TDS reports fourth quarter and full year 2024 results

PR Newswire

Investing in our networks; TDS Telecom provides 2025 guidance


CHICAGO
, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

As previously announced, TDS will hold a teleconference on February 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CST. Listen to the call live via the Events & Presentations page of investors.tdsinc.com.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS) reported total operating revenues of $1,240 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, versus $1,313 million for the same period one year ago. Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders and related diluted earnings (loss) per share were $(11) million and $(0.10), respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $(523) million and $(4.64), respectively, in the same period one year ago.

Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders excluding a fourth quarter 2023 TDS Telecom non-cash charge related to goodwill impairment (Non-GAAP) of $547 million ($511 million, net of tax) and related diluted earnings (loss) per share excluding a fourth quarter 2023 TDS Telecom non-cash charge related to goodwill impairment (Non-GAAP) were $(12) million and $(0.11), respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2023.

TDS reported total operating revenues of $4,964 million and $5,160 million for the years ended 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders and related diluted earnings (loss) per share were $(97) million and $(0.85), respectively, for the year ended 2024 compared to $(569) million and $(5.06), respectively, for the year ended 2023. Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders excluding 2024 impairment losses (non-GAAP) of $137 million ($103 million, net of tax) and related diluted earnings (loss) per share excluding 2024 impairment losses (non-GAAP) were $(12) million and $(0.11), respectively, for the year ended 2024. Substantially all of the UScellular impairment loss was related to the retained high-band spectrum unit of accounting which includes the 28 GHz, 37GHz and 38 GHz frequency bands.

Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders excluding a fourth quarter 2023 TDS Telecom non-cash charge related to goodwill impairment (Non-GAAP) of $547 million ($511 million, net of tax) and related diluted earnings (loss) per share excluding a fourth quarter 2023 TDS Telecom non-cash charge related to goodwill impairment (Non-GAAP) were $(58) million and $(0.53), respectively, for the year ended 2023.

Full year
2024 Highlights*


UScellular

  • Announced multiple transactions related to the strategic alternatives review

    • Transaction with T-Mobile and four spectrum transactions with various mobile network operators
  • Improved wireless operating results
    • Postpaid and prepaid net losses improved
    • Postpaid and prepaid churn improved
    • Fixed wireless customers grew 27%
  • Cash flows from operating activities and free cash flow up year over year 

  • Ongoing 5G mid-band net
    work deployment — providing additional capacity and faster speeds for our customers


TDS Telecom

  • Exceeded full year
    2024 fiber address goal

    • Delivered 129,000 marketable fiber service addresses
  • Executing on fiber broadband strategy

    • Expanded footprint 6% — increased total service addresses to 1.8 million
    • Residential broadband connections grew 2% and Residential revenue per connection grew 5%
    • Total Wireline expansion residential revenues grew to $114 million, up from $75 million

*Comparisons are Year Ended December 31, 2024 to Year Ended December 31, 2023

“During 2024, we made significant progress on the strategic review of alternatives at UScellular,” said Walter C. D. Carlson, TDS President and CEO. “And as part of our mission to provide outstanding communication services to our customers, both business units invested in their high-quality networks. UScellular continued to deploy its mid-band spectrum to enhance speed and capacity while TDS Telecom grew its footprint and delivered 129,000 new marketable fiber service addresses. 

“In 2025, TDS Telecom will continue its ongoing fiber expansion and the FCC’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model program and intends to bring a fiber-rich network to over 150,000 new marketable service addresses throughout the country. And while UScellular works toward a successful close on the sale of its wireless operations and spectrum transactions, UScellular remains focused on its operational priorities and growing its tower business.”

Announced Transactions

On May 24, 2024, TDS and UScellular entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement to sell UScellular’s wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile US, Inc. (T-Mobile). The transaction is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

On October 17, 2024, UScellular, and certain subsidiaries of UScellular, entered into a License Purchase Agreement with Verizon Communications, Inc. (Verizon) to sell certain AWS, Cellular and PCS wireless spectrum licenses, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, and agreed to grant Verizon certain rights to lease such licenses prior to the transaction close. Additionally, UScellular also entered into agreements with Nsight Spectrum, LLC and Nex-Tech Wireless, LLC for the sale of select spectrum licenses. 

On November 6, 2024, UScellular, and certain subsidiaries of UScellular, entered into a License 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, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, and agreed to grant AT&T certain rights to lease and sub-lease such licenses prior to the transaction close.

