<PAGE> 1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
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 000-28160
WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
-------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
WASHINGTON 91-1638901
- ------------------------------- --------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
3650 131ST AVENUE S.E., #400, BELLEVUE,
WASHINGTON 98006
- --------------------------------------- --------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(425) 586-8700
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.)
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.
Title Shares Outstanding as of October 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Common Stock, no par value 38,589,654
Class B Common Stock, no par value 37,314,957
<PAGE> 2
WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C> <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of September 30, 1998, and December 31, 1997.............................................3
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998, and September 30, 1997..............4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998, and September 30, 1997........................5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................6
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS .............................................12
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION.........................................................................19
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..........................................................................19
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES......................................................................19
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES............................................................19
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS........................................19
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION..........................................................................19
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K...........................................................19
</TABLE>
2
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,243 $ 15,459
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$14,316 and $9,931, respectively 58,359 55,652
Inventory 23,508 36,425
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 20,137 31,216
----------- -----------
Total current assets 127,247 138,752
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $322,380 and $221,031, respectively 798,640 699,129
Licensing costs and other intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization of $89,251 and $73,049, respectively 837,554 807,409
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates 75,534 64,156
Other assets 11,422 10,527
----------- -----------
$ 1,850,397 $ 1,719,973
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 20,740 $ 11,519
Accrued liabilities 108,480 104,595
Construction accounts payable 61,954 14,431
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 191,174 130,545
----------- -----------
Long-term debt 1,415,000 1,395,000
----------- -----------
Commitments (Note 5)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary 91,210
-----------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, no par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; Class A,
37,464,111 and 22,201,336 shares issued and outstanding, respectively,
and; Class B, 38,431,526 and 53,431,163 shares issued
and outstanding, respectively 800,949 675,036
Deferred compensation (1,310) (845)
Deficit (646,626) (479,763)
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity 153,013 194,428
----------- -----------
$ 1,850,397 $ 1,719,973
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------------- ----------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Subscriber revenues $ 118,233 $ 81,829 $ 324,076 $ 209,517
Roamer revenues 22,082 12,243 47,115 27,810
Equipment sales and other revenues 17,235 10,922 41,784 29,869
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenues 157,550 104,994 412,975 267,196
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Cost of service 26,705 24,040 75,026 66,563
Cost of equipment sales 30,597 21,989 77,107 57,496
General and administrative 40,238 28,660 120,546 78,849
Sales and marketing 44,347 31,233 113,643 88,254
Depreciation and amortization 40,282 37,305 115,483 96,927
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 182,169 143,227 501,805 388,089
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating loss (24,619) (38,233) (88,830) (120,893)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest and financing expense, net (31,699) (27,289) (93,498) (67,797)
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
affiliates (7,647) (3,799) (21,712) (7,107)
Other, net 2,061 1,278 7,892 2,556
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) (37,285) (29,810) (107,318) (72,348)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Minority interest in net loss of consolidated
subsidiary 12,231 29,285
------------ ------------
Net loss $ (49,673) $ (68,043) $ (166,863) $ (193,241)
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic loss per common share $ (0.65) $ (0.97) $ (2.20) $ (2.76)
============ ============ ============ ============
Weighted average common shares used in
computing basic loss per common share 75,877,000 70,056,000 75,828,000 70,004,000
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended
September 30,
------------------------
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net loss $(166,863) $(193,241)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 115,483 96,927
Employee equity compensation 1,530 1,492
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliates 21,712 7,107
Minority interest in net loss of consolidated subsidiary (29,285)
Other, net 3,119 2,963
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects
from consolidating acquired interests:
Accounts receivable, net (2,387) (14,556)
Inventory 12,964 (5,063)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (3,921) (214)
Accounts payable 9,221 2,436
Accrued liabilities 18,131 19,506
--------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities (20,296) (82,643)
--------- ---------
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment (151,866) (279,936)
Additions to licensing costs and other intangible assets (20,025) (54,620)
Acquisition of wireless properties, net of cash acquired (35,346) (849)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates (21,195) (50,861)
Refund of deposit held by FCC 7,749
Other (943)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (229,375) (378,517)
--------- ---------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 805 795
Additions to long-term debt 430,000 427,000
Repayment of debt (410,000)
Deferred financing fees, net (5,059)
Proceeds from sale of minority interest in consolidated
subsidiary, net 243,709
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 259,455 427,795
--------- ---------
Change in cash and cash equivalents 9,784 (33,365)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 15,459 54,885
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 25,243 $ 21,520
========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE> 6
WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION:
Western Wireless Corporation (the "Company") provides wireless
communications services in the western United States principally through the
ownership and operation of cellular and personal communications services ("PCS")
systems. The cellular operations are primarily in rural areas and the PCS
operations are primarily in urban areas due to the Company's belief that there
are certain strategic advantages to operating each technology in these
respective areas. As of September 30, 1998, the Company provides cellular
services in 90 markets. Through its 80.1% ownership in VoiceStream Wireless
Corporation ("VoiceStream"), formerly known as Western PCS Corporation, the
Company owns and operates PCS systems in seven Major Trading Areas ("MTA").
