Group 1 - The merger with Windstream has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone for the company [1] - The leadership team has effectively come together, with new leadership in Kinetic being well received throughout the organization [1] - The company is optimistic about the future, indicating a strong start in the early days post-merger [1]

Summary of Uniti Group Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Uniti Group (NasdaqGS:UNIT) - **Event**: 2025 Leverage Finance Conference - **Key Speakers**: Paul Bullington (CFO), Bill DiTullio (Head of Investor Relations) Key Points Industry and Company Context - Uniti Group has successfully closed the merger with Windstream, marking a new chapter for the company [5][6][12] - The company operates in three segments: Kinetic (broadband), Fiber Infrastructure, and Uniti Solutions (managed services) [6][8] Windstream Integration - The integration of Windstream is ongoing, with a focus on maintaining modularity among the three segments for strategic flexibility [9][11] - Targeting $100 million in annual run rate synergies over the first three years post-merger, with a mix of short-term and long-term initiatives [12][13] Kinetic Segment Developments - Kinetic aims to pass 3.5 million homes by the end of 2029, currently at 1.9 million, requiring a ramp-up in build pace from 200,000 to 400,000 homes per year [14][15] - Transitioning from internal crews to a mix of internal and external contractors to accelerate fiber-to-the-home builds [15][16] - Historical cost to pass for fiber-to-the-home is $600-$650, projected to rise to $850-$950 due to inflation and increased use of external contractors [19][21][23] Competitive Landscape - Kinetic's competitive position is favorable, with 60% of its footprint facing significant cable competition, compared to 80-90% for peers [30] - DSL services are experiencing competitive pressure, while fiber services remain robust [31] AI and Fiber Infrastructure Opportunities - The demand for fiber driven by AI is seen as a generational opportunity, with a current contract value funnel estimated at $1.7 billion [35][36] - Focus on dark fiber deals structured in an IRU format, which are cash accretive and leverage existing assets [36][37] Uniti Solutions Segment - Uniti Solutions is characterized as non-core but generates significant free cash flow, with a capital intensity of 10-15% [39][40] - Potential interest from pure-play managed services providers or large broadband network owners for acquisition [40][41] Valuation and Market Comparisons - Kinetic's valuation can be benchmarked against Frontier and Ziply deals, while Uniti Solutions is expected to command 3-5 times EBITDA [42][43] - Quality fiber assets are anticipated to see increased interest and valuation due to AI hyperscaler demand [43] Capital Structure and Funding - Uniti Group is optimistic about expanding its Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) market presence, with a potential issuance for Kinetic expected in the first half of 2026 [44][46] - Anticipates leverage will increase during the investment cycle, with a target to generate free cash flow by 2029 [51][52] Closing Remarks - Excitement around the merger completion, AI opportunities, and the fiberization of the Kinetic network as strategic imperatives for future growth [53]

Core Insights - The recent merger with Windstream does not enhance the near-term cash flow profile, which remains constrained by significant capital expenditures and debt service obligations [1] - The merger is intended to facilitate access to cheaper financing, although this benefit has yet to materialize [1]

Summary of Uniti Group FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Uniti Group (NasdaqGS: UNIT) - **Event**: 9th Annual Wells Fargo TMT Summit - **Date**: November 18, 2025 Key Points Merger with Windstream - The merger with Windstream has been completed, and the integration is progressing well, with new leadership being brought in to enhance operations [6][8][11] - The previous landlord-tenant structure was seen as a burden, and the merger allows for better alignment in capital allocation and investment strategies [7][8] - Cost of capital has improved significantly post-merger, unlocking additional financing opportunities, particularly asset-backed securities (ABS) [8][9] Fiber-to-the-Home Build Plan - Uniti Group has set a target of 3.5 million passings by the end of 2029, with a focus on ramping up construction through external contractors [15][17] - The cost per passing is projected to be between $850 and $950, which is below industry benchmarks [18][22] - Kinetic's internal crew capabilities have contributed to lower costs, and previous investments in fiber infrastructure provide a competitive advantage [19][21] Strategic Shift in Build Funding - The company is pivoting from subsidized builds to more strategic builds, with subsidized projects expected to account for only 10-15% of the overall plan [26][30] - The focus is on markets with higher density and lower costs to pass, which are more economically viable [27][28] Penetration Rates and Market Strategy - Target penetration rates are set at a blended 40%, with expectations of achieving 25% in year one and 30% in year two [40][41] - The marketing strategy is shifting to a more tailored approach, allowing for better pricing and customer retention [46][50] Financial Projections and Growth - The company expects fiber revenue to surpass copper DSL revenue in the first half of next year, with a significant inflection point for revenue and EBITDA growth anticipated in 2027 [54][62] - A target of $100 million in annual run rate synergies from the merger is expected, primarily from operational efficiencies [63][64] Funding Mechanisms - Uniti Group has successfully executed two ABS financings totaling $840 million, with plans to increase the role of ABS in their funding strategy [57][58] - The company is exploring various funding mechanisms, including potential asset divestitures and joint ventures to support fiber build initiatives [59][60] Hyperscale Opportunities - The demand for hyperscale services is growing, with a significant increase in the sales funnel, expected to impact the P&L starting in 2026 [66][68] - Initial returns from hyperscale deals are projected to exceed traditional anchor deals, providing a strong revenue model [70] Market Perception - There is a need for the equity market to better understand the potential of the Windstream business and the strategic direction of Uniti Group [71][72] - The company is focused on executing its plans to build confidence among investors and demonstrate growth potential [73] Additional Insights - The leadership team is blending experience from both traditional and competitive fiber markets, which is expected to enhance operational effectiveness [11][12] - The company is optimistic about achieving sustainable ARPU growth, although it may stabilize at a lower rate compared to recent spikes [47][50]

