PresentationMark Schilsky Hi, everyone. Good morning. I am Mark Schilsky, Citi's TMT sector specialist. Obviously, not Mike Rollins. I'm pinch-hitting for him today. Welcome to day 2 of Citi's Global TMT Conference. Today, we're going to be talking about TDS. We've got Kris Bothfeld, the CFO of TDS Telecom, and I've got Doug Chambers, Interim President and CEO of the newly minted Array Digital Infrastructure. So we're talking about both companies today. Thank you, both for coming. The deal, the T-Mobile, U. ...

Summary of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) and its subsidiary Array Digital Infrastructure - **Industry**: Telecommunications, specifically focusing on fiber and tower operations Key Points and Arguments TDS and Array Digital Infrastructure - The deal with T-Mobile to sell wireless operations closed on August 1, 2025, marking a significant transition for TDS and Array [2][3] - Array now operates as a separate entity, owning 4,400 towers, making it the fifth largest tower company in the U.S. [4] Spectrum Sales and Financial Outlook - TDS is pursuing pending spectrum sales worth $1 billion each with AT&T and Verizon, expecting regulatory approval soon [5][14] - The company has sold 70% of its spectrum and has remaining C band spectrum, which has no build requirements until 2029 [6][16] - Anticipation of special dividends from the proceeds of spectrum sales, with the AT&T deal expected to close by the end of 2025 [14][15] Colocation Growth - Colocation revenues grew by 12% in Q2 2025, with a significant increase in application fees contributing to this growth [7] - T-Mobile has committed to 2,015 colocations, which is expected to increase cash revenues by approximately 50% [8] Fiber Expansion Strategy - TDS aims to double its fiber footprint from 900,000 to 1,800,000 addresses over the next five years, having surpassed 1 million fiber addresses recently [12][13] - The company is focused on two major build programs: expansion into new communities and converting existing copper addresses to fiber [35][36] Financial Management and Capital Return - TDS has a leverage ratio target of 3x, providing flexibility for future growth [24] - Plans for special dividends following spectrum sales, with expectations for a regular recurring dividend by late 2026 or early 2027 [28] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - The company does not view fixed wireless or satellite-based broadband (e.g., Starlink) as significant threats to its fiber business [46][78] - Increased competition from overbuilders in cable markets is noted, but TDS remains confident in its competitive product offerings [73][75] Operational Improvements and AI Utilization - TDS is implementing operational improvements and utilizing AI to enhance efficiency and customer experience [66][67] - The company is focused on streamlining back-office operations and enhancing customer service through technology [64] Customer Behavior and Economic Impact - No significant changes in customer payment behavior or churn rates have been observed due to macroeconomic conditions [71] - The company remains optimistic about its product demand, which is considered recession-resistant [71] Future Plans and Investor Relations - TDS plans to provide clearer disclosures regarding its tower business and fiber operations in upcoming earnings calls [83][84] - The company is evaluating additional opportunities for growth, including potential M&A, while maintaining financial discipline [37][62] Additional Important Content - The company is focused on enhancing its fiber network efficiency, which is expected to improve margins over time [63] - TDS is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, having paid off most of its debt post-deal [57][58] - The management team is in place, with a focus on operational success and strategic growth [32]

MADISON, Wis., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom) today announced a major milestone: the company has officially exceeded 1 million fiber passings, marking a pivotal moment in its transformation into a fiber-first broadband provider. "This is more than a number, it is a reflection of the company's drive to create a better world through reliable fiber connections," said TDS Telecom President and CEO Ken Dixon. "Crossing the one-million mark means our company is in an exclus ...

Core Insights - The significant decline in Array Digital Infrastructure's fixed-income securities following the sale of UScellular to T-Mobile is perceived as excessive, creating a new investment opportunity for holders of Telephone and Data Systems' preferred shares [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The equity market is characterized by daily price fluctuations that can lead to substantial wealth creation or destruction over the long term [1] - Pacifica Yield focuses on long-term wealth creation by targeting undervalued high-growth companies, high-dividend stocks, REITs, and green energy firms [1] Group 2: Company Specifics - The sale of UScellular to T-Mobile is a pivotal event impacting Array Digital Infrastructure's securities [1] - Telephone and Data Systems' preferred shares are highlighted as a potential investment opportunity in the current market context [1]

