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- **Fiber Expansion Milestone**: TDS Telecom reached 1 million fiber service addresses, with plans to evaluate additional edge-out opportunities of several hundred thousand.
- **Share Repurchase Program**: Board authorized a $500 million increase to the share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in long-term strategy.
- **Tower Margin Growth**: Array expects gradual margin improvement through colocation revenue growth and operational efficiency.
- **eACAM Program**: TDS Telecom's eACAM initiative targets 300,000 new fiber addresses with 15-year regulatory revenue support and potential 65%-75% penetration rates.
- **Spectrum Transactions**: Array anticipates closing spectrum sales to AT&T and Verizon in 2026, with a $10 per share special dividend for Array upon AT&T transaction completion.

**【Management Opening Remarks】**
- John Toomey introduced the call, highlighting the transition to his new role and the availability of presentation slides for reference. He emphasized the forward-looking nature of the discussion and reminded participants of the risks associated with future projections.

**【CEO Summary Section】**
- Walter Carlson reported on Q3 performance, noting the successful closure of the T-Mobile transaction and the transition of Array into an independent tower company. He highlighted the appointment of Anthony Carlson as Array's CEO and the achievement of 1 million fiber service addresses by TDS Telecom. Carlson also mentioned the receipt of a $1.6 billion special dividend from Array and the announcement of a $500 million share repurchase program.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- Vicki Villakrez provided details on the capital allocation strategy, which prioritizes fiber investment, M&A, and shareholder returns. She noted the Q3 repurchase of 1 million shares and the authorization of an additional $500 million for share buybacks. Villakrez also discussed the fiber expansion program, including the eACAM initiative targeting 300,000 new fiber addresses, and the expected regulatory revenue support over 15 years. She emphasized the company's disciplined approach to capital allocation and its focus on accretive M&A opportunities.

**【Q&A Key Highlights】**
- **Fiber Expansion and Cohort Analysis**: Ken Dixon confirmed the evaluation of several hundred thousand additional fiber addresses and acknowledged investor interest in cohort penetration data. He noted the lack of industry standards for such reporting but indicated a focus on improving sales execution and penetration rates in existing markets.
- **Share Buyback Strategy**: Vicki Villakrez clarified that the $500 million buyback authorization reflects board confidence in the company's strategy and the attractiveness of returning capital to shareholders. The timing and execution will be disciplined, contingent on spectrum transaction closings.
- **Array's Naked Tower Strategy**: Doug Chambers outlined plans to lease or decommission naked towers, emphasizing the need for ground lease rationalization and the potential for multi-year decisions on each tower's viability.
- **Leverage Target and M&A Considerations**: Walter Carlson reaffirmed the 1.5x leverage target for TDS Telecom, noting it balances flexibility with growth opportunities. He indicated a focus on accretive M&A within existing market clusters rather than broader acquisitions.
- **Tower Margin Growth**: Doug Chambers discussed long-term margin improvement through colocation revenue growth, SG&A cost reduction, and ground rent rationalization, anticipating gradual margin expansion as operational efficiency improves.

**【CFO Financial Updates】**
- Ken Dixon highlighted TDS Telecom's Q3 achievements, including 42,000 new fiber addresses and 11,200 residential net adds, while acknowledging the need to accelerate address delivery to meet annual targets. He emphasized the eACAM program's strategic importance, potential penetration rates of 65%-75%, and the associated regulatory revenue stream.
- Doug Chambers provided updates on Array's spectrum monetization progress, noting 70% of spectrum holdings under agreement and the pending closings of AT&T and Verizon transactions. He also addressed the legal dispute with Dish Wireless and reaffirmed Array's commitment to enforcing its MLA obligations.

Array Digital Infrastructure Inc (AD) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **$4.3B T-Mobile Sale**: Unlocked $1.63B for TDS, reducing debt costs to 6% and enabling fiber/tower growth.
- **Tower Growth**: 12% YoY third-party revenue growth, new T-Mobile MLA adds 2,015 colocations.
- **Fiber Expansion**: 150,000 new addresses in 2025, 83% on 100+ Mbps plans, 26% on 1 Gbps+.
- **Spectrum Sales**: $2B expected from AT&T/Verizon, with C-band retained for 5G deployment.
- **Dividend Policy**: Array to implement regular dividend post-spectrum sales, targeting 3x leverage.

**【CEO Opening Remarks】**
- Announced the completion of the $4.3 billion sale of UScellular wireless business and spectrum assets to T-Mobile, unlocking $1.63 billion for TDS.
- Transitioned to a new focus on towers (Array Digital Infrastructure) and fiber (TDS Telecom), with 4,400 owned towers and 968,000 marketable fiber service addresses.
- Highlighted the new 15-year T-Mobile master license agreement (MLA) for 2,015 colocation sites and interim leases on 1,800 sites.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- Repaid $1.1 billion in high-cost debt, reducing annual interest expense by $80 million and lowering TDS' average debt cost to 6%.
- Declared a special dividend of $23 per share for Array, with TDS receiving $1.63 billion.
- Anticipates $2 billion in proceeds from pending spectrum sales to AT&T and Verizon, targeting 3x leverage at Array ($700 million debt) and <1.5x leverage at TDS.