Core Insights - Uniti has been recognized by the Military Friendly® program for its commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining military veterans [1][2] - The company ranked second on the Military Friendly® Employer list and first on the Military Spouse Friendly list for companies with annual revenue between $1 billion and $5 billion [2] - Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation, which evaluates institutions based on public data and proprietary survey responses [3] Methodology and Evaluation - The Military Friendly® Employers designation is determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, focusing on recruitment, retention, turnover, and advancement of veterans [4] - Final ratings combine an organization's survey score with its ability to meet specific thresholds in various categories [4] Company Overview - Uniti is a premier insurgent fiber provider in the U.S., offering fast and reliable communications services to over a million consumers and businesses [6] - The company operates under several brands, including Uniti Wholesale, Kinetic, Uniti Fiber, and Uniti Solutions [6] - Uniti will be featured in the 2026 Military Friendly® Employers Guide in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com [5]

Financial Highlights - Total Fiber Year-over-Year Revenue Growth of 13%[6] - Kinetic Consumer Fiber Gross Adds of 36K Were Highest Ever[6] - Kinetic Consumer Fiber Net Adds of 24K Were Highest in 2 Years[6] - Fiber Infrastructure New Bookings MRR of $1.6 Million Were Highest in Over 2 Years[6] - Strong Fiber Infrastructure Adjusted EBITDA YoY Growth of ~11%[47] Kinetic Fiber Performance - Kinetic Consumer Fiber Revenue grew ~26% YoY in 3Q25[38] - Consumer Fiber ARPU of $75.81 up 10% YoY in 3Q25[38] - Fiber penetration of 28.6% in 3Q25, ~50 Bps Improvement Sequentially[38] Future Growth and Targets - The company aims to shift fiber mix to ~75% of total revenue by 2029[51] - Hyperscalers are a Growing Contributor to Uniti's Sales Funnel with a ~5x Increase from 3Q24 Levels[25] - Total Standalone Uniti Sales Funnel MRR is up ~45% YoY in 3Q25[25]

Uniti Group Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Uniti Group (NasdaqGS: UNIT) - **Event**: Conference Call on September 16, 2025 Key Highlights Industry and Market Dynamics - The merger with Windstream has positioned Uniti as a leading fiber provider in the U.S. [2] - Major wireless carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) are investing in fiber-to-the-home, validating Uniti's strategic direction [3] - The rise of hyperscalers and generative AI is driving increased demand for fiber infrastructure [3] Financial and Operational Insights - Prior to the merger, Uniti's revenue was 95% from fiber; post-merger, it is expected to drop to 40% but aims to return to 75-80% within three years [5] - Kinetic, the local exchange carrier, currently serves 4.5 million homes, with plans to expand fiber coverage from 1.7 million to 3.5 million by 2029 [5] - The transition from legacy services is a critical focus, with expectations of significant growth in fiber revenue and EBITDA [4][7] Strategic Initiatives - Uniti is prioritizing fiber builds in less competitive, tier two and tier three markets, which are seen as "virgin territories" for fiber-to-the-home [10][13] - The company is shifting from insourcing to utilizing third-party contractors to accelerate fiber buildouts [13] - A focus on dense markets is emphasized to maximize household connections per dollar spent [12] Competitive Landscape - Fixed wireless is emerging as a stronger competitor than anticipated, but Uniti believes fiber's superior reliability will allow them to regain market share [15][16] - The company targets a blended penetration of 40% across its footprint, with expectations of continued growth beyond that [17] Regulatory Environment - The FCC is increasingly supportive of telecom operators, particularly regarding copper decommissioning and streamlining permitting processes [20][22] - Uniti has received $156 million in BEAD funding, focusing on non-subsidized builds to enhance its competitive position [32][33] Future Outlook - The company anticipates significant growth in hyperscaler demand, with expectations of seeing this reflected in financial results by 2026 [30] - Uniti's strategy includes a national wholesale fiber approach while targeting specific markets for enterprise and residential services [25][26] Additional Insights - The company is optimistic about the potential for fiber to become the dominant revenue source, with copper services becoming inconsequential in the near future [8] - The integration of Windstream is still in its early stages, but the leadership is confident in the long-term benefits of the merger [24]