Group 1 - Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) and Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. (Array) will participate in upcoming September conferences [1][2][3] - TDS Telecom and Array will present at the Citi 2025 Global TMT Conference on September 4, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. ET, featuring TDS Telecom's CFO and Array's Interim President and CEO [2] - Array will also present at the RBC 2025 Global Communications Infrastructure Conference on September 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET, with Doug Chambers as the presenter [3] Group 2 - TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to approximately 1.1 million connections across various U.S. communities, employing 3,400 people [5] - Array Digital Infrastructure operates over 4,400 cell towers nationwide, facilitating the deployment of 5G and other wireless technologies, with TDS owning about 82% of Array as of August 1, 2025 [5]

Key Takeaways TDS' Q2 revenues fell to $1.18B but beat estimates despite weakness in all segments.Broadband expansion and tower revenue growth partly offset demand softness.Q2 net loss narrowed to $5M from $14M on lower operating expenses year over year.Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) posted mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with top line beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate but the bottom line missing the same. TDS reported a revenue decline year over year, owing to demand softness across several v ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which is expected to unlock significant shareholder value and strengthen the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [6][12][14] - Following the transaction, TDS's debt was reduced to approximately $364 million, with a plan to redeem about $1.1 billion in debt, resulting in annual interest savings of approximately $80 million and reducing the average cost of debt to just over 6% [12][14][15] - S&P raised TDS's credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array Digital Infrastructure now operates independently with approximately 4,400 towers and a new master license agreement with T-Mobile, which is expected to enhance revenue and profitability [7][26] - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations grew by 6% year-over-year [26][29] - TDS Telecom reported 27,000 new fiber service addresses added in the quarter, with a total of 10,300 fiber net additions, leading to a 19% growth in total fiber connections since last year [33][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates receiving $2 billion from previously announced spectrum sales, with a portion expected later this year, subject to regulatory approvals [15][22] - The company is focused on monetizing approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings, including transactions with AT&T and Verizon, which are expected to close in 2025 and 2026 [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its tower and fiber businesses, with plans to implement a regular dividend once spectrum transactions are completed [15][16] - Key strategic priorities include closing pending spectrum transactions, optimizing ground leases, and driving revenue growth through new colocations [24][25] - The company is evaluating M&A opportunities, particularly in fiber assets that synergize with existing properties [86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the tower business and the fiber program, emphasizing the importance of the new T-Mobile master license agreement [7][26] - The company expects to incur additional wind-down costs as it transitions from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, which may impact profitability in the near term [30] - Management highlighted the competitive landscape in expansion markets as favorable, with a focus on increasing penetration rates in newly launched fiber areas [74] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain its preferred stock as foundational capital for its fiber program and has no immediate plans to redeem them [12][14] - The company is committed to a disciplined financial policy while maintaining a conservative balance sheet [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion plans - Management indicated that there is significant opportunity to expand the fiber footprint and will provide updates in upcoming quarters [51][52] Question: Long-term leverage stabilization for TDS Telecom - Management expects to maintain leverage below 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities for growth and capital allocation [55] Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management remains confident in achieving the target of 150,000 new fiber service addresses for the year, with ramping construction efforts [56][58] Question: Cohort analysis for fiber market penetration - Management is working on providing cohort analysis to investors, expecting around 25-30% penetration by month 12 and 40% by year five in expansion markets [60][62] Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - The company launched TDS Mobile in select markets and is testing aggressive pricing strategies, with potential price increases after two years [82][84] Question: M&A opportunities and asset profiles - The company is focused on fiber opportunities that are synergistic with existing properties and is in the early stages of considering M&A options [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which strengthens the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [5][12] - TDS's debt was reduced to approximately $364 million post-transaction, with $1.7 billion in debt assumed by T-Mobile [12] - A special dividend of $23 per share was declared, with TDS expected to receive approximately $1.63 billion [13] - The average cost of debt for TDS is projected to decrease to just over 6% after redeeming $1.1 billion in debt [13] - S&P raised TDS's credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array's tower business has approximately 4,400 towers and is expected to grow colocations and margins due to increasing demand for data services [6][8] - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations rose by 6% year-over-year [26] - Fiber service addresses grew by 19% year-over-year, with 10,300 net additions in the quarter [35][41] - Total operating revenues decreased by 1% year-over-year, but excluding divestitures, revenue increased by 1% [43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its fiber footprint, targeting 1.8 million marketable fiber service addresses, with 968,000 addresses at the end of the quarter [36] - The company aims for 80% of total addresses to be served by fiber, currently at 53% [37] - Demand for higher broadband speeds is increasing, with 83% of residential broadband customers taking 100 meg or higher [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its tower and fiber businesses, with plans to optimize ground leases and drive revenue growth through new colocations [24][26] - A capital allocation strategy is being developed, focusing on fiber investments, M&A opportunities, and shareholder returns [16][17] - The company aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities in fiber and tower businesses [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the target of 150,000 new fiber addresses for the year, with significant growth expected in the second half [34][59] - The company is optimistic about the competitive landscape in its expansion markets, which were selected for their favorable characteristics [77] - Management acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, with expected wind-down costs impacting profitability in the near term [30] Other Important Information - The company is working to monetize remaining spectrum assets, with agreements to monetize approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings [21] - The new master license agreement with T-Mobile is expected to significantly strengthen the tower business, with commitments for colocations [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion - Management is excited about the opportunities for fiber expansion and expects to share more details in upcoming quarters [54] Question: Long-term leverage stabilization for TDS Telecom - TDS Telecom is expected to maintain leverage below 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities [56] Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management is confident in meeting the 150,000 service address goal, with ramping construction efforts [59] Question: Cohort analysis for fiber penetration - Management plans to share cohort analysis soon, expecting 25-30% penetration by month 12 in new markets [63] Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - TDS Mobile was launched in select markets, with aggressive pricing strategies being tested [86][88] Question: M&A opportunities focus - The company is considering fiber opportunities that synergize with existing properties [89]