**【Array (Doug Chambers)】**
- Monetized 70% of spectrum holdings, with $2 billion expected from AT&T and Verizon sales (closing in H2 2025 and Q3 2026).
- Retained C-band spectrum for 5G deployment, with no build-out requirements until 2029.
- Tower segment saw 12% YoY growth in third-party revenues, driven by in-house sales team and MLA with T-Mobile.

**【TDS Telecom (Kris Bothfeld)】**
- On track to add 150,000 new fiber service addresses in 2025, with 27,000 added Q2 and 10,300 net adds (19% YoY growth).
- E-ACAM program on track to deliver 300,000 addresses over several years, with construction ramping in H2 2025.
- 83% of residential customers now on 100+ Mbps plans, with 26% on 1 Gbps+ plans.
- Updated 2025 guidance: $1.03-1.05 billion revenue, $320-350 million adjusted EBITDA, $310-340 million adjusted OIBDA.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- Fiber expansion: Ken Dixon's sales team targeting Edge-Out opportunities, with 25-30% penetration at 12 months and 40% steady-state.
- Tower monetization: C-band spectrum to be sold opportunistically, with no urgency given 2029 build deadlines.
- M&A strategy: Evaluating fiber opportunities synergistic with existing footprint, with proceeds from spectrum sales to fund growth.
- Dividend policy: Array to implement regular dividend after spectrum sales close, with proceeds allocated to fiber, M&A, and shareholder returns.

United States Cellular Corporation (USM) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Mid-2025 Transaction Execution**: Regulatory approvals on track; TDS to repay $1.2B debt with transaction proceeds. 
- **Tower Business Strength**: 6% YoY revenue growth; 6% free cash flow increase to $79M. 
- **Fiber Expansion Momentum**: 14,000 new addresses in Q1; 8,300 fiber net adds driven by presales model. 
- **Cost Efficiency**: $100M annual savings by 2028; 80%+ CapEx allocated to fiber. 
- **Wireless Competition**: Aggressive promotions offset handset losses; 5G mid-band deployment continues. 
- **Leverage Management**: Post-close target of 3x, subject to debt exchange dynamics.

**【Vicki Villacrez - Transaction Progress & Financial Preparations】**
- **Mid-2025 Transaction Closing Expected**: Regulatory approvals remain on track for the proposed T-Mobile and UScellular transaction. 
- **Financial Flexibility**: Extended bank maturities and amended revolving credit facilities ensure liquidity ahead of the close. 
- **Separation Planning**: Active work on employee transitions, cost restructuring, and post-transaction capital allocation. 
- **Dividend Outlook**: UScellular Board may declare a special dividend post-close, with TDS receiving its pro-rata share to repay $1.2B in bank debt. 
- **Fiber Expansion**: TDS Telecom's fiber footprint expanded 30% over 3 years, targeting 150,000 new addresses in 2025.

**【Laurent Therivel - Operational Performance & Wireless Market Dynamics】**
- **Q1 2025 Results**: 
  - 6% YoY growth in third-party tower revenue (escalators + new colocations). 
  - $79M free cash flow (vs. $61M in Q1 2024). 
  - Flat operating expenses despite promotional intensity. 
- **Wireless Competition**: Carriers offering multi-year price locks, free data plans, and aggressive device subsidies. UScellular increased promotions to mitigate handset losses. 
- **5G Investment**: Mid-band deployment continues to meet capacity needs, with CapEx expected to decline in 2025. 
- **T-Mobile Transaction Benefits**: Anticipated tower MLA with T-Mobile will enhance tower business scale and demand.

**【Douglas Chambers - Transaction Financial Details】**
- **Net Proceeds Estimate**: 
  - Base transaction price of $4.3B (excluding $100M performance-based contingent consideration). 
  - $7M incremental payment for spectrum partnership transfers. 
  - $30-40M accrued wage obligations for T-Mobile-hired employees. 
  - $60-80M severance costs for non-hired employees. 
  - $50M+ tax obligations on sale gains. 
- **Leverage Targets**: Post-close, UScellular expects to maintain leverage near current levels (~3x), subject to debt exchange participation. 
- **Special Dividend**: Excess cash from operations and transaction proceeds may be distributed to shareholders.

