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ATN International Inc

For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 15, 2024.

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About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2023 · Filed Mar 15, 2024

ATNI$29.93+4.2%Stored close · as of Nov 10, 2026

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Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have met our operational liquidity needs and have funded our capital expenditures and acquisitions through a combination of cash-on-hand, internally generated funds, proceeds from dispositions, borrowings under our credit facilities and seller financings. We believe our current cash, cash equivalents, short term investments and availability under our current credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for at least the next twelve months for working capital needs and capital expenditures.

*Total liquidity.*As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $62.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Of this amount, $21.9 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries and is indefinitely invested outside the United States. In addition, we had approximately $516.9 million of debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, as of December 31, 2023. How and when we deploy our balance sheet capacity, including the availability under our various credit facilities (as further described below), will figure prominently in our longer-term growth prospects and stockholder returns.

Uses of Cash

*Acquisitions and investments.*We have historically funded our acquisitions with a combination of cash-on-hand, borrowings under our credit facilities as well as equity investor and seller financings.

Sacred Wind Transaction. On November 7, 2022, we assumed $31.6 million of debt in connection with the Sacred Wind Transaction. SeeAcquisition of Sacred Wind Enterprises.

Alaska Transaction.On July 22, 2021, Alaska Communications entered into a new debt financing in connection with the Alaska Transaction. SeeAcquisitionof Alaska Communications System Group, Inc.

We continue to explore opportunities to expand our telecommunications business or acquire new businesses in the United States, the Caribbean and elsewhere. Such acquisitions may require external financing. While there can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms we will be able to acquire any such businesses or make such investments, such acquisitions may be completed through the issuance of shares of our capital stock, payment of cash or incurrence of additional debt. From time to time, we may raise capital ahead of any definitive use of proceeds to allow us to move more quickly and opportunistically if an attractive investment materializes.

*Cash used in investing activities.*Cash used in investing activities decreased by $2.1 million to $165.1 million from $167.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This year over year decrease was impacted by increases in cash receipts of $29.0 million from government grants for capital projects and a $19.4 million reduction of cash used in relation to the Sacred Wind Transaction. This decrease was also impacted by cash receipts during the year ended December 31, 2022 for the sale of strategic investments, the Vibrant Transaction and the sale of certain assets of $15.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which did not occur during the year ended December 31, 2023. For 2023, our capital expenditures increased by $28.1 million as compared to 2022. However, $25.0 million of the $28.1 million increase relates to an increase in capital expenditures that will be reimbursed as a part of certain government programs.

*Cash provided by financing activities.*Cash provided by financing activities increased by $12.5 million to $55.9 million from $43.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase was primarily related to the increase in borrowings, net of repayments, under our credit facilities of $29.5 million partially offset by the increases in cash used for the repurchase of our common stock, payments made for debt issuance costs and dividends paid to our stockholders of $14.4 million, $3.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Working Capital. Historically, we have internally funded our working capital needs. Pursuant to the FirstNet Agreement, AT&T has the option to repay construction costs, with interest, over an eight-year period. To fund the working capital needs created by AT&T’s option to extend its payment terms, we completed the Receivables Credit Facility, as discussed below, on March 26, 2020.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we spent approximately $196.2 million and $168.0 million, respectively, on capital expenditures relating to our telecommunications networks and business support systems of which $32.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, are reimbursable under various government programs. The following notes our capital expenditures, by operating segment, for these periods (in thousands):

​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​ · ​ · Capital Expenditures
​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​
​​​International​​US​​Corporate and​​​
Year ended December 31,​​Telecom​​Telecom​​Other (1)​​Consolidated
2023​$76,379​$119,789​$—​$196,168
2022​​70,385​​96,589​​1,045​​168,019
(1)Corporate and other items refer to corporate overhead costs and consolidating adjustments.

We are continuing to invest in our telecommunication networks along with our operating and business support systems in many of our markets. For the year ended December 31, 2024, such investments are expected to total approximately $110 million to $120 million, net of reimbursable amounts, and will primarily relate to network expansion and upgrades which are expected to further drive subscriber and revenue growth in future periods.

SeeLiquidity and Capital Resources- Material Cash Obligations and Sources below for a discussion of our future cash commitments related to the RDOF program.

Income taxes. We have historically used cash-on-hand to make payments for income taxes. Our policy is to allocate capital where we believe we will get the best returns and to date has been to indefinitely reinvest the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. As we continue to reinvest our remaining foreign earnings, no additional provision for income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

Dividends. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our Board of Directors declared $13.6 million of dividends to our stockholders which includes a $0.24 per share dividend declared on December 14, 2023 and paid on January 5, 2024. The $0.24 per share dividend declared on December 14, 2023 represents an increase from the $0.21 per share dividend declared in previous quarters. We have declared quarterly dividends since the fourth quarter of 1998.

Stock Repurchase Plan. On December 14, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock, from time to time, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the “2023 Repurchase Plan”). The 2023 Repurchase Plan replaced the previously approved 2016 Repurchase Plan and, as of December 31, 2023, had all $25.0 million available to repurchase shares of our common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (and prior to the effectiveness of the 2023 Repurchase Plan), we repurchased $15.0 million and $0.9 million of our common stock.

Sources of Cash

*Cash provided by operations.*Cash provided by operating activities was $111.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $102.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $8.7 million was primarily related to an $18.3 million decrease in the change in operating assets and liabilities, primarily related to our FirstNet Agreement and our Replace and Remove Program, partially offset by a decrease in net income of $7.7 million.

2023 CoBank Credit Facility

On July 13, 2023, we, along with certain of our subsidiaries as guarantors, entered into a new Credit Agreement with CoBank, ACB and a syndicate of other lenders (as may be amended from time to time, the “2023 CoBank Credit Facility”).

The 2023 CoBank Credit Facility provides for a five-year $170 million revolving credit facility (the “2023 CoBank Revolving Loan”) and a six-year $130 million term loan facility (the “2023 CoBank Term Loan”). We may use (i) up to $25 million under the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility for letters of credit, and (ii) up to $20 million under a swingline sub-facility. Upon the closing of the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility, we drew all of the 2023 CoBank Term Loan and approximately $13.6 million of the 2023 CoBank Revolving Loan. These borrowings were used to repay $139.5 million of debt outstanding under the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility at close.

The 2023 CoBank Term Loan must be repaid in quarterly principal payments in the amounts set forth below, with the outstanding principal balance maturing on July 13, 2029. The 2023 CoBank Revolving Loan may be repaid at any time on or prior to its maturity on July 13, 2028. All amounts outstanding under the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility will be due and payable upon the earlier of the maturity date or the acceleration of the loans and commitments upon an event of default.

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2023 CoBank Term Loan Quarterly Payment Dates2023 CoBank Term Loan Quarterly Repayments
December 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025$812,500 (2.5% per annum)
December 31, 2025 – June 30, 2026$1,625,000 (5% per annum)
December 31, 2026 – June 30, 2029$2,437,500 (7.5% per annum)

Amounts borrowed under the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (i) the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (SOFR) plus an applicable margin ranging between 2.00% to 3.75% for the 2023 CoBank Term Loan or 1.75% to 3.50% for Revolving Loans or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.75% for the Term Loan or 0.75% to 2.50% for the 2023 CoBank Revolving Loans. Swingline loans will bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is equal to the higher of (i) 1.00% plus the one-month SOFR rate (ii) the federal funds effective rate (as defined in the 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement) plus 0.50% per annum; and (iii) the prime rate (as defined in the 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement). The applicable margin is determined based on the ratio (as further defined in the 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement) of our indebtedness to EBITDA. Under the terms of the 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement, we must also pay a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% on the average daily unused portion of the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility over each calendar quarter.

The 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant (as further defined in the 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement) that imposes a maximum ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA, as well as customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting additional indebtedness, liens, guaranties, mergers and consolidations, substantial asset sales, investments and loans, sale and leasebacks, transactions with affiliates and fundamental changes. The Total Net Leverage Ratio is measured each fiscal quarter and is required to be less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.0. The 2023 CoBank Credit Agreement provides for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including but not limited to non-payment, defaults on other debt, misrepresentation, breach of covenants, representations and warranties, insolvency and bankruptcy.

We capitalized $4.2 million of fees associated with the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility which are being amortized over the life of the debt and $3.8 million were unamortized as of December 31, 2023.

We had $129.2 million outstanding under the 2023 CoBank Term Loan as of December 31, 2023. Under the 2023 CoBank Revolving Loan, we had $33.6 million outstanding and $136.4 million of availability as of December 31, 2023. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2023.

In October 2023, we entered a two year, forward starting 1-month floating to fixed SOFR interest rate swap agreement. The swap was effective November 13, 2023 in a non-amortizing notional amount of $50.0 million, has a fixed SOFR rate of 4.896% and matures on November 13, 2025.

2019 CoBank Credit Facility

On April 10, 2019, we entered into a credit facility, with CoBank, ACB and a syndicate of other lenders (as amended, the “2019 CoBank Credit Facility”). The 2019 CoBank Credit Facility provided for a $200 million revolving credit facility that included (i) up to $75 million for standby or trade letters of credit and (ii) up to $10 million under a swingline sub-facility. In connection with the execution of the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility, as defined above, outstanding borrowings under the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility were repaid in full.

Amounts borrowed under the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility bore interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%. Swingline loans bore interest at the base rate plus the applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate was equal to the higher of (i) 1.00% plus the higher of (x) LIBOR for an interest period of one month and (y) LIBOR for an interest period of one week; (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility) plus 0.50% per annum; and (iii) the Prime Rate (as defined in the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility). The applicable margin was determined based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility). Under the terms of the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility, we also paid a commitment fee ranging from 0.150% to 0.375% of the average daily unused portion of the 2019 CoBank Credit Facility over each calendar quarter.

Letter of Credit Facility

On November 14, 2022, we entered into a General Agreement of Indemnity to issue performance Standby Letters of Credit on behalf of us and our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2023, $31.6 million of Standby Letters of Credit had been issued under this agreement.

Alaska Credit Facility

On July 22, 2021, Alaska Communications entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Alaska Credit Facility”) with Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and a syndicate of lenders to provide a $35.0 million revolving facility (the “Alaska Revolving Facility”) and a $210.0 million initial term loan facility (the “Alaska Term Loan”).

On December 23, 2022, Alaska Communications entered into a First Amendment Agreement (the “ACS Amendment”). The ACS Amendment amends the Alaska Credit Facility to increase its Revolving Credit Commitment from $35.0 million to $75.0 million and Term Loan Commitment from $210.0 million to $230.0 million. As a part of the transaction, the Term Loan commitment was fully funded as the outstanding Revolving Credit Commitment balance was transferred.

As of December 31, 2023, Alaska Communications had drawn $35.0 million on its Revolving Credit Commitment and had $40.0 million available to draw. The Term Loan balance was $228.6 million and principal payments commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023. Both facilities mature on July 22, 2026.

In addition to the above changes, the ACS Amendment replaced the calculation of interest from an applicable margin applied to LIBOR with the same applicable margin applied to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a 10-basis point adjustment.

Alaska Communications capitalized $7.3 million of fees associated with the Alaska Credit Facility which are being amortized over the life of the debt and $3.9 million were unamortized as of December 31, 2023.

The Alaska Credit Facility also provides for incremental facilities up to an aggregate principal amount of the greater of $70.0 million and Alaska Communications’ trailing twelve-month Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Alaska Credit Facility).

The key terms and conditions of the Alaska Credit Facility include the following:

●Amounts outstanding bear an interest rate of the forward-looking SOFR rate with a one-month interest period, plus the SOFR Spread Adjustment of 10 basis points, plus a margin ranging from 3.00% to 4.00% based on Alaska Communications’ Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or an alternate base rate may be selected at a margin that is 1% lower than the counterpart SOFR margin;
●Principal repayments are due quarterly and commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023 in quarterly amounts as follows: from the fourth quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2024, $1.4 million; and from the fourth quarter of 2024 through the third quarter of 2026, $2.9 million. The remaining unpaid balance is due on the final maturity date;
●Alaska Communications is required to maintain financial ratios as defined in the Alaska Credit Facility, including (a) a maximum Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio of 4.00 to 1, stepping down to 3.75 to 1 beginning with the second quarter of 2024; and (b) a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1; and
●The Alaska Credit Facility is non-recourse to us and is secured by substantially all of the personal property and certain material real property owned by Alaska Communications.

Alaska Communication’s interest rate swap, which had been designated as a cash flow hedge with an interest rate of 1.6735%, expired on June 30, 2022. In November 2023, Alaska Communications entered two forward starting 1-month floating to fixed SOFR interest rate swap agreements. The total non-amortizing notional amount of the agreements is $200.0 million, with fixed SOFR rates of 4.8695% and 4.8980% and both agreements mature on June 30, 2025.

Alaska Term Facility

On June 15, 2022, Alaska Communications Systems Holdings, the parent company of Alaska Communications, entered into a secured lending arrangement with Bristol Bay Industrial, LLC (the “Alaska Term Facility”).

The Alaska Term Facility provides for a secured delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to $7.5 million and the proceeds may be used to pay certain invoices from a contractor for work performed in connection with a fiber build. Interest on the Alaska Term Facility accrues at a fixed rate of 4.0% scheduled quarterly payments of principal commenced on March 31, 2023. The Alaska Term Facility matures on June 30, 2024.

The Alaska Term Facility contains events of default customary for facilities of this type.

As of December 31, 2023, Alaska Communications Systems Holdings had $6.0 million outstanding and no available borrowings under the Alaska Term Facility.

FirstNet Receivables Credit Facility

On March 26, 2020, Commnet Finance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Commnet Wireless, entered into a receivables credit facility with the Company, Commnet Wireless, and CoBank, ACB (the “Receivables Credit Facility”).

The Receivables Credit Facility provides for a senior secured delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75.0 million and the proceeds may be used to acquire certain receivables from Commnet Wireless. The receivables to be financed and sold under the Receivables Credit Facility, which provide the loan security, relate to the obligations of AT&T under the FirstNet Agreement.

On December 19, 2023, CoBank amended the Receivables Credit Facility and extended the delayed draw period to December 31, 2024.

The maturity date for each loan will be set by CoBank and will match the weighted average maturity of the certain receivables financed.

Interest on the loans accrue at a fixed annual interest rate to be quoted by CoBank.** **

The Receivables Credit Facility contains customary events of termination, representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type.

As of December 31, 2023, Commnet Wireless had $46.5 million outstanding, of which $7.1 million was current, and $15.0 million of availability under the Receivables Credit Facility. Commnet Wireless capitalized $0.8 million in fees associated with the Receivables Credit Facility which are being amortized over the life of the debt and $0.5 million were unamortized as of December 31, 2023.

GTT Credit Facilities

On October 12, 2022, GTT received approval from Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited for a $2.9 million term facility and a $5.7 million overdraft facility (the “GTT Credit Facilities”) subject to the approval from the Minister of Finance at the Bank of Guyana, which was received on March 31, 2023.

The GTT Credit Facilities are secured by real estate assets and carry a fixed interest rate of 7.5% which will be reviewed by the bank from time to time and subject to change at the bank’s discretion. The term facility is repayable over five years in equal monthly installments of principal and interest, commencing one month after funds are advanced. The overdraft facility will expire on October 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2023, $4.5 million was outstanding under the overdraft facility and there were no outstanding amounts under the term facility.

Sacred Wind Term Debt

In connection with the Sacred Wind acquisition completed on November 7, 2022, we assumed $31.6 million of term debt (the “Sacred Wind Term Debt”) with the United States of America acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”). The loan agreements are dated as of October 23, 2006 and March 17, 2016. RUS provides financial assistance in the form of loans under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to furnish or improve telecommunications and/or broadband services in rural areas.

The Sacred Wind Term Debt is secured by substantially all assets of Sacred Wind and an underlying mortgage to the United States of America. These mortgage notes are to be repaid in equal monthly installments covering principal and interest beginning after date of issue and expiring by 2035.

The Sacred Wind Term Debt contains certain restrictions on the declaration or payment of dividends, redemption of capital stock or investment in affiliated companies without the consent by the RUS noteholders. The agreements also contain a financial covenant which Sacred Wind was not in compliance with as of December 31, 2021. Sacred Wind submitted a corrective action plan to comply with the financial covenant as of December 31, 2025. On May 5, 2022, Sacred Wind’s corrective action plan was accepted by the RUS. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with that corrective action plan.

As of December 31, 2023, $28.2 million was outstanding under the Sacred Wind Term Debt. Of that amount, $3.4 million was current and $24.8 million was long term.

The mortgage notes carry fixed interest rates ranging from 0.88% to 5.0%.

Viya Debt

We, and certain of our subsidiaries, have entered into a $60.0 million loan agreement (the “Viya Debt”) with Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”). The Viya Debt agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sale of assets and liens) and a financial covenant that limits the maximum ratio of indebtedness to annual operating cash flow to 3.5 to 1.0 (the “Net Leverage Ratio”). This covenant is tested on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year. Interest is paid quarterly at a fixed rate of 4.0% per annum and principal repayment is not required until maturity on July 1, 2026. Prepayment of the Viya Debt may be subject to a fee under certain circumstances. The debt is secured by certain assets of the Viya subsidiaries and is guaranteed by us.

We paid a fee of $0.9 million in 2016 to lock the interest rate at 4% per annum over the term of the Viya Debt. The fee was recorded as a reduction to the Viya Debt carrying amount and is being amortized over the life of the loan.

As of December 31, 2023, $60.0 million of the Viya Debt remained outstanding and $0.2 million of the rate lock fee was unamortized.

On May 5, 2022, RTFC agreed to amend the Net Leverage Ratio to 7.0 to 1.0 through the maturity date of July 1, 2026. The Ratio is tested annually, and we were in compliance with the Net Leverage Ratio as of December 31, 2023.

One Communications Debt

One Communications had an outstanding loan from HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited (the “One Communications Debt”) which matured and was repaid in full on December 22, 2022. This loan bore interest at the one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 2.5% to 2.75% per annum paid quarterly.

Debt Maturity

The table below summarizes the annual maturities of our debt instruments (amounts in thousands).

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · ​ · Customer
​ · US · ​ · International · ​ · Corporate and · ​ · Total · Receivable
​ · Telecom · ​ · Telecom · ​ · Other · ​ · Debt · Credit Facility
2024$16,538​$4,502​$3,250​$24,290$7,110
2025​14,969​​—​​4,875​​19,844​7,428
2026​248,469​​60,000​​8,125​​316,594​7,761
2027​3,723​​—​​9,750​​13,473​8,111
2028​3,858​​—​​136,807​​140,665​8,478
Thereafter​10,191​​—​​—​​10,191​7,650
Total​297,748​​64,502​​162,807​​525,057​46,538
Debt Discounts​(4,142)​​(247)​​(3,798)​​(8,187)​(485)
Book Value$293,606​$64,255​$159,009​$516,870$46,053

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity

*Internally generated funds.The key factors affecting our internally generated funds are demand for our services, competition, regulatory developments, economic conditions in the markets where we operate our businesses and industry trends within the telecommunications industry. *

*Restrictions under Credit Facility.*Our 2023 CoBank Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting additional indebtedness, liens, guaranties, mergers and consolidations, substantial asset sales, investments and loans, sale and leasebacks, transactions with affiliates and fundamental changes.

In addition, the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility contains a financial covenant that imposes a maximum ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the 2023 CoBank Credit Facility.

*Capital markets.*Our ability to raise funds in the capital markets depends on, among other things, general economic conditions, the conditions of the telecommunications industry, our financial performance, the state of the capital markets and our compliance with SEC requirements for the offering of securities. In August 2022, we filed a new “universal” shelf registration statement with the SEC, to register potential future offerings of up to $300.0 million of our securities.

Foreign Currency

We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies, primarily the Guyana Dollar, to US Dollars at the appropriate rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying value of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet. Income statement accounts are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from a reporting entity’s functional currency must first be remeasured from the applicable currency to the legal entity’s functional currency. The effect of this remeasurement process is reported in other income within our income statement. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded $1.4 million and $0.9 million in losses on foreign currency transactions, respectively. We will continue to assess the impact of our exposure to the Guyana Dollar.

Inflation

Several of our markets have experienced an increase in operating costs, some of which we believe, is attributable to inflation. If inflation continues or worsens, it could negatively impact our Company by increasing our operating expenses. Inflation may lead to cost increases in multiple areas across our business, for example, rises in the prices of raw materials and manufactured goods, increased energy rates, as well as increased wage pressures and other expenses related to our employees. In particular, where we have agreed to undertake infrastructure build-outs on a fixed budget for our carrier customers or by accepting government grants, inflation may result in build costs that exceed our original budget given the long delays experienced in procuring equipment and materials due to global supply chain delays. To the extent that we are unable to pass on these costs through increased prices, revised budget estimates, or offset them in other ways, they may impact our financial condition and cash flows.

Material Cash Obligations and Sources

*Capital Expenditures.*We are continuing to invest in our telecommunication networks along with our operating and business support systems in many of our markets. Such investments include the upgrade and expansion of both our mobility and fixed telecommunications networks as well as our service delivery platforms. For 2024, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $110 million to $120 million (net of reimbursable amounts), and will primarily relate to network expansion and upgrades which are expected to further drive subscriber and revenue growth in future periods. We expect to fund our 2024 capital expenditures primarily from our current cash balances, cash generated from operations and our existing credit facilities including the Receivables Credit Facility.

*Long-term Debt.*To service our previously described debt facilities, we will be required to make future minimum principal repayments (not including interest, commitment fees or letter of credit fees) of $24.3 million in 2024

and then $19.8 million, $316.6 million, $13.5 million, and $140.7 million during 2025 through 2028, respectively, and then $10.2 million in subsequent years.

Lease Commitments. We have operating and financing leases for towers, land, corporate offices, retail facilities, and data transport capacity. In order to comply with our lease agreements, we will be required to pay $20.1 million in 2024 and then $17.5 million, $12.4 million, $9.8 million and $8.3 million during 2025 through 2028, respectively, and then $82.8 million in subsequent years.

FirstNet Agreement. In connection with the FirstNet Agreement, we are building a portion of AT&T’s network for the First Responder Network Authority (“FirstNet”) in or near our current operating area in the western United States. We expect to incur construction costs of approximately $10.1 million, primarily during 2024 with the remainder in 2025, in order to complete the network build portion of that agreement. Following acceptance of the cell sites, AT&T will own the sites and we will assign to AT&T any third-party tower lease applicable to such cell site. If the cell site is located on a communications tower we own, AT&T will pay us pursuant to a separate lease agreement for an initial term of eight years. In addition to building the network, we will provide ongoing equipment and site maintenance and high-capacity transport to and from these cell sites for an initial term ending in 2031.

Connect America Fund II (CAF II). We are a recipient under the Connect America Fund Phase II program which will offer subsidies to us in order to expand our broadband coverage in designated areas. In connection with this program, we are expecting to spend $12.5 million in capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2024 (which is included in our capital expenditure estimates for the US Telecom segment above) and then an additional $27.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 in order to meet our build-out obligations under this program. We are not expecting any commitments under the CAF II program after 2025.

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I Auction (RDOF). We participated in the RDOF auction and expect to receive funding to provide broadband and voice coverage to over 10,000 households in the United States (not including Alaska) under this program. We anticipate spending approximately $2.0 million in capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2024 under this program.

Citizens Broadband Radio Service Auction (CBRS). We participated in CBRS auction for Priority Access Licenses (PALs) in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band. These PALs are licensed on a county-by-county basis and are awarded for a 10-year renewable term. In connection with the awarded licenses, we will have to achieve certain CBRS spectrum build-out obligations. We currently expect to comply with all applicable requirements related to these licenses but cannot currently estimate the cost of building our network in the covered areas. If we do not comply with such requirements in a certain area within that 10-year timeframe, our PAL for that area will be forfeited.

*Construction grants.*We have also been awarded construction grants to build network connectivity for eligible communities. The funding of these grants, used to reimburse us for our construction costs, is distributed upon completion of a project. As of December 31, 2023, $100 million of such construction obligations remain with completion deadlines beginning in 2024. Once these projects are constructed, we are obligated to provide service to the participants.

Software licensing, maintenance and other business support systems. We have committed to agreements with vendors to provide us with software licensing and maintenance services as well as other business support systems. These agreements expire primarily during the year ended December 31, 2024 and will require us to pay approximately $37.2 million in 2024, and then $6.2 million, $4.4 million, $2.1 million, and $0.9 million during 2025 through 2028, , respectively and then $15.3 million thereafter.

Circuits and other transport costs. We expect to pay $40.1 million, $23.2 million, $15.5 million, $7.1 million and $4.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively, for circuit and other telecommunication transport costs. Thereafter, we are obligated to pay an additional $8.3 million for such services.

*Sources of Cash.*In addition to future internally generated funds, as of December 31, 2023, we have $136.4 million, $15.0 million and $40.0 million available to us under the CoBank Credit Facility, the Receivables Credit Facility and the Alaska Revolving Facility, respectively, and may be able to raise funds in the capital markets by filing a “universal” shelf registration statement with the SEC.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We have based our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We base our estimates on our operating experience and on various conditions existing in the market and we believe them to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We have identified the critical accounting estimates that we believe require significant judgment in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. We consider these accounting estimates to be critical because changes in the assumptions or estimates we have selected have the potential of materially impacting our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to recognize for a particular transaction, we apply the criteria established by the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition and defer those items that do not meet the recognition criteria. As a result of the cutoff times of our billing cycles, we are often required to estimate the amount of revenues earned but not billed from the end of each billing cycle to the end of each reporting period. These estimates are based primarily on rate plans in effect and historical evidence with each customer or carrier. Adjustments affecting revenue can and occasionally do occur in periods subsequent to the period when the services were provided, billed and recorded as revenue, however, historically, these adjustments have not been material.

We apply our judgment when assessing the ultimate realization of receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit- worthiness of customers. We establish an allowance for credit losses on trade receivables sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimable losses. Our estimate of the allowance for credit losses on trade receivables considers collection experience, aging of the accounts receivable, the credit quality of the customer and, where necessary, other macro-economic factors.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets. In accordance with the authoritative guidance regarding the accounting for impairments or disposals of long-lived assets and the authoritative guidance for the accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets, we evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when estimatedundiscounted cash flows attributable to non-current assets subject to depreciation and amortization anddiscounted cash flows for intangible assets not subject to amortization are less than their carrying amount. For long lived assets other than goodwill, if an asset is deemed to be impaired, the amount of the impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value as compared to its estimated fair value, based on management’s assumptions and projections.

Our estimates of the future cash flows attributable to our long-lived assets and the fair value of our businesses involve significant uncertainty. Those estimates are based on management’s assumptions of future results, growth trends and industry conditions. If those estimates are not met, we could have additional impairment charges in the future, and the amounts may be material.

We also assess the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The carrying value of each reporting unit, including goodwill assigned to that reporting unit, is compared to its fair value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the excess, but not more than the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

We assess the recoverability of the value of our telecommunications licenses using either a market or income approach. We believe that our telecommunications licenses generally have an indefinite life based on historical ability to renew such licenses, that such renewals may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost, and that the related technology used is not expected to be replaced in the foreseeable future. If the value of these assets was impaired by some factor, such as an adverse change in the subsidiary’s operating market, we may be required to record an impairment charge. We test the impairment of our telecommunications licenses annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of telecommunications licenses with their carrying amount on a license by license basis.

We performed our annual impairment assessment of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (telecommunications licenses) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and no impairment was recognized during either year.

Contingencies. We are subject to proceedings, lawsuits, tax audits and other claims related to lawsuits and other legal and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business as further described in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as the potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of loss accruals required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. We consult with legal counsel and other experts where necessary in connection with our assessment of any contingency. The required accrual for any such contingency may change materially in the future due to new developments or changes in each matter. We believe that some adverse outcome is probable and have accordingly accrued $16.3 million as of December 31, 2023 for these matters.

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