VoiceStream owns an additional 104 PCS Basic Trading Areas ("BTA") licenses
which are not operational. VoiceStream holds limited partnership interests in
joint ventures which own PCS licenses in 22 BTAs, one of which is operational
and managed by VoiceStream under its PCS brand name. In addition, VoiceStream
manages another BTA under its PCS brand name.
The Company also holds interests in entities which own and operate
wireless licenses in certain foreign countries, including Georgia, Ghana,
Iceland, and Latvia. In addition, the Company has interests in entities which
have been awarded wireless licenses in Ireland, Croatia and Haiti.
The Company is considering alternatives to its current capital
structure as further discussed in footnote 11.
The Company expects to incur significant operating losses and to
generate negative cash flows from its PCS operating activities while it develops
and constructs its PCS systems and builds a PCS customer base.
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements and the
financial information included herein are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments
which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of
the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods
presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results of
operations for interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative
of results of operations for the entire year. For further information, refer to
the Company's annual audited financial statements and footnotes thereto for the
year ended December 31, 1997, contained in the Company's Form 10-K dated March
27, 1998.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Loss per common share:
Loss per common share is calculated using the weighted average number
of shares of outstanding common stock during the period. The number of shares
outstanding has been calculated based on the requirements of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." Due to the net
loss incurred during the periods presented, all options outstanding are
anti-dilutive, thus basic and diluted loss per share are equal.
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Non-cash operating activities consisted of a $15.0 million reduction in
other current assets due to the release of restricted cash from escrow for the
final payment on the acquisition of Triad Cellular L.P. and certain of its
affiliates in the first quarter of 1998. Non-cash investing activities consisted
of a $12.3 million contribution of wireless licenses to a joint venture, which
occurred in the first quarter of 1998.
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) was $93.1 million
and $59.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Interest capitalized was $0.4 million and $4.0 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
6
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED):
Reclassifications:
Certain amounts in prior year's financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1998 presentation.
Recently issued accounting standards:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." It requires
the recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and the
measurement of those instruments at fair value. The required adoption period is
effective for the issuance of the Company's March 31, 2000, quarterly financial
statements. The implementation of SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recently
issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities." This SOP provides guidance on the financial reporting of start-up
costs and organizational activities. It requires costs of start-up activities
and organizational costs to be expensed as incurred. SOP 98-5 is not expected to
materially affect the financial position or results of operations of the
Company.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dollars in thousands) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Land, buildings, and improvements $ 21,841 $ 20,406
Wireless communications systems 751,038 697,319
Furniture and equipment 88,696 74,768
--------- ---------
861,575 792,493
Less accumulated depreciation (322,380) (221,031)
--------- ---------
539,195 571,462
Construction in progress 259,445 127,667
--------- ---------
$ 798,640 $ 699,129
========= =========
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense was $35.8 million and $33.6 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and $101.8 million and
$86.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
7
<PAGE> 8
WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
4. LONG-TERM DEBT:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cellular Credit Facility:
Revolver ........................... $ 445,000 $ 495,000
Term Loan .......................... 200,000 200,000
PCS Credit Facility:
Revolver ........................... 120,000
Term loan .......................... 250,000
10-1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2006 200,000 200,000
10-1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 200,000 200,000
PCS Vendor Facility ...................... 300,000
---------- ----------
$1,415,000 $1,395,000
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Company has a $950 million credit facility with a consortium of
lenders (the "Cellular Credit Facility"), in the form of a $750 million
revolving credit loan (the "Cellular Revolver") and a $200 million term loan
(the "Cellular Term Loan").
In June 1998, a wholly owned subsidiary of VoiceStream (the "PCS
Borrower") entered into a $1 billion credit facility with a consortium of
lenders (the "PCS Credit Facility"). The PCS Credit Facility consists of $500
million in revolving credit and $250 million in a delayed draw term loan
(collectively the "PCS Revolver"), and a term loan (the "PCS Term Loan") for
$250 million. The PCS Borrower must borrow the remaining $130 million delayed
draw portion of the PCS Revolver by December 31, 1998, or lose access to such.
In addition, the PCS Borrower must raise an additional $200 million in debt or
equity before gaining access to the remaining $500 million of the PCS Revolver.
Beginning September 2001, the amount available to borrow under the PCS Revolver
and the principal balance of the PCS Term Loan are to be reduced by various
percentages each year. The PCS Revolver and the PCS Term Loan are due in their
entirety on December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively. The PCS
Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants, which, among other
things, impose limitations on the amount of indebtedness, limit the amount of
capital spending and impose limitations on acquisitions and investments. The
repayment of the PCS Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, the
grant of a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the PCS
Borrower.
Any loan shall, at the option of the PCS Borrower, be made as a Base
Rate Advance or Eurodollar Advance. Under the PCS Credit Facility, interest is
payable at an applicable margin in excess of the prevailing rate. The applicable
margin on the PCS Credit Facility is determined quarterly based on certain
events and the leverage ratio of the PCS Borrower. As of September 30, 1998, all
loans under the PCS Credit Facility had been borrowed using the Eurodollar
option. The PCS Credit Facility also provides for an annual fee ranging from
0.375% to 0.5% on the unused commitment, payable quarterly.
