UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP

UScellular operates a capital-intensive business. UScellular makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade wireless telecommunications networks and facilities with a goal of creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to UScellular’s networks. Revenues from certain of these investments are long-term and in some cases are uncertain. To meet its cash-flow needs, UScellular may need to delay or reduce certain investments or sell assets. Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A and Note 7 — Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, timing and other factors. The following discussion summarizes UScellular's cash flow activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

2024 Commentary

UScellular’s Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $36 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $516 million due to net income of $42 million adjusted for non-cash items of $352 million, distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $80 million, including $37 million in distributions from the LA Partnership, and changes in working capital items which increased net cash by $42 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by reduced inventory balances and the timing of future tax payments, partially offset by payment of associate bonuses.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $284 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $270 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $196 million, due primarily to $188 million in repayments on the receivables securitization agreement and cash paid for software license agreements of $20 million, partially offset by a borrowing of $40 million on the receivables securitization agreement.

2023 Commentary

UScellular’s Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $84 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $390 million due to net income of $20 million adjusted for non-cash items of $345 million, distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $78 million, including $37 million in distributions from the LA Partnership, and changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $53 million. The working capital changes were primarily driven by timing of vendor payments and payment of associate bonuses, partially offset by reduced inventory purchases and timing of collection on receivables.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $345 million, due primarily to payments for property, plant and equipment of $351 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $129 million, due primarily to a repayment of $150 million on the receivables securitization agreement, a $60 million repayment on the EIP receivables repurchase agreement and cash paid for software license agreements of $19 million, partially offset by $115 million borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement.