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 Overview
Terms used by TDS
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated
TDS Telecom Operations
Array Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement
Market Risk
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Index to MD&A
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and 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.
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 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 Licenses
Buyer
Purchase Price
TDS Book Value as of December 31, 2025
Signing Date
Estimated or Actual Close Date
(Dollars in thousands)
AWS, Cellular and PCS 1
Verizon
October 17, 2024
3.45 GHz and 700 MHz 2
November 6, 2024
January 13, 2026
700 MHz 1
T-Mobile
August 29, 2025
600 MHz 1
T-Mobile
October 7, 2025
1 These 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.
2 Following 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 o f $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.
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:
▪ 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.
Index to MD&A
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,
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
TDS Telecom
Array
All other 1
Total operating revenues
Operating expenses
TDS Telecom
Array
All other 1
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
TDS Telecom
Array
All other 1
Total operating income (loss)
Other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income
Other, net
Total other income
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax benefit
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
Less: Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
Less: Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income (loss)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders
TDS Preferred Share dividends
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders
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Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP) 2
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP) 2
Capital expenditures from continuing operations 3
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 du e 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,
(Dollars in thousands)
Array noncontrolling public shareholders’
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
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.
Index to MD&A
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,
(Dollars in thousands)
Array noncontrolling public shareholders’
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
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.
Index to MD&A
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.
Index to MD&A
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,
Residential connections
Broadband
Incumbent Fiber
Incumbent Copper
Expansion Fiber
Cable
Total Broadband
Video
Voice
Wireless
Total Residential Connections
Commercial connections
Total connections
Total residential fiber net adds
Total residential broadband net adds
Residential fiber churn
Total residential broadband churn
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.
Index to MD&A
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,
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential
Incumbent
Expansion
Cable
Total residential
Commercial
Wholesale
Total service revenues
Equipment revenues
Total operating revenues
Cost of operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
Cost of equipment and products
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Loss on impairment of intangible assets
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP) 1
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 1
Capital expenditures 2
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.
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 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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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 towers
Number of colocations 1
Tower tenancy rate 1
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.
Index to MD&A
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,
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Site rental
Services
Total operating revenues
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Loss on impairment of licenses
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income
Other, net
Total other income
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP) 1
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (Non-GAAP) 1
Capital expenditures from continuing operations 2
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.
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.
Index to MD&A
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 u sing 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 Consolid ated 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.
Index to MD&A
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 u sing the equity method or the net asset value practical expedient. See Note 9 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolid ated 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.
Index to MD&A
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.
Index to MD&A
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.
Index to MD&A
The TDS and Array issuer credit ratings as of December 31, 2025, and the dates such ratings were issued were as follows:
Rating Agency
Rating
Outlook
Moody's (issued August 2025)
stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (issued August 2025)
BBB-
stable outlook
Fitch Ratings (issued September 2025)
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.
Index to MD&A
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 o n August 1, 2025, on this same date, the Array Board of Directors declared a special dividend per Common and Series A outstanding sh are 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 o n January 13, 2026, on this same date, the Array Board of Directors declared a special dividend per Common and Series A outstanding sh are 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 Ar ray Board of Directors may declare regular cash dividends after the close of the Verizon transaction.
Index to MD&A
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.
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 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.
Index to MD&A
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.
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 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.
Index to MD&A
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.
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 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.
Index to MD&A
▪ 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.
Index to MD&A
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 Obligations 1
Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations 2
(Dollars in thousands)
Thereafter
Total
1 The 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.
2 Represents 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.
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 (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).
Index to MD&A
TDS - CONSOLIDATED
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (GAAP)
Add back:
Income tax benefit
Interest expense
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of intangible assets
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Interest and dividend income
Other, net
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of intangible assets
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)
Index to MD&A
TDS TELECOM
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense (benefit)
Interest expense
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of intangible assets
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Interest and dividend income
Other, net
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of intangible assets
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)
Index to MD&A
ARRAY
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (GAAP)
Add back:
Income tax expense (benefit)
Interest expense
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Add back or deduct:
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of licenses
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Short-term imputed spectrum lease income
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Interest and dividend income
Other, net
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Expenses related to strategic alternatives review
Loss on impairment of licenses
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)
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.
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities - continuing operations (GAAP)
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment
Cash paid for software license agreements
Free cash flow - continuing operations (Non-GAAP)
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