Due to the pending transaction with T-Mobile, UScellular is not providing 2025 financial guidance.

2025 Estimated Results

TDS’ current estimates of full-year 2025 results for TDS Telecom are shown below. Such estimates represent management’s view as of February 21, 2025 and should not be assumed to be current as of any future date. TDS undertakes no duty to update such estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that final results will not differ materially from estimated results.


TDS Telecom


2025 Estimated
Results


Actual Results for

the Year Ended

December 31, 2024

(Dollars in millions)

Total operating revenues


$1,030-$1,070

$1,061

Adjusted OIBDA1 (Non-GAAP)


$310-$350

$340

Adjusted EBITDA(Non-GAAP)


$320-$360

$350

Capital expenditures


$375-$425

$324

The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income or Income before income taxes. In providing 2025 estimated results, TDS has not completed the below reconciliation to Net income because it does not provide guidance for income taxes. Although potentially significant, TDS believes that the impact of income taxes cannot be reasonably predicted; therefore, TDS is unable to provide such guidance.


TDS Telecom


2025 Estimated
Results


Actual Results for


the Year Ended


December 31, 2024

(Dollars in millions)


Net income (GAAP)

N/A

$85

Add back:

Income tax expense

N/A

35


Income before income taxes (GAAP)

$20-$60

$120

Add back:

Interest expense

(5)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

300

271

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1

$320-$360

$385

Add back or deduct:

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

1

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

12

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

(49)

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1

$320-$360

$350

Deduct:

Interest and dividend income

5

5

Other, net

5

4

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1

$310-$350

$340

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.


1       

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (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 above are infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to Net income 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 above 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 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 table above reconciles EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measure, Net income or Income before income taxes. Additional information and reconciliations related to Non-GAAP financial measures for December 31, 2024, can be found on TDS’ website at investors.tdsinc.com.

Conference Call Information

TDS will hold a conference call on February 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

Before the call, certain financial and statistical information to be discussed during the call will be posted to investors.tdsinc.com. The call will be archived on the Events & Presentations page of investors.tdsinc.com.

About TDS
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) provides wireless, broadband, video, and voice to approximately 5.5 million connections nationwide through its businesses, UScellular and TDS Telecom. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employed approximately 7,900 associates as of December 31, 2024.

Visit investors.tdsinc.com for comprehensive financial information, including earnings releases, quarterly and annual filings, shareholder information and more.


Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forward-looking statements. This includes all statements about the company’s plans, beliefs, estimates, and expectations. These statements are based on current estimates, projections, and assumptions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that may affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: whether the announced transactions whereby UScellular has agreed to sell its wireless operations and selected spectrum assets will be successfully completed or whether UScellular will be able to find buyers at mutually agreeable prices for its remaining spectrum assets; whether any such strategic alternative will result in additional value for TDS or its shareholders and whether the process will have an adverse impact on TDS’ businesses; if the announced transactions are not successfully completed there may be substantial changes in which the wireless business is conducted; if the announced transactions are successfully completed, substantial costs will be triggered and changes required in the manner in which UScellular’s remaining business is conducted; strategic decisions regarding the tower business; intense competition; the ability to obtain or maintain roaming arrangements with other carriers on acceptable terms and changes in roaming practices; the ability to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs, including participation in FCC auctions; the ability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization; TDS’ lack of scale relative to larger competitors; changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, or churn rates; advances in technology; impacts of costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses; the ability of the company to successfully construct and manage its networks; difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business; uncertainties in TDS’ future cash flows and liquidity and access to the capital markets; the ability to make payments on TDS and UScellular indebtedness or comply with the terms of debt covenants; the effect on TDS’ business if the collateral securing its secured term loan is foreclosed upon; conditions in the U.S. telecommunications industry; the value of assets and investments; the state and federal regulatory environment, including changes in regulatory support received and the ability to pass through certain regulatory fees to customers; pending and future litigation; cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security; control by the TDS Voting Trust; disruption in credit or other financial markets; deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions; and the impact, duration and severity of public health emergencies. Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are more fully described under “Risk Factors” in the most recent filing of TDS’ Form 10-K.

