Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAnthony Carlson - President and CEODavid Barden - Head of US Communication ServicesJohn Toomey - Treasurer and VP of Corporate RelationsKen Dixon - President and CEOKris Bothfeld - VP of Financial Analysis and Strategic PlanningMichael Rollins - Managing DirectorRic Prentiss - Managing DirectorVicki Villacrez - EVP and CFOWalter Carlson - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsSebastiano Petti ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, total operating revenues decreased by 1% compared to the previous quarter and by 2% for the full year, with revenues flat year-over-year when excluding divestitures [17][18] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by 6% in Q4, but declined by 6% for the full year due to divestitures and a non-cash adjustment to stock-based compensation in Q1 [18] - Capital expenditures for the full year were $406 million, with a forecast increase to $550 million-$600 million for 2026 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TDS Telecom added 58,000 new marketable fiber addresses in Q4, a 39% increase year-over-year, and delivered a total of 140,000 new marketable fiber addresses for the full year [10][11] - Residential fiber net adds were approximately 15,000 in Q4, up 11% from Q4 2024, totaling about 45,000 for the year [11][12] - Cash site rental revenue for Array increased by 64% year-over-year in Q4, with a 96% increase when including T-Mobile interim site revenue [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The divestitures in 2025, including the sale of wireless operations, have concentrated TDS's footprint in economically viable markets for fiber [12] - The company identified 300,000 additional fiber address opportunities, raising its long-term goal from 1.8 million to 2.1 million fiber addresses [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - TDS aims to strengthen its corporate and capital structure, grow TDS Telecom's fiber business, support Array's tower operations, and enhance company culture while delivering strong operational results [4][5] - Array focuses on optimizing tower operations and monetizing spectrum, with significant progress in spectrum monetization agreements with major carriers [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth prospects for 2026, particularly in fiber and tower operations, despite challenges from legacy revenue declines and divestitures [19][34] - The company is committed to delivering a best-in-class customer experience and achieving operational efficiency through ongoing business transformation efforts [14][15] Other Important Information - TDS repaid $150 million in term loan debt and received $726 million from a special dividend related to the AT&T spectrum sale [6][7] - The company plans to continue disciplined share repurchase activities, with $524 million remaining on its authorization as of the end of 2025 [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is DISH included in the 2026 guidance? - Management confirmed that DISH is completely out of the 2026 guidance, and any settlement would be considered upside [43][44] Question: What is the outlook for tower leasing applications? - Management expressed optimism about growth prospects, expecting significant same-store growth and positive results from insourcing the sales team [45][47] Question: How is TDS Telecom addressing video bundling? - Management emphasized the importance of video in their value proposition and plans to strengthen video bundling alongside broadband offerings [84] Question: What is the growth rate embedded in the revenue guidance for 2026? - Management indicated a growth expectation of around 6% on a same-store basis, excluding DISH revenue [80]

Group 1 - JPMorgan analyst Richard Choe lowered the price target on SBA Communications (SBAC) to $240 from $245, maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares [1] - The firm reduced new leasing estimates for tower companies due to a more conservative approach influenced by potential impacts from EchoStar [1] - The industry outlook is described as "modest," with concerns over the EchoStar/Dish situation, although potential deals could serve as a positive catalyst for tower stocks [1]

Core Insights - Digita Group has reached an agreement to be acquired by GI Partners, marking a significant transition for the company as it continues to operate independently within GI Partners' portfolio [1][3][4] - Under the previous ownership of DigitalBridge, Digita expanded its tower sites from approximately 200 to over 950 and enhanced its Data Centre and IoT platforms [2][5] - The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, with financial advisement provided by Houlihan Lokey for DigitalBridge and Rothschild & Co. for GI Partners [4] Company Overview - Digita Group, operating as Digita Oy in Finland and IslandsTurnar in Iceland, is one of the largest independent tower companies in the Nordics, with a nationwide portfolio of over 950 tower sites [1][5] - The company plays a crucial role in providing communication and connectivity services, partnering with Yle, Finland's public broadcaster, and serving millions through its telecom infrastructure [5] Investment and Growth Strategy - The new partnership with GI Partners is expected to support Digita's management team in the next stage of growth, focusing on expanding its independent tower operations and enhancing its data centre and IoT networks [3][7] - GI Partners has a strong background in investing in digital infrastructure, managing over $49 billion in assets, which positions them well to support Digita's future growth [6][7]

Core Insights - Anterix and Crown Castle have launched a nationwide tower optimization solution called TowerX to enhance the deployment of 900 MHz private LTE networks for utilities, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate grid connectivity [1][2][3] Group 1: TowerX Overview - TowerX provides a streamlined path for utilities to deploy 900 MHz private wireless networks, combining a portfolio of qualified tower sites with comprehensive site development [2] - The service standardizes processes and leverages collective experience to help utilities control costs, reduce project delays, and optimize tower assets for long-term operational needs [2][3] Group 2: Infrastructure and Collaboration - Utilities using TowerX will gain access to a vast network of tower infrastructure, including over 40,000 sites from Crown Castle, facilitating faster deployment of private wireless networks [3] - The collaboration between Anterix and Crown Castle aims to strengthen operational resilience and enable large-scale grid modernization [3][4] Group 3: Industry Impact - TowerX is part of the Anterix Active Ecosystem, which includes over 125 technology and infrastructure innovators, working together to provide end-to-end solutions for utilities [4] - This ecosystem enhances interoperability and accelerates grid transformation, addressing the challenges faced by utilities in modernizing their infrastructure [4][6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% year-over-year, with a 1% decline when excluding divestitures, driven by declines in legacy cable and copper markets, partially offset by fiber growth [31] - Adjusted EBITDA also fell by 3% year-over-year, impacted by divestitures and legacy revenue declines, but supported by disciplined cost control [31] - Capital expenditures increased compared to the previous year due to spending on the EACAM program and higher expansion address delivery, with over 80% of 2025 capital expenditures focused on fiber [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TDS Telecom achieved a milestone of 1 million fiber addresses, with 42,000 fiber addresses delivered in the quarter, contributing to a 19% growth in residential fiber connections year-over-year [15][23] - Residential fiber net additions were 11,200 in the quarter, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase [30] - The company is behind schedule on its annual address delivery target but expects the fourth quarter to be the strongest [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fiber business is expected to grow significantly, with a target of 1.8 million marketable fiber service addresses, up from approximately 900,000 [28][84] - The company anticipates achieving gig speeds for at least 95% of its footprint, with 76% currently at gig speeds [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation decisions, prioritizing investments in fiber, achieving inorganic growth through M&A, and returning capital to shareholders [17][20] - The EACAM program aims to replace legacy copper infrastructure, adding approximately 300,000 new fiber addresses and providing $1.2 billion in regulatory revenue support over 15 years [24][25] - The company plans to pursue edge-out opportunities in adjacent communities without fiber providers, with several hundred thousand potential service addresses identified [18][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiber business's growth potential and the successful transition to an independent tower company [14][33] - The company is focused on optimizing tower operations and monetizing spectrum, with significant progress made in spectrum monetization [36][38] - Management acknowledged the challenges of transforming the business but emphasized the strong culture and commitment of associates [16] Other Important Information - A $500 million share repurchase program was announced, reflecting the board's confidence in the company's long-term strategy [20][60] - The company expects to declare a special dividend of approximately $10 per share following the closing of the AT&T transaction [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on fiber plan and cohort analysis - Management acknowledged the request for cohort analysis and plans to provide updates in February regarding fiber opportunities and market performance [54][56] Question: Stock buyback program significance - The board's authorization of the buyback program reflects confidence in the company's strategy and is seen as a balanced approach alongside business investments [60] Question: SG&A expenses and wind down costs - Management indicated that SG&A costs are expected to remain high through the first half of next year, with ongoing efforts to rationalize expenses [64][65] Question: Naked tower strategy and land leases - The strategy involves leasing up towers and rationalizing ground rents, with minimal long-term commitments on land leases [75][78] Question: Leverage target and fiber passings impact - The leverage target is set to maximize flexibility, with current leverage at 1.4 times, and future updates on fiber goals will be provided in February [82][84] Question: M&A strategy and edge-out opportunities - Current focus is on operational execution rather than M&A, with potential future opportunities being evaluated [107]

