LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. (left)
Chairman of the Board
John E. Rooney (right)
President and Chief Executive Officer
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To Our Shareholders
United States Cellular Corporation is the nation's sixth-largest full-service wireless carrier. U.S. Cellular® operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network. This strategy is the foundation for the companys success, resulting in both loyal customers and profitable growth.
2007 Overview
We are pleased to report that U.S. Cellular achieved very strong operating and financial results in 2007, including record service revenues and operating income, and other highlights as follows:
- The company added 333,000 net retail customers, bringing the total retail customer base to nearly 5.6 million — an increase of six percent. The total number of customers, including wholesale customers, increased to 6.1 million.
- The retail postpay churn rate per month was 1.4 percent, compared to 1.6 percent for 2006.
- Service revenues grew to $3.7 billion, an increase of 14 percent, and revenues related to data services increased 69 percent, to $368 million.
- Operating income grew to $396 million, an increase of 37 percent.
- Net income was $315 million or $3.56 per diluted share, up 75 percent from 2006.
- Cash flows from operating activities were $863.1 million, an increase of 23 percent. During the year, U.S. Cellular paid off all outstanding balances under its revolving credit facility and, at December 31, 2007, had cash and cash equivalents of $205 million.
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