For more information about TDS and its subsidiaries, visit:
TDS: www.tdsinc.com
UScellular: www.uscellular.com
TDS Telecom: www.tdstelecom.com 

 


United States Cellular Corporation


Summary Operating Data (Unaudited)


As of or for the Quarter Ended


12/31/2024

9/30/2024

6/30/2024

3/31/2024

12/31/2023


Retail Connections


Postpaid

Total at end of period1


3,985,000

3,999,000

4,027,000

4,051,000

4,106,000

Gross additions


140,000

123,000

117,000

106,000

129,000

Handsets


93,000

84,000

73,000

63,000

80,000

Connected devices


47,000

39,000

44,000

43,000

49,000

Net additions (losses)1


(14,000)

(28,000)

(24,000)

(44,000)

(50,000)

Handsets


(19,000)

(28,000)

(29,000)

(47,000)

(53,000)

Connected devices


5,000

5,000

3,000

3,000

ARPU2


$        51.73

$        52.04

$        51.45

$        51.96

$        51.61

ARPA3


$      131.10

$      131.81

$      130.41

$      132.00

$      131.63

Handset upgrade rate4


4.8 %

3.5 %

4.1 %

4.5 %

5.8 %

Churn rate5


1.29 %

1.25 %

1.16 %

1.22 %

1.44 %

Handsets


1.08 %

1.07 %

0.97 %

1.03 %

1.22 %

Connected devices


2.67 %

2.47 %

2.47 %

2.52 %

3.03 %


Prepaid

Total at end of period1


448,000

452,000

439,000

436,000

451,000

Gross additions


46,000

57,000

50,000

41,000

43,000

Net additions (losses)1


(4,000)

13,000

3,000

(13,000)

(11,000)

ARPU2, 6


$        30.59

$        32.01

$        32.37

$        32.25

$        32.32

Churn rate5


3.70 %

3.30 %

3.60 %

4.06 %

3.87 %


Market penetration at end of period

Consolidated operating population


32,550,000

32,550,000

32,550,000

32,550,000

32,350,000

Consolidated operating penetration7     


15 %

15 %

15 %

14 %

15 %


Capital expenditures (millions)


$           162

$           120

$           165

$           131

$           148


Total cell sites in service


7,010

7,007

6,990

6,995

7,000


Owned towers


4,409

4,407

4,388

4,382

4,373


Number of colocations8


2,444

2,418

2,392

2,397

2,390


Tower tenancy rate9


1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Due to rounding, the sum of quarterly results may not equal the total for the year.


1         

First quarter 2024 connections were adjusted to remove subscribers that could no longer access the UScellular network due to the CDMA
shutdown. This resulted in 11,000 and 2,000 subscribers removed from the postpaid and prepaid base, respectively, that are not included in Net
additions (losses) for the quarter.


2         

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) – metric is calculated by dividing a revenue base by an average number of connections and by the number
of months in the period. These revenue bases and connection populations are shown below:

 •        Postpaid ARPU consists of total postpaid service revenues and postpaid connections.

 •        Prepaid ARPU consists of total prepaid service revenues and prepaid connections.


3         

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


4         

Handset upgrade rate calculated as total handset upgrade transactions divided by average postpaid handset connections.


5         

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.


6         

Fourth quarter 2023 Prepaid ARPU excludes a $6 million reduction of prepaid revenue related to an adjustment to correct a prior period error
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.


7         

Market penetration is calculated by dividing the number of wireless connections at the end of the period by the total estimated population of
consolidated operating markets.


8         

Represents instances where a third-party wireless carrier rents or leases space on a company-owned tower.


9         

Average number of tenants that lease space on company-owned towers, measured on a per-tower basis.

 


TDS Telecom


Summary Operating Data (Unaudited)


As of or for the Quarter Ended


12/31/2024

9/30/2024

6/30/2024

3/31/2024

12/31/2023


Residential connections

Broadband

Incumbent Fiber


118,500

115,900

113,100

109,800

110,100

Incumbent Copper


116,900

125,600

130,600

135,300

134,700

Expansion Fiber


126,100

115,300

107,800

100,400

92,200

Cable


191,500

195,900

198,500

202,400

202,900

Total Broadband1


553,000

552,700

550,000

547,900

539,800

Video


121,000

122,100

124,800

128,800

131,500

Voice


261,600

271,300

275,600

279,400

281,600

Total Residential connections


935,600

946,100

950,400

956,100

952,900


Commercial connections


190,500

197,200

201,500

206,200

210,200


Total connections2


1,126,100

1,143,300

1,152,000

1,162,200

1,163,100


Residential revenue per connection3


$            64.72

$           65.41

$           65.26

$           64.58

$           62.74


Capital expenditures (millions)


$                 82

$                 78

$                 78

$                 87

$               143

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.


