Monday, 29 April 2013

Sprint Newsroom Notification: Sprint Leads Global Telecoms on Greenpeace Cool IT Leaderboard



Sprint Nextel Corporation has posted the following release to its Newsroom website:

The following is new content from Sprint Newsroom:

Sprint Leads Global Telecoms on Greenpeace Cool IT Leaderboard

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Sprint Newsroom: u-blox, Taoglas and Sprint announce CDMA M2M seminars



Sprint Nextel Corporation has posted the following release to its Newsroom website:

u-blox, Taoglas and Sprint announce CDMA M2M seminars

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), April 29, 2013 - Swiss-based u-blox, a leading provider of cellular modem modules, Sprint, a major U.S. telecommunications provider, and Taoglas, a global antenna solutions provider, announce a series of nationwide seminars covering all aspects of migrating M2M applications from GSM/GPRS to CDMA technology.

The seminars are part of a recently announced u-blox and Sprint collaboration to allow customers designing products for telematics, telemetry, automotive and security applications to extend the product lifetime of their existing 2G M2M devices by seamlessly migrating to the CDMA network with minimal effort. Those customers concerned about the continued availability of 2G GSM networks in the United States can now select from a variety of affordable u-blox modems tested for compatibility on Sprint's CDMA 1xRTT network.

 

The seminars will be held at or near the following locations:

 

Las Vegas, Nev.

 

Monday, May 20

Detroit, Mich.

 

Tuesday, June 4

Denver, Colo.

 

Wednesday, June 12

Dallas, Texas

 

Thursday, June 13

Nashville, Tenn.

Monday, June 17

Seattle, Wash.

 

Tuesday, June 18

San Francisco, Calif.

 

Wednesday, June 19

Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Thursday, June 20

San Diego, Calif.

 

Friday, June 21

Boston, Mass.

 

Tuesday, June 25

New York, N.Y.

 

Wednesday, June 26

Washington, D.C.

 

Thursday, June 27

Minneapolis, Minn.

 

Tuesday, July 9

Chicago, Ill.

 

Wednesday, July 10

Atlanta, Ga.

 

Wednesday, July 17

Miami, Fla.

 

Thursday, July 18

 

The agenda can be found at: http://www.u-blox.com/en/m2m-seminar-2013-agenda.html
Interested customers and partners can register at: https://www.u-blox.com/en/m2m-seminar-2013.html.

The seminars include an overview of the following u-blox CDMA modules:

  • FW75-C200: connectorized 1xRTT module, in the most widely used M2M GSM form factor
  • LISA-C200: surface-mount 1xRTT module in the most popular M2M form factor
  • FW2763: 1xRTT PCIe card
  • FW2770: EV-DO PCIe card

The four-hour, hands-on training includes design recommendations and real-life case studies. The nominal participation fee includes the seminar, refreshments, development kit with integrated GPS, CDMA module, antennas, and 60 days of service from Sprint (a total estimated value of $199).

For more information about GSM to CDMA modules, antennas and 2G CDMA network support, please contact:

     

u-blox:

info_us@u-blox.com

Taoglas:

nasales@taoglas.com

Sprint:

allen.jaeger@sprint.com

 

About u-blox

Swiss-based u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is the global leader in positioning and wireless semiconductors for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Our solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative personal, professional and M2M solutions quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia and the USA (www.u-blox.com).

About Taoglas

Taoglas provides a comprehensive range of external, embedded and base-station antenna solutions for M2M applications, such as telematics/automotive, smart-grid, metering/telemetry, home automation, remote monitoring and telemedical applications. The company's device RF optimization OTA anechoic test chambers and labs in the United States and Ireland enable M2M manufacturers to design and test antenna solutions for M2M devices with a single company, while also performing pre-certification OTA (efficiency/radiation patterns/TRP/TIS) testing for PTCRB and USA network requirements. Taoglas continually innovates and creates new antenna solutions to meet the evolving needs of the machine-to-machine world. Taoglas' products operate consistently at optimum proficiency levels, delivering world-class performance time after time. With Taoglas, customers experience high performance, unrivaled delivery, plus exceptional backup and support services. (www.taoglas.com)

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

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Sprint Newsroom: Sprint Special Committee Provides Transaction Update



Sprint Nextel Corporation has posted the following release to its Newsroom website:

Sprint Special Committee Provides Transaction Update

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), April 29, 2013 - Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) today announced that it had received from SoftBank Corp. a waiver of various provisions of the merger agreement between Sprint and SoftBank. The waiver will permit Sprint and its representatives, including the Special Committee of the Sprint board, to enter into a non-disclosure agreement and discussions with DISH for the purpose of clarifying and obtaining further information from DISH regarding its proposal made on April 15, 2013. The SoftBank waiver does not permit Sprint to provide non-public information to DISH nor does it enable Sprint to enter into negotiations with DISH. Such actions may be taken by Sprint only in accordance with the Sprint-SoftBank merger agreement.

Sprint does not intend to make any further comment on the work of the Special Committee until it completes an assessment with respect to whether the DISH proposal is, or is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Offer (as defined in the Sprint-SoftBank merger agreement) and the Sprint board has considered such assessment.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

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Thursday, 25 April 2013

Clearwire Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

Clearwire Corporation

Clearwire Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

  • Q1 Total Revenues of $318.0 Million Increased 2% Sequentially, Down 1% Year Over Year
  • Retail Subscribers Up 8% Sequentially and 10% Year Over Year on Record Gross Additions
  • Approximately 1,300 TDD-LTE Sites Commissioned at Quarter-End; On Track to Meet 2,000 Site Milestone by End of June 2013

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq:CLWR), a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services in the U.S., today reported its financial and operating results for first quarter 2013.

"Our ongoing focus on driving our retail business cash contribution, controlling costs and maintaining liquidity continues to yield results," said Erik Prusch, President and CEO of Clearwire. "Our day-to-day focus on delivering for our customers and the substantial progress on the TDD-LTE network build demonstrate the company's commitment to execution during this transition period."

First quarter 2013 total revenue increased 2% over fourth quarter 2012 primarily due to sequential retail revenue growth. On a year over year basis, total revenue declined 1% to $318.0 million, reflecting slight declines in both wholesale and retail revenue over the prior year period. First quarter wholesale revenue of $114.9 million declined 1% sequentially on lower revenue related to the amortization of the second quarter 2011 Sprint wholesale settlement (the "Sprint Settlement"). On a year over year basis, wholesale revenue declined 2% primarily due to a decrease in the non-Sprint wholesale customer base as well as lower Sprint Settlement revenue. Wholesale revenue in first quarter 2013, fourth quarter 2012 and first quarter 2012 reflect the fixed wholesale WiMAX revenue terms of the November 2011 4G MVNO Agreement with Sprint which will continue through 2013. Retail revenue and other revenue increased 4% sequentially and decreased 1% year over year to $203.1 million in first quarter 2013. Retail average revenue per user (ARPU) was $43.49 representing sequential and year over year decreases of $(0.61) and $(3.34), respectively, primarily due to lower equipment lease revenue under the no-contract offering that was fully launched in first quarter 2012.

