORITY INTEREST                                                             40,891                    40,971
                                                                          ----------                ----------
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Common Shares, par value $1 per share                                      54,945                    54,713
   Series A Common Shares, par value $1 per share                             33,006                    33,006
   Additional paid-in capital                                              1,341,862                 1,331,274
   Treasury Shares, at cost (2,063,000 shares)                              (135,793)                       --
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                     32,822                    81,391
   Retained earnings                                                         872,078                   774,257
                                                                          ----------                ----------
                                                                           2,198,920                 2,274,641
                                                                          ----------                ----------
   Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                             $3,440,660                $3,500,095
                                                                          ==========                ==========


                     The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                      -16-


<PAGE>



               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                Unaudited

1.    The consolidated  financial  statements included herein have been prepared
      by the Company,  without audit,  pursuant to the rules and  regulations of
      the Securities and Exchange  Commission.  Certain information and footnote
      disclosures   normally  included  in  financial   statements  prepared  in
      accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting   principles  have  been
      condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations,  although the
      Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
      presented  not  misleading.   It  is  suggested  that  these  consolidated
      financial   statements  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
      financial  statements  and the notes  thereto  included  in the  Company's
      latest annual report on Form 10-K.

      The accompanying  unaudited  consolidated financial statements contain all
      adjustments  (consisting  of only normal  recurring  items)  necessary  to
      present fairly the financial position as of June 30, 2000 and December 31,
      1999,  and the  results  of  operations  and cash flows for the six months
      ended June 30, 2000 and 1999. The results of operations for the six months
      ended  June 30,  2000 and  1999,  are not  necessarily  indicative  of the
      results to be expected for the full year.

2.    Net Income used in  computing  Earnings per Common Share and the effect on
      income  and the  weighted  average  number of Common  and  Series A Common
      Shares of dilutive potential common stock are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Three Months Ended            Six Months Ended
                                                                     June 30,                      June 30,
                                                               ---------------------          ------------------
                                                                2000            1999           2000         1999
                                                               -----           -----          ------       ------

                                                                   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amount)

        <S>                                                   <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
        Net Income Before Extraordinary Item
            used in Basic Earnings Per Share                  $   56,786   $   194,876   $   103,925    $   222,702

        Extraordinary Item                                        (6,106)           --        (6,106)           --
                                                              -----------  ------------  ------------   ------------
        Net Income Available to Common used in
           Basic Earnings Per Share                           $   50,680   $  194,876    $    97,819    $   222,702
                                                              ==========   ===========   ============   ============

        Basic Weighted average number of Common
           Shares used in Earnings Per Share (000's)              86,277        87,461        86,938         87,426
                                                              ==========   ============  ============   ============

        Basic Earnings Per Share
           Continuing Operations                              $     0.66   $      2.23   $      1.20    $      2.55
           Extraordinary Item                                      (0.07)           --         (0.07)            --
                                                              -----------  -----------   ------------   ------------
                                                              $     0.59   $      2.23   $      1.13    $      2.55
                                                              ===========  ===========   ============   ============


</TABLE>




                                      -17-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   Unaudited

                                                               Three Months Ended            Six Months Ended
                                                                    June 30,                      June 30,
                                                              --------------------          ------------------
                                                              2000           1999           2000         1999
                                                              ----           ----           ----         ----
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

        <S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
        Net Income Available to Common used in
               Basic Earnings Per Share                   $   50,680   $   194,876   $    97,819   $   222,702

        Interest expense eliminated as a result of
           the pro forma conversion of
           Convertible Debentures                              2,485         2,497         5,026         4,960
                                                          -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------

        Net Income Available to Common from
           Continued Operations used in Diluted
           Earnings Per Share                             $   53,165   $   197,373   $   102,845   $   227,662
                                                          ===========  ============  ============  ============



        Basic Weighted average number of Common
           Shares used in Earnings Per Share (000's)          86,277        87,461        86,938        87,426
        Effect of Dilutive Securities:
           Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights           381           133           414           119
           Conversion of Convertible Debentures                6,654         7,059         6,654         7,059
                                                          -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
        Diluted Weighted Average Number of Common
           Shares used in Earnings Per Share                  93,312        94,653        94,006        94,604
                                                          ===========  ============  ============  ============