1        

Total residential broadband connections increased by 8,100 during the three months ended March 31, 2024, due primarily to net additions of
6,400 as well as certain other adjustments.


2         

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


3         

Total residential revenue per connection is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and
by the number of months in the period.

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights


(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


2024

2023

2024

vs. 2023


2024

2023

2024

vs. 2023

(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)


Operating revenues

UScellular


$     970

$           1,000

(3) %


$ 3,770

$           3,906

(3) %

TDS Telecom


264

261

1 %


1,061

1,028

3 %

All Other1


6

52

(90) %


133

226

(41) %


1,240

1,313

(6) %


4,964

5,160

(4) %


Operating expenses

UScellular

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion


811

812


2,960

3,096

(4) %

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


165

166


665

656

1 %

Loss on impairment of licenses




136

N/M

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

3

3 %


18

17

3 %

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


(1)

(2)

59 %


3

(2)

N/M


979

979


3,782

3,767

TDS Telecom

Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion


187

186

1 %


721

749

(4) %

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


72

65

10 %


271

245

10 %

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


1

547

(100) %


1

547

(100) %

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

1

N/M


12

10

28 %

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


(49)

N/M


(49)

N/M


215

799

(73) %


956

1,551

(38) %

All Other1

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization


16

56

(73) %


175

242

(28) %

Depreciation and amortization


1

3

(71) %


7

14

(47) %

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


(8)

N/M


(19)

N/M

Total operating expenses


9

59

(85) %


163

256

(36) %


1,203

1,837

(35) %


4,901

5,574

(12) %


Operating income (loss)

UScellular


(9)

21

N/M


(12)

139

N/M

TDS Telecom


49

(538)

N/M


105

(523)

N/M

All Other1


(4)

(7)

53 %


(30)

(30)

(1) %


37

(524)

N/M


63

(414)

N/M


Investment and other income (expense)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


39

37

3 %


164

159

3 %

Interest and dividend income


7

4

80 %


27

20

36 %

Interest expense


(72)

(66)

(9) %


(279)

(244)

(15) %

Other, net


2

1

N/M


5

2

N/M

Total investment and other income (expense)


(24)

(24)

(1) %


(83)

(63)

(33) %


Income (loss) before income taxes


13

(548)

N/M


(20)

(477)

96 %

Income tax expense (benefit)


6

(45)

N/M


6

10

(34) %


Net income (loss)


7

(503)

N/M


(26)

(487)

95 %

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax


1

3

(53) %


2

13

(90) %


Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders


6

(506)

N/M


(28)

(500)

94 %

TDS Preferred Share dividends


17

17


69

69


Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders


$     (11)

$ (523)

98 %


$     (97)

$ (569)

83 %


Basic weighted average shares outstanding


114

113

1 %


114

113

1 %


Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common
shareholders


$  (0.10)

$  (4.64)

98 %


$  (0.85)

$  (5.05)

83 %


Diluted weighted average shares outstanding


114

113

1 %


114

113

1 %


Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common
shareholders


$  (0.10)

$  (4.64)

98 %


$  (0.85)

$  (5.06)

83 %

N/M – Percentage change not meaningful.

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.


1     

Consists of TDS corporate, intercompany eliminations and all other business operations not included in the UScellular and TDS Telecom segments.

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows


(Unaudited)


Year Ended December 31,


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Cash flows from operating activities

Net income (loss)


$               (26)

$             (487)

Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities     

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


943

915

Bad debts expense


106

111

Stock-based compensation expense


71

41

Deferred income taxes, net


3

8

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


(164)

(159)

Distributions from unconsolidated entities


169

150

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


137

547

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


30

27

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


(68)

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


3

(2)

Other operating activities


9

8

Changes in assets and liabilities from operations

Accounts receivable


(10)

2

Equipment installment plans receivable


(37)

(20)

Inventory


20

61

Accounts payable


(40)

(99)

Customer deposits and deferred revenues


9

(8)

Accrued taxes


(4)

50

Other assets and liabilities


(6)

(3)

Net cash provided by operating activities


1,145

1,142


Cash flows from investing activities

Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment


(884)

(1,211)

Cash paid for licenses


(20)