Clearwire ended first quarter 2013 with approximately 9.4 million total subscribers. First quarter 2013 retail subscribers increased 10% year over year and 8% sequentially to approximately 1.5 million retail subscribers. Retail net subscriber additions during the period were 108,000 reflecting 4.2% churn and record gross additions of approximately 287,000. During the period, wholesale subscribers declined 18% year over year and 3% sequentially on 270,000 wholesale net subscriber losses to approximately 7.9 million wholesale subscribers at the end of first quarter 2013. The decline in wholesale subscribers, which consist primarily of Sprint 3G/4G smartphone customers, is primarily due to the discontinuation of postpaid WiMAX offerings by Sprint.

Retail cost per gross addition (CPGA) was a company record low $143 in first quarter 2013 compared to $155 in fourth quarter 2012 and $242 in first quarter 2012. Both the sequential and year over year improvements are primarily due to improved efficiencies in retail selling expenses associated with our no-contract offering and higher gross adds, partially offset by increased equipment subsidies. 

Excluding $9.3 million of merger-related expenses, first quarter 2013 Adjusted EBITDA loss was $(42.2) million. Inclusive of merger-related expenses, Adjusted EBITDA loss in first quarter 2013 was $(51.5) million, representing a $(13.3) million increase compared to first quarter 2012 Adjusted EBITDA loss of $(38.2) million. The increase is primarily due to merger-related expenses, as well as lower revenue and higher COGS (excluding non-cash expenses) on a year over year basis. 

Cash, cash equivalents and investments (invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities) as of March 31, 2013 was approximately $797.4 million, a sequential decrease of $71.2 million from December 31, 2012. The sequential decrease primarily reflects cash payments for capital expenditures and operating expenses, which was partially offset by $80 million drawn against the interim financing facility provided by Sprint in conjunction with our merger agreement, as well as payments from Sprint for wholesale WiMAX services and cash inflows from our retail business. As compared to March 31, 2012, cash, cash equivalents and investments decreased by $635.1 million.

First quarter 2013 capex of $50 million increased $27 million over prior year period capex of $23 million primarily due to increased expenditures for Clearwire's TDD-LTE network deployment. Compared to fourth quarter 2012 capex of $102 million, first quarter 2013 capex decreased $52 million primarily due to a decline in network equipment received as compared to the prior quarter.

At the end of first quarter 2013, Clearwire operated networks in the U.S. covering areas where approximately 136 million people reside, including approximately 134 million people in markets where we provide 4G services. At the end of the period our TDD-LTE network consisted of approximately 1,300 commissioned sites.

Results of Operations

Cost of goods and services and network costs (COGS) in first quarter 2013 decreased 19% to $213.2 million compared to $263.8 million in first quarter 2012. These amounts include non-cash charges for network equipment reserves and other write-downs of $4.7 million and $56.4 million in first quarters 2013 and 2012, respectively, and other non-cash network-related expenses of $17.7 million and $26.6 million in first quarters 2013 and 2012, respectively. The year over year decrease in network equipment reserves and other write-downs is primarily due to a decrease in charges for network equipment not required to support our network deployment plans or sparing requirements. The year over year decrease in other non-cash network related expenses is primarily due to a higher provision for unused tower-related leases and other network agreements in first quarter 2012. Excluding non-cash expenses, COGS increased 6% year over year primarily due to an increase in customer premise equipment sales associated with our no contract retail model, as well as higher tower- and network-related expenses in conjunction with our ongoing LTE build.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense in first quarter 2013 decreased slightly to $141.1 million from $142.7 million in first quarter 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower sales and marketing, call center and facilities expenses, mostly offset by higher commissions, employee-related costs and general and administrative expenses related to the proposed merger with Sprint.

First quarter 2013 reported net loss from continuing operations attributable to Clearwire was $(227.0) million, or $(0.33) per basic share compared to $(182.1) million, or $(0.40) per basic share, respectively in the prior year period. Including the effects of discontinued operations, first quarter 2013 reported net loss attributable to Clearwire was $(227.0) million, or $(0.33) per basic share, compared to $(181.8) million or $(0.40), respectively in the prior year period.

CLEARWIRE CORPORATION
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
         
 Three months ended
 March 31, 2013December 31, 2012September 30, 2012March 31, 2012
         
REVENUES:        
Retail revenue  $ 202,997  $ 194,451  $ 197,215  $ 204,810
Wholesale revenue  114,917  116,590  116,498  117,821
Other revenue  128  200  169  8
Total revenues  318,042  311,241  313,882  322,639
OPERATING EXPENSES:        
Cost of goods and services and network costs (exclusive of items shown separately below)  213,181  208,322  211,540  263,790
Selling, general and administrative expense  141,101  138,489  139,365  142,655
Depreciation and amortization  183,633  194,873  210,781  177,973
Spectrum lease expense  83,399  83,387  82,513  79,708
Loss from abandonment of network and other assets  414  (1,099)  2,588  80,400
Total operating expenses  621,728  623,972  646,787  744,526
OPERATING LOSS  (303,686)  (312,731)  (332,905)  (421,887)
         
LESS NON-CASH ITEMS:        
Non-cash expenses  63,413  70,041  67,310  66,664
Non-cash write-downs  5,116  1,805  16,551  139,056
Depreciation and amortization  183,633  194,873  210,781  177,973
Total non-cash items  252,162  266,719  294,642  383,693
Adjusted EBITDA  $ (51,524)  $ (46,012)  $ (38,263)  $ (38,194)
         
Adjusted EBITDA margin (16)% (15)% (12)% (12)%
         
KEY OPERATING METRICS (k for '000's, MM for '000,000's)        
Total net subscriber additions  (162)k   (906)k   (468)k   586k 
Wholesale  (270)k   (915)k   (489)k   537k 
Retail  108k   9k   21k   49k 
Total subscribers  9,413k   9,581k   10,488k   11,000k 
Wholesale (1)  7,944k   8,220k   9,136k   9,659k 
Retail  1,469k   1,361k   1,353k   1,341k 
Retail ARPU $43.49 $44.10 $45.06 $46.83
Churn        
Wholesale 5.3 % 7.3 % 5.4 % 3.0 %
Retail 4.2 % 5.0 % 5.1 % 3.7 %
Retail CPGA $143 $155 $191 $242
Capital expenditures  $50MM   $102MM   $34MM   $23MM 
Domestic 4G covered POPS  134MM   135MM   133MM   132MM 
Cash, cash equivalents and investments  $797MM   $869MM   $1,184MM   $1,433MM 
         
(1) Includes non-launched markets. Based on the terms of the November 2011 Amended MVNO Agreement between Clearwire and Sprint, which provides for unlimited WiMAX service to Sprint retail customers in exchange for fixed payments in 2012 and 2013, fluctuations in the wholesale subscriber base will not necessarily correlate to wholesale revenue.