Immediately following the acquisition of the PCS Credit Facility, a
wholly owned subsidiary of VoiceStream paid off, in its entirety, the balance
owed under the $300 million PCS Vendor Facility.
The aggregate amounts of principal maturities of the Company's debt are
as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Three months ending December 31, 1998 ................... $ 0
Year ending December 31,
1999 .................................................... 0
2000 .................................................... 0
2001 .................................................... 54,500
2002 .................................................... 83,250
Thereafter .............................................. 1,277,250
----------
$1,415,000
==========
</TABLE>
8
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
5. COMMITMENTS:
Future minimum payments required under operating leases and agreements
that have initial or remaining noncancellable terms in excess of one year as of
September 30, 1998, are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Three months ending December 31, 1998................. $ 8,125
Year ending December 31,
1999.................................................. 31,384
2000.................................................. 29,129
2001.................................................. 23,732
2002.................................................. 15,297
Thereafter............................................ 40,031
-------------
$ 147,698
=============
</TABLE>
Aggregate rental expense for all operating leases was approximately
$8.8 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998 and
1997, respectively, and $23.5 million and $20.6 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
In order to ensure adequate supply and availability of certain wireless
system equipment requirements and service needs, the Company has committed to
purchase from various suppliers, wireless communications equipment and services.
These agreements expire at various dates through the year 2003. The aggregate
amount of these commitments total approximately $550 million. At September 30,
1998, the Company has ordered approximately $374 million under all of these
agreements, of which approximately $26 million is outstanding.
The Company has various other purchase commitments for materials,
supplies and other items incidental to the ordinary course of business which are
neither significant individually nor in the aggregate. Such commitments are not
at prices in excess of current market value.
6. MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY:
In February 1998, the Company and its subsidiary, VoiceStream,
consummated an agreement with Hutchison Telecommunications Limited ("HTL") and a
subsidiary of HTL (the "HTL Sub") pursuant to which the HTL Sub purchased 19.9%
of VoiceStream for an aggregate purchase price of $248.4 million. The Company
and VoiceStream have amended certain outstanding financing agreements to which
they are subject, and unless otherwise agreed to by HTL Sub and the Company,
neither the Company nor VoiceStream shall have any liability regarding any
indebtedness of the other. The HTL Sub has the right to designate two directors
to a ten person Board of Directors of VoiceStream, which directors have certain
rights with respect to certain transactions and actions of VoiceStream.
7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company issued
163,138 shares of its Class A Common Stock as a result of employee stock options
that were exercised.
In May 1998, the Company completed a secondary offering on form S-3
(the "Secondary Offering") of 13,915,000 Class A Common Stock shares (including
on over-allotment exercised by the underwriters). The Company did not issue any
new primary shares and received no proceeds from the Secondary Offering. The
shares were offered by certain shareholders of the Company who elected to
convert a portion of their Class B Common Stock into publicly traded Class A
Common Stock for sale pursuant to a registration statement. No member of
management of the Company sold any shares in the Secondary Offering.
9
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WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - (CONTINUED):
In February 1998, the Company received additional paid in capital of
approximately $123.2 million related to the sale of a 19.9% interest in
VoiceStream. This represents the amount in excess of the book value of
VoiceStream for the 19.9% interest purchased by the HTL Sub.
In January 1998, the Company issued 100,000 Class A Common Stock shares
to certain key executives pursuant to an Executive Restricted Stock Plan.
8. ACQUISITIONS:
The Company has signed an agreement to purchase the cellular license
and operations of the Wyoming 4 and Oklahoma 1 Rural Service Areas ("RSA") for
an aggregate amount of approximately $19.0 million in cash. These purchases are
pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). The Company
currently operates the Wyoming 4 RSA under an Interim Operating Authority
("IOA") from the FCC.
In the third quarter of 1998, the Company purchased the cellular
license and operations of the Colorado 4 RSA for approximately $18.5 million in
cash. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method. The results
of operations of the property acquired are included in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations from the date of acquisition.
In the second quarter of 1998, the Company purchased the cellular
license and operations of the Nebraska 5 RSA for approximately $15.5 million in
cash. Prior to the purchase of the Nebraska 5 RSA, the Company operated this
market under an IOA from the FCC. This transaction was accounted for using the
purchase method.
9. WESTERN WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL:
In June 1998, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Western
Wireless International ("WWI"), through a controlling interest in a partnership
(the "Ireland Partnership"), was notified by the Office of the Director of
Telecommunications Regulation that it was the preferred applicant for a
DCS-1800/GSM 900 mobile communication license in Ireland. The amount bid by the
Ireland Partnership on this license was $16.2 million, including related fees.
The license has not yet been granted.
In the third quarter of 1998, WWI, through two separate minority
interests in partnerships, was granted licenses to provide wireless
communication services in Haiti and Croatia.
10. OTHER TRANSACTIONS:
In July 1998, VoiceStream entered into an agreement to form a joint
venture with third parties that will operate certain PCS licenses in the south
Texas region under the VoiceStream brand name. VoiceStream's ownership
percentage will be less than 25% with an initial contribution to the venture of
certain licenses that it purchased in the FCC's D and E Block auction with a
cost of approximately $2.5 million.
10
<PAGE> 11
WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
10. OTHER TRANSACTIONS - (CONTINUED):
During the second quarter of 1998, Cook Inlet Western Wireless PV/SS
PCS, LP ("Cook Inlet PCS"), a partnership in which a subsidiary of VoiceStream
holds a 49.9% limited partnership interest, participated in the C Block
restructuring options provided by the FCC. The FCC provided for various options,
two of which were (1) the option to return to the FCC entire licenses purchased
in the C Block auction and be relieved of 100% of the related debt ("Amnesty")
or (2) to return 15 MHz, from a total of 30 MHz, of the licenses purchased in
the auction and be relieved of one half of the related debt ("Dissagregation").
Of the licenses purchased in the C Block auction, Cook Inlet PCS chose Amnesty
for the two BTAs in the Dallas MTA and Dissagregation for the remaining 11 BTA
licenses. This resulted in a reduction of Cook Inlet PCS's debt of $29.1 million
and a gain of $3.9 million, due to the retroactive adjustment of interest due on
the related debt, the effect of which reduced the equity losses picked up by the
Company for the second quarter operations.
In the first quarter of 1998, the Company was granted 52 Local
Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) licenses that it was the high bidder on
in an FCC auction. The Company paid approximately $14.9 million for these
licenses.
11. RULING REQUEST FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE:
The Company is considering alternatives to its current capital
structure, one of which is a potential spin-off of its 80.1 percent ownership
interest in VoiceStream to its shareholders on a tax-free basis. In connection
with such consideration, the Company has filed a request for ruling with the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") as to the tax-free nature of such spin-off.
Such a transaction would be subject to numerous conditions including, among
others, the receipt of a favorable IRS ruling, final approval by the Board of
Directors of the terms and conditions of any such transaction, certain
government and third party approvals and review by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") of necessary SEC filings. There can be no assurance that such
potential tax-free spin-off will be consummated.
11
<PAGE> 12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE
HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. Statements
contained or incorporated by reference Statements contained herein that are not
based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the
words "believes," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipates,"
"intends," "expects" and words of similar import, 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 the actual results, events or
developments to be materially different from any future results, events or
developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business
conditions, both nationally and in the regions in which Western Wireless
Corporation (the "Company") operates; technology changes; competition; changes
in business strategy or development plans; the high leverage of the Company; the
ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; existing governmental
regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, governmental
regulations; liability and other claims asserted against the Company; the
Company's and its third-party suppliers' ability to take corrective action in a
timely manner with respect to the year 2000 issue; and other factors referenced
in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given
these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any
such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or
developments
The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated
financial condition and results of operations of the Company and should be read
in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto and other financial information included herein and in the Company's
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. As a result of
acquisitions and due to the phase of the business cycle of the Company's
personal communications services ("PCS") operations, the Company's operating
results for prior periods may not be indicative of future performance.
OVERVIEW
The Company provides wireless communications services in the western
United States through the ownership and operation of cellular and PCS systems.
The Company owns and operates cellular communications systems in 90 markets.
Through its 80.1% ownership of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation ("VoiceStream"),
the Company owns and operates PCS systems in seven Major Trading Areas ("MTA").
VoiceStream owns an additional 104 PCS Basic Trading Areas ("BTA") licenses
which are not operational. VoiceStream holds limited partnership interests in
joint ventures which own PCS licenses in 22 BTAs, one of which is operational
and managed by VoiceStream under it's PCS brand name. In addition, VoiceStream
manages another BTA under its PCS brand name. The results of operations of these
joint ventures are not included in the following discussion of PCS operations.
In the comparisons that follow, the Company has separately set forth
certain information relating to cellular operations (including paging and
competitive local exchange carrier operations) and PCS operations. The Company
believes that this is appropriate because its cellular systems have been
operating for a number of years and operate in rural markets while its PCS
systems did not commence operations until 1996 and operate in urban markets.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND
1997
CELLULAR OPERATIONS
The Company had 620,300 cellular subscribers at September 30, 1998.
This represents an increase of 37,000 or 6.3% from June 30, 1998, and 100,300 or
19.3% from December 31, 1997. These increases include subscribers added through
acquisitions of 4,800 and 5,100, for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1998, respectively. The company had 426,300 cellular subscribers at
September 30, 1997. The increase in subscribers for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, was 36,400 or 9.3% and 102,100 or 31.5%, respectively.
12
<PAGE> 13
During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company purchased from Triad
Cellular L.P. and certain of its affiliates (collectively "Triad"), the cellular
business and assets of 12 Rural Service Areas ("RSA") in Texas, Utah, Oklahoma
and Minnesota. Therefore, the operating results of the Company's cellular
business compared to the periods prior to this purchase may not be indicative of
future performance.
The following table sets forth certain financial data as it relates to
the Company's cellular operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands) THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------- ------------------------------------
1998 1997 CHANGE 1998 1997 CHANGE
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cellular Revenues:
Subscriber revenues $ 84,942 $ 65,588 29.5% $241,802 $ 173,460 39.4%
Roamer revenues 20,972 12,243 71.3% 44,669 27,810 60.6%
Equipment and other
revenues 5,450 3,871 40.8% 13,927 12,462 11.8%
-------- -------- -------- ----------
Total Revenues $111,364 $ 81,702 $300,398 $ 213,732
======== ======== ======== ==========
Cellular Operating Expenses:
Cost of service $ 14,415 $ 12,105 19.1% $ 40,013 $ 34,577 15.7%
Cost of equipment Sales 9,247 7,092 30.4% 24,224 20,044 20.9%
General and administrative 22,313 15,873 40.6% 64,361 42,449 51.6%
Sales and marketing 21,964 15,963 37.6% 58,899 43,360 35.8%
Depreciation and amortization 19,199 16,730 14.8% 54,241 49,328 10.0%
-------- -------- -------- ----------
Total operating expenses $ 87,138 $ 67,763 $241,738 $ 189,758
======== ======== ======== ==========
EBITDA $ 43,425 $ 30,669 41.6% $112,901 $ 73,302 54.0%
======== ======== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
CELLULAR REVENUES
Both the three and nine month increase in subscriber revenues are
primarily due to the 45.5% growth in the number of ending subscribers at
September 30, 1998, compared to September 30, 1997, offset by a decrease in the
average monthly subscriber revenue per average subscriber. Average monthly
subscriber revenue per average subscriber was $47.05 for the three months ended
September 30, 1998, a 11.7% decline from $53.26 for the three months ended
September 30, 1997. The nine month average monthly subscriber revenue per
average subscriber was down 8.8% to $47.11 from $51.63 in 1997. Over the past
few years the cellular industry as a whole has also shown a decline in the
average monthly cellular subscriber revenue per subscriber.
The increase in roamer revenues for the three months ended September
30, 1998, can be attributed to a seasonal increase in roaming traffic. In
addition to the seasonal increase seen in the three months ended September 30,
1998, for both the three and nine month period, a significant portion of the
increase in roaming traffic is a result of the acquisition of the Triad RSAs.
Equipment sales for both the three and nine months ended September 30,
1998, which consists primarily of handset sales, increased primarily due to the
increase in the number of handsets sold due to the growth in subscribers.
CELLULAR OPERATING EXPENSES
The increase in cost of service is primarily attributable to the
increased costs of maintaining the Company's expanding wireless network to
support the larger subscriber base, offset by a slight reduction in the rates
paid by the Company to access local exchange and long distance carrier
facilities. While cost of service increased, it decreased as a percentage of
service revenues to 13.4% for the three months ended and 13.8% for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998. Whereas, the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1997 were 15.3% and 16.8%, respectively. These decreases are due
primarily to efficiencies gained from the growing subscriber base.
Cost of equipment sales increased primarily due to the increase in
handsets sold, offset by a decrease in the average cost of handsets, for both
the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared to the same periods
in 1997.
13
<PAGE> 14
The Company's general and administrative costs are principally variable
costs, that is costs that will vary with the level of subscribers. The increase
in total dollars is primarily attributable to the increase in costs associated
with supporting a larger subscriber base. However, the general and
administrative cost per average subscriber decreased due to efficiencies gained
from a larger subscriber base. The general and administrative monthly cost per
average subscriber decreased to $12.36 and $12.54 for the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 1998, compared to $12.89 and $12.63 for the three
months and nine months ended September 30, 1997.
The increase in sales and marketing costs is primarily due to the
increase in subscribers added during the three and nine months ended September
30, 1998, compared to the same periods in 1997. Sales and marketing cost per net
subscriber added, including the loss on equipment sales, increased to $841 for
the three months ended September 30, 1998, from $565 for the three months ended
September 30, 1997. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, sales and
marketing cost per net subscriber, including loss on equipment sales, increased
to $767 from $538 for the same period in 1997. This increase for both periods is
largely due to a growth in disconnected subscribers causing the increase in
costs to be spread over a similar amount of net subscriber additions as in the
prior year. The growth in disconnected subscribers is a result of a slightly
higher churn rate (representing customer attrition) applied to a larger
subscriber base.
The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is attributable
to the continued expansion of the Company's cellular systems including the
acquisition of the Triad properties.
PCS OPERATIONS
The Company commenced its PCS operations in its first MTA in February
1996. Since that time, the Company has commenced operations in its six remaining
MTAs on various dates through May of 1997. Due to the various dates at which
each of the MTAs became operational, the revenues and expenses incurred may not
be representative of future operations. Additionally, during each period being
discussed, a portion of the operating expenses incurred in the Company's PCS
operations were related to start-up costs incurred prior to the commencement of
operations in each of the systems. Exclusive of depreciation and amortization
expense, which was not material, approximately $1.8 million and $3.4 million of
start-up costs were incurred for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 1998, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $5.1 million for
the same respective periods in 1997. Start-up costs incurred in the third
quarter of 1998, primarily relate to non-construction costs incurred in the
effort to get the Seattle and Phoenix BTAs ready for operation.
The Company had 264,800 PCS subscribers at September 30, 1998. This
represents an increase of 52,200 or 24.6% from June 30, 1998, and 136,200 or
105.9% from December 31, 1997. The company had 101,000 PCS subscribers at
September 30, 1997. The increase in subscribers for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, was 26,600 or 35.8% and 65,500 or 184.5%,
respectively.