Summary of Unity's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Unity - **Industry**: Telecommunications, specifically focusing on fiber infrastructure and broadband services Key Strategic and Operating Priorities - **Merger Completion**: Unity has successfully closed the merger with Windstream, allowing a focus on future growth and strategic initiatives [3][4] - **Kinetic Build Plan**: Unity aims to expand its Kinetic service to 3.5 million homes by 2029, with a detailed build plan in place [4][20] - **Go-to-Market Strategy**: There is a strong emphasis on refining the go-to-market approach to enhance penetration and drive revenue growth [5][19] Business Segmentation - **Three Key Segments**: Unity has organized its operations into Kinetic, Fiber Infrastructure, and Unity Solutions, viewing them as separate but complementary businesses [7][9] - **Strategic Review**: A strategic review of the asset portfolio is underway to explore M&A opportunities and optimize asset utilization [11][12] Financial Performance and Projections - **Revenue and EBITDA Growth**: Unity is close to returning to positive growth, with expectations of an inflection point around 2026-2027 [17][18] - **ARPU Analysis**: Unity's average revenue per user (ARPU) is around $90, with expectations for modest growth of 2-3% moving forward [35][38] - **Leverage Strategy**: Current leverage is around 5.5x, with a target of 4-4.5x in the long term, post-investment period [57][59] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - **Kinetic Footprint**: The Kinetic service operates in less competitive tier two and tier three rural markets, with 60% of the footprint dominated by large cable competitors [32][34] - **Sales Pipeline**: The sales funnel for fiber infrastructure is at an all-time high, particularly with hyperscaler opportunities growing significantly [42][43] Fiber Infrastructure Insights - **Lease-Up Success**: Unity has demonstrated strong returns on capital through its fiber infrastructure business, achieving high margins on lease-up opportunities [46][48] - **Growth Potential**: The enterprise and wholesale segments are expected to grow, with a focus on leveraging existing assets for additional revenue [47][62] Unity Solutions Segment - **Core Business Focus**: Unity Solutions is viewed as non-core but still critical for large customers, with efforts to stabilize and optimize this segment [10][55] - **Profitability Challenges**: The segment is expected to continue declining in the near term, with a focus on high-value services [62] Conclusion - Unity is positioned for growth through strategic investments in fiber infrastructure and a focus on enhancing its market presence. The company is navigating challenges in its Unity Solutions segment while capitalizing on opportunities in its Kinetic and fiber infrastructure businesses.

