Mid-band Rollout
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Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Conference Transcript
2025-09-16 15:32
Summary of Telephone and Data Systems Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Array Digital Infrastructure, a tower company that emerged from UScellular after selling its wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. The company retained 4,400 towers and approximately 30% of its spectrum, along with minority stakes in wireless operating companies, generating annual income of about $150 million to $160 million [4][18]. Core Strategies and Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Array reported a 12% revenue growth in Q2 2025, with a 7% growth when excluding application fees. Colocation applications increased over 100% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [8][15][30]. - **Colocation Focus**: The company is focusing on colocation growth, particularly with T-Mobile committing to colocate on 2,015 sites, which is expected to increase cash revenue by 50% starting August 1, 2025 [9][11]. - **Operational Efficiency**: Array has brought its sales team in-house, which has contributed to improved performance. The company operates with a lean organizational structure, relying on TDS for back-office functions [12][13]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - **Rural Focus**: Array's towers are primarily located in rural areas, with one-third of them lacking competing towers within a two-mile radius. This positioning is advantageous as carriers expand their mid-band footprint [14][15]. - **Spectrum Value**: The company retains valuable C-band spectrum, which is immediately deployable and attractive to carriers. The first build-out deadline for this spectrum is in 2029, with a second in 2031 [18]. Future Outlook and Industry Trends - **Colocation Demand**: The demand for colocation is expected to remain robust, driven by carrier investments and mid-band rollouts. The company anticipates continued growth in colocations and amendment activities [15][16]. - **Spectrum Transactions**: Array has pending spectrum transactions with AT&T and Verizon, expected to close by the end of 2025 and in Q3 2026, respectively. The company plans to declare special dividends upon closing these transactions [19][22]. Financial Strategy and Leverage - **Leverage Ratio**: Array is comfortable with a leverage ratio of three times, which allows for future flexibility in investments. The company has been upgraded to investment grade by S&P and has received positive news from Moody's regarding credit ratings [24][25]. Additional Considerations - **REIT Status**: Array is not a REIT due to asset and income tests that it does not meet. The company is exploring structural changes to potentially become a REIT in the future, which is seen as desirable for shareholders [22][23]. - **Long-term Investments**: In the short to medium term, Array is not planning significant capital investments but may consider opportunities in established rural clusters in the long term [20]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Array Digital Infrastructure's strategic focus, financial performance, market positioning, and future outlook.