(130)

Cash received from divestitures


147

1

Other investing activities


3

13

Net cash used in investing activities


(754)

(1,327)


Cash flows from financing activities

Issuance of long-term debt


440

1,081

Repayment of long-term debt


(456)

(723)

Repayment of short-term debt



(60)

TDS Common Shares reissued for stock-based compensation awards, net of tax payments


(2)

(3)

UScellular Common Shares reissued for stock-based compensation awards, net of tax payments


(11)

(6)

Repurchase of TDS Common Shares



(6)

Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares


(54)

Dividends paid to TDS shareholders


(104)

(153)

Payment of debt issuance costs


(16)

(5)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests


(5)

(3)

Cash paid for software license agreements


(67)

(66)

Other financing activities


(2)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities


(277)

56


Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash


114

(129)


Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Beginning of period


270

399

End of period


$               384

$               270

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights


(Unaudited)


ASSETS


December 31,


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents


$                   364

$                   236

Accounts receivable, net


1,041

1,074

Inventory, net


183

208

Prepaid expenses


72

86

Income taxes receivable


2

4

Other current assets


33

52

Total current assets


1,695

1,660


Assets held for sale



15


Licenses


4,588

4,702


Other intangible assets, net


161

183


Investments in unconsolidated entities


500

505


Property, plant and
equipment, net


4,994

5,062


Operating lease right-of-use assets


982

987


Other assets and deferred charges


762

807


Total assets


$              13,682

$              13,921

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights


(Unaudited)


LIABILITIES AND EQUITY


December 31,


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)


Current liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt


$                     31

$                     26

Accounts payable


280

360

Customer deposits and deferred revenues


283

277

Accrued interest


16

12

Accrued taxes


39

43

Accrued compensation


150

149

Short-term operating lease liabilities


153

147

Other current liabilities


138

170

Total current liabilities


1,090

1,184


Deferred liabilities and credits

Deferred income tax liability, net


981

975

Long-term operating lease liabilities


867

890

Other deferred liabilities and credits


809

784


Long-term debt, net


4,051

4,080


Noncontrolling interests with redemption features


16

12


Equity

TDS shareholders’ equity

Series A Common and Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share


1

1

Capital in excess of par value


2,574

2,558

Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share


1,074

1,074

Treasury shares, at cost


(425)

(465)

Accumulated other comprehensive income


18

11

Retained earnings


1,849

2,023

Total TDS shareholders’ equity


5,091

5,202

Noncontrolling interests


777

794

Total equity


5,868

5,996


Total liabilities and equity


$              13,682

$              13,921

 


Balance Sheet Highlights


(Unaudited)


December 31, 2024


UScellular


TDS


Telecom


TDS Corporate


& Other


Intercompany


Eliminations


TDS


Consolidated

(Dollars in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

$                  144

$                  142

$                  218

$                (140)

$                  364

Licenses and other intangible assets

$              4,579

$                  164

$                      6

$                    —

$              4,749

Investment in unconsolidated entities     

454

4

50

(8)

500

$              5,033

$                  168

$                    56

$                    (8)

$              5,249

Property, plant and equipment, net

$              2,502

$              2,475

$                    17

$                    —

$              4,994

Long-term debt, net:

Current portion

$                    22

$                    —

$                      9

$                    —

$                    31

Non-current portion

2,837

3

1,211

4,051

$              2,859

$                      3

$              1,220

$                    —

$              4,082

 


United States Cellular Corporation


Segment Results


(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended

December 31,


UScellular


2024

2023

2024
vs. 2023


2024

2023

2024

vs. 2023

(Dollars in millions)


Operating Revenues

Wireless


$      944

$      975

(3) %


$  3,667

$  3,805

(4) %

Towers


59

57

3 %


234

228

3 %

Intra-company eliminations     


(33)

(32)

(3) %


(131)

(127)

(3) %

Total operating revenues


970

1,000

(3) %


3,770

3,906

(3) %


Operating expenses

Wireless


971

975


3,757

3,743

Towers


41

36

12 %


156

151

3 %

Intra-company eliminations


(33)

(32)

(3) %


(131)

(127)

(3) %

Total operating expenses


979

979


3,782

3,767


Operating income (loss)


$        (9)

$        21

N/M


$      (12)

