Uniti(US:UNIT)2025-12-02 17:32Summary 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]