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TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC /DE/ (TDS)

CIK: 0001051512. SIC: 4813 Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone). Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-24.

SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Communications > SIC 4813 Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone)

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1051512. Latest filing source: 0001051512-26-000011.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Business

Read TDS's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.

Risk Factors

Read TDS's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue1,228,207,000USD20252026-02-24
Net income-6,236,000USD20252026-02-24
Assets8,398,303,000USD20252026-02-24

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-24. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001051512.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Download these verified figures (annual + quarterly, with per-value filing provenance): JSON · CSV

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue5,155,000,0005,044,000,0005,109,000,0005,176,000,0005,225,000,0005,329,000,0005,413,000,0001,355,113,0001,296,978,0001,228,207,000
Net income43,000,000153,000,000135,000,000121,000,000226,000,000156,000,00062,000,000-500,009,000-27,705,000-6,236,000
Operating income108,000,000-108,000,000205,000,000179,000,000259,000,000261,000,000122,000,000-682,566,000-191,259,000-97,385,000
Diluted EPS0.391.371.171.031.931.00-0.07-5.05-0.85-0.65
Operating cash flow782,000,000776,000,0001,017,000,0001,016,000,0001,532,000,0001,103,000,0001,155,000,0001,141,151,0001,145,873,000589,889,000
Capital expenditures1,338,000,0001,131,000,0001,161,000,000643,065,000365,446,000390,529,000
Share buybacks3,000,0000.000.000.0014,000,0008,000,00040,000,0005,813,0000.00108,129,000
Assets9,446,000,0009,295,000,0009,783,000,00010,781,000,00012,525,000,00013,493,000,00014,550,000,0008,135,138,00013,682,232,0008,398,303,000
Stockholders' equity4,144,000,0004,269,000,0004,560,000,0004,653,000,0004,804,000,0005,927,000,0005,849,000,0005,202,000,0005,091,242,0004,801,607,000
Cash and cash equivalents900,000,000619,000,000921,000,000465,000,0001,429,000,000367,000,000360,000,000236,000,000363,612,000765,952,000
Free cash flow194,000,000-28,000,000-6,000,000498,086,000780,427,000199,360,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin0.83%3.03%2.64%2.34%4.33%2.93%1.15%-36.90%-2.14%-0.51%
Operating margin2.10%-2.14%4.01%3.46%4.96%4.90%2.25%-50.37%-14.75%-7.93%
Return on equity1.04%3.58%2.96%2.60%4.70%2.63%1.06%-9.61%-0.54%-0.13%
Return on assets0.46%1.65%1.38%1.12%1.80%1.16%0.43%-6.15%-0.20%-0.07%
Current ratio2.322.142.652.002.621.731.341.401.562.10

Industry Peer Context

Each number-line places TDS against the min, median, and max of latest reported values among companies in the same SIC industry when at least three peers report that ratio.

Net margin peer context

TDS Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 9.TDS Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 9.9 SIC peersMin -14.0%Median 6.2%Max 58.4%TDS -0.5%

Operating margin peer context

TDS Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 9.TDS Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 9.9 SIC peersMin -7.9%Median 6.9%Max 21.2%TDS -7.9%

ROE peer context

TDS ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 10.TDS ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 10.10 SIC peersMin -11.9%Median 12.1%Max 343.1%TDS -0.1%

ROA peer context

TDS ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 10.TDS ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 4813; peer count 10.10 SIC peersMin -5.1%Median 4.7%Max 19.5%TDS -0.1%

Financial Bridges

Waterfall figures reconcile reported SEC companyfacts components. Missing bridges are omitted when required components are not present for the same fiscal year.

Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures

TDS FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.TDS FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.TDS free cash flow bridgeFY2025: operating cash flow less capital expendituresSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Free cash flow bridgeReported amount$0.0B$375.0M$750.0M$589.9MOperating cash flow-$390.5MCapex$199.4MFree cash flow

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001051512-26-000011; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001051512-26-000011; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001051512-26-000011; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment

Financial Charts

TDS revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS RevenueLatest point: FY2025 = $1.2BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearReported revenue$0.0B$3.0B$6.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.

TDS net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Net incomeLatest point: FY2025 = -$6.2MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearNet income-$750.0M$0.0B$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

TDS operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Operating incomeLatest point: FY2025 = -$97.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating income-$750.0M$0.0B$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.

TDS diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Diluted EPSLatest point: FY2025 = -$0.65/shareSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDiluted EPS (USD/share)-$6.00/share$0.00/share$2.00/shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

TDS operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Operating cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $589.9MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating cash flow$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.

TDS capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Capital expendituresLatest point: FY2025 = $390.5MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCapital expenditures$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.

TDS share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Share buybacksLatest point: FY2025 = $108.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearShare buybacks$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.

TDS assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS AssetsLatest point: FY2025 = $8.4BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearAssets$0.0B$10.0B$20.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.

TDS stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Stockholders' equityLatest point: FY2025 = $4.8BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearStockholders' equity$0.0B$3.0B$6.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.

TDS cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Cash and cash equivalentsLatest point: FY2025 = $766.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCash and cash equivalents$0.0B$500.0M$1.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.

TDS free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.TDS Free cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $199.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearFree cash flow-$250.0M$0.0B$1.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001051512-26-000011; filed 2026-02-24. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001051512.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-300.15reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-30-0.22reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-31-0.08reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-301,267,000,000-2,000,000-0.17reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-301,278,000,0000.00-0.16reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-311,312,000,000-506,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-311,262,000,00029,000,0000.10reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-301,238,000,0003,000,000-0.13reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-301,224,000,000-66,000,000-0.73reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-311,240,000,0006,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-311,154,000,0007,000,000-0.09reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-301,186,000,00012,000,000-0.05reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-30308,521,000-81,750,000-0.84reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-31330,712,00056,472,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-31309,450,000144,594,0001.09reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

TDS quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS Quarterly RevenueLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $309.4MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Revenue$0.0B$1.0B$2.0B2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001051512-26-000045; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.

TDS quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS Quarterly Net incomeLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $144.6MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Net income-$750.0M$0.0B$500.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001051512-26-000045; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

TDS quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.TDS Quarterly Diluted EPSLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $1.09/shareSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Diluted EPS (USD/share)-$1.00/share$0.00/share$1.50/share2022-Q22022-Q32023-Q12023-Q22023-Q32024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001051512-26-000045; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001051512-26-000045.

Extracted from a substantive MD&A body after the formal Item 2 span was a TOC or reference stub. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-08. Report date: 2026-03-31.

Executive Overview

The following discussion and analysis compares Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.’s (TDS) financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026, to the three months ended March 31, 2025. It should be read in conjunction with TDS’ interim consolidated financial statements and notes included herein, and with the description of TDS’ business, its audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2025. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to thousands or millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, which may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “will” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See the disclosure under the heading Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement elsewhere in this report for additional information.

The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the MD&A and the business segment information. A discussion of the reasons TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with GAAP are included in the disclosure under the heading Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within the MD&A of this report.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services. TDS provides broadband, video, voice and wireless services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. (Array), an 81.9%-owned subsidiary of TDS, leases tower space to tenants and provides ancillary services, holds noncontrolling interests in primarily wireless operating companies and holds certain wireless spectrum licenses. TDS operates entirely in the United States. See Note 11 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

1

Table of Contents

TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build and return value for its shareholders. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities.

TDS’ strategy has been to re-invest the majority of its operating capital in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders.

TDS plans to build shareholder value by continuing to execute on its strategies to build strong, competitive businesses providing high-quality, data-focused services and products. Strategic efforts include:

▪TDS Telecom strives to provide high-quality broadband services in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video, voice and wireless service options.

▪TDS Telecom seeks to drive growth by investing in fiber deployment and grow its operations by creating clusters of markets in attractive, growing locations and may seek to acquire and/or divest of assets to support its strategy.

▪Array seeks to grow tower revenue primarily through increasing colocations on existing towers and amendments to existing colocations. Array seeks to provide unique tower locations, attractive terms and streamlined implementation to wireless network operators, internet service providers, government and public safety agencies, broadcast and media companies, and other businesses.

▪Array holds noncontrolling interests in primarily wireless operating companies that generate material amounts of income and cash distributions.

▪Array holds wireless spectrum that is subject to sale agreements described below, and additional wireless spectrum not subject to pending sale agreements that Array seeks to opportunistically monetize.

Strategic Alternatives Review

On August 1, 2025, Array sold its wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile US, Inc. (T-Mobile) under a Securities Purchase Agreement (Securities Purchase Agreement). Total consideration received was $4,293.8 million after adjustments which included a combination of $2,628.8 million in cash proceeds and $1,665.0 million in debt assumed by T-Mobile through the preliminary results of an exchange offer made to Array's debtholders, which subsequently closed on August 5, 2025. The final cash proceeds are subject to adjustment according to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement. As of March 31, 2026, Array recorded an estimated purchase price true-up due to T-Mobile of $20.2 million. At closing, a $16.7 million deferral of the purchase price was recorded related to certain spectrum licenses included in the transaction that did not transfer to T-Mobile and are subject to FCC approval. In addition, at closing, Array and T-Mobile entered into a Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement and Short-Term Spectrum Manager Sublease Agreements which provide T-Mobile with an exclusive license to use certain Array spectrum assets and leases at no cost for up to one year from closing for the sole purpose of providing continued, uninterrupted service to customers. Further, at closing, Array and T-Mobile entered into a Master License Agreement (MLA), pursuant to which, among other things, T-Mobile has agreed to license from Array space on towers owned by Array. The wireless operations and select spectrum assets sold to T-Mobile are presented as discontinued operations throughout this report. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

On January 13, 2026, Array closed on the sale of certain 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz wireless spectrum licenses to AT&T for total proceeds of $1,018.0 million and TDS recorded a book gain on the transaction of $150.9 million ($114.7 million net of tax expense) during the first quarter of 2026. The book gain recorded at TDS is lower than the book gain recorded at Array due primarily to transaction costs paid by TDS.

2

Table of Contents

In addition to the sale of Array's wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement and the sale of certain spectrum assets to AT&T pursuant to a License Purchase Agreement, Array also separately entered into the following material agreements to sell spectrum assets.

Spectrum LicensesBuyerPurchase PriceTDS Book Value as of March 31, 2026Signing DateEstimated or Actual Close Date
(Dollars in thousands)
AWS, Cellular and PCS1Verizon$1,000,000$588,760October 17, 2024Q2/Q3 2026
700 MHz2T-Mobile$74,800$53,147August 29, 2025May 5, 2026
700 MHz2T-Mobile$10,200$11,204August 29, 20252026
600 MHz3T-Mobile$86,387$86,387October 7, 2025May 2026

1     This license transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

2     This license transaction involves multiple closing dates. The first group of spectrum licenses received regulatory approval and closed on May 5, 2026. The additional spectrum licenses remain subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

3     This license transaction received regulatory approval and is expected to close in May 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

See Note 6 — Divestitures and Note 12 — Subsequent Events in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the spectrum license transactions.

The strategic alternatives review process is ongoing as Array works toward closing the Verizon and T-Mobile spectrum transactions signed during 2024 and 2025, and seeks to opportunistically monetize its remaining spectrum assets that are not subject to executed agreements.

Recent Development

On May 7, 2026, TDS delivered to the Array Board of Directors a letter setting forth a non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding Array Common Shares that are not owned by TDS (the “Array Proposal”). A special committee of independent and disinterested directors of the Array Board of Directors has been formed to evaluate this proposal. For additional information on the Array Proposal, see TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2026.

In addition to the transactions at Array and the Array Proposal, TDS continues to explore opportunities to transform its business operations given the change in scale of the overall TDS organization following the divestiture of the wireless operations. Together, these initiatives are referred to as the strategic alternatives review throughout this report.

3

Table of Contents

Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪Adjusted EBITDA – non-GAAP metric referring to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses and other specified items. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Adjusted OIBDA – non-GAAP measure referring to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses and other specified items. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, coaxial and copper.

▪Cable Markets – markets where TDS provides service as the cable provider using coaxial cable and fiber technologies.

▪Colocations – represents instances where a third-party leases space on a company-owned tower.

▪Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2038. This support comes with an obligation to provide 100 megabits per second (Mbps) of download speed and 20 Mbps of upload speed (100/20 Mbps) to a certain number of locations.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the cable or incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and less Cash paid for software license agreements. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by divi

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-24. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)Page No.
Executive Overview22
Terms used by TDS24
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated25
TDS Telecom Operations29
Array Operations35
Liquidity and Capital Resources40
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis44
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis45
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates47
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement49
Market Risk51
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures52

21

Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) for the year ended December 31, 2025, and with the description of TDS’ business included herein. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to thousands or millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, which may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “will” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See the disclosure under the heading Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement elsewhere in this report for additional information.

The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the MD&A and the business segment information. A discussion of the reasons TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with GAAP are included in the disclosure under the heading Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within the MD&A of this report.

On August 1, 2025, United States Cellular Corporation, a 82.0%-owned subsidiary of TDS, changed its name to Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. (Array). Array is used throughout this report even when referring to historical periods.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services. TDS provides broadband, video, voice and wireless services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). Array leases tower space to tenants and provides ancillary services, holds noncontrolling interests in primarily wireless operating companies and holds certain wireless spectrum licenses. TDS operates entirely in the United States. See Note 20 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

2025 Operating Revenues by Segment*

*Represents revenues related to continuing operations.

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TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build and return value for its shareholders. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities.

TDS’ strategy has been to re-invest the majority of its operating capital in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders.

Strategic Alternatives Review

On August 1, 2025, Array sold its wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile US, Inc. (T-Mobile) under a Securities Purchase Agreement (Securities Purchase Agreement). Total consideration received was $4,293.8 million after adjustments which included a combination of $2,628.8 million in cash proceeds and $1,665.0 million in debt assumed by T-Mobile through the preliminary results of an exchange offer made to Array's debtholders, which subsequently closed on August 5, 2025. The final cash proceeds are subject to adjustment according to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement. As of December 31, 2025, Array recorded an estimated purchase price true-up due to T-Mobile of $20.2 million. At closing, a $16.7 million deferral of the purchase price was recorded related to certain spectrum licenses included in the transaction that did not transfer to T-Mobile and are subject to FCC approval. In addition, at closing, Array and T-Mobile entered into a Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement and Short-Term Spectrum Manager Sublease Agreements which provide T-Mobile with an exclusive license to use certain Array spectrum assets and leases at no cost for up to one-year for the sole purpose of providing continued, uninterrupted service to customers. Further, at closing, Array and T-Mobile entered into a Master License Agreement (MLA), pursuant to which, among other things, T-Mobile has agreed to license from Array space on towers owned by Array. The wireless operations and select spectrum assets sold to T-Mobile are presented as discontinued operations throughout this report. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

In addition to the sale of Array's wireless operations and select spectrum assets sold to T-Mobile pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Array also separately entered into the following agreements to sell spectrum license assets.

Spectrum LicensesBuyerPurchase PriceTDS Book Value as of December 31, 2025Signing DateEstimated or Actual Close Date
(Dollars in thousands)
AWS, Cellular and PCS1Verizon$1,000,000$588,760October 17, 2024Q2/Q3 2026
3.45 GHz and 700 MHz2AT&T$1,018,044$861,020November 6, 2024January 13, 2026
700 MHz1T-Mobile$85,000$64,351August 29, 20252026
600 MHz1T-Mobile$86,387$86,454October 7, 20252026

1These license transactions remain subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and in the case of the sale to Verizon, the termination of the T-Mobile Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement. See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2Following the close of the transaction on January 13, 2026, TDS expects to record a book gain on the transaction of approximately $150.0 million ($114.0 million net of tax expense) during the first quarter of 2026. The expected book gain recorded at TDS is lower than the expected book gain recorded at Array due primarily to transaction costs paid by TDS.

The strategic alternatives review process is ongoing as Array works toward closing the Verizon and T-Mobile spectrum transactions signed during 2024 and 2025, and seeks to opportunistically monetize its remaining spectrum assets that are not subject to executed agreements. In addition to the transactions at Array, TDS continues to explore opportunities to transform its business operations given the change in scale of the overall TDS organization following the divestiture of the wireless operations. These processes are collectively referred to as the strategic alternatives review throughout this report.

TDS incurred expenses related to the announced transactions and strategic alternatives review of $9.1 million, $33.3 million and $13.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and Cost of operations expenses for continuing operations.

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Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪Adjusted EBITDA – non-GAAP metric referring to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses and other nonrecurring expenses. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Adjusted OIBDA – non-GAAP measure referring to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses and other nonrecurring expenses. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information

▪Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, coaxial and copper.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪Cable Markets – markets where TDS provides service as the cable provider using coaxial cable and fiber technologies.

▪Colocations – represents instances where a third-party leases space on a company-owned tower.

▪DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.

▪Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2038. This support comes with an obligation to provide 100 megabits per second (Mbps) of download speed and 20 Mbps of upload speed (100/20 Mbps) to a certain number of locations.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the cable or incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and less Cash paid for software license agreements. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Residential Fiber Churn Rate – represents the percentage of incumbent and expansion fiber connections that disconnected service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪Tower Tenancy Rate – calculated as total number of colocations divided by total number of towers.

▪Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.

▪Video Connections – represents the individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS’ central office facilities that provide voice services or the billable number of lines into a building for voice services.

▪Wireless Connections – refers to an individual mobile line provisioned through TDS' mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) arrangement and delivered under the TDS-branded wireless offering.

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Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, to the year ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023.

Year Ended December 31,2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
TDS Telecom$1,038,358$1,060,857$1,027,867(2)%3%
Array162,961102,933100,46958%2%
All other126,888133,188226,777(80)%(41)%
Total operating revenues1,228,2071,296,9781,355,113(5)%(4)%
Operating expenses
TDS Telecom1,018,701955,5481,550,8937%(38)%
Array255,493363,268212,694(30)%71%
All other151,398169,421274,092(70)%(38)%
Total operating expenses1,325,5921,488,2372,037,679(11)%(27)%
Operating income (loss)
TDS Telecom19,657105,309(523,026)(81)%N/M
Array(92,532)(260,335)(112,225)64%N/M
All other1(24,510)(36,233)(47,315)(32)%23%
Total operating income (loss)(97,385)(191,259)(682,566)49%72%
Other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities176,101163,623159,4098%3%
Interest and dividend income40,30727,20120,01348%36%
Interest expense(112,668)(108,575)(62,177)(4)%(75)%
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income69,033N/MN/M
Other, net13,5745,6221,840N/MN/M
Total other income186,34787,871119,085N/M(26)%
Income (loss) before income taxes88,962(103,388)(563,481)N/M82%
Income tax benefit(62,184)(22,067)(15,799)N/M(40)%
Net income (loss) from continuing operations151,146(81,321)(547,682)N/M85%
Less: Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax33,742(9,150)2,727N/MN/M
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TDS shareholders117,404(72,171)(550,409)N/M87%
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations(130,904)54,84060,395N/M(9)%
Less: Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax(7,264)10,3749,995N/M4%
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders(123,640)44,46650,400N/M(12)%
Net income (loss)20,242(26,481)(487,287)N/M95%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax26,4781,22412,722N/M(90)%
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders(6,236)(27,705)(500,009)77%94%
TDS Preferred Share dividends69,22569,22569,225
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders$(75,461)$(96,930)$(569,234)22%83%

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Year Ended December 31,2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP)2$298,941$253,330$190,56718%33%
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP)2$528,923$449,776$371,82918%21%
Capital expenditures from continuing operations3$436,559$348,497$627,63125%(44)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

2025-2024 Commentary

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS' share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. Array holds noncontrolling interests in three entities managed by Array in the state of Iowa that sold their wireless operations to T-Mobile in three separate transactions on August 1, 2025, the same date that Array sold its wireless operations to T-Mobile. As a result of the Iowa entities' sale of their wireless operations, these entities recognized a gain on sale, and Array's proportionate share of that gain was included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the amount of $33.4 million, which was the primary driver of the year-over-year increase in 2025. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased in 2025 due primarily to the write-off of unamortized debt costs for TDS debt facilities that were repaid in August 2025, a borrowing on the Array CoBank term loan in August 2025 and lower capitalized interest at Array. Interest expense from continuing operations excludes interest costs in all periods associated with Array term loans repaid, and Array debt exchanged, in conjunction with the sale of Array's wireless operations to T-Mobile. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt and weighted average interest rates.

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax benefit on continuing operations increased in 2025 due primarily to favorable reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets that are now likely to be realized by the taxable income generated from the sale of wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile, and/or the future License Purchase Agreements classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax benefit on the impairment of certain wireless spectrum licenses, which was smaller in 2025 than the impairment recorded in 2024.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, as a result of the sale of the wireless operations on August 1, 2025 and the corresponding loss on sale recognized on that date. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the components of Net income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20252024
(Dollars in thousands)
Array noncontrolling public shareholders’$30,940$(14,863)
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’2,8025,713
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$33,742$(9,150)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of Array’s net income (loss) from continuing operations, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain Array subsidiaries’ net income (loss) from continuing operations and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

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2024-2023 Commentary

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased in 2024 due primarily to an increase in borrowings under the TDS term loan agreements. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt and weighted average interest rates.

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax expense decreased in 2024 due primarily to the deferred tax impact of the wireless spectrum license impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of 2024 and a decrease in state tax expense in 2024, partially offset by the deferred tax impact of the Goodwill impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023. See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders

See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the components of Net income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Array noncontrolling public shareholders’$(14,863)$1,121
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’5,7131,606
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$(9,150)$2,727

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of Array’s net income (loss) from continuing operations, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain Array subsidiaries’ net income (loss) from continuing operations and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

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Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

2025-2024 Commentary

Net income from continuing operations increased in 2025 due primarily to lower operating expenses, an income tax benefit and short-term imputed spectrum lease income, partially offset by lower operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased in 2025 due primarily to lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower operating revenues.

2024-2023 Commentary

Net loss from continuing operations decreased in 2024 due primarily to lower operating and interest expenses, partially offset by lower operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased in 2024 due primarily to lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower operating revenues.

*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

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Column 1Column 2
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom owns, operates and invests in high-quality networks, services and products in a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the United States. TDS Telecom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS and provides a wide range of broadband, video, voice and wireless communications services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers, with the constant focus on delivering outstanding customer service.

The following MD&A omits discussion of 2024 compared to 2023. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025, for that discussion.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.1 million connections in 30 states.

▪Employs approximately 3,500 associates.

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TDS Telecom Mission and Strategy

TDS Telecom's mission is to provide high-quality communications services to connect people and businesses, support education, and strengthen communities.

TDS Telecom seeks to be the preferred broadband provider by offering fiber-rich networks, high-quality products and services, and a seamless customer experience. TDS Telecom's strategic efforts include:

▪Provide high-quality broadband services in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video, voice and wireless service options.

▪Drive growth by investing in fiber deployment. TDS Telecom seeks to grow its operations by creating clusters of markets in attractive, growing locations and may seek to acquire and/or divest of assets to support its strategy.

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Operational Overview — TDS Telecom

Total Service Address Mix

As of December 31,

TDS Telecom increased its service addresses 4% from a year ago to 1.9 million as of December 31, 2025, through footprint expansion. TDS Telecom services 48% of incumbent service addresses with fiber.

TDS Telecom offers 1Gig+ service to 78% of its total footprint as of December 31, 2025, compared to 74% a year ago.

As of or for the Quarter Ended December 31,202520242025 vs. 2024
Residential connections
Broadband
Incumbent Fiber127,300118,5007%
Incumbent Copper91,200116,900(22)%
Expansion Fiber160,600126,10027%
Cable182,800191,500(5)%
Total Broadband561,900553,0002%
Video111,500121,000(8)%
Voice228,900261,600(12)%
Wireless3,300100N/M
Total Residential Connections905,600935,700(3)%
Commercial connections173,900190,500(9)%
Total connections1,079,5001,126,300(4)%
Total residential fiber net adds15,10013,600
Total residential broadband net adds4,5007,900
Residential fiber churn1.2%1.0%
Total residential broadband churn1.6%1.4%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections decreased due to legacy voice, video, and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) connection declines, partially offset by broadband and wireless connection growth.

Divestitures in 2025 resulted in a decrease of 19,400 connections, including 7,700 residential broadband connections and 45,000 service addresses.

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Residential Broadband Connections by Speed

As of December 31,

Residential broadband customers continue to take higher speeds with 86% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 43% taking 1Gig+.

Residential Revenue per Connection

For the year ended December 31,

Total residential revenue per connection increased 1% for 2025, due primarily to price increases.

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Financial Overview — TDS Telecom

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, to the year ended December 31, 2024.

Year Ended December 31,202520242025 vs. 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential
Incumbent$332,347$355,395(6)%
Expansion152,531114,11334%
Cable245,100270,444(9)%
Total residential729,978739,952(1)%
Commercial137,258147,564(7)%
Wholesale170,499172,520(1)%
Total service revenues1,037,7351,060,036(2)%
Equipment revenues623821(24)%
Total operating revenues1,038,3581,060,857(2)%
Cost of operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)399,616399,815
Cost of equipment and products7547234%
Selling, general and administrative325,302319,9792%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion300,196270,66011%
Loss on impairment of intangible assets9001,103(18)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net15,05412,37622%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(23,121)(49,108)53%
Total operating expenses1,018,701955,5487%
Operating income (loss)$19,657$105,309(81)%
Net income (loss)$27,516$84,901(68)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$318,893$340,340(6)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$330,255$349,775(6)%
Capital expenditures2$406,389$323,81226%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

•Wireless services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily related to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•Federal and state regulatory support, including E-ACAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Residential revenues decreased for 2025 due primarily to divestitures, declines in voice and video connections, and promotional activity, partially offset by growth in broadband connections and price increases.

Commercial revenues decreased for 2025 due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets, decreases in ad revenue, and divestitures.

Wholesale revenues decreased for 2025, due primarily to the continued decline of special access circuits and divestitures, partially offset by final E-ACAM support adjustments.

Total operating revenues decreased for 2025 by $18.5 million due to the 2024 and 2025 divestitures.

Cost of operations

Cost of operations decreased for 2025 due primarily to lower video programming costs, costs to provide legacy services, plant and maintenance costs, and information processing costs, partially offset by higher employee-related expenses, vehicle costs, and lease acceleration costs.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for 2025 due primarily to increased employee-related expenses and lease acceleration costs, partially offset by lower bad debts expense and property taxes.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for 2025 due primarily to changes in asset useful lives and capital expenditures on fiber assets.

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

Losses on asset disposals increased for 2025 due primarily to the write-off of cancelled projects.

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding divestitures of certain markets in both 2025 and 2024.

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Column 1Column 2
ARRAY OPERATIONS

Business Overview

Array connects America through digital infrastructure by leasing tower space to tenants and providing ancillary services. Array also holds noncontrolling interests in primarily wireless operating companies and holds certain wireless spectrum licenses. As of December 31, 2025, Array is an 82.0%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS). Through July 31, 2025, Array provided wireless communication services; these operations and certain wireless spectrum licenses were disposed of on August 1, 2025, as discussed further below.

Towers

Array seeks to grow tower revenue primarily through increasing colocations on existing towers and amendments to existing colocations. Array seeks to provide unique tower locations, attractive terms and streamlined implementation to wireless network operators, internet service providers, government and public safety agencies, broadcast and media companies, and other businesses. As of December 31, 2025, Array owns 4,450 towers in 19 states.

Noncontrolling interest investments

Array holds noncontrolling interests in primarily wireless operating companies that generate material amounts of income and cash distributions. These entities primarily consist of wireless entities managed by Verizon and AT&T. The noncontrolling wireless entities managed by Array also sold their wireless operations to T-Mobile in separate transactions on August 1, 2025, coterminous with the sale of Array's consolidated wireless operations sold to T-Mobile on the same date. Going forward, these noncontrolling entities that are managed by Array consist primarily of tower operations.

Retained spectrum

Array holds wireless spectrum that is subject to sale agreements described below, and additional wireless spectrum not subject to pending sale agreements that Array seeks to opportunistically monetize. As of December 31, 2025, the book value of the remaining spectrum not subject to pending sale agreements was $1,584.8 million and includes primarily C-Band spectrum. Array incurred costs related to the management of the retained spectrum of $3.8 million as a standalone tower company during the six months ended December 31, 2025.

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OPERATIONS

As of December 31, 2025
Owned towers4,450
Number of colocations14,572
Tower tenancy rate11.03

1    Includes T-Mobile MLA committed site minimum of 2,015. Excludes Interim Sites whereby T-Mobile is leasing up to 1,800 sites for a period of up to 30 months subject to the terms and conditions of the MLA.

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Financial Overview — Array

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, to the year ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023.

Year Ended December 31,2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Site rental$154,654$102,610$100,38251%2%
Services8,30732387N/MN/M
Total operating revenues162,961102,933100,46958%2%
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below79,48572,99767,8909%8%
Selling, general and administrative84,444102,556101,407(18)%1%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion48,26247,21249,9842%(6)%
Loss on impairment of licenses47,679136,234(65)%N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1,746809(4,417)N/MN/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(6,123)3,460(2,170)N/MN/M
Total operating expenses255,493363,268212,694(30)%71%
Operating income (loss)(92,532)(260,335)(112,225)64%N/M
Other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities173,754161,364158,2968%2%
Interest and dividend income18,91711,6569,77462%19%
Interest expense(28,222)(12,405)(14,606)N/M15%
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income69,033N/M
Other, net169(7)N/MN/M
Total other income233,651160,615153,45745%5%
Income (loss) before income taxes141,119(99,720)41,232N/MN/M
Income tax expense (benefit)(31,148)(19,256)32,855(62)%N/M
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$172,267$(80,464)$8,377N/MN/M
Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP)1$1,476$(51,099)$(60,493)N/M16%
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP)1$194,316$121,921$107,57059%13%
Capital expenditures from continuing operations2$29,911$19,123$41,04056%(53)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

2025-2024 Commentary

Site rental revenues

Site rental revenues increased in 2025 primarily as a result of the execution of the T-Mobile MLA, pursuant to which T-Mobile leases space on an additional minimum 2,015 Array-owned towers, which were not under existing leases with T-Mobile, for a minimum of 15 years and leases space on approximately 1,800 Array-owned towers on an interim basis. The duration of the interim lease is 30 months, and T-Mobile may cancel such interim leases at their option on a tower-by-tower basis at any time. Array expects T-Mobile to cancel the interim leases prior to the full 30-month duration, and expects revenue to decline correspondingly. Revenue from the interim leases in 2025, which represents five months of revenue from the August 1, 2025 MLA commencement date, was $13.6 million. Further, the MLA extends the license term for approximately 600 existing T-Mobile colocations on Array towers for a new 15-year term commencing on August 1, 2025.

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Array received a letter from DISH Wireless dated in September 2025 claiming that its obligations under its Master Lease Agreement with Array are excused due to actions taken by the FCC and subsequent agreements to sell spectrum assets. Site rental revenues from DISH Wireless were $6.5 million in 2025. Further, DISH Wireless is contractually committed to levels of revenue commensurate with 2025, subject to escalators, through 2031, and a declining revenue commitment in 2032-2035. DISH Wireless has failed to make certain payments due to Array under their contractual commitment. While Array believes that DISH Wireless' claim that its obligation under its Agreement with Array are excused is without merit, Array cannot predict with certainty whether and the degree to which its current or future year revenues will be negatively impacted as a result of this claim.

Services revenues

Services revenue increased in 2025 due primarily to an increase in application and related fees as a result of Array fully insourcing sales and leasing operations in early 2025. Additionally, the T-Mobile integration drove significant service revenue due to fees collected for structural analysis performed. Prior to this operational change, a large majority of these fees were retained by the outsourced provider as a component of their compensation.

Cost of operations

Cost of operations increased in 2025 due primarily to an increase in cell site ground rent related to annual escalators and additional sites, and an increase in structural analysis expense as a result of the T-Mobile MLA.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2025 due primarily to decreases in expenses related to the strategic alternative review, partially offset by an increase in bad debts expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second half of 2025 include costs to support the winddown of the legacy wireless operations. These expenses are expected to persist at a declining rate into future periods.

Loss on impairment of licenses

Loss on impairment of licenses decreased in 2025 due to decreases in the amount of impairments recorded on wireless spectrum licenses. See Note 8 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these impairments.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents Array’s share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. Array holds noncontrolling interests in three entities in the state of Iowa that sold their wireless operations to T-Mobile in three separate transactions on August 1, 2025, the same date that Array sold its wireless operations to T-Mobile. As a result of the Iowa entities' sale of their wireless operations, these entities recognized a gain on sale, and Array's proportionate share of the gain was included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the amount of $33.4 million, which was the primary driver of the year-over-year increase in 2025. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest and dividend income

Interest and dividend income increased in 2025 due primarily to an increase in interest income earned on the proceeds from the sale of the wireless operations to T-Mobile.

Interest expense

Interest expense from continuing operations excludes interest costs in all periods associated with term loans repaid, and debt exchanged, in conjunction with the sale of Array's wireless operations to T-Mobile. As a result, Interest expense increased in 2025 due primarily to the new term loan that Array entered into in August 2025, and lower capitalized interest.

Short-term imputed spectrum lease income

Short-term imputed spectrum lease income increased in 2025 due to the execution of the Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement and Short-Term Spectrum Manager Sublease Agreements, which provide T-Mobile with an exclusive license to use certain Array spectrum assets and leases at no cost for up to one year. The portion of the purchase price allocated to the use of this spectrum will be amortized over one year.

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax benefit on continuing operations increased in 2025 due primarily to favorable reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets that are now likely to be realized by the taxable income generated from the sale of wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile, and/or the future License Purchase Agreements classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax benefit on the impairment of certain wireless spectrum licenses, which was smaller in 2025 than the impairment recorded in 2024.

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2024-2023 Commentary

Site rental revenues

Site rental revenues increased in 2024 due primarily to an increase in new tenant lease executions.

Cost of operations

Cost of operations increased in 2024 as a result of increases in cell site ground rent and maintenance expenses.

Loss on impairment of licenses

Loss on impairment of licenses increased in 2024 due to the wireless spectrum license impairment change recorded during the third quarter of 2024. See Note 8 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this impairment.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents Array’s share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax expense decreased in 2024 due primarily to the deferred tax impact of the wireless spectrum license impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of 2024.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, dividends, distributions from unconsolidated entities, expected cash flows from operating activities and funds available under its financing agreements will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its funding needs. TDS requires funding for, among other uses, day-to-day operations, capital expenditures, fiber deployments and E-ACAM builds, payment of dividends, debt service requirements, repurchases of shares and potential acquisitions of land, land easements or additional towers.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. TDS does not have direct access to Array cash.

In January 2026, Array closed on the sale of certain 3.45 GHz and 700MHz wireless spectrum licenses to AT&T for total proceeds of $1,018.0 million and expects a cash income tax liability on the transaction of approximately $130.0 million, most of which will be paid during the second quarter of 2026. In February 2026, Array paid a special dividend per Common and Series A outstanding share of $10.25 for a total amount paid of $885.5 million. TDS, which owns 82.0% of the equity of Array as of December 31, 2025, received its pro-rata share of the special dividend in the amount of $725.6 million.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies and bank deposit accounts. Refer to the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis for additional information related to changes in Cash and cash equivalents.

Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

TDS and Array have unsecured revolving credit agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $400.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively. Amounts under the agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2030. As of December 31, 2025, there were no outstanding borrowings under the agreements, except for letters of credit, and TDS' and Array’s unused borrowing capacity was $399.4 million and $99.9 million, respectively.

Unsecured Term Loan Agreements

In August 2025, TDS repaid the entire outstanding borrowings under all of its unsecured term loan agreements of $781.3 million. TDS incurred a termination penalty of $8.9 million as a result of the repayment of one of its agreements, which was recorded to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In August 2025, Array repaid the entire outstanding borrowings under its unsecured term loan agreements of $713.3 million.

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In August 2025, Array borrowed $325.0 million under a term loan agreement with CoBank, ACB. The maturity date of the term loan is June 2030. Borrowings bear interest at a rate of Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 2.50%.

Secured Term Loan Agreement

In August 2025, TDS repaid the entire outstanding borrowing under its secured term loan agreement of $300.0 million.

Export Credit Financing Agreements

At December 31, 2025, TDS had a term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada with $150.0 million of principal outstanding.

In January 2026, TDS repaid the entire outstanding borrowing of $150.0 million.

In August 2025, Array repaid the entire outstanding borrowings under its term loan agreement with Export Development Canada of $150.0 million.

Debt Covenants

The TDS and Array revolving credit agreements, the Array term loan agreement with CoBank and the TDS export credit financing agreement require TDS or Array, as applicable, to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants that may restrict the borrowing capacity available. Following the sale of the Array wireless operations to T-Mobile, TDS and Array are required to maintain a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the agreements, as of the end of any fiscal quarter from and including the quarter in which such sale occurs at a level not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00. TDS and Array are also required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and Array believe that they were in compliance as of December 31, 2025 with all such financial covenants.

TDS believes that it and/or its subsidiaries were in compliance as of December 31, 2025, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the TDS and Array long-term debt indentures. TDS and Array have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

Other Long-Term Financing

The T-Mobile transaction to sell the wireless operations and select spectrum assets included a debt exchange offer whereby debt issued by Array could be exchanged for debt issued by T-Mobile, which reduced the cash portion of the purchase price. The debt exchange offering closed on August 5, 2025 and resulted in the exchange of $1,680.1 million of long-term debt comprised of the following Array notes: $488.9 million of 6.7% Senior Notes, $394.2 million of 6.25% Senior Notes, $401.5 million of 5.5% March 2070 Senior Notes and $395.5 million of 5.5% June 2070 Senior Notes. As a result, on August 5, 2025, after the debt exchange, Array retained $363.9 million of senior notes, consisting of $55.1 million of 6.7% Senior Notes, $105.8 million of 6.25% Senior Notes, $98.5 million of 5.5% March 2070 Senior Notes, and $104.5 million of 5.5% June 2070 Senior Notes. The write-off of the unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to the exchanged debt of $47.7 million was recorded to (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net within discontinued operations in 2025.

TDS and Array each have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares. The proceeds from any such issuances may be used for general corporate purposes, including the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; acquisition, construction and development programs; working capital; additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The ability of TDS or Array to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

TDS and Array, at their discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase their outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt.

See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations and 13 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to financing activities.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, TDS’ and Array’s interest cost on their various agreements may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or Array’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or Array’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the agreements, obtain consents, waivers, or amendments, or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

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The TDS and Array issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2025, and the dates such ratings were issued were as follows:

Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's (issued August 2025)Ba1stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (issued August 2025)BBB-stable outlook
Fitch Ratings (issued September 2025)BB+stable outlook

Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2026 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in current and prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, changes in technology have required substantial investments in TDS’ networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2026 and future years with the continued deployment of fiber for TDS Telecom.

Capital expenditures for continuing operations (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures were $406.4 million, $323.8 million and $576.5 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In 2025, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue fiber deployment in expansion markets and to meet E-ACAM build-out requirements;

•Support broadband growth and success-based spending; and

•Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure.

TDS Telecom's capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $550 million and $600 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

Array’s capital expenditures were $29.9 million, $19.1 million and $41.0 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Capital expenditures were used principally for tower maintenance, purchases of land interests, tower builds and one-time costs of migrating the tower light monitoring function to Array's long-term solution.

Array's capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $25.0 and $35.0 million. These capital expenditures are expected to be used for purchases of land interests which are opportunistic in nature, tower maintenance, tower builds and one-time costs of migrating the tower light monitoring function to Array's long-term solution.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2026 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, dividends and existing cash balances.

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Divestitures

TDS is engaged and may in the future be engaged in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the divestiture of companies, properties and assets. In general, TDS does not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to divestitures.

Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; preferred stock dividend obligations; lease commitments; and E-ACAM obligations. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information.

Common Share Repurchase Programs

During 2025, TDS repurchased 2,843,427 Common Shares for $108.1 million at an average cost per share of $38.03. As of December 31, 2025, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $523.9 million.

During 2025, Array repurchased 328,835 Common Shares for $20.9 million at an average cost per share of $63.49. As of December 31, 2025, the total cumulative amount of Array Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 658,107.

For additional information related to the current TDS and Array repurchase authorizations, see Note 18 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding share of $0.04 in 2025. TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding share of $0.19 in the first quarter of 2024 and $0.04 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2024. TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding share of $0.185 in 2023. It is uncertain at this time how the outcome of the strategic review process for Array, TDS' available opportunities to reinvest in its businesses, or TDS' ongoing liquidity needs, may impact the decisions of the TDS Board of Directors regarding the declaration of future cash dividends.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series UU depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.414 in 2025, 2024 and 2023.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series VV depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.375 in 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Array has not paid any regular cash dividends in past periods. In conjunction with the close of the transaction of the sale of Array's wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025, on this same date, the Array Board of Directors declared a special dividend per Common and Series A outstanding share of $23.00 for shareholders of record on August 11, 2025, which was paid on August 19, 2025. In conjunction with the close of the transaction of the sale of spectrum licenses to AT&T on January 13, 2026, on this same date, the Array Board of Directors declared a special dividend per Common and Series A outstanding share of $10.25 for shareholders of record on January 23, 2026, which was paid on February 2, 2026. TDS, which owns 82.0% of the equity of Array as of December 31, 2025, received its pro-rata share of the special dividend. Array expects its pending sale of spectrum licenses to Verizon, which is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, to deliver substantial proceeds and expects its Board of Directors to declare a special dividend upon closure of the transaction. While no decisions have been made, the Array Board of Directors may declare regular cash dividends after the close of the Verizon transaction.

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Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

The following discussion summarizes TDS' cash flow activities in 2025, 2024 and 2023. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to timing and other factors. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes.

2025 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $386.9 million. Net cash provided by operating activities related to continuing operations was $338.3 million due to net income of $151.1 million adjusted for non-cash items of $209.9 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $215.6 million, including $79.5 million in distributions from the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership). Distributions from noncontrolling wireless entities managed by Array included a special distribution of $42.5 million related to the proceeds received by three entities in the state of Iowa that sold their wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. In addition, distributions from certain equity method investments operated by Verizon included a special distribution of $25.3 million related to proceeds received by Verizon managed entities related to Verizon's tower transaction with Vertical Bridge that closed in December 2024. This was partially offset by lower current year distributions due to adjustments made by certain equity method investees for prior period activity. The changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $238.4 million were primarily driven by the payment of associate bonuses, deferred revenue related to spectrum leases, increase in receivable balances and the timing of tax payments. Net cash provided by operating activities related to discontinued operations were $251.6 million.

Cash flows used for investing activities related to continuing operations were $318.3 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $390.5 million, partially offset by cash received from divestitures of $72.3 million. Cash flows provided by investing activities related to discontinued operations were $2,462.4 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities related to continuing operations were $2,326.5 million, due primarily to repayments on TDS and Array long-term debt agreements of $1,962.1 million, the payment of $358.6 million in Array dividends, the repurchase of TDS Common Shares of $108.1 million, the payment of $87.7 million in TDS dividends, tax withholdings, net of cash receipts, for Array stock-based compensation awards of $63.4 million due to Array awards that accelerated upon change in control and associate terminations, distributions to noncontrolling interests of $21.9 million due to the sale of the wireless operations to T-Mobile and the repurchase of Array Common Shares of $21.4 million. These were partially offset by $325.0 million borrowed under the Array CoBank term loan agreement. Cash flows used for financing activities related to discontinued operations were $20.5 million.

2024 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $113.9 million. Net cash provided by operating activities related to continuing operations was $295.8 million due to net loss of $81.3 million adjusted for non-cash items of $257.0 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $168.7 million, including $74.8 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $48.6 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by the timing of vendor payments. Net cash provided by operating activities related to discontinued operations were $850.1 million.

Cash flows used for investing activities related to continuing operations were $235.9 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $365.4 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $19.2 million, partially offset by cash received from divestitures of $147.3 million. Cash flows used for investing activities related to discontinued operations were $518.6 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities related to continuing operations were $210.8 million, due primarily to repayments on TDS and Array long-term debt agreements of $455.5 million, the payment of $104.4 million in TDS dividends, the repurchase of Array Common Shares of $54.1 million, and the payment of debt issuance costs of $16.2 million. These were partially offset by $440.0 million borrowed under TDS and Array long-term debt agreements. Cash flows used for financing activities related to discontinued operations were $66.6 million.

2023 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $130.0 million. Net cash provided by operating activities related to continuing operations was $306.7 million due to net loss of $547.7 million adjusted for non-cash items of $715.0 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $150.3 million, including $69.1 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $10.9 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by an increase in receivable balances and changes in other assets and liabilities, partially offset by the timing of tax payments. Net cash provided by operating activities related to discontinued operations were $834.4 million.

Cash flows used for investing activities related to continuing operations were $759.1 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $643.1 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $128.6 million. Cash flows used for investing activities related to discontinued operations were $568.0 million.

Cash flows provided for financing activities related to continuing operations were $121.6 million, due primarily to borrowings on TDS and Array long-term debt agreements of $1,081.0 million. These were partially offset by repayments on TDS and Array long-term debt agreements of $723.3 million, repayments on an Array short-term debt agreement of $60.0 million and the payment of $152.7 million in TDS dividends. Cash flows used for financing activities related to discontinued operations were $65.6 million.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Notable balance sheet changes during 2025 were as follows:

Current assets of discontinued operations

Current assets of discontinued operations decreased $1,163.0 million due to the sale of wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other current assets

Other current assets decreased $17.1 million due primarily to a decrease in restricted cash required under the Array receivables securitization agreement.

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets held for sale increased $1,598.1 million due to spectrum license transactions executed in 2024 and 2025. See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

Non-current assets of discontinued operations decreased $4,499.6 million due to the sale of wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Licenses

Licenses decreased $1,646.7 million due primarily to the transfer of spectrum licenses related to transactions executed in 2024 and 2025 to Non-current assets held for sale. See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization decreased $29.1 million due primarily to amortization of TDS Telecom franchise rights.

Current portion of long-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt decreased $25.9 million due primarily to the repayment of outstanding debt on the TDS and Array term loan agreements and the Array receivables securitization agreement.

Accounts payable

Accounts payable increased $41.0 million due primarily to increased capital expenditures and the timing of vendor payments.

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

Customer deposits and deferred revenues increased $78.1 million due primarily to the deferral of a portion of the T-Mobile purchase price related to T-Mobile's use of certain spectrum assets at no cost for up to one year. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Accrued compensation

Accrued compensation decreased $90.3 million due primarily to associate bonus payments in March 2025 and reduction of headcount related to the sale of wireless operations.

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

Current liabilities of discontinued operations decreased $651.3 million, due to the sale of wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations decreased $2,310.7 million due to the sale of wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Deferred income tax liability, net

Deferred income tax liability, net decreased $237.1 million due primarily to tax impacts of the sale of the wireless operations to T-Mobile on August 1, 2025, as well as reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets that are now likely to be realized by the taxable income generated from the pending License Purchase Agreements classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations and Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other deferred liabilities and credits

Other deferred liabilities and credits increased $113.3 million due primarily to expected decommissioning costs for certain equipment under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement and an increase in the asset retirement obligation due to updated removal cost estimates.

Long-term debt, net

Long-term debt, net decreased $1,592.3 million due primarily to the repayment of the TDS term loan agreements and repayment of Array's term loan and export credit financing agreements. See Note 13 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Noncontrolling interests with redemption features

Noncontrolling interests with redemption features decreased $15.8 million due to the acquisition of the remaining interest of King Street Wireless, LLC and Sunshine Spectrum, LLC. See Note 7 — Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 3 — Revenue Recognition and Note 11 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TDS’ consolidated financial statements.

Wireless Spectrum License Impairment – Array

Wireless spectrum licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived assets, and therefore, are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause Array to believe that their carrying values exceed their fair values. Wireless spectrum licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting.

During the third quarter of 2025, Array continued its efforts to monetize its spectrum assets not subject to pending sale agreements. Based on information obtained through that process, specifically suppressed pricing and decrease in demand for high-band spectrum, Array concluded that there were events and circumstances in the third quarter of 2025 that caused Array to believe the carrying value of one of the units of accounting for remaining spectrum not subject to a pending sale agreement may exceed its respective fair value (i.e., triggering event), and accordingly a quantitative impairment assessment was performed for that unit.

A market approach was used for purposes of the quantitative impairment assessment to value the wireless spectrum licenses for the high-band unit of accounting tested, selecting a point within a range of values established largely through industry benchmarks, FCC auction data, and precedent transactions. The fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses was less than the respective carrying value, and a $47.7 million impairment was recorded to Loss on impairment of licenses for continuing operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the third quarter of 2025. The impairment loss was related to the retained high-band spectrum unit of accounting which includes the 28 GHz, 37 GHz and 39 GHz frequency bands, the carrying value of which was $113.4 million after the impairment loss. The impairment loss is driven by lower fair value attributed to high-band spectrum as a result of industry-wide challenges encountered related to the operationalization of this spectrum.

For purposes of its annual impairment test as of November 1, 2025, Array performed a qualitative test for all seven of its units of accounting. The test considered several factors, including the results of the quantitative impairment assessment performed in the third quarter of 2025 as well as purchase prices of executed agreements to sell certain wireless spectrum licenses and other market factors. Based on these assessments, Array concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each unit of accounting exceeded its respective carrying value. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

During the third quarter of 2024, Array concluded that there were events and circumstances that caused Array to believe the carrying values of five units of accounting may exceed their respective fair values (i.e., triggering event), and accordingly a quantitative impairment assessment was performed for those units. There was no triggering event for the other units of accounting.

Based on a market approach valuation, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses exceeded their respective carrying values by amounts ranging from 9% to 80% for three of the units of accounting. For two of the units of accounting, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses was less than the respective carrying value, and a $136.2 million impairment was recorded to Loss on impairment of licenses for continuing operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the third quarter of 2024. The impairment loss was substantially all related to the retained high-band spectrum unit of accounting which includes the 28 GHz, 37 GHz and 39 GHz frequency bands, the carrying value of which was $161.1 million after the impairment loss. The impairment loss was driven by a change in the units of accounting described above combined with lower fair value primarily attributed to high-band spectrum as a result of industry-wide challenges encountered related to the operationalization of this spectrum.

For purposes of its annual impairment test as of November 1, 2024, Array performed a qualitative test for all twelve of its units of accounting. The test considered several factors, including the results of the quantitative impairment assessment performed in the third quarter of 2024 as well as purchase prices of executed agreements to sell certain wireless spectrum licenses and other market factors. Based on these assessments, Array concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each unit of accounting exceeded its respective carrying value. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

Income Taxes

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires TDS to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities which are included on a net basis in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

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TDS recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below. See "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

Announced Transactions and Strategic Alternatives Review Risk Factors

▪Closing of the T-Mobile transaction occurred on August 1, 2025, and has required substantial changes to the manner in which Array’s remaining business is conducted, which could have a material adverse effect on Array's financial condition and results of operations.