$      139

N/M

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$      167

$      194

(14) %


$      845

$      818

3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$      208

$      233

(11) %


$  1,018

$      986

3 %

Capital expenditures


$      162

$      148

9 %


$      577

$      611

(6) %

N/M – Percentage change not meaningful

 


United States Cellular Corporation


Segment Results


(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended

December 31,


UScellular Wireless


2024

2023

2024
vs. 2023


2024

2023

2024

vs. 2023

(Dollars in millions)

Retail service


$      661

$      678

(3) %


$  2,674

$  2,742

(2) %

Other


55

52

7 %


210

201

5 %

Service revenues


716

730

(2) %


2,884

2,943

(2) %

Equipment sales


228

245

(7) %


783

862

(9) %

Total operating revenues


944

975

(3) %


3,667

3,805

(4) %

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion
     reported below)


195

197

(1) %


777

794

(2) %

Cost of equipment sold


276

280

(1) %


906

988

(8) %

Selling, general and administrative


344

340

1 %


1,298

1,334

(3) %

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


153

155


620

610

1 %

Loss on impairment of licenses




136

N/M

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

5

(37) %


17

19

(11) %

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


(1)

(2)

59 %


3

(2)

N/M

Total operating expenses


971

975


3,757

3,743


Operating income (loss)


$      (27)

$        —

N/M


$      (90)

$        62

N/M

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$      137

$      164

(16) %


$      719

$      697

3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$      137

$      164

(16) %


$      719

$      697

3 %

Capital expenditures


$      154

$      127

21 %


$      554

$      580

(5) %

 


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended

December 31,


UScellular Towers


2024

2023

2024
vs. 2023


2024

2023

2024

vs. 2023

(Dollars in millions)

Third-party revenues


$        26

$        25

4 %


$      103

$      101

2 %

Intra-company revenues


33

32

3 %


131

127

3 %

Total tower revenues


59

57

3 %


234

228

3 %

System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion
reported below)


20

18

11 %


78

73

6 %

Selling, general and administrative


9

9

2 %


32

34

(5) %

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


12

11


45

46

(1) %

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net



(2)

N/M


1

(2)

N/M

Total operating expenses


41

36

12 %


156

151

3 %


Operating income


$        18

$        21

(11) %


$        78

$        77

2 %

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$        30

$        30


$      126

$      121

4 %

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$        30

$        30


$      126

$      121

4 %

Capital expenditures


$          8

$        21

(62) %


$        23

$        31

(24) %

N/M – Percentage change not meaningful

 


TDS Telecom Highlights


(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


2024

2023

2024 vs.
2023


2024

2023

2024 vs.
2022

(Dollars in millions)


Operating revenues

Residential

Incumbent


$         86

$         88

(2) %


$       355

$       352

1 %

Expansion


31

23

39 %


114

75

52 %

Cable


65

69

(5) %


270

273

(1) %

Total residential


182

179

2 %


740

700

6 %

Commercial


37

37


148

155

(5) %

Wholesale


44

45


173

172

Total service revenues


264

261

1 %


1,060

1,027

3 %

Equipment revenues



19 %


1

1

(3) %

Total operating revenues


264

261

1 %


1,061

1,028

3 %

Cost of services


103

104

(1) %


400

423

(5) %

Cost of equipment and products



N/M


1

58 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses


84

82

2 %


320

326

(2) %

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


72

65

10 %


271

245

10 %

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


1

547

(100) %


1

547

(100) %

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

1

N/M


12

10

28 %

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


(49)

N/M


(49)

N/M

Total operating expenses


215

799

(73) %


956

1,551

(38) %


Operating income (loss)


$         49

$     (538)

N/M


$       105

$     (523)

N/M

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$         77

$         76

2 %


$       340

$       279

22 %

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$         80

$         78

3 %


$       350

$       285

23 %

Capital expenditures


$         82

$       143

(43) %


$       324

$       577

(44) %

N/M – Percentage change not meaningful.

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


Financial Measures


(Unaudited)


Free Cash Flow


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


TDS Consolidated


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)


$                 213

$                 218


$              1,145

$              1,142

Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment     


(230)

(304)


(884)

(1,211)

Cash paid for software license agreements


(35)

(37)


(67)

(66)

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)1


$                  (52)

$               (123)


$                 194

$               (135)

 


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


UScellular


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)


$                 121

$                 148


$                 883

$                 866

Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment


(139)

(155)


(537)

(608)

Cash paid for software license agreements


(35)

(37)


(66)

(66)

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)1


$                  (53)

$                  (44)


$                 280

$                 192



 

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.