Array Transaction and Debt - Array exchanged $17 billion of debt into T-Mobile debt[8] - TDS is expected to receive $16 billion from Array's special dividend[8] - Array is expected to have $700 million in debt[8] - The gross purchase price for the T-Mobile transaction was $44 billion[9] - A special dividend of $2300 per share, totaling $20 billion, was approved by Array's board[9] Spectrum Monetization - Agreements were reached to monetize approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings, based on MHz-Pops, including the T-Mobile transaction[14] - AT&T's gross purchase price for spectrum is $1018 billion[12] - Verizon's gross purchase price for spectrum is $10 billion[12] Tower Business - Third-party tower revenue distribution shows AT&T contributing 34%, Verizon 27%, T-Mobile 25%, and other sources 14% in Q2 2025[22] - Total tower revenues increased by 7%, from $58 million in Q2 2024 to $62 million in Q2 2025[23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Towers segment increased by 9%, from $31 million in Q2 2024 to $34 million in Q2 2025[23] TDS Telecom Fiber Expansion - TDS Telecom deployed 27000 new marketable fiber addresses in Q2 2025[24, 25] - The goal is to reach 18 million marketable fiber service addresses[26] - Fiber now serves 53% of service addresses[26]

Array Transaction and Debt - The T-Mobile transaction closed on August 1, 2025 [15] - $1.7 billion of Array debt was exchanged into T-Mobile debt [8] - TDS is expected to receive $1.6 billion from Array special dividend [8] - Array is expected to have $700 million debt [8] - Array's board approved a special dividend of $23.00 per Common Share and Series A Common Share, totaling $2.0 billion [9] Spectrum Monetization - Agreements reached to monetize approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings, based on MHz-Pops, including the T-Mobile transaction [14] - AT&T spectrum sale gross purchase price is $1.018 billion [12] - Verizon spectrum sale gross purchase price is $1.0 billion [12] Tower Business - The company owns 4,418 towers in the U S [18, 22] - Third-party tower revenue distribution: AT&T 34%, Verizon 27%, T-Mobile 25%, Other 14% in Q2 2025 [22] - Tower tenancy rate was 1.57, with 2,527 colocations as of June 30, 2025 [22] - Third-party revenues for the towers segment were $28 million in Q2 2025, a 12% increase year-over-year [23] TDS Telecom Fiber Expansion - Deployed 27,000 new marketable fiber addresses in Q2 2025 [24, 25] - The company is on track for 150,000 marketable fiber addresses in 2025 [24] - Residential fiber connections have grown 1.9x from Q2 2022 to Q2 2025 [34] TDS Telecom Financials - Total operating revenues for TDS Telecom were $265 million in Q2 2025, a 1% decrease year-over-year [44] - Capital expenditures for TDS Telecom were $90 million in Q2 2025, a 16% increase year-over-year [44] - Adjusted EBITDA for TDS Telecom was $89 million in Q2 2025, a 3% decrease year-over-year [44]