▪Array entered into License Purchase Agreements with Verizon and T-Mobile to sell certain wireless spectrum licenses. There is no guarantee that such transactions contemplated by the License Purchase Agreements will be consummated. Costs and uncertainties related to these transactions could have adverse effects on Array's financial condition or results of operations.

Operational Risk Factors

▪An inability to monetize the remaining spectrum assets as well as the ongoing costs to retain the spectrum could adversely affect TDS’ operations.

▪A delay or failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to expand and improve the quality and capacity of its network and support systems could adversely affect its operations.

▪Increasing competition in the wireline and tower industries could adversely affect TDS’ revenues, negatively impact future growth and increase its costs to compete.

▪There are economic and business risks associated with fixed rate annual escalators on Array's colocation revenue contracts.

▪A substantial portion of Array revenues are derived from a small number of tenants concentrated in the wireless industry and the loss or financial difficulties of such tenants may adversely affect Array’s business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth. Array is particularly reliant on its relationship with T-Mobile. DISH Wireless has failed to make certain payments due to Array under their contractual commitment. Lower demand for wireless services, negative trends in the wireless industry or changes in customer business models may decrease the revenues Array receives from its tenants, which could adversely affect Array’s business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth.

▪TDS’ lack of scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Inability to protect TDS’ real estate rights, with respect to land leases, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted by extreme weather events, climate-related events, natural disasters (including wildfires) and other unforeseen events.

▪An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, cost increases and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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▪Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business. Artificial intelligence advancements may put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, in particular if TDS is not able to keep pace with its competitors, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions or divestitures and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Difficulties involving third parties TDS does business with, including changes in the relationship with TDS or financial or operational difficulties, including supply chain disruptions of key suppliers, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technologies, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

Financial Risk Factors

▪Uncertainty in TDS’ or Array's future cash flow and liquidity, their level of indebtedness or their inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, changes in interest rates, changes in TDS' or Array’s credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which may require TDS to reduce or delay its construction, development or acquisition programs, divest assets, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of common shareholder dividends.

▪TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪TDS has significant investments in wireless operating entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of or cash flows from such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS' receipt of financial support through various government programs for its deployment of telecommunications and broadband networks and services, its ability to properly calculate and pay fees and surcharges for its services, and its ability to continue to pass through and collect from its customers certain of those fees and surcharges is subject to uncertainty, the result of which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or costs resulting from pending and future legal and policy proceedings could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.

General Risk Factors

▪TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Market Risk

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2025, approximately 45% of TDS' long-term debt was in fixed-rate senior notes and approximately 55% in variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to volatility in the fair value of fixed-rate notes and interest expense on variable-rate debt.

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2025:

Principal Payments Due by Period
Long-Term Debt Obligations1Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in thousands)
2026$5,2766.2%
2027158,8315.4%
20288,3086.2%
202912,3736.2%
2030292,8146.2%
Thereafter365,9645.9%
Total$843,5665.9%

1The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments, and unamortized discounts related to Array's 6.7% Senior Notes. In January 2026, TDS repaid the entire outstanding borrowing of $150.0 million under its term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada, which had a maturity date of December 2027.

2Represents the weighted average stated interest rates at December 31, 2025, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $757.5 million and $2,420.4 million, respectively, and the book value was $834.7 million and $2,445.8 million, respectively. See Note 4 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

Following are explanations of each of these measures:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as Net income (loss) from continuing operations adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income (loss) from continuing operations or Cash flows from operating activities - continuing operations, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.

Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing the segments' performance. See Note 20 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, nonrecurring expenses, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as it provides additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses, and expenses related to the strategic alternatives review, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income (loss) from continuing operations and/or Operating income (loss).

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TDS - CONSOLIDATED202520242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (GAAP)$151,146$(81,321)$(547,682)
Add back:
Income tax benefit(62,184)(22,067)(15,799)
Interest expense112,668108,57562,177
Depreciation, amortization and accretion351,885325,697310,071
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)553,515330,884(191,233)
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review9,05633,30413,012
Loss on impairment of intangible assets48,579137,337546,951
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net16,84713,1415,269
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(23,918)(68,350)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(6,123)3,460(2,170)
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income(69,033)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)528,923449,776371,829
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities176,101163,623159,409
Interest and dividend income40,30727,20120,013
Other, net13,5745,6221,840
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)298,941253,330190,567
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion351,885325,697310,071
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review9,05633,30413,012
Loss on impairment of intangible assets48,579137,337546,951
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net16,84713,1415,269
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(23,918)(68,350)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(6,123)3,460(2,170)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(97,385)$(191,259)$(682,566)

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TDS TELECOM202520242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$27,516$84,901$(483,416)
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense (benefit)10,15735,040(25,517)
Interest expense(6,654)(5,197)(8,050)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion300,196270,660245,379
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)331,215385,404(271,604)
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review6,207
Loss on impairment of intangible assets9001,103546,951
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net15,05412,3769,672
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(23,121)(49,108)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)330,255349,775285,019
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities4(7)2
Interest and dividend income6,4405,4834,174
Other, net4,9183,9591,867
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)318,893340,340278,976
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion300,196270,660245,379
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review6,207
Loss on impairment of intangible assets9001,103546,951
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net15,05412,3769,672
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(23,121)(49,108)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$19,657$105,309$(523,026)

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ARRAY202520242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (GAAP)$172,267$(80,464)$8,377
Add back:
Income tax expense (benefit)(31,148)(19,256)32,855
Interest expense28,22212,40514,606
Depreciation, amortization and accretion48,26247,21249,984
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)217,603(40,103)105,822
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review2,44421,5218,335
Loss on impairment of licenses47,679136,234
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1,746809(4,417)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(6,123)3,460(2,170)
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income(69,033)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)194,316121,921107,570
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities173,754161,364158,296
Interest and dividend income18,91711,6569,774
Other, net169(7)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1,476(51,099)(60,493)
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion48,26247,21249,984
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review2,44421,5218,335
Loss on impairment of licenses47,679136,234
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1,746809(4,417)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(6,123)3,460(2,170)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(92,532)$(260,335)$(112,225)

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow from continuing operations, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by continuing business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements.

202520242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities - continuing operations (GAAP)$338,284$295,780$306,730
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(390,529)(365,446)(643,065)
Cash paid for software license agreements(1,933)(1,251)(405)
Free cash flow - continuing operations (Non-GAAP)$(54,178)$(70,917)$(336,740)

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Table of Contents

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001051512-25-000011.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-21. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)Page No.
Executive Overview28
Terms used by TDS31
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated32
UScellular Operations34
Wireless Operations37
Towers Operations42
TDS Telecom Operations44
Liquidity and Capital Resources50
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis55
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis56
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates57
Regulatory Matters58
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement59
Market Risk62
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures63

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Column 1Column 2
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) for the year ended December 31, 2024, and with the description of TDS’ business included herein. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, which may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “will” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See the disclosure under the heading Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement elsewhere in this report for additional information.

The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the MD&A and the business segment information. A discussion of the reasons TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with GAAP are included in the disclosure under the heading Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within the MD&A of this report.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 5.5 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services and leases tower space to third-party carriers on owned towers through its 83%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). TDS also provides broadband, video, voice and wireless services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). TDS operates entirely in the United States.

During the second quarter of 2024, TDS and UScellular modified their reporting structure due to the planned disposal of the UScellular wireless operations and, as a result, disaggregated the UScellular operations into two reportable segments – Wireless and Towers. This presentation reflects how TDS' and UScellular's chief operating decision maker allocates resources and evaluates operating performance following this strategic shift. Prior periods have been updated to conform to the new reportable segments. See Note 20 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

2024 Operating Revenues by Segment

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TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long term for its shareholders. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities. TDS continues to make progress on developing and enhancing its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program, including the publication of the most recent TDS ESG Report in August 2024, which is available on the TDS website.

TDS’ historical long-term strategy has been to re-invest the majority of its operating capital in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend. In the second quarter of 2024, TDS reset its approach to capital allocation and declared dividends in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2024 at approximately 20% of the first quarter of 2024 dividend for TDS Common and Series A shares. This shift in approach is expected to free up additional capital that can be used to support TDS' fiber program, among other purposes. It is uncertain at this time how the outcome of the ongoing strategic alternatives review process for UScellular, TDS' available opportunities to reinvest in its businesses, or TDS' ongoing liquidity needs, may impact the decisions of the TDS Board of Directors regarding the declaration of future dividends.

Announced Transactions and Strategic Alternatives Review

On August 4, 2023, TDS and UScellular announced that the Boards of Directors of both companies decided to initiate a process to explore a range of strategic alternatives for UScellular. On May 28, 2024, UScellular announced that its Board of Directors unanimously approved the execution of a Securities Purchase Agreement (Securities Purchase Agreement) by and among TDS, UScellular, T-Mobile US, Inc. (T-Mobile) and USCC Wireless Holdings, LLC, pursuant to which, among other things, UScellular agreed to sell its wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile for a purchase price, subject to adjustments, as specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement, of $4,400 million, which is payable in a combination of cash and the assumption of up to approximately $2,000 million in debt. The purchase price includes $100 million contingent on the satisfaction of certain financial and operational metrics. The purchase price also includes $400 million allocated to certain wireless spectrum licenses held by entities in which UScellular is a non-controlling limited partner. The closing with respect to these wireless spectrum licenses is contingent upon UScellular's purchase, which is pending receipt of regulatory approval, of the remaining equity in the entities that UScellular does not currently own. The Securities Purchase Agreement also contemplates, among other things, a Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement and Short-Term Spectrum Manager Sublease Agreements that will become effective at the closing date, which provide T-Mobile with an exclusive license to use certain UScellular spectrum assets and leases at no cost for up to one-year for the sole purpose of providing continued, uninterrupted service to customers. The sale of the wireless business to T-Mobile is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

To effect the disposition and wind down of the wireless operations in accordance with the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, UScellular expects that if the closing of the transaction were to occur that such closing will trigger or accelerate the recognition of certain cash and non-cash obligations. Such obligations include contingent advisory fees, employee compensation and severance, employee stock award costs, debt extinguishment, income tax expense, administrative costs, restructuring expenses and other wind down costs. UScellular also expects to incur significant decommissioning costs for certain towers that UScellular elects to retire, and such decommissioning costs are also expected to include remaining obligations under related ground leases. These costs are expected to have a significant impact on TDS' financial statements.

On October 17, 2024, UScellular, and certain subsidiaries of UScellular, entered into a License Purchase Agreement (Verizon Purchase Agreement) with Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon) to sell certain AWS, Cellular and PCS wireless spectrum licenses and agreed to grant Verizon certain rights to lease such licenses prior to the transaction close for total proceeds of $1,000 million. As of December 31, 2024, UScellular's book value of the wireless spectrum licenses to be sold was $586 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and is contingent on the closing of the T-Mobile transaction and the termination of the T-Mobile Short-Term Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement.

On November 6, 2024, UScellular, and certain subsidiaries of UScellular, entered into a License Purchase Agreement (AT&T Purchase Agreement) with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T), a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. to sell certain 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz wireless spectrum licenses and agreed to grant AT&T certain rights to lease and sub-lease such licenses prior to the transaction close for total proceeds of $1,018 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. As of December 31, 2024, UScellular's book value of the wireless spectrum licenses to be sold was $859 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and substantially all of the licenses subject to the transaction are contingent on the closing of the T-Mobile transaction. The purchase price includes $232 million allocated to certain wireless spectrum licenses that are held by an entity in which UScellular is a non-controlling limited partner. The closing with respect to these wireless spectrum licenses is contingent upon UScellular's purchase, which is pending receipt of regulatory approval, of the remaining equity in the entity that UScellular does not currently own.

The strategic alternatives review process is ongoing as UScellular works toward closing the transactions signed during 2024, including the T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T transactions and continues to seek to opportunistically monetize its spectrum assets that are not subject to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Verizon Purchase Agreement, or the AT&T Purchase Agreement.

TDS incurred third-party expenses related to the announced transactions and strategic alternatives review of $56 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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Significant Financial Matters

Net loss attributable to TDS common shareholders was $97 million and $569 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The net loss in 2024 includes a non-cash charge related to the UScellular impairment of certain wireless spectrum licenses in the amount of $136 million ($102 million, net of tax), which was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net loss in 2023 includes a non-cash charge related to the TDS Telecom Goodwill impairment of $547 million ($511 million, net of tax), which was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The conclusions that impairments were required in 2024 and 2023 were made in connection with the review and preparation of the financial statements. See Note 8 — Intangible Assets for a detailed discussion regarding the impairments. Refer to Supplemental Information to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of the Intangible assets impairment, net of tax.

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Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.

▪5G – fifth generation wireless technology that helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.

▪Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.

▪Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.

▪Auction 107 – Auction 107 was an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, coaxial and copper.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪Cable Markets – markets where TDS provides service as the cable provider using coaxial cable and fiber technologies.

▪Churn Rate – represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.

▪Colocations – represents instances where a third-party wireless carrier rents or leases space on a company-owned tower.

▪Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, fixed wireless, and hotspots.

▪DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.

▪EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) – designation by states for providing specified services in “high cost” areas which enables participation in universal service support mechanisms.

▪Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2038. This support comes with an obligation to provide 100 megabits per second (Mbps) of download speed and 20 Mbps of upload speed (100/20 Mbps) to a certain number of locations.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the cable or incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and less Cash paid for software license agreements. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.

▪OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Retail Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a postpaid or prepaid customer. Connections are associated with all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪Tower Tenancy Rate – average number of tenants that lease space on company-owned towers, measured on a per-tower basis.

▪Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.

▪Video Connections – represents the individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS’ central office facilities that provide voice services or the billable number of lines into a building for voice services.

▪VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.

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Index to MD&A

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023 and omits discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024, for that discussion.

Year Ended December 31,202420232024 vs. 2023
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular$3,770$3,906(3)%
TDS Telecom1,0611,0283%
All other1133226(41)%
Total operating revenues4,9645,160(4)%
Operating expenses
UScellular3,7823,767
TDS Telecom9561,551(38)%
All other1163256(36)%
Total operating expenses4,9015,574(12)%
Operating income (loss)
UScellular(12)139N/M
TDS Telecom105(523)N/M
All other1(30)(30)(1)%
Total operating income (loss)63(414)N/M
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities1641593%
Interest and dividend income272036%
Interest expense(279)(244)(15)%
Other, net52N/M
Total investment and other income (expense)(83)(63)(33)%
Income (loss) before income taxes(20)(477)96%
Income tax expense610(34)%
Net income (loss)(26)(487)95%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax213(90)%
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders(28)(500)94%
TDS Preferred Share dividends6969
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders$(97)$(569)83%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,164$1,0867%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,360$1,2677%
Capital expenditures3$906$1,197(24)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

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Index to MD&A

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pre-tax income of $62 million and $65 million for 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased in 2024 due primarily to an increase in borrowings under the TDS term loan agreements, partially offset by a decrease in the average principal balance outstanding on the receivables securitization agreement. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt and weighted average interest rates.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense decreased in 2024 due primarily to the deferred tax impact of the wireless spectrum license impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of 2024 and a decrease in state tax expense in 2024, partially offset by the deferred tax impact of the Goodwill impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20242023
(Dollars in millions)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$(7)$9
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’94
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$2$13

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of UScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain UScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Net loss decreased in 2024 due to lower operating expenses and impairment losses, partially offset by lower operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2024 due primarily to lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower operating revenues.

*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

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Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
UScellular OPERATIONS

Business Overview

UScellular provides wireless service throughout its footprint, and leases tower space to third-party carriers on UScellular-owned towers. UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a community focus. UScellular is an 83%-owned subsidiary of TDS.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves customers with 4.4 million retail connections including 4.0 million postpaid and 0.4 million prepaid connections

▪Operates in 21 states

▪Employs approximately 4,100 associates

▪Owns 4,409 towers

▪Operates 7,010 cell sites in service

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Index to MD&A

UScellular Mission and Strategy

UScellular’s mission is to connect its customers to what matters most to them. This includes providing wireless communication services which enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations in the markets UScellular serves.

UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a local community focus. Strategic efforts include:

▪UScellular offers economical and competitively priced wireless service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as device protection plans and from services such as fixed wireless home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on expanding its solutions available to business and government customers.

▪UScellular continues to enhance its network capabilities, including by deploying 5G technology to help address customers’ growing demand for data services and create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. In 2019-2023, UScellular focused on 5G coverage and predominantly used low-band spectrum to launch 5G services in portions of substantially all of its markets. During 2023 and 2024, UScellular has focused on deploying 5G over its mid-band spectrum, largely overlapping areas already covered with low-band 5G service to enhance speed and capacity for UScellular’s mobility and fixed wireless services. Investments in the next several years are expected to be focused on continued mid-band spectrum deployment to enhance speed and capacity needs, building on the existing 5G coverage across UScellular’s footprint.

▪UScellular seeks to grow revenue in its Towers segment primarily through increasing third-party colocations on existing towers through providing unique tower locations, attractive terms and streamlined implementation to third-party wireless operators.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — UScellular

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Operating Revenues
Wireless$3,667$3,805$4,076(4)%(7)%
Towers2342282163%5%
Intra-company eliminations(131)(127)(123)(3)%(3)%
Total operating revenues3,7703,9064,169(3)%(6)%
Operating expenses
Wireless3,7573,7434,075(8)%
Towers1561511483%2%
Intra-company eliminations(131)(127)(123)(3)%(3)%
Total operating expenses3,7823,7674,100(8)%
Operating income (loss)$(12)$139$69N/MN/M
Net income (loss)$(32)$58$35N/M67%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$845$818$7903%4%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$1,018$986$9563%3%
Capital expenditures2$577$611$717(6)%(15)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Wireless Operations

As of December 31,202420232022
Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid3,985,0004,106,0004,247,000
Prepaid448,000451,000493,000
Total4,433,0004,557,0004,740,000
Year Ended December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets314,000339,000397,000(7)%(15)%
Connected Devices172,000178,000162,000(3)%10%
Total Gross Additions486,000517,000559,000(6)%(8)%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets(123,000)(145,000)(110,000)15%(32)%
Connected Devices14,0007,000(23,000)100%N/M
Total Net Additions (Losses)(109,000)(138,000)(133,000)21%(4)%
Churn
Handsets1.04%1.10%1.12%
Connected Devices2.53%2.77%2.95%
Total Churn1.23%1.31%1.34%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

2024-2023 Commentary

Total postpaid handset net losses decreased in 2024 due primarily to lower defections as a result of improvements in churn, partially offset by lower gross additions as a result of continued aggressive industry-wide competition and a decrease in the pool of available customers.

Total postpaid connected device net additions increased in 2024 due primarily to a decrease in tablet, home phone, and mobile hotspot defections as a result of improvements in churn.

UScellular decommissioned its 3G Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network in 2024. Total net additions (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2024 exclude a one-time adjustment to remove 11,000 connections that were dependent on the CDMA network.

2023-2022 Commentary

Total postpaid handset net losses increased in 2023 due primarily to lower gross additions resulting from aggressive industry-wide competition.

Total postpaid connected device net additions increased in 2023 due primarily to higher demand for fixed wireless home internet as well as decreases in tablet and mobile hotspot churn.

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Index to MD&A

Postpaid Revenue

Year Ended December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$51.79$51.01$50.142%2%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$131.32$130.91$130.39

2024-2023 Commentary

Postpaid ARPU increased in 2024 due to an increase in favorable plan and product offering mix and an increase in cost recovery surcharges.

Postpaid ARPA was relatively flat in 2024 due to the impacts to Postpaid ARPU, offset by a decrease in the number of connections per account.

2023-2022 Commentary

Postpaid ARPU increased in 2023 due to favorable plan and product offering mix and an increase in device protection plan revenues, partially offset by an increase in promotional discounts.

Postpaid ARPA was relatively flat in 2023 due to the impacts to Postpaid ARPU, offset by a decrease in the number of connections per account.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — Wireless

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service1$2,674$2,742$2,793(2)%(2)%
Other2102012395%(16)%
Service revenues2,8842,9433,032(2)%(3)%
Equipment sales7838621,044(9)%(17)%
Total operating revenues3,6673,8054,076(4)%(7)%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)777794807(2)%(2)%
Cost of equipment sold9069881,216(8)%(19)%
Selling, general and administrative1,2981,3341,376(3)%(3)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion6206106551%(7)%
Loss on impairment of licenses1363N/MN/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net171919(11)%3%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)N/MN/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)N/MN/M
Total operating expenses3,7573,7434,075(8)%
Operating income (loss)$(90)$62$1N/MN/M
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$719$697$6773%3%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$719$697$6773%3%
Capital expenditures3$554$580$689(5)%(16)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1UScellular recorded an adjustment to correct a prior period error related to the recognition of discounts for certain Prepaid customers, which decreased Service revenue by $5 million in 2023. This adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted.

2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Index to MD&A

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Service revenues consist of:

▪Retail Service – Postpaid and prepaid charges for voice, data and value-added services and cost recovery surcharges

▪Other Service – Amounts received from the Federal USF, inbound roaming, miscellaneous other service revenues and Internet of Things (IoT)

Equipment revenues consist of:

▪Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors

Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:

2024-2023 Commentary

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues decreased in 2024 primarily as a result of a decrease in average postpaid and prepaid connections, partially offset by an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section.

Equipment sales revenues decreased in 2024, due primarily to a decline in smartphone devices sold due to lower upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average price of new smartphone sales.

Wireless service providers have been aggressive promotionally and on price to attract and retain customers. This includes both traditional carriers and cable wireless companies. UScellular expects promotional aggressiveness by traditional carriers to continue and pricing pressures from cable wireless companies and new entrants to increase into the foreseeable future. Additionally, other larger wireless service providers have more developed networks and coverage as well as lower costs per subscriber than UScellular, which has negatively affected and may continue to negatively affect UScellular's ability to compete over time. Operating revenues and Operating income (loss) have been negatively impacted by these factors in current and prior periods, and are expected to be negatively impacted in future periods.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses decreased in 2024, due primarily to a decrease in expenses driven by the shutdown of the 3G Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by increases in outbound roaming usage and maintenance, utilities, and cell site expenses.

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Index to MD&A

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold decreased in 2024, due primarily to a decline in smartphone devices sold due to lower upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average cost of new smartphone sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2024, due primarily to decreases in various general and administrative and sales related expenses, partially offset by an increase in the strategic alternatives review expenses of $27 million.

Loss on impairment of licenses

Loss on impairment of licenses increased in 2024 due to the wireless spectrum license impairment charge recorded during the third quarter of 2024. See Note 8 — Intangible Assets for a detailed discussion regarding this impairment.

2023-2022 Commentary

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues decreased in 2023 primarily as a result of a decrease in average postpaid and prepaid connections, partially offset by an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section.

Other service revenues decreased in 2023, resulting from decreases in inbound roaming revenues, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower rates.

Equipment sales revenues decreased in 2023, due primarily to a decline in smartphone upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average price of new smartphone sales.

Total operating expenses

Total operating expenses in 2023 include $9 million of severance and related expenses associated with a reduction in workforce that was recorded in the first quarter of 2023. These severance expenses are included in System operations expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses decreased in 2023, due primarily to decreases in roaming and customer usage expenses, partially offset by an increase in maintenance, utility, and cell site expenses. The decrease in roaming expense was driven by a decrease in roaming rates partially offset by an increase in usage.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold decreased in 2023, due primarily to a decline in smartphone upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average cost per unit sold.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2023, due primarily to decreases in bad debts expense, commissions, facilities and employee-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in advertising expenses as well as $8 million of expenses related to the strategic alternatives review.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses decreased in 2023 due primarily to enhancements that extended the useful life of a software platform.

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Index to MD&A

Towers Operations

As of December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Owned towers4,4094,3734,3361%1%
Number of colocations2,4442,3902,4012%
Tower tenancy rate1.551.551.55

2024-2023 Commentary

Number of colocations

Number of colocations increased in 2024 due to an increase in new tenant and equipment change executions partially offset by terminations. Colocation terminations decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 in part due to a decrease in legacy Sprint colocation terminations which decreased from 44 to 21 year over year.

Financial Overview — Towers

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31,2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Third-party revenues$103$101$932%8%
Intra-company revenues1311271233%3%
Total tower revenues2342282163%5%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)7873716%2%
Selling, general and administrative323432(5)%7%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion454645(1)%1%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1(2)N/MN/M
Total operating expenses1561511483%2%
Operating income$78$77$682%13%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$126$121$1134%7%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$126$121$1134%7%
Capital expenditures$23$31$28(24)%9%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:

2024-2023 Commentary

Total tower revenues

Total tower revenues increased in 2024 due primarily to an increase in intra-company revenues primarily as a result of an increase in the intra-company rate charged by Towers to Wireless and an increase in the number of owned towers.

Upon closing of the transaction to dispose of the wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile, UScellular expects an increase in Third-party revenues that will be recognized under the Master License Agreement that will go into effect under the Securities Purchase Agreement. However, at such time Intra-company revenues would cease, resulting in significantly lower Tower revenues in the periods following the close.

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Index to MD&A

Total operating expenses

Total operating expenses increased in 2024 due to an increase in System operations expenses as a result of increases in cell site ground rent and maintenance expenses.

Upon and following closing of the transaction to dispose of the wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile, UScellular expects expenses may be incurred to affect the separation including costs to decommission certain towers and record remaining ground lease obligations on such decommissioned towers. These factors and other uncertainties in how the ongoing tower operations will be supported in the long-term may significantly impact operating expenses recorded in periods following the close.

Capital expenditures

Total capital expenditures decreased in 2024 due primarily to a decrease in the number of owned towers placed into service to support UScellular's wireless network.

2023-2022 Commentary

Total tower revenues

Total tower revenues increased in 2023 due primarily to an increase in third-party revenues primarily as a result of new colocator agreements and rent escalations.

Capital expenditures

Total capital expenditures increased in 2023 due primarily to an increase in the leasehold improvements on owned towers and an increase in perpetual easements and outright land purchases.

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Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom owns, operates and invests in high-quality networks, services and products in a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the United States. TDS Telecom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS and provides a wide range of broadband, video, voice and wireless communications services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers, with the constant focus on delivering outstanding customer service.

The following MD&A omits discussion of 2023 compared to 2022. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024, for that discussion.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.1 million connections in 31 states.

▪Employs approximately 3,300 associates.

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Index to MD&A

TDS Telecom Mission and Strategy

TDS Telecom's mission is to create a better world by providing high-quality communications services to connect people and businesses, support education, and strengthen communities.

TDS Telecom seeks to be the preferred broadband provider by offering fiber-rich networks, high-quality products and services, and a seamless customer experience. TDS Telecom's strategic efforts include:

▪TDS Telecom strives to provide high-quality broadband services in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video, voice and wireless service options. TDS Telecom focuses on driving growth by investing in fiber deployment.

▪TDS Telecom seeks to grow its operations by creating clusters of markets in attractive, growing locations and may seek to acquire and/or divest of assets to support its strategy.

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Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — TDS Telecom

Total Service Address Mix

As of December 31,

TDS Telecom increased its service addresses 6% from a year ago to 1.8 million as of December 31, 2024, through network expansion. 44% of incumbent service addresses are served by fiber.

TDS Telecom offers 1Gig+ service to 74% of its total footprint as of December 31, 2024, compared to 72% a year ago.

As of December 31,202420232024 vs. 2023
Residential connections
Broadband
Incumbent Fiber118,500110,1008%
Incumbent Copper116,900134,700(13)%
Expansion Fiber126,10092,20037%
Cable191,500202,900(6)%
Total Broadband553,000539,8002%
Video121,000131,500(8)%
Voice261,600281,600(7)%
Total Residential Connections935,600952,900(2)%
Commercial connections190,500210,200(9)%
Total connections1,126,1001,163,100(3)%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections decreased due to legacy voice, video, and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) connections declines, partially offset by broadband connection growth.

Divestitures in the fourth quarter of 2024 resulted in a decrease of 15,700 connections.

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Index to MD&A

Residential Broadband Connections by Speed

As of December 31,

Residential broadband customers continue to take higher speeds with 81% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 22% choosing 1Gig+.

Residential Revenue per Connection

For the year ended December 31,

Total residential revenue per connection increased 5% for 2024, due primarily to price increases. Price increases are expected to moderate in 2025 relative to 2024.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — TDS Telecom

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the year ended December 31, 2023.

Year Ended December 31,202420232024 vs. 2023
(Dollars in millions)
Residential
Incumbent$355$3521%
Expansion1147552%
Cable270273(1)%
Total residential7407006%
Commercial148155(5)%
Wholesale173172
Total service revenues1,0601,0273%
Equipment revenues11(3)%
Total operating revenues1,0611,0283%
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)400423(5)%
Cost of equipment and products158%
Selling, general and administrative320326(2)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion27124510%
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1547(100)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net121028%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(49)N/M
Total operating expenses9561,551(38)%
Operating income (loss)$105$(523)N/M
Net income (loss)$85$(483)N/M
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$340$27922%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$350$28523%
Capital expenditures2$324$577(44)%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Index to MD&A

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

•Wireless services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•Federal and state regulatory support, including E-ACAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Residential revenues increased for 2024 due primarily to price increases and growth in broadband connections, partially offset by a decline in voice and video connections.

Commercial revenues decreased for 2024 due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets, partially offset by increases in ad revenue.

Cost of services

Cost of services decreased for 2024 due primarily to lower employee-related expenses, plant and maintenance costs, costs to provide legacy services, and information processing costs, partially offset by higher video programming costs.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for 2024 due primarily to decreases in employee-related expenses and professional fees, partially offset by higher property taxes and IT infrastructure costs.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for 2024 due primarily to increased capital expenditures on new fiber assets and customer premise equipment.

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

During the fourth quarter of 2023, TDS Telecom recorded a $547 million loss on impairment of Goodwill. See Note 8 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, preferred share offerings, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets, pay dividends and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future. TDS has incurred negative free cash flow at times in past periods, and this could occur in future periods.

TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, its ability to obtain future external financing, potential dispositions and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements. In addition, TDS retains the ability, as described below, to reduce its capital expenditures to lower its funding needs.

TDS may require substantial additional funding for, among other uses, capital expenditures, making additional investments including new technologies, fiber deployments and E-ACAM builds, agreements to purchase goods or services, leases, repurchases of shares, or payment of dividends. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of its existing credit facilities, to amend existing or put in place new credit agreements, to obtain other forms of financing, issue equity securities, or to divest assets in order to fund potential expenditures. TDS' liquidity would be adversely affected if it is unable to obtain short or long-term financing on acceptable terms.

TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and is taking and intends to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs. Due to its lack of scale and structural disadvantages, UScellular has higher costs per subscriber than its competitors and is balancing the timing of investments, such as its continued 5G deployment, with liquidity considerations. TDS Telecom has entered into and may continue to enter into agreements to divest of certain non-strategic assets, including in certain cases the associated E-ACAM build-out obligations, as well as slow the pace of and reprioritize its fiber deployment plans and reduce or defer planned capital expenditures as a means to lower its funding needs and meet its obligations. It is possible that TDS Telecom will be required, if it is unable to access capital on acceptable terms, to substantially reduce its plans for fiber deployment, in both the short and long-term, which may result in fewer opportunities to deploy fiber as competitors continue their deployments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies. Refer to the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis for additional information related to changes in Cash and cash equivalents.

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In addition to Cash and cash equivalents, TDS and UScellular had available undrawn borrowing capacity from the following debt facilities at December 31, 2024. See the Financing section below for further details.

TDSUScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Revolving Credit Agreement$399$300
Term Loan Agreements75
Receivables Securitization Agreement448
Total available undrawn borrowing capacity$474$748

Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

TDS and UScellular have unsecured revolving credit agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $400 million and $300 million, respectively. Amounts under the revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in July 2026. During 2024, TDS borrowed $100 million and repaid $200 million under its revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2024, TDS' and UScellular’s unused borrowing capacity was $399 million and $300 million, respectively.

Unsecured Term Loan Agreements

TDS has unsecured term loan agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $500 million. The maturity dates for the agreements range from July 2028 to July 2031. As of December 31, 2024, TDS has borrowed the full amounts available under the agreements and the outstanding borrowings were $487 million.

In May 2024, TDS entered into a $375 million unsecured term loan credit agreement. At closing, $300 million was drawn, less original issue discount, and the remaining $75 million may be drawn until November 2025. The maturity date of the agreement is May 2029. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $298 million.

UScellular has unsecured term loan agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $800 million. The maturity dates for the agreements range from July 2026 to July 2031. During 2024, UScellular repaid $40 million, in addition to required quarterly installments, under its unsecured term loan agreement due July 2026. As of December 31, 2024, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the agreements and the outstanding borrowings were $723 million.

Secured Term Loan Agreement

TDS has a $300 million senior secured term loan credit agreement. In February 2025, TDS amended the agreement to extend the maturity date to the earlier of (i) September 2026 and (ii) the scheduled maturity date of TDS' existing revolving credit agreement (which maturity date is currently July 2026). As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $300 million, which is the full amount available under the agreement.

This term loan is secured by a perfected security interest in certain assets of TDS, including 26 million common shares in UScellular, TDS' equity interest in certain wholly-owned subsidiaries, and all or substantially all of TDS' personal property that does not constitute equity interests. This term loan is also secured by a perfected security interest in certain assets of certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of TDS that are also guarantors, including without limitation and subject to customary exceptions, equity interests in certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of such subsidiaries and all or substantially all of the personal property of such guarantor subsidiaries that does not consist of equity interests. This agreement includes representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and other terms and conditions that are substantially similar to TDS' existing term loan and revolving credit agreements or otherwise customary for similar secured credit facilities.

Export Credit Financing Agreements

TDS and UScellular each have a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) imported equipment, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan facility agreement. The maturity date for the TDS agreement is December 2027 and for the UScellular agreement is January 2027. As of December 31, 2024, TDS and UScellular have both borrowed the full amount available under the agreements.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement that permits securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. Amounts under the agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until September 2025. Unless the agreement is amended to extend the maturity date, repayments based on receivable collections commence in October 2025. During 2024, UScellular borrowed $40 million and repaid $188 million under the agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $2 million and classified as Current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the unused borrowing capacity was $448 million, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement.

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Debt Covenants

The TDS and UScellular revolving credit agreements, term loan agreements including the secured term loan, export credit financing agreements and the UScellular receivables securitization agreement require TDS or UScellular, as applicable, to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants that may restrict the borrowing capacity available. TDS and UScellular are required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter at a level not to exceed the following: 4.25 to 1.00 from January 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024; 4.00 to 1.00 from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025; 3.75 to 1.00 from April 1, 2025 and thereafter. TDS and UScellular are also required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance as of December 31, 2024 with all such financial covenants.

The term loan agreement entered into in May 2024 requires TDS to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which includes a financial covenant that may restrict the borrowing capacity available. TDS is required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter at a level not to exceed the following: 4.50 to 1.00 from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025; 4.25 to 1.00 from April 1, 2025 and thereafter. TDS believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2024 with such financial covenant.

TDS believes that it and/or its subsidiaries were in compliance as of December 31, 2024, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the TDS and UScellular long-term debt indentures. TDS and UScellular have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

Other Long-Term Financing

TDS and UScellular each have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares. The proceeds from any such issuances may be used for general corporate purposes, including the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; acquisition, construction and development programs; working capital; additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The ability of TDS or UScellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

TDS and UScellular, at their discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase their outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt.

See Note 13 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the financing agreements.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, TDS’ and UScellular’s interest cost on their various agreements may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the agreements, obtain consents, waivers, or amendments, or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

TDS and UScellular are rated as sub-investment grade issuers. The TDS and UScellular issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2024, and the dates such ratings were issued were as follows:

Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's (issued May 2024)Ba1rating under review
Standard & Poor's (issued August 2023)BBwatch-developing outlook
Fitch Ratings (issued May 2024)BB+rating watch negative

The TDS and UScellular credit ratings may be impacted in the future based on the outcomes of the T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T transactions and the remaining UScellular business, among other factors.

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Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2025 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in current and prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, changes in technology have required substantial investments in TDS’ networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2025 and future years with the continued deployment of 5G technology for UScellular, and the continued deployment of fiber for TDS Telecom.

Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

UScellular’s capital expenditures were $577 million, $611 million and $717 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, UScellular's capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue to deploy 5G using mid-band spectrum to provide additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

•Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures were $324 million, $577 million and $556 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue to expand fiber deployment primarily in expansion markets;

•Support broadband growth and success-based spending; and

•Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements of state broadband and E-ACAM programs.

TDS Telecom's capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be between $375 million and $425 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2025 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and additional debt financing from its existing agreements and/or other forms of available financing.

Divestitures

TDS is engaged and may in the future be engaged in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the divestiture of companies, properties and assets. In general, TDS does not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

See Note 7 — Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to divestitures.

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Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; preferred stock dividend obligations; lease commitments; commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services; E-ACAM obligations; agreements for software licensing; long-term marketing programs; and other agreements to purchase goods or services. TDS has taken and expects to continue to take steps to reduce and defer capital expenditures to lower its funding needs. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information.

Variable Interest Entities

TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 16 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods to fund their operations.

Common Share Repurchase Programs

TDS had no share repurchases during 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $132 million.

During 2024, UScellular repurchased 939,999 Common Shares for $55 million at an average cost per share of $58.06. At December 31, 2024, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 986,942.

Depending on its future financial performance, construction, development and acquisition programs, and available sources of financing, TDS and UScellular may not have sufficient liquidity or capital resources to make share repurchases. Therefore, there is no assurance that TDS and UScellular will make any share repurchases in the future.

For additional information related to the current TDS and UScellular repurchase authorizations, see Note 18 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding share of $0.19 in the first quarter of 2024 and $0.04 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2024. TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding share of $0.185 in 2023 and $0.180 in 2022. It is uncertain at this time how the outcome of the ongoing strategic alternatives review process for UScellular, TDS' available opportunities to reinvest in its businesses, or TDS' ongoing liquidity needs, may impact the decisions of the TDS Board of Directors regarding the declaration of future dividends.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series UU depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.414 in 2024, 2023 and 2022.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series VV depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.375 in 2024, 2023 and 2022.

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Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

TDS operates a capital-intensive business. TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and to construct and upgrade communications networks and facilities with a goal of creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks. Revenues from certain of these investments are long-term and in some cases are uncertain. To meet its cash-flow needs, TDS may need to delay or reduce certain investments, dividend payments or sell assets. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A and Note 7 — Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, timing and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS’ cash flow activities in 2024 and 2023. For a discussion of 2022, refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024.

2024 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $114 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,145 million due to net loss of $26 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,070 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $169 million, including $75 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $68 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by an increase in receivable balances and the timing of vendor payments, partially offset by reduced inventory balances.

Distributions from certain equity method investments operated by Verizon are expected to include incremental discrete amounts in 2025 related to proceeds received by Verizon in the tower transaction with Vertical Bridge that closed in December 2024. The process of administering these distributions is in progress and it is uncertain whether such incremental discrete amounts will result in an increase in total distributions from these partnerships in 2025 relative to 2024 given that the final amount of the incremental distributions is not known, and total distributions are dependent upon the operations of the underlying operating companies, and the general partners’ decisions on the amount and timing of any distributions, among other factors.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $754 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $884 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $20 million, partially offset by cash received from divestitures of $147 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $277 million, due primarily to $200 million in repayments on the TDS revolving credit agreement, $188 million in repayments on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $67 million in repayments on the TDS and UScellular term loan agreements, payment of $104 million in dividends, cash paid for software licenses of $67 million and the repurchase of $54 million of UScellular Common Shares. These were partially offset by $300 million borrowed under the TDS term loan agreements, $100 million borrowed under the TDS revolving credit agreement and $40 million borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement.

2023 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $129 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,142 million due to a net loss of $487 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,496 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $150 million, including $69 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $17 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by the timing of vendor payments and an increase in receivables, partially offset by reduced inventory balances and a federal income tax refund of $57 million received during the second quarter of 2023.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,327 million, which included payments for property, plant and equipment of $1,211 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $130 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $56 million, due primarily to $365 million borrowed under the TDS revolving credit agreement, $315 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $300 million borrowed under the TDS secured term loan agreement, and $100 million borrowed under the TDS export credit agreement. These were partially offset by $440 million in repayments on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $265 million in repayments on the TDS revolving credit agreement, a $60 million repayment on the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, payment of $153 million in dividends and cash paid for software license agreements of $66 million.

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Index to MD&A

Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Notable balance sheet changes during 2024 were as follows:

Accounts payable

Accounts payable decreased $80 million due primarily to vendor payment timing differences and the divestiture of the hosted and managed (HMS) operations. See Note 7 — Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities decreased $32 million due primarily to payments related to software license agreements.

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Index to MD&A

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 11 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TDS’ consolidated financial statements.

Wireless Spectrum License Impairment – UScellular

Wireless spectrum licenses represent a significant component of UScellular’s consolidated assets. Wireless spectrum licenses, including those with FCC build-out requirements that have not yet been satisfied, are considered to be indefinite-lived assets, and therefore, are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause UScellular to believe that their carrying values exceed their fair values. Wireless spectrum licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting.

As a result of executing the Securities Purchase Agreement with T-Mobile during the second quarter of 2024, UScellular bifurcated its historical single unit of accounting into two units of accounting – wireless spectrum licenses to be sold under the Securities Purchase Agreement and wireless spectrum licenses to be retained. During the third quarter of 2024, UScellular’s efforts to monetize its spectrum assets not subject to the Securities Purchase Agreement provided new evidence that the highest and best use of the retained spectrum to current buyers would be in separate tranches. As a result, UScellular further divided its wireless spectrum licenses units of accounting from one retained unit into eleven units, resulting in twelve total units of accounting. UScellular concluded that there were events and circumstances in the third quarter of 2024 that caused UScellular to believe the carrying values of five of the units of accounting may exceed their respective fair values (i.e. triggering event), and accordingly a quantitative impairment assessment was performed for those units. There was no triggering event for the other units of accounting.

A market approach was used for purposes of the quantitative impairment assessment to value the wireless spectrum licenses for the five units tested, using a range of values established largely through industry benchmarks, FCC auction data, and precedent transactions. The midpoint of the range was established as the estimate of fair value for each unit of accounting. Based on this valuation, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses exceeded their respective carrying values by amounts ranging from 9% to 80% for three of the units of accounting. For two of the units of accounting, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses was less than the respective carrying value, and a $136 million impairment was recorded to Loss on impairment of licenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within UScellular’s Wireless segment during the third quarter of 2024. Substantially all of the impairment loss related to the retained high-band spectrum unit of accounting which includes the 28 GHz, 37 GHz and 39 GHz frequency bands, the carrying value of which was $161 million after the impairment loss. The impairment loss is driven by the change in the units of accounting described above combined with lower fair value primarily attributed to high-band spectrum as a result of industry-wide challenges encountered related to the operationalization of this spectrum.

For purposes of its annual impairment test as of November 1, 2024, UScellular performed a qualitative test for all twelve of its units of accounting. The test considered several factors, including the results of the quantitative impairment assessment performed in the third quarter of 2024 as well as purchase prices of executed agreements to sell certain wireless spectrum licenses and other market factors. Based on these assessments, UScellular concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each unit of accounting exceeded its respective carrying value. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

For purposes of its 2023 impairment test, UScellular had one unit of accounting and used a quantitative market approach to value the wireless spectrum license portfolio. The wireless spectrum licenses were pooled by band, and a range of values was established using industry benchmarks, FCC auction data, and precedent transactions. The midpoint of the range was established as the point estimate for the value of each band, and the sum of the band values was used as the point estimate value of UScellular's wireless spectrum license unit of accounting. Based on this valuation, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses exceeded the respective carrying value by 17% and there was no impairment of wireless spectrum licenses.

Income Taxes

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires TDS to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities which are included on a net basis in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

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TDS recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

5G Fund

On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over ten years to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America. The 5G Fund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multiround auctions to award support. The winning bidders will be required to meet certain minimum speed requirements and interim and final deployment milestones. The order provides that the 5G Fund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment. On September 22, 2023, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to continue implementation of the 5G Fund. The FCC sought comment on, among other things, the definition of areas eligible for 5G Fund support, adjustment factors and metrics used to identify winning bids, and the potential inclusion of cybersecurity and supply chain management requirements for those receiving 5G Fund support. On August 29, 2024, the FCC adopted new rules to move forward with targeted investments in the deployment of advanced, 5G mobile wireless broadband services in rural communities through the 5G Fund auction process. The start date of the auction was not announced.

UScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G Fund auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G Fund auction will provide opportunities to UScellular to offset any loss in existing support.

Spectrum Auctions

On February 24, 2021, the FCC announced by way of Public Notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder of 254 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands for $1,283 million in Auction 107. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021 and the wireless spectrum licenses were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular was obligated to pay relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments of $8 million, $122 million, $8 million and $36 million in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Such additional costs were estimated, accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted and have been adjusted as such costs were finalized. UScellular received full access to the spectrum in the third quarter of 2023.

FCC Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM)

On July 24, 2023, the FCC released an order adopting the E-ACAM program for the purpose of supporting widespread deployment of 100/20 Mbps service speeds in eligible rural areas. The program is offered and extended to carriers currently receiving ACAM or legacy rate-of-return support.

On September 28, 2023, TDS Telecom notified the FCC of its decision to accept 24 of the 25 state offers received for E-ACAM support. The enhanced program will help enable TDS Telecom to deploy high-speed internet to approximately 300,000 locations, including those eligible for E-ACAM support and those passed along the route. Starting in 2024, TDS Telecom expects to receive support of approximately $90 million per year for 15 years in exchange for meeting the 100/20 Mbps service requirement. The support replaces the prior ACAM program support received for the 24 states where TDS Telecom has wireline operations. On October 30, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice authorizing the Universal Service Administrative Company to disburse the appropriate amounts. TDS Telecom will incur capital expenditures over the next several years to meet its obligations to serve the required locations with 100/20 Mbps service.

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Index to MD&A

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below. See "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

Announced Transaction and Strategic Alternatives Review Risk Factors

▪TDS and UScellular entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May 24, 2024 with T-Mobile and USCC Wireless Holdings, LLC, pursuant to which, among other things, UScellular has agreed to sell its wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile. In addition, UScellular, and certain subsidiaries of UScellular, entered into the Verizon Purchase Agreement on October 17, 2024, and the AT&T Purchase Agreement on November 6, 2024 to sell certain wireless spectrum licenses. There is no guarantee that the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Verizon Purchase Agreement, or the AT&T Purchase Agreement will be able to be consummated or that UScellular will be able to find buyers at mutually agreeable prices for its spectrum assets not subject to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Verizon Purchase Agreement, or the AT&T Purchase Agreement. Costs and uncertainties related to the transactions could have adverse effects on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

▪If the T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T transactions are not consummated, substantial changes will be required to the manner in which UScellular’s wireless business is conducted, and we expect there will be a material adverse effect on TDS' financial condition and results of operations.

▪If the T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T transactions are consummated, substantial costs will be triggered and substantial changes will be required to the manner in which UScellular’s remaining business is conducted, which could have a material adverse effect on TDS' financial condition and results of operations.

Operational Risk Factors

▪A delay or failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure as well as renew wireless spectrum licenses, could adversely affect its operations.

▪Intense competition involving products, services, pricing, promotions and network speed and technologies could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪TDS’ lack of scale and structural disadvantages, particularly in the wireless business, relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS has caused and could continue to cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which has adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, cost increases, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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▪A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

▪Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

▪Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties, including supply chain disruptions, of key suppliers or independent agents and third-party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technologies, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

Financial Risk Factors

▪Uncertainty in TDS’ or UScellular's future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, changes in interest rates, other changes in TDS’ or UScellular's performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ or UScellular's credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which has required and is expected in the future to require TDS to reduce or delay its construction, development or acquisition programs, divest assets or businesses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of common shareholder dividends.

▪TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.

▪TDS has entered into a Senior Secured Credit Agreement that imposes certain restrictions on its business and operations that may affect its ability to operate its business and make payments on its indebtedness.

▪TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS receives significant regulatory support, and is also subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments – the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to uncertainty, including the ability to pass through certain fees to customers, and this uncertainty could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or costs resulting from pending and future legal and policy proceedings could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional or environmental studies to the effect that potentially harmful emissions from devices or network equipment, including but not limited to radio frequencies emitted by wireless signals or due to contamination from network cabling, may cause harmful health or environmental consequences, including cancer, tumors or otherwise harmful impacts, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices or frequencies used by other industries, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless and/or wireline business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.

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General Risk Factors

▪TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The impact of public health emergencies on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on duration and severity could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Market Risk

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 50% of TDS' long-term debt was in fixed-rate senior notes and approximately 50% in variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to volatility in the fair value of fixed-rate notes and interest expense on variable-rate debt.

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2024:

Principal Payments Due by Period
Long-Term Debt Obligations1Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in millions)
2025$316.7%
20265396.3%
20273226.1%
20284856.5%
202929911.4%
Thereafter2,4886.2%
Total$4,1646.6%

1The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments, and unamortized discounts related to UScellular's 6.7% Senior Notes. The 2025 amount includes repayment of $2 million of outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement. If the maturity date of the facility is not extended, principal repayments begin in October 2025. If the T-Mobile transaction is consummated, TDS expects to repay outstanding borrowings under certain long-term debt obligations. See Note 13 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2Represents the weighted average stated interest rates at December 31, 2024, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $4,015 million and $3,651 million, respectively, and the book value was $4,119 million and $4,139 million, respectively. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

▪Intangible assets impairment, net of tax

Following are explanations of each of these measures:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as Net income (loss) adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income (loss) or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.

Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing the segments' performance. See Note 20 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, nonrecurring expenses, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses, and expenses related to the strategic alternatives review of UScellular, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income (loss) and/or Operating income (loss). Income and expense items below Operating income (loss) are not provided at the individual segment level for Wireless and Towers; therefore, the reconciliations begin with EBITDA and the most directly comparable GAAP measure is Operating income (loss) rather than Net income (loss) at the segment level.

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TDS - CONSOLIDATED202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$(26)$(487)$72
Add back:
Income tax expense61053
Interest expense279244174
Depreciation, amortization and accretion943915929
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,2026821,228
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review5613
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1375473
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net302727
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(68)(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,3601,2671,257
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities164159159
Interest and dividend income272017
Other, net521
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1,1641,0861,080
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion943915929
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review5613
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1375473
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net302727
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(68)(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$63$(414)$122
UScellular202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$(32)$58$35
Add back:
Income tax expense105337
Interest expense183196163
Depreciation, amortization and accretion665656700
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)826963935
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review358
Loss on impairment of licenses1363
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net181719
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,018986956
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities161158158
Interest and dividend income12108
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)845818790
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion665656700
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review358
Loss on impairment of licenses1363
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net181719
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(12)$139$69

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UScellular Wireless202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$530$672$656
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review338
Loss on impairment of licenses1363
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net171919
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)719697677
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion620610655
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review338
Loss on impairment of licenses1363
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net171919
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net3(2)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(90)$62$1
UScellular Towers202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$123$123$113
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review2
(Gain) loss on asset disposals1(2)
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)126121113
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion454645
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review2
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1(2)
Operating income (GAAP)$78$77$68

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TDS TELECOM202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$85$(483)$53
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense (benefit)35(26)23
Interest expense(5)(8)(7)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion271245215
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)385(272)284
Add back or deduct:
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1547
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net12107
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(49)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)350285291
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income542
Other, net421
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)340279288
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion271245215
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1547
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net12107
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(49)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$105$(523)$66

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements.

202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,145$1,142$1,155
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(884)(1,211)(1,161)
Cash paid for software license agreements(67)(66)(23)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$194$(135)$(29)

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Intangible assets impairment, net of tax

The following non-GAAP financial measure isolates the total effects on net income of the Loss on impairment of intangible assets at TDS Telecom and UScellular, including tax impacts. TDS believes this measure may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information to assist in comparing financial results with periods that were not impacted by impairment charges.

202420232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders (GAAP)$(97)$(569)$(7)
Adjustments:
Loss on impairment of intangible assets1375473
Deferred tax benefit on the tax-amortizable portion of the impaired intangible assets(34)(36)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders' portion of the impaired intangible assets(18)
Subtotal of Non-GAAP adjustments855113
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders excluding intangible assets impairment charge (Non-GAAP)$(12)$(58)$(4)

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Table of Contents

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001051512-24-000010.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-16. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)Page No.
Executive Overview26
Terms used by TDS28
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated30
UScellular Operations33
TDS Telecom Operations39
Liquidity and Capital Resources45
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis51
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis52
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates53
Regulatory Matters55
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement56
Market Risk58
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures59

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Column 1Column 2
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) for the year ended December 31, 2023, and with the description of TDS’ business included herein. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, which may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “will” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See the disclosure under the heading Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement elsewhere in this report for additional information.

The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the MD&A. A discussion of the reasons TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with GAAP are included in the disclosure under the heading Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within the MD&A of this report.

The following MD&A omits discussion of 2022 compared to 2021. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023, for that discussion.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services through its 83%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). TDS also provides broadband, video and voice services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). TDS operates entirely in the United States. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

2023 Operating Revenues by Segment

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TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long term for its shareholders. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities. TDS continues to make progress on developing and enhancing its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program, including the publication of the most recent TDS ESG Report in July 2023, which is available on the TDS website.

TDS’ historical long-term strategy has been to re-invest the majority of its operating capital in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend. It is uncertain at this time how the strategic alternatives review for UScellular, TDS' available opportunities to reinvest in its businesses, or TDS' ongoing liquidity needs may impact TDS' long-term strategy, including with regard to the payment of dividends, in future periods.

During 2023, TDS paid regular quarterly cash dividends to common and preferred shareholders of $83 million and $70 million, respectively. TDS increased the dividend per Common Share paid to its investors by 3% in 2023 and in February 2024, TDS increased its first quarter dividend per Common Share another 3%. During 2023, TDS repurchased 545,990 Common Shares for $6 million at an average cost per share of $10.09. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $132 million. There is no assurance that TDS will continue to increase the dividend rate or pay dividends and no assurance that TDS will make any significant amount of share repurchases in the future.

Recent Development

On August 4, 2023, TDS and UScellular announced that the Boards of Directors of both companies have decided to initiate a process to explore a range of strategic alternatives for UScellular. During 2023, TDS incurred third-party expenses of $13 million related to the strategic alternatives review. At this time, TDS cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such process or estimate the potential impact of such process on the financial statements.

Significant Financial Matter

Net loss attributable to TDS common shareholders was $569 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Such net losses include a non-cash charge related to the TDS Telecom Goodwill impairment of $547 million ($511 million, net of tax impacts), which was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The conclusion that this impairment was required was made in connection with the review and preparation of the financial statements. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for a detailed discussion regarding the Goodwill impairment. Refer to Supplemental Information to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of the Goodwill impairment, net of tax.

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Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.

▪5G – fifth generation wireless technology that helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.

▪Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.

▪Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.

▪Auctions 105, 107, 108 and 110 – Auction 105 was an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 was an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021. Auction 110 was an FCC auction of 3.45-3.55 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in October 2021 and concluded in January 2022. Auction 108 is an FCC auction of 2.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2022 and concluded in August 2022.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, coaxial and copper.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪Churn Rate – represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.

▪Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, fixed wireless, and hotspots.

▪Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.

▪DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.

▪EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) – designation by states for providing specified services in “high cost” areas which enables participation in universal service support mechanisms.

▪Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2038. This support comes with an obligation to provide 100 megabits per second (Mbps) of download speed and 20 Mbps of upload speed (100/20 Mbps) to a certain number of locations.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and less Cash paid for software license agreements. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone or cable company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.

▪OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Retail Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a postpaid or prepaid customer. Connections are associated with all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.

▪Video Connections – represents the individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS’ central office facilities that provide voice services or the billable number of lines into a building for voice services.

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Index to MD&A

▪VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.

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Index to MD&A

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022

Year Ended December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular$3,906$4,169(6)%
TDS Telecom1,0281,0201%
All other12262241%
Total operating revenues5,1605,413(5)%
Operating expenses
UScellular3,7674,100(8)%
TDS Telecom1,55195463%
All other12562378%
Total operating expenses5,5745,2915%
Operating income (loss)
UScellular13969N/M
TDS Telecom(523)66N/M
All other1(30)(13)N/M
Total operating income(414)122N/M
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities159159
Interest and dividend income201719%
Interest expense(244)(174)(40)%
Other, net2194%
Total investment and other income (expense)(63)3N/M
Income (loss) before income taxes(477)125N/M
Income tax expense1053(81)%
Net income (loss)(487)72N/M
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax131028%
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders(500)62N/M
TDS Preferred Share dividends6969
Net loss attributable to TDS common shareholders$(569)$(7)N/M
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,086$1,0801%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,267$1,2571%
Capital expenditures3$1,197$1,285(7)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

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Index to MD&A

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pre-tax income of $65 million for both 2023 and 2022. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased in 2023 due primarily to interest rate increases on variable rate debt. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt and weighted average interest rates.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense decreased in 2023 due primarily to the decrease in Income (loss) before income taxes driven by the impairment of Goodwill, a portion of which is amortizable for tax purposes, and therefore provides a reduction in deferred tax expense.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20232022
(Dollars in millions)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$9$6
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’44
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$13$10

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of UScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain UScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

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Index to MD&A

Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Net income (loss) decreased in 2023 due primarily to the impairment of the TDS Telecom Goodwill as well as lower operating revenues and higher interest expense, partially offset by lower cash operating and tax expenses. Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2023 due primarily to lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower operating revenues.

*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

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Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
UScellular OPERATIONS

Business Overview

UScellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. UScellular is an 83%-owned subsidiary of TDS. UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a community focus.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves customers with 4.6 million retail connections including 4.1 million postpaid and 0.5 million prepaid connections

▪Operates in 21 states

▪Employs approximately 4,300 associates

▪Owns 4,373 towers

▪Operates 7,000 cell sites in service

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Index to MD&A

UScellular Mission and Strategy

UScellular’s mission is to connect its customers to what matters most to them. This includes providing exceptional wireless communication services which enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations in the markets UScellular serves.

UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a local community focus. Strategic efforts include:

▪UScellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as device protection plans and from new services such as fixed wireless home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on increasing tower rent revenues and expanding its solutions available to business and government customers.

▪UScellular continues to enhance its network capabilities, including by deploying 5G technology. 5G technology helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. UScellular's initial 5G deployment has predominantly used low-band spectrum to launch 5G services in portions of substantially all of its markets. During 2023, UScellular continued to invest in 5G with a focus on deployment of mid-band spectrum, which will largely overlap portions of areas already covered with low-band 5G service. 5G service deployed over mid-band spectrum will further enhance speed and capacity for UScellular's mobility and fixed wireless services.

▪UScellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its profitability. As part of this strategy, UScellular may seek attractive opportunities to acquire and divest wireless spectrum as deemed necessary.

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Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — UScellular

As of December 31,20232022
Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid4,106,0004,247,000
Prepaid451,000493,000
Total4,557,0004,740,000
Year Ended December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets339,000397,000(15)%
Connected Devices178,000162,00010%
Total Gross Additions517,000559,000(8)%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets(145,000)(110,000)(32)%
Connected Devices7,000(23,000)N/M
Total Net Additions (Losses)(138,000)(133,000)(4)%
Churn
Handsets1.10%1.12%
Connected Devices2.77%2.95%
Total Churn1.31%1.34%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

Total postpaid handset net losses increased in 2023 due primarily to lower gross additions resulting from aggressive industry-wide competition.

Total postpaid connected device net additions increased in 2023 due primarily to higher demand for fixed wireless home internet as well as decreases in tablet and mobile hotspot churn.

Postpaid Revenue

Year Ended December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$51.01$50.142%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$130.91$130.39

Postpaid ARPU increased in 2023 due to favorable plan and product offering mix and an increase in device protection plan revenues, partially offset by an increase in promotional discounts.

Postpaid ARPA was relatively flat in 2023 due to the impacts to Postpaid ARPU, offset by a decrease in the number of connections per account.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — UScellular

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service1$2,742$2,793(2)%
Inbound roaming3267(52)%
Other2702652%
Service revenues3,0443,125(3)%
Equipment sales8621,044(17)%
Total operating revenues3,9064,169(6)%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)740755(2)%
Cost of equipment sold9881,216(19)%
Selling, general and administrative1,3681,408(3)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion656700(6)%
Loss on impairment of licenses3N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1719(9)%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2)N/M
Total operating expenses3,7674,100(8)%
Operating income$139$69N/M
Net income$58$3567%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$818$7904%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$986$9563%
Capital expenditures3$611$717(15)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1UScellular recorded an adjustment to correct a prior period error related to the recognition of discounts for certain Prepaid customers, which decreased Service revenue by $5 million in 2023. This adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted.

2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Index to MD&A

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Service revenues consist of:

▪Retail Service – Postpaid and prepaid charges for voice, data and value-added services and cost recovery surcharges

▪Inbound Roaming – Consideration from other wireless carriers whose customers use UScellular’s wireless systems when roaming

▪Other Service – Amounts received from the Federal USF, third-party tower rental revenues, miscellaneous other service revenues and Internet of Things (IoT)

Equipment revenues consist of:

▪Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors

Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues decreased in 2023 primarily as a result of a decrease in average postpaid and prepaid connections, partially offset by an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section.

Inbound roaming revenues decreased in 2023, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower rates.

Other service revenues increased in 2023, resulting from increases in tower rental revenues, partially offset by declines in miscellaneous revenues.

Equipment sales revenues decreased in 2023, due primarily to a decline in smartphone upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average price of new smartphone sales.

Wireless service providers have been aggressive promotionally and on price to attract and retain customers. This includes both traditional carriers and cable companies operating as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). UScellular expects promotional aggressiveness by traditional carriers and pricing pressures from cable companies to continue into the foreseeable future. Operating revenues and Operating income have been negatively impacted in current and prior periods, and may be negatively impacted in future periods, by competitive promotional offers to new and existing customers.

Total operating expenses

Total operating expenses in 2023 include $9 million of severance and related expenses associated with a reduction in workforce that was recorded in the first quarter of 2023. These severance expenses are included in System operations expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses decreased in 2023, due primarily to decreases in roaming and customer usage expenses, partially offset by an increase in maintenance, utility, and cell site expenses. The decrease in roaming expense was driven by a decrease in roaming rates partially offset by an increase in usage.

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Index to MD&A

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold decreased in 2023, due primarily to a decline in smartphone upgrades and gross additions, partially offset by a higher average cost per unit sold.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2023, due primarily to decreases in bad debts expense, commissions, facilities and employee-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in advertising expenses as well as $8 million of expenses related to the strategic alternatives review.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses decreased in 2023 due primarily to enhancements that extended the useful life of a software platform.

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Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom owns, operates and invests in high-quality networks, services and products in a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the United States. TDS Telecom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS and provides a wide range of broadband, video and voice communications services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers, with the constant focus on delivering outstanding customer service.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.

▪Employs approximately 3,600 associates.

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Index to MD&A

TDS Telecom Mission and Strategy

TDS Telecom's mission is to create a better world by providing high-quality communications services to connect people and businesses, support education, and strengthen communities.

TDS Telecom's strategic efforts include:

▪TDS Telecom strives to provide high-quality broadband services in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video and voice service options. TDS Telecom focuses on driving growth by investing in fiber deployment primarily in its expansion markets and also in its incumbent markets that have historically utilized copper and coaxial cable technologies.

▪TDS Telecom seeks to grow its operations by creating clusters of markets in attractive, growing locations and may seek to acquire and/or divest of assets to support its strategy.

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Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — TDS Telecom

Total Service Address Mix

As of December 31,

TDS Telecom increased its service addresses 12% from a year ago to 1.7 million as of December 31, 2023, through network expansion.

TDS Telecom offers 1Gig+ service to 72% of its total footprint as of December 31, 2023, compared to 66% a year ago.

As of December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
Residential connections
Broadband
Wireline, Incumbent244,800249,100(2)%
Wireline, Expansion92,20056,10064%
Cable202,900204,800(1)%
Total Broadband539,800510,0006%
Video131,500135,300(3)%
Voice281,600291,600(3)%
Total Residential Connections952,900936,9002%
Commercial connections210,200236,000(11)%
Total connections1,163,1001,173,000(1)%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections decreased due to legacy voice, video, and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) connections declines, partially offset by broadband connection growth.

A majority of TDS Telecom's residential customers take advantage of bundling options as 56% of customers subscribe to more than one service.

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Index to MD&A

Residential Broadband Connections by Speed

As of December 31,

Residential broadband customers continue to choose higher speeds with 76% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 16% choosing 1Gig+.

Residential Revenue per Connection

For the year ended December 31,

Total residential revenue per connection increased 4% for 2023, due to price increases and product mix changes, partially offset by increased promotional activity.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — TDS Telecom

The following discussion and analysis compares financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31,202320222023 vs. 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Residential
Wireline, Incumbent$352$3501%
Wireline, Expansion754953%
Cable2732701%
Total residential7006695%
Commercial155173(10)%
Wholesale172177(3)%
Total service revenues1,0271,0191%
Equipment revenues11(12)%
Total operating revenues1,0281,0201%
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)4234181%
Cost of equipment and products1(26)%
Selling, general and administrative3263134%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion24521514%
Loss on impairment of goodwill547N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net10731%
Total operating expenses1,55195463%
Operating income (loss)$(523)$66N/M
Net income (loss)$(483)$53N/M
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$279$288(3)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$285$291(2)%
Capital expenditures2$577$5564%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Index to MD&A

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•Federal and state regulatory support, including ACAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Residential revenues increased for 2023 due primarily to price increases and growth in broadband connections, partially offset by promotional activity and a decline in voice and video connections.

Commercial revenues decreased for 2023 due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets.

Cost of services

Cost of services increased for 2023 due primarily to higher video programming costs, information processing costs, and employee-related expenses, partially offset by a decrease in cost to provide legacy services.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for 2023 due primarily to increases to support current and future growth, including employee-related expenses, information processing, and advertising and marketing expenses.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for 2023 due primarily to increased capital expenditures on new fiber assets and customer premise equipment.

Loss on impairment of goodwill

During the fourth quarter of 2023, TDS Telecom recorded a $547 million loss on impairment of Goodwill. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Index to MD&A

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. TDS incurred negative free cash flow in the year ended December 31, 2023, has incurred negative free cash flow in prior periods, and expects to continue to incur negative free cash flow in future periods. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, preferred share offerings, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets, pay dividends and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future.

TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, its ability to obtain future external financing, potential dispositions and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements. In addition, TDS retains the ability, as described below, to reduce its capital and operating expenditures to ameliorate its funding needs.

TDS may require substantial additional funding for, among other uses, capital expenditures, making additional investments including new technologies, fiber deployments and E-ACAM builds, acquisitions of providers of telecommunications services, wireless spectrum license acquisitions, agreements to purchase goods or services, leases, repurchases of shares, or payment of dividends. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of its existing credit facilities, to amend existing or put in place new credit agreements, to obtain other forms of financing, issue equity securities, or to divest assets in order to fund potential expenditures. TDS' liquidity would be adversely affected if it is unable to obtain short or long-term financing on acceptable terms.

TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and is taking and intends to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs, including reducing its planned capital expenditures. Specifically, TDS Telecom has elected to slow the pace of its fiber deployment and reduce or defer planned capital expenditures as a means to lower its funding needs. It is possible that TDS Telecom will be required, if it is unable to access capital on acceptable terms, to substantially reduce its plans for fiber deployment, in both the short and long-term.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies. Refer to the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis for additional information related to changes in Cash and cash equivalents.

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Index to MD&A

In addition to Cash and cash equivalents, TDS and UScellular had available undrawn borrowing capacity (taking into account debt covenant restrictions) from the following debt facilities at December 31, 2023. See the Financing section below for further details.

TDSUScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Revolving Credit Agreement$299$300
Receivables Securitization Agreement300
Repurchase Agreement1200
Total undrawn borrowing capacity299800
Debt covenant restrictions1200
Total available undrawn borrowing capacity$299$600

1The capacity available under the Repurchase Agreement and the Debt covenant restrictions in the table above relate to the Repurchase Agreement facility that subsequently expired in January 2024.

Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

TDS and UScellular have unsecured revolving credit agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $400 million and $300 million, respectively. Amounts under the revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in July 2026. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding borrowings under the TDS agreement were $100 million and TDS' and UScellular’s unused borrowing capacity was $299 million and $300 million, respectively.

In January 2024, TDS borrowed $25 million under its revolving credit agreement.

Term Loan Agreements

TDS and UScellular have term loan agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $500 million and $800 million, respectively. The maturity dates for the term loan agreements range from July 2026 to July 2031. As of December 31, 2023, TDS and UScellular have borrowed the full amounts available under the agreements and the outstanding borrowings were $492 million and $783 million, respectively.

Secured Term Loan Agreement

In September 2023, TDS entered into a $300 million senior secured term loan credit agreement. The maturity date of the agreement is the earlier of (i) September 2026 and (ii) the date that is 91 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of TDS' existing revolving credit agreement (which maturity date is currently July 2026). During 2023, TDS borrowed the full amount of $300 million available under the agreement.

This term loan is secured by a perfected security interest in certain assets of TDS, including 26 million common shares in UScellular, TDS' equity interest in certain wholly-owned subsidiaries, and all or substantially all of TDS' personal property that does not constitute equity interests. This term loan is also secured by a perfected security interest in certain assets of certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of TDS that are also guarantors, including without limitation and subject to customary exceptions, equity interests in certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of such subsidiaries and all or substantially all of the personal property of such guarantor subsidiaries that does not consist of equity interests. This agreement includes representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and other terms and conditions that are substantially similar to TDS' existing term loan and revolving credit agreements or otherwise customary for similar secured credit facilities.

Export Credit Financing Agreements

TDS has a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) imported equipment, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan facility agreement. During 2023, TDS borrowed $100 million under the agreement. The maturity date for the agreement is December 2027. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $150 million, which is the full amount available under the agreement.

UScellular has a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) imported equipment, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan facility agreement. The maturity date for the agreement is January 2027. As of December 31, 2023, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the agreement.

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Index to MD&A

Receivables Securitization Agreement

UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement that permits securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In September 2023, UScellular amended the agreement to extend the maturity date to September 2025. Amounts under the agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity. Unless the agreement is amended to extend the maturity date, repayments based on receivable collections commence in October 2025. During 2023, UScellular borrowed $315 million and repaid $440 million under the agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $150 million and the unused borrowing capacity was $300 million, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement.

In January 2024, UScellular repaid $50 million under the agreement.

Repurchase Agreement

UScellular, through a subsidiary (the repo subsidiary), had a repurchase agreement to borrow up to $200 million, subject to the availability of eligible equipment installment plan receivables and the agreement of the lender. In January 2023, UScellular amended the repurchase agreement to extend the expiration date to January 2024. During 2023, the repo subsidiary repaid $60 million under the repurchase agreement. As of December 31, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under the repurchase agreement and the unused borrowing capacity was $200 million, which was restricted from being borrowed due to covenants within the TDS and UScellular credit agreements that limit secured borrowings on an enterprise-wide basis.

The UScellular repurchase agreement expired in January 2024.

Debt Covenants

The TDS and UScellular revolving credit agreements, term loan agreements including the secured term loan, export credit financing agreements and the UScellular receivables securitization agreement require TDS or UScellular, as applicable, to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants that may restrict the borrowing capacity available. In March 2023, the agreements were amended to require TDS and UScellular to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter at a level not to exceed the following: 4.25 to 1.00 from January 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024; 4.00 to 1.00 from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025; 3.75 to 1.00 from April 1, 2025 and thereafter. TDS and UScellular are also required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance as of December 31, 2023 with all such financial covenants.

TDS believes that it and/or its subsidiaries were in compliance as of December 31, 2023, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the TDS and UScellular long-term debt indentures. TDS and UScellular have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

Other Long-Term Financing

TDS and UScellular each have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares. The proceeds from any such issuances may be used for general corporate purposes, including the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; acquisition, construction and development programs; working capital; additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The ability of TDS or UScellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

TDS and UScellular, at their discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase their outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt.

See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the financing agreements.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, TDS’ and UScellular’s interest cost on their various agreements may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the agreements, obtain consents, waivers, or amendments, or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

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Index to MD&A

TDS and UScellular are rated as sub-investment grade issuers. The TDS and UScellular issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2023, and the dates such ratings were re-affirmed were as follows:

Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's (re-affirmed October 2023)Ba1stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (issued August 2023)BBwatch-developing outlook
Fitch Ratings (re-affirmed March 2023)BB+stable outlook

Following the announcement on August 4, 2023 related to the review of strategic alternatives for UScellular, Standard & Poor's placed the BB issuer credit rating for TDS on CreditWatch with developing implications. Per the release, this action reflects the potential for a higher or lower rating depending on the outcome of the UScellular strategic alternatives review. Further, Standard & Poor's indicated they expect to resolve the CreditWatch placement once they have sufficient information following the conclusion of the strategic review process. At the same time, Moody's issued a release indicating that TDS' Ba1 issuer credit rating is not immediately impacted given the uncertainty around potential outcomes. Fitch Ratings did not issue a public statement.

Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2024 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in current and prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities (such as 5G and VoLTE technology for UScellular and fiber for TDS Telecom) have required substantial investments in potentially revenue-enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2024 and future years with the continued deployment of 5G technology for UScellular, and the continued deployment of fiber for TDS Telecom.

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Index to MD&A

Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2023 and 2022, were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

UScellular’s capital expenditures in 2023 were $611 million compared to $717 million in 2022. In 2023, UScellular's capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Enhance and maintain UScellular's network capacity and coverage, including continued deployment of 5G with a focus on mid-band spectrum to provide additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

•Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

Capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be between $550 million and $650 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures in 2023 were $577 million compared to $556 million in 2022. In 2023, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue to expand fiber deployment in expansion and incumbent markets;

•Support broadband growth and success-based spending; and

•Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements of state broadband and ACAM programs.

Capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be between $310 million and $340 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2024 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and additional debt financing from its existing agreements and/or other forms of available financing.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

TDS may be engaged in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties, assets, wireless spectrum licenses (including pursuant to FCC auctions) and other possible businesses. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; dividend obligations; lease commitments; commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services; agreements for software licensing; long-term marketing programs; commitments for wireless spectrum licenses acquired through FCC auctions; and other agreements to purchase goods or services. TDS has taken and expects to continue to take steps to reduce and defer capital expenditures to lower its funding needs. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information.

Variable Interest Entities

TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 15 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods to fund their operations.

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Common Share Repurchase Programs

During 2023, TDS repurchased 545,990 Common Shares for $6 million at an average cost per share of $10.09. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $132 million.

UScellular had no share repurchases during 2023. At December 31, 2023, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 1,927,000.

Depending on its future financial performance, construction, development and acquisition programs, and available sources of financing, TDS and UScellular may not have sufficient liquidity or capital resources to make share repurchases. Therefore, there is no assurance that TDS and UScellular will make any share repurchases in the future.

For additional information related to the current TDS and UScellular repurchase authorizations, see Note 17 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Common Share of $0.185 in 2023 and $0.180 in 2022. TDS increased the dividend per share to $0.190 in the first quarter of 2024. It is uncertain at this time how the strategic alternatives review for UScellular, TDS' available opportunities to reinvest in its businesses, or TDS' ongoing liquidity needs, may impact the decisions of the TDS Board of Directors regarding the declaration of future dividends.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series UU depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.414 in 2023 and 2022.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series VV depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.375 in 2023 and 2022.

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Index to MD&A

Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

TDS operates a capital-intensive business. TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade communications networks and facilities with a goal of creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks. Revenues from certain of these investments are long-term and in some cases are uncertain. To meet its cash-flow needs, TDS may need to delay or reduce certain investments, dividend payments or sell assets. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, timing and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS’ cash flow activities in 2023 and 2022.

2023 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $129 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,142 million due to a net loss of $487 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,496 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $150 million, including $69 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $17 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by the timing of vendor payments and an increase in receivables, partially offset by reduced inventory balances and a federal income tax refund of $57 million received during the second quarter of 2023.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,327 million, which included payments for property, plant and equipment of $1,211 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $130 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $56 million, due primarily to $365 million borrowed under the TDS revolving credit agreement, $315 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $300 million borrowed under the TDS secured term loan agreement, and $100 million borrowed under the TDS export credit agreement. These were partially offset by $440 million in repayments on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $265 million in repayments on the TDS revolving credit agreement, a $60 million repayment on the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, payment of $153 million in dividends and cash paid for software license agreements of $66 million.

2022 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $15 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,155 million due to net income of $72 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,036 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $145 million, including $59 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $98 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by an increase in receivable and inventory balances, partially offset by a federal income tax refund of $125 million received during the first quarter of 2022. The increase in receivables was driven by a high volume of equipment upgrades due to promotional activities and a longer contract term for equipment installment plans.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,783 million, which included payments for property, plant and equipment of $1,161 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $585 million. Cash payments for property, plant and equipment are lower than the total capital expenditures in 2022 due primarily to future obligations of certain software license agreements that are recorded as current year capital expenditures but are paid over time.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $613 million, due primarily to $800 million borrowed under the term loan facilities, $200 million borrowed under the export credit financing agreements, $110 million borrowed under the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, $75 million borrowed under the UScellular revolving credit agreement, and $75 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement. These were partially offset by $250 million of repayments on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, a $75 million repayment on the UScellular revolving credit agreement, a $50 million repayment on the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, the payment of dividends totaling $151 million, the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares totaling $83 million and cash paid for software license agreements of $23 million.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Notable balance sheet changes during 2023 were as follows:

Accounts receivable, other

Accounts receivable, other decreased $30 million due primarily to the collection of vendor credits from original equipment manufacturers.

Inventory, net

Inventory, net decreased $60 million due primarily to efforts to reduce inventory on hand which was elevated due to lower than expected sales in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Income taxes receivable

Income taxes receivable decreased $55 million due primarily to a federal income tax refund received in the second quarter of 2023 related to the 2020 net operating loss carryback enabled by the CARES Act.

Goodwill

Goodwill decreased $547 million due to the impairment of TDS Telecom's Goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2023. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Accounts payable

Accounts payable decreased $146 million due primarily to the timing of vendor invoice payments related to inventory.

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities decreased $186 million due primarily to the payment of Auction 107 relocation fees and repayments on the EIP receivables repurchase agreement.

Retained earnings

Retained earnings decreased $676 million due primarily to the net loss incurred for the period, driven by the impairment of TDS Telecom's Goodwill of $547 million and the payment of dividends.

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Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 10 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TDS’ consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Asset Impairment

Wireless spectrum licenses and Goodwill represent a significant component of TDS’ consolidated assets. These assets are considered to be indefinite-lived assets, and therefore are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. TDS performs annual impairment testing of wireless spectrum licenses and Goodwill as of November 1 of each year, or more frequently if triggering events occur. Significant negative events, such as changes in any of the assumptions described below or decreases in forecasted cash flows, could result in an impairment. Wireless spectrum licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit.

See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Licenses and Goodwill activity in 2023 and 2022.

Wireless Spectrum Licenses – UScellular

For purposes of its impairment test, UScellular has one unit of accounting. UScellular performed a quantitative impairment assessment in 2023 and a qualitative impairment assessment in 2022.

In 2023, a market approach was used to value the wireless spectrum license portfolio. The wireless spectrum licenses were pooled by band, and a range of values was established using industry benchmarks, FCC auction data, and precedent transactions. The midpoint of the range was established as the point estimate for the value of each band, and the sum of the band values was used as the point estimate value of UScellular's wireless spectrum license unit of accounting. Based on this valuation, the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses exceeded the respective carrying value by 17% and there was no impairment of wireless spectrum licenses.

In 2022, UScellular considered several qualitative factors, including analyst estimates of wireless spectrum license values, recent spectrum auction results, UScellular and other market participant transactions, and other industry and market factors. Based on these assessments, UScellular concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the unit of accounting exceeded its carrying value. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

Goodwill – TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom had recorded Goodwill as a result of past business acquisitions. For purposes of the 2023 and 2022 Goodwill impairment test, TDS Telecom had one reporting unit.

2023 Impairment Test

Rising interest rates and liquidity constraints have caused TDS Telecom to slow the pace of its fiber deployment and reduce or defer planned capital expenditures in future years, which also defers the related revenue generation from these projects. In addition, TDS Telecom is facing increasing competitive pressures in its Incumbent Wireline markets. Consequently, TDS Telecom reset its long-range forecast in the fourth quarter of 2023, and performed a quantitative impairment assessment as of November 1, 2023.

The discounted cash flow and guideline public company approaches were used to value the reporting unit, weighted at 75% and 25%, respectively. The discounted cash flow approach develops an indication of fair value using various inputs and considers current economic factors as well as risks specific to the industry and the reporting unit. The most significant assumptions made in this process were the revenue growth rate over the forecast period (shown as a compound annual growth rate in the table below), the terminal growth rate and the discount rate.

Key Assumptions
Revenue growth rate6.8%
Terminal growth rate1.0%
Discount rate111.0%

1The discount rate is derived based on a set of guideline public companies and is an indicator of the cost of capital for a market participant in TDS Telecom's industry. The discount rate includes a premium for forecast risk; the premium in 2023 contemplates execution risk related to fiber expansion given near-term capital and liquidity constraints at the reporting unit.

The guideline public company method develops an estimate of fair value by calculating market pricing multiples for selected publicly traded companies that are comparable to the reporting unit. The multiples are applied to the appropriate financial measure of the reporting unit to estimate the reporting unit's fair value.

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The results of the goodwill impairment test indicated that the carrying value of the TDS Telecom reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Therefore, TDS recognized a loss on impairment of goodwill of $547 million to reduce the carrying value of Goodwill for the reporting unit to zero in the fourth quarter of 2023.

This reset of the long-range forecast and resulting impairment of Goodwill did not have a material impact on the value of TDS Telecom’s long-lived asset group; therefore, TDS concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the long-lived asset group exceeded its carrying value, and accordingly no impairment of long-lived assets was recorded.

2022 Impairment Test

TDS Telecom performed a qualitative impairment assessment in 2022, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends, and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the TDS Telecom reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and accordingly no Goodwill impairment was recorded in 2022.

Income Taxes

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires TDS to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities which are included on a net basis in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

TDS recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Regulatory Matters

5G Fund

On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over ten years to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America. The 5G Fund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multiround auctions to award support. The winning bidders will be required to meet certain minimum speed requirements and interim and final deployment milestones. The order provides that the 5G Fund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment. On September 22, 2023, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to continue implementation of the 5G Fund. The FCC sought comment on, among other things, the definition of areas eligible for 5G Fund support, adjustment factors and metrics used to identify winning bids, and the potential inclusion of cybersecurity and supply chain management requirements for those receiving 5G Fund support.

UScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G Fund auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G Fund auction will provide opportunities to UScellular to offset any loss in existing support.

Spectrum Auctions

On March 2, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band (Auction 105). On September 2, 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 243 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $14 million. On July 15, 2022, the FCC released a Consent Decree related to its spectrum aggregation and ownership attribution rules in which UScellular agreed to relinquish its rights to 27 wireless spectrum licenses awarded in Auction 105 and subsequently received a full refund of $2 million. The remaining 216 wireless spectrum licenses were granted by the FCC on July 26, 2022.

On August 7, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107). On February 24, 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular was obligated to pay approximately $179 million in total from 2021 through 2025 related to relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. Such additional costs were accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted, and are adjusted as necessary as the estimated obligation changes. UScellular paid $122 million, $8 million and $36 million related to the additional costs for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. UScellular received full access to the spectrum in the third quarter of 2023.

On June 9, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (Auction 110). On January 14, 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 380 wireless spectrum licenses for $580 million. UScellular paid $20 million of this amount in 2021 and the remainder in the first quarter of 2022. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 110 were granted by the FCC on May 4, 2022.

On March 21, 2022, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 2.5 GHz band (Auction 108). On September 1, 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 34 wireless spectrum licenses for $3 million. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 108 were granted by the FCC on December 1, 2022.

FCC Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM)

On July 24, 2023, the FCC released an order adopting the E-ACAM program for the purpose of supporting widespread deployment of 100/20 Mbps service speeds in eligible rural areas. The program is offered and extended to carriers currently receiving ACAM or legacy rate-of-return support.

On September 28, 2023, TDS Telecom notified the FCC of its decision to accept 24 of the 25 state offers received for E-ACAM support. The enhanced program requires TDS Telecom to deploy high-speed internet to approximately 270,000 locations. Starting in 2024, TDS Telecom expects to receive support of approximately $90 million per year for 15 years in exchange for meeting the 100/20 Mbps service requirement. The support replaces the prior ACAM program support received for the 24 states where TDS Telecom has wireline operations. On October 30, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice authorizing the Universal Service Administrative Company to disburse the appropriate amounts. TDS Telecom will incur capital expenditures over the next several years to meet its obligations to serve the required locations with 100/20 Mbps service.

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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below. See "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

Operational Risk Factors

▪Intense competition involving products, services, pricing, promotions and network speed and technologies could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪An inability to attract diverse people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

▪Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

▪Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.

▪Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties, including supply chain disruptions, of key suppliers or independent agents and third-party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technologies, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Financial Risk Factors

▪Uncertainty in TDS’ or UScellular's future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, changes in interest rates, other changes in TDS’ or UScellular's performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ or UScellular's credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which has required and could in the future require TDS to reduce or delay its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, divest assets or businesses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.

▪TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.

▪TDS has entered into a new Senior Secured Credit Agreement that imposes certain restrictions on its business and operations that may affect its ability to operate its business and make payments on its indebtedness.

▪TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪TDS and UScellular have initiated a process to explore a range of strategic alternatives for UScellular and there can be no assurance that any strategic alternative will be successfully identified or completed, that any such strategic alternative will result in additional value for TDS and its shareholders, or that the process will not have an adverse impact on TDS' business or financial statements.

▪Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS receives significant regulatory support, and is also subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments – the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, including the ability to pass through certain fees to customers, and this uncertainty could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional or environmental studies to the effect that potentially harmful emissions from devices or network equipment, including but not limited to radio frequencies emitted by wireless signals or due to contamination from network cabling, may cause harmful health or environmental consequences, including cancer, tumors or otherwise harmful impacts, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices or frequencies used by other industries, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless and/or wireline business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.

General Risk Factors

▪TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The impact of public health emergencies on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on duration and severity could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Market Risk

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 50% of TDS' long-term debt was in fixed-rate senior notes and approximately 50% in variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to volatility in the fair value of fixed-rate notes and interest expense on variable-rate debt.

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2023:

Principal Payments Due by Period
Long-Term Debt Obligations1Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in millions)
2024$267.2%
2025267.2%
20266767.2%
20273197.0%
20284827.5%
Thereafter2,5006.4%
Total$4,0296.7%

1The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments, unamortized discounts related to UScellular's 6.7% Senior Notes, and outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement, which principal repayments are not scheduled but are instead based on actual receivable collections. See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2Represents the weighted average stated interest rates at December 31, 2023, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $3,651 million and $3,047 million, respectively, and the book value was $4,139 million and $3,789 million, respectively. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

▪Goodwill impairment, net of tax

Following are explanations of each of these measures:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as Net income (loss) adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income (loss) or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.

Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing the segments' performance. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, nonrecurring expenses, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, gains and losses, and expenses related to the strategic alternatives review of UScellular, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income (loss) and Operating income (loss).

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TDS - CONSOLIDATED20232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$(487)$72
Add back:
Income tax expense1053
Interest expense244174
Depreciation, amortization and accretion915929
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)6821,228
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review13
Loss on impairment of intangible assets5473
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2727
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,2671,257
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities159159
Interest and dividend income2017
Other, net21
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1,0861,080
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion915929
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review13
Loss on impairment of intangible assets5473
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2727
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(414)$122
UScellular20232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$58$35
Add back:
Income tax expense5337
Interest expense196163
Depreciation, amortization and accretion656700
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)963935
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review8
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1719
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)986956
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities158158
Interest and dividend income108
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)818790
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion656700
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review8
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1719
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2)
Operating income (GAAP)$139$69

60

Index to MD&A

TDS TELECOM20232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$(483)$53
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense (benefit)(26)23
Interest expense(8)(7)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion245215
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)(272)284
Add back or deduct:
Loss on impairment of goodwill547
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net107
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)285291
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income42
Other, net21
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)279288
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion245215
Loss on impairment of goodwill547
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net107
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)$(523)$66

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements.

20232022
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,142$1,155
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(1,211)(1,161)
Cash paid for software license agreements(66)(23)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$(135)$(29)

Goodwill impairment, net of tax

The following non-GAAP financial measure isolates the total effects on net income of the current period Loss on impairment of goodwill at TDS Telecom, including tax impacts. TDS believes this measure may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information to assist in comparing the current period financial results with periods that were not impacted by such a charge.

20232022
(Dollars in millions)
Net loss attributable to TDS common shareholders (GAAP)$(569)$(7)
Adjustments:
Loss on impairment of goodwill547
Deferred tax benefit on the tax-amortizable portion of the impaired Goodwill(36)
Subtotal of Non-GAAP adjustments511
Net loss attributable to TDS common shareholders excluding goodwill impairment charge (Non-GAAP)$(58)$(7)

61

Table of Contents

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001051512-23-000006.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-16. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)Page No.
Executive Overview23
Terms used by TDS25
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated26
UScellular Operations29
TDS Telecom Operations35
Liquidity and Capital Resources41
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis46
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis47
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates48
Regulatory Matters49
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement50
Market Risk52
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures53

22

Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) for the year ended December 31, 2022, and with the description of TDS’ business included herein. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, including the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement for additional information.

TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” and each such measure is identified in the MD&A. A discussion of the reason TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) are included in the Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures section within the MD&A of this Form 10-K Report.

The following MD&A omits discussion of 2021 compared to 2020. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022, for that discussion.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services through its 84%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). TDS also provides broadband, video and voice services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). TDS operates entirely in the United States. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

2022 Operating Revenues by Segment

23

Index to MD&A

TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long term for its shareholders. Across all of its businesses, TDS is focused on providing exceptional customer experiences through best-in-class services and products and superior customer service. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities. TDS continues to make progress on developing and enhancing its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program, including the publication of the most recent TDS ESG Report in September 2022.

TDS’ long-term strategy calls for the majority of its operating capital to be reinvested in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend.

TDS plans to build shareholder value by continuing to execute on its strategies to build strong, competitive businesses providing high-quality, data-focused services and products.

During 2022, TDS paid regular quarterly cash dividends to common and preferred shareholders of $82 million and $69 million, respectively. TDS increased the dividend per Common Share paid to its investors by 3% in 2022 and in February 2023, TDS increased its quarterly dividend per Common Share another 3%, which marks the 49th consecutive year of dividend increases. During 2022, TDS repurchased 2,754,339 Common Shares for $40 million at an average cost per share of $14.46. As of December 31, 2022, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $138 million. There is no assurance that TDS will continue to increase the dividend rate or pay dividends and no assurance that TDS will make any significant amount of share repurchases in the future.

24

Index to MD&A

Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.

▪5G – fifth generation wireless technology that helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.

▪Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.

▪Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.

▪Auctions 105, 107, 108 and 110 – Auction 105 was an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 was an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021. Auction 110 was an FCC auction of 3.45-3.55 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in October 2021 and concluded in January 2022. Auction 108 is an FCC auction of 2.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2022 and concluded in August 2022.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, coaxial and copper.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪Churn Rate – represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.

▪Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.

▪Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.

▪DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.

▪EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) – designation by states for providing specified services in “high cost” areas which enables participation in universal service support mechanisms.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and less Cash paid for software license agreements. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone or cable company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.

▪OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Retail Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a postpaid or prepaid customer. Connections are associated with all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.

▪Video Connections – represents the individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS’ central office facilities that provide voice services or the billable number of lines into a building for voice services.

▪VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.

25

Index to MD&A

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

Year Ended December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular$4,169$4,1221%
TDS Telecom1,0201,0061%
All other122420111%
Total operating revenues5,4135,3292%
Operating expenses
UScellular4,1003,9524%
TDS Telecom9548966%
All other12372208%
Total operating expenses5,2915,0684%
Operating income (loss)
UScellular69170(59)%
TDS Telecom66110(40)%
All other1(13)(19)27%
Total operating income122261(53)%
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities159182(12)%
Interest and dividend income171145%
Interest expense(174)(232)25%
Other, net1(1)N/M
Total investment and other income3(40)N/M
Income before income taxes125221(44)%
Income tax expense533359%
Net income72188(62)%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax1032(69)%
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders62156(61)%
TDS Preferred Share dividends693979%
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders$(7)$117N/M
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,080$1,180(8)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,257$1,372(8)%
Capital expenditures3$1,285$1,2017%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

26

Index to MD&A

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pre-tax income of $65 million and $82 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased in 2022 due primarily to $57 million of unamortized debt issuance costs written off during 2021 related to the redemption of Senior Notes. This was partially offset by an increase in interest expense due to additional borrowings and interest rate increases.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense increased in 2022 due primarily to the 2021 reduction of tax accruals resulting from expiration of state statutes of limitations of prior tax years, which did not recur in 2022. This was partially offset by the tax effect of the decrease in Income before income taxes.

In early 2022, TDS received a federal income tax refund of $125 million related to the 2020 net operating loss carryback enabled by the CARES Act.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20222021
(Dollars in millions)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$6$28
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’44
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$10$32

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of UScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain UScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

27

Index to MD&A

Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Net income decreased in 2022 due primarily to higher operating and income tax expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues and lower interest expense. Adjusted EBITDA decreased in 2022 due primarily to higher operating expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues.

*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

28

Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
UScellular OPERATIONS

Business Overview

UScellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. UScellular is an 84%-owned subsidiary of TDS. UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a community focus.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves customers with 4.7 million retail connections including 4.2 million postpaid and 0.5 million prepaid connections

▪Operates in 21 states

▪Employs approximately 4,900 associates

▪4,336 owned towers

▪6,945 cell sites in service

29

Index to MD&A

UScellular Mission and Strategy

UScellular’s mission is to connect its customers to what matters most to them. This includes providing exceptional wireless communication services which enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations in the markets UScellular serves.

UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers by providing a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a community focus. Strategic efforts include:

▪UScellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as device protection plans and from new services such as fixed wireless home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on increasing revenues from prepaid plans, tower rent revenues and expanding its solutions available to business and government customers.

▪UScellular continues to enhance its network capabilities, including by deploying 5G technology. 5G technology helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. UScellular's 5G deployment is initially focused on mobility services using its low band spectrum. UScellular has acquired high-band and mid-band spectrum, deployed high-band spectrum on a limited basis, and will further deploy high-band and mid-band in the future to further enable the delivery of 5G services. UScellular has launched 5G services in portions of substantially all of its markets and will continue to expand to additional areas in the coming years.

▪UScellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, UScellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions.

30

Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — UScellular

As of December 31,20222021
Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid4,247,0004,380,000
Prepaid493,000513,000
Total4,740,0004,893,000
Year Ended December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets397,000434,000(9)%
Connected Devices162,000159,0002%
Total Gross Additions559,000593,000(6)%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets(110,000)(11,000)N/M
Connected Devices(23,000)(21,000)(10)%
Total Net Additions (Losses)(133,000)(32,000)N/M
Churn
Handsets1.12%0.96%
Connected Devices2.95%2.72%
Total Churn1.34%1.18%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

Total postpaid handset net losses increased in 2022 due to lower gross additions and higher defections resulting from aggressive industry-wide competition and an increase in non-pay customers.

Total postpaid connected device net losses in 2022 were largely in-line with prior year, as lower demand for connected watches and tablets were offset by an increase in home internet net additions.

Postpaid Revenue

Year Ended December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$50.14$48.034%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$130.39$125.924%

Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA increased in 2022, due primarily to (i) favorable plan and product offering mix, (ii) an increase in cost recovery surcharges and (iii) an increase in device protection plan revenues. These increases were partially offset by an increase in promotional discounts. The higher ARPU plan mix in 2022 relative to 2021 was partially driven by device promotions that included requirements for customers to adopt higher rate plans that offer enhanced services and features. UScellular expects the future growth rate of Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA to decline relative to the growth rate experienced in 2022 due to the impact of pricing and promotions in the continued highly competitive wireless services environment.

2021 Postpaid ARPU and ARPA amounts exclude $9 million of postpaid revenue related to an out-of-period error recorded in the third quarter of 2021. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

31

Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — UScellular

Year Ended December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service1$2,793$2,7571%
Inbound roaming67110(39)%
Other12652487%
Service revenues3,1253,115
Equipment sales1,0441,0074%
Total operating revenues4,1694,1221%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)755790(4)%
Cost of equipment sold1,2161,1189%
Selling, general and administrative1,4081,3455%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion7006783%
Loss on impairment of licenses3N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1923(18)%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(2)52%
Total operating expenses4,1003,9524%
Operating income$69$170(59)%
Net income$35$160(78)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$790$869(9)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$956$1,054(9)%
Capital expenditures3$717$780(8)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    For 2021, amounts have been adjusted to reclassify $8 million of Internet of Things (IoT) and Reseller revenues from Retail service to Other service.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

32

Index to MD&A

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Service revenues consist of:

▪Retail Service – Postpaid and prepaid charges for voice, data and value-added services and cost recovery surcharges

▪Inbound Roaming – Consideration from other wireless carriers whose customers use UScellular’s wireless systems when roaming

▪Other Service – Amounts received from the Federal USF, tower rental revenues, miscellaneous other service revenues and Internet of Things (IoT)

Equipment revenues consist of:

▪Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors

Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues increased in 2022 primarily as a result of an increase in Postpaid ARPU, partially offset by a decrease in average postpaid connections, as well as a $9 million out-of-period error that increased revenue recognized in 2021. See Note 2 - Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Inbound roaming revenues decreased in 2022, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower rates and lower usage. UScellular expects inbound roaming revenue to continue to decline during 2023 relative to prior year levels.

Other service revenues increased in 2022, resulting from increases in tower rental revenues, miscellaneous revenues, and IoT revenues.

Equipment sales revenues increased in 2022, due primarily to increased customer upgrades driven by more promotional activity, combined with a higher average price of new smartphone sales.

In recent periods, wireless service providers have increased promotional aggressiveness to attract new customers and retain existing customers. This has included both traditional carriers and cable companies operating through mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This increased aggressiveness has contributed to the loss of 133,000 postpaid connections in 2022. It has also led to increased promotional spending, which negatively impacts both Equipment revenues and Retail service revenues. UScellular expects promotional aggressiveness by its competitors to continue during 2023. Operating revenues and Operating income may be negatively impacted by the competitive need to continue to offer significant promotional discounts and lower priced plan offerings to new and existing customers.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses decreased in 2022, due primarily to decreases in roaming and customer usage expenses, partially offset by an increase in maintenance, utility, and cell site expenses. The decrease in roaming expense was driven by a decrease in roaming rates partially offset by an increase in usage.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold increased in 2022, due primarily to increased customer upgrades driven by more promotional activity, combined with higher average cost per unit sold.

33

Index to MD&A

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2022, due primarily to increases in bad debts expense partially offset by a decrease in advertising expense.

Bad debts expense increased $76 million in 2022 as customer payment behavior and the corresponding rate of involuntary churn returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic trends in 2022. Involuntary churn had been favorable in the prior year due to the impacts of the pandemic which included government stimulus payments and higher consumer savings rates. In addition, customers have purchased higher priced devices in recent periods, which has resulted in higher write-off amounts per uncollectible account in 2022 relative to 2021.

34

Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom owns, operates and invests in communications services in a mix of rural and suburban communities throughout the United States. TDS Telecom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS and provides a wide range of broadband, video and voice communications services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers. TDS Telecom's strategic goal is to be the preferred broadband provider in the markets it serves. TDS Telecom invests in high-quality networks, services and products, with the constant focus on delivering a best-in-class customer experience.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.

▪Employs approximately 3,400 associates.

35

Index to MD&A

TDS Telecom Mission and Strategy

TDS Telecom's mission is to create a better world by providing high-quality communications services to connect people and businesses, support education, and strengthen communities.

TDS Telecom's strategic efforts include:

▪TDS Telecom strives to be the preferred broadband provider in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video and voice service options. TDS Telecom focuses on driving growth by investing in fiber deployment in its expansion markets and in its incumbent markets that have historically utilized copper and coaxial cable technologies.

▪TDS Telecom seeks to grow its operations and expand its total footprint by creating new clusters of markets in attractive, growing locations and may seek to acquire businesses that support and complement its existing markets.

36

Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — TDS Telecom

Total Service Address Mix

As of December 31,

*2021 Fiber addresses in cable markets are included in Coaxial.

TDS Telecom increased its service addresses 9% from a year ago to 1.5 million as of December 31, 2022, through network expansion.

TDS Telecom offers 1Gig service to 66% of its total footprint as of December 31, 2022, compared to 58% a year ago.

In 2022, TDS Telecom began measuring fiber service addresses in its cable markets. Including cable, 39% of service addresses are served by fiber.

As of December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
Residential connections
Broadband
Wireline, Incumbent249,100250,200
Wireline, Expansion56,10036,90052%
Cable204,800203,2001%
Total Broadband510,000490,3004%
Video135,300141,500(4)%
Voice291,600303,700(4)%
Total Residential Connections936,900935,600
Commercial connections236,000264,300(11)%
Total connections1,173,0001,199,900(2)%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections decreased due to legacy voice, video, and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) connections declines, partially offset by broadband connection growth.

A majority of TDS Telecom's residential customers take advantage of bundling options as 60% of customers subscribe to more than one service.

37

Index to MD&A

Residential Broadband Connections by Speed

As of December 31,

Residential broadband customers continue to choose higher speeds with 72% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 11% choosing 1Gig.

Residential Revenue per Connection

For the year ended December 31,

Total residential revenue per connection increased 3% for 2022, due to a higher concentration of broadband connections as well as an increase in broadband speeds and price increases, partially offset by increased promotional activity.

38

Index to MD&A

Financial Overview — TDS Telecom

Year Ended December 31,202220212022 vs. 2021
(Dollars in millions)
Residential
Wireline, Incumbent$350$3451%
Wireline, Expansion493446%
Cable2702633%
Total residential6696414%
Commercial173183(5)%
Wholesale177181(2)%
Total service revenues1,0191,0051%
Equipment revenues11(5)%
Total operating revenues1,0201,0061%
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)4184043%
Cost of equipment and products11(2)%
Selling, general and administrative3132918%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion2151988%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net72N/M
Total operating expenses9548966%
Operating income$66$110(40)%
Net income$53$90(41)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$288$310(7)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$291$310(6)%
Capital expenditures2$556$41135%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services, including security and support services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•Federal and state regulatory support, including A-CAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Residential revenues increased for 2022 due primarily to price increases and growth in broadband connections, partially offset by a decline in voice and video connections and federal universal service charges.

Commercial revenues decreased for 2022 due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets, partially offset by an increase in broadband connections.

Cost of services

Cost of services increased for 2022 due primarily to higher employee-related expenses, video programming costs and vehicle maintenance and fuel costs.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for 2022 due primarily to increases to support current and future growth, including employee-related expenses and advertising and marketing expenses, partially offset by decreases to federal universal service charges.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for 2022 due primarily to increased capital expenditures on new fiber assets and customer-related equipment.

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Index to MD&A

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, preferred share offerings, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt.

TDS has incurred negative free cash flow at times in the past and this could occur in the future. However, TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its financing agreements, expected future tax refunds and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements for the next several years. TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and plans to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs.

TDS may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of telecommunications services, wireless spectrum license acquisitions, capital expenditures, agreements to purchase goods or services, leases, debt service requirements, repurchases of shares, payment of dividends, or making additional investments, including new technologies and fiber deployments. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing credit facilities, to amend existing or put in place new credit agreements, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies. Refer to the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis for additional information related to changes in Cash and cash equivalents.

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In addition to Cash and cash equivalents, TDS and UScellular had undrawn borrowing capacity from the following debt facilities at December 31, 2022. See the Financing section below for further details.

TDSUScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Revolving Credit Agreement$399$300
Export Credit Financing Agreement100
Receivables Securitization Agreement175
Repurchase Agreement140
Total undrawn borrowing capacity$499$615

Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

TDS and UScellular have unsecured revolving credit agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $400 million and $300 million, respectively. Amounts under the revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in July 2026. During 2022, UScellular borrowed and repaid $75 million under its revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreements, except for letters of credit, and TDS' and UScellular’s unused borrowing capacity was $399 million and $300 million, respectively.

Term Loan Agreements

TDS and UScellular have term loan agreements with maximum borrowing capacities of $500 million and $800 million, respectively. The maturity dates for the term loan agreements range from July 2026 to July 2031. During 2022, TDS borrowed an incremental $300 million under its term loan credit agreements and UScellular borrowed an incremental $500 million under its term loan credit agreements. As of December 31, 2022, TDS and UScellular have borrowed the full amounts available under the agreements and the outstanding borrowings were $497 million and $796 million, respectively.

Export Credit Financing Agreements

In November 2022, TDS entered into a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) imported equipment, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan credit facility agreement. The agreement may be drawn in one or more advances by the five-month anniversary of the date of the agreement which is April 9, 2023; amounts not drawn by that time will cease to be available. The maturity date of the agreement is the five-year anniversary of the first borrowing, which is in December 2027. During 2022, TDS borrowed $50 million under the agreement. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $50 million and the unused borrowing capacity was $100 million.

TDS borrowed $50 million under its export credit financing agreement in both January and February 2023.

In December 2021, UScellular entered into a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) imported equipment, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan credit facility agreement. During 2022, UScellular borrowed $150 million, which is the full amount available under the agreement and is due in January 2027.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In March 2022, UScellular amended the agreement to extend the maturity date to March 2024. Amounts under the agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until the maturity date. During 2022, UScellular repaid $250 million and borrowed $75 million under the agreement. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $275 million and the unused borrowing capacity was $175 million, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement.

In February 2023, UScellular borrowed $25 million under the receivables securitization agreement.

Repurchase Agreement

In January 2022, UScellular, through a subsidiary (the repo subsidiary), entered into a repurchase agreement to borrow up to $200 million, subject to the availability of eligible equipment installment plan receivables and the agreement of the lender. The transaction is accounted for as a one-month secured borrowing. During 2022, the repo subsidiary borrowed $110 million and repaid $50 million under the repurchase agreement. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $60 million and the unused borrowing capacity was $140 million.

In January 2023, UScellular amended the repurchase agreement to extend the expiration date to January 2024. The outstanding borrowings will bear interest at a rate of the lender's cost of funds (which has historically tracked closely to SOFR) plus 1.35%. There were no significant changes to other terms of the repurchase agreement.

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Financial Covenants

The TDS and UScellular revolving credit agreements, term loan agreements, export credit financing agreements and the UScellular receivables securitization agreement require TDS or UScellular, as applicable, to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants. In particular, under these agreements, TDS and UScellular are required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular also are required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at a level not to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular believe they were in compliance as of December 31, 2022 with all such financial covenants.

Other Long-Term Financing

TDS and UScellular each have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares. The proceeds from any such issuances may be used for general corporate purposes, including the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; acquisition, construction and development programs; working capital; additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The TDS shelf registration permits TDS to issue at any time and from time to time senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares in one or more offerings in an indeterminate amount. The UScellular shelf registration statement permits UScellular to issue at any time and from time to time senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares in one or more offerings, up to the amount registered, which is currently $1 billion. The ability of TDS or UScellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

TDS believes that it and/or its subsidiaries were in compliance as of December 31, 2022, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the TDS and UScellular long-term debt indentures. TDS and UScellular have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt.

TDS and UScellular, at their discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase their outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the revolving credit agreements, senior term loan agreements, export credit financing agreements, UScellular's receivables securitization agreement, UScellular's Senior Notes and other long-term financing.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, TDS’ and UScellular’s interest cost on their various agreements may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the agreements or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

TDS and UScellular are rated as sub-investment grade issuers. The TDS and UScellular issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2022, and the dates such ratings were re-affirmed were as follows:

Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's (re-affirmed October 2022)Ba1stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (re-affirmed October 2022)BBstable outlook
Fitch Ratings (re-affirmed February 2022)BB+stable outlook

Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2023 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in current and prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities (such as 5G and VoLTE technology for UScellular and fiber for TDS Telecom) have required substantial investments in potentially revenue-enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2023 and future years with the continued deployment of 5G technology for UScellular, and the continued deployment of fiber for TDS Telecom.

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Index to MD&A

Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2022 and 2021, were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

UScellular’s capital expenditures in 2022 were $717 million compared to $780 million in 2021. In 2022, UScellular's capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue network modernization and 5G deployment;

•Enhance and maintain UScellular's network coverage, including providing additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

•Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

Capital expenditures for 2023 are expected to be between $600 million and $700 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures in 2022 were $556 million compared to $411 million in 2021. In 2022, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue to expand fiber deployment in incumbent and expansion markets;

•Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;

•Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds; and

•Support success-based spending for broadband growth.

Capital expenditures for 2023 are expected to be between $500 million and $550 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

Macroeconomic factors may impact the acquisition or cost of products and materials as well as contribute to internal and external labor shortages.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2023 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, as required, additional debt financing from its existing agreements and/or other forms of financing.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

TDS may be engaged from time to time in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties, wireless spectrum licenses (including pursuant to FCC auctions) and other possible businesses. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; dividend obligations; lease commitments; commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services; agreements for software licensing; long-term marketing programs; commitments for wireless spectrum licenses acquired through FCC auctions; and other agreements to purchase goods or services.

Variable Interest Entities

TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 15 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

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Index to MD&A

Common Share Repurchase Programs

During 2022, TDS repurchased 2,754,339 Common Shares for $40 million at an average cost per share of $14.46. As of December 31, 2022, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $138 million.

During 2022, UScellular repurchased 1,589,784 Common Shares for $43 million at an average cost per share of $26.78. At December 31, 2022, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 1,927,000.

Depending on its future financial performance, construction, development and acquisition programs, and available sources of financing, TDS and UScellular may not have sufficient liquidity or capital resources to make share repurchases. Therefore, there is no assurance that TDS and UScellular will make any share repurchases in the future.

For additional information related to the current TDS and UScellular repurchase authorizations, see Note 17 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Common Share of $0.180 in 2022 and $0.175 in 2021. TDS increased the dividend per share to $0.185 in the first quarter of 2023. TDS has no current plans to change its policy of paying dividends.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series UU depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.414 in 2022, $0.552 in June 2021, $0.414 in September 2021 and $0.414 in December 2021.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series VV depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.375 in 2022, $0.183 in September 2021 and $0.375 in December 2021.

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Index to MD&A

Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

TDS operates a capital-intensive business. TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade communications networks and facilities as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, timing and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS’ cash flow activities in 2022 and 2021.

2022 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $15 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,155 million due to net income of $72 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,036 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $145 million, including $59 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $98 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by an increase in customer and agent receivables and increases in inventory purchases, partially offset by a federal income tax refund of $125 million received during the first quarter. The increase in customer receivables was driven by a high volume of equipment upgrades due to promotional activities and a longer contract term for equipment installment plans.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,783 million, which included payments for property, plant and equipment of $1,161 million and payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $585 million. Cash payments for property, plant and equipment are lower than the total capital expenditures in 2022 due primarily to future obligations of certain software license agreements that are recorded as current year capital expenditures but are paid over time.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $613 million, due primarily to $800 million borrowed under the term loan facilities, $200 million borrowed under the export credit financing agreements, $110 million borrowed under the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, $75 million borrowed under the UScellular revolving credit agreement, and $75 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement. These were partially offset by $250 million of repayments on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, a $75 million repayment on the UScellular revolving credit agreement, a $50 million repayment on the UScellular EIP receivables repurchase agreement, the payment of dividends totaling $151 million, the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares totaling $83 million and cash paid for software license agreements of $23 million.

2021 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $1,038 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,103 million due to net income of $188 million adjusted for non-cash items of $959 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $180 million, including $76 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $224 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by an increase in customer and agent receivables, a decrease to accrued taxes and the timing of vendor payments.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $2,462 million, which included payments for wireless spectrum licenses of $1,322 million and payments for property, plant and equipment of $1,131 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $321 million, reflecting the issuance of $1,110 million of TDS Preferred Shares, the issuance of $500 million of 5.5% UScellular Senior Notes, $625 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $217 million borrowed under the UScellular term loan, $125 million borrowed under the TDS revolving credit agreement, and $76 million borrowed under the TDS term loan. These were partially offset by the redemption of $836 million of TDS Senior Notes, $917 million of UScellular Senior Notes, a $200 million repayment on the receivables securitization agreement, a $125 million repayment on the TDS revolving credit agreement, the payment of dividends totaling $119 million, the payment of debt and equity issuance costs of $62 million, and the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares.

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Index to MD&A

Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Notable balance sheet changes during 2022 were as follows:

Inventory, net

Inventory, net increased $90 million due primarily to increased inventory levels to support promotions and ensure adequate device supply.

Income taxes receivable

Income taxes receivable decreased $125 million due primarily to a federal income tax refund received related to the 2020 net operating loss carryback enabled by the CARES Act.

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

Customer deposits and deferred revenues increased $49 million due primarily to an increase in contract liabilities resulting from higher promotional activity in the current year.

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities increased $232 million due primarily to an increase in the short-term accrual for Auction 107 relocation fees, net borrowings under the EIP receivables repurchase agreement and accruals related to software license agreements. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Auction 107 accrual.

Long-term debt, net

The following table presents the components of the $803 million increase in Long-term debt, net:

Long-term debt, net
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2021$2,928
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Agreements75
Borrowings under Term Loan Agreements800
Borrowings under Export Credit Financing Agreements200
Borrowings under Receivables Securitization Agreement75
Repayments under Revolving Credit Agreements(75)
Repayments under Receivables Securitization Agreement(250)
Other(22)
Balance at December 31, 2022$3,731

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Index to MD&A

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 10 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TDS’ consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Asset Impairment

Licenses and Goodwill represent a significant component of TDS’ consolidated assets. These assets are considered to be indefinite-lived assets and, therefore, are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment. TDS performs annual impairment testing of Licenses and Goodwill as of November 1 of each year, or more frequently if triggering events occur. Significant negative events, such as changes in any of the assumptions described below or decreases in forecasted cash flows, could result in an impairment in future periods. Licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit.

See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Licenses and Goodwill activity in 2022 and 2021.

Wireless Spectrum Licenses – UScellular

For purposes of the 2022 impairment test, UScellular had one unit of accounting as a result of aggregating all developed operating market wireless spectrum licenses (built wireless spectrum licenses) and non-operating market wireless spectrum licenses (unbuilt wireless spectrum licenses), and for the 2021 test, UScellular had eight units of accounting, which consisted of one unit of accounting for built wireless spectrum licenses and seven unbuilt wireless spectrum licenses. UScellular believes this change in units of accounting assessed for impairment better reflects the integrated use of licenses as part of its national interdependent network. This change does not impact the results of the impairment assessment for the current or prior years.

A qualitative assessment of the license values was completed as of November 1, 2022 and November 1, 2021. The qualitative assessment considered several factors, including analyst estimates of wireless spectrum license values which contemplated recent spectrum auction results, recent UScellular and other market participant transactions, and other industry and market factors. Based on these assessments, UScellular concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the unit of accounting exceeded its carrying value. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

Goodwill – TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom has recorded Goodwill as a result of past business acquisitions. For purposes of the 2022 and 2021 Goodwill impairment test, TDS Telecom had one reporting unit.

A qualitative assessment of the reporting unit was completed as of November 1, 2022 and November 1, 2021. The qualitative assessment, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends, concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and accordingly, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed and no Goodwill impairment was recorded.

Income Taxes

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires TDS to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities which are included on a net basis in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

TDS recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Index to MD&A

Regulatory Matters

5G Fund

On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over ten years to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America. The 5G Fund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multi-round auctions to award support. The winning bidders will be required to meet certain minimum speed requirements and interim and final deployment milestones. The order provides that the 5G Fund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment.

UScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G fund auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G fund auction will provide opportunities to UScellular to offset any loss in existing support.

Spectrum Auctions

On March 2, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band (Auction 105). On September 2, 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 243 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $14 million. On July 15, 2022, the FCC released a Consent Decree related to its spectrum aggregation and ownership attribution rules in which UScellular agreed to relinquish its rights to 27 wireless spectrum licenses awarded in Auction 105 and subsequently received a full refund of $2 million. The remaining 216 wireless spectrum licenses were granted by the FCC on July 26, 2022.

On August 7, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107). On February 24, 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to be obligated to pay approximately $185 million in total from 2021 through 2024 related to relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. Such additional costs were accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted, and are adjusted as necessary as the estimated obligation changes. UScellular paid $36 million and $8 million related to the additional costs in October 2021 and September 2022, respectively. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023.

On June 9, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (Auction 110). On January 14, 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 380 wireless spectrum licenses for $580 million. UScellular paid $20 million of this amount in 2021 and the remainder in January and February 2022. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 110 were granted by the FCC on May 4, 2022.

On March 21, 2022, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 2.5 GHz band (Auction 108). On September 1, 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 34 wireless spectrum licenses for $3 million. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 108 were granted by the FCC on December 1, 2022.

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Index to MD&A

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below. See "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

Operational Risk Factors

▪Intense competition involving products, services, pricing, promotions and network speed and technologies could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪An inability to attract diverse people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

▪Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

▪Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.

▪Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties, including supply chain disruptions, of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technologies, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Index to MD&A

Financial Risk Factors

▪Uncertainty in TDS’ future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, changes in interest rates, other changes in TDS’ performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.

▪TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.

▪TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS receives significant regulatory support, and is also subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments – the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, including the ability to pass through certain fees to customers, and this uncertainty could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices or frequencies used by other industries, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.

General Risk Factors

▪TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The impact of public health emergencies on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on duration and severity could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Index to MD&A

Market Risk

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2022, approximately 50% of TDS' long-term debt was in fixed-rate senior notes and approximately 50% in variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to volatility in the fair value of fixed-rate notes and interest expense on variable-rate debt.

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2022:

Principal Payments Due by Period
Long-Term Debt Obligations1Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in millions)
2023$196.3%
2024266.2%
2025266.2%
20262755.9%
20272186.0%
Thereafter2,9836.2%
Total$3,5476.2%

1The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments, unamortized discounts related to the UScellular's 6.7% Senior Notes, and outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement, which principal repayments are not scheduled but are instead based on actual receivable collections. See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2Represents the weighted average stated interest rates at December 31, 2022, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $3,047 million and $3,197 million, respectively, and the book value was $3,789 million and $2,979 million, respectively. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Index to MD&A

Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

Following are explanations of each of these measures:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.

Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing the segments' performance. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore, reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, and gains and losses, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income and Operating income.

TDS - CONSOLIDATED20222021
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$72$188
Add back:
Income tax expense5333
Interest expense174232
Depreciation, amortization and accretion929895
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,2281,348
Add back or deduct:
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2726
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,2571,372
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities159182
Interest and dividend income1711
Other, net1(1)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1,0801,180
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion929895
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2726
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(2)
Operating income (GAAP)$122$261

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Index to MD&A

UScellular20222021
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$35$160
Add back:
Income tax expense3720
Interest expense163175
Depreciation, amortization and accretion700678
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)9351,033
Add back or deduct:
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1923
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)9561,054
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities158179
Interest and dividend income86
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)790869
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion700678
Loss on impairment of licenses3
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net1923
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(2)
Operating income (GAAP)$69$170
TDS TELECOM20222021
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$53$90
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense2324
Interest expense(7)(5)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion215198
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)284308
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net72
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)291310
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income21
Other, net1(1)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)288310
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion215198
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net72
Operating income (GAAP)$66$110

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

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Index to MD&A

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment and Cash paid for software license agreements.

20222021
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,155$1,103
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(1,161)(1,131)
Cash paid for software license agreements(23)(9)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$(29)$(37)

55

Table of Contents

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001051512-22-000013.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-02-17. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)Page No.
Executive Overview26
Terms used by TDS28
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated29
UScellular Operations32
TDS Telecom Operations37
Liquidity and Capital Resources43
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis48
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis49
Applications of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates50
Regulatory Matters51
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement52
Market Risk54
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures55

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Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) for the year ended December 31, 2021, and with the description of TDS’ business included herein. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers.

This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, including the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement for additional information.

TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” and each such measure is identified in the MD&A. A discussion of the reason TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) are included in the Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures section within the MD&A of this Form 10-K Report.

The following MD&A omits discussion of 2020 compared to 2019. Refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021, for that discussion.

General

TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services through its 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). TDS also provides broadband, video and voice services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, TDS Telecom). TDS operates entirely in the United States.

During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic did not have a material impact on TDS' financial results in 2021. The impact of COVID-19 on TDS' future financial results is uncertain, but is not projected to have a material impact. However, there are many factors, including the severity and duration of the pandemic, as well as other direct and indirect impacts, that could negatively impact TDS.

2021 Operating Revenues by Segment

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Index to MD&A

TDS Mission and Strategy

TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long term for its shareholders. Across all of its businesses, TDS is focused on providing exceptional customer experiences through best-in-class services and products and superior customer service. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities. TDS continues to make progress on developing and enhancing its ESG program, including the publication of the first TDS ESG Report in 2021.

TDS’ long-term strategy calls for the majority of its operating capital to be reinvested in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend.

In 2021, TDS continued to focus on investing in the networks that are the backbone of its commitment to provide outstanding communications services to its customers. TDS believes these investments strengthen its competitive position and improve operating performance. TDS expects to continue to execute on its strategies to build strong, competitive businesses providing high-quality, data-focused services and products.

During 2021, TDS paid regular quarterly cash dividends to common and preferred shareholders of $80 million and $39 million, respectively. TDS increased the dividend per Common Share paid to its investors by 3% in 2021 which marks the 47th consecutive year of dividend increases and in February 2022, TDS increased its quarterly dividend per Common Share from $0.175 to $0.180. During 2021, TDS repurchased 402,989 Common Shares for $8 million at an average cost per share of $19.04. As of December 31, 2021, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $177 million. There is no assurance that TDS will continue to increase the dividend rate or pay dividends and no assurance that TDS will make any significant amount of share repurchases in the future.

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Index to MD&A

Terms Used by TDS

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.

▪5G – fifth generation wireless technology that helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.

▪Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.

▪Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) – a USF support mechanism for certain carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.

▪Auctions 105, 107 and 110 – Auction 105 was an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 was an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021. Auction 110 was an FCC auction of 3.45-3.55 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in October 2021 and concluded in January 2022.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided high-speed internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, DSL, dedicated internet circuit technologies or cable modem service.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪Churn Rate – represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.

▪Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.

▪Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.

▪DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.

▪EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) – designation by states for providing specified services in “high cost” areas which enables participation in universal service support mechanisms.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the incumbent service provider.

▪Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone or cable company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.

▪OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.

▪Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Retail Connections – the sum of UScellular postpaid connections and UScellular prepaid connections.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.

▪UScellular Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a customer. Connections include all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.

▪Video Connections – represents the individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS’ central office facilities that provide voice services or the billable number of lines into a building for voice services.

▪VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.

28

Index to MD&A

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

Year Ended December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular$4,122$4,0372%
TDS Telecom1,0069763%
All other1201212(5)%
Total operating revenues5,3295,2252%
Operating expenses
UScellular3,9523,8642%
TDS Telecom8968664%
All other1220236(6)%
Total operating expenses5,0684,9662%
Operating income (loss)
UScellular170173(2)%
TDS Telecom110110(1)%
All other1(19)(24)21%
Total operating income2612591%
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities182181
Interest and dividend income1115(23)%
Gain (loss) on investments2N/M
Interest expense(232)(168)(38)%
Other, net(1)(1)15%
Total investment and other income(40)29N/M
Income before income taxes221288(23)%
Income tax expense331982%
Net income188269(30)%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax3243(27)%
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders156226(31)%
TDS Preferred Share dividends39N/M
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders$117$226(48)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,180$1,190(1)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2$1,372$1,385(1)%
Capital expenditures3$1,201$1,317(9)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.

2    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

3    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

29

Index to MD&A

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pre-tax income of $82 million for both 2021 and 2020. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased in 2021, primarily as a result of (i) the issuance of $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes in August 2020 and $500 million of 5.50% UScellular Senior Notes in both December 2020 and May 2021 and (ii) the write off of $57 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to Senior Notes that were redeemed in 2021. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in interest expense due to the redemptions of Senior Notes with higher interest rates. See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Income tax expense

The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes was 15.1% for 2021, compared to 6.4% in 2020. The higher effective tax rate in 2021 as compared to 2020 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act included in the 2020 tax rate, which do not recur as benefits in the 2021 tax rate. The 2021 tax rate includes a state tax benefit due primarily to the reductions of tax accruals from expirations of state statute of limitations for prior tax years.

In early 2022, TDS received an income tax refund of $125 million related to the 2020 net operating loss carryback enabled by the CARES Act.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,20212020
(Dollars in millions)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$28$40
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’43
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$32$43

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of UScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain UScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.

30

Index to MD&A

Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Net income decreased in 2021 due primarily to higher operating, interest, and income tax expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased in 2021 due primarily to higher operating expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues.

*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

31

Index to MD&A

Column 1Column 2
UScellular OPERATIONS

Business Overview

UScellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. UScellular is an 82%-owned subsidiary of TDS. UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain wireless customers through a value proposition comprised of a high-quality network, outstanding customer service and competitive devices, plans, and pricing - all provided with a community focus.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves customers with 5.0 million connections including 4.4 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid and 0.1 million reseller and other connections

▪Operates in 21 states

▪Employs approximately 4,800 associates

▪4,301 owned towers

▪6,898 cell sites in service

32

Index to MD&A

UScellular Mission and Strategy

UScellular’s mission is to provide exceptional wireless communication services which enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations in the markets UScellular serves.

UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain customers through a value proposition comprising a high-quality network, outstanding customer service and competitive devices, plans and pricing - all provided with a community focus. Strategic efforts include:

▪UScellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as device protection plans and from new services such as fixed wireless home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on increasing revenues from prepaid plans and expanding its solutions available to business and government customers.

▪UScellular continues to devote efforts to enhance its network capabilities, including by deploying 5G technology. 5G technology helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. UScellular's 5G deployment is initially focused on mobility services using its low band spectrum. UScellular has acquired high-band and mid-band spectrum, deployed high-band spectrum on a limited basis, and will further deploy high-band and mid-band in the future to further enable the delivery of 5G services. UScellular has launched commercial 5G services in portions of substantially all of UScellular’s markets and will continue to launch in additional areas in the coming years.

▪UScellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, UScellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions.

33

Index to MD&A

Operational Overview — UScellular

As of December 31,20212020
Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid4,380,0004,412,000
Prepaid513,000499,000
Total4,893,0004,911,000
Year Ended December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets434,000397,0009%
Connected Devices159,000203,000(22)%
Total Gross Additions593,000600,000(1)%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets(11,000)(13,000)15%
Connected Devices(21,000)39,000N/M
Total Net Additions (Losses)(32,000)26,000N/M
Churn
Handsets0.96%0.89%
Connected Devices2.72%2.58%
Total Churn1.18%1.09%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

Total postpaid handset net losses decreased in 2021 due primarily to an increase in gross additions as a result of higher consumer switching activity, partially offset by an increase in postpaid handset churn.

Total postpaid connected device net additions decreased in 2021 due primarily to lower demand for internet related products as a result of a reduction in COVID-related funding vehicles, many of which are connected to government subsidies.

Macroeconomic factors, including the continuing impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have caused some supply chain disruption and delays, including constraints on certain devices. These supply constraints are due primarily to component availability, resulting in extended lead times and additional uncertainty, which may negatively impact UScellular in future periods.

Postpaid Revenue

Year Ended December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$48.03$47.012%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$125.92$122.932%

Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA increased in 2021, due primarily to (i) favorable plan and product offering mix, (ii) an increase in regulatory recovery revenues and (iii) an increase in device protection plan revenues. These increases were partially offset by an increase in promotional discounts.

2021 Postpaid ARPU and ARPA amounts exclude $9 million of postpaid revenue related to an out-of-period error recorded in the third quarter. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Financial Overview — UScellular

Year Ended December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service$2,765$2,6863%
Inbound roaming110152(27)%
Other2402295%
Service revenues3,1153,0672%
Equipment sales1,0079704%
Total operating revenues4,1224,0372%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)7907821%
Cost of equipment sold1,1181,01111%
Selling, general and administrative1,3451,368(2)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion678683(1)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2325(9)%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2)N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(5)N/M
Total operating expenses3,9523,8642%
Operating income$170$173(2)%
Net income$160$233(31)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$869$876(1)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$1,054$1,063(1)%
Capital expenditures2$780$940(17)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Service revenues consist of:

▪Retail Service – Charges for voice, data and value added services and recovery of regulatory costs

▪Inbound Roaming – Charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use UScellular’s wireless systems when roaming

▪Other Service – Amounts received from the Federal USF, tower rental revenues, and miscellaneous other service revenues

Equipment revenues consist of:

▪Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors

Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues increased in 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section as well as an increase in the average number of postpaid subscribers.

Inbound roaming revenues decreased in 2021, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower usage and lower rates. UScellular expects inbound roaming revenues to continue to decline during 2022 relative to prior year levels.

Other service revenues increased in 2021, resulting from increases in tower rental revenues and miscellaneous other service revenues.

Equipment sales revenues increased in 2021, due primarily to an increase in the volume of new smartphone and accessory sales, partially offset by higher promotional activity.

In recent periods, wireless service providers have increased promotional aggressiveness to attract new customers and retain existing customers. Operating revenues and Operating income may be negatively impacted in future periods by the competitive need to continue to offer significant promotional discounts to new and existing customers.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses increased in 2021, due primarily to higher circuit costs and an increase in cell site rent expense, partially offset by a decrease in roaming expense driven by lower rates.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold increased in 2021, due primarily to an increase in the volume of new smartphone and accessory sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2021, due primarily to decreases in (i) bad debts expense driven by fewer non-pay customers as a result of better credit mix and improved customer payment behavior and (ii) advertising expense due to reduced media spend.

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Column 1Column 2
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom owns, operates and invests in communications services in a mix of rural and suburban communities throughout the United States. TDS Telecom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS and provides a wide range of broadband, video and voice communications services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers. TDS Telecom's strategy is to be the preferred broadband provider in the markets it serves. TDS Telecom invests in high-quality networks, services and products, with the constant focus on delivering a best-in-class customer experience.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.

▪Employs approximately 3,000 associates.

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TDS Telecom Mission and Strategy

TDS Telecom's mission is to provide outstanding communications services to delight its customers, to champion economic development by investing in infrastructure, and to grow rapidly.

TDS Telecom's strategic efforts include:

▪TDS Telecom strives to be the preferred broadband provider in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video and voice service options. TDS Telecom focuses on driving growth by investing in fiber deployment in its expansion markets and its incumbent markets that have historically utilized copper and coaxial cable technologies.

▪TDS Telecom may also seek to grow its operations through the acquisition of businesses that support and complement its existing markets or by creating entirely new clusters of markets in attractive locations. Fiber builds in strategically selected locations allow TDS Telecom to target attractive, growing markets to increase its total footprint.

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Operational Overview — TDS Telecom

Total Service Address Mix

As of December 31,

TDS Telecom grew its service addresses 7% from 1.3 million to 1.4 million through network expansion and now offers 1Gig service to 58% of its total footprint.

TDS Telecom serves 43% of its wireline service addresses with fiber-to-the-home as of December 31, 2021, compared to 36% a year ago.

As of December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
Residential connections
Broadband
Wireline, Incumbent250,200242,5003%
Wireline, Expansion36,90020,40081%
Cable203,200196,4003%
Total Broadband490,300459,3007%
Video141,500144,400(2)%
Voice303,700310,800(2)%
Total Residential Connections935,600914,4002%
Commercial connections264,300286,700(8)%
Total connections1,199,9001,201,100

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections are flat despite strong broadband connection growth due to offsetting decreases in legacy voice, video, and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) connections.

A majority of TDS Telecom's residential customers take advantage of bundling options as 62% of customers subscribe to more than one service.

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Residential Broadband Connections by Speed

As of December 31,

Residential broadband customers continue to choose higher speeds with 66% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 8% choosing 1Gig.

Residential Revenue per Connection

For the year ended December 31,

Total residential revenue per connection increased 5% for 2021, due to a higher concentration of broadband connections as well as an increase in broadband speeds and price increases.

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Financial Overview — TDS Telecom

Year Ended December 31,202120202021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Residential
Wireline, Incumbent$345$3304%
Wireline, Expansion341974%
Cable2632458%
Total residential6415948%
Commercial183194(6)%
Wholesale181187(3)%
Total service revenues1,0059753%
Equipment revenues11(12)%
Total operating revenues1,0069763%
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)4043923%
Cost of equipment and products11(2)%
Selling, general and administrative2912708%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion198203(2)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net21N/M
Total operating expenses8968664%
Operating income$110$110(1)%
Net income$90$100(10)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1$310$314(1)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1$310$317(2)%
Capital expenditures2$411$36812%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.

1    Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

2    Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services, including security and support services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•Federal and state USF support, including A-CAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:

Total operating revenues

Residential revenues increased for 2021 due primarily to growth in broadband connections, price increases and federal universal service charges, partially offset by a decline in voice and video connections.

Commercial revenues decreased for 2021 due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets, partially offset by an increase in broadband connections.

Wholesale revenues decreased for 2021 due primarily to decreased access revenues and regulatory support.

Cost of services

Cost of services increased for 2021 due primarily to higher employee expenses to support current and future growth, increased video programming costs, plant and maintenance costs, partially offset by a decrease in building expenses and the cost of providing legacy services.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for 2021 due primarily to higher employee expenses to support current and future growth, project costs associated with a new customer management system, charges for federal universal service support, call center and advertising expenses in TDS Telecom's expansion markets.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion decreased for 2021 due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated, partially offset by higher depreciation due to increased capital expenditures on new fiber assets throughout 2020 and 2021 and increased software amortization.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit and receivables securitization agreements, funds from other financing sources, including term loans, other long-term debt, preferred share offerings, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt.

TDS has incurred negative free cash flow at times in the past and this could occur in the future. However, TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit, term loan and receivables securitization agreements, expected future tax refunds and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future. TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and plans to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs.

TDS may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of telecommunications services, wireless spectrum license acquisitions, capital expenditures, agreements to purchase goods or services, leases, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, the payment of dividends, or making additional investments, including new technologies and fiber builds. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing revolving credit agreements, to put in place new credit agreements, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies. Refer to the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis for additional information related to changes in Cash and cash equivalents.

In addition to Cash and cash equivalents, TDS and UScellular had undrawn borrowing capacity from existing debt facilities of $699 million and $950 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021. Additional financing activity subsequent to December 31, 2021 reduced the undrawn borrowing capacity for TDS and UScellular to $549 million and $615 million, respectively, at February 17, 2022. See the Financing section below for further details.

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Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

In July 2021, TDS entered into an amended and restated $400 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties and UScellular entered into an amended and restated $300 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the amended and restated revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in July 2026. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreements, except for letters of credit, and TDS' and UScellular’s unused borrowing capacity was $399 million and $300 million, respectively. In January 2022, UScellular borrowed $75 million under its revolving credit agreement and in February 2022, repaid the entire borrowing.

Term Loan Agreements

In July 2021, TDS and UScellular amended and restated their term loan agreements to allow for additional borrowing capacity of $300 million and $200 million, respectively, to allow for total borrowing capacity of $500 million for each of TDS and UScellular. The additional borrowing capacity may be drawn in one or more advances by the one-year anniversary of the date of the agreement; amounts not drawn by that time will cease to be available. The maturity date for the existing borrowings is in July 2028 and for any additional borrowings is in July 2031. As of December 31, 2021, TDS' and UScellular's outstanding borrowings under the term loan agreements were $200 million and $299 million, respectively, and TDS' and UScellular's unused borrowing capacity was $300 million and $200 million, respectively. In January 2022, TDS borrowed $150 million and UScellular borrowed $100 million under the term loan agreements.

In December 2021, UScellular entered into an additional $300 million term loan agreement. The agreement may be drawn in one or more advances by the three-month anniversary of the date of the agreement; amounts not drawn by that time will cease to be available. The maturity date for the agreement is in July 2026. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under the term loan agreement and the unused borrowing capacity was $300 million. In February 2022, UScellular borrowed $225 million under the term loan agreement.

Export Credit Financing Agreement

In December 2021, UScellular entered into a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) equipment imported from Canada, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan credit facility agreement. The agreement may be drawn in one or more advances by the three-month anniversary of the date of the agreement; amounts not drawn by that time will cease to be available. The maturity date of the agreement is the five-year anniversary of the first borrowing, which is in January 2027. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and the unused borrowing capacity was $150 million. In January 2022, UScellular borrowed $150 million under the agreement.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In June 2021, UScellular increased the borrowing capacity under the receivables securitization agreement to $450 million. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until December 2022. Unless the agreement is amended to extend the maturity date, repayments based on receivable collections commence in January 2023. As of December 31, 2021, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the agreement of $450 million.

Repurchase Agreement

In January 2022, UScellular, through a subsidiary (the repo subsidiary), entered into a repurchase agreement to borrow up to $200 million, subject to the availability of eligible equipment installment plan receivables and the agreement of the lender. The transaction is accounted for as a one-month secured borrowing. The expiration date of the repurchase agreement is in January 2023. In February 2022, the repo subsidiary borrowed $60 million under the repurchase agreement.

Financial Covenants

The TDS and UScellular revolving credit agreements, senior term loan agreements and the UScellular receivables securitization and export credit financing agreements require TDS or UScellular, as applicable, to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants. In particular, under these agreements, TDS and UScellular are required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular also were required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at a level not to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. TDS and UScellular believe they were in compliance as of December 31, 2021 with all such financial covenants.

Other Long-Term Financing

In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069 and in December 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 5.5% Senior Notes due in March 2070. The proceeds from both issuances were for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the purchase of additional wireless spectrum licenses acquired in Auction 107, funding of capital expenditures, including in connection with 5G buildout projects and retirement of existing debt.

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In March 2021, TDS issued 16,800 shares of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares) for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $420 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 16,800,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $406 million after payment of issuance costs of $14 million. The proceeds were for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt. See Note 17 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to TDS' Preferred Shares.

In May 2021, TDS redeemed its outstanding $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 and $300 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2060, and UScellular redeemed its outstanding $275 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063. At time of redemption, $26 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs for these notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

In May 2021, UScellular issued $500 million of 5.5% Senior Notes due in June 2070. The proceeds from the issuance were used for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the repayment of other debt, the purchase of additional spectrum and the funding of capital expenditures, including in connection with 5G buildout projects.

In June 2021, UScellular redeemed its outstanding $300 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2064. At time of redemption, $10 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs for these notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

In August 2021, TDS issued 27,600 shares of 6.000% Series VV Preferred Shares for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $690 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 27,600,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $668 million after payment of issuance costs of $22 million. The proceeds were for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt. See Note 17 — Shareholders' Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to TDS' Preferred Shares.

In September 2021, TDS redeemed its outstanding $116 million of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2045 and UScellular redeemed its outstanding $342 million of 6.95% Senior Notes due 2060. At time of redemption, $14 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

In October 2021, TDS redeemed its outstanding $195 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2061. At time of redemption, $7 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

TDS and UScellular each have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares. The proceeds from any such issuances may be used for general corporate purposes, including the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; acquisition, construction and development programs; working capital; additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The TDS shelf registration permits TDS to issue at any time and from time to time senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares in one or more offerings in an indeterminate amount. The UScellular shelf registration statement permits UScellular to issue at any time and from time to time senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred shares and depositary shares in one or more offerings, up to the amount registered, which is currently $1 billion. The ability of TDS or UScellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statements is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

TDS believes that it and/or its subsidiaries were in compliance as of December 31, 2021, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the TDS and UScellular long-term debt indentures. TDS and UScellular have not failed to make nor do they expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt.

TDS and UScellular, at their discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase their outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the revolving credit agreements, senior term loan agreements, UScellular's receivables securitization and export credit financing agreements, UScellular's Senior Notes and other long-term financing.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, TDS’ and UScellular’s interest cost on their various agreements may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or UScellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the agreements or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

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TDS and UScellular are rated as sub-investment grade issuers. The TDS and UScellular issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2021, and the dates such ratings were re-affirmed were as follows:

Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's (re-affirmed August 2021)Ba1stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (re-affirmed October 2021)BBstable outlook
Fitch Ratings (re-affirmed February 2021)BB+stable outlook

Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2022 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in current and prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

TDS makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities (such as 5G and VoLTE technology for UScellular and fiber for TDS Telecom) have required substantial investments in potentially revenue-enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2022 and future years with the continued deployment of 5G technology for UScellular, and the continued deployment of fiber for TDS Telecom.

Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

UScellular’s capital expenditures in 2021 were $780 million compared to $940 million in 2020. In 2021, UScellular's capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue network modernization and 5G deployment;

•Enhance and maintain UScellular's network coverage, including providing additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

•Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

Capital expenditures for 2022 are expected to be between $700 million and $800 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures in 2021 were $411 million compared to $368 million in 2020. In 2021, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

•Continue to expand fiber deployment in incumbent and expansion markets;

•Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;

•Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds; and

•Support success-based spending for broadband and video growth.

Capital expenditures for 2022 are expected to be between $500 million and $550 million. These expenditures are expected to be used for similar purposes as those listed above.

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Macroeconomic factors, including the continuing impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have caused some supply chain disruption and delays for both UScellular and TDS Telecom. These factors may impact the acquisition of certain products and materials and contribute to internal and external labor shortages.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2022 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, as required, additional debt financing from its revolving credit, term loan and receivables securitization agreements and/or other forms of financing.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

TDS may be engaged from time to time in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties, wireless spectrum licenses (including pursuant to FCC auctions) and other possible businesses. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.

In January and February 2022, UScellular paid $560 million for wireless spectrum licenses won in Auction 110. This amount was paid using the funds available under UScellular's various financing agreements as described above.

Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; dividend obligations; lease commitments; commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services; agreements for software licensing; long-term marketing programs; commitments for wireless spectrum licenses acquired through FCC auctions; and other agreements to purchase goods or services.

Variable Interest Entities

TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 15 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

Common Share Repurchase Programs

During 2021, TDS repurchased 402,989 Common Shares for $8 million at an average cost per share of $19.04. As of December 31, 2021, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be purchased under TDS' program was $177 million.

During 2021, UScellular repurchased 989,988 Common Shares for $31 million at an average cost per share of $31.37. At December 31, 2021, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 3,517,000.

Depending on its future financial performance, construction, development and acquisition programs, and available sources of financing, TDS and UScellular may not have sufficient liquidity or capital resources to make share repurchases. Therefore, there is no assurance that TDS and UScellular will make any share repurchases in the future.

For additional information related to the current TDS and UScellular repurchase authorizations, see Note 17 — Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Common Share of $0.175 in 2021 and $0.170 in 2020. TDS increased the dividend per share to $0.180 in the first quarter of 2022. TDS has no current plans to change its policy of paying dividends.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series UU depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.552 in June 2021, $0.414 in September 2021 and $0.414 in December 2021.

TDS paid quarterly dividends per outstanding Series VV depositary share (each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share) of $0.183 in September 2021 and $0.375 in December 2021.

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Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

TDS operates a capital-intensive business. TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade communications networks and facilities as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, timing and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS’ cash flow activities in 2021 and 2020.

2021 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $1,038 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,103 million due to net income of $188 million adjusted for non-cash items of $959 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $180 million, including $76 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $224 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by an increase in customer and agent receivables, a decrease to accrued taxes and the timing of vendor payments.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $2,462 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $1,131 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum licenses, including advance payments, were $1,322 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $321 million, reflecting the issuance of $1,110 million of TDS Preferred Shares, the issuance of $500 million of 5.5% UScellular Senior Notes, $625 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $217 million borrowed under the UScellular term loan, $125 million borrowed under the TDS revolving credit agreement, and $76 million borrowed under the TDS term loan. These were partially offset by the redemption of $836 million of TDS Senior Notes, $917 million of UScellular Senior Notes, a $200 million repayment on the receivables securitization agreement, a $125 million repayment on the TDS revolving credit agreement, the payment of dividends totaling $119 million, the payment of debt and equity issuance costs of $62 million, and the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares.

2020 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $978 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,532 million due primarily to net income of $269 million adjusted for non-cash items of $1,071 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $189 million, including $89 million in distributions from the LA Partnership.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,511 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $1,338 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum licenses, including advance payments, were $201 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $957 million, reflecting the issuance of $500 million of 5.50% UScellular Senior Notes, $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes, $125 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, and $125 million borrowed under the TDS term loan. These were partially offset by a $100 million repayment on the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, the payment of dividends totaling $78 million, the payment of debt issuance costs of $41 million, and the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Changes in financial condition during 2021 were as follows:

Licenses

Licenses increased $1,459 million due primarily to wireless spectrum licenses acquired through Auction 107. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

Customer deposits and deferred revenues increased $43 million due primarily to an increase in contract liabilities resulting from higher promotional activity in the current year.

Other deferred liabilities and credits

Other deferred liabilities and credits increased $218 million due primarily to relocation and acceleration fees related to wireless spectrum licenses acquired through Auction 107 and an increase in asset retirement obligations.

Long-term debt, net

The following table presents the components of the $496 million decrease in Long-term debt, net:

Long-term debt, net
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2020$3,424
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Agreements125
Borrowings under Term Loan Agreements293
Borrowings under Receivables Securitization Agreement625
Issuance of Senior Notes, net of debt issuance costs484
Repayments under Revolving Credit Agreements(125)
Repayments under Receivables Securitization Agreement(200)
Redemptions under Term Loan Agreements(2)
Redemptions of Senior Notes(1,753)
Debt issuance costs charged to interest expense59
Other(2)
Balance at December 31, 2021$2,928

Preferred Shares

Preferred Shares increased $1,074 million due to the issuance of $1,110 million of TDS Preferred Shares, net of issuance costs.

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Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 10 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TDS’ consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Asset Impairment

Licenses and Goodwill represent a significant component of TDS’ consolidated assets. These assets are considered to be indefinite-lived assets and, therefore, are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment. TDS performs annual impairment testing of Licenses and Goodwill as of November 1 of each year, or more frequently if triggering events occur. Significant negative events, such as changes in any of the assumptions described below or decreases in forecasted cash flows, could result in an impairment in future periods. Licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit.

See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Licenses and Goodwill activity in 2021 and 2020.

Wireless Spectrum Licenses – UScellular

For purposes of its impairment testing, UScellular separates its FCC wireless spectrum licenses into eight units of accounting, which consist of one unit of accounting for developed operating market wireless spectrum licenses (built wireless spectrum licenses) and seven geographic non-operating market wireless spectrum licenses (unbuilt wireless spectrum licenses).

A qualitative assessment of the license values was completed as of November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2020. The qualitative assessment considered several factors, including analyst estimates of wireless spectrum license values which contemplated recent spectrum auction results, recent UScellular and other market participant transactions and other industry and market factors. Based on these assessments, UScellular concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the wireless spectrum licenses in each unit of accounting exceeded their respective carrying values. Therefore, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

Goodwill – TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom has recorded Goodwill as a result of past business acquisitions. For purposes of the 2021 Goodwill impairment test, TDS Telecom had one reporting unit as a result of the reporting segment structure combination that occurred in the first quarter of 2021, and for the 2020 test, TDS Telecom had two reporting units: Wireline and Cable.

A qualitative assessment of the reporting unit was completed as of November 1, 2021. The qualitative assessment, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends, concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and accordingly, no quantitative impairment evaluation was completed and no Goodwill impairment was recorded.

Income Taxes

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to TDS’ financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires TDS to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities which are included on a net basis in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

TDS recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Regulatory Matters

5G Fund

On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over ten years to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America. The 5G Fund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multi-round auctions to award support. The winning bidders will be required to meet certain minimum speed requirements and interim and final deployment milestones. The order provides that the 5G Fund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment.

UScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G fund auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G fund auction will provide opportunities to UScellular to offset any loss in existing support.

Spectrum Auctions

On March 2, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band (Auction 105). On September 2, 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 243 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $14 million, of which up to $5 million relates to licenses which are subject to the FCC's spectrum aggregation and ownership attribution rules for Auction 105. None of the wireless spectrum licenses have been granted yet by the FCC.

On August 7, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107). On February 24, 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to be obligated to pay approximately $181 million in total from 2021 through 2024 related to relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. Such additional costs were accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted. In October 2021, UScellular paid $36 million related to the additional costs. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023. Combined with prior mid-band purchases in Auction 105, UScellular will have mid-band spectrum in nearly all of its operating footprint, covering approximately 95% of subscribers.

On June 9, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (Auction 110). On January 14, 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 380 wireless spectrum licenses for $580 million. UScellular paid $20 million of this amount in 2021 and the remainder in January and February 2022. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 110 are expected to be granted by the FCC in 2022.

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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below. See "Risk Factors" in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

Operational Risk Factors

▪Intense competition involving products, services, pricing, promotions and network speed and technologies could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

▪Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.

▪Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.

▪Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties, including supply chain disruptions, of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technologies, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Financial Risk Factors

▪Uncertainty in TDS’ future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, changes in interest rates, other changes in TDS’ performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.

▪TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.

▪TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪TDS receives significant regulatory support, and is also subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments – the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, including the ability to pass through certain fees to customers, and this uncertainty could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices or frequencies used by other industries, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.

General Risk Factors

▪TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪The impact of public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on duration and severity could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Market Risk

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2021, the majority of TDS’ long-term debt was in the form of fixed-rate notes with remaining maturities ranging up to 49 years. TDS also holds variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to fluctuations in the fair value of fixed-rate notes and interest paid on variable-rate debt.

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2021:

Principal Payments Due by Period
Long-Term Debt Obligations1Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in millions)
2022$62.4%
202362.4%
202452.4%
202552.4%
202652.4%
Thereafter2,5235.3%
Total3$2,5505.2%

1The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments and unamortized discounts related to the UScellular's 6.7% Senior Notes. See Note 12 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2Represents the weighted average stated interest rates at December 31, 2021, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

3Excludes $450 million of outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement. If the maturity date of the facility is not extended, principal repayments begin in January 2023. Principal repayments are not scheduled but are instead based on actual receivable collections. UScellular intends to extend the maturity date of the facility.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $3,197 million and $3,746 million, respectively, and the book value was $2,979 million and $3,518 million, respectively. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other Market Risk Sensitive Instruments

The substantial majority of TDS’ other market risk sensitive instruments (as defined in Item 305 of SEC Regulation S-K) are short-term, including Cash and cash equivalents. Accordingly, TDS believes that a significant change in interest rates would not have a material effect on such other market risk sensitive instruments.

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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

Following are explanations of each of these measures:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.

Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing the segments' performance. See Note 19 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore, reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, and gains and losses, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income and Operating income.

TDS - CONSOLIDATED20212020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$188$269
Add back:
Income tax expense3319
Interest expense232168
Depreciation, amortization and accretion895909
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,3481,365
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2627
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(5)
(Gain) loss on investments(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,3721,385
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities182181
Interest and dividend income1115
Other, net(1)(1)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1,1801,190
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion895909
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2627
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(5)
Operating income (GAAP)$261$259

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UScellular20212020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$160$233
Add back:
Income tax expense2017
Interest expense175112
Depreciation, amortization and accretion678683
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,0331,045
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2325
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(5)
(Gain) loss on investments(2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1,0541,063
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities179179
Interest and dividend income68
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)869876
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion678683
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net2325
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(5)
Operating income (GAAP)$170$173
TDS TELECOM20212020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)$90$100
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense2418
Interest expense(5)(4)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion198203
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)308316
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net21
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)310317
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income15
Other, net(1)(1)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)310314
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion198203
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net21
Operating income (GAAP)$110$110

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

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Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment.

20212020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,103$1,532
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment1,1311,338
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$(28)$194

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