 


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.


Three Months Ended

December 31,


Year Ended

December 31,


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders
(GAAP)


$                  (11)

$               (523)


$                  (97)

$               (569)

Adjustments:

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


1

547


137

547

Deferred tax benefit on the tax-amortizable portion of the
impaired intangible assets



(36)


(34)

(36)

UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’ portion of the
intangible assets




(18)

Subtotal of Non-GAAP adjustments


1

511


85

511

Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders
excluding intangible assets impairment charge (Non-GAAP)


(10)

(12)


(12)

(58)

Noncontrolling interest adjustment to compute diluted earnings
(loss) per share





(1)

Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders
excluding intangible assets impairment charge used in diluted
earnings (loss) per share (Non-GAAP)


$                  (10)

$                  (12)


$                  (12)

$                  (59)

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding used for diluted
earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common
shareholders


114

113


114

113

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding used for diluted
earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common
shareholders excluding intangible assets impairment charge


114

113


114

113


Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS
common shareholders (GAAP)


$              (0.10)

$              (4.64)


$              (0.85)

$              (5.06)

Adjustments:

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


0.01

4.85


1.20

4.85

Deferred tax benefit on the tax-amortizable portion of the impaired intangible assets



(0.32)


(0.30)

(0.32)

UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’ portion of the impaired intangible assets




(0.16)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common
shareholders excluding intangible assets impairment charge
(Non-GAAP)


$              (0.09)

$              (0.11)


$              (0.11)

$              (0.53)

 


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.


EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA


(Unaudited)

The following table reconciles EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income
(loss) and Income (loss) before income taxes. Income and expense items below Operating income (loss) are not provided at the
individual segment level for UScellular Wireless and UScellular 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.


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


UScellular


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Net income (loss) (GAAP)


$                      5

$                   15


$                  (32)

$                   58

Add back or deduct:

Income tax expense (benefit)


(19)

(4)


10

53


Income (loss) before income taxes (GAAP)


(14)

11


(22)

111

Add back:

Interest expense


46

49


183

196

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense


165

166


665

656

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


197

226


826

963

Add back or deduct:

Expenses related to strategic alternatives review


8

6


35

8

Loss on impairment of licenses


136

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

3


18

17

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


(1)

(2)


3

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


208

233


1,018

986

Deduct:

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities


38

37


161

158

Interest and dividend income


3

2


12

10

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$                 167

$                 194


$                 845

$                 818

 


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


UScellular Wireless


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$                 126

$                 155


$                 530

$                 672

Add back or deduct:

Expenses related to strategic alternatives review


8

6


33

8

Loss on impairment of licenses




136

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

5


17

19

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


(1)

(2)


3

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


137

164


719

697

Deduct:

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


153

155


620

610

Expenses related to strategic alternatives review     


8

6


33

8

Loss on impairment of licenses




136

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

5


17

19

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net


(1)

(2)


3

(2)


Operating income (loss) (GAAP)


$                 (27)

$                    —


$                  (90)

$                   62

 


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


UScellular Towers


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


$                   30

$                   32


$                 123

$                 123

Add back or deduct:

Expenses related to strategic alternatives review     




2

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net



(2)


1

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


30

30


126

121

Deduct:

Depreciation, amortization and accretion


12

11


45

46

Expenses related to strategic alternatives review




2

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net



(2)


1

(2)


Operating income (GAAP)


$                   18

$                   21


$                   78

$                   77

 


Three Months Ended


December 31,


Year Ended


December 31,


TDS Telecom


2024

2023


2024

2023

(Dollars in millions)


Net income (loss) (GAAP)


$                   34

$               (503)


$                   85

$               (483)

Add back or deduct:

Income tax expense (benefit)


20

(31)


35

(26)


Income (loss) before income taxes (GAAP)


54

(534)


120

(509)

Add back:

Interest expense


(2)

(2)


(5)

(8)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense


72

65


271

245

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


124

(470)


385

(272)

Add back or deduct:

Loss on impairment of intangible assets


1

547


1

547

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net


4

1


12

10

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


(49)


(49)

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


80

78


350

285

Deduct:

Interest and dividend income


2

1


5

4

Other, net


1

1


4

2

Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)


$                   77

$                   76


$                 340

$                 279

 

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SOURCE Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.