The following table sets forth certain financial data as it relates
to the Company's PCS operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands) THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
1998 1997 CHANGE 1998 1997 CHANGE
----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PCS Revenues:
Subscriber revenues $ 33,291 $ 16,241 105.0% $ 82,274 $ 36,057 128.2%
Roamer revenues 1,110 N.M. 2,446 N.M.
Equipment revenues 11,785 7,051 67.1% 27,857 17,407 60.0%
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Revenues $ 46,186 $ 23,292 $ 112,577 $ 53,464
========== ========== ========== ==========
PCS Operating Expenses:
Cost of service $ 12,290 $ 11,935 3.0% $ 35,013 $ 31,986 9.5%
Cost of equipment sold 21,350 14,897 43.3% 52,883 37,452 41.2%
General and administrative 17,925 12,787 40.2% 56,185 36,400 54.4%
Sales and marketing 22,383 15,270 46.6% 54,744 44,894 21.9%
Depreciation and amortization 21,083 20,575 2.5% 61,242 47,599 28.7%
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses $ 95,031 $ 75,464 $ 260,067 $ 198,331
========== ========== ========== ==========
EBITDA $ (27,762) $ (31,597) 12.1% $ (86,248) $ (97,268) 11.3%
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 15
PCS REVENUES
Both the three and nine month increase in subscriber revenues are
primarily due to the 162.2% increase in the number of ending subscribers at
September 30, 1998, compared to September 30, 1997, offset by a decrease in the
average monthly subscriber revenue per average subscriber. The increase in
subscribers is due to the relative maturity of the seven MTAs operating during
the periods and the Company's "Get More" advertising campaign, featuring Jamie
Lee Curtis, that was initiated in the second quarter of 1998. Average monthly
subscriber revenue per average subscriber was $46.49 and $46.47 for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, compared to $61.88 and
$63.26 for the same periods in 1997. The decrease in the average monthly
subscriber revenue per average subscriber is primarily due to the Company's
rollout of its 40/400 plan, which allows a subscriber to use up to 400 minutes a
month for $40.
Roamer revenues are a result of the Company's continuing effort to
procure domestic and international roaming agreements with other carriers.
Equipment sales, for both the three and nine month periods ending
September 30, 1998, increased primarily as a result of increased sales of
handsets, offset by a decrease in the average handset selling price. While the
Company expects total equipment sales to continue to increase, the decline in
the average handset selling price will limit the growth of equipment sales.
PCS OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of service expenses, cost of equipment sales, and depreciation and
amortization expenses largely represent the expenses incurred by the operational
PCS systems. Accordingly, cost of service expenses, cost of equipment sales, and
depreciation and amortization expenses increased for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998, compared to the same period of 1997. The increase seen in
the three months is primarily due to the relative maturity of each market in
1998 versus 1997. The relatively low increase in cost of service is related to
efficiencies gained from the growing subscriber base for both the three and nine
month periods. Cost of service decreased as a percentage of service revenues to
35.7% and 41.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998,
respectively, from 73.5% and 88.7% for the same periods in 1997, respectively.
General and administrative costs increased due to the costs associated
with supporting the additional operating markets and larger subscriber base.
However, general and administrative monthly costs per average subscriber
decreased to $25.03 for the three months and $31.74 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998, compared to $48.71 and $63.89 for the same periods in 1997.
This decrease is the result of efficiencies gained from a growing subscriber
base as well as a reduction in property taxes. This reduction was the result of
favorable legislative changes and valuation appeals.
Sales and marketing costs increased as a result of the increase in net
subscriber additions and the effort to promote the Company's PCS brand name in a
greater number of markets. However, the sales and marketing cost per net
subscriber added, including the loss on equipment sales, decreased to $612 for
the three months ended and $586 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
from $869 and $991 for the same periods in 1997. This decrease is largely the
result of a decrease in the churn rate in both the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1998, compared to the same periods in 1997. In addition, the
Company is seeing cost efficiencies from an increased growth in subscriber
additions.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and financing expense, net of capitalized interest, increased
to $31.7 million and $93.5 million for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 1998, respectively, compared to $27.3 million $67.8 million for
the same periods in 1997, due to the increase in long-term debt. Long-term debt
was incurred primarily to fund the Company's capital expenditures associated
with the build-out of the Company's PCS systems. Interest expense will continue
to increase in 1998 as a result of increased borrowings the Company has
incurred, and will continue to incur, to fund its expansion. The weighted
average interest rate, before the effect of capitalized interest, was 9.3% and
8.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998, as compared to
10.1% for both periods in 1997.
15
<PAGE> 16
EBITDA
"EBITDA" represents operating loss before depreciation and
amortization. EBITDA is a measure commonly used in the industry and should not
be construed as an alternative to operating income (loss) (as determined in
accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, "GAAP"),
as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with GAAP), or as a measure of liquidity. Cellular EBITDA represents
EBITDA from the Company's cellular operations and PCS EBITDA represents EBITDA
from the Company's PCS operations.