Management Webcast

Clearwire executives will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss the company's first quarter 2013 financial results at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available online on the company's investor relations website located at http://investors.clearwire.com. Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 1-877-392-9886, or from outside the U.S. by dialing 1-707-287-9329, at least five minutes prior to the start time. A replay of the call will be available beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on April 25, through Thursday, May 2, by calling 1-855-859-2056, or from outside the U.S. by dialing 1-404-537-3406. The passcode for the replay is 36445633.

About Clearwire

Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq:CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services offering services in areas of the U.S. where more than 130 million people live. The company holds the deepest portfolio of wireless spectrum available for data services in the U.S. Clearwire serves retail customers through its own CLEAR® brand as well as through wholesale relationships with some of the leading companies in the retail, technology and telecommunications industries, including Sprint and NetZero. The company is constructing a next-generation 4G LTE Advanced-ready network to address the capacity needs of the market, and is also working closely with the Global TDD-LTE Initiative to further the TDD-LTE ecosystem. Clearwire is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. Additional information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, and other written and oral statements made by Clearwire from time to time, contain forward-looking statements which are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made with information that is currently available. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, management's expectations regarding future financial and operating performance and financial condition; proposed transactions; network development and market launch plans; strategic plans and objectives; industry conditions; the strength of the balance sheet; and liquidity and financing needs. The words "will," "would," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "believe," "target," "designed," "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Clearwire's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from such statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ are:

  • Our business has become increasingly dependent on our wholesale partners, and Sprint in particular. Additionally, our current business plans depend on our ability to attract new wholesale partners with substantial requirements for additional data capacity, which is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. If we do not receive the amount of revenues we expect from existing wholesale partners or if we are unable to enter into new agreements with additional wholesale partners for significant new wholesale commitments in a timely manner, our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected, or we could be forced to consider all available alternatives, including financial restructuring.
  • If the proposed merger with Sprint fails to close for any reason, we believe that we will require substantial additional capital to fund our business and to further develop our network; such capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If the merger fails to close and the funding under our Note Purchase Agreement with Sprint was no longer available, we would have to significantly curtail substantially all of our LTE network build plan to conserve cash and there would likely be substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Additionally, if the proposed merger with Sprint fails to close and we are unable to obtain sufficient additional capital, or we fail to generate sufficient revenue from our businesses to meet our ongoing obligations, our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected, and we will be forced to consider all available alternatives, including financial restructuring.
  • We have a history of operating losses and we expect to continue to realize significant net losses for the foreseeable future.
  • Our substantial indebtedness and restrictive debt covenants could limit our financing options and liquidity position and may limit our ability to grow our business. Further, unless we are able to secure the required shareholder approvals to increase the number of authorized shares under our Certificate of Incorporation, we may not have enough authorized but unissued shares available to raise sufficient additional capital through an equity financing.
  • Sprint owns a majority of our common shares, is our largest shareholder, and may have, or may develop in the future, interests that may diverge from other stockholders.
  • Our proposed merger with Sprint is subject to certain regulatory conditions that may not be satisfied on a timely basis, or at all, and is also conditioned on the consummation of the Sprint-Softbank (or a similar merger) transaction. If the merger with Sprint fails because it is not adopted by our shareholders, then under certain circumstances Sprint may gain significant additional control over us by acquiring the Clearwire shares held by other parties to our Equityholders' Agreement, pursuant to the terms of an agreement with those other shareholders. Additionally, failure to complete the proposed merger could negatively impact our business and the market price of our Class A Common Stock, and substantial doubt may arise regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
  • We are in the early stages of deploying LTE on our wireless broadband network, alongside mobile WiMAX, to remain competitive and to generate sufficient revenues for our business; we will incur significant costs to deploy such technology. Additionally, LTE technology, or other alternative technologies that we may consider, may not perform as we expect on our network and deploying such technologies would result in additional risks to the company, including uncertainty regarding our ability to successfully add a new technology to our current network and to operate dual technology networks without disruptions to customer service, as well as our ability to generate new wholesale customers for the new network.
  • We currently depend on our commercial partners to develop and deliver the equipment for our legacy and mobile WiMAX networks, and are dependent on commercial partners to deliver equipment and devices for our planned LTE network as well.
  • Many of our competitors for our retail business are better established and have significantly greater resources, and may subsidize their competitive offerings with other products and services. 
  • Future sales of large blocks of our common stock may adversely impact our stock price.

For a more detailed description of the factors that could cause such a difference, please refer to Clearwire's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 14, 2013, and subsequent SEC filings. Clearwire assumes no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

CLEARWIRE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)
     
 March 31, 2013December 31, 2012
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 172,108  $ 193,445
Short-term investments  625,297  675,112
Restricted cash  1,641  1,653
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,400 and $3,145  19,769  22,769
Inventory  16,098  10,940
Prepaids and other assets  83,672  83,769
Total current assets  918,585  987,688
Property, plant and equipment, net  2,120,081  2,259,004
Restricted cash  2,114  3,709
Spectrum licenses, net  4,237,640  4,249,621
Other intangible assets, net  21,576  24,660
Other assets  137,601  141,107
Total assets  $ 7,437,597  $ 7,665,789
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $ 285,723  $ 177,855
Other current liabilities  279,001  227,610
Total current liabilities  564,724  405,465
Long-term debt, net  4,287,671  4,271,357
Deferred tax liabilities, net  191,136  143,992
Other long-term liabilities  913,772  963,353
Total liabilities  5,957,303  5,784,167
Commitments and contingencies     
Stockholders' equity:    
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001, 2,000,000 shares authorized; 699,172 and 691,315 shares outstanding  70  69
Class B common stock, par value $0.0001, 1,400,000 shares authorized; 773,733 shares outstanding  77  77
Additional paid-in capital  3,217,732  3,158,244
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  15  (6)
Accumulated deficit  (2,573,346)  (2,346,393)
Total Clearwire Corporation stockholders' equity  644,548  811,991
Non-controlling interests  835,746  1,069,631
Total stockholders' equity  1,480,294  1,881,622
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 7,437,597  $ 7,665,789
 