        Diluted Earnings Per Share
           Continuing Operations                          $     0.64   $      2.09   $      1.16   $      2.41
           Extraordinary Item                                  (0.07)           --         (0.07)           --
                                                          -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                          $     0.57   $      2.09   $      1.09   $      2.41
                                                          ===========  ============  ============  ============


</TABLE>



                                      -18-


<PAGE>


               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  Unaudited

3.      Supplemental Cash Flow Information

        The Company acquired certain cellular  licenses and interests during the
        first  six  months  of  2000  and  1999.  In   conjunction   with  these
        acquisitions,  the following assets were acquired,  liabilities  assumed
        and Common Shares issued.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         Six Months Ended
                                                                                              June 30,
                                                                                         ----------------------
                                                                                         2000              1999
                                                                                         ----              ----
                                                                                           (Dollars in thousands)

        <S>                                                                         <C>                  <C>
        Investment in unconsolidated entities                                       $   54,727           $      --
        Cellular licenses                                                                4,741               5,464
        Decrease in notes receivable - other                                           (10,000)                 --
        Decrease in minority investments                                                    --               2,667
        Long-term debt                                                                 (13,000)                 --
        Other current liabilities                                                       (1,165)                 --
        Common Shares issued                                                            (1,668)                 --
                                                                                    -----------          ----------
        Decrease in cash due to acquisitions                                        $   33,635           $   8,131
                                                                                    ===========          ==========

</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        The following  summarizes certain noncash  transactions and interest and income taxes paid.



                                                                                      Six Months Ended
                                                                                           June 30,
                                                                                  ------------------------
                                                                                  2000                1999
                                                                                  ----                ----
                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                   <C>
        Interest paid                                                       $       9,540         $     9,755
        Income taxes paid                                                          37,245              22,886
        Noncash interest expense                                            $       9,083         $     8,444

</TABLE>

4.      Gain  on  sale of  cellular  and  other  investments  in 2000  primarily
        reflects gains recorded on the sale of the Company's  minority  interest
        in one market.  Gain on sale of cellular and other  investments  in 1999
        primarily  related to the merger between AirTouch  Communications,  Inc.
        ("ATI") and  Vodafone  Group plc.  The Company  recognized a gain on the
        difference  between its historical  basis in the ATI shares and the June
        30, 1999 value of the Vodafone AirTouch plc American Depository Receipts
        ("VOD ADRs") plus the cash received as a result of this merger.

                                      -19-


<PAGE>


               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  Unaudited

5.      Other Comprehensive Income

        The Company's  Comprehensive  Income  includes Net Income and Unrealized
        Gains  from  Marketable   Equity   Securities  that  are  classified  as
        "available-for-sale".  The  following  table  summarizes  the  Company's
        Comprehensive Income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Six Months Ended
                                                                                         June 30,
                                                                            --------------------------------
                                                                              2000                    1999
                                                                            -------                  -------
                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)

       <S>                                                                    <C>                     <C>
       Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

       Balance, beginning of period                                           $  81,391               $  69,465
       Add:
           Unrealized gains (losses) on securities                              (80,947)                149,715
           Income tax effect                                                     32,378                 (59,887)
                                                                              ----------              ----------
       Net unrealized gains (losses)                                            (48,569)                 89,828
                                                                              ----------              ----------
       Deduct:
           Gain on reclassification of securities                                    --                 259,464
           Income tax effect                                                         --                (103,786)
                                                                              ----------              ----------
       Net unrealized gains reclassified to
           Net Income                                                                --                 155,678
                                                                              ----------              ----------
       Net unrealized gains included in
           comprehensive income                                                      --                 (65,850)
                                                                              ----------              ----------
       Balance, end of period                                                 $  32,822               $   3,615
                                                                              ==========              ==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                       Three Months Ended                Six Months Ended
                                                            June 30,                         June 30,
                                                       --------------------             --------------------
                                                        2000           1999             2000            1999
                                                       ------         ------            -----           -----
                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)

     <S>                                          <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
     Comprehensive Income
        Net Income                                $     50,680    $   194,876      $     97,819    $   222,702
        Net unrealized gains (losses)
             on securities                             (82,501)      (127,448)          (48,569)       (65,850)
                                                  -------------   ------------     -------------   ------------
                                                  $    (31,821)   $    67,428      $     49,250    $   156,852
                                                  =============   ============     =============   ============


</TABLE>


                                      -20-


<PAGE>


               UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                Unaudited

6.   Marketable Equity Securities

     Marketable  equity securities  include the Company's  investments in equity
     securities,  primarily  Vodafone ADRs.  These  securities are classified as
     available-for-sale and stated at fair market value.