Consolidated EBITDA for the Company increased to $15.7 million and
$26.7 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1998,
respectively, from negative $0.9 and negative $24.0 for the same periods in
1997. These increases were caused by an increase in the positive cellular EBITDA
and improved negative PCS EBITDA. The increase in cellular EBITDA is primarily a
result of increased revenues due to the increased subscriber base and the
related cost efficiencies gained. As a result, cellular operating margin
(cellular EBITDA as a percentage of cellular service revenues) increased to
40.5% and 38.9% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1998,
from 38.7% and 35.7% for the comparative periods in 1997. The improvement in PCS
EBITDA is also primarily due to the cost efficiencies gained as a result of an
increased subscriber base.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has a credit facility (the "Cellular Credit Facility") with
a consortium of lenders providing for $750 million of revolving credit and a
$200 million term loan. A wholly owned subsidiary of VoiceStream (the "PCS
Borrower") also has a credit facility (the "PCS Credit Facility") with a
consortium of lenders providing for $500 million of revolving credit and $500
million of term loans. As of September 30, 1998, $645 million and $370 million
were outstanding under the Cellular Credit Facility and the PCS Credit Facility,
respectively. Amounts available for borrowing under the Cellular Credit Facility
and the PCS Credit Facility, which are limited by certain financial covenants
and other restrictions, were $305 million and $130 million, respectively.
Indebtedness under the Cellular Credit Facility matures on March 31, 2006. The
PCS Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2006, for the revolver and one $250
million term loan, and September 30, 2007 for the other $250 million term loan.
Both the Cellular Credit Facility and the PCS Credit Facility bear interest at
variable rates. Substantially all the assets of the Company, other than certain
PCS licenses acquired in the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") D and E
Block auctions and certain other assets, are pledged as security for such
indebtedness. The terms of the Cellular Credit Facility and the PCS Credit
Facility restrict, among other things, the sale of assets, distribution of
dividends or other distributions and loans.
In February 1998, a subsidiary of Hutchison Telecommunications Limited
("HTL") purchased 19.9% of the outstanding capital stock of VoiceStream for an
aggregate purchase price of $248.4 million. Approximately $135 million of the
proceeds were used by VoiceStream to continue the build-out of its PCS systems
during 1998. The remainder of the proceeds were paid to the Company as a
repayment of advances made to VoiceStream and were used by the Company to reduce
amounts outstanding under the Cellular Credit Facility.
In June 1998, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, through a
controlling interest in a partnership (the "Ireland Partnership"), was notified
by the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation that it was the
preferred applicant for a DCS-1800/GSM 900 mobile communication license in
Ireland. The amount bid by the Ireland Partnership on this license was $16.2
million, including related fees. The license has not yet been granted.
Through the end of 1999, the Company anticipates spending significant
capital resources for the acquisition of wireless licenses and the continued
development of its existing licenses. The Company anticipates this spending to
be in excess of $300 million. In addition, further funds (which may be
significant) will be required to finance the continued growth of its cellular
and PCS operations, provide for working capital and service debt. The Company
will utilize cash on hand, the Cellular Credit Facility, the PCS Credit Facility
and other sources of funding, for such purposes. The Company continues to
consider and expects to pursue additional sources of funding to enable the
further development of the PCS business. Such sources may included the issuance
of additional indebtedness and/or the sale of additional equity at the parent or
subsidiary level. There can be no assurance that such funds will be available to
the Company on acceptable or favorable terms.
Net cash used in operating activities was $20.3 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998. Adjustments to the $166.9 million net loss to
reconcile to net cash used in operating activities included $115.5
16
<PAGE> 17
million of depreciation and amortization, $29.3 million for the minority
interest loss of consolidated subsidiaries, $21.7 million for the equity in net
loss of unconsolidated affiliates due to the increase in activity in the
Company's interest in Cook Inlet PCS, and a $13.0 million decrease in inventory
as a result of an effort to decrease inventory levels from December 1997. Net
cash used in operating activities was $82.6 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997.
Net cash used in investing activities was $229.4 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998. Investing activities for such period consisted
primarily of purchases of property and equipment of $151.9 million, of which
$102.4 million was attributable to PCS capital expenditures. Other investing
activity during the period includes $21.2 million of investments in and advances
to unconsolidated affiliates, primarily related to the Cook Inlet PCS and $20.0
million of additions to licensing costs and other intangible assets, primarily
attributable to 52 Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) licenses that
the Company acquired in an FCC auction. In addition, acquisitions of wireless
properties of $35.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
consists primarily of the Company's purchase of the cellular license and
operations of the Nebraska 5 RSA and Colorado 4 RSA in the second and third
quarters of 1998, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities was $378.5
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $259.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998. Financing activities for such period
consisted primarily of net proceeds from the sale of a minority interest in
VoiceStream of $243.7 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was
$427.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company continues to evaluate
acquisition opportunities, joint ventures and other potential business
transactions. Such acquisitions, joint ventures and business transactions may be
material. Such transactions may also require the Company to seek additional
sources of funding through the issuance of additional debt and/or additional
equity at the parent or subsidiary level. There can be no assurance that such
funds will be available to the Company on acceptable or favorable terms.