 
CLEARWIRE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
       
 Three Months Ended March 31,  
 2013 2012  
       
Revenues  $ 318,042  $ 322,639  
Operating expenses:      
Cost of goods and services and network costs (exclusive of items shown separately below)  213,181  263,790  
Selling, general and administrative expense  141,101  142,655  
Depreciation and amortization  183,633  177,973  
Spectrum lease expense  83,399  79,708  
Loss from abandonment of network and other assets  414  80,400  
Total operating expenses  621,728  744,526  
Operating loss  (303,686)  (421,887)  
Other income (expense):      
Interest income  378  264  
Interest expense  (140,517)  (136,686)  
Loss on derivative instruments  (1,774)  (4,862)  
Other income (expense), net  336  (13,268)  
Total other expense, net  (141,577)  (154,552)  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes  (445,263)  (576,439)  
Income tax (provision) benefit  (16,625)  15,413  
Net loss from continuing operations  (461,888)  (561,026)  
Less: non-controlling interests in net loss from continuing operations of consolidated subsidiaries  234,935  378,972  
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Clearwire Corporation  (226,953)  (182,054)  
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Clearwire Corporation, net of tax   —  231  
Net loss attributable to Clearwire Corporation  $ (226,953)  $ (181,823)  
       
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Clearwire Corporation per Class A common share:      
Basic  $ (0.33)  $ (0.40)  
Diluted  $ (0.33)  $ (0.44)  
       
Net loss attributable to Clearwire Corporation per Class A common share:      
Basic  $ (0.33)  $ (0.40)  
Diluted  $ (0.33)  $ (0.44)  
       
Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding:      
Basic  693,901  458,827  
Diluted  693,901  1,298,530  
 
 
CLEARWIRE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
     
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20132012
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net loss from continuing operations  $ (461,888)  $ (561,026)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Deferred income taxes  16,194  (15,863)
Non-cash loss on derivative instruments  1,774  4,862
Accretion of discount on debt  12,593  10,188
Depreciation and amortization  183,633  177,973
Amortization of spectrum leases  13,212  14,216
Non-cash rent expense  40,560  46,382
Loss on property, plant and equipment   5,116  139,056
Other non-cash activities  9,644  18,696
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Inventory  (5,269)  5,070
Accounts receivable  844  (42,662)
Prepaids and other assets  1,695  (11,198)
Deferred revenue  (36,630)  154,246
Accounts payable and other liabilities  113,429  119,897
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of continuing operations  (105,093)  59,837
     
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations  —  5,814
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  (105,093)  65,651
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment  (37,510)  (21,867)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments  (249,988)  (1,022,287)
Disposition of available-for-sale investments  299,450  117,953
Other investing activities  1,599  (845)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations  13,551  (927,046)
     
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations  —  59
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  13,551  (926,987)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Principal payments on long-term debt  (9,844)  (6,295)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  80,000  300,000
Debt financing fees  —  (6,205)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  46  —
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations  70,202  287,500
Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations  —  —
Net cash provided by financing activities  70,202  287,500
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  3  (2,269)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (21,337)  (576,105)
Cash and cash equivalents:    
Beginning of period  193,445  893,744
End of period  172,108  317,639
Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period  —  7,505
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period  $ 172,108  $ 310,134
 
 
Definitions of Terms and Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
         
The company utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures which are widely used in the telecommunications industry and are not calculated based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Other companies may calculate these measures differently.
         
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated operating loss excluding depreciation and amortization expenses, non-cash expenses related to operating leases (primarily towers, spectrum leases and buildings), stock-based compensation expense, loss from abandonment of network and other assets, charges for differences between recorded amounts and the results of physical counts, and charges for excessive and obsolete network equipment and CPE inventory. A reconciliation of operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
         
 Three months ended
 (Unaudited)
 March 31, 2013December 31, 2012September 30, 2012March 31, 2012
         
(in thousands)        
Operating loss  $ (303,686)  $ (312,731)  $ (332,905)  $ (421,887)
         
Non-cash expenses:        
Spectrum lease expense  38,916  36,260  39,833  36,415
Building and network related expenses*  14,856  25,256  18,741  24,183
Stock compensation and other*  9,641  8,525  8,736  6,066
Non-cash expenses  63,413  70,041  67,310  66,664
         
Non-cash write-downs:        
Loss from abandonment of network and other assets  414  (1,099)  2,588  80,400
Network equipment reserves and other write-downs*  4,702  2,904  13,963  58,656
Non-cash write-downs  5,116  1,805  16,551  139,056
         
Depreciation and amortization  183,633  194,873  210,781  177,973
         
Adjusted EBITDA  $ (51,524)  $ (46,012)  $ (38,263)  $ (38,194)
         
*Amounts included in COGS and SG&A.
         
In a capital-intensive industry, management believes Adjusted EBITDA to be a meaningful measure of the company's operating performance. The company provides this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental performance measure because management believes it facilitates comparisons of the company's operating performance from period to period and comparisons of the company's operating performance to that of other companies by backing out potential differences caused by non-cash expenses related to long-term leases, share-based compensation, non-cash write-downs and depreciation and amortization. Because this non-GAAP measure facilitates internal comparisons of the company's historical operating performance, management also uses this non-GAAP measure for business planning purposes and in measuring the company's performance relative to that of its competitors. In addition, Clearwire believes that Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures are widely used by investors, financial analysts and credit rating agencies as a measure of the company's financial performance over time and to compare the company's financial performance with that of other companies in the industry.
         
(2) Retail ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) is total revenue less wholesale revenue, the revenue generated from the sales of devices, shipping revenue, and other revenue; divided by the weighted average number of retail subscribers in the period, divided by the number of months in the period.
         
Management uses retail ARPU to identify average revenue per customer, to track changes in average retail customer revenues over time, to help evaluate how changes in the business, including changes in the company's service offerings and fees, affect average retail revenue per customer, and to assist in forecasting future service retail revenue. In addition, retail ARPU provides management with a useful measure to compare the company's customer retail revenue to that of other wireless communications providers. The company believes investors use retail ARPU primarily as a tool to track changes in the company's average retail revenue per customer and to compare Clearwire's per retail customer service revenues to those of other wireless communications providers.
         
 Three months ended
 (Unaudited)
 March 31, 2013December 31, 2012September 30, 2012March 31, 2012
(in thousands)        
Total revenues  $ 318,042  $ 311,241  $ 313,882  $ 322,639
Wholesale revenue  (114,917)  (116,590)  (116,498)  (117,821)
Device and other revenue  (19,432)  (15,763)  (15,956)  (20,718)
Retail ARPU revenue  $ 183,693  $ 178,888  $ 181,428  $ 184,100
         
Average retail customers  1,408  1,352  1,342  1,310
Months in period 3 3 3 3
Retail ARPU  $ 43.49  $ 44.10  $ 45.06  $ 46.83
         
(3) Churn, which measures customer turnover, is calculated as the number of subscribers that terminate service in a given period, divided by the weighted average number of subscribers in that period, divided by the number of months in that period. Retail customers are deactivated approximately 30 days after failing to pay their monthly bill or when they ask to terminate their service. Retail subscribers that discontinue service in the first 30 days of service for any reason, or in the first 90 days of service under certain circumstances, are deducted from the company's gross customer additions and therefore not included in any of the churn calculations.
         