     Information   regarding  the  Company's  marketable  equity  securities  is
     summarized below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      June 30, 2000             December 31, 1999
                                                                      -------------             -----------------
                                                                                (Dollars in thousands)

    <S>                                                                   <C>                        <C>
    Available-for-sale Equity Securities

    Aggregate Fair Value                                                  $  459,764                 $  540,711
    Original Cost                                                            405,061                    405,061
                                                                          ----------                 ----------
    Gross Unrealized Holding Gains                                            54,703                    135,650
    Tax Effect                                                                21,881                     54,259
                                                                          ----------                 ----------
    Net Unrealized Holding Gains, net of tax                              $   32,822                 $   81,391
                                                                          ==========                 ==========
</TABLE>



7.  Treasury Shares

    As of June 30, 2000, the Company had repurchased a total of 2,063,426 of its
    Common Shares,  at an aggregate cost of $135.8 million.  Of the total shares
    repurchased,  327,600 were under a previously approved program;  1.4 million
    were under the program  announced in the first quarter which authorized U.S.
    Cellular to repurchase up to 1.4 million shares;  and 335,400 were under the
    program  announced during the second quarter which authorized U.S.  Cellular
    to repurchase up to an additional 1.4 million shares.

8.  Extraordinary Item - Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

     U.S. Cellular purchased $25.8 million face value of its Liquid Yield Option
     Notes  (LYONs)  for  $16.5  million  in a private  transaction.  A net $6.1
     million loss, or $(.07) diluted earnings per share, was recorded to account
     for the difference  between the purchase price and the carrying value. This
     loss is not dedectible for tax purposes.

9.  Subsequent Events

     In July 2000,  the Company  received a $42.5  million cash  settlement of a
     legal  matter.  The entire  amount will be recorded as a pretax gain in the
     third quarter.


                                      -21-


<PAGE>



                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
                           --------------------------

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders.
-------------------------------------------------------------

        At the Annual Meeting of  Shareholders of USM, held on May 17, 2000, the
following number of votes were cast for the matters indicated:

1.      For the  election of two Class I Directors of the Company by the holders
        of Series A Common Shares:

                                                                      Broker
        Nominee                  For            Withhold              Non-Vote
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        LeRoy T. Carlson      330,058,770         -0-                   -0-
        John E. Rooney        330,058,770         -0-                   -0-


2.      Proposal to Ratify the Selection of Arthur  Andersen LLP as  Independent
        Public Accountants for 2000:

                                                                      Broker
                             For          Against       Abstain       Non-Vote
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Series A
          Common Shares   330,058,770       -0-            -0-            -0-

        Common Shares      52,738,051      4,134         68,408           -0-
                           ----------      -----         ------           ---

             Total        382,796,821      4,134         68,408           -0-
                          ===========      =====         ======           ===


                                      -22-


<PAGE>


                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
                           --------------------------
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
------------------------------------------

     (a)     Exhibits:

             Exhibit 10 - Retirement  agreement  between  U.S. Cellular  and
             H. Donald Nelson.

             Exhibit 11 - Statement regarding  computation of per share earnings
             is included herein as footnote 2 to the financial statements.

             Exhibit 12 - Statement regarding computation of ratios.

             Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule.


     (b)     No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended June 30,
             2000.






                                      -23-


<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------

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



                                  UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
                                  ----------------------------------
                                           (Registrant)





Date    August 11, 2000          /s/ JOHN E. ROONEY
        -------------------       --------------------------------
                                  John E. Rooney
                                  President
                                  (Chief Executive Officer)


Date    August 11, 2000          /s/ KENNETH R. MEYERS
        -------------------       -----------------------------------
                                  Kenneth R. Meyers
                                  Executive Vice President-Finance and Treasurer
                                  (Chief Financial Officer)


Date    August  11, 2000          /s/ JOHN T. QUILLE
        --------------------       ------------------------------
                                  John T. Quille
                                  Vice President and Controller
                                  (Principal Accounting Officer)



                                -24-


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission