TELEPHONE DATA SYSTEMS INC DE

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

2023 Commentary

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

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

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

2022 Commentary

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

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

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