Summary of Uniti Group (UNIT) Conference Call - August 12, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Uniti Group (UNIT) - **Event**: Eleventh Annual TD Cowen Communication Infrastructure Summit - **Key Speaker**: Kenny Gunderman, President and CEO Key Points Industry Context - The telecommunications industry is experiencing a convergence of fiber to the home and AI-driven demand in commercial fiber business, which are seen as significant growth drivers for Uniti Group [4][5][6] Financial Performance and Guidance - The company reported a weaker-than-expected earnings performance, with a $60 million shortfall compared to models [3] - Guidance was lowered due to several factors, including slower builds and subscriber penetration from the Windstream acquisition, increased costs associated with fiber builds, and competitive pressure on DSL services [10][11][12][14] - The company is transitioning from a REIT to a C Corp, which has implications for its shareholder base and may lead to volatility in stock performance [7][8] Strategic Initiatives - Uniti Group is pivoting to focus on unsubsidized builds to increase home coverage and improve penetration rates [12][13] - The company is onboarding third-party contractors to enhance build predictability and efficiency, which is expected to help catch up on build plans by the end of the year [14][19] - The Fiber Forward initiative aims to optimize market penetration and improve the overall build strategy, focusing on densification and clustering of existing markets [28][31] Legacy Services and Transition - Uniti Group is actively managing out of legacy TDM services, with expectations to be virtually out by the end of 2025, while still generating positive cash flow from these services [23][24][27] Subscriber Growth and Pricing Strategy - The company is optimistic about ARPU growth, citing opportunities for upselling higher-speed plans and the introduction of new pricing strategies tailored to local markets [36][39][40] - The current pricing for fiber services is competitive, and the company believes it can maintain or increase ARPU despite market pressures [38][39] Wireless and Commercial Fiber Business - Wireless bookings have increased by 30% year-over-year, driven by densification efforts and upgrades to rural towers [72] - The commercial fiber business is expected to benefit from new hyperscaler deals, which are anticipated to enhance cash flow and growth potential [64][66][67] M&A Activity and Market Outlook - The company remains open to M&A opportunities, particularly in the commercial fiber space, as the market shows signs of increased activity [79][81] - There is a growing interest in fiber businesses, especially those that own their networks and demonstrate steady growth [83][84] Tax Implications - As a result of the merger, Uniti Group expects to benefit from a step-up in tax basis, reducing the likelihood of becoming a cash taxpayer in the near future [88][89] AI Integration - The company is leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and customer experience, with a dedicated team focused on AI innovations [94][96][97] Additional Insights - The company is confident in its ability to navigate current challenges and capitalize on future growth opportunities, particularly in the fiber and AI sectors [18][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uniti reported consolidated revenues of $300 million and adjusted EBITDA of $243 million for Q2 2025, with AFFO attributed to common shareholders at $96 million and AFFO per diluted common share at $0.36, all exceeding expectations [30][32] - Total fiber revenue for Uniti and Windstream increased by 10% year-over-year during Q2, with Kinetic consumer fiber revenue growing by 27% [29][30] - The pro forma view of new Uniti consolidated performance showed a revenue decline of approximately 6% year-over-year, primarily due to the decline in legacy TDM services [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinetic expanded its fiber network to pass an additional 52,000 homes, ending the quarter with 1.7 million homes passed and adding 19,000 fiber subscribers, a 15% increase year-over-year [29] - Fiber penetration increased by 20 basis points sequentially and 120 basis points year-over-year, while fiber ARPU rose by 6% sequentially and 11% year-over-year [30][32] - Uniti Fiber reported revenues of $74 million and adjusted EBITDA of $29 million during Q2, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 39% [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hyperscaler deals have increased as a percentage of the total sales funnel from less than 15% a year ago to now 40%, with a total contract value of approximately $1.5 billion [17][56] - Kinetic's consumer segment represents about 60% of total revenue and is expected to grow to about 75%, with fiber-based revenue projected to reach about 85% by 2029 [18][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to accelerate its investment in fiber, expecting to pass 3.5 million homes with fiber within the Kinetic footprint by 2029, with 75% of total revenue anticipated to be fiber-based by that time [8][10] - The strategy focuses on being an insurgent share taker with industry-leading NPS scores and a commitment to network quality and customer satisfaction [9][12] - The company aims to transition the majority of Kinetic's footprint to fiber, which is expected to result in lower churn and predictable revenue and EBITDA growth [18][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment for fiber providers, noting a more favorable stance from the FCC regarding copper retirement and communications regulations [7] - The company anticipates a significant increase in demand for fiber services as the AI inference phase approaches, with expectations for higher margin, lower capital intensity deals from hyperscalers [49][51] - The outlook for 2025 includes consolidated revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, with a focus on expanding fiber infrastructure [37][38] Other Important Information - The company has successfully collapsed legacy Unity and Windstream debt silos into one unified structure, simplifying its capital structure and unlocking opportunities for asset-backed securities [40] - The company expects to achieve a blended cost of $750 to $850 per passing over the life of the fiber build program, with a historical cost of approximately $650 per passing [38][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did the deal constructs change with the inference phase? - Management indicated that the inference phase is expected to bring more lease-up deals with better margins and lower upfront costs, while also acknowledging potential increased competition [42][49] Question: What is the timeframe for the $1.5 billion funnel? - Management noted that deals in the funnel typically take 12 to 18 months to materialize, with expectations that most of the current funnel will work its way through in the next 6 to 18 months [54][56] Question: How much of the Kinetic build-out is economical? - Management stated that a significant portion of the footprint without cable competition is economical to build, with expectations to reach 75% to 80% of the footprint with direct fiber to the home [58][60]