A wholly owned subsidiary of VoiceStream holds a 49.9% interest in Cook
Inlet PCS. Cook Inlet PCS is subject to the FCC's build-out requirements and
will require significant additional amounts to complete the build-out of its PCS
systems and to meet the government debt service requirements on the C and F
Block license purchase prices. The potential sources of such additional funding
include vendor loans, loans or capital contributions by the partners of Cook
Inlet PCS or other third party financing. To date, the Company has funded the
operations of Cook Inlet PCS through the issuance of promissory notes. At
September 30, 1998, the wholly owned subsidiary of VoiceStream had advanced
funds totaling $50.3 million to Cook Inlet PCS under such promissory notes.
During the second quarter of 1998, Cook Inlet PCS participated in the C Block
restructuring options provided by the FCC. The options chosen by Cook Inlet PCS
had the effect of reducing its debt by $29.1 million.
The Company is considering alternatives to its current capital
structure, one of which is a potential spin-off of its 80.1 percent ownership
interest in VoiceStream to its shareholders on a tax-free basis. In connection
with such consideration, the Company has filed a request for ruling with the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") as to the tax-free nature of such spin-off.
Such a transaction would be subject to numerous conditions including, among
others, the receipt of a favorable IRS ruling, final approval by the Board of
Directors of the terms and conditions of any such transaction, certain
government and third party approvals and review by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") of necessary SEC filings. There can be no assurance that such
potential tax-free spin-off will be consummated.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
The Company, like most owners of computer software, will be required to
modify significant portions of its software so that it will function properly in
the year 2000. Any of the Company's, or its vendors, computer programs that have
date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather
than the year 2000. The Company is currently remediating its critical systems to
address the year 2000 issue. Critical systems are those whose failure poses a
risk of disruption to the Company's ability to provide wireless services, to
collect revenues, to meet safety standards, or to comply with legal
requirements. The Company expects to incur internal staff costs as well as
consulting and other expenses related to infrastructure and facilities
enhancements necessary to prepare the systems for the year 2000.
17
<PAGE> 18
Much of the Company's technology, including technology associated with
its critical systems, is purchased from third parties. The Company is dependent
on those third parties to assess the impact of the year 2000 issue on the
technology they have supplied and to take any necessary corrective action. The
Company's plan includes obtaining letters from all third parties to determine
whether they have accurately assessed the problem and taken corrective action.
While costs incurred to date to address the year 2000 issue have not
been significant, the Company expects to incur incremental consolidated expenses
of not more than $5 million through the end of 1999 to implement its plan for
its consolidated critical systems. In addition, the Company has redeployed
internal resources to address the problem. The substantial majority of these
expenses will be incurred in the first half of 1999. Additionally, the Company
will incur capitalized costs that represent ongoing investment in new systems
and system upgrades, the timing of which is being accelerated in order to
facilitate year 2000 compliance and which is not expected to have a material
impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. This
estimate assumes that third party suppliers have accurately assessed the
compliance of their products and that they will successfully correct the issue
in non-compliant products. Because of the complexity of correcting the year 2000
issue, actual costs may vary from this estimate.
Based on its current assessments and its remediation plan, which are
based in part upon certain representations of third parties, the Company expects
that it will not experience a disruption of its operations as a result of the
change to the year 2000. However, there can be no assurance that neither the
Company nor the third parties who have supplied technology used in the Company's
critical systems will be successful in taking corrective action in a timely
manner. To limit the risk for material loss, the Company is developing
contingency plans with respect to certain key technology used in its critical
systems, although there can be no assurance that these contingency plans will
successfully avoid service disruption.
18
<PAGE> 19
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to "Item 1. Legal Proceedings" in the
Company's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, concerning the Department of
Justice Investigation.
There are no material, pending legal proceedings to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is a party or of which
any of their property is subject which, if adversely decided, would
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibit Description
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A Form 8-K was filed on July 23, 1998, reporting Western
Wireless Corporation's financial and operating results for the second
quarter ended June 30, 1998.
A Form 8-K was filed on October 27, 1998, reporting Western
Wireless Corporation's financial and operating results for the third
quarter ended September 30, 1998, and announcing the filing of a
request for ruling with the Internal Revenue Service.
19
<PAGE> 20
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.
Western Wireless Corporation
By: \S\Donald Guthrie By \S\Patricia L. Miller
-------------- ------------------
Donald Guthrie Patricia L. Miller
Chief Financial Officer Controller (Principal
Accounting Officer)
Dated: November 12, 1998
20
<PAGE> 21
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Description
<S> <C>
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- ----------
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WESTERN
WIRELESS CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AS OF AND FOR
THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH 10Q.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 25,242
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 72,675
<ALLOWANCES> 14,316
<INVENTORY> 23,508
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 127,247
<PP&E> 1,121,020
<DEPRECIATION> 322,380
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,850,397
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 191,174
<BONDS> 1,415,000
0
0
<COMMON> 800,949
<OTHER-SE> (647,936)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,850,397
<SALES> 37,954
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 412,975
<CGS> 77,107
<TOTAL-COSTS> 501,805
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 107,318
<LOSS-PROVISION> 20,428
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 93,498
<INCOME-PRETAX> (166,863)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (166,863)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (166,863)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (2.20)
<EPS-DILUTED> (2.20)
</TABLE>