Management uses churn to measure retention of the company's subscribers, to measure changes in customer retention over time, and to help evaluate how changes in the business affect customer retention. The company believes investors use churn primarily as a tool to track changes in the company's customer retention. Other companies may calculate this measure differently.
         
(4) Retail CPGA (Cost per Gross Addition) is selling, general and administrative costs, less general and administrative costs and acquired businesses costs (costs from entities that were acquired by Clearwire's predecessor entity) plus device equipment subsidies, divided by gross retail customer additions in the period.
         
 Three months ended
 (Unaudited)
 March 31, 2013December 31, 2012September 30, 2012March 31, 2012
(in thousands)        
Selling, general and administrative  $ 141,101  $ 138,489  $ 139,365  $ 142,655
Less: G&A and other  (106,972)  (113,103)  (104,720)  (95,408)
Selling expense  34,129  25,386  34,645  47,247
Plus: Equipment COGS  19,463  16,300  17,707  14,620
Less: Equipment revenue  (12,417)  (9,042)  (9,396)  (14,355)
Total retail CPGA Expense  $ 41,175  $ 32,644  $ 42,956  $ 47,512
         
Total gross adds  287  211  225  196
Total retail CPGA  $ 143  $ 155  $ 191  $ 242
         
Management uses retail CPGA to measure the efficiency of the company's customer acquisition efforts, to track changes in Clearwire's average cost of acquiring new subscribers over time, and to help evaluate how changes in the company's sales and distribution strategies affect the cost-efficiency of the company's customer acquisition efforts. Clearwire believes investors use retail CPGA primarily as a tool to track changes in the company's average cost of acquiring new subscribers.
CONTACT: Investor Relations:             Alice Ryder, 425-505-6494             alice.ryder@clearwire.com                          Media Relations:             Susan Johnston, 425-505-6178             susan.johnston@clearwire.com                          JLM Partners for Clearwire:             Mike DiGioia or Jeremy Pemble, 206-381-3600             mike@jlmpartners.com or jeremy@jlmpartners.com

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Clearwire Corporation
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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Sprint Newsroom: Sprint Reports First Quarter 2013 Results



Sprint Nextel Corporation has posted the following release to its Newsroom website:

Sprint Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), April 24, 2013 - Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S) today reported operating income of $29 million, and Adjusted OIBDA* of $1.5 billion was the highest in nearly four years even as Sprint made significant investments in the business during the quarter. Sprint reported continued strong growth in the Sprint platform business, reaching highest-ever subscriber base and service revenue levels in the first quarter of 2013.

"This is a transformative year for Sprint and we've gotten off to a good start," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "Record Sprint platform service revenue and subscriber levels fueled our performance. We achieved significant Adjusted OIBDA* growth while investing heavily to improve our network, expanding our 4G LTE footprint and offering customers the best smartphones with truly unlimited data plans."

EPS and Operating Income Improve

Operating income for the quarter was $29 million as compared to a loss of $255 million in the year-ago period. Consolidated net service revenues of nearly $8 billion were flat year-over-year as Sprint platform growth offset declines in Nextel platform and Wireline revenues. The company reported a net loss of $643 million and a diluted net loss of $.21 per share for the first quarter of 2013 as compared to a net loss of $863 million and a diluted net loss of $.29 per share in the first quarter of 2012.

Adjusted OIBDA* Improves By Over 25 Percent Year-Over-Year

Quarterly Adjusted OIBDA* of $1.5 billion was the highest in nearly four years and improved by $311 million as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Adjusted OIBDA* improved year-over-year primarily due to growth in Sprint platform service revenue, lower cost of service and lower SG&A expense, partially offset by lower Nextel revenue.

Sprint Platform Achieves Record Revenue, ARPU and Subscribers

Sprint platform service revenue reached best-ever levels in the first quarter driven by all-time high postpaid ARPU and subscribers for the Sprint platform. Sprint platform postpaid ARPU grew by more than $1 year-over-year. Postpaid subscriber growth on the platform continued to benefit from better than expected recapture rates of Nextel customers as well as improved postpaid churn. Additionally, all three of the Sprint platform prepaid brands achieved net additions in the quarter and each reached highest-ever subscriber levels.

Unlimited Data and Iconic Smartphones Continue to Drive Growth

Eighty-six percent of quarterly Sprint platform postpaid handset sales were smartphones, including more than 1.5 million iPhones sold during the quarter. Forty-three percent of iPhone sales were to new customers, a rate that continues to outperform larger competitors.

Sprint continued to enhance its smartphone portfolio – launching HTC One® earlier this month and announcing plans to offer Samsung Galaxy S® 4 in the next few weeks as well as BlackBerry® Q10 and two Windows 8 phones later this year.

Network Vision Deployment Gains Momentum

Sprint made significant progress on the Network Vision deployment in the quarter, exceeding 12,000 sites on air during the first quarter. To date there are more than 13,500 sites on air compared to more than 8,000 reported on Feb. 7. The number of sites that are either ready for construction, already underway or completed has grown to more than 25,000.

As part of Network Vision, Sprint has launched 4G LTE in 88 cities, including Los Angeles, Boston and Charlotte, N.C. since the beginning of the year and expects that 4G LTE will be available in more than 170 additional cities in the coming months.

The company remains on track to shut down the Nextel platform at the end of the second quarter.

Third Parties Recognize Sprint Leadership

For the fourth time in a row, J.D. Power & Associates ranked Sprint highest in satisfaction with the purchase experience among Full Service Wireless Providers. Additionally, Sprint's Boost Mobile prepaid brand was ranked highest in satisfaction with the purchase experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers. Sprint also received U.S. Long-Haul Wholesale Carrier Excellence from ATLANTIC-ACM in the Brand, Network Performance, Customer Service and Voice Quality categories. Finally, Sprint collected the North American Mobile & Wireless Green Excellence Award from Frost & Sullivan.

Forecast

The company expects 2013 Adjusted OIBDA* to be at the high-end of the previous forecast of between $5.2 billion and $5.5 billion excluding the effects of the closing of strategic transactions.