**【Kristina Bothfeld - Fiber Expansion & Cost Transformation】**
- **Fiber Growth**: 
  - 14,000 new addresses in Q1, targeting 150,000 annualized. 
  - 8,300 fiber net adds in Q1 (25% YoY growth in fiber markets). 
  - 74% of footprint with 1G+ speeds, targeting 95% by end-2025. 
- **Cost Savings**: $100M annual savings by 2028 through operational efficiency initiatives. 
- **Market Divestitures**: Sold 2 copper ILECs in Colorado for $18M, focusing on non-fiber-eligible markets. 
- **Sales Optimization**: Expanded third-party door-to-door sales teams to accelerate address penetration.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- **Designated Entity Spectrum**: Regulatory approvals uncertain, but expected to close alongside main transaction. 
- **Free Cash Flow Run Rate**: Q1 $79M not indicative of full-year trend; CapEx decline supports cash flow growth. 
- **Tower Company Reporting**: Post-close, will adopt REIT-like metrics (AFFO, etc.) for transparency. 
- **Preferred Stock Redemption**: TDS plans to retain Series UU/BB preferred stock as foundational capital. 
- **Spectrum Monetization**: Prioritize sales over leasing; C-band build-out not required until 2029. 
- **Leverage Post-Close**: Target 3x, but final level depends on debt exchange participation.


United States Cellular Corporat (USM)-2 May 25-2025 Q1 Earnings call transcript

- **$4.4B T-Mobile Transaction**: Top priority for 2025, with spectrum deals contingent on close. 
- **Fiber Expansion Acceleration**: TDS Telecom targeting 1.8M fiber addresses (up 50%) and 80% penetration by end of decade. 
- **Mid-band 5G Leadership**: UScellular ranked #1 in North Central region with 50% mid-band coverage. 
- **Free Cash Flow Growth**: 2024 free cash flow up 47% to $280M, driven by cost control and asset sales. 
- **Tower Business Resilience**: 4,400 owned towers with 2,444 co-locations, +2,015 new co-locations from T-Mobile deal. 


**【Vicki Villacrez: 2024 Performance Overview】**
- **Strategic Portfolio Optimization**: Sold OneNeck IT Solutions and several copper assets, reducing capital expenditures by 24% and increasing free cash flow. 
- **Financial Discipline**: Adjusted EBITDA up 7% YoY, with UScellular paying down $200M in debt and maintaining bank leverage below 3x.
- **Network Investments**: UScellular expanded mid-band 5G coverage to 50% of traffic, while TDS Telecom grew fiber service addresses by 30% over 3 years.

**【Walter Carlson: 2025 Priorities】**
- **Transaction Execution**: Top priority is closing the T-Mobile wireless sale ($4.4B) and related spectrum deals with Verizon and AT&T. 
- **Tower Business Strengthening**: UScellular's 4,400 owned towers will add 2,015 new co-locations with T-Mobile, with long-term densification opportunities. 
- **Fiber Expansion**: TDS Telecom targeting 1.8M fiber service addresses (up from 1.2M) and 80% fiber penetration by end of decade. 
- **Capital Allocation**: Proceeds from transactions will balance reinvestment in core businesses with shareholder returns. 

**【Laurent Therivel: UScellular Operations】**
- **Subscriber Growth**: Fixed wireless surpasses 150K customers, postpaid handset gross adds up 16% YoY, but net adds remain negative due to competitive pressures. 
- **Financial Resilience**: Despite 2% service revenue decline, adjusted EBITDA up 3% YoY due to cost optimization and CDMA shutdown benefits. 
- **Mid-band Deployment**: 50% of traffic now covered by mid-band 5G, ranked #1 in North Central region by J.D. Power. 

**【Douglas Chambers: Financial Details】**
- **2024 Results**: Free cash flow $280M (up $88M YoY), capital expenditures down 24%, adjusted EBITDA up 3%. 
- **Transaction Impact**: Proceeds from T-Mobile sale ($4.4B) and spectrum deals contingent on regulatory approvals, with potential tax obligations $225-325M. 
- **2025 Outlook**: No financial guidance due to transaction uncertainty, but focus on closing deals and operating remaining businesses. 

**【TDS Telecom: Fiber Expansion】**
- **2024 Milestones**: +129K fiber service addresses, 50% of total addresses now served by fiber, residential revenue up 6%. 
- **2025 Targets**: Deliver 150K new fiber addresses, invest $375-425M in capital (up 40% YoY) for EA-CAM program and internal construction. 
- **Long-term Vision**: 80% fiber penetration, 1Gbps+ speeds to 95% of footprint, reducing copper reliance to 5%. 

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- **Tower Reporting**: Post-T-Mobile close, UScellular plans to adopt AFFO metrics but not REIT structure. 
- **Fiber Penetration**: TDS Telecom investing in door-to-door sales teams to boost conversion rates, targeting 52% 1Gbps+ take rates in new customers. 
- **Spectrum Monetization**: C-band licenses valued for mid-band 5G, with build-out requirements deferred until 2029, allowing flexible monetization. 
- **Capital Allocation**: Post-transaction, focus on tower business cash flows and potential dividend, but no decisions until Board review. 


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