Strategy & Vision - Helios Towers' new strategy, IMPACT 2030, targets capital efficient organic growth through tenancy expansion and customer experience excellence[35, 113] - The company aims to generate >$1.3 billion of cumulative recurring free cash flow across 2026-2030[35, 113, 138, 157] - The company is targeting >$500 million of discretionary capex on accretive growth opportunities and >$400 million of investor distributions up to 2030[35, 151, 152, 157] - The company targets >42,000 tenancies by 2030[106] and a tenancy ratio of >2.5x by 2030[37, 51, 106, 138] Financial Performance & Targets - The company's FY25 Adj EBITDA guidance is tightened upwards to c$470 million, representing a +12% YoY growth[30, 117, 119, 124, 125] - The company's Q3 2025 YTD Adj EBITDA grew +11% YoY to $346 million[117] - The company's Q3 2025 YTD free cash flow expanded to $49 million, a +$70 million YoY expansion[117] - The company's Q3 2025 YTD tenancy ratio expanded to 2.2x, a +0.1x YoY expansion[37, 51, 117] - The company's Q3 2025 YTD ROIC expanded to 14%, a +1ppt YoY expansion[37, 51, 117] - The company has initiated a share buyback program with a Board authorization of $75 million until 31 December 2026[107, 146, 147, 152]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong quarter with an industry-leading AFFO per share and a modest increase in the full-year outlook for new leasing activity and escalations [5][10] - Adjusted for the timing of the Millicom acquisition, the third-quarter results were in line with expectations, with domestic organic leasing revenue growth of 5.3% on a gross basis and 1.6% on a net basis [13][21] - Total debt at the end of the quarter was $12.8 billion, with net debt at $12.3 billion, resulting in a leverage ratio of 6.2 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The services business saw a significant revenue increase of 81% in Q3 compared to the prior year, primarily driven by construction-related projects focused on network expansion [5] - The company acquired 447 sites for approximately $143 million during Q3, mainly related to the Millicom acquisition, with an additional 2,000 sites closed post-quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International organic leasing revenue growth for Q3 was 8.5% on a gross basis, although total international churn remained elevated due to ongoing carrier consolidation [15][21] - The company noted that 80% of consolidated cash site leasing revenue and 85% of adjusted EBITDA was denominated in U.S. dollars [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on being a leading tower company in each market and aligning more closely with leading wireless operators [8] - A new long-term agreement with Verizon supports the company's growth strategy and enhances operational efficiencies [9][10] - The company is changing its financial policy to reduce the target leverage range to six to seven turns of net debt to adjusted EBITDA, aiming for investment-grade debt issuance [17][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macro environment for mobile broadband growth, driven by the proliferation of 5G use cases and increasing mobile data traffic [10][11] - The company anticipates ongoing network investment to meet the demands of new technologies, including 6G [11] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by regulatory delays in acquisitions but remains confident in future growth opportunities [81] Other Important Information - The company has a remaining $1.3 billion under its stock repurchase authorization, having repurchased $325 million worth of shares in 2025 [10][21] - A quarterly dividend of $1.11 per share was declared, representing a 13% increase over the previous year [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Verizon MLA on new leasing revenue - Management indicated that the Verizon agreement includes components for colocations and amendments, with a minimum commitment for growth over the next 10 years [27][28] Question: Current status of DISH payments - Management confirmed that DISH is current on their rents and expects them to honor their agreements [28][29] Question: Structure of Verizon deal compared to AT&T - The Verizon deal is described as more linear compared to the AT&T agreement, with growth tied directly to activity [30][31] Question: T-Mobile agreement status - Management expressed confidence in negotiating a new agreement with T-Mobile, given the strong existing relationship [98] Question: Sustainability of services business growth - Management noted that while this year is expected to be the second-best for services, sustainability will depend on the needs of the three main customers [100][101] Question: Regulatory delays in acquisitions - Management acknowledged that regulatory challenges have impacted the timing of acquisitions, particularly in markets where they hold significant market share [81][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong quarter with an increase in Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) per share, leading the industry [4] - Revenue from the services business increased by 81% year-over-year in Q3, primarily driven by construction-related projects [4] - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $12.8 billion and net debt of $12.3 billion, maintaining a leverage ratio of 6.2 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic organic leasing revenue growth was 5.3% on a gross basis and 1.6% on a net basis, with churn at 3.7% [11] - International organic leasing revenue growth was 8.5% on a constant currency basis [12] - The company acquired 447 sites for approximately $143 million during Q3, primarily related to the Millicom acquisition [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that 80% of consolidated cash site leasing revenue and 85% of adjusted EBITDA were denominated in U.S. dollars [11] - Total international churn remained elevated due to ongoing carrier consolidation, particularly in Brazil [51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on being a leading tower company in each market and aligning with leading wireless operators [6] - A new long-term agreement with Verizon was established to support network modernization, enhancing operational efficiencies for both companies [7] - The company is changing its financial policy to reduce the target leverage range to six to seven times net debt to adjusted EBITDA, aiming for investment-grade debt [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macro environment for mobile broadband growth, driven by increasing 5G use cases and federal support for network capacity [9] - The company anticipates continued strong leasing demand and is increasing its full-year outlook for new leasing activity and escalations [4] - Management acknowledged challenges from regulatory delays but remains confident in future growth opportunities [64] Other Important Information - The company completed the acquisition of Central American assets from Millicom and sold its Canadian tower business earlier than expected [5] - A cash dividend of $1.11 per share was declared, representing a 13% increase over the previous year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Verizon MLA on new leasing revenue - Management indicated that the Verizon agreement includes components for colocations and amendments, locking in growth for the next 10 years [24] Question: Current status of DISH payments - Management confirmed that DISH is current on their rents and expects them to honor their agreements [25] Question: Structure of the Verizon deal compared to AT&T - The Verizon deal is more linear and tied directly to activity, differing from the AT&T agreement [34] Question: International churn outlook - Management expects a significant reduction in international churn over the next couple of years as consolidation stabilizes [51] Question: Future leasing opportunities and regulatory challenges - Management is optimistic about mid-single-digit growth in leasing opportunities, despite regulatory challenges in some markets [62]

October 22, 2025 Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call The pathway to possible. Cautionary Language PAGE 3 Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call v Delivered strong third quarter results, highlighted by 5.2% organic growth, excluding the impact of Sprint Cancellations.(1) V Increased full year 2025 Outlook as we continue to find opportunities to operate more efficiently, and demand for our assets remains strong. v We anticipate generating long-term attractive risk- adjusted returns as the only la ...