 
Wireless Operating Statistics (Unaudited)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13 12/31/12 3/31/12
Net Additions (Losses) (in thousands)
Sprint platform:
Postpaid (2) 12 401 263
Prepaid (3) 568 525 870
Wholesale and affiliate     (224 )   (243 )   785  
Total Sprint platform 356 683 1,918
Nextel platform:
Postpaid (2) (572 ) (644 ) (455 )
Prepaid (3)     (199 )   (376 )   (381 )
Total Nextel platform (771 ) (1,020 ) (836 )
 
Total retail postpaid net losses (560 ) (243 ) (192 )
Total retail prepaid net additions 369 149 489
Total wholesale and affiliate net (losses) additions   (224 )   (243 )   785  
Total Wireless Net (Losses) Additions     (415 )   (337 )   1,082  
 
End of Period Subscribers (in thousands)
Sprint platform:
Postpaid (2) 30,257 30,245 28,992
Prepaid (3) 15,701 15,133 13,698
Wholesale and affiliate     7,938     8,162     8,003  
Total Sprint platform 53,896 53,540 50,693
Nextel platform:
Postpaid (2) 1,060 1,632 3,830
Prepaid (3)     255     454     1,580  
Total Nextel platform 1,315 2,086 5,410
 
Total retail postpaid end of period subscribers 31,317 31,877 32,822
Total retail prepaid end of period subscribers 15,956 15,587 15,278
Total wholesale and affiliate end of period subscribers   7,938     8,162     8,003  
Total End of Period Subscribers     55,211     55,626     56,103  
 
Supplemental Data - Connected Devices
End of Period Subscribers (in thousands)
Retail postpaid 824 813 791
Wholesale and affiliate     2,803     2,670     2,217  
Total     3,627     3,483     3,008  
 
Churn
Sprint platform:
Postpaid 1.84 % 1.98 % 2.00 %
Prepaid 3.05 % 3.02 % 2.92 %
Nextel platform:
Postpaid 7.57 % 5.27 % 2.09 %
Prepaid 12.46 % 9.79 % 8.73 %
 
Total retail postpaid churn 2.09 % 2.18 % 2.01 %
Total retail prepaid churn 3.26 % 3.30 % 3.61 %
 
ARPU (a)
Sprint platform:
Postpaid $ 63.67 $ 63.04 $ 62.55
Prepaid $ 25.95 $ 26.30 $ 25.64
Nextel platform:
Postpaid $ 35.43 $ 37.27 $ 40.94
Prepaid $ 31.75 $ 35.59 $ 35.68
 
Total retail postpaid ARPU $ 62.47 $ 61.47 $ 59.88
Total retail prepaid ARPU $ 26.08 $ 26.69 $ 26.82
 
Nextel Platform Subscriber Recaptures
Subscribers (in thousands) (4):
Postpaid 264 333 228
Prepaid 67 188 137
Rate (5):
Postpaid 46 % 51 % 46 %
Prepaid 34 % 50 % 23 %
 
(a) ARPU is calculated by dividing service revenue by the sum of the average number of subscribers in the applicable service category. Changes in average monthly service revenue reflect subscribers for either the postpaid or prepaid service category who change rate plans, the level of voice and data usage, the amount of service credits which are offered to subscribers, plus the net effect of average monthly revenue generated by new subscribers and deactivating subscribers.
 
             
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Millions, except per Share Data)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13       12/31/12       3/31/12
 
Net Operating Revenues     $ 8,793         $ 9,005         $ 8,734  
Net Operating Expenses
Cost of services 2,640 2,659 2,787
Cost of products 2,293 2,993 2,298
Selling, general and administrative 2,336 2,557 2,436
Depreciation and amortization 1,492 1,493 1,666
Other, net       3           8           (198 )
Total net operating expenses       8,764           9,710           8,989  
Operating Income (Loss)       29           (705 )         (255 )
Interest expense (432 ) (432 ) (298 )
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments and other, net     (202 )         (140 )         (273 )
Loss before Income Taxes (605 ) (1,277 ) (826 )
Income tax expense       (38 )         (44 )         (37 )
Net Loss     $ (643 )       $ (1,321 )       $ (863 )
 
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share     $ (0.21 )       $ (0.44 )       $ (0.29 )
Weighted Average Common Shares outstanding 3,013 3,007 2,999
Effective Tax Rate       -6.3 %         -3.4 %         -4.5 %
 
             
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION - NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED OIBDA* (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
        Quarter To Date
  3/31/13           12/31/12           3/31/12  
 
Net Loss     $ (643 )       $ (1,321 )       $ (863 )
Income tax expense       38           44           37  
Loss before Income Taxes (605 ) (1,277 ) (826 )
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments and other, net 202 140 273
Interest expense       432           432           298  
Operating Income (Loss)       29           (705 )         (255 )
Depreciation and amortization       1,492           1,493           1,666  
OIBDA*       1,521           788           1,411  
Severance and lease exit costs (6) 25 (10 ) -
Gains from asset dispositions and exchanges (7) - - (29 )
Asset impairments and abandonments (8) - 18 18
Spectrum hosting contract termination, net (9) - - (170 )
Access costs (10) - - (17 )
Litigation (11) (22 ) - -
Business combinations (12) - 19 -
Hurricane Sandy (13)       -           45           -  
Adjusted OIBDA*       1,524           860           1,213  
Capital expenditures (1)       1,812           1,923           800  
Adjusted OIBDA* less Capex     $ (288 )       $ (1,063 )       $ 413  
 
Adjusted OIBDA Margin* 19.1 % 10.7 % 15.2 %
 
 
Selected item:
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance $ 265 $ 546 $ 348
 
               
WIRELESS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
Net Operating Revenues
Service revenue
Sprint platform:
Postpaid (2) $ 5,773 $ 5,674 $ 5,408
Prepaid (3) 1,194 1,170 1,016
Wholesale, affiliate and other           133           135           103  
Total Sprint platform           7,100           6,979           6,527  
Nextel platform:
Postpaid (2) 143 218 500
Prepaid (3)           33           68           188  
Total Nextel platform           176           286           688  
 
Equipment revenue           813           1,010           735  
Total net operating revenues           8,089           8,275           7,950  
 
Net Operating Expenses
Cost of services 2,171 2,210 2,289
Cost of products 2,293 2,993 2,298
Selling, general and administrative 2,230 2,436 2,311
Depreciation and amortization 1,393 1,391 1,564
Other, net           -           3           (181 )
Total net operating expenses           8,087           9,033           8,281  
Operating Income (Loss)         $ 2         $ (758 )       $ (331 )
 
Supplemental Revenue Data
Total retail service revenue $ 7,143 $ 7,130 $ 7,112
Total service revenue $ 7,276 $ 7,265 $ 7,215
 
 
 
WIRELESS NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
 
Operating Income (Loss) $ 2 $ (758 ) $ (331 )

Severance and lease exit costs (6)

22 (10 ) -
Gains from asset dispositions and exchanges (7) - - (29 )
Asset impairments and abandonments (8) - 13 18
Spectrum hosting contract termination, net (9) - - (170 )
Litigation (11) (22 ) - -
Hurricane Sandy (13) - 42 -
Depreciation and amortization           1,393           1,391           1,564  
Adjusted OIBDA*           1,395           678           1,052  
Capital expenditures (1)           1,706           1,786           710  
Adjusted OIBDA* less Capex         $ (311 )       $ (1,108 )       $ 342  
 
Adjusted OIBDA Margin* 19.2 % 9.3 % 14.6 %
 
           
WIRELINE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
Net Operating Revenues
Voice $ 352 $ 385 $ 417
Data 94 96 108
Internet 434 451 453
Other         13           17           20  
Total net operating revenues         893           949           998  
 
Net Operating Expenses
Costs of services and products 661 671 716
Selling, general and administrative 104 100 121
Depreciation 98 102 100
Other, net         3           5           (17 )
Total net operating expenses         866           878           920  
Operating Income       $ 27         $ 71         $ 78  
 
 
WIRELINE NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter To Date
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
 
Operating Income $ 27 $ 71 $ 78
Severance and lease exit costs (6) 3 - -
Asset impairments and abandonments (8) - 5 -
Access costs (10) - - (17 )
Hurricane Sandy (13) - 3 -
Depreciation         98           102           100  
Adjusted OIBDA*         128           181           161  
Capital expenditures (1)         61           58           45  
Adjusted OIBDA* less Capex       $ 67         $ 123         $ 116  
 
Adjusted OIBDA Margin* 14.3 % 19.1 % 16.1 %
 
         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter Ended
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
Operating Activities
Net loss $ (643 ) $ (1,322 ) $ (863 )
Depreciation and amortization 1,492 1,493 1,666
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 83 148 136
Share-based compensation expense 17 25 17
Deferred income taxes 24 67 32
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments and other, net 202 140 273
Contribution to pension plan - - (92 )
Spectrum hosting contract termination, net (9) - - (170 )
Other working capital changes, net (276 ) (322 ) 26
Other, net       41           (13 )         (47 )
Net cash provided by operating activities       940           216           978  
 
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (1) (1,381 ) (1,477 ) (783 )
Expenditures relating to FCC licenses (55 ) (46 ) (56 )
Change in short-term investments, net 355 (1,165 ) (327 )
Investment in Clearwire (including debt securities) (80 ) (100 ) (128 )
Other, net       3           (2 )         (1 )
Net cash used in investing activities       (1,158 )         (2,790 )         (1,295 )
 
Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt and financings 204 5,599 2,000
Debt financing costs (10 ) (44 ) (36 )
Repayments of debt and capital lease obligations (59 ) (2,283 ) (2 )
Other, net       7           8           3  
Net cash provided by financing activities       142           3,280           1,965  
 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (76 ) 706 1,648
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period       6,351           5,645           5,447  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 6,275 $ 6,351 $ 7,095
 
 
RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED FREE CASH FLOW* (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
Quarter Ended
3/31/13     12/31/12     3/31/12
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 940 $ 216 $ 978
 
Capital expenditures (1) (1,381 ) (1,477 ) (783 )
Expenditures relating to FCC licenses, net (55 ) (46 ) (56 )
Other investing activities, net       3           (2 )         (1 )
Free Cash Flow*       (493 )         (1,309 )         138  
 
Debt financing costs (10 ) (44 ) (36 )
Increase in debt and other, net 145 3,316 1,998
Investment in Clearwire (including debt securities) (80 ) (100 ) (128 )
Other financing activities, net       7           8           3  
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and

Short-Term Investments

  $ (431 )       $ 1,871         $ 1,975  
 
         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
3/31/13     12/31/12
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,275 $ 6,351
Short-term investments 1,494 1,849
Accounts and notes receivable, net 3,352 3,658
Device and accessory inventory 843 1,200
Deferred tax assets 1 1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets             804           700  
Total current assets 12,769 13,759
 
Investments and other assets 1,611 1,833
Property, plant and equipment, net 14,025 13,607
Goodwill 359 359
FCC licenses and other 20,722 20,677
Definite-lived intangible assets, net             1,271           1,335  
Total           $ 50,757         $ 51,570  
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 2,963 $ 3,487
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 5,176 5,008
Current portion of long-term debt, financing and capital lease obligations         428           379  
Total current liabilities 8,567 8,874
 
Long-term debt, financing and capital lease obligations 24,072 23,962
Deferred tax liabilities 7,131 7,047
Other liabilities             4,513           4,600  
Total liabilities             44,283           44,483  
 
Shareholders' equity
Common shares 6,026 6,019
Paid-in capital 47,026 47,016
Accumulated deficit (45,459 ) (44,815 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss             (1,119 )         (1,133 )
Total shareholders' equity             6,474           7,087  
Total           $ 50,757         $ 51,570  
 
 
NET DEBT* (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited)
(Millions)
 
3/31/13     12/31/12
 
Total Debt $ 24,500 $ 24,341
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (6,275 ) (6,351 )
Less: Short-term investments             (1,494 )         (1,849 )
Net Debt*           $ 16,731         $ 16,141  
 
SCHEDULE OF DEBT (Unaudited)    
(Millions)
3/31/13

ISSUER

COUPON MATURITY PRINCIPAL
Sprint Nextel Corporation
Export Development Canada Facility (Tranche 2) 4.196% 12/15/2015 $ 500
6% Senior Notes due 2016 6.000% 12/01/2016 2,000
9.125% Senior Notes due 2017 9.125% 03/01/2017 1,000
8.375% Senior Notes due 2017 8.375% 08/15/2017 1,300
9% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 9.000% 11/15/2018 3,000
1% Convertible Bond due 2019 1.000% 10/15/2019 3,100
7% Guaranteed Notes due 2020 7.000% 03/01/2020 1,000
7% Senior Notes due 2020 7.000% 08/15/2020 1,500
11.5% Senior Notes due 2021 11.500% 11/15/2021 1,000
9.25% Debentures due 2022 9.250% 04/15/2022 200
6% Senior Notes due 2022       6.000% 11/15/2022 2,280
Sprint Nextel Corporation           16,880
 
Sprint Capital Corporation
6.9% Senior Notes due 2019 6.900% 05/01/2019 1,729
6.875% Senior Notes due 2028 6.875% 11/15/2028 2,475
8.75% Senior Notes due 2032       8.750% 03/15/2032 2,000
Sprint Capital Corporation           6,204
 
iPCS Inc.
First Lien Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2013 2.424% 05/01/2013 300
Second Lien Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2014       3.549% 05/01/2014 181
iPCS Inc.           481
 
EKN Secured Equipment Facility 2.030% 03/30/2017 445
 
Tower financing obligation 9.500% 01/15/2030 697
Capital lease obligations and other         2014 - 2022 70
TOTAL PRINCIPAL           24,777
 
Net discount from beneficial conversion feature on convertible bond (238)
Net discounts           (39)
TOTAL DEBT           $ 24,500
 

Supplemental information:

The Company had $1.5 billion of borrowing capacity available under our unsecured revolving bank credit facility as of March 31, 2013. Our unsecured revolving bank credit facility expires in February 2018. The company is currently limited by a restriction of debt incurrence in one of our debt issuances which has limited our available borrowing capacity to the $1.5 billion mentioned above under our revolving credit facility.

 

In May 2012, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a $1.0 billion secured equipment credit facility to finance equipment-related purchases for Network Vision. The facility is equally divided into two consecutive tranches of $500 million, with the drawdown availability contingent upon Sprint's acquisition of equipment-related purchases from Ericsson, up to the maximum of each tranche, ending on May 31, 2013 and May 31, 2014, for the first and second tranche, respectively. Interest and principal are payable semi-annually with a final maturity of March 2017 for both tranches.

 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 
(1) Capital expenditures is an accrual based amount that includes the changes in unpaid capital expenditures and excludes capitalized interest. Cash paid for capital expenditures includes total capitalized interest of $15 million for the first quarter of 2013, and $9 million and $115 million for the fourth and first quarters of 2012, respectively, and can be found in the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Information and the Reconciliation to Free Cash Flow*.
 
(2) Postpaid subscribers on the Sprint platform are defined as retail postpaid subscribers on the CDMA network, including subscribers with PowerSource devices, and those utilizing WiMax and LTE technology. Postpaid subscribers on the Nextel platform are defined as retail postpaid subscribers on the iDEN network.
 
(3) Prepaid subscribers on the Sprint platform are defined as retail prepaid subscribers and session-based tablet users who utilize CDMA and WiMax technology via our multi-brand offerings. Prepaid subscribers on the Nextel platform are defined as retail prepaid subscribers who utilize iDEN technology.
 
(4) Nextel Subscriber Recaptures are defined as the number of subscribers that deactivated service from the postpaid or prepaid Nextel platform, as applicable, during each period but remained with the Company as subscribers on the postpaid or prepaid Sprint platform, respectively. Subscribers that deactivate service from the Nextel platform and activate service on the Sprint platform are included in the Sprint platform net additions for the applicable period.
 
(5) The Postpaid and Prepaid Nextel Recapture Rates are defined as the portion of total subscribers that left the postpaid or prepaid Nextel platform, as applicable, during the period and were retained on the postpaid or prepaid Sprint platform, respectively.
 
(6) Severance and lease exit costs are primarily associated with workforce reductions and with exit costs associated with the Nextel platform.
 
(7) For the first quarter of 2012, gains from asset dispositions and exchanges are primarily due to spectrum exchange transactions.
 
(8) For the fourth quarter of 2012, asset impairment and abandonment activity of $18 million is primarily related to network asset equipment in our Wireless segment, no longer necessary for management's strategic plans. The first quarter of 2012 includes $18 million related to a change in our backhaul architecture in connection to our Network Vision design from microwave to a more cost effective fiber backhaul.
 
(9) On March 16, 2012, we elected to terminate the arrangement with LightSquared LP and LightSquared, Inc. (LightSquared). As we have no future service obligations with respect to the arrangement with LightSquared, we recognized $236 million of the advanced payments as other operating income in the first quarter of 2012. As a result of the termination of the hosting agreement, we impaired capitalized costs specific to LightSquared's 1.6 GHz spectrum that the company no longer intends to deploy which totaled $66 million.
 
(10) Favorable developments during the first quarter of 2012 relating to disagreements with local exchange carriers resulted in a reduction in expected access costs of $17 million.
 
(11) For the first quarter of 2013, litigation activity is primarily a result of favorable developments in connection with a tax (non-income) related contingency.
 
(12) For the fourth quarter of 2012, included in selling, general and administrative expenses are fees paid to unrelated parties necessary for the proposed transactions with SoftBank and our acquisition of Clearwire.
 
(13) Hurricane Sandy charges for the fourth quarter of 2012, represent estimated hurricane-related charges of $45 million, consisting of customer credits, incremental roaming costs, network repairs and replacements.
 

*FINANCIAL MEASURES

Sprint Nextel provides financial measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and adjusted GAAP (non-GAAP). The non-GAAP financial measures reflect industry conventions, or standard measures of liquidity, profitability or performance commonly used by the investment community for comparability purposes. These measurements should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. We have defined below each of the non-GAAP measures we use, but these measures may not be synonymous to similar measurement terms used by other companies.

Sprint Nextel provides reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures in its financial reporting. Because Sprint Nextel does not predict special items that might occur in the future, and our forecasts are developed at a level of detail different than that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures, Sprint Nextel does not provide reconciliations to GAAP of its forward-looking financial measures.

The measures used in this release include the following:

OIBDA is operating income/(loss) before depreciation and amortization. Adjusted OIBDA is OIBDA excluding severance, exit costs, and other special items. Adjusted OIBDA Margin represents Adjusted OIBDA divided by non-equipment net operating revenues for Wireless and Adjusted OIBDA divided by net operating revenues for Wireline. We believe that Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA Margin provide useful information to investors because they are an indicator of the strength and performance of our ongoing business operations, including our ability to fund discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, spectrum acquisitions and other investments and our ability to incur and service debt. While depreciation and amortization are considered operating costs under GAAP, these expenses primarily represent non-cash current period costs associated with the use of long-lived tangible and definite-lived intangible assets. Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA Margin are calculations commonly used as a basis for investors, analysts and credit rating agencies to evaluate and compare the periodic and future operating performance and value of companies within the telecommunications industry.

Free Cash Flow is the cash provided by operating activities less the cash used in investing activities other than short-term investments and amounts included as investments in Clearwire during the period. We believe that Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors, analysts and our management about the cash generated by our core operations after interest and dividends, if any, and our ability to fund scheduled debt maturities and other financing activities, including discretionary refinancing and retirement of debt and purchase or sale of investments.

Net Debt is consolidated debt, including current maturities, less cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and if any, restricted cash. We believe that Net Debt provides useful information to investors, analysts and credit rating agencies about the capacity of the company to reduce the debt load and improve its capital structure.

SAFE HARBOR

This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. The words "may," "could," "should," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "target," "plan," "providing guidance," and similar expressions are intended to identify information that is not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to network performance, subscriber growth, and liquidity, and statements expressing general views about future operating results — are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are estimates and projections reflecting management's judgment based on currently available information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. With respect to these forward-looking statements, management has made assumptions regarding, among other things, development and deployment of new technologies; efficiencies and cost savings of multimode technologies; customer and network usage; customer growth and retention; service, coverage and quality; availability of devices; the timing of various events and the economic environment. Sprint Nextel believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date when made. Sprint Nextel undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Clearwire's first quarter 2013 results from operations have not yet been finalized. As a result, the amount reflected for Sprint's share of Clearwire's results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, is an estimate and, based upon the finalization of Clearwire's results, may need to be revised if our estimate materially differs from Clearwire's actual results. Changes in our estimate, if any, would affect the carrying value of our investment in Clearwire, net loss, basic and diluted net loss per common share, and comprehensive loss but would have no effect on Sprint's operating income, OIBDA*, Adjusted OIBDA* or consolidated